Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
If you’re new to the Daily Focus, read this first.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Tim 5:17-25; 1 Tim 6:1-2
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Today's passage talked a lot about honor. Honor for those He has placed in some form of authority, guardianship over us.
Reading the word 'bondservant' or 'slave' in the Bible can immediately cause us to think of modern-day slavery such as what happened with the Atlantic slave trade or human trafficking. Maybe the question may arise: does God or the Bible condone slavery? In the Bible, when we read about someone being a bondservant, the word is more attached to the person laboring for someone else to pay off a debt or in order to make a living - employer/employee type relationships. This was not an abusive relationship or done by force or coercion as the term is more associated with in today's world. There were guidelines for bondservants in the Old Testament that provided protection and standards for how bondservants were to be treated. Freedom or release from debt or contract from being a bondservant was common after 7 years, paying off debt, if the master abused his servant or on the year of Jubilee. Just some good information to know historically as it is common for people to associate God and the Bible with supporting slavery in the way that we know it today.
But getting back to honor. God calls us to honor our elders and employers. It's one of the few things He encourages competition in: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10 If you have a competitive nature, this verse is for you! I am so thankful for the elder team God has put in place here at Paradox that serves to Govern, Guard & Guide our spiritual family. They pray for us, care for us, listen to God on our behalf, lead us and watch over us. Let's take some time to honor our Elder Team today for all they do for our Paradox church family. - Jessica Glenn

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you anxious or burdened?
Rejoice = Give thanks to God for the small and the significant things from the day.
Repent = Ask God for forgiveness where you need. Receive His forgiveness afresh.
Refocus = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. 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!