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 Judges 1
*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…
I don’t like the word “fail.” Most of us will go to great lengths to avoid failure. We’ll try, strive, work harder, and push. But that word is all over this opening chapter of Judges and, if I’m honest, it’s a word that’s all over my life to. Not in the sense that we’d think, though. Judges opens up with a promise from God, “I have handed the land over to him.” What follows is a failure to believe, a failure to trust, and a failure to completely obey. That’s the key word - completely. When it comes to following God’s commands, or invitations, we just don’t seem to have the same drive to see it through completely. Many of us find ourselves asking with the Israelites, “How much is enough? How far can I go? What’s the bare minimum?” Or comparing ourselves to others - I obey God a little, or at least a little more than the next guy. The truth is, when it comes to obedience, scripture (and experience) says we all fail. God’s call - His invitation - is to walk in complete obedience into everything God has for us. Not make friends with it. Not live comfortably with it. Not make it work for us (hey, whatever “works” for you…) Where has God invited you into complete obedience that you’ve failed to take hold of His goodness completely? Good news - we’ve all failed. But God’s love, God’s goodness, and God’s faithfulness never does. Thank God that Jesus’ obedience was complete on your behalf. He did all that God asked Him to do. He finished the work for us. Then, give yourself - every area - to Him in complete obedience and take hold of all the goodness of His promises for you today. - 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!