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 1 Corinthians 7:1-16
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 PRAYER FROM TODAY’S READING…
In today’s reading, we’re invited to play a bit of jeopardy… we have the answer, so what is the question? Remember that 1 Corinthians is a letter from Paul, a real person, to the church in Corinth - full of real people living real life and asking real questions about how to really follow Jesus. We have only one side of a conversation - a conversation in which Paul claims some of the words as guidance based on his own experience, perspective, and even preference - while others come directly from God. While these are specifics that may require specific insight (reach out to a pastor at Paradox if you have questions), there is an overarching theme for navigating our relationships wisely that comes from the key verse - 1 Corinthians 7:17. "Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you." I encourage you to filter each of these specifics through this verse as the starting point and central theme. When we do, a few takeaways rise to the top…
First, we should understand our calling. Paul’s practical advice when faced with the challenges and questions the Corinthians asked about regarding marriage was to understand and honor the unique calling God has placed on your life right now. If you’re married, stay faithful and committed. If you’re single, embrace your singleness as a gift. Singleness is not a lesser state; it’s a season or a calling that allows for undivided devotion to the Lord. Use this time to grow closer to God, to serve others, and to develop your gifts and talents. Remember, your worth is not determined by your relationship status but by your identity in Christ. For those who are married, Paul emphasizes mutual respect and submission. Marriage is a partnership in which each spouse should seek to love and serve the other, meet the other’s needs, and ultimately point each other to Jesus. Toward that end, he encourages couples to work through difficulties rather than seeking separation as the first option. Paul also addresses those in marriages where one spouse is a believer and the other is not. His guidance is to remain in the marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing to stay. Your faithfulness and love can be a powerful witness to your spouse. Trust that God can work through you to bring about change and perhaps even salvation to your household.
An underlying theme running throughout these verses, however, is the desire and openness of the Corinthian church to honor God in every area of their life - even in their relationships and sexuality - as evidenced by the simple fact that they asked. It’s ok to have questions… and it’s good to ask them! Are you open to the Lordship of Jesus in every area and relationship? Who is a trusted Christian friend, life group leader, mentor, or pastor that you can be open with about personal matters? Do you trust them enough to not only ask but listen to their (sometimes challenging) perspective as they point you toward faithfulness to Jesus’ calling in your life? Stay faithful today. - 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!
