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 14:26-40
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…
It’s the 4th of July. No doubt, most of us have seen or will be seeing some fireworks. I love the anticipation of it all - from the anticipation of waiting for those first few to launch into the dark sky to the build up into the grand finale. You might not have ever really thought about fireworks… but the build up - and beauty - actually comes from the order. That’s Paul’s point, which provides incredibly important context for understanding today’s reading. Order builds up. Everything that happens when the church gets together should be for building each other up (verse 26.) So, like the best 4th of July potluck, everyone brings something to the table to “build up” the buffet of God’s goodness. But if it all gets thrown into the same crockpot, it loses some of its appeal. If it’s all happening at once or in different places, no one can really appreciate the beauty of each firework. In fact, it would be a pretty disappointing display. So, what are you bringing? How can you move from consuming to contributing? Who is being built up? If the answer is really just you, that’s ok - but maybe that’s better for times when it’s just you. Church is people gathered - so don’t just focus on the “me and Jesus” thing (did I like the song? Did I get anything out of it?) But instead on the beauty of building each other up. Speaking of the whole, I want to encourage you to read verse 34-36 in the “whole” of the surrounding chapter and book. The point is not to demean women - but to discourage the distractions, disruptions, and division that was coming from the good (new) presence of women (whom Jesus and the early church valued) in church desiring to learn. It is to them, and us, that Paul is making this point: It’s not just about you. (verse 36). His order? Do things in order, in order to build up. - 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!