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.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
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 Paul’s faith. There is so much conviction in how he spoke the truth to others. In 1 Corinthians 15 1-11 Paul brought the fullness of the message of grace. v3-4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures”.
I think his urgency was largely because Paul had an understanding of being forgiven, and how much love that kind of grace can produce in a persons heart. I think Paul knew how to love so well. To be forgiven for so much, and then to also be made an apostle - someone Jesus sent out, trusted and used to further His message to the world. Paul is reminding the church that they are important to God. That even he (Paul), a man undeserving of such a gift would have that much more reason to tell everyone he could about Jesus. Paul knew firsthand how Jesus changed his heart, and helped him turn away from sin. Don’t take your story and life experiences for granted. Time and time again, scripture tells us that growing in the knowledge of grace and forgiveness is how we grow. It’s through those hard places that the message of the gospel convicts us and strengthens us. Today, I invite you to reflect on a past time that you received forgiveness and grace. Is there someone in your life right now that could benefit from that same gift? My prayer is that you would find new strength today, and that you would be given an opportunity to pay it forward. - 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!
