Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
THANK. Write down 5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
WORSHIP. Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations.
READ. Today’s scripture reading is from Genesis 15:1-6 & Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
LIVE. One practical way to understand and apply the Bible is the SOS method.
S: What does this passage say about God, and what does it say about me?
O: What am I being invited to obey?
S: What can I share with those around me?
A THOUGHT FROM PASTOR DAVE
One of my favorite traditions growing up was spending the night at my Grandma’s house on Thanksgiving and waking up early the next morning to go Christmas shopping on Black Friday. the highlight of the day was getting lunch in the food court at Birchwood Mall - where I was convinced the REAL Santa was. A funny thing would happen that afternoon, though. The Christmas list I worked so hard on as I was flipping through the pages of the ads the night before and the special request I made on the big guy’s lap was forgotten. The faith that I would receive what I had asked just minutes before quickly fell away as I stepped into the next store and was replaced by a better, faster, easier idea: I want to buy it right now!
I wonder how many of God’s good gifts we never receive because we grab for them in our own time and our own way? I wonder what cost we pay when we insist on taking for ourselves what God would have given freely. The other day, my daughter was in tears because she had opened our Advent Calendar early to see the candy inside. She wasn’t in trouble - but she knew she had lost the joy of waiting by opening the door too soon. This Christmas, I pray that God would give you the faith to receive God’s gifts in God’s time and God’s way. Every time you look up at the clear night sky, remember - God does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. (Job 7:10).
CONNECT. Have a question, need, prayer request, or story?
Let us know, we’d love to hear from you! paradoxchurch.com/connect
SHARE. Know someone who would love the Daily Focus? Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277. Start a video chat or a group text to stay focused throughout the week, or connect weekly online or in person to discuss what you’re learning.
Focus on Jesus & run the race with endurance today.
Make it a Great One!
