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)
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 Christmas Worship 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 Exodus 16:1-12 & John 6:22-40, 56-58
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…
One of the things I look forward to most about Christmas is, of course, the food! From warm Christmas cookies cooling on the counter to the smell of a roast that fills the entire house… it can be hard to wait to eat! I see the little kid in me (who am I kidding, the adult too) in the Israelites in today’s reading. A little impatient. Perhaps a little hangry. They complained about the food, saying it would have been better to work all day to sit next to a pot of food. God’s response? “I’m going to make it rain.” This is “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” level stuff. Every day, all the Israelites would have to do to be fully satisfied every day would be to wait, expect, and look… and God would provide more abundantly than they could imagine. They wouldn’t have to slave away. No need to pace yourself. Just think of it - no one would go hungry as long as they looked to God, expected (trusted) Him to provide, and waited. Years later, Jesus would say, “That’s me. I AM the Bread of Life.” In this Advent season of waiting, expecting, and looking, consider your hunger. Consider your complaint. Does it drive you to God who is able to provide abundantly? Or back into slavery for just a taste? Today, there’s no need to be envious of the ease with which the Israelites feasted. Jesus says He is the Bread of Life and promises that those who wait, expect, and look for Him will never have to go hungry. - DAVE KUBIAK

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
One simple way to “pray constantly” is to take “breather” moments throughout your day to pray.
Start by practicing one of these Advent Breath Prayers.

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!