Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
If you’re new to the Focus, take as long as you’d like or are able in each segment.
Further Focus is an optional, additional practice to help you go further with Jesus.

WORSHIP FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
1. Start by journaling or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or choose from one of our Spotify Playlists.
3. Declare what God’s Word says is true about who you are in Christ back to Him.
Further Focus: Sing a song of worship, or read Psalm 16, to lift up your eyes to Jesus.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Today’s reading is from Ephesians 1:1-14
*Focusing as a Family? Find Paradox on the Parent Cue App
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?
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.

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
You see it sometimes in movies. A character carries a treasured letter or recording from a loved one with them at all times, and occasionally reads/listens to it. The truths in that correspondence help to center the character, remind them of their purpose, and reconnect them with the beloved person who originally sent it.
These opening verses in Ephesians could/should be that for us. A love letter from God that reminds us of who we are in him and how he cares for us. Just soak in a few of these excerpts:
God has blessed us…
He chose us and adopted us as his children…
In him we have redemption…
Forgiveness…
Wisdom and understanding…
Inheritance…
Salvation…
His Holy Spirit…
We would do well to read these 14 verses daily to reorient our hearts and minds to accept the truth and love of our Lord. If you breezed through the reading today, please go back and read it again slowly. - Mike Nank

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray for Yourself. “Father God, tenderize my heart to receive your love today. Is there anything holding me back from receiving your love? Help me to know this love that surpasses knowledge and receive it today.”
Pray for your Church Family. “Father God, bless _____________ today. Help him/her to know your love that surpasses knowledge. Give me wisdom to know how to love this person well. Is there any small way I can serve or love them today?”
Pray for Others who don’t Know Jesus. “Father God, bless _____________ today. Draw them to yourself to know the great love of Jesus. Give me wisdom to know how to love this person well. Is there any small way I can serve or love them today?”
Further Focus: Spend time simply listening. Ask God to show you wonderful things in His Word.
• What does this tell me about God’s love for me? • What does this tell me about God’s love for others?

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
Further Focus: 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!