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 8
*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 is very easy for me when reading the old testament to get highly judgemental of the people from that era, especially the Israelites. I look back with 3000 years of hind sight and shake my head with disdain. “You guys have generations of stories of God doing the miraculous on your behalf, and he JUST delivered you from murderous enemies by way of a ridiculously tiny army. Why do you then turn around and walk away from him to worship other things?!” But, before I allow myself to get too angry with them, I need to remember a couple things. 1) We do the same thing!!! The gods that we gravitate toward aren’t sacred trees or golden statues. We tend to give our attention and resources to gods like entertainment, human agendas, and substances that bring temporary pleasure to our bodies. When we make these, or anything else, more important than God, we are following the same destructive pattern as those ancient people. 2) We know Jesus! They had the words of the prophets, God’s promises and miraculous signs, but we have something better. The fulfillment of many of those promises through Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God himself to encourage, comfort and guide us. So, when times get tough or we are feeling distraught or we are lacking direction, let’s guard against our tendencies to turn toward false gods. Let us instead take Gideon’s advise from verse 23 today and let the Lord rule over us. He alone is mighty to save. - Mike Nank

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
If you’re just starting out, simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer.
Further Focus: Pray through the Lord’s Prayer using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

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!