Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
ENTER. Write down or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for from the last 24 hours.
FOCUS. Slowly breathe in… and out. Pray, Jesus, I surrender to you today and trust in you.
READ. Our Scripture Focus is 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. Try memorizing it during this study!
Today’s reading is from 1 Chronicles 17 & Romans 1:1-6
THINK. A Thought from Holly MacDonald…
David wanted to do something for God. He was living in a house made of cedar, which was a valuable resource, meaning David lived in a nice house! It bothered Him that “God’s House”, the ark of the covenant, found it’s home under tent curtains. I love Nathan’s response to David’s idea… “Do it, God is with you.” (1 Chronicles 17:2). It’s not a bad response, really, it’s even encouraging. His encouragement is not necessarily filled with things that are untrue even. God is with David, of course! In fact, I’ve probably said something similar to friends many times. However, my language is a little more like, “Go for it”.  Today’s scripture reminds us though, that even the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing! It’s God who is the author of His story. He is the one in charge.  The answer to all of the things that we want to see changed or fixed, or maybe even the problems in this life that give you 'holy anger' is not always… “Go fix it, now”!  The answer is found in our submission to God’s plans, His timing, and His purposes. David’s response to God’s revelation is one of humility, praise, and submission to God’s decisions, promises, and commands. Today, let’s pray for a heart like David. A heart that is willing to let go of control and our timing, abandon all outcomes, and a heart willing to give all authority back to God, where it belongs.
PRAY. Join Paradox in Prayer & Fasting this Lent. Learn more at paradoxchurch.com/lent.
In this Lent season, we’ll be using the P.R.A.Y. model of prayer.
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, pause and be still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the passage of the day (from the Daily Prayer Guide) slowly and be sensitive to the words or phrases that the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. Yield your life to the words you have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’ way.
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!