Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.

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 21
*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
”In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” This is a common refrain in the last chapters or Judges. Israel repeatedly returns to sin and, lacking any leadership or authority outside of their own perspective, feeling, momentary desire, self-interest, or situation/circumstance. The results are tragic. We started this week with a little idol in the house and heart of a child. It grew. Sin always does. What started as something seemingly harmless (as long as you’re not hurting anyone, right?) was engrained into the heart of the next generation as religion and passed on to others. An unchallenged community and culture formed around living with little idols/sins and doing what was right in your own eyes. It came out in actions and relationships (Judges 19) and spread to entire families, cultures, and countries (Judges 20). It led to brokenness, division, war, death, and self-destruction. This is the inheritance of sin. Perhaps this hits home for you today. Not just in our modern culture, but in your own life. Thank God that while this may be the end of the book, it’s not the end of the story. Destruction sets the stage for God’s redemption. Remember, God loves you just as you are, not as you should be… and He loves you too much to let you stay that way. Turn the page into a new and better story today by making Jesus the king of your life. - Dave Kubiak

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
If you’re just starting out, try praying through a Ripple Prayer.
Further Focus: Use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
Going Deeper: 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!