Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
ENTER. Write down or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for from the last 24 hours. (Psalm 100:4)
Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
FOCUS. Breathe in & pray, Jesus I come to you. Pause & hold. Breathe out & pray, You give me rest. Repeat.
READ. Our Scripture Focus is Matthew 11:28. Try memorizing it during this study!
Today’s reading is from Genesis 1, Genesis 2:1-15 & Ecclesiastes 3:1
THINK. A Thought from Renee Richter…
When I read the passage for this day, I was surprised. Why is creation an example of rest? Why are we reading something about work while focusing on rest? Did you have the same question? I prayed and asked Jesus to show me what His thoughts were concerning this passage and rest, and I was reminded of what God - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - could accomplish on those six days of work without strain or struggle. There is an element of rest IN THE WORK. Rest can be experienced while working in harmony with each other. The Father spoke the words, Jesus is the Word (John 1:1, 14), and the Spirit enacted the Word while hovering on the earth. They worked in perfect unity. They knew their roles, and together, they created amazing things with peace and rest. So how does this example of harmony, peace, and rest translate into your everyday life? Know your role and be content in the role you have been given. No one role is more important than the next because, without each one, the project will not be complete in the way it was intended. When you look back at creation, do you see more than just the end result? The project is vital in its own right, but the relationship and teamwork displayed and accomplished are oftentimes just as valuable as the completed task.
Let’s also circle back to the element of working in harmony with Jesus. Each of us is responsible for many things throughout each day, but when we take the time to include Jesus in those tasks, moving in harmony with Him and the strength He provides, we can find His rest in the work. (1 Thess 5:24, Eph 1:19-20)
ASK. After each day’s reading, ask the following SOS Questions and write down your thoughts.
What does it (S) say? What is the main point? What does it teach you about God (Jesus), people, or yourself?
What can I (O) obey? What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
What truth can I (S) share? Who can you share what you’re learning with today?
PRAY. Pray the Lord’s Prayer or use one of the other resources at paradoxchurch.com/pray to guide you.
TALK. That was our take on today’s reading - what’s yours? Share thoughts and ask questions in the forum.
SHARE. Stay focused with a friend! Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

Stay focused on Jesus today, and make it a great one!