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 2 Chronicles 23-24 & Psalm 2:10-12
THINK. A Thought from Holly MacDonald…
I want to start our focus today with a brief summary of what is happening, because there is a lot… and a lot of “J” names! After King Ahaziah was killed, his mother Athaliah, sensed an opportunity for power and proceeded to kill the whole royal family. However, God used Jehoshabeath to preserve the line of David which Jesus would soon come from! She hid Joash son of Ahaziah for six years so he was not killed by Athaliah. After Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada the priest, got up the courage to restore the throne of David. He made up a plan to reveal the last heir to the throne and overthrow Athaliah. While Jehoiada the priest was alive, Joash did what was right in God’s eyes. This implies though that when the priest died, Joash no longer did. Though God used Joash to continue to line of David, He and the nation of Judah unfortunately abandoned God.
We catch a glimpse of God’s heart for people in 2 Chronicles 24:19 when it says, “Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him”. God is so rich in mercy that even when we abandon Him, He does not. In fact, He actually pursues. It’s disheartening to think that people can go from following God and His ways to deserting them. Joash listened to the wrong advice, got with the wrong crowd, and it led him to make some pretty awful decisions. Today’s reading reminds me that we have to surround ourselves with people who are headed in the same direction as you want to go. Community is so important, but not just any community… people who are actively pursuing Jesus! Who are you running with? Who do you take advice from? Do they challenge you to love and honor Jesus more? Or after being with them, do you feel farther from God? If you have godly community in your life, pause and thank God for them today! If you don’t, pray and get connected! Join a lifegroup, a serving team, or ask someone out to coffee. Our walk with Jesus is never meant to be traveled alone.
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!