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 10
*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…
Should have, could have, would have. Why is this time going to be any different? Judges 10 notes two judges who were appointed over Israel (Tola and Jair), but not much is known or was said of either of them. I found that odd considering that up to this point in the book of Judges, there have been epic battles and stories of each judge so far. Then the same old story. Israel is turning their backs on God again! (v6).
When reading this chapter an overall theme for me was exasperation met with expectation. On one hand, God is repeating himself over and over. He’s given the answer key to the test, and provided His objective truth and reason over Israels past mistakes, history, and broken covenants with Him. On the flip side, God sees the oppression of His people, and it brings Him pain. (v16). The expectation comes from the Israelites to have God send yet another hero to save the day while still learning nothing from the past. (v15).
What really struck me was the way this chapter ends. It’s a cliff hanger. Again, Israel has decided to repent, put away false idols, and follow after God because they are in trouble. The Israelites gather together in Gilead as they prepare for yet another battle with a pretty brutal group of people. So what’s next? Who is going to lead Israel to victory and out of oppression this time? I thought of the story just before in chapter 9 with Abimelech, and how God basically used enemies of Gods Kingdom to advance that kingdom. This ensured there would be no way Israel or any of its leaders could take credit. To me that says Gods statutes are nonnegotiable. If you make a promise, keep it. If you have secret motivations or agendas, they make no difference in His grand plan. God is bigger than all of our mistakes, broken promises and heart issues.
When we are led by Jesus, we have perfect leadership over us. This chapter had me asking myself if I am inviting Jesus to take control as my leader, and commander over all things. Even false idols, and sin in my life. I know I’ve invited Jesus “into” these things from time to time. Inviting Him to observe and be gentle, but not over step the boundary lines I draw where I think I can handle it. I encourage you to invite Jesus to judge something difficult for you. Allow Him control over any pride, or even hidden things today. After all, isn’t it better to agree with His victories rather than be lead by the same cycles that bring fear and oppression? - Rachel Hood

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pick a Psalm to pray using P.R.A.Y. Pause to be still, Reflect on the verses, Ask God for help, & say Yes to Jesus.
Here are a few recommendations to begin your day w/ God: Psalm 5, Psalm 19, Psalm 20, Psalm 23 & Psalm 25
Further Focus: Reading and praying scripture to hear God in this way is called Lectio Divina.
Learn more about Lectio Divina here and practice using one of these apps.

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!