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 16:12-24
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…
We’re getting into the “dog days of summer,” and we’ve already seen some heat! On hot days, there’s nothing like a cold, refreshing beverage! That’s the word that stood out to me today - refreshed. Sadly, church can be the opposite of refreshing. That’s what you get any time you put a group of broken, imperfect people together. But church was always meant to refresh the spirits of the weary coming in from the heat of everyday life. How? Paul sums up the book of 1 Corinthians, and give his recipe for a cool glass of church refreshment, in verses 13-14: “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.”
Be on your guard. Like boater safety class, always be scanning the horizon for potential dangers - the small ways the enemy will try to get a foothold and gain ground in your thoughts, attitudes, actions, relationships… and our church.
Stand firm in the faith. It takes deep roots to withstand summer heat. Don’t be swayed or torn down by the storms that blow through or wither in the heat. Get grounded in God’s truth.
Be courageous; be strong. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to trust God despite it. Strength isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about relying on God’s power in our lives.
Do everything in love. Paul finishes by reminding us of Jesus’ words in the greatest commandment. Love God and love others. If we’re not acting out of love, we’re missing the point. Love should drive everything we do.
So there it is! Your summer recipe for soul (and church) refreshment. Hang with us throughout the summer for our next study through the book of Acts, as we find power to be the change. Stay strong and love well! - 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!
