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.
THANK. Write down or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for from the last 24 hours.
PRAY. Pray the Lord’s Prayer, a Ripple Prayer, or find more at paradoxchurch.com/pray.
FOCUS. Our memorization & meditation focus for this study is John 1:12-13.
READ. Today’s reading is from 1 Kings 1:32-40, 1 Kings 3:1-15, 1 Kings 4:29-31, 1 Kings 8:35-61, 1 Kings 9:1-7 & 1 Kings 11 *Families: Read 1 Kings 3:1-15 with your kids.
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 Dave
What did Solomon ask for in today’s reading? I’m willing to bet you just said, “Wisdom.” Sometimes we think we saw something because we’re expecting to. And in this case, we may have heard it said that Solomon asked for wisdom so many times that we’ve come to simply accept it. But when we look a little closer, we begin to understand just what Solomon’s request was - and why God was so pleased to answer it. I love the way the CSB translates 1 Kings 3:9 - “God, give me a receptive heart.” The Hebrew word often translated ‘understanding’ is ‘shama’, which means to hear, to listen, or to obey. And, the Hebrew word often translated ‘mind’ is ‘leb’, which is overwhelmingly translated heart. Given the chance to ask for anything, Solomon asks God for a listening heart that obeys. There’s a connection between our heart, mind, and actions - a connection that Solomon seemed to understand. Later, in Proverbs 3:5-7, Solomon says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” When our heart is listening, receptive, and obedient - we think God’s thoughts after Him, also known as “discernment.” It’s knowing what is true, good, right, and real. We know them because our heart hears them from God, whose thoughts are not like ours. Neither are His ways. When we posture our heart to hear and obey God, we know the truth (which sets us free) to live, act, and do. The question becomes, what do you want more than anything? Jesus says that when we seek Him first (with all our heart, mind, and strength), He is happy to “add” everything else as we follow Him.
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!