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 Isaiah 40:27-31, Luke 2:25-38 & Romans 8:18-28
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…
Living in this fast paced and hurry-up world; where we have “instant” food, coffee, information, technology, speed dial,  and automation at our fingertips, facial recognition, and voice activation, we enjoy having what we want quickly. “It’s my money and I want it now” is the mindset of the majority of people. Why wait? Why is what I am looking for delayed? Why is it taking so long? Usually during the waiting time we become impatient, angry, upset, complaining and irrational in our behavior and attitude. All of creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are (Rom 8:18). In the Word of God we can find and learn how to wait on God; Rom 8:25 says, “But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.”
Giving God thanks in waiting is pleasing to Him for it demonstrates our trust in Him. Our God is a God we cannot hurry, we just have to wait. He may not come when we want Him but He is always on time. Giving thanks in waiting is trusting God’s timing. Giving God thanks in waiting will elevate our hope, faith and expectation for the miraculous. The Psalmist, “ waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry” (Ps 40:1). Waiting for God is not easy, but David received at least four benefits from waiting. (1) God lifted him out of despair; (2) God set his feet on solid ground; (3) God steadied him as he walked; and (4) God put a new song of praise in his mouth. Often, blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting with the right attitude. Giving thanks to God while we are waiting will renew our strength. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isa 40: 31). Thanking God and waiting on God will manifest the promise of supernatural strength to help us rise above life’s distractions and difficulties. Do you believe God loves you and wants the best for you? Can you relax, confident that His purposes are right? Are you convinced that He has the power to control all of life and your life as well? Though our faith may be struggling or weak, hold on tightly to it, and we will begin to experience the strength we need that only God can supply. - Lawrence Payton

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. Read Romans 8:25. Practice hope in the waiting today. Whenever you find yourself waiting (in line, in traffic, refreshing your screen or staring at text message dots), fill it with thankfulness. (Bonus points if you seek out opportunities to be patient, like letting someone cut in front of you!) Thank God when the waiting is over! #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!