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 2
*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…
Let’s be real. The world is a nasty place. Our planet does not share its resources with us easily or without significant cost. Our fellow planet dwellers have a natural inclination to keep their resources in a closed fist, and they will use that fist to forcefully take from us if given the chance. This has been our state since the Fall. When our first ancestors, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God and chose their own way it established a pattern of behavior that man has followed since then. We chose to leave the safety of God’s loving leadership and we face the consequences of a violent world filled with selfish people. This pattern is on full display in today’s reading from Judges 2. The Israelites were rescued by God from slavery and brought home to a fertile land. God even drove out the enemies in front of them. However, within one generation, the people were already forgetting about God, worshipping other gods, and trusting in themselves over God. As a result of their disobedience and irreverence for God, he lifted his protection and the waiting world was quick to start devouring the Israelites in a number of physical and spiritual ways. In verse 22 God even says: “I did this to test Israel and to see whether or not they would keep the Lord’s way by walking in it…”. The world is just waiting to harm us, and God will allow it in order to test us. He is the wise father and we the rebellious teenagers. Will we remember that life under his roof and with his rules is better and return to him? For he is also a kind and forgiving father and is always waiting to welcome us home. - Mike Nank

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!