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 15:1-6, Genesis 17:1-8, 15-21, John 8:31-59 & Galatians 3:7-9, 14-16, 27-29
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…
Don’t you love a good story this time of year? My husband and I love a good Christmas tale; these are often old movies. There’s just something about an old classic. Have you ever thought of our Advent reflections, including an old classic? Well, here we go.
Thousands of years ago, God chose Abram, who would eventually be named Abraham. He called Abram out of his town and away from his family to lead him to the land of promise. Along his journeys, Abram got to know God and had conversations with Him. God promised him an heir, but you see, Abram and Sarai were older people unable to have a child. Abram trusted God, but sometimes God’s ways are just so much higher than ours that they’re hard to wrap your head around. Abram asked God, “How?” God took him outside to look up at the stars and told Abram, your desendents will outnumber the stars. “Abram believed the LORD, and God counted it as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6. God told Abram, from his offspring, that this promise would be fulfilled. Now, if you choose to read the account of Abram and Sarai, you will discover this child was Isaac. But God is vast, and His plans are much bigger than we can imagine. Yes, the descendants that would eventually outnumber the stars would begin with Isaac, but these descendants would eventually lead to the birth and life of Jesus. He is the One who we are celebrating and remembering. As the stories say, His story is older than time. Jesus has always been and will always be, but His earthly story started way back with Abram. The man who believed. I bet Abram had no idea just how far his belief in God would carry down through the ages. All the way down to God’s desire to live on earth in the body of Jesus.
So, while we remember and reflect on who Jesus is and what His history is, remember your choice to believe and obey God today can impact generations of people in your family in more beautiful and amazing ways than you can ever imagine. We will not have another Jesus here on earth, but our God is big, and He desires to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can imagine, and it begins with belief. - Renee Richter

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
If you’re just starting out, practice hearing from God by asking questions like, “Father, what do you want me to know about you?” or “Father, what do you want to say about your love for me?” Simply be still and listen, or journal anything that comes to mind. Learn more about hearing from God using the Tending Your Heart 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!