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 18
*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…
I would venture to say that for most of us, on most occasions, we do not seek God’s input on our decisions. We are more apt to act on what feels right to us (which is usually what will bring us the most short term happiness), what the world says we should do, or maybe we consult someone we know (usually someone we think we will give us the answer we want to hear). This is the normal human M.O. It was back in the days of the Judges as well, when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes”. In our reading chapter 18 today, we see that the Danites wanted a good chunk of land to call their own. So they went to the Lord and asked him what they should do, right? No. They sent scouts to find an easy target for them to conquer. But the scouts went to the Lord, right? No, they found a priest who was tied to their God by title only who was leading a household to worship idols who had a personal agenda to tell them what they wanted to hear and they asked him. In short, the Danites did whatever they wanted. As a result they did conquer a people, stole and burned their town, and then hired the same priest to lead them spiritually who brought the idols with him. Yeesh.
Back to us… we pull the same poop. We justify our ungodly decisions based on what our “needs” are. We find others, even other Christians, who will tell us we are justified (hello social media). But, we seldom consult God directly. What does that look like? Ask him what we should do and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, read his Word daily so we know better the voice of God when we ask, and consult those who have a history of making tough, Godly decisions. Don’t be a Danite! - Mike Nank

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!