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)
Each day of this study, look for the #21DaysofThankfulness challenge in the Focus.
1. Re-read Psalm 100 and thank God loudly today! Thank God out loud for anything that comes to mind. Then,
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or use this Thanksgiving Playlist. Bonus points if you dance!
(Need an idea? Try “I Thank God” by Maverick City Music or “Might Get Loud” by Elevation Worship)

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 2 Chronicles 6:12-14, Psalm 100, Lamentations 3:22-23, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, & Philippians 2:1-11
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…
As I read these Scriptures highlighting what the posture of thanksgiving is - the attitude or approach to being thankful - the thing that Holy Spirit brought to my mind is a spirit or sense of entitlement. Feeling entitled can be something that prevents us from being truly thankful. There is definitely nothing wrong with having a sense of worth that is rooted in who God says that we are, or hoping and desiring for something new, different or better. Entitlement is simply feeling that we have the right to something or deserve privilege or special treatment. This isn't something we see in Jesus or a behavior that he demonstrated. We read today in Philippians of this mindset that Jesus had that was full of humility and submission to the Father's will. When we recognize that we actually in fact don't deserve any of the goodness and blessings that God has bestowed upon us, it increases thankfulness in us all the time for all things. This wonderful covenant of love and promise of forever relationship with Him. I can't tell you the number of times in my life, in just this last week, I have had to repent of being entitled. The fruit of entitlement in my own life usually leads to comparison, grumbling, feeling down, hopeless or anxious. But when I have turned to Him in thankfulness for what I have and what He has done, it produces contentment, joy and peace that can't be taken from me no matter what the circumstances are. Ask Holy Spirit today to reveal any areas of entitlement in your heart that may be an obstacle for thankfulness in your heart and in humility, thank Him for what He has done, is doing and will do in our lives. - Jessica Glenn

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 Solomon’s Prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:12-14. Pray it slowly, reflecting on each phrase.

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!