RULE #5 - FIND YOUR SIMEON AND ANNA!

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughs of many hearts will be revealed.  And a sword will pierce your own soul too."  - Luke 2:34-35

READ LUKE 2:21-40 TODAY

     Simeon shocked Jesus's parents by telling them who Jesus would become.  Anna told everyone at the temple about the great plans laid out for Jesus.  Do you have an Anna?  Do you have a Simeon?  Do you have someone that not only reminds you of the great plans God has for your life, but also let's others know?

     We've been looking at how Jesus treats people in look, and so far there's been a lot of background work.  So far, it's been a lot about how we can prepare our hearts to T.P.L.J.D. (Treat People Like Jesus Did - yeah, that bracelet probably won't catch on!).  And one of the things we need today is a cheerleader.  Did you know that Muhammad Ali paid a man to tell him how great he was?  24 hours a day, 7 days a week, his job was to tell the greatest boxer of all time that he was the greatest boxer of all time.  Not sure I've got room in my budget for that, but I sure as heck need to find someone willing to volunteer their time.

     Because I need reminders!  We all need reminders!  This world is not a naturally encouraging place.  There are not a whole bunch of people who are going to point out your talents, remind you of God's plan for your life, tell you you're awesome!  So, if you've got someone like that - HANG OUT WITH THEM....ALL THE TIME!  If you dont', PRAY FOR THAT PERSON....ASK GOD TO SEND YOU ONE! 

     Then, once that person is in place and you remember God has got you covered, you don't have to worry about it anymore.  You can spend 0% of your time trying to impress others, and 100 % of your time serving others.