Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
If you’re new to the Daily Focus, read this first.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 11:1-44 & Ezekiel 37:1-14
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
S = Say. What is the main point? What does it teach about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. Who can you share what you’re learning with today?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
When I read John 11: 1-44, the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, then reading Ezekiel 37: 1-14, of Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones coming alive again, I could not stop thinking about Crowder’s new song, “Grave Robber.” The meaning I always gleaned from the story in John was that just like Martha and Mary, God does not always act when, where or how we feel He should act. But He will act, as He sees fit, in His time, and for His glory. Reminding us that even death does not have the final word. The day of the resurrection is coming, and we will be called home to live for eternity in the presence of the Lord. Ezekiel’s vision also reminded me of that message. For when the Lord is ready, those who have gone on before us will be raised again, and made brand new, to live on in the glory of God. But after listening to Crowder’s new song, I have a new perspective on these verses. This song starts out with Crowder singing that he was a rebel who never behaved. He thought that he was past redemption, but then he sings these lyrics “ Thought a wretch like me couldn’t ever be saved. But everything changed, I remember the day when I heard Him calling my name.”   Just as Jesus stood outside Lazarus’s tomb and called his name, Jesus does the same for us. We may not think we are worthy of redemption as well. We may feel that we are buried by our sin, but the great news is that Jesus paid the price for us. This thought has been running through my head lately, like I said, especially after hearing this song. I can honestly say that if you knew me 50 years ago, and think you know me now, guess again. I am not that same girl, for you see, I heard Him calling my name! I was saved by that grave robber, my sin no longer buries me. Because “Like a thief in the night He snuck in took my life, I was dead now I’m alive and singing. “I got stolen by the grave robber, picked me up from that rock bottom, washed my soul in the Holy water, brought me back to life.“ I am that one sinner who was saved by amazing grace, you can be too. - Dawn Custer

*If you’re trusting Jesus as your Way for the first time or deciding all over again who Jesus is to you, we invite you to be baptized at Paradox on Sunday.

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you anxious or burdened?
Rejoice = Give thanks to God for the small and the significant things from the day.
Repent = Ask God for forgiveness where you need. Receive His forgiveness afresh.
Refocus = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!