Friday, September 20

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 2 Corinthians 3:4-11 & 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
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…
God wants a relationship with us. We should go to him for everything, and that includes our confidence. I am confident in Jesus because he says I am adequate in him. Often, in my daily life, I feel I am under qualified and lacking confidence under my own power, but I know that I can do what he asks of me because he lives in me.
Have you ever felt God tell you to share something with someone and then thought to yourself, “They are going to think I’m crazy!" But when you say it, they confirm that it was in their heart and needed to be heard. A few weeks back, I was sitting near a woman in church. I had seen her a few times but never spoken to her. I felt the Holy Spirit say, "Her presence matters. Tell her I want her here." It took me a moment, and he said it twice. I gently leaned over and repeated what he said: "Your presence matters, and God wants you here." She replied with tears and a hug and said she was going to tip toe out before the end of service because she felt small and unseen. But God wanted her to know his heart for her. That, my friend, is a prime example of "God qualification.” When we trust in him, we can step out in his confidence. Our adequacy is from God. With him, we gain hope, confidence, and wisdom. Be obedient in Christ and his adequacy, even in the midst of pain, hardship, uncertainty, and suffering. When I lost my Dad several years ago, I found it hard to rejoice. Now, through Christ knowing God's promises, I have found peace and rejoice now in knowing God is our source. With God, we can have true joy. We can go to God with confidence through Christ and trust what he says is true. I encourage you today to take up confidence and rejoice, with prayers and thanksgiving to God, our Father, who has set us apart and called us to share his love and truths to build each other up. May God's love and blessings surround you today and always
.- Marci Burk

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!

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