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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 3; Deuteronomy 18:17–19; 1 Corinthians 15:1–5
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
In Acts Chapter 3 we read about Peter and John's encounter with the lame beggar.  Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray.  During this period, the early church observed prayer three times a day.  When they met the beggar at the gate called beautiful it was around three o’clock in the afternoon.  This gate was located at the entrance of the temple and was the ideal spot for the beggar to request money from anyone that entered there.  Peter’s response to the beggar was “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6 NIV)  Peter used the authority of the name of Jesus and the lame beggar was healed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Immediately after the beggar went into the temple with Peter and John leaping and praising God.  The people looked on in amazement  but Peter made sure God received the glory for the healing that had taken place.  According to bible scholars Jesus had been crucified nearby weeks earlier and many of the people that witnessed the lame man’s healing knew of Jesus’ death and some of them may have even taken part in condemning Jesus.  Peter used the opportunity to share about Jesus being brought back to life by God.  The healing that they had witnessed came by FAITH in the name of Jesus.  He instructed them to repent and turn to God, so that their sins be forgiven.  In this passage of scripture the lame beggar asked for money but received miraculous healing instead.  Oftentimes we ask God for what we want, but don’t be surprised when he gives you what you really need. - Colleen Payton

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 2; Joel 2:28–32; John 7:37–39
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Blood is amazing. It carries oxygen and nutrients to every cell in our bodies, and contains healing antibodies to fight viral intruders. It keeps us powered and healthy. If the blood stops flowing, we’re dead. It is the literal lifeblood of our physical bodies.
In much the same way, the Holy Spirit is the lifeblood of our spiritual bodies. He delivers power and healing, and without him our spirit is dead.
Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as living water, flowing from within us. I love that he didn’t say ‘flowing within us”, but rather “flowing FROM within us”. When we accept Jesus as Lord, as many did the day we read about today in Acts, a spiritual valve is open, and the very spirit of God himself flows through us. He doesn’t just power and heal OUR spirits, he flows THROUGH us, and is able to connect with others through words and actions that he empowers us to deliver. It is an honor and a privilege (and a mystery) when God uses us to accomplish his will to reach and save more souls.
Please take a minute and go re-read Acts 2:42-47. THIS is what happened when a community of believers allowed the Holy Spirit to flow freely through them and guide their decisions and actions. I pray that for Paradox Church, and all bodies of believers everywhere, that we would fully open our “spirit valves” and allow God’s living water to flood through our midst. What an amazing deluge of love that would be. - Mike Nank

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer this morning. 
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 1; Matthew 28:16–20; John 16:7–14
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
The book of Acts is cited often as a powerful example of what the church should be and can do when functioning properly. Throughout its pages, we’ll read stories of miraculous healings, bold preaching, missionary journeys, and people being saved. As Acts 2 says, we’ll be “filled with awe.” And yet, undergirding every one is the power that is promised in Acts 1:8 - the Holy Spirit. Acts is the story of what happens when people are empowered (given power, operating in power) to be and bring change. It is an invitation to receive, experience and witness God’s power in our own lives, our own world, our own day too - because the promised “Helper” wasn’t just for the early church, the Holy Spirit is promised to us too. You’ll experience Holy Spirit’s power as He helps you be convicted of sin, helps you live out Jesus’ ways as His visible, tangible presence here on earth, and helps you expose the powers at work in the world for what they are. Holy Spirit helps us by guiding us into all truth and speaking to us. Take some time to hear from Him today (ask simply questions like, “Holy Spirit, what do you want to say to me today about who I am, about sin, about Jesus, or about what is to come today?” Then, invite Holy Spirit to help you today. Return to that prayer often - “Holy Spirit, I need your help _____. Thank God for His promise that He will empower us by His Holy Spirit! - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16:12-24
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
We’re getting into the “dog days of summer,” and we’ve already seen some heat! On hot days, there’s nothing like a cold, refreshing beverage! That’s the word that stood out to me today - refreshed. Sadly, church can be the opposite of refreshing. That’s what you get any time you put a group of broken, imperfect people together. But church was always meant to refresh the spirits of the weary coming in from the heat of everyday life. How? Paul sums up the book of 1 Corinthians, and give his recipe for a cool glass of church refreshment, in verses 13-14: “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.”
Be on your guard. Like boater safety class, always be scanning the horizon for potential dangers - the small ways the enemy will try to get a foothold and gain ground in your thoughts, attitudes, actions, relationships… and our church.
Stand firm in the faith. It takes deep roots to withstand summer heat. Don’t be swayed or torn down by the storms that blow through or wither in the heat. Get grounded in God’s truth.
Be courageous; be strong. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to trust God despite it. Strength isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about relying on God’s power in our lives.
Do everything in love. Paul finishes by reminding us of Jesus’ words in the greatest commandment. Love God and love others. If we’re not acting out of love, we’re missing the point. Love should drive everything we do.

So there it is! Your summer recipe for soul (and church) refreshment. Hang with us throughout the summer for our next study through the book of Acts, as we find power to be the change. Stay strong and love well! - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
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.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16:1-11
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
I Corinthians 16 encourages us to serve and give generously, plan wisely, and embrace community with like-minded believers in Christ. As we travel along our Christian journey, may we remain consistent in faith, perform every action with love, and esteem those who work hard in the service of our Lord. In verses 1-4, Paul advises the Corinthians on how to get ready their collection of financial gifts for the believers in Jerusalem who were suffering from persecution, poverty and famine. Paul suggests a plan that each one should set aside monetary support in accordance with each individual’s income every week until his arrival; instead of trying to collect everything at one time. Paul details his travel itinerary to personally visit Corinth after going through Macedonia. He is looking forward to a fruitful mission in Ephesus for a wide-open door to present the gospel, despite many adversaries and oppositions (vv5-9). Paul instructs the Corinthians concerning his “son in the gospel” in vv 10-11, “When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord's work, just as I am. Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me.  I expect him to come with the other believers” (NLT). Questions to ponder, What principles of Christian giving can you glean from Paul’s instructions about the collection for Jerusalem? How does this chapter challenge your understanding and practice of Christian fellowship? How can you support and encourage those in your community who are serving the Lord? Remember everything that you do for Christ will last. Our work and service in our Lord is never in vain. - Lawrence Payton

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
When I read this passage, I am reminded at how easy it is for me to believe that this life is all there is. I see the culture around me living for life as we see it right now- and it’s easy to live that way. In some ways it can be good to live in the moment- but I always want to live in the moment with eternity in mind. That means that I am not just trying to please myself or others, but I am seeking to honor and share God’s love in each moment he has given me- knowing that the time is limited. These verses call me higher, to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. That I would live in such a way that I would not get caught up in the things in life that fade away. That I would stand firm - saying YES to Jesus- no matter what the cost, how I feel, or what others are saying and doing. Thank you Jesus, that our labor for and with you is not in vain. Let’s ask him today how we can be present in each moment he gives us; working with him to accomplish his purposes, as we walk with him one day closer to eternity. - Gwyn Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Seeds are simple, and most of them quite boring. I Googled “interesting seeds” just for kicks to see if there were any with cool shapes or colors. I saw a lot of interesting plants, but the seeds themselves are all pretty basic. However, within those simple specs contains the makings of breath-taking flowers, unstoppable vines, or towering trees. In today’s reading, Paul likens our physical bodies to seeds. When seeds are planted, aka “die”, what is locked inside of them is now able to flourish; something grander, more useful, and very different than just the seed itself. When we die and our physical/natural bodies are “planted”, aka dead, our spiritual bodies will be freed. What will they look like? How will we be able to interact with the other spiritual beings? With God? I don’t know. But I do know that Paul contrasts our natural bodies (perishable, sown in dishonor, weak) with our spiritual bodies (imperishable, raised in glory, powerful). I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to an upgrade. (Maybe being north of 50 and constantly achey has something to do with that.) Moreover, I am looking forward to ending the problem of desiring to connect better with God spiritually and being limited and distracted by my natural body. I am eager for the day that I shall “bear the image of the heavenly man” (Jesus).
Selfish hope… since Jesus ascended into heaven in the sight of his disciples, I hope our spiritual bodies allow for flight! Regardless, I am certain our spirits will soar in God’s presence. - Mike Nank

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer this morning. 
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. I’ll bet you’ve heard it, but did you know it came from the Bible? Here’s the thing - that’s what Paul said, but that’s not what he was saying! As with many things in this letter to the Corinthians, Paul is responding to specific questions and disagreements. This one is about whether or not people would rise from the dead, aka the reality of the afterlife. I love that scripture always begins and ends with Jesus. Paul points out that people will rise from the dead because that’s what Jesus did. He just did it first. He builds on the premise from there. Just like Adam was the first one to sin, which resulted in the “fruit” of death for every person who followed (aka being “in Adam”), the fruit of following Jesus is resurrection life (aka being “in Christ”)! When we follow Jesus, we follow him! We do what he did first. Think about it - we love because he first loved us. That’s the gospel. And when we trust (believe and follow) Him, we are in Christ and the fruit of that follows. Paul’s argument is this - if people don’t rise from the dead, then neither did Jesus. And if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, there’s no forgiveness or hope. You and I are still dead in our sins Adam-followers. If that’s the case, you might as well live for today. It’s a way of living that leads to death. But because Jesus did rise, someday you will too. So live for that day. Live today that you might live tomorrow. Some day, Jesus, who rose from the dead, will return. And when he does, those who are “in Christ” will rise from the dead too. And when we do, we’ll never die again. We’ll eat and drink at the feast of the Lamb - because on that day we’ll live. How is Jesus inviting you to follow Him and live today in light of the hope of tomorrow? - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
I love Paul’s faith. There is so much conviction in how he spoke the truth to others. In 1 Corinthians 15 1-11 Paul brought the fullness of the message of grace. v3-4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures”.

I think his urgency was largely because Paul had an understanding of being forgiven, and how much love that kind of grace can produce in a persons heart. I think Paul knew how to love so well. To be forgiven for so much, and then to also be made an apostle - someone Jesus sent out, trusted and used to further His message to the world. Paul is reminding the church that they are important to God. That even he (Paul), a man undeserving of such a gift would have that much more reason to tell everyone he could about Jesus. Paul knew firsthand how Jesus changed his heart, and helped him turn away from sin. Don’t take your story and life experiences for granted. Time and time again, scripture tells us that growing in the knowledge of grace and forgiveness is how we grow. It’s through those hard places that the message of the gospel convicts us and strengthens us. Today, I invite you to reflect on a past time that you received forgiveness and grace. Is there someone in your life right now that could benefit from that same gift? My prayer is that you would find new strength today, and that you would be given an opportunity to pay it forward. - Rachel Hood

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
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.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 14:26-40
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
It’s the 4th of July. No doubt, most of us have seen or will be seeing some fireworks. I love the anticipation of it all - from the anticipation of waiting for those first few to launch into the dark sky to the build up into the grand finale. You might not have ever really thought about fireworks… but the build up - and beauty - actually comes from the order. That’s Paul’s point, which provides incredibly important context for understanding today’s reading. Order builds up. Everything that happens when the church gets together should be for building each other up (verse 26.) So, like the best 4th of July potluck, everyone brings something to the table to “build up” the buffet of God’s goodness. But if it all gets thrown into the same crockpot, it loses some of its appeal. If it’s all happening at once or in different places, no one can really appreciate the beauty of each firework. In fact, it would be a pretty disappointing display. So, what are you bringing? How can you move from consuming to contributing? Who is being built up? If the answer is really just you, that’s ok - but maybe that’s better for times when it’s just you. Church is people gathered - so don’t just focus on the “me and Jesus” thing (did I like the song? Did I get anything out of it?) But instead on the beauty of building each other up. Speaking of the whole, I want to encourage you to read verse 34-36 in the “whole” of the surrounding chapter and book. The point is not to demean women - but to discourage the distractions, disruptions, and division that was coming from the good (new) presence of women (whom Jesus and the early church valued) in church desiring to learn. It is to them, and us, that Paul is making this point: It’s not just about you. (verse 36). His order? Do things in order, in order to build up. - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 14:1-25
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
The 14 chapter of 1 Corinthians concerns two interesting topics for many Christians, the topics of the gifts of speaking in tongues and of prophecy. Being raised by a Pentecostal family, the act of speaking in tongues was a common occurrence. It truly used to scare the heck out of me as a child. I was raised to believe that you are not truly saved if you have never spoken in tongues. Apparently this was a topic that the people of the church in Corinth were also concerned about, enough for Paul to address the differences between the two spiritual gifts. I wish as a child, I had read Paul’s response to this topic, I would have felt more adequate and known that by accepting Jesus fully, that I was truly saved. So let's dig into what Paul has to say.

Right off the bat, Paul states that “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14: 1-3) For you see the gifts of the Spirit are truly about the bottom line: love. As Paul states, that when we speak in tongues, we are speaking in the Spirit directly to God. For unless there is an interpreter, people will have no idea what you are saying. Prophecy on the other hand is meant to be given to others, to encourage, uplift, comfort - because the prophecy is from God through the Spirit. When we hear the word “prophecy,” we tend to think of it as foretelling the future. Yes this can happen, but most times it is a word from the Lord to help others know Him.

If you have not joined Training Camp, I sincerely recommend you join the next time it is offered. In Training Camp, I was part of a group that deepened and strengthened our relationships with each other, but we grew much closer to the Father. One of the things we learned how to do was listen to the Spirit. This is what prophecy is about, listening to what the Lord has to say, through the Spirit. We would go out and pray that the Lord would show us someone who needed a word, and then ask that God would give us the words to say. Guess what?!!!! He did!!!!! I can testify about the moving emotional encounters with people that the Spirit pointed out and gave me simple words to say. These people were extremely grateful and we had the opportunity to pray with them over their situations. To this day I still ask for the Lord to show me who needs His Word today and to please give me the words to say. Remember Jesus told us to LOVE one another, just as He LOVED us. Open up your heart, and listen for the Spirit to guide you in the way He needs you to go and to share His words with His people, and that it will be done in LOVE. Trust me, you will know. - Dawn Custer

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 13
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Have you ever heard kids cracking themselves up by inventing jokes?
”What do you get when you drive a car into the moon? <tee-hee-hee> TACO BELL! <uncontrollable laughter>” In their minds the nonsense is hilarious. We adults just smile and nod. We don’t talk like a child, think like a child, or reason like a child. We have put aside childish dribble for better, funnier humor.
In the same way in today’s section of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church he encourages them to look forward to a better existence to come. “Now we now only in part…when the perfect comes (God), the partial will end…then we will fully know." At some point, our lives in this world, where we can understand only in part, like a small child in an adult world, will end. We will then see God, and in his presence we”ll see clearly who he is, and by extension, who we are. The mystery of God’s sacrificial, never-ending, perfect love will be known to us. We will FEEL it and thus know it/him.
For now, we do our best to understand God’s love, demonstrated through the life of Jesus, and expressed as well as it can be in human words, as Paul does so well in the first part of today’s reading.
We can do our best to comprehend and emulate the love of Jesus. Thankfully, we can feel it fully someday…and that is no joke. - Mike Nank

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer this morning. 
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Have you ever stopped to think about what really brings people together? What unites people? Think about it - from fans of a team to citizens of a country to members of a family, the strongest bonds are not formed around physical things. Rather, they are ideals, values, and love. As a church, our unity comes not from anything physical - but from the Spirit. It’s the greatest, most transcendent unity of all. We are united as different, individual parts (or members) of a body. In a culture that pursues independence and values the unique above all else, we are divided more and more. Ironically, unity actually makes each unique, individual part MORE beautiful and significant, not less! We need each other! When we recognize we are part of a greater, unified whole, we recognize that the honor truly belongs to everyone. Not only are we not designed to “go it alone,” we can’t! And if we’re all winning when one part is winning, then when one part is hurting, we’re all hurting. That’s the kind of commitment to one another that makes sacrifice possible and even desirable! Your good doesn’t come at my expense - your good is tied to mine (and mine to yours.) We are not responsible for each other in unhealthy co-dependence. We are responsible to each other in healthy love. Desire for individual honor and greatness can be unhealthy when it comes as the expense of others - which is what makes today’s closer so powerful: we are encouraged to desire greater gifts. We often desire greater honor, but when our desire is for greater gifts (which are for serving and building up the body and often bring greater responsibility and sometimes even greater suffering) our heart is in the right place. The body is unified, and we all win. Thank you, Jesus, for the church! Who/how can you serve today? - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
When I was younger I always tended to view others’ strengths in my weak areas meant they were meant to be my ENEMY… Just kidding (kinda). The past couple years I’ve realized how foolish that is! I was only robbing myself of learning from these people that God has gifted differently than me. The more time I spend with people that have different gifts than I do, the more I learn a new way God works and just how intentional he has created each and every one of us. I know insecurity is REAL, however, be encouraged - God has given YOU the gift that you need to serve His purposes right where you are! Don’t discount yourself today because you don’t have the same gift as a friend, or someone you admire. It’s kind of supposed to be that way. I’m sure there are some of you who watched enough Power Rangers to know what a Megazord is (If you haven’t, keep reading & Google along the way!) The Megazord was this huge battle robot that was the sum of all of the power rangers coming together to fight evil. I sometimes - most times, actually - think I’m supposed to be the Megazord but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We are called to play a part, the church is the Megazord. Today, don’t try to do it all - look for the part God has gifted you to do and cheer on those who are gifted to do the things you aren’t! - Matteo McGill

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
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.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
There are three parts that stick out to me from these verses: the gathering of the church, the bread, and the wine. Even back in Paul’s Day the church was struggling with division amongst its ranks. Paul points out that instead of coming together to support and love each other, the church in Corinth had all kinds of issues where they weren’t necessarily coming together to support each other. What should have brought them together as a unified body in Christ instead divided into class conscious cliques. The current Church is still struggling with this - from denominational divides to disagreements over daily life, we as Christ followers need to figure out how to understand people who may have differing views than we do if we are going to be able to stay in fellowship with them. I think we need a better understanding of what the elements of communion signify. I used to struggle with communion sometimes because of what I was or wasn't taught as a young Christian. I was taught what the elements represented, but I am not sure if I was taught the significance of eating the bread and drinking the wine. (I also may not have been paying attention that day.. so it’s probably on me.) The bread represents the body of Christ. By eating the bread we acknowledge our broken relationship with God is restored through Jesus so we can receive the love and grace of God and be in relationship with him. It is out of an “attitude of gratitude” that we return some of the love showered on us. The wine/juice represents Christ’s blood shed for us. By drinking the wine/juice, I am signifying my acceptance of the new covenant between God and I - a covenant no longer based on the law as in the Old Testament, but a covenant based on love. The new covenant is not based on my ability to keep the law but on Jesus’ keeping the law for me and offering me the unearned grace and love of God. Communion isn’t about our own perfection or “not sinning” - If that were true no one would be worthy to receive it. Instead, communion offers a reminder and path for repentance and restoration in our relationship with God. Take a few moments to reflect, repent, and receive the grace and love of Jesus in communion before you start your day. God loves you and so do I - Scott Rose

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
This passage isn’t the easiest to read or understand - especially in today’s culture and societal out-workings. I am by no means a theologian or scholar so I’ll simply share a few of my observations and then encourage you to dive deeper into study if you wish to understand what Paul is instructing the church at Corinth to do. I had 3 main takeaways from today - order, submission, and interdependence. God created and designed this world with an intended order under which everything functions. Wherever there is chaos and confusion, we can know that is not of God or from Him as He is not and has never been the Author of any of those things. His design is that Jesus is under the authority of God the Father, men are under the authority of Christ, and women/wives are under the authority of men. No one is less than, inferior, or has less intrinsic value yet we each have a role designed to take place in a certain way. Secondly, within this order, we submit - or another way to say it is we yield - to the one we are under. There is safety and covering when we recognize who is in authority and willingly come under their leadership. Lastly, we need each other. Women came from man but man does indeed come from women! You can’t have one without the other. We are made to live interdependently with each other in a way that leans on each others’ gifts and strengths for the glory of God. Take some time to thank God today for His intentional order and design. The boundary lines for us have fallen in pleasant places. - Jessica Glenn

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
As I read today’s passage I honestly just want to restate everything that Pastor Dave said in this past Sunday’s message. He did a fantastic job of laying our the principle that there is something greater than being right about something, and that is showing love to others who may disagree with you. If you didn’t hear the message, I recommend you check it out!
I will add that I absolutely LOVE verse 24: “No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.” Can you just imagine living in a world that lived out this statement? Before I say anything, or do anything, I will consider how it will affect the others involved and ask myself if it will benefit them. Beyond that, my very motivation for doing or saying things will be rooted in the question: “What can I do/say to glorify God and benefit others?” This line of thought is SO contrary to our world that it is almost impossible to imagine. If everyone, or even most people, lived with this mindset, the world would be radically transformed. This is the way that Jesus lived, and it is what we are called to do. As Paul said in 11:1 - “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.”
And before you say “If we are always doing for others, how will our needs get met?”, look again at the words Paul uses. “No one is to SEEK his own good…” Paul is not saying you should not have good things in your life, he is saying that your motivation is not to seek them out. If this model were followed by others, you would have no shortage of people looking to seek your good for you and bless you. I know, I know…this type of social culture could likely never fully happen this side of heaven, but that doesn’t mean we can’t act this way as much as possible within the context we live in. The more we can act like Jesus in our world, the more it will inspire and encourage other believers to act like Jesus, and the more it will prompt non-believers to ask us why we are behaving in such a way…which will allow us to point them to Jesus.
My prayer for us as God’s saints is that we will strive to act more like Jesus and succeed in that challenge together a little more each day. - Mike Nank

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer this morning. 
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10:1-22
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Awareness. It’s a word that’s pretty common these days - with everything from rallies to fundraisers to social media and marketing campaigns aimed at raising it. Awareness of the past is a good thing - but it’s meaningless if we don’t learn lessons from it. That’s Paul’s appeal in today’s reading. He tells the Corinthians, and us, to look to the Israelites as examples when it comes to the dangers of “idolatry.” It's easy to think we won't fall into the same traps as the Israelites. We might say, "I'd never worship an idol" or "I can handle a little temptation." But Paul warns us not to be overconfident. Despite seeing God’s work firsthand and enjoying the blessings of knowing and following God, the Israelites still turned away. They craved evil things, worshipped idols, and indulged in immorality. As a result, they faced serious consequences. Paul’s warning: Learn from their mistakes. FLEE your idols. Idols always lead to destruction. How can we avoid the same end?

What are my Desires? Destruction starts with desire. The Israelites desired evil things - and when you desire something long enough, it has a way of growing and coming out in your attitudes and actions. Check James 1:15 - what starts small will always grow and lead to destruction. Don’t play nice with “harmless” little idols.
How Disciplined am I? What are your habits? Your lifestyle? Priorities? The Israelites sat down to eat and drink, got up to party, and practiced sexual immorality - which is any sexual expression outside of God’s design for one biological man and woman inside marriage. Idols thrive in an undisciplined life.
Where am I Delaying? We test God when we delay obedience - often because things are going well for us and we want to see how long we can wait or how far we can go before the blessings run out. The places you’re delaying obedience are often the places we’re harboring idols.
What is my Demeanor? Despite all God’s goodness and faithfulness, the Israelites actually grumbled against God. Take a look at where you're most prone to complain - you’ll often find idols hiding nearby.

An idol is anything that draws us away from God. Maybe it’s a habit, a relationship, or even our own pride. And when it comes to idols, remember - you’re entertaining demons, and every one of us will fall. We just can’t do it on our own - we’re not strong enough. Good news… you don’t have to. God is faithful. So here’s your “way out.” Stay vigilant. Don’t toe the line or sit on the fence when it comes to idols. FLEE. Get active. Do an idol check before you get up from this moment with God, and stay focused on Him today. - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 9:15-27
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Last year, MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani signed a 10 year, $700 million dollar contract with the LA Dodgers. This summer, we get to look forward to cheering on US Olympians as they go for the gold. In both cases, these athletes are rewarded (in some cases, extremely well) for their discipline, efforts, and accomplishments. What would(n’t?) you do for that kind of money? For the glory of Olympic gold? In today’s reading, Paul starts by saying how preaching the gospel isn't about him getting a paycheck - you won’t find him on preachers with sneakers. It's about something much bigger—sharing the good news and winning people over to God. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to connect with others and spread the love of Jesus. Then he gets into this whole athletic metaphor, comparing it to running a race and boxing (neither of which I have a whole lot of experience in). In verse 24, he really focuses in - “Run in such a way as to get the prize." In other words, live your life like you're going for the gold! But it's not just about striving for some earthly reward. Paul’s talking about an eternal prize. Living faithfully, being intentional, and staying focused on God’s kingdom—that’s what really matters. He goes on to talk about how he disciplines himself so that he won’t get distracted or lose sight of the goal. And then Paul wraps it up with this powerful line: "Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." I still remember early morning practices on the swim team in high school - I would show up but often just not feel like running or lifting weights. Sometimes, I’d rather swim to the bottom of the pool for an underwater dance party than swim another lap. Paul invites us to not just go through the motions. No, the stakes are too high. The reward too great. He’s intentional about his faith journey. He's all in for Jesus. He’s giving it everything he’s got.

So today, let’s live our lives with purpose - like we’re training for a race. Stay focused on Jesus, stay disciplined, and run this race with everything you’ve got. The prize at the end isn’t some gold medal—it’s eternal life with God. - Dave Kubiak

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!

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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
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.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 9:1-18
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Our God doesn’t miss a detail. Throughout His Word, He has provided guidelines and a means for everything, including man, beast, farmer, priest, apostle, and many more. Our God’s attention to detail and provision never ceases to amaze me. He didn’t simply create the entire universe and proclaim, “Fly, be free! Do your best!” Our God, our King, knew we would need instructions and order, and He provided them. How does this affect your perspective of HIm? (And the apostles did have wives!! Haven’t at least some of you wondered about that?! Sorry, I had to say it, back on target now... 🙂)
Paul lays out his point first with the word of God, which points to God's character, drawing all to God, not himself. Then, he explains himself and why he and Barnabas don’t take the provisions permitted and laid out in God’s law. Paul wants nothing to get in the way of the gospel. They come as laborers, making their own way, so the message is heard and left with the people. No argument can be made about their motivation and expectations of the churches. Again, this is their choice; others aren’t wrong for following God’s provision. It just blows my mind how Paul chooses to live and serve and the sacrifices he and others made. Is there a sacrifice God is asking you to make, a provision to be laid aside for the sake of the gospel? - Renee Richter

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!