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.

WORSHIP FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
1. Start out by writing or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Today’s reading is from Genesis 1, Genesis 2:1-7 & Genesis 3
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…
I’m confident that some of you reading this morning’s devotion have received a present or two that came with instructions. Some people are pretty handy or knowledgeable and can view these as box fillers, optional reading, or at the very least, a last resort once problems arise or extra screws lay on the floor next to the broken Allen wrench. Others will find them a bit more useful and at least attempt to follow them while assembling or setting up the gift. Is the Bible another instruction manual? Looking at the Bible as an instructional manual may cause some to cringe, but hear me out. I have heard and even exclaimed, “I wish you came with an instruction manual!” when looking at my children or husband. There are other times I cry out to God, give me a spotlight on the path You want me to follow! Don’t you wish sometimes it was just that clear? In many ways, the Bible provides this for those who read it.

At the conclusion of our day-by-day account of creation, Adam and Eve were hanging out in the center of the Garden. The serpent began to talk to Eve and asked her questions about this forbidden tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?’” This one question begins the serpent’s plan to divide Eve, Adam, and God. He leads Eve and Adam to thoughts of questioning God’s words, His motive, and His love. Ultimately, they trusted their own understanding, not God. Their choice separated them from the physical presence of God; they no longer walked with Him in the garden. God has provided written instructions for us in the Bible in His wisdom and compassion. It’s not quite the walk in the garden with Him, but in these pages, we find His love, forgiveness, and the way to the abundant life He has always intended. Sometimes, we run the risk of treating the Bible like we do the instruction manuals that come with presents - shelf fillers, coffee table decoration, or even the last resort when life gets too hard. All along, God has intended it to be the source of life and love for each day, not just the hard ones. The Bible leads us to a better understanding of who God is and helps us to trust Him, His commands, and His instructions even if we don’t fully understand them. Adam and Eve didn’t know why the tree would lead to death. They probably didn’t even know what death was; life had just begun. They didn’t trust Him and His Word. This led to their deception and sinful choice.

Continue to make time to read the Bible. Discover who God is in the pages He wrote for you. Remember His Words, instructions, and commands, so when satan comes your way trying to twist those words into deceiving you and questioning God, you will know the truth because you know and trust God. - Renee Richter

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
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.

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
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!