Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
If you’re new to the Daily Focus, read this first.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer this morning. 
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 10:11-27 & Micah 2:12-13
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
S = Say. What is the main point? What does it teach about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. Who can you share what you’re learning with today?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Recently, I had an experience at a large fast food restaurant chain that was, well… underwhelming. You can always tell when a person cares and when they just don’t seem to. Customer service isn’t what it used to be. In today’s reading, I was struck by the line in verse 13, “…he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” When we don’t have a personal stake in something, our level of concern tends to be diminished. It can be easier to just walk away. Contrast the “customer service” sometimes given by a hired hand at a large corporation to that which might be given by an owner of a small business. Perhaps you’ve experienced it: they know your name, maybe know you’re “usual” order. They might go above and beyond to serve you or make something right. Jesus, the good shepherd, knows you. He’s concerned with you. He’ll go to great lengths to care for you. Why? Because He has a personal stake in you. You belong to Him. As Isaiah 43:1 says, our God created you, formed you, and has called you by name. “You are mine” says the Lord! Today, thank God that Jesus has made you HIS. He knows you, loves you, cares for you, protects you, laid down his life for you, and wants to lead you. Let Him speak identity and love over you today. Listen for His voice. (Try slowly praying through Psalm 23 if you want some help.) Then, follow Him. Trust that your good shepherd will lead you in the way of life today and forever. Amen. - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you anxious or burdened?
Rejoice = Give thanks to God for the small and the significant things from the day.
Repent = Ask God for forgiveness where you need. Receive His forgiveness afresh.
Refocus = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!