Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
If you’re new to the Daily Focus, read this first.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer this 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 Acts 4:32-5:11; Deuteronomy 15:4–6
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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…
In Acts 4:32-5:11, the Holy Spirit is moving in powerful ways in the lives of people and through the early church. It’s no coincidence that powerful moves of God are accompanied by generosity. Generosity is powerful. It empowers God’s word to be preached and God’s kingdom to move forward with power. It also transforms the lives of people in powerful ways, and creates a community in which God’s power flows freely into one another. Just imagine - a community of believers so united that they shared everything they had. No one even claimed any possessions as their own! There were no needy persons among them because people who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds to the apostles to be distributed. It wasn’t about following a rule; it was about loving each other with all their heart and soul and that love coming out in genuine care for each other. But then, the story takes a serious turn. I’ll let you read the story of Ananias and Sapphira on your own if you haven’t already, but here are three quick takes from it…
First, generosity is powerful. When we give freely, we reflect God’s heart to others and the world. Our generosity can meet the needs of others, build a strong, loving community, and move God’s kingdom forward in powerful ways.
Second, honesty matters. It’s not about the amount we give, but the heart behind it. There are plenty of smaller gifts that are actually more generous than larger ones. God looks at the heart.
Third, we’re connected. Our action (or inaction) affect our community and can bring unforeseen (and sometimes serious) consequences. Healthy, thriving communities are built on honesty, trust, and generosity.
Take a moment today to reflect on the power of generosity in your own life. Are you living with integrity before God in this area? Are you being honest about your need? How might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to respond? Learn more about how you can give at Paradox at paradoxchurch.com/give (We’re fairly certain it won’t be the last thing you do.) - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
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.
Refocus = 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. 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!