The Morning Focus Daily Devotional with Rick and McKenna

You're carrying too much—and God knows it.  We've all felt the pressure to hold everything together—our jobs, relationships, emotions, and expectations. But what if we weren't meant to carry it all ourselves? Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.  "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." Psalm 55:22

Ever feel like you're running on empty, trying to be better, kinder, or stronger on your own? Iit's not our grit that changes us – it's God's presence.  Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.   "Remain in me, as I also remain in you." John 15:4a

We've all seen fake humility – someone downplaying their strengths just to look good. But what does true humility actually look like? In today's episode, we look at David's boldness before Goliath and how real humility isn't timid – it's boldly trusting God. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.   "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that th...

Do you ever find yourself bracing for bad news, thinking it'll hurt less if you're prepared? Today's episode is a reminder that while bad news comes for everyone, it never changes who God is. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them." Psalm 112:7

Ever wish God would just lay out the whole plan so you could see what's coming next? Today, we're talking about why God doesn't call us to understand everything, but simply to obey, just like He called Peter to follow Him without all the details. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.   "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" Matthew 4:19

Ever feel like it's up to you to keep life under control? Today, we're talking about why trying to be your own savior doesn't work and how making room for Jesus changes everything. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.  Isaiah 43:11 says, "I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior."

To be known widely, but not deeply is a dangerous thing. And yet, authentic relationships that keep you accountable are not easy to come by. You probably know Michael Cochren as the lead singer of Cochren & Co., but behind the music is someone who cares deeply about staying grounded and keeping it real with his community and with God. In this  Full Focus  episode, Michael shares why he's chosen to...

The enemy wants you to believe you belong to him, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Today, we're talking about how God has adopted you as His own and what that means for your identity and security. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. Romans 8:15   says,   "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit o...

Ever feel like being a "good Christian" is just about trying harder and failing less? Today, we're talking about why true change doesn't come from gritting our teeth but from walking with the Spirit daily. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.   Galatians 5:16  

It feels so good to achieve our goals and check things off our lists. But what happens when those goals start to define who we are? Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares...

When we mess up, our first instinct is often to hide from God or come up with excuses before we talk to Him. But what if He's not waiting to scold us, but calling us to run straight to His grace?  Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins   and purify us from all unrighteousness.   1 John 1:9  

Life can feel like a never-ending cycle of frustration, disappointment, and unmet expectations. But what if those feelings point to something bigger? Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "We believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory."   Romans 8:23  

Jonah was one of the most "successful" prophets – his preaching led an entire nation to repent. But was he really successful in God's eyes? Today, we're talking about how true success isn't measured by results but by the fruit our lives produce. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulne...

Fear doesn't go away as we grow up – it just changes shape. From fear of the dark to fear of rejection, failure, or losing what we love. Today's episode is your reminder that God isn't asking you to never feel fear. He's offering to hold your hand through it. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. For I am the   Lord   your God        who takes hold of your right hand   an...

Mornings can be the hardest part of the day. Before you even roll out of bed, the enemy tries to flood your mind with lies and discouragement to keep you from turning to God. But God promises that when you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. You will seek   me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.   I will be...

Sometimes the word we need isn't easy to hear. Today, we're talking about what it really means to have a tender heart. Because tenderness doesn't come without breaking down pride, selfishness, and anger. But when God tenderizes your heart, He makes you more like Him—full of love, forgiveness, and mercy. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "Let all bitterness and wrath a...

  Sometimes life feels like you're working hard but seeing no progress. You're loving your family, praying, fighting for your mental health… and wondering if it's making any difference. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.  Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,   because you know t...

Does it ever feel like God is asking you to do something so hard, that He must not understand what He is asking? Join Rick and McKenna for today's ReFocus Episode of The Morning Focus.  "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."  John 15:13

Ever feel like you can't go back to God after you've messed up? Like you need to clean yourself up first? Shame will tell you to hide from Him, but that's when you need Him most. Join McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

Some lies are obvious, but others sound so close to the truth it's hard to tell the difference. The enemy wants to twist what's good and steal your peace, but you weren't made to follow his voice. You were made to follow your Shepherd. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,   and have...

Have you ever felt afraid to let go of something valuable? Maybe it's your time, your talents, or your resources—you want to do good with them, but giving up control feels risky. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. Seek the Kingdom of God   above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.   Matthew 6:33  

  Ever feel like you're fine on your own—until suddenly, you're not? You weren't made to be an island. God created you for community—people who can see what you can't, call you out when you're off track, and reflect His love back to you. Join for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."   Proverbs 11:14  

Sometimes it feels easier to ignore what's hard than to face it. We distract ourselves from the pain, fear, or confusion sitting right in front of us. But God doesn't call us to avoid what scares us. He promises to stand with us as we face it. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "So do not fear, for I am with you;   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.   I will streng...

You know that feeling when you're helping a kid with math and realize… you're completely out of your depth? That same helplessness can hit when someone you love is hurting—and you just want to fix it. But prayer isn't "just" something. The Bible says it's powerful. It's effective.  Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus. "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each ot...

When Peter denied Jesus, Jesus didn't look away—He looked straight at him. Not to shame him, but to reach him. To say, "I see you. I still love you." This episode is for anyone who's felt like they blew it. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of  The Morning Focus.   The Lord   turned and looked straight at Peter.   Luke 22:61