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 & let it play in the background.
FOCUS. Breathe in & out slowly. Pray, Jesus, you gave yourself for me. I give myself to you.
THANK. Write down or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for from the last 24 hours.
WORSHIP. Read Daniel 7:13-14. Focus on one truth about who God is & thank Him for it.
PRAY. Pray the Lord’s Prayer, a Ripple Prayer, or find more at paradoxchurch.com/pray.
READ. Today’s reading is from Mark 8-9:1 & 2 Samuel 7:10-16
ASK. After reading, ask the following SOS Questions & journal your thoughts.
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?
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Mike
What Jesus says at the end of Mark 8 is very challenging and important. In verse 35 he states a pivotal paradox: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it.” This was a huge moment for Jesus’ disciples. A real: are you in or out?” moment. But look what he did before this. He showed him his compassion and power by miraculously feeding the crowds (again). He then asked them who they believed him to be. (Wouldn’t make sense for them/us to give their/our lives up for anyone who isn’t God himself.) He then tells them God’s plan for redemption, that he would die for us and rise again. Only then, after they have experienced him and defined him can they follow him. The challenge they faced so long ago has been in front of billions of people since and awaits our answer today. Who do you say that he is? If he is God himself, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, then are you willing to lose your life to save it? To give up your worldly ambitions and cravings to find something more lasting and beautiful? If yes, ask Jesus today what cross he would have you carry at this time. If you are not ready to accept this, pray that God would further reveal himself and explain this paradox to you.
TALK. That was our take - what’s yours? Share thoughts & 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!