Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
ENTER. Write down or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for from the last 24 hours. (Psalm 100:4)
Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
FOCUS. Breathe in & pray, Jesus I come to you. Pause & hold. Breathe out & pray, You give me rest. Repeat.
READ. Our Scripture Focus is Matthew 11:28. Try memorizing it during this study!
Today’s reading is from Matthew 11:25-30, Isaiah 40:28-31 & Psalm 16
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Mike…
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives us an interesting Paradox. He invites those who are tired and weary to come to him and find rest. However, the rest he prescribes in this case is actually work. He invites us to take up his yoke and work along side him. And, because he is working along side us the burden feels light and easy. This in no ways negates or contradicts what Dave was saying yesterday about the importance of physical rest. As the writer of Ecclesiastes would probably tell us, there is a time to stop and a time to work. I believe what Jesus is saying is that when you do work, we should join him in his labor and the work will be easier than when we chase after our own goals and desires. If I do as the psalmist suggests today and “always let the Lord guide me”, then he will guide me into times of physical rest AND times of labor for his kingdom that could look like conversations, prayer, worship, physical help, giving, etc. As Isaiah said: “If we trust in the Lord we will renew our strength…we will soar like eagles…we will run and not grow weary.”
ASK. After each day’s reading, ask the following SOS Questions and write down your thoughts.
What does it (S) say? What is the main point? What does it teach you about God (Jesus), people, or yourself?
What can I (O) obey? What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
What truth can I (S) share? Who can you share what you’re learning with today?
PRAY. Pray the Lord’s Prayer or use one of the other resources at paradoxchurch.com/pray to guide you.
TALK. That was our take on today’s reading - what’s yours? Share thoughts and ask questions in the forum.
SHARE. Stay focused with a friend! Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

Stay focused on Jesus today, and make it a great one!