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

WORSHIP | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He’s done.
Start by playing some worship music you love, or choose from one of our Spotify Playlists.
Journal or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
Going Deeper: Pray 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Focus on one truth about who God is & thank Him for it.

PRAYER | 5-15 Minutes
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.
Going Deeper: Learn more about prayer & try out a practice at paradoxchurch.com/pray.

SCRIPTURE | 5-25 Minutes
Our scripture focus for this study is Romans 3:23-24. Try memorizing it!
Today’s reading is from Romans 6:1-14
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?
Going Deeper: Read Colossians 3:2-11. Remember the stickers and shirts that said, “___ is life, the rest is just details?” Or the song from Rent that wonders how to measure a life? What does it mean to you that your life is “hidden with God”? (For help, try reading this passage in the MSG translation).

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING
Whenever a passage of scripture starts with words like ‘therefore’ or ‘then,’ it can be helpful to look back at what was written before it (even in the previous chapter(s) to find out what this is the conclusion to. Paul has just finished making the case over several chapters that it is not who you are, where you come from, or what you’ve done that defines your standing with God - but Jesus. So if in Jesus we are forgiven and part of God’s new family, Paul asks an age old question - “So you’re saying I can just keep on sinning then?” His response is clear - “Absolutely not!” Essentially, Paul says that sin doesn’t affect your identity - but your identity should affect your sin. Sinning doesn’t undo who you are. You’ve been made alive in Jesus. Instead, his encouragement is simply this: “act like it!” Instead of your sinful actions determining your identity - allow your identity in Jesus to be reflected in your actions. Grace isn’t an excuse to stay in the prison of sin - it’s the key to getting free from it! Take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to bring one area of your life to mind that you have been offering your body as a “weapon of unrighteousness.” Lay it down at the cross, and walk away as a “weapon of righteousness.” Think about that… how will your actions be offensive to the forces of evil today? - Dave Kubiak

SHARE | 1-5 Minutes
Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
Going Deeper: 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!