Am I Playing Offense or Defense? It is so easy to try protect what we have. We can try to protect our finances, our health, and even our church. David stepped up to fight a giant when everyone else was simply trying not to be conquered by the giant. We are reminded how we can be brave in how we live for Christ! My Next Step(s): - I will remain open and welcoming to those who are outside of the Church. - I will contribute to the work of God’s Church - especially as we re-open. - I will discover “perspective” in remembering what God has done for me in the past. - I will “run” to the battle line - to do the work that God has prepared me for! - I will not be afraid to be on the offense for God’s Kingdom, man cannot deter me. Visit RedeemerbytheSea.org/Online-Worship for more information!

It can be so easy to become click-ish. We have our friends, our cultural sensibilities, and our faith community. The early church struggled with this, too. But Peter and James reminded the early church that the Church should not put up barriers to entry, for it is by grace that we are counted as God’s family. My Next Step(s): - I will reflect upon the ways that I discriminate against others—subtly or overtly. - I will seek to be more open and welcoming to others - I will lead with Grace because God leads with Grace. - I will pray for, and do my part to help us all become “one in Christ.” Visit RedeemerbytheSea.org/Online-Worship for more information!

God wants your marriage to thrive. Peter kindly shares a few simple guidelines for how you can tap into the beauty God intended for you within your marriage.  In fact, there is beauty to be found in all of our human relationships ... My Next Step(s): - I will not judge others, but instead seek to understand their perspective. - I will do my best to respond in grace rather than retaliation. - I will hold my tongue instead of responding in anger. - I will submit to my spouse, out of reverence for Christ. - I will strive for inner beauty, rather than outward appearances. Visit RedeemerbytheSea.org/Online-Worship for more information!

Where do you belong? One of the greatest gifts we have in Christ is our promise of a home in Heaven. Until then, our home is found in the Church! My Next Step(s): - I won’t try to “Grow it alone.” I’ll get connected to a group to study God’s Word. - I will seek to be used for God for a greater purpose than I can do on my own. - I will give God a “stone cold dead” thing in my life, and allow Him to bring it to life. - I will rid my life of all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind. - I will welcome everyone I can into the family of God - His Church. Find out more at RedeemerbytheSea.org/Online-Worship

Trials will surely come for us, but take heart. There is victory to be shared! Are you familiar with suffering or difficult days? Peter encourages us to take hold of the hope and power we have because of Jesus. Keep going … Dawn is coming! My Next Step(s): - I will “name my pain” (but keep it in perspective, considering eternity’s glory.) - I will “walk” with Jesus during my trials. I am not alone. - I will “act as though” God’s plan is perfectly unfolding in my life, and praise Him. - I will “take up the slack” on the anchor of my soul to heaven, but serve God now.