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 Judges 3 *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…
Yesterday, we read in Judges 2 about God not driving the enemies of Israel out of the land because of their unfaithfulness. They would remain in the land as a consequence for their turning away from God. Today, we read the other reason God left them in the land - to “test” His people or what that word is translated as is to “prove” their love and faithfulness to God and His commandments. This may be hard to swallow and we naturally ask - why God would do this? Why would He leave these people and not drive them out when He most definitely could have done so on His own and by His own power without the Israelites help? Wouldn’t it be easier for them to love God if they didn’t have any obstacles or opposition to deal with in this new land that God had given to them? Why couldn’t this new generation have it easy and just inherit the land without a fight? What are the implications for our own lives and walk with Jesus? There is so much here to unpack so I will try to keep all my thoughts concise believing the Holy Spirit will keep His promise to us and guide us into all truth as we read His Word.

1. Our love and faithfulness to God is refined and proven when we face trials and still choose Him and remain faithful and are not drawn away and enticed by other things. God used these other nations to refine the Israelites faith and gave them opportunity to prove that they really did love God. And we will see how time and again they failed yet God delivers them after they repent and then back to Him. Love is a choice and a commitment to covenant relationship. It is easy to say we love God when things are easy and there’s nothing competing with our affections, no trials to potentially shift us. But when things are hard - that’s when our love is grown and proven. He takes us through the fire to refine us and change us so we look more like Jesus and deepen, renew our love for Him. (For more, see 1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

2. God’s promises sometimes come with a fight. God had given them the land and promised them victory but there would still be opposition. They would still have to be trained, learn to fight and then fight to take the land. We fight from a place of victory but God uses the battle, the trial, the opposition to train us for war. To mature and grow us. You may ask “why didn’t God just eliminate them the first time?” Why would He make them fight if they didn’t have to? There are many things in life that don’t come easy and we so wish that they did. God has the ability to remove them for sure but these things are allowed for us to learn how to walk by the Spirit and please Him above anything else. (For more, see 2 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV)

That difficult relationship with a co worker, family member, neighbor. That marital issue or parenting challenge. You name it. The list goes on. What if we saw these difficulties as opportunities to grow, to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in us to walk as a follower of Jesus, and learn how to fight with the weapons God had given us? Last week, we read in Ephesians 6 about the armor of God He has given to us to fight this spiritual battle we are in. I feel strongly today to speak to anyone who feels defeated and knocked down by the obstacles coming against them. I had this picture of someone crouched down in a corner feeling literally cornered by life. I felt like the Lord wants to lovingly invite us stand up. Stand up knowing who God is and who you are as His child and engage fighting as a soldier of Jesus with confidence knowing you have the victory. He is training you through these battles to know how to spiritually fight and walk through life victorious.
- Jessica Glenn

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!