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 18; Isaiah 51:1–2; James 4:13–15
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 18 we read about Paul’s missionary journey and the challenges he faced while ministering the Word of the Lord. Paul left Athens and headed to Corinth where he met with a married couple Aquila & Priscilla.  This couple, who is referenced in scripture as being united in ministry, complemented each other and drew on each other's strengths forming an effective team in ministry.  They opened their home to Paul and in return  he provided them with a  wealth of spiritual wisdom.  Paul went on and devoted himself to preaching and testifying the good news to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.  However, he encountered opposition and he shook the dust from his clothes and told them your blood is on your own heads and I’m innocent of it. Paul declared from this time on I will go to the Gentiles.   It was at this time Paul became known as the apostle to the Gentiles and Peter was known as the apostle to the Jews. 

I want to point out that anytime you decide to do the work of the Lord, like Paul you will be met with opposition and challenges that will try to discourage you.  Just as the Lord encouraged Paul in a vision when he was being challenged, he will also encourage you and I! (Acts 18:9 NIV)  “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”  

Later in Ephesus Paul met a Jew named Apollos who spoke with fervor about what he learned but it was partial only knowing the account of John the Baptist.  After listening to Apollos speak in the synagogue the married couple Aquila & Priscilla invited them to their home and explained to him the way of the Lord more completely. Apollos went on to preach and take on Jewish opponents in public debates where he proved through scripture that Jesus was the Messiah.

This chapter reveals how discipleship helps the body of Christ and is a reminder of how iron sharpens iron.  We are blessed to be a blessing. Amen! - 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.
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 17; Zechariah 12:10; Romans 3:21–26
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 is interesting to see the different reactions of people who are exposed to the truth of Christ. As Paul and the other apostles travel from town to town; some people “receive the word with eagerness”. Others debate and have intellectual objections. Still others are jealous and hostile. Why such different reactions? Aren’t they all hearing the same words from the same guy? Yes. So what’s the difference?
I believe the heart posture of the receiver is the difference. Those who are humble, grateful, and open will be the ones to receive God’s grace with gladness. Those who are self focused, skeptical, and malcontent will struggle. I am thankful that Paul and the other apostles didn’t give up, as they surely met many more people who were the later. Yet they knew, as Paul would later write in Romans, that all have sinned and fall short of God’s grace, but all may be justified through their faith in Jesus. They kept sharing, at times to their own peril, so that all may hear and have the chance to accept Christ.
My thought for today is that I would like to be more like them. Ready to give an answer. Ready to face hardship and ridicule. Ready to go. Ready to show God’s love at any time.
”Lord, our world is very different than the one that Paul was ministering to. But people, at their core, are very similar. Your Word holds true, and you yourself remain unchanged. Please give us the opportunities to share our faith with others through our words and deeds, and the courage to follow through.” - 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 16:16–40; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; 1 Peter 2:19–21
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…
Ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong? Paul and Silas are right there with you. In Acts 16, they’re thrown into prison for helping a girl in need. But instead of reacting how I often do when things go wrong (putting my head down and sinking into hopelessness and depression or getting crabby, irritable, frustrated, angry, or working harder to try to fix the problem)… they start praying and worshipping God. And in that moment, the chains fall off and the doors fly open. God shows up in the middle of their mess. They’re free. But here’s what I absolutely love - was it that they were set free as they were worshipping, or because they were worshipping? Prayer and worship, even in the worst circumstances, loosens chains and sets us free. There’s healing and power in our response. But I love what happens next even more - instead of making a break for it, Paul and Silas freely stay right there in their unfair, uncomfortable circumstance. It isn’t just that prayer and worship sets us free from our circumstances - although God definitely does that. It’s that when we choose a response of prayer, gratitude and worship, we’re actually set free even in the midst of our circumstance. So today, no matter where you might be stuck or what “prison” you might find yourself in, choose a response of prayer, worship, and gratitude. Those are the weapons we fight with in this daily war for our freedom. And sometimes, we’ll even have to use them in middle of suffering, like Jesus. That’s when they seem to be the most powerful. When life shakes you up, remember Paul and Silas. Praise God in your prison. You’re in a spiritual battle, but God’s given you powerful weapons. Throw up a prayer or even sing a song or two because today, you’ve already been set free. - 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 Acts 16:6-15; John 15:26
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…
If you’re a parent, coach, or teacher, you’ve probably had that moment where you show a kid how to do something, but they rush ahead and do it their own way instead. Take pouring milk, for example. You tell them to go slow and be careful, but nope, they charge ahead and—splat! Milk everywhere. How often do we rush ahead of God’s plan for us and end up either missing His blessings or making our lives a whole lot messier?
In Acts 16, we see Paul on a gospel-sharing adventure. He was so in sync with the Holy Spirit that he didn’t move until he felt the Spirit lead him. And when he did move but felt the Spirit tell him to wait or go somewhere else, he listened and obeyed. In Acts 16:14-15, Paul gets to see the payoff for his patience and obedience: “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized.”
John 15:26 says, “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.” We can tap into the Holy Spirit’s power in every situation in our lives. When we lean into His guidance, it can save us from making a huge mess! So next time you’re about to spill the proverbial milk, remember to slow down and listen. - Liz Holland

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 Acts 15:36–41; 16:1–5; 1 Corinthians 9:19–21
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…
Today’s portion of the Scriptures begins with Paul’s Second Missionary journey to follow up on the new believers that received the gospel preached to them, repented and renounced their pagan practices and converted in faith to the risen Lord Jesus Christ. This is the same Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”) who stood up for Saul after his conversion, because the believers in Jerusalem were fearful of Saul who at former times was persecuting the Church. Barnabas boldly spoke to the Leadership council in Jerusalem that Saul (now Paul) has truly converted to Christ and has preached mightily from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). So, Barnabas suggested bringing along John, also called Mark; but Paul thought it best not to take him, because he deserted them during their First Missionary journey. Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, strengthening the churches  ( Acts 15: 36-41). This  disagreement between Paul and Barnabas reveals that even faithful devoted believers can experience personal disputes.   After the separation of Paul and Barnabas we still see the hand of God at work even now. In Acts 16; 1-5, In Lystra, Paul meets a young disciple named Timothy. According to Bible scholars, this Timothy is the first second-generation Christian mentioned in the New Testament. His mother, Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul, recognizing Timothy’s potential and godly heritage circumcised him to better evangelize both Jews and Gentiles. Then Timothy accompanied Paul and Silas in delivering the decisions from the Jerusalem Council regarding the conduct of Gentile believers to the churches, strengthening their faith. The purpose and will of God is so much bigger than human personality conflicts, interpersonal issues, and disagreements. The Lord’s plan for redemption will prevail. There is nothing too hard for the Lord our God.   Hey, remember John (Mark), the one seemingly failed when he abandoned Paul and Barnabas and left them and returned home. But Barnabas (“Son of Encouragement”) did not give up on him and continued on in the ministry of the Lord together. Barnabas, over a period of time and process with the help and power of the Holy Spirit, mentored and developed Mark in such an effective manner that got the attention of Paul. Later in Paul’s life penned the second letter to his “son in the gospel,” Timothy. “ In 2 Timothy 4: 9-11, Paul requests that Mark come - Mark at one time was “useless” to Paul, but through the redeeming power of the Spirit of God working through Barnabas; this same Mark has become “useful” to Paul in the ministry. What a mighty God who alone can do the impossible. Put your trust in God today and watch Him do wonders on your behalf! - 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 Acts 15:1–35; Romans 2:17–24; Galatians 5:1
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…
Today’s reading reminds me of how easily we can add things to what God has said and weigh ourselves (and others) down by them. How we are all in constant need of wisdom from Holy Spirit, as well as input from leaders in the faith. Gentiles have started following The Way (the way of Jesus), and the Jews in the church (also following The Way) start telling all of the Gentiles that they need to be circumcised in order to follow the law of Moses. This wasn’t the apostles or elders telling them this- but some men who were going around. This was probably really confusing, and caused a lot of disruption for the new believers, as they were being told that if they were not circumcised, they could not be saved. Circumcision was what God gave Jews to show the covenant He made with them - to show that they belong to him.) Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to meet with the elders and apostles to discuss all of this. Peter pointed out that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection was a sign of the new covenant, and that the Gentiles’ faith in that was how God cleansed their hearts - and that to demand that Gentiles be circumcised was “placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples.” After they all discussed and sought wisdom from Holy Spirit, they sent two men to the Gentiles with a letter to give clarity. The apostles and elders only put on the Gentiles what God had commanded when they said “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.”

The verses in Romans remind all of us that before we put something on others, we need to make sure we are living the way God had called us to. It’s easy to tell others what they should/should not be doing, but not quite as easy to follow it for ourselves. I love that the Lord has made it simple (not necessarily easy, but simple!) to follow him and His ways. The final verse (in Galatians) in our reading today is the reminder of how easy it is for us to add other things to what God has said. “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Let’s ask Holy Spirit two things today-
1 | Is there one way you are inviting me to stand firm in you today? (Perhaps being rooted in scripture, prayer, Christian community, or something else?)
2 | Is there anything I am putting on myself or others in following Jesus that is actually a yoke of slavery (could be things like guilt/shame from previous sin, pressures from the world, negative patterns like believing lies, destructive relationships, addiction, or something else the Lord brings to mind that has been weighing you, or others, down.) - 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.
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 14; Colossians 4:2-4; 2Timothy 3:10-12
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…
Today’s reading from Acts has me wondering some things…
Paul and Barnabas were able to harness God’s power to do “signs and wonders” like healing a man lame since birth, and if they were already miraculously rescued from jail on previous occasions, then why did they feel the need to run away from Iconium when threats came, and why did Paul get stoned (nearly to death!) in Lystra? I mean, shouldn’t they have been able to use God’s power to protect themselves? Maybe they could have used the Jedi mind trick: “these are not the apostles you are looking for”. And even if they couldn’t save themselves with God’s power, shouldn’t God have protected them himself since they were on HIS mission doing work for HIS kingdom. God coulda sent an angel of something…he’d done it before.
I am honestly not sure how and under what conditions followers of Jesus are able to harness God’s miraculous power. I am also not clear why God allows bad things to happen to his children, especially when they are doing his work. But, there are a few things that are clear from scripture.
1) The ability to harness God’s healing power is somehow tied to faith. Paul healed the lame man in today’s reading after “looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed”. The woman who touched Jesus was healed instantly and he said it was her faith that made her well. Jesus praised the Centurions faith to heal his servant from a distance.
2) God’s will is immutable and mysterious. Why save the apostles on some occasions from persecution and death, but then at other times allow it to happen? I don’t know. The only thing that makes sense is that God is able to see a bigger picture. At times it for the best that someone might suffer for the ultimate betterment of many others. Sometimes a person’s time to suffer has not yet come and God needs them whole a while longer so he intervenes. Jesus himself modeled both of these.
3) If we are following God and willing to serve him in this world, we are going to suffer at some point. In fact Paul, writing to Timothy of what happened in Iconium said: “all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”. This seems like bad news, but if we trust God and remember that this life is but a tiny spec of eternity, then we can believe troubles that come our way while serving Him are a blessing (Matthew 5:10-12). God is refining us through our hardship and accomplishing his broader purposes through our sacrifice. We can also take comfort knowing we are in good company, as again, Jesus modeled this pattern and he now sits at the right hand of God in glory.
Excited may be too strong a word, but I am ready for some persecution. Are you? - 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 13; Isaiah 49:6; Galatians 3:10-14
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…
Today, we read in Acts 13 that Paul and Barnabas are on this mission to spread the good news to everyone, everywhere they go. Let’s stop and think about that simple, familiar, yet profound truth. What started with 12 friends in an upper room had grown to everyone in Jerusalem hearing of what had happened to this Jesus, an entire region praising God in Judea, those on the outside of faith looking in being included throughout Samaria, and now is reaching the literal ends of the earth… in their lifetime! God has always had a bigger picture in mind - not just for one group of people, but for the entire world. But this wasn’t some new plan - Isaiah 49:6 echoes God’s heart from the beginning - God didn’t just want to save a select few—His love and salvation are for everyone, everywhere. I’m writing this as I sit looking at the ocean in Arecibo, Puerto Rico on this same mission thousands of years later. God’s love for us and God’s mission are so big, so vast, so all-encompassing. It’s almost like trying to count the stars in the sky or comprehend just how big the ocean is. Thank God we don’t have to carry the weight of this big mission - an impossible one, really (that’s why we need Jesus to do the heavy lifting for us) - alone. All we have to do is share the amazing news with others. One prayer. One word. One act of kindness. One person. One day at a time. It all adds up to something pretty big, something beautiful, something eternal… and we all get to play a small part. Who can you share the good news of God’s great love with today? Take a moment to ask Him. Then, start the ripple. - 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 Acts 12; Isaiah 42:8; Mark 10:35–40
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…
Obedience. Peter's obedience is the first attribute I see after reading today’s scripture. Peter knows God's voice, and he is faithful to follow God's instruction without hesitation. Even after he was imprisoned, his demeanor seemed calm. Think about his situation… he's in chains, heavily guarded, and yet able to sleep. When he is awakened by an angel, he has no hesitation. His faith in God gave him such security. I want my faith to be strong, like Peter's. Do you believe it was the prayers of the church that set him free? Was it God's hand or Peter's faith? To be able to trust and not fear, even though his situation was dark in the hands of King Herod, Peter just followed God and his instruction. To have that trust and amount of faith! Wow! I think it was both that God calls us into a partnership. To have faith, trust, and not to fear. He also calls us to pray and intercede, to be in agreement with him. The result? God set Peter free. God wants us to know his good works and power. He wants us to know He is the reason we are set free. Isaiah 42:8 says, “I am the Lord. That is my name. I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” When King Herod allows himself to be praised and worshiped, God strikes him dead. God is showing the people, Herod is a mere man. Man is not meant to change God's plan or take credit for things only God can do. He has prepared a plan and a place for us. We are to follow him faithfully - without hesitation, because we know He is God our Father. His intentions for us are good. - Marci Burk

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 Acts 11; Romans 15:25–28; 1 Peter 4:16–19
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…
”Come as you are.” I love how simple that is, but it’s such an impactful message of love. People can carry so much weight with things like shame and hurt. In Acts 11, Peter was criticized by a group of Jewish believers for associating with the Gentiles. Peter shares a vision he had to defend why he was going to deliver Jesus’s message of salvation to them. The group criticizing him were referred to as, “the circumcision party.” I thought that was an odd way of labeling them, but as I thought more on it I realized why. These were people kind of stuck in past thinking. Building altars, making sacrifices, and even circumcision were the ways of worshipping and encountering God - even earning redemption before Jesus resurrected. The Gentiles did not know these practices from the past, and they didn’t grow up learning the same stories and laws as the Jews. Peter says, “If, then, God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬) We can be so comfortable in our practices and procedures of life that anything outside of that can seem out of place or even wrong - but Jesus calls all nations and people to Him. So take heart that no matter your background, upbringing, what you know or don’t know… the gift of salvation is given in the same capacity to all repentant followers of Christ, and we all now get to do good works for Him. Our God is faithful in His promise of salvation. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:19) - 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.
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 10; Isaiah 52:7–10; Galatians 4:4–5
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…
Have you ever looked at someone and thought to yourself, “They don’t belong here”? To be completely honest, I have in the past. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit has taught me a completely different truth. Let’s take a look at the story of Peter and Cornelius in the book of Acts chapter 10. Cornelius was a Roman Centurion, but he was a devout man. A man whose whole household feared and worshiped God and along with Him. Cornelius was generous with offering alms for the poor and doing good. But being a gentile and uncircumcised, he was not accepted by the Jews or (at least as he feared) worthy of salvation. He needed to hear the gospel - and God chose Peter to be the one to share the Good News with this gentile! Peter, who was a Jew, knew all about God and, up until this moment, believed only Jews were entitled to hear the Good News and to be saved by the grace of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. Well, God had other plans! While Cornelius was praying, the Lord sent an angel who told him that the Lord had heard his prayers, and to send some men to the town of Joppa to bring Peter back to his house. While Cornelius’s servants were on their way to Peter’s house the next day, Peter was praying and had a vision from the Lord. In this vision, Peter saw a huge sheet that had all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds in it. Peter heard a voice telling him to get up, kill, and eat. But Peter resisted this message. Instead of telling the Lord okay, he refused to do so because he never had, nor was he going to eat anything unclean. The voice told him that what God has made clean is not to be called unclean. Apparently Peter was not about to comply - this happened three times before the whole thing was taken up to heaven.
Peter was very perplexed by this vision, next Peter hears the Spirit tell him that “Behold, three men are looking for you, Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:19-20) This time Peter obeys the Spirit and gets some others to join him. The entourage then left for Cornelius’ house. While Cornelius was waiting, he gathered together some of his relatives and close friends. When Cornelius first sees Peter, he bowed down at Peter’s feet in worship. In Verse 26, Peter lifts Cornelius up and says, “Stand up; I too am a man.” Next Peter shared with all those who gathered what God had shown him in the vision. Peter has a change of heart when he says, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” (Acts 10:34-35) This is the first time a group of gentiles hear the good news of receiving forgiveness through faith in Jesus the Christ. Peter and his friends are amazed as they watch God pouring out the Holy Spirit on the new gentile believers, the exact same way it was poured out on them on the Day of Pentecost. These new believers are commanded to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. As in Isaiah 52:7-10 this forgiveness is not just for the people of Israel and Judah, but also for all the people of the Earth. For all of us that believe and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Son of God sent, so that we may be redeemed and able to spend eternity with our Heavenly Father. From today on, look at every human being you encounter as a child of God with whom the Good News of salvation and redemption should be shared. - 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 Acts 9:32–43; Psalm 36:9; Mark 5:21–43
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 this!!!
I love that we first read about how Peter was able to harness the power of the Holy Spirit to heal a paralyzed man AND bring a woman back to life.
And then…
We read that Peter was there the day a woman was healed just by touching Jesus’ clothes AND he was in the room when Jesus commanded a dead girl to “get up”.
Why do I love this so much?
I love how Peter learned by watching Jesus. He used the same actions and even the same words as Jesus when he revived Tabitha. And I love that he had the confidence/faith to it. At this point in his life, Peter has taken many small steps of faith with Jesus. He has had his doubts and disassociated with Jesus in moments of fear, but now he has NO hesitation. The difference? Peter is now filled with the Holy Spirit. He has access to God’s authority and power because he has said “yes” to being all-in with Jesus.
Here is what else I love…
The same Holy Spirit that worked through Peter in Lydda and Joppa 2000 years ago is available to us in Warren and Detroit today. I have often lamented not seeing more miraculous works from God, and I have heard MANY people ask me why God doesn’t do miraculous signs and wonders any more. I am becoming more and more convinced that it is not God who has changed, but us. What if we were more like Peter? What if we followed Jesus’ example of authoritative teaching and compassionate healing, opened ourselves fully to the Holy Spirit, and then watched for opportunities to demonstrate God’s power and love?
Let’s do it!
I would love it if more and more the stories we share in our churches of God’s wonders are not just the stories of Moses, David, and Peter…but of those of us today who by faith allow God’s spirit to work through us.
If you have a story of a time you experienced miraculous healing or were able to be part of it for someone else, please let us know: https://paradoxchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/202572
- 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 9:1–31; Jeremiah 31:32–33; Galatians 1:11–16
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…
One of my favorite things in life is seeing the “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign on at Krispy Kreme. There’s just nothing like fresh - fresh doughnuts, fresh bread, fresh sheets, that fresh feeling you get after a haircut or a nice warm shower. And sometimes, we all need a fresh start. Ever feel like you've messed up so bad that there's no way to bounce back? Trust me, you're not alone. But here's the good news - we have a God who specializes in fresh starts. The “Hot Now” sign is always on, so to speak. Take Acts 9:1-31 for example. We meet Saul, a guy who was seriously messing up not only his own life, but persecuting and killing Christians. Until one day, one moment, when he encountered Jesus and he goes from persecutor to preacher. Fresh start. In Jeremiah 31:32-33, God promises a new covenant. This new covenant, written on our hearts - not old stone tablets, is the God of fresh starts saying, "I want a real relationship with you. I want to be so close that my ways become your ways, not because you have to follow rules, but because you want to." Back to Galatians 1:11-16, where Paul (formerly Saul) talks about his calling. He admits, it wasn’t because he deserved it, but because God had a purpose for him—even when he was at his worst. So today, no matter how far off track you might feel, the God of the new promise is ready to give you a fresh start, just like He did for Paul. Our past mistakes don't disqualify us from His grace and purpose. Let that sink in. God isn’t looking for perfect people to invite into His kingdom purposes - just a heart that says “yes.” If God can turn Saul into Paul, just imagine the fresh start He’s waiting to give you. The invitation light is on - are you ready to come in for something fresh? You’re never too far, and it’s never too late to start. - 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 Acts 8; 2 Kings 2:11; Isaiah 56:3–5; Romans 10:11–14
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…
Today’s reading really inspired me…. To be like Philip! We may not hear of Philip all of the time but look at this guy, not only hearing from God but putting it right into action. These are no small acts of obedience either, he is literally risking his life- he just had to leave his town because Saul was playing executioner. I don’t know about you but I’m inspired when I hear people not only HEARING from God but taking the major next step of DOING! Let us also pay attention to what is on the other side of obedience, a BUNCH of people came to know Jesus because of Philip’s “Yes”- Give Jesus yours today & see what he does with it! - 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 Acts 7; Genesis 15:13–14; Deuteronomy 18:15
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…
Isn’t it amazing the things that God has empowered us to do as his children? We are empowered to make disciples of all nations, teach and share the words of the Bible, and to teach others how to make disciples. We are empowered to act as God’s representatives wherever we are here on earth. Sometimes, this makes me nervous - hoping that I am not stepping out of bounds and leading people off the path. I wonder sometimes if what I am saying is what God wants to be said. To help myself with this, especially when preaching or giving talks to groups of people, I pray that the words coming out my mouth are God’s words and that they come out so that my audience understands them the way God intended them to be. Funny thing is the more I rely on my faith and prayers the better I do. God has empowered us to be keepers of His Word and His kingdom. It’s a big responsibility God trust us with - and God is always there when we need a little extra guidance or comfort that what we are doing is for good in His kingdom. 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 Acts 6; Exodus 34:29–30; 1 Timothy 3:8–13
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…
Today, we see some of the practicals and logistics of the NT church as it grew and people were added to their number daily. They were going through some growing pains for lack of a better word. God gives such wisdom and strategy to the disciples as they lead the church in putting priority not just to prayer and the ministry of the Word but also to caring for widows which in the book of James is described as “pure religion” - caring for orphans and widows. Those selected were full of the Holy Spirit, faith and wisdom. Stephen, one of the men selected, was wreaking havoc for the Kingdom of God with signs and wonders following him, speaking boldly of Jesus that he drew the attention of religious leaders who claimed he blasphemed the religious law. Where do you need the Holy Spirit’s grace and power in your life to follow Jesus in today?
I loved the last verse in this chapter. Stephen’s face before the council shone like an angel - it held a light and glory that could only come from someone who daily was in the presence of God. The only other person we have read about in scripture whose face was described like this is Moses whose face shone so brightly that he had to cover his face with a veil so that people wouldn’t be able to see this glory fading as time went by after he would meet with God on the mountain. Does anyone come to mind for you whose face has a literal glow to it because they know, meet with and walk with Jesus everyday? If someone does come to mind, send them a text as an encouragement of how you see God at work in their life.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”- ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭ - 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 Acts 5:12–42; Deuteronomy 21:22–23; John 6:66–69
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 read today about a pivotal and powerful time in the young Christian church. Let’s step through what happened:
+ Signs and wonders were being accomplished by the Lord through the willing hands of the apostles, including many physical and spiritual healings. Why? Because the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and willing to be used.
+ God provided for the apostles, stepping in to deliver them TWICE when they were jailed for preaching in Jesus’ name. The second time, God even used the wisdom of one of the Jewish leaders, Gamaliel, to stay the hand of the council and return the apostles to service. Why? Because the apostles, in Peter’s words: “must obey God rather than men”, no matter what the cost.
+ The apostles were flogged as they were released. This does not scare them off from their mission, but rather emboldens them and they were rejoicing as they left. Why? Probably because they remembered Jesus’ words: “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12a)

Jesus told Peter and the other disciples that were following him that it would not be easy. He warned them that it would cost them from a worldly perspective (money, comfort, respect), but that the reward would be the power of God and a place in the kingdom of heaven. I’m sure the disciples had many moments of doubt and questioning. We see their response in one such moment when Peter famously answers Jesus’ question of “do you want to leave?” with “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Their faith was not perfect, but it was enough. God’s Holy Spirit had all the power and wisdom that they needed. They needed only be willing to listen.

We are in the same position and the same question is posed to us.
Are you willing?
-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 4:32-5:11; Deuteronomy 15:4–6
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 4:32-5:11, the Holy Spirit is moving in powerful ways in the lives of people and through the early church. It’s no coincidence that powerful moves of God are accompanied by generosity. Generosity is powerful. It empowers God’s word to be preached and God’s kingdom to move forward with power. It also transforms the lives of people in powerful ways, and creates a community in which God’s power flows freely into one another. Just imagine - a community of believers so united that they shared everything they had. No one even claimed any possessions as their own! There were no needy persons among them because people who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds to the apostles to be distributed. It wasn’t about following a rule; it was about loving each other with all their heart and soul and that love coming out in genuine care for each other. But then, the story takes a serious turn. I’ll let you read the story of Ananias and Sapphira on your own if you haven’t already, but here are three quick takes from it…
First, generosity is powerful. When we give freely, we reflect God’s heart to others and the world. Our generosity can meet the needs of others, build a strong, loving community, and move God’s kingdom forward in powerful ways.
Second, honesty matters. It’s not about the amount we give, but the heart behind it. There are plenty of smaller gifts that are actually more generous than larger ones. God looks at the heart.
Third, we’re connected. Our action (or inaction) affect our community and can bring unforeseen (and sometimes serious) consequences. Healthy, thriving communities are built on honesty, trust, and generosity.
Take a moment today to reflect on the power of generosity in your own life. Are you living with integrity before God in this area? Are you being honest about your need? How might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to respond? Learn more about how you can give at Paradox at paradoxchurch.com/give (We’re fairly certain it won’t be the last thing you do.) - 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 Acts 4:23–31; Hebrews 6:13–20
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…
Bold move. Bold font. Bold color. Bold is something that stands out and invites - almost demands - that you pay attention to it. Today’s reading happens just after the governing authorities and leaders told them not to speak about Jesus anymore. At all. Ever. How people respond to hardship says a lot about who they are. So how did these believers respond to this threat? They prayed. Not for protection, although I’m sure they wanted it. Not for their circumstance to change, although there would have been nothing wrong with that. No, these believers prayed for the boldness to continue to speak God’s word. That’s bold. The result would be healing, signs, and wonders… the very thing modern Christians often claim we want to see but see so little of. Could it be these are attached? Bold prayer leads to bold speaking, which leads to bold moves of God. The kind of move that stands out and invites - almost demands - that you pay attention. If you want to see God move in bold ways, pray a bold prayer today. Ask Holy Spirit to fill you with boldness. (Go ahead!) Then, commit to speaking God’s word boldly today, and watch your world be shaken. - 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 Acts 4:1–22; 2 Corinthians 3:12–18; 1 John 5:12
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 been given a job or task you don’t feel qualified for? I have. Most recently I had been looking for a new position and the only one being offered sounded beyond what I was capable of or wanted to be responsible for doing. How could I do this job?! It was the only job provided and I was about to see how.
Many times in the Old and New Testament of the Bible, unqualified women and men are being used by God to be a part of His amazing provision. God takes the underqualified and through His Spirit, great things are accomplished! We see this again here in Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Through the power of the Holy Spirit first 3,000 people were saved, day by day more were being saved, one man who had been lame for 40+ yrs was healed, and then 5,000 believed! The span of time over these three chapters is not given but great works were being done very quickly because these unlikely men said, “Yes,” to Jesus and the work He wanted to do in and through them. Can this be done now, today through you or me? 2 Corinthians 3:18 says for each who believes in Jesus and accepts His salvation - “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” The same Spirit who worked through Jesus, Peter, and John will work through you as well. - 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!