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 15
*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…
As we engage in today’s scriptural focus on Samson, whom God raised up to be a Judge in Israel to begin the rescue of the Israelites from 40 years of Philistines’ oppression. God chose and ordained Samson before his birth to be dedicated to the Lord under a  special Nazarite vow from his birth unto his death. The requirement of those under a Nazarite vow or living as a Nazarite was three-fold, (1) to abstain from wine and all other grape products, such as vinegar, wine, grapes and raisins, (2) refrain from cutting of the hair on the head, and (3) not to become impure, unclean, or defiled by coming into contact with corpses, graves of animals, and even those of family members. Samson was hand-picked by God to be mighty and to do supernatural exploits and at the same time he was marred with character flaws, weaknesses, and imperfections throughout his life.  Samson (the strongest man who ever lived) having the commonality with Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived) loved strange, foreign, and pagan women. The Apostle Paul, the greatest writer of the New Testament would call this union as being unequally yoked with unbelievers ( 2Cor 6:14).  Samson’s strength and accomplishments were renowned feats of supernatural physical strength, the beginning of the Philistines' defeat and the liberation of the Israelites.  And yet, simultaneously, in the midst of fulfilling his life’s destiny and God’s calling; being  co-mingled with Samson weaknesses and mistakes of violating God’s law on several occasions, being controlled by sensuality (lust of the flesh), confiding and disclosing heartfelt felt secrets to the wrong people (true enemies, false friends),  and using the gifts and abilities of God unwisely.

Judges chapter 15 is about Samson’s vengeance (revenge) on the Philistines with the central reasoning or theme being nestled in verse 11, “But Samson replied, ‘I only did to them what they did to me” (NLT). Revenge is a relentless and unquenchable monster. Every act of retaliation leads to another; invoking the “boomerang effect” that which is thrown out comes right back with a cost to the thrower. In our study of the lives of imperfect heroes; instead of rendering judgment, blame, or to say “what we never would have done” let us seriously consider Romans 15:4, “ For everything that was written in the past (Old Testament) was written for our learning, instruction and teaching, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (NIV). The previous chapter in 14 when Samson had an affinity with the women of Philistine and desired to marry one of them, in verses 3-4 , “His (Samson) father and mother objected, “isn’t there even one woman in our tribe or among all the Israelites you could marry?” they asked. “Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for she looks good to me.” His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an occasion/opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time” (NLT).  In learning from the mistakes of characters/heroes  in the  Old Testament; our life application in light of the Scriptures is cradled in 1 Peter 3:9, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you His blessings” (NLT). Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Sovereign LORD. - 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!