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 2 Kings 21:1-16, 2 Kings 23:26-27, Jeremiah 15:1-4 & 2 Chronicles 33:10-17 *Families: Read 2 Chronicles 33:10-17 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
Most people want to make an impact and leave a legacy. Manasseh certainly did - just not the kind you’d want. The one line that left an impression was 2 Kings 21:9 - Manasseh caused them to stray so that they did worse evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites. Let’s put it another way - the nation of Judah became one of the most evil ever under Manasseh’s leadership and influence. Do you ever think about the impact and influence you have on others? Their day, their mood, their attitude… their feelings, perspective, and beliefs about their circumstance, other people, the world, Christians… etc? You have influence. Which is why we need to be thoughtful about our impact. Where do those that “follow” you go? (Those that are closest to you, know you best, or you have “power” or influence over). Here’s the thing, though. No one wants to have a negative impact… but you don’t actually control it. Your idols determine your impact. Check out verse 11 - “by means of his idols (Manasseh) caused Judah to sin.” Even though Manasseh would later repent (see 2 Chronicles 33:12), the damage had been done. Like toothpaste, once evil gets out it’s impossible to get back in. Repentance - agreeing with Jesus and making a change - removes our condemnation, but it doesn’t remove the consequences. That’s why it’s so important to deal with our idols when they’re on the inside - small and hidden. Take a few moments to Tend Your Heart today. This one small act now could make a bigger and more lasting impact than you could imagine.
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!