Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.

WORSHIP FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
1. Each day of this study, look for the #21DaysofThankfulness challenge in the Focus.
Today, start a list of thankfulness including something that HAS happened, something that HASN’T happened, something that IS happening, and something that WILL happen. (from Sunday's Message.)
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or use this Thanksgiving Playlist.

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 Psalm 136, Hebrews 12:28-29, Revelation 4:9-11 & Revelation 11:16-17
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?
One of the best ways to learn more about the Bible is by discussing it with others.
Work through this week’s Discussion Guide and meet up with a Paradox Lifegroup.

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
When my girls were little, like most tots, they liked to ask “why?”. Most times that question had a quick, obvious answer and the only challenge was explaining in words they could understand. But every once in a while, they would “why?” something that would force me to stop and really think, not just about how to explain it to them, but how I would answer it at all. Those “why?”s were the best. Today we ask ourselves the question: Why do we give thinks? Good question. Let’s stop and really think. My reactive answer would be: “Because we have been given things.” This fits our consumer society and transactional culture. However, the writers of our scripture readings today would offer a different perspective. David says in Psalm 136 that we should “give thanks to the Lord for he is good”. He adds that we also thank God because he is the creator, a wonder-worker, deliverer, and provider. His steadfast love for us endures forever. The write of Hebrews adds we should be thankful because our God is a “consuming fire” (powerful, intentional, transformative). And John in Revelation records scenes of God being worshipped in gratitude because He is WORTHY.
Why do should we give thanks? Because of who God is, not what we have received. Because he is worthy. - Mike Nank

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
1. Try memorizing and meditating on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 during this study.
2. Return to your list of thankfulness. Turn it into a prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness in the past, His protection and provision in the present, what He is doing (even in hardship and pain), and for His promises.

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. 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!