Good Morning!
If you’re new here, welcome! 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. Start out by writing or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
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 94:12-15, Psalm 119:62, Proverbs 4:1-9 & Ezekiel 33:7-15
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…
How do you see “discipline?” From receiving discipline at home or school to disciplinary action at work… discipline is hardly something that tops anyone’s list of thankfulness. We often don’t even really understand why God would allow it, or why God is “doing this” to us. We can see God as the cop in the sky, just waiting to slam us with consequences for our actions with some sick, twisted delight. But in Ezekiel 33:11, God says He “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” In our other readings, it even seems that the writers find joy and delight, thanking God for discipline and judgment. How can that be? Because discipline actually can save us from destruction. In our parenting, Gwyn and I have often said that we don’t want to discipline our children, but it is better for them to experience consequences or discipline when the stakes are low (a punishment for not looking both ways before crossing the street, for example) than when the stakes are high (getting hit by a car.) Loving parents discipline their children to save them from destruction, and God is a good, loving Father. His ways lead us to life, and life to the full. His discipline (or small consequences) save us from the larger, more costly ones - both in this life and the next. Thank God that, in His love, He doesn’t sit back and allow us to “get away with it.” Thank you, God, for teaching us what is right and protecting us from the consequences of our own choices with your loving discipline. - Dave Kubiak

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. Make thankfulness a discipline today. Look for ways to say “thank you” genuinely. (Try to do this in unlikely places, like a fast food restaurant.) Turn times you’re tempted to criticize or complain into opportunities to appreciate. #21DaysofThankfulness

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.
Every new person that signs up for the Focus until December 1st gets entered to win a steak dinner!

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!