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.
Further Focus: Read Haggai 1:12-15 & 2:1-9. 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.
If you’re just starting out, try praying through a Ripple Prayer.
Further Focus: Use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.

SCRIPTURE | 5-25 Minutes
Our scripture focus for this study is Ezra 3:11. Try memorizing it!
Today’s reading is from Ezra 4:24 & Ezra 5
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?
Further Focus: One of the best ways to learn more about the Bible is by discussing it with others.
Work through this week’s Lifegroup Discussion Guide and meet up with a Paradox Lifegroup. *Coming Soon!

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING
I couldn’t take my mind off of the first line I read today. “Construction stopped and remained at a standstill.” Do you ever feel stuck? Tired of waiting? Exhausted by opposition? Worn out? We spend so much of our life waiting for the right conditions, the right timing, or a clear sign. What I love about today’s reading is first a simple truth about God: even in the waiting and in the wondering, God is working. Chapter 5:2 says that the prophets of God were with them, helping them. Verse 5 says that God was “watching over” them. And their response? Boldness. Their identity, even in the midst of opposition, hardship, and waiting was to identify themselves as servants of God (5:11) and rebuild. They simply did the work that God has asked them to do. The work that was right in front of them. Right where they were. Right at that time. They did the work. THEN the breakthrough would come. Are there areas of your life that feel stuck? Where you’re facing opposition? Where you’re waiting? What would it look like for you to declare Ezra 5:11 over yourself and your situation today, and do the work that is right in front of you? Go back, read it again, and declare… “I am the servant of the God of the heavens and earth, and I am rebuilding…” - 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!