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 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
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…
What kind of player are you? While I was reading the first few verses of chapter 3 in 1 Corinthians my thoughts landed on competition. A team that does well does so because they work well together. The game, and overall performance is a direct result of the practice put in both individually and as a whole. As followers of Christ we are a team. We all have different approaches, and ways we learn, grow, and mature in all of our pursuits. In the beginning of anyone’s walk with Christ, we learn who Jesus is and what He did for us. I think often the hardest part is continuing to walk towards Christ and learning to recognize the ways I still operate in the flesh. Like making assumptions about a person, or reacting harshly when I could have been more loving.
I believe growth happens when we can look at those things, and bring them to God and His Word. Even more growth can happen when we can see outside of ourselves to love and celebrate what each person or position brings to the advancement of the kingdom. There is no single human leader we can follow, or devotional to read. There is no amount of individual knowledge or skill a person can have that could trump God’s plan and purpose for His church. We are meant for unity, and that requires us to work together.
One thing I love about the entire book of 1 Corinthians is that it’s clear that God is so generous in His gifts. When the church at Corinth were fighting amongst one another, he didn’t remove His blessing or anointing. Instead, He inspired His beloved disciple Paul to help them learn and grow. Paul reminds this church that although we get to play our parts in Gods plan, it is God who gives the growth v6.
Today my hope is that you know how loved you are, and that God made you uniquely a part of His team. His family. I invite you to pray for and celebrate someone that you don’t know very well or maybe someone that is newer in their walk with Christ. My prayer is that God would lead, and show you the areas of your heart that are ready to be watered, and bring His loving comfort if and when those reflections seem hard.- Rachel Hood
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!
