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.
Practice hearing from God by asking questions like, “Father, what do you want me to know about you?” or “Father, what do you want to say about your love for me?” Simply be still and listen, or journal anything that comes to mind. Learn more about hearing from God using the Tending Your Heart guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Tim 3; Ezk 32:26-27; 1 Pe 1:3-16
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…
As I read through today’s reading, I felt like Jesus showed me that in order to have the type of character laid out in 1 Timothy 3, what is written 1 Peter 1 is what will form that in each of us. I would bet that all of us desire the character traits in 1 Timothy 3- being self controlled, gentle, able to manage our household competently, faithful, and so on. We aren’t born with these qualities- any parent will tell you that their child was not born with self control or gentleness! But the way we learn to have these godly qualities is through 1 Peter 1, in verses 6-7 it says “You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Did you catch that? Through trials and grief, our character is formed. God uses the hard, painful things we through to make us more like him. Of course, it would be great if we could only have good days, without any pain or hardship- but when I really look back on my life- the person I’ve become (& am becoming) has been formed by going through hard things, with Jesus by my side, showing me how to act and respond (and often I’ve learned by doing things the wrong way many times first.) So today, let’s practice thanking God for the hard things we’ve gone through (I know- it’s not easy!)…trusting that He is using all of it to mature and grow us and make us more like Him. - Gwyn 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!