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 7:17-40
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…
”A Christian is married to another Christian. They have 2 children of their own, one adopted orphan from an impoverished nation, and they sponsor at least 2 other children through a reputable organization. They follow a 10/10/80 financial strategy and their household income is just enough to meet their needs, but no more lest they are tempted to live in gluttonous excess. They…”
STOP!!!
This is NOT what today’s reading from Paul says. But it does feel like what our western, evangelical Christian community says a Christian should be. Not that anything I typed in that opening is bad at all, but it does not make you a Christian, and you can be a Christian without those things. THAT is Paul’s point as he opens today’s reading. God is calling all people, no matter what their current relational or financial situation is. In fact Paul says God has “assigned” us to “situations” in our lives. This means none of us are less worthy of God’s love or less called to share that love with others due to the circumstances of our lives. In fact, it seems that God, in his wisdom, is calling people in all different situations. NOT calling them to change their circumstance to meet some ideal Christian life, but to “keep God’s commands” and minister to others with the gifts God has given each person within the circumstances he has assigned to us. In fact, we are more able to speak into the lives of certain people because of our unique circumstance, i.e. someone in a childless marriage may be better positioned to speak to a couple wrestling with feelings of frustration due to infertility than someone with many children. Again, God in his wisdom has positioned people of all different skills, experiences, and resources to reach others who need to hear about God’s love from them specifically.
Lastly…in much of today’s reading, Paul extolls the benefits of being single with regards to one’s ability to more easily focus on God and his kingdom. Pastor Dave shared some great thoughts about this yesterday, so if you didn’t read yesterday’s focus I encourage you to check that out. - 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!