Good Morning!
If you’re new here, welcome! 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)
Each day of this study, look for the #21DaysofThankfulness challenge in the Focus.
1. Start out by writing or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or use this Thanksgiving Playlist.

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 Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, Genesis 2:4-9, 15, Nehemiah 2:11-18, Psalm 90:17, Acts 20:35 & Colossians 3:17
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?
One of the best ways to learn more about the Bible is by discussing it with others.
Work through this week’s Discussion Guide and meet up with a Paradox Lifegroup.

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Thanksgiving is tomorrow! The season of gratitude and thankfulness is only just beginning. But maybe there are some areas of life that you’re not always thankful for…if we’re being honest. Our work, job, career, position, etc. can be one of those at times. I’m sure we’d all love to be sitting on a beach by the ocean in the sun or reaching the summit of the most beautiful mountains and taking in all of its beauty. But that’s not reality for most people or even if it is it would probably be considered their “job” or “work”. God has placed each of us in a position here on this earth to put our hands, hearts, and minds to work on a daily basis…unto his glory. Yes, there is an earthly task to accomplish but what if our work was so much more than that. What if we actually chose to view it in a different light. What if we dared to be THANKFUL to go to work every day. In Ecclesiastes Solomon says that it is good and appropriate to find joy in the work we do here on earth. God has a greater purpose for us in our work than we can even see with our own eyes and he has also called us to find joy in what we do! In one study it showed that only 13% of American find joy or excitement in what they do. I can assure you, based off scripture, that that’s not all that God has for us in our work. Maybe a perspective shift is needed, maybe we need to eat a piece of humble pie and realize our work isn’t about us, or maybe we are being called into a new job or new area of work but regardless of what you’re doing, there is always the invitation to meet God in it and share him with others. And that, my friends, will always bring us more joy. Let’s focus on the One we’re most thankful for and ask him how he’s inviting us to meet him in our work.- Cecelia Thapa

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
1. Try memorizing and meditating on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 during this study.
2. Read Colossians 3:17. Do an “Everything” exercise. Pick a period of time and find a way to thank God for literally everything. #21DaysofThankfulness

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
Every new person that signs up for the Focus until December 1st gets entered to win a steak dinner!

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!