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 15:26-27, John 16 & Joel 2:28-29
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)
It seems that Wednesday of Holy Week was a quiet day of blessing for Jesus. It was the calm before the storm of the cross. He may have spent his day resting at the home of his dear friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany (just two miles outside of Jerusalem). It was here that Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with very expensive ointment. Imagine the delightful fragrance that came from Jesus’ feet and filled the house and the events of Holy Week. Even as Jesus hung on the cross, he and everyone nearby could smell the sweet aroma coming from his nail pierced and bleeding feet. Surely, this reminded him of Mary’s kindness and how his Abba was loving him through her. Mary’s act of devoted love deeply ministered to Jesus, but his disciples thought it was a waste of money and they criticized her. The Lord stood up for her. He publicly thanked her and prophesied that what she did would be told as part of his gospel forever (Matt. 26:6-13). As with Mary, when you devote yourself to Jesus with affection and reverence, some people will criticize you as being too emotional or not productive enough. But nothing is more important than cultivating intimacy with Jesus. The beautiful fragrance of Mary’s offering points to Jesus’ sacrifice of perfect love on the cross. When we receive our Savior’s mercy, the horror of the abuse and pain he endured is transformed into the most glorious event in history.
PRAY. Thank you Jesus for your unfailing grace to us! You forgive our sins and empower us to do what is good and loving. We want to make intimacy with you our highest priority. Like Mary, we pour out our gratitude and devotion to you, praying that our Abba will make it a sweet aroma for you and many other people. 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!