Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.

THANK. Write down 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
WORSHIP. Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
READ. Today’s scripture reading is from Ezekiel 36:26, Genesis 3:1-13 & Ephesians 2:1-10

THINK. An Invitation to Lent from Pastor Dave…
For more than a thousand years, Christians around the world have observed the Lenten season and today we are invited (not required) to reflect on the reality of sin and its consequence - death. Lent is a long, slow season. From Wednesday (commonly known as “Ash Wednesday”) to Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Sunday), we remember our need for forgiveness in order to truly rejoice in the unmatched, indescribable way our loving and merciful God meets that need. Over the next six weeks, we’ll be walking through the Old Testament book of Ezekiel together a story of holy judgment, merciful restoration, ever-present hope, and the promise of salvation. Ezekiel portrays the grim reality of sin with graphic metaphors meant to grab our attention and wake us up to the reality of sin: a destructive, evil affront to all that is good and how everything was created to be. As we read Ezekiel together, notice how deeply sin grieves God, and how deeply sin breaks community and relationship. Take time to acknowledge, grieve, and confess your own sin. And do so remembering the completed work of Jesus Christ on your behalf, knowing how this story ends in everlasting life for all who follow Him.

LIVE. Today, begin asking God how He might be inviting you to encounter Him in this season of Lent.
Fasting: Choose a meal, day, or certain food(s) to go without in order to focus more on God. You might also consider a fast from certain technologies, social media, behaviors/habits, etc. Find more info here.
Time with God: Make a plan to increase your time in scripture and prayer. Set aside additional time at lunch, wake up an hour earlier each day, and/or turn off technology earlier before bed each night.
Journaling: Is there something specific you want to hear from God about? Or a way you want to encounter Him? Write down anything God highlights, brings to mind, or feels relevant each day to review after Lent.
Prayer: Commit to praying for the people below, or one person specifically throughout Lent. Invite them to one of the many Easter events, experiences, and services at Paradox.

PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations.
CONNECT. Have a question, prayer request, or story? Connect with Us or reply to this text to let us know.
SHARE. Know someone who would love the Daily Focus? Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

Run the race with endurance today, and stay focused on Jesus.
Make it a Great One!