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 9
*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…
There is a lot of animosity, revenge, hostility, blood shed, and even justice in this text today. As I was reading it I just kept wondering if God was going to step in and do something. Doesn’t it feel that way in our own lives sometimes? “God where are you?” “Why is this happening?” “Will this ever end?” “This is so wrong and unfair, aren’t you going to stop it?!” I know I’ve asked God these questions before. I’ve pleaded with him to deliver justice and stop the evil that I was witnessing to stop. It’s tempting to believe that God doesn’t care when bad things happen or when evil people seemingly get away with all the wrong they’re doing. It’s hard to see past what is right in front of our own eyes. I think about Jesus on the cross. For everyone standing there watching him be crucified, I’m sure they were wondering the same thing! Their eyes only saw his death, but we know that’s not the end of the story. He rose again 3 days later and defeated evil once and for all. Just like this story about Abimelek, it seems as though his reign of terror will never end but God is a God of justice. He brought justice at the right time and the right place. He saw past what was happening in the moment. When we are tempted to take revenge or justice in to our own hands, we can remind ourselves that we can trust God to do that. Romans 12:19 sums it up perfectly. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” So I encourage you today to bring any conflict or situation in your life that is stirring up anger within you and lay it before the cross, praying for God to bring justice. - Cecelia Thapa

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!