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. 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 Christmas Worship 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 Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:1-13, 17-19, 22-24, Romans 5:12-21 & 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, 47-49
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…
Choices have consequences. The magnitude of the consequence usually scales with the intentionality of the choice. For example, when my daughter Trinity was little and she wrote on the wall, the consequence for the original offense was an explanation as to why that isn’t allowed and a warning not to do it again. Maybe I made her clean it with me, I can’t remember (she just turned 23 yesterday). When Trinity wrote on the wall a second time days later, she did it defiantly, knowing I was looking right at her with “please don’t” in my eyes. Let’s just say that consequences that second time were far less comfortable for her. The severity of her consequence scaled up when she knew better, knew I was watching, and intentionally disobeyed. We have a loving father who explains to us through his Word and the counsel of his Holy Spirit, what is right and wrong. He clearly told Adam what NOT to do. Like Adam, we all too frequently look our heavenly father in the eyes, ignore his “please don’t” look, and then draw on the wall.
Thankfully, Jesus was also given a choice. He allowed himself to become the sacrifice for all our sin. He INTENTIONALLY suffered all our negative consequences so that we may reap all the positive consequences of God’s grace. The magnitude of the consequences from his choice is immeasurable because so too is the depth of his intentional love for us. - Mike Nank

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
If you’re just starting out, simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray through the Lord’s Prayer using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

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!