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 Hebrews 5:7-8. 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 14 & Exodus 12:21-28
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 Holly MacDonald
Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, had an alabaster flask of expensive oil which she poured out on Jesus’ head. Culturally at that time, the best ointments were usually reserved for the alabaster jar. In other words, Mary gave Jesus her best! The scriptures show us that Mary did this without explaining herself or preparing the others around her for what she was about to do… she simply did it. She lavishly and extravagantly worshipped Jesus as king by loving Him the best she knew how. It struck me today reading this passage that the bystanders’ response was judgement and criticism yet Jesus’ response was approval. Jesus said, she has done a good work and has done what she could (Mark 14:6,8). What a high compliment! We can only love Jesus with what we have been given. Even if it seems too extravagant for some, or not enough for others, we anoint our King Jesus with the best of what we have and He sees it! The truth is, radical devotion to Jesus can be shocking. Whether it’s being called to the mission field, selling possessions, giving generously, starting a group… whatever it is that God is calling you to do might even be offensive to those around you but the truth is, Jesus celebrates bold and risky faith! May we all be more like Mary today as we pour out the best gifts we have and surrender them to Jesus.
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!