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.
Further Focus: Declare what God’s Word says is true about who you are in Christ back to Him.

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 4:1 - Ephesians 5:1-21
*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…
One of the ways that We are the Church is by giving what we have to give to one another. That’s our 5G Focus for today. As you read Ephesians 4 and get into Ephesians 5 this week, pay attention to all the things God has given us. God has given us a calling (4:1) to walk in unity as one. God has given us grace and gifts (4:7 & 4:11) to equip and build up the church. While those that do not know God or follow Jesus have given themselves over to desires that lead to death, God has given us a new self (4:24) to put on. God has given us things to share with those in need (4:29), and God has given us forgiveness in Jesus Christ (4:32). Jesus gave himself up for us (5:2) as an offering. Therefore, (any time you see this word in scripture, as what it’s “there for”) we have things to offer back to God. We have something to give. Chapter 5 begins to get into what we can/should give God in response to all God has given us. Chapter 5 verse 15 says to pay attention to how we walk and make the best use of the time - we do that by giving our lives back to God as an offering. God has given us a calling - we offer our obedience by walking in it as one church. God has given us grace and gifts. We offer them back as an offering by serving God with them as “part” of the church. God has given us what we need to live. We offer it back to God as an offering by giving to the church and others. And God has given us forgiveness - which we offer back to God by forgiving others. Chapter 5 verse 20 gives us one more thing to give back to God - our thanks. Truly, that’s how we offer our worship to God: by giving back what God has given us. - Dave Kubiak

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray through Psalm 23, pausing after each line to thank God for everything He’s given.
Further Focus: Follow along with our International Prayer & Fast from Monday-Wednesday. Find more information on our Facebook & Instagram pages.

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!