Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
If you’re new to the Focus, take as long as you’d like or are able in each segment.
Further Focus is an optional, additional practice to help you go further with Jesus.

WORSHIP FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
1. Start by journaling or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or choose from one of our Spotify Playlists.
3. Declare what God’s Word says is true about who you are in Christ back to Him.
Further Focus: Sing a song of worship, or read Psalm 16, to lift up your eyes to Jesus.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Today’s reading is from Ephesians 1:15-19 *Focusing as a Family? Find Paradox on the Parent Cue App
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?
Further Focus: One of the best ways to learn more about the Bible is by discussing it with others.
Work through this week’s Lifegroup Discussion Guide and meet up with a Paradox Lifegroup.

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
As we start this study of Ephesians through the lens of being the church, I noticed (and love) the progression of this passage. Paul starts… 1) I’ve heard about y’alls faith... 2 | …and your love for all the saints (that’s not a catholic thing, that means the church!) 3| … and that made him THANKFUL as he prayed for them. Have you ever said that? Thank God for _____. Here’s the question for the day - who is thanking God for you? The really incredible thing, though, is how that happens. Paul essentially says here that He thanks God for all the people who know Jesus, (I’ve heard of your faith). Because it’s actually loving Jesus and receiving His love that comes out in love for others. He prays that knowing Jesus would also bring wisdom, revelation, hope, a calling, goodness, and the greatness of God’s power. Today, pray for someone in our church. Thank God for them. Pray that they would know Jesus more today and that knowing Him would lead them to wisdom and revelation. Pray that knowing Jesus would bring hope and purpose into that person’s life. Pray that God’s would be rich in His goodness toward them today, and that they would see the greatness of His power at work in their life or a specific situation. Want a Further Focus? Let them know you’re praying for them, and how! We are the church, and we pray for one another. Interested in doing that more often? Join us on a Sunday morning at 9am for prayer, or ask about praying for people and requests as part of the Paradox daily prayer team. Reply to this message to get more info. - Dave Kubiak

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
If you’re just starting out, practice hearing from God by asking questions like, “Father, what do you want me to know about you?” or “Father, what do you want to say about your love for me?” Simply be still and listen, or journal anything that comes to mind.
Further Focus: Learn more about hearing from God using the Tending Your Heart guide.

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