Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.

THANK. Write down 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
WORSHIP. Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
READ. Our Scripture Focus is Ephesians 4:1-6. Try memorizing it during this study!
Today’s reading is from John 15:19-20 & Acts 4:1-20 (Go Deeper: 1 Peter 4:12-14, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:10-12, 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, James 1:2-4, Revelation 1:4-6, Revelation 12:7-11 & Romans 8:31-39)
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Dave…
Many of you reading this know that I recently got a puppy. Obedience training is all about positive reinforcement. The dog learns what to do (and what NOT to do) by learning which actions are pleasing and acceptable not only to themselves (it’s a lot of fun to destroy something, and it feels really good to pee inside the house…) but to their owner, their master. Those things aren’t always the same. When something good happens after an action, the dog learns to associate that behavior with something good happening. This is fairly straightforward with basic commands like come, sit, and lay. But leave it, drop it, and stay are a little more complicated. These involve passing on the immediate reward for a greater reward in time. Most of us have approached our relationship with God like puppies. When we do something good, we expect a treat. But next level training is learning to wait. Stay. Respond when you don’t see the reward. Just look at Jesus’ disciples in Acts 4 - they taught people and proclaimed Jesus. What happened TO them? They were seized, imprisoned, thrown in jail, and ordered never to talk about Jesus again. But what happened THROUGH their obedience? They are filled with the Spirit. People are amazed. And people believe. What’s in your sight? Do you just not see the reward right now in following (obeying) Jesus? Decide with Peter and John in Acts 4:19-20 - don’t stop!
LIVE. One practical way to understand and apply the Bible is the SOS method. Ask…
S: What does this passage say about God, and what does it say about me?
O: What am I being invited to obey?
S: What can I share with those around me?
PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a lifegroup/church friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations. Pick one each day or pray through them all every day.
CONNECT. Have a question, prayer request, or story? Let us know here or reply via text.
SHARE. Invite a friend to read the Focus with you! Just text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

Run the race with endurance today, and stay focused on Jesus.
Make it a Great One!