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 Deuteronomy 6:1-25, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew 5:17 & Luke 22:14-20
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…
“For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all” - 1 Timothy 2:5-6
A mediator is a go-between that can represent the interests of both parties involved. Because he is fully God and fully human, Jesus is the one who can be a mediator between us and God. Ever since Adam and Eve committed the first sin, sinners have only been able to approach God through mediators. Scripture tells us that these mediators were insufficient because they had to atone for their own sins which eventually caused them to be unable to deal with the problem of sin. God allowed Jesus to be sacrificed to pay debt he didn’t owe for sins he didn’t commit. This sacrifice provides us forgiveness for our sins without God having to give up a just judgment against our sins. As our mediator, Jesus attests our repentance for sins and that we do not owe a debt for those sins. Because humankind was able to reconcile themselves with God, Jesus died to reconcile those sins for us opening a path to a relationship with God. Come, Righteous Mediator, Come - Scott Rose

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!