Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.

WORSHIP Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He’s done.
Play some worship music you love, or choose from one of our Spotify Playlists.
Say or journal what you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
First Step: Start by playing or singing 1 song & writing 1 thing. Grow to 3-5 from there.
Next Step: Read Psalm 40:9-10. Focus on one truth about who God is & thank Him for it.

PRAYER Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Start praying for yourself using the Lord’s Prayer or pray for others using a Ripple Prayer.
First Step: Start by praying for 2 minutes. Then, work your way up to 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
Next Step: Learn more about prayer & find help at paradoxchurch.com/pray.

SCRIPTURE Our memorization & meditation focus for this study is Romans 3:23-24.
Today’s reading is from Romans 1:1-17
Families: Get Focused together using the Parent Cue app.
First Step: Ask the following SOS Questions & journal your thoughts.
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?
Next Step: Dig deeper in Bible Study & discuss your answers with a Lifegroup.
Read Mark 8:34-38. Jesus says a person can gain “the whole world” but still lose what is most valuable. Have you found that to be true? How might losing actually be gain?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING
All you ever hear is bad news these days - and unfortunately, the Church isn't immune to it. From selfishness to scandals and sexual sin, I often cringe when I hear about a pastor, church, or denomination in the news... and then comes the shame. Shame comes from awareness of wrongdoing, and I feel it every time the world is made aware of bad news in the Church. It's not that I want it to stay hidden - I wish it wasn't there in the first place. Paul says he is "not ashamed of the gospel." So how do we live "shamelessly"? Verse 17 says to live "by faith." Faith is believing God. Righteousness (or right living) is what follows. Shameless living unleashes God's power for salvation in the lives of those around you. Shameless living strengthens & encourages other believers. And shameless living makes people thankful for you! So, are you living good news shamelessly? (If not, take your shame to Jesus and leave it with him right now! Preach the gospel to yourself first - Jesus took your shame on the cross - let him replace it with His grace!) Is your faith newsworthy? Who will be thanking God for you today? - Dave Kubiak

SHARE The good news comes to you on its way to someone else.
First Step: Share a thought/question or send an encouraging text from today’s reading.
Next Step: 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!