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: Genesis 3:15
+ 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 143:7-12
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 Mark 3:22-27, Hebrews 2:5-18 & Revelation 12:10-12
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…
God is good, and greater than any evil. We can hope and persevere through hardship because God will prevail no matter the circumstances. Luck has nothing to do with it, it's all faith. Jesus suffered. He was accused of many things, treated harshly, verbally assaulted, physically beat, and emotionally strained. He persevered, though, because of his faith. He knew His true identity, because he trusted His Father. Jesus went through hardship for us! Think of a time when you've experienced a wrongful accusation, or been treated harshly. It is all too easy in these moments to lash out in anger, give them a taste of their own medicine, and fight every battle. But in God's kingdom, that is not strength - it’s weakness. When you choose to love in spite of anger, not to hurt, but rather to heal… now THAT is true strength. Jesus was about building people up, not tearing them down, or overpowering them.
In Mark 3, we see Jesus’ accusers fear him and his power. They accuse him of being evil, even possessed by Satan! But instead of yelling, or reacting, his response is to call them over - bring them close so he can speak to them. His desire and intention is to teach them with the truth - God's truth - the power of good over evil. Jesus is acting on what is more important, the bigger picture. Do what is right, cast out the evil now. Do not wait. Do good now. This is hard stuff! Actions speak louder than words, and that can mean self-sacrifice, loving your accusers in spite of feeling hurt or angry, and persevering because of your true identity in Christ. The sacrifice of Jesus, his death and resurrection, we have a King who has gone before us in experiencing hardship. We too can endure hardship, because that same Spirit lives in us if we’re in Jesus. It's not in our own strength, but in His. There is so much importance of faith shown in all three books mentioned today - especially when circumstances are difficult. We have all faced social turmoil, rejection, or disappointment, and I'm sure we will again. But despite our current or future struggle/hardship, our Father God will prevail. He will establish a new Heaven and earth. We shall not fear even death, for we have eternal life through our Savior Jesus Christ. Clothe yourself in his righteousness, and stand firm in your faith. Have a blessed day, and know that we can face anything with the strength we receive through Jesus. - Marci Burk
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!
