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.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 18; Isaiah 51:1–2; James 4:13–15
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…
In Acts Chapter 18 we read about Paul’s missionary journey and the challenges he faced while ministering the Word of the Lord. Paul left Athens and headed to Corinth where he met with a married couple Aquila & Priscilla. This couple, who is referenced in scripture as being united in ministry, complemented each other and drew on each other's strengths forming an effective team in ministry. They opened their home to Paul and in return he provided them with a wealth of spiritual wisdom. Paul went on and devoted himself to preaching and testifying the good news to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. However, he encountered opposition and he shook the dust from his clothes and told them your blood is on your own heads and I’m innocent of it. Paul declared from this time on I will go to the Gentiles. It was at this time Paul became known as the apostle to the Gentiles and Peter was known as the apostle to the Jews.
I want to point out that anytime you decide to do the work of the Lord, like Paul you will be met with opposition and challenges that will try to discourage you. Just as the Lord encouraged Paul in a vision when he was being challenged, he will also encourage you and I! (Acts 18:9 NIV) “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
Later in Ephesus Paul met a Jew named Apollos who spoke with fervor about what he learned but it was partial only knowing the account of John the Baptist. After listening to Apollos speak in the synagogue the married couple Aquila & Priscilla invited them to their home and explained to him the way of the Lord more completely. Apollos went on to preach and take on Jewish opponents in public debates where he proved through scripture that Jesus was the Messiah.
This chapter reveals how discipleship helps the body of Christ and is a reminder of how iron sharpens iron. We are blessed to be a blessing. Amen! - Colleen Payton
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!
