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.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 1:16-31
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 LOVE today’s reading! I was literally saying “amen” and “thank you” as I was reading it. As someone for whom communication is a big part of my job, I feel much more at peace knowing that God’s expectation for me isn’t eloquence. I often stumble over my words. Use “umms”. Feel like I can’t quite get my thoughts out of my mouth. What I read today is that when I strive to speak truth/encouragement/comfort from God, he can and does use the jumbled mess I say for his glory. The message of his grace and love are so powerful, that they shine through my murky mumbles. The Holy Spirit speaks directly to individuals in ways that our words never could. Though Paul references preachers, debaters, and scribes specifically, this concept goes beyond just communications. “God chose what is weak in this world to shame the strong.” And it is not that God would rather have stronger, wiser, more influential people spreading his love. He PREFERS the low things of this world. That way, when his love shines through, the only explanation is that God himself intervened.
What does this mean for us? We can do his work with confidence, knowing that the responsibility for success is on him, not us. We still have an important role to play, and we should still give him our best efforts. But the pressure is off. At his weakest and most foolish, God is stronger and wiser than humans can be. And part of his wise plan is to use us. Amen. Thank you, Lord! - Mike Nank

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!