Being thankful for the people around us creates an atmosphere of encouragement!Be thankful, both specifically and personally, to those around you. (1 Cor. 1:4 NLT)Speak encouragement, both publicly and frequently, ito the lives of those who add value to life. (1 Thess. 1:2-3, 2 Thess. 1:3-4 NLT)The enemies of of being thankful always are busyness and discouragement.

Our Lord reigns no matter who lives in the White House!Our Lord, the Creator, rules this world with perfect wisdom, eternal purpose, and sovereign power. (Proverbs 8:14-16, 21:1)Our Lord, the Champion of Salvation, reigns by divine appointment regardless of human acceptance. (Philippians 2:8-11)We you bow before Jesus as your Savior or Judge?

Hope in Jesus Christ gives confidence to face the craziness and crises of life!Jesus is my light that is sufficient in the dark. (Psalm 27:1)Jesus is my salvation that secures my deliverance. (Psalm 27:1)Jesus is my fortress that stands in my defense. (Psalm 27:2-3)Jesus invites you to put your hope in Him!

Respect in the family is an expression of receiving each other as a gift from God!Receiving one another is imperative to respecting each other. (Eph. 5:21 NLT)Receiving is an act of faith by the power of the Holy Spirit that empowers respect, love, and order in family life. (Eph. 5:18b, 22, 25; 6:1-2, 4)

Respect is necessary to express love in the body of Christ.Romans 12:10b NLT "take delight in honoring each other"Honor = to respect, to value, to appreciateRespect shows appreciation for the grace and gifts in others. (Philippians 2:3 NLT)Respect gives consideration to the opinions and feelings of others. (Philippians 2:4 NLT)When respect matters in the body of Christ, then our message will have respect to those outside the body of Christ!

Respect is the key for order in every area of life. Disrespect produces chaos in all areas of life!Respect for God's institutional servants is essential for order and peace in society. If reflects honor for God! (Romans 13:1-5)Respect for God's spiritual servants is essential for a peaceful and productive relationship with God. It reveals reverence for God! (2 Kings 2:23-24)Disrespect is an epidemic of self-destruction beyond words!

1 Peter 3:13-18This week, Eric walks us through this encouragement from Peter regarding how to deal with the reality of undeserved circumstances and persecution in the Christian life. Sometimes the unfair makes life hard. Other times, the unfair makes life wonderful.

Faithful Faith: When we get beyond belief.Hebrews 10:19-25 NLT1. GET CLOSE - Hebrews 10:19-22, James 4:82. HOLD TIGHT - Hebrews 10:23, John 8:30-31, John 2:23-25, John 12:42-43.3. PLUG IN - Hebrews 10:24-25

The guilty can find grace!God builds His case: Rebellion! The evidence is undeniable. (Isaiah 1:2-4)God explains the consequences: The results of rebellion are unavoidable. (Isaiah 1:5-9)God offers a choice: An invitation no one should refuse. (Isaiah 1:18-20)

There has never been or ever will be anyone like Jesus!Jesus is the sure for what is wrong with us. (Hebrews 12:2, John 3:14)Jesus is the companion that never leaves us. (Matthew 28:19-20)Jesus is the champion always for us. (Hebrews 12:2b-3; Hebrews 12:1)Trust Jesus for salvation.Trust Jesus for strength.Share Jesus. There is no one like Him!