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 Hosea 14:4-7. 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 11
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 1 Peter 2:7-10. List all of God’s actions, and why God does them.

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING
In this chapter Paul is specifically addressing the Gentiles who are also Christian. Paul recognizes the struggle, and attitude produced as a result of learned behavior from the Israelites towards them in the past, and maybe how it affected their hearts towards them. Gods plan for His church is unity. We are growing together in a community of believers equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit wherever we go.
Verse 18 sticks out to me as Paul paints a picture that sends a message of mercy followed by kindness.
In our brokenness we hold to what we know. How we approach and respond to others is another indicator of where our hearts are. Do I celebrate the masterpiece I see growing next to me? Do I display Gods kindness to others when I’m in the position to do so? Even if we seemingly have no common ground, can I be a person of peace with eyes that see God in all his mercy, and in all his kindness? We can use the gifting each of us has been given by God to invest in each other, and be amazed by what God can do in and through His Church. Continuing to bloom together like all things that grow. Heavenward.
A common theme of where my thoughts would go when I was reading the chapter would be complicated family dynamics. It made me think of birth order, and what it means to be a first, middle or youngest. There are specific trials each position in the family goes through, and sometimes those things conflict with the direction or character of the other. The end of the chapter starting in v32 I find encouragement. Paul is saying that through these trials we can still head in the direction of Jesus. All as full members of the same family. God will prune where he deems necessary, graft more family in generously, and provide for abundantly. - Rachel Hood

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!