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.
Further Focus: Declare what God’s Word says is true about who you are in Christ back to Him.

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 a throwback 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…
It always amazes me how old the bible is and how applicable its writings are today. In this part of his letter to the church is Ephesus, Paul writes a prayer for the church. Paul gives thanks to the Ephesians for their faith in Jesus and their love of God’s people. Signs of a church living into God’s desires for them. These two things cannot exist without each other. God looks for us to love our fellow humans just because they are his creation too. All too often we get caught having just enough religion to hate but we are not mature in our faith to love each other unconditionally. Paul prays that God blesses them with a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Greater knowledge of the gifts of the Good News and the ability to live into and share this wisdom. Wisdom, however, is knowing what is right in a particular situation, and that requires discernment.  Situations and people don’t always fit neatly into our religious boxes. Sometimes following Jesus means stepping to the edge of the path we are following instead of staying safe near the center of the path. Paul is praying for God to enlighten the eyes of the hearts of the Ephesians. Acting from the heart - not only the mind. The heart is full of grace and love, the mind is full of questions, reasoning, and distrust. Now read these verses again as if Paul is praying for Paradox and asking that God enlightens the eyes of our hearts to the ways of the Good News. God loves you and so do I. - Scott Rose

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
If you’re just starting out, simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer.
Further Focus: Pray through the Lord’s Prayer using this Lord’s Prayer 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!