Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.
If you’re new to the Daily Focus, read this first.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Use the PRAY acronym each morning. 
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Matthew 27:45-47, Psalm 22, Isaiah 41:8-10 & John 14:16-18
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…
On Holy Saturday, Jesus lies dead, his body cold and lifeless in the tomb. The Messiah, who was supposed to liberate Israel and free the oppressed, appears to have failed in his mission. His followers have scattered - afraid and alone. The loss is profound, and hope feels distant. Perhaps this day is a reminder of a place you’ve been, or a season you’re in. The dark moments, days, months or even years when God feels distant, hope feels lost, and life as you know it feels over. But death cannot hold Jesus. He is the Righteous One, and even death couldn't keep him down. With his precious blood, God paid the ransom to rescue us from sin, death, and hell. Though we may fear death and its uncertainties, Jesus understands our fears, having faced them himself. His resurrection proves that death doesn't have the final say. So, where is God in the waiting? Holy Saturday reminds us that even when we feel we’re forsaken, God never leaves us. His plan and purposes will prevail. The darkness lasts for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. As we wait in the darkness of this Holy Saturday, we do so with hope, knowing that Jesus's resurrection is imminent. Even in our darkest moments, his light of hope shines bright. We trust in his promises, knowing that he has conquered death, and in him, we have nothing to fear. Amen. - Dave Kubiak

Invite someone to experience the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection at Paradox tomorrow!
Services are at 9am & 11am. More information at paradoxchurch.com/easter

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Pray the Daily Examen each evening.
The Examen prayer was made popular by Ignatius of Loyola (1491 – 1556). It has helped Christians for centuries to re-center themselves on Jesus as they come to the end of long days. We are using a variation created by Pete Greig from his book, How to Pray, to help us re-focus on Jesus at the close of our days.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you anxious or burdened?
Rejoice = Give thanks to God for the small and the significant things from the day.
Repent = Ask God for forgiveness where you need. Receive His forgiveness afresh.
Reboot = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

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!