Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
If you’re new to the Daily Focus, read this first, & use as much or little as you’d like.
GET FOCUSED | Start by simply thanking God for who He is & what He’s done.
+ Practice gratitude while singing/playing some worship music from Paradox on Spotify.
+ Spend a few moments meditating on today’s Old Testament Scripture: Daniel 2:27-45 & 7:13-14
+ From your reading, finish the sentence “God, you are ___.”
Take time to thank & worship God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in your life.
MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer involves both talking and listening to God.
+ Pray the Lord’s Prayer, or slow down to pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.
+ Use “Lectio Divina” to listen to God in this morning’s Psalm: Psalm 150:1-2
Reading 1 = Focus. What is one word or phrase that Holy Spirit puts on your heart?
Reading 2 = Feelings. Focus on that word or phrase while you read. What do you feel? What specific situation in your life today relates? Reflect and talk with God about it.
Reading 3 = Invitation. What is God’s personal invitation to you from the Scripture?
Take time to journal anything you feel the Lord might be saying to you.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
Today’s New Testament reading is from Mark 1:14-15, John 18:36 & Revelation 11:15
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
Observe. Pay attention to what the text says. Ask who, what, when, where, & why.
Interpret. What’s the main point or meaning? What does it teach about God? Yourself?
Apply. Apply this truth to your own life. What can you put into practice today?
A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Time. It passes faster and faster every year. No one ever seems to have enough of it. And yet, everyone and everything seems to demand more and more of it. Have you ever noticed how many things in life try to lay claim to our attention? From work deadlines to cultural trends, it can feel like we’re constantly pulled in a hundred directions. But Jesus offers us something radically different—a kingdom that’s not of this world. In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus begins His ministry with a simple yet life-changing message: “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” This is a different kind of time - not the passing of time (chronos), but a moment of eternal significance (kairos). In this moment, the kingdom of God is near. Jesus is saying in the midst of chronos time, there are kairos moments when we can enter into God’s kingdom in the here and now. And His kingdom is not one of power-hungry rulers or fleeting trends; it’s a kingdom of peace, justice, and eternal hope - even in the midst of them.
In Revelation 11:15, we get a glimpse of the ultimate reality: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” No matter how chaotic or uncertain life feels, we can find rest in this truth—God’s kingdom, while not yet fully realized, is here, available, and already breaking into our world. How might Jesus be inviting you to step into it today? To live each moment with your heart more aligned to His rule, knowing that His reign brings true freedom, purpose, and joy? Where can you make space for His kingdom to break into each moment in your life this year? - Dave Kubiak
As we close out the year, would you consider giving a year-end gift to Paradox Church? Your generosity helps us continue offering the Daily Focus and sharing God’s love at no cost to all who need it. Learn more at paradoxchurch.com/give. Thank you for partnering with us!
EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by returning to prayer each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy, joyful, anxious, or burdened?
Rejoice = Give thanks to God for the small and the significant things from the day.
Repent = Ask God for forgiveness where you need. Receive His forgiveness afresh.
Refocus = Ask to see God’s presence more clearly & walk w/ Him more closely tomorrow.
+ 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 |
+ Pray a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations & those serving them.
+ Text someone an encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
+ Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
+ Who can you share what you’re learning with today personally?
That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!
