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.
Practice hearing from God by asking questions like, “Father, what do you want me to know about you?” or “Father, what do you want to say about your love for me?” Simply be still and listen, or journal anything that comes to mind. Learn more about hearing from God using the Tending Your Heart guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 4:43-54 & Isaiah 55:1-3
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…
Today, we will focus on the faith and healing of the royal official who came to Jesus for the healing of his son, who was very sick and near death. The official wanted Jesus to physically accompany him back to Capernaum to heal his son. Jesus said to him, “unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.” Again the official pleaded with Jesus to come with him. “Go”, said Jesus, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His word and departed.” (John 4:46-50, BSB). Observe how the official’s faith grew. First, he believed sufficiently to ask Jesus to heal his son. Second, he believed Jesus’s word and acted on it; and third, he and his whole household believed in Jesus. Faith grows when we utilize it and act on it.
The Lord graciously invites us to His salvation in Isaiah 55: 1-3. Physical food costs money, lasts only for a brief moment, and fulfills only physical needs. But God offers us free nourishment and sustenance that feeds our souls. How do we get what is being offered? We come to Him (v 1), we listen to Him (v2), and we incline our ear. (BSB). The thread of coming to the Lord if you are thirsty runs throughout the Scriptures. The Lord gave the Israelites water in the desert enroute to Mount Sinai (Exodus 17), the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), the last day of the feast living water is offered (John 7), and in Revelation 22:17, “The Spirit and the bride  say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say “Come” and let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.” (BSB). How does this divine invitation resonate with your current spiritual state? Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness. How did it transform your life? - Lawrence Payton

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!