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 5-6
*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…
It may not seem like it at first glance, but the final few chapters of Ephesians are full of implications for our final “G"“ - Going. These chapters make it clear that one need not go far to find opportunities to “go.” In fact, the mission field is all around us. As imitators of God, we’re reminded that mission isn’t just something we do - it’s who we are. Your life is your mission, and the way that we live it matters. Ephesians 5 actually says we “partner” with God or with evil by the way we walk - the things we do/don’t do and the things we say/don’t say. In light of this, we should think carefully about how we live and the effect our life has on those around us - our mission field. So as we focus not just on “going” but on “being” today, take a look at the places God already has you. Start in your marriage. How can submitting to one another out of love and reverence for Jesus actually be a mission? Think carefully about how you parent and the mission field that is the next generation! You can even think through your workplace - how might Jesus be shown and glorified in the way you work? Finally, don’t forget the spiritual reality of our mission. As we live this mission, we’re going to face resistance. Pray. Stand firm in the truth. Know who you are and whose you are. Protect yourself - put on the full armor available to you in Jesus as you engage in this daily battle. You’ll be pushing back the gates of hell as you do. - Dave Kubiak

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Ask God to be what you need Him to be for you today. One simple way is to pick one of God’s Names to pray.
Further Focus: It’s often helpful to look back before moving forward. As you begin a new week, look back over the last one and ask God to meet you in this new one. This kind of reflective prayer is called an Examen.

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!