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 22:1-18, Matthew 26:36-46, John 3:16 & Romans 8:32
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…
In today’s focus we will be diving into the promise that God is a generous provider.  Let's visit some scriptural references that will help us in gaining revelation on this promise.  In Genesis 22 we have the familiar Bible story of the binding of Isaac.  Abraham took his son Isaac to be sacrificed on Mount Moriah in obedience to God.  When God saw Abraham’s heart posture in that he was willing to sacrifice his own son, he sent an angel to stop him.  God provided a ram in the thicket instead.  Mount Moriah is known as the place where God will provide.  God declared a blessing on Abraham and his descendant,  because he had not withheld his only son. In trusting God as our generous provider, like Abraham we need to be willing to sacrifice the things we hold near and dear to our heart.  When God is requiring something of us; it is usually a test of our commitment and character. Once the test is passed, the reward will be much greater than the sacrifice.  We must ask ourselves the question… Do I love or trust this thing or person more than I trust God?  Surely, we can trust God in all things for he cares for us! Whereas God didn’t allow Abraham to sacrifice his son, we see that God did sacrifice his son Jesus for all of humanity.  John 3:16 put it this way “God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son.”  There has never been a more generous gift given than this.  Although Jesus agonized in the garden of Gethsemane, as he contemplated the physical suffering he would endure on the cross and being temporarily separated from the Father. Jesus lovingly concluded not my will Father, but your will be done. As you meditate today on the promise that God is a generous provider, allow this scripture to erase all doubts. Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”  Amen! - Colleen Payton

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pick a Psalm to pray using P.R.A.Y. Pause to be still, Reflect on the verses, Ask God for help, & say Yes to Jesus.
Reading and praying scripture to hear God in this way is called Lectio Divina. Learn more about Lectio Divina here and practice using one of these apps.

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!