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 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 Jeremiah 23:5-6, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 57:2-3, Romans 15:4-13 & Revelation 5:5
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…
Nearly 6 years ago, my wife April and I sat in a movie theater and enjoyed one of the most fun and intense movies ever: Avengers: Infinity War. Spoiler alert…the ending is horrible. Like the absolute worst. Evil won the day, and it looked like all hope was lost. April was mad. She thought it was a crappy ending to a movie. I LOVED it. “Why?” you ask. Because I knew there was a part II coming, and I knew good would have the final victory. Likewise in life, it is easier to endure hardships knowing that in the end…good wins. For the people of Israel, they had the promises of God brought to them by prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Promises of a messiah, a savior who would come with God’s power and authority to deliver an oppressed people. And it happened. God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus. “The Spirit of the Lord rested on him, a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Jesus scored a decisive victory over evil and death.
However, here we are now, living in a time where it again looks as though evil is winning and the light of hope is often dim. Do not fear. We have the words of Jesus himself and prophets like Paul to assure us that the same God who promised messiah would come, has promised he will return, this time ushering in everlasting peace. “The wolf will dwell with the lamb.” This unshakeable, unbreakable promise should be the thing that allows us to endure the trials of this life with confidence. God wins, and we his children will enjoy the spoils of victory thanks to Jesus. - 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, or pray through the Lord’s Prayer using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

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.

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