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 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, Psalm 105:1-6, Micah 6:8 & Colossians 3:12-16
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…
The words “In Everything Give Thanks”, is something that is easier said than done some days. When we are in the midst of troubles, stress and strife, it’s hard to be thankful for everything. Yet we are called to do exactly that! After each letter the disciples wrote to the early churches, they included these exact instructions. To live a life that reflects our Savior, this means giving thanks for all that the Lord has given us. To forgive one another, not to carry resentment or a grudge against anyone we feel wronged us; another thing that is not easy to do. To do justice, love kindness and to be humble before our God, seems so easy, but then life happens and we tend to forget these words. If we look back over history, time and time again the Isrialites seem to forget all the wonderful things that the Lord had done for them. They got comfortable, greedy, and become self-centered. But then, trouble comes their way, and who do they cry out to? Just like the Isrialites, we have a tendency to do the same. Yet time and time again, the One who loves us enough to die for us, comes to our rescue. We don’t always recognize that rescue at the time but when we have time to dwell on our past, we become aware of God’s hands all over our lives. I have trusted the Lord with my life ever sine I was saved at the age of 18. I have been accused of being too trusting, easy going, and unconcerned about my future. Nothing could be further from the truth, you see, the Lord has always provided for me. From employment, finances, relationships, health, and my safety, I can see His hand in it all. When I look back at some of the stupid things I have done, it is only the grace of God that protected me. To try and please the Lord, I can only try to model his life, to show others that Christ lives in me. We can only pray that when our time comes to face Him, that His first words will be “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant.” We can never be too thankful and excited about what God has done for us. Even in the middle of our problems and trials, we do have a wonderful reason to rejoice. It is not only because we can see the things of the past that He has done for us and the blessings He has given to us. We know that in the end we will get to see His glorious face and we will rejoice in His presence! What an amazing, glorious day that will be! - Dawn Custer

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 Micah 6:8. Tell someone else what’s good today! Write a Thank You card. Send an encouraging text message. Include an update as you write your Christmas cards. Share thankfulness! #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.

AND THE WINNER IS…
We’re thankful for every person who has shared the Focus with a friend in the month of November, and for everyone who has joined us in reading Scripture every day because of it! We drew a number at random and congratulations Jackie, you’ve won dinner at your favorite - Texas Roadhouse!
Don’t stop reading or sharing now - our Focus shifts to Advent on Monday!

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