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 John 13 & Psalm 51:6-7
ASK. After reading, ask the following SOS Questions & journal your thoughts.
S = Say. What does it say? What is the main point? What does it teach you about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can I obey? What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. What truth can I share? Who can you share what you’re learning with today?
THINK. A Thought from Bill Gaultiere (from Soul Shepherding)
Jesus’ first order of business on the Monday of Holy Week was to visit the temple. There he sees the corrupt priests and their workers extorting the poor and other people that came to buy a sacrifice and worship God (Matt. 21:12-17). So he gets out a whip and drives away religious abusers from the people who are seeking God’s tender mercy. Jesus’ anger gets all the attention in this scene and sometimes he’s even portrayed like he’s a madman. But this is a scene of fierce compassion for the poor and needy. The whip of Jesus made space for outsiders to come to him freely and receive healing. (He offers the same ministry to the insider religious leaders and some became his followers.) How do you feel about anger? Your anger? Other people’s? When you experience angry judgment or abuse from someone, it’s shaming. If your inner critic is active, then shame can come on you like an avalanche. The worst is when condemnation comes in the name of God as was happening in the temple in Jesus’ day. This is religious abuse. Jesus feels empathy for you. He experienced religious abuse even as a young person from a poor family visiting the temple and experiencing the unjust system. Throughout his life he was looked down upon, rejected, and mistreated. Our Lord’s empathy motivates him to rise up to defend and protect you and all who are mistreated or judged. On Holy Monday Jesus ministers the tender mercy of God to you.
PRAY. Jesus, thank you for protecting the vulnerable and oppressed. Thank you for welcoming the outsider and making space for us to receive the Father’s tender mercy. We bring to you the areas of our lives where we have felt judgment or abuse from others and ask for your healing. You are our ever present strength and help in time of need. We ask for your tender touch on each of the needs in our lives. Amen. *Join Paradox in The Lent Event. Learn more at paradoxchurch.com/lent, and sign up for an Hour of Prayer here. Use this Hour of Prayer Guide to help you.
WORSHIP. Join us for Holy Week & Easter Events this week at Paradox!
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!