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 Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 31:12-17, Mark 2:23-28 & Mark 3:1-5
THINK. A Thought from Holly MacDonald…
Jesus was counter-cultural, wasn’t he? Sometimes I read through the four Gospels, I am a little shocked at the way Jesus shakes things up. Jesus knew and held God’s commands with the highest regard. Jesus and His disciples practiced and honored the Sabbath themselves. He never violated God’s command; however, Jesus knew that man had attached many legalistic additions to it and people were tired and burdened trying to keep up. Jesus came to free every one of the burdens and call the people back to the original intention of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is about unity and communion with God. When we honor the Sabbath, we acknowledge the Lordship of Christ in our lives, we make room for God and His purposes, and we commune with Him and those around us. Sabbath rest is an invitation to practice hosting the presence of God. As a church, we recently went through a Sabbath series where we were challenged to implement this rhythm into our everyday lives. Take time to reflect today on how that rhythm is going for you. Are you still practicing the Sabbath weekly? If not, that’s okay! This is a new week and a new chance for you to try again! Look at your calendar this week and decide on a day or block of time to get back into the rhythm of Sabbath practice.
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!