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 John 14:2-3, Acts 1:3-11, Revelation 19:11-16 & Revelation 22:20
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…
Over the years there have been people who have predicted the return of Christ. In 2012, I was a high school youth leader when that last world-end prediction occurred. I spent many evenings on the phone reassuring students that all was well. That when Jesus returns to us, we will not know the hour or the day. “How do I know this?” you may ask. I know this, because Jesus told us this very thing. In Acts 1:6-7, it says “Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” As these students fretted over the end of the world as we know it, I was hoping above all hope, that perhaps He truly was returning for us. For you see; we have been reassured several times in scripture that Jesus has gone before us to prepare a dwelling place in heaven with Him. Oh what a glorious day to get to spend eternity in the presence of the Lord. Growing up in the late 50s and 60s, us “Love Children” dreamed of a day that all the Earth would live in peace and harmony. Our song was “Get Together” by the Youngbloods. I still have these lyrics running through my mind, “Come on, people now smile on your brother everybody get together try to love one another, right now. Some may come and some may go, he will surely pass, When the one that left us here, returns for us at last. We are but a moment’s sunlight fading in the grass, Come on, people now smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another, right now.” You see even then, we knew that it was Jesus who would return for us at last. But we longed for a world of love, reflecting the love Christ showed us. If we could have achieved this, oh what a wonderful world it would be. Sadly, alas, ‘twas not to be.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, angles appeared to the disciples and told them that Jesus would return some day the way they saw Him go. He will not return as an innocent baby in a manger, He is going to return as the rider on the white horse, as we are told by John in Revelation 19: 11-16. This can be a frightening image for the person who is not secure in their true faith in the lord. I pray that the day He comes to judge the “sheep from the goats” that I am told by Him, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Do I fall short of His glory daily? You bet I do, but I confess my sin and ask for forgiveness, knowing that He loves me so very much, that He was willing to die for me. Remember that we are all created in His image, we are all loved by Him. It is up to us to accept Him as our Lord and Savior. To love one another, just as He loved us. We need to daily “Pick up our cross and follow Him”, so that one day He will welcome us home, to spend eternity, dwelling with Him. Oh What a Glorious Day that will be. - Dawn Custer

*Note: The Daily Focus will be texted at 8am on Monday, January 1st.
If you’d like your Focus earlier, it will be posted on paradoxchurch.com/focus at 5am.

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, or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.

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!