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 7
*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…
Some days it takes some thought, some time, even some work to see what God has for you in scripture. Not today. Today, I didn’t get past the title. “God Selects Gideon’s Army.” Emphasis on God. When it comes to getting the win, it’s not just God’s will, it’s God’s way. Here’s what I mean. In the previous chapter, we read that God called Gideon to go into battle... and Gideon said yes. Did he have his doubts? Sure. Did He hesitate? Absolutely. But at the opening of chapter 7, here is Gideon - camped outside enemy territory, army assembled, ready to say ‘yes’ to God again and put his life on the line in battle… and therein lies the problem. God says Gideon is too strategic. Too prepared. Too “in control.” He had done too much. Now, if I’m Gideon, I might think I had earned a little preparation… that I was entitled to a little control. I did say yes to God, after all. But that’s not really how following Jesus works. When it comes to God, we say yes to the “Who” - not to the “how.” And that might feel scary (Gideon was afraid too), but this is actually good news. People are often tempted to do too little… and we’re often tempted to do too much. When God is in it, you don’t need 22,000 people whose hearts aren’t. What if, even though it doesn’t make sense, the victory was only in going to battle with an army of 300 and there was actually defeat with an army of 33,000? How? Why? We don’t know. But we trust in God whose thoughts and ways are not just different than ours, but higher. Is there a yes that you need to say not just to God’s will, but to God’s way 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!