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 19
*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 have fun with my gadgets and how quickly I can get the information I needed to go to the library for in my youth. Now, if I have a question, Google. I want to watch something entertaining, Netflix. But a the same time, I no longer have to wait for the evening news or the morning paper. The news is right at my fingertips. None of us has to turn to Judges 19 to see the depravity of a godless society. We see it every single day in the US and the world. We are faced with it in our social media, news channels, podcasts, and streaming channels; the list of information is endless. The question isn’t, is our world as bad as what we just read about in Judges 19? The question is, how do we respond to what we see day in and day out? We turn to Jesus, the living Word of God, the author and finisher of our faith. One ancient Israelite after the other witnessed the decline and decay of their towns and country, one idol worshipper after the other, one priest or Levite after the other. They turned a blind eye to it and became desensitized to the depravity that crept into their cities and homes until the outliers were the obedient ones to God. We, too, are faced with the same choices. What do we do with the depravity and evil we see in our society, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces? How do we protect ourselves against the sin flooding our world?
By guarding our hearts because the heart is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
By hiding the word of God in our hearts to prevent becoming a part of the sin around us. Psalm 119:9-16
By being anxious for NO THING but coming to God in prayer about EACH THING to find His peace that will guard our hearts and minds. Philippians 4:4-7
By accepting the peace Jesus offers, NOT the world.
By not allowing our hearts to be troubled because Jesus has overcome the world. John 14:27
By leaning not on our own understanding but TRUSTING in Him. Proverbs 3:5
In Dr.Tony Evans’s Bible Commentary (2019), he concluded Judges 19 with this comment, “This was serious cultural decadence and decline…because there was no divine standard operating. When people within a nation move away from honoring God, debauchery, decline, and chaos do inevitably set in.” Friends, guard your hearts, stay in the Word of God, and pray. Trust in Jesus and bring Him honor. His Word and example here on earth are our divine standard. - Renee Richter

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
If you’re just starting out, practice hearing from God by asking questions like, “Father, what do you want me to know about you?” or “Father, what do you want to say about your love for me?” Simply be still and listen, or journal anything that comes to mind.
Further Focus: Learn more about hearing from God using the Tending Your Heart 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!