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.
Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer this morning. 
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 1; Matthew 28:16–20; John 16:7–14
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…
The book of Acts is cited often as a powerful example of what the church should be and can do when functioning properly. Throughout its pages, we’ll read stories of miraculous healings, bold preaching, missionary journeys, and people being saved. As Acts 2 says, we’ll be “filled with awe.” And yet, undergirding every one is the power that is promised in Acts 1:8 - the Holy Spirit. Acts is the story of what happens when people are empowered (given power, operating in power) to be and bring change. It is an invitation to receive, experience and witness God’s power in our own lives, our own world, our own day too - because the promised “Helper” wasn’t just for the early church, the Holy Spirit is promised to us too. You’ll experience Holy Spirit’s power as He helps you be convicted of sin, helps you live out Jesus’ ways as His visible, tangible presence here on earth, and helps you expose the powers at work in the world for what they are. Holy Spirit helps us by guiding us into all truth and speaking to us. Take some time to hear from Him today (ask simply questions like, “Holy Spirit, what do you want to say to me today about who I am, about sin, about Jesus, or about what is to come today?” Then, invite Holy Spirit to help you today. Return to that prayer often - “Holy Spirit, I need your help _____. Thank God for His promise that He will empower us by His Holy Spirit! - 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!