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 Romans 8:28. 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, simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer.
Further Focus: Pray through the Lord’s Prayer using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE | 5-25 Minutes
Our scripture focus for this study is Ezra 3:11. Try memorizing it!
Today’s reading is from Ezra 6
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
What would you do if you knew the cost of seeing it through would be paid in full? What project would you start or dream might you pursue? Today’s reading displays a fundamental truth perfectly - God always funds His dreams. Scripture tells us in Philippians 1:6 that God’s faithfulness is part of who He is - and that means God always finishes what He starts. When we began reading in Ezra (1:1-2), God initiated the rebuilding of the temple. It was a dream that would be met with hardship and opposition. It was a project that would require workers, materials, and funding the Israelites didn’t have. But God is faithful to His promise. When we seek God first and building His kingdom, He is faithful to provide everything else that we need. Remember, God funds God’s dreams - which is why it’s always a safe bet to ask God to dream His dreams through us and build His kingdom through us. We often worry about the how, but our God is able to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine in ways that are not our ways. God is sovereign - which means that God sits on the throne, no matter who the king is. His plans will be accomplished. His kingdom will come. Worship - giving back to God out of everything that He has richly given - is our right and joyful response to our faithful King who provides! What can you give back to God as an act of worship and trust 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!