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, & use as much or little as you’d like.
GET FOCUSED | Start by simply thanking God for who He is & what He’s done.
+ Practice gratitude while singing/playing some worship music from Paradox on Spotify.
+ Spend a few moments meditating on today’s Old Testament Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-15 & 53
+ From your reading, finish the sentence “God, you are ___.”
Take time to thank & worship God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in your life.
MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer involves both talking and listening to God.
+ Pray the Lord’s Prayer, or slow down to pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.
+ Use “Lectio Divina” to listen to God in this morning’s Psalm: Psalm 140:1-5
Reading 1 = Focus. What is one word or phrase that Holy Spirit puts on your heart?
Reading 2 = Feelings. Focus on that word or phrase while you read. What do you feel? What specific situation in your life today relates? Reflect and talk with God about it.
Reading 3 = Invitation. What is God’s personal invitation to you from the Scripture?
Take time to journal anything you feel the Lord might be saying to you.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
Today’s New Testament reading is from Matthew 15:29-30, Mark 5:25-34 & Revelation 21:3-4
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
Observe. Pay attention to what the text says. Ask who, what, when, where, & why.
Interpret. What’s the main point or meaning? What does it teach about God? Yourself?
Apply. Apply this truth to your own life. What can you put into practice today?
A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Over the last month or so, our family has gone through the loss of several loved ones. Unfortunately, that has meant more time at funeral homes than anyone would like (let’s be real, any amount is too much) and, consequently, plenty of time spent with others who are grieving, mourning, crying, hurting, and questioning. More real talk: not only are funeral homes places where people don’t want to be - but so are places of pain. Whether it’s our own pain or the pain of others, most of us actively try to avoid these places and people.
Not Jesus. Have you ever noticed how Jesus always made time for people who were hurting? In Matthew 15:29-30, huge crowds came to Him, bringing the sick, the lame, and the blind. Jesus didn’t run or hide from the overwhelming pain all around Him. He didn’t turn them away; He healed them. In Mark 5, a woman who had been suffering for 12 long years touched His robe in faith, and He stopped everything to care for her. Over and over, Jesus shows us that He sees our pain, meets us in it, and brings healing.
Revelation 21:3-4 gives us a glimpse of the ultimate fulfillment of this hope: a day when God will dwell with us, wipe away every tear, and banish death, sorrow, and pain forever. These moments of healing on earth are like previews of the complete restoration to come. So, if you’re feeling worn out, broken, or burdened today, take heart. Jesus is near, and He cares deeply about your pain. Just like the crowds, the woman, and the promise of Revelation, you can trust that Jesus is working in your life and is preparing a future where all things will be made new, and in His presence find that future Hope in the present. - Dave Kubiak
EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by returning to prayer each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy, joyful, 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 = Ask to see God’s presence more clearly & walk w/ Him more closely tomorrow.
+ 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.
SHARE THE FOCUS |
+ Pray a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations & those serving them.
+ Text someone an encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
+ Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
+ Who can you share what you’re learning with today personally?
That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!
