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 2:18-25, Genesis 3:7, 10-12, 16-23, Revelation 7:10-17 & Revelation 19:4-10
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…
Throughout the month of December, there’s a common refrain you’ll hear from both kids and adults alike. As we’re taking inventory, flipping through the pages of a catalog, watching the advertisements, or making a list, we see something “new” and tell ourselves, “I need that.” We’ve all been guilty of it. On the other hand, we need to develop discernment in what is a “need” and what is simply a “desire.” And yet on the other, it’s been correctly said that necessity is the mother of invention. There is something about true need that drives provision. There’s a problem that must be solved, a void that must be filled, so something new must be created or acquired. As we read God’s promise in Genesis, part of “making all things new” is God providing for our every need abundantly. In the Garden, God abundantly provides His creation with a place to live and so much food to eat that Wonka’s Chocolate Factory would have been put to shame. God provided people - a community - to enjoy it with. To be in relationship with, to love and be loved by. In the beginning, there was no such thing as need. Think about that. Adam and Eve walked with God in perfect relationship with Him - and life was abundantly full. It was only after the fall that “need” entered the world. And humanity has spent the rest of history trying to meet our needs apart from God, only to find emptiness, lack, and unfulfillment. Because we’re human in a fallen world, we have needs. Physical. Emotional. Relational. Spiritual. Here’s the question… Who or What are you looking to for fulfillment, and How?
God promised to make everything new in Jesus, and that means fulfilling our every need abundantly. God meets our every need in Jesus. In Him, there is no emptiness, lack, or unfulfillment. There is joy, abundance, and fullness. In Jesus, God provides covering for our sin and shame. God provides forgiveness. God provides salvation. God even meets needs in the consequences of our own sin - removal from the Garden was actually part of God’s provision for the people He loved! But God also promises future deliverance from the consequences of our sin. One day, God would provide Jesus, who would undo the curse, make things “new” again and, in doing so, meet every need. Need is not part of God’s creation or intention. Go to Him today and find abundant provision, fulfillment, and new life. - Dave Kubiak

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
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.

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!