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. Our Scripture Focus is 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Try memorizing it during this study!
Today’s reading is from 1 Timothy 2:1-15 (Go Deeper: Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8 & Hebrews 4:14-16)
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Dave…
Ever noticed how hard it is to focus on what’s important when you’re distracted? Our world is full of them. We get caught up in them on social media, at family gatherings, and sadly, even at church. Our reasons why - our goals - can vary, but the result is the same. Distractions, arguments, fights and division. Paul writes that our goal should be to live a tranquil, quiet, godly life. Why? Because that enables us to pursue God’s goal - that everyone be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (He goes on to specify which “truth” that is in verses 5 & 6). Toward that end, we should pray for our leaders and authorities - that they would lead well so that we would not have to deal with the many distractions that get in the way of our goal - salvation and knowledge of the truth in Jesus. Are you fighting the good fight (1 Tim 1:18), or a different one? Is God’s goal our goal? If so, fight on your knees. Spend time praying for “kings and all those in authority.”

A note on verses 8-15. This short daily text message is intended to encourage, inspire and help you focus on God each day. It is not intended for in-depth Bible study, especially for passages that are more difficult to understand. For those, I recommend community. Read scripture with a good study Bible or commentary. Get in a LifeGroup or reach out to have a conversation with a pastor. Most importantly, don’t let the parts of scripture that are unclear or you don’t understand keep you from putting into practice what is clear and you do understand. Always read verses in context, with the main point in mind. At Paradox Church, we affirm the equal value of women. We believe Scripture (which is our authority for faith and practice) teaches that God empowers both men and women with every type of spiritual gift and invites both genders to operate in the fullness of their uniqueness, gifting and calling within the church today - including holding leadership roles. For more on why, please reach out to ask!

LIVE. One practical way to understand and apply the Bible is the SOS method. Ask…
S: What does this passage say about God, and what does it say about me?
O: What am I being invited to obey?
S: What can I share with those around me?
PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a lifegroup/church friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations. Pick one each day or pray through them all every day.
CONNECT. Have a question, prayer request, or story? Let us know here or reply via text.
SHARE. Invite a friend to read the Focus with you! Just text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

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