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 6:5-9
*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…
In this letter, Paul explains the marvelous things we have inherited through Christ and refers to the church as a body to exemplify unity together with all the other parts. The Apostle Paul exhorts that the body of believers in Christ, (the church) should demonstrate the highest moral standards in all relationships of life. In today’s passage of focus, when Paul penned this letter, the Roman Empire had several million slaves. Because the Gospel spread throughout this region many slaves and owners had become Christians, the early church had to deal directly with the master-slave relations. In making this relationship applicable to our current society, Paul’s instructions encourage responsibility and integrity on the job. Christian employees should perform their work with excellence and have a good attitude as if Jesus Christ was their supervisor. Christians employers should treat their employees with fairness, honesty and respect. Can you be trusted to do your job, even when the boss is not around? Do you work hard and with enthusiasm? Do you treat your employees as people, not just tools or servants? We should always be mindful that no matter who you work for;  and no matter who works for you, the one you ultimately should want to please is your Father in heaven. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, knowing we have the same Master in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. - Lawrence Payton

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pick a Psalm to pray using P.R.A.Y. Pause to be still, Reflect on the verses, Ask God for help, & say Yes to Jesus.
Here are a few recommendations to begin your day w/ God: Psalm 5, Psalm 19, Psalm 20, Psalm 23 & Psalm 25
Further Focus: Reading and praying scripture to hear God in this way is called Lectio Divina.
Learn more about Lectio Divina here and practice using one of these apps.

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!