Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.

WORSHIP | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He’s done.
Start by playing some worship music you love, or choose from one of our Spotify Playlists.
Journal or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
Going Deeper: Pray Philippians 1:6. Focus on one truth about who God is & thank Him for it.

PRAYER | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Start praying for yourself using the Lord’s Prayer or pray for others using a Ripple Prayer.
Going Deeper: Learn more about prayer & try out a practice at paradoxchurch.com/pray.

SCRIPTURE | 5-25 Minutes
Our scripture focus for this study is Romans 3:23-24. Try memorizing it!
Today’s reading is from Romans 8:31-39
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?
Going Deeper: Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. What is the “treasure” we have in clay jars? How does this change how you view hardship in your life?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING
If there’s one misunderstanding that I’ve seen and heard more than almost any other over the years, it’s that “believing in God” or following Jesus should improve your life/comfort/happiness, fix all your problems, and generally make life pain-free. Jesus is seen as an upgrade from the struggle bus to 1st class seating through life. Then, when hardship, trials, or pain come, we’re left to wonder… “Doesn’t God love me?” The equation many operate with is “God of Love + Love God back = Good Stuff Happens.” So it would make sense, if that is true, that when bad things happen, either I haven’t loved God enough or God doesn’t love me. In the face of hardship, our enemy Satan will throw accusation at you - “You didn’t love God well enough!” Paul reminds us that it is God who justifies. Satan will condemn us - “You deserve this! God is punishing you!” Paul reminds us that Jesus took our death, overcame it, and now (instead of condemning us), Jesus is interceding on our behalf! He is not against us, Jesus is FOR us! Satan will point out the pain and try to persuade you that God doesn’t love you. He will try to separate you from Him because of it. Paul reminds us that there is NOTHING that can separate us from the love of God for us in Jesus and, even more, that we too are more than conquerors. God’s love always wins. It goes through anything. And because of it, there’s nothing we can’t get through. Are you afflicted today? Perplexed? Persecuted? Struck down? God loves you in it. God is for you. God is with you. And God will get you through. Take it to Him today. - Dave Kubiak

SHARE | 1-5 Minutes
Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
Going Deeper: Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!