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.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 5:31-47
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…
I’m all about a good victory celebration. I love the theatrical displays in major league dugouts after a home run is hit. Heck, I even love a little good, old-fashioned arrogance and trash-talking. But recently, it seems like all this “I’m the man”-ing can get a little… self-important. If there was one person in all of history that could have gone around beating his chest, literally shouting “I am The Man,” it would have been Jesus (or maybe simply, “I Am” would have been more appropriate?) And yet, that isn’t what Jesus did at all. He didn’t need the fleeting approval of crowds to crown Him the King, and it wasn’t because He “didn’t care what anyone thought.” Jesus did care - He cared what God thought. He cared what God said. And most importantly, Jesus cared about who God said he was and what God said he should do. Can’t you just feel the freedom in it!?! No more people-pleasing. No more anxious, insecure thoughts. No more chasing popularity or striving for recognition. Jesus looked to His Father in Heaven for all of it. The longer I live, the more I’m learning that one of the bits of wisdom that come with maturity is that you just don’t have anything to prove anymore. Today, I invite you to worry less about what the crowds say and rest more in what God says about who you are. Go back and read today’s scripture in the Message version. Let it simply wash over you and free you today. You don’t even have to try and strive to “get something” out of today’s reading or earn God’s approval somehow… remember, these words all point to the Word (Jesus), so let them do it today. Encounter Him today. Turn your eyes and tune the ears of your heart to Jesus. Make Him and His voice the most important one in your life today, and you’ll find the approval and meaning you’ve been searching for. - 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!