Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
ENTER. Write down or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for from the last 24 hours.
FOCUS. Slowly breathe in… and out. Pray, Jesus, I surrender to you today and trust in you.
READ. Our Scripture Focus is 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. Try memorizing it during this study!
Today’s reading is from 1 Chronicles 26-27 & John 10:7-10
THINK. A Thought from Renee Richter…
When I first read these passages in the Old and New Testaments, I had trouble figuring out why the two were together. What does one have to do with the other? So, I prayed and did some research, and I got my answer. Why do I tell you this? Because I want you all to know we, too, have to stop and think and pray about these passages. We have to pray and ask the Lord, “What are you trying to teach me here?” The following is what I learned… Although reading the list of names and responsibilities can be long, I appreciate the detail and seeing how things were organized. David had a country to run for the Lord and many people to keep safe. He also was responsible for protecting the Lord’s belongings and the tabernacle.  He took this very seriously, and we get the privilege to see his thoughtful and God-honoring process. Let's review: East Gate - six men, North Gate - four men, South Gate: four men, and the West Gate - six total men. The author describes those who guarded the treasure of the Lord’s and then those who were judges and soldiers for the people, tens of thousands of men. These were wise, mighty, and able men. Then we read in John 10:7-10. 
The tabernacle and, eventually, the Temple of the Lord had multiple access points or gates. The entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven has one entrance: through Jesus Christ, Himself. If we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died  on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day, we have access through the gate into the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the gate Jesus guards. The men of the Old Testament guarded earthly treasures for God. Jesus guards God’s most valuable treasure, His children. What took thousands of men now takes one Savior of us all, Jesus Christ. 
PRAY. Join Paradox in Prayer & Fasting this Lent. Learn more at paradoxchurch.com/lent.
Use the Daily Prayer Guide after each day’s reading. Ask the following SOS Questions & journal your thoughts.
S = Say. What does it say? What is the main point? What does it teach you about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can I obey? What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. What truth can I share? Who can you share what you’re learning with today?
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!