Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
THANK. Write down 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
WORSHIP. Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
READ. Today’s scripture reading is from Mark 14:12-72 & John 16:16-24 (Go Deeper: Psalm 41:7-13)
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Dave…
Exodus 12 gives us the account of the first Passover meal. The instructions were clear: Prepare a meal, get ready, shut yourself inside, don’t come out, and God will move. The same thing happened at Pentecost. Men and women were shut up in the upper room, disoriented and not certain what to do. Meanwhile the Spirit of God was about to move. And here again, it was behind closed doors on Maundy Thursday that Jesus set the stage once again. He prepared a meal. He told his students to get ready. And then he moved. But before he did, Jesus made sure he did something for his disciples. He challenged them: “There is nothing you can do. You must receive. Unless you let me wash you, you will not be clean.” Peter, the independent, productive, “I want to save the world” type, tries to push back, but Jesus again responds, “Unless you receive, unless I wash you, you will not be a part of what I am about to do.” It was behind closed doors, right before breakthrough, that Jesus’ followers had to reckon with their ability to receive. In most every other worldview, it is humans who have to produce and sacrifice to God, while the God figure receives. Yet in the great reversal of the gospel, Jesus moves us toward the quiet space, behind closed doors, strips all the extras away, and gives all of who he is as God, while we simply receive as God’s children. Join us tonight at Paradox Church in Warren as we pray, worship, and receive communion together. Find details at the link below.
LIVE. One practical way to understand and apply the Bible is the SOS method. Ask…
S: What does this passage say about God, and what does it say about me?
O: What am I being invited to obey?
S: What can I share with those around me?
PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations.
CONNECT. Have a question, prayer request, or story? Connect with Us or reply to this text to let us know.
SHARE. Know someone who would love the Daily Focus? Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
LINKS. Learn more about Fasting over Lent and Easter Events, Experiences and Services at Paradox
Run the race with endurance today, and stay focused on Jesus.
Make it a Great One!