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 from Ephesians 5:22-33
*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…
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord." In our culture, this verse can often be a stumbling block for many. Submit?! Aren't we equal?! Or maybe someone who isn't married reads it and thinks that it doesn't apply to them. Or maybe you're a man reading this first verse in our passage today thinking "what does it have to do with me?" A lot actually. It's not the first part of the verse that is the basis for all of it, but the last. "As to the Lord." Every person who follows Jesus can ask themself "Am I submitted to the Lord?" That's where this starts. Submission is "to accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person." So, if I am submitted to God, I am accepting his authority in my life. I am yielding to the will of another person - Jesus! If I am actually a Jesus follower, it means I have to follow him. Not just intellectually believe that he is real, but actually follow him. It's really hard to follow him if I am not submitted to him. So let's ask ourselves today - am I submitted to the Lord? Do I trust that He is good? Do I yield to His will?

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her..." Let's first think of Christ. He loves us - his church, his bride! He gave himself for us (he faced death!) We don't have God who is far away and unconcerned with us - we have a God, in Jesus, who loves us deeply and gave up everything for us. When we truly understand a fraction of how he loves us, we realize that everything he invites us into and asks us to do is out of his love for us. When he asks us to forgive, it's because he LOVES us and wants us free. When he asks us to share his love with someone - it's because he loves and wants everyone to know him! When he asks us to give instead of keeping it all for ourselves, it's because he wants us to experience the joy of generosity! He also welcomes us to ask questions. He's not afraid of our doubts. He wants a relationship with us.

If you aren't married, your invitation is to recognize the way that the Lord loves you and submit to his leadership. To trust that he is good. To say "yes" to him! Remember that he isn't afraid of your doubts and that you can always talk to him when you don't understand. He wants a relationship with you, not a dictatorship. Whether you're a husband or a wife, the invitation is to lay your life down. If both people do that, your marriage will truly reflect Christ and his bride - the church. If you are a husband, remember the example of Jesus. Are you submitted to Him? Second, how do you reflect him to your wife? Do you love her and give yourself for her? Remember that Jesus didn't lord his authority over others; he came in humbly and served. He loved and sacrificed. He thought of others before himself. It's a lot easier to submit to someone who loves us in this way. who protects us at all costs. It will be easier for your wife to submit to you if you love her in this way. You won't be perfect, but as you submit to Jesus, imitate his way of loving and serving his bride. If you're a wife, first be submitted to the Lord. As we submit to his love and care in our lives, he invites us to submit to our husband's love and care in our lives. Maybe you have a difficult marriage and don't feel like your husband loves and cares for you. This can be extremely painful and very difficult to navigate. If that's you, ask the Lord how to submit to and respect your husband in the place you both are in. Pray for your husband! Ask God to give you his heart for your husband. Just like in your relationship with God, you can ask questions. You can express your doubts. Marriage is a relationship, but we also need to consider that our perspective isn't the only one. Maybe God gave your husband to you because you needed his perspective in your life. Slow down and be in relationship with your spouse. You won't submit perfectly, but as you follow Jesus, allow him to show you how this works. - Gwyn Kubiak

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!