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 20
*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…
Judges describe a common dilemma throughout the book.  The people did what was right in their own eyes, but it was evil in the sight of the Lord. Chapter 20 describes the Israelites bringing judgment against the Benjamites for the evil act that was committed by a group of men in the city of Gibeah.  This evil act resulted in the rape and death of the concubine of a Levite.  The Levite brought his deceased concubine back to their hometown in Ephraim and cut her body into twelve parts, sending to all areas of Israel.   This angered the inhabitants of Israel and they demanded the wicked men of Gibeah be turned over for punishment.  However, the Benjamites would not comply and war broke out in the Promised Land. There was loss of life on both sides, but ultimately after fasting and prayer God gave the Israelites the victory.
Also, during the times of the Judges, the Isralites descended to very depths of moral and ethical depravity as did the men of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the days of Lot, which brought forth the judgment of God; because of the wickedness of men reaching the very heights of Heaven. The Lord God emphatically warned them about the consequences and devastation of forsaking, disobeying Him, and worshiping other gods/idols (that which takes the place of God) according to Deuteronomy 8 and other passages. There was huge loss of life on both sides, but ultimately after fasting and prayer God gave the Israelites the victory.
The moral and life application of today’s focus is to be careful not to drift from the principles of God as the Benjimites did.  In learning from the mistakes of the past biblical men and women, let us do right in the eyes of the Lord.  Deuteronomy 6:18a, “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you”. Let us live in agreement with Jesus; not my will Father but your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. - Colleen Payton

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!