God came down to earth as a child. God has shown himself to us throug his son, and his word. It is our responsibility to tell the world.

The story of the baby Jesus, is in our hands.

In this final part of the love and respect series, Minister in Training Dave Jackson talks about the “Reward Cycle” and that even when our spouse treats us poorly, we can respond with love and respect out of love and respect for Christ.

So many times Christ carries us great distances. He sets us down only to hear us go, “I did it! I made it.”

Luke 17: 11-19

“11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a]met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

14When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”"

When we think of Moses, many of us have a mental picture of Moses with the 10 commandments, or the movie with his arms out parting the red sea.

The thing is Moses wasn’t always this confident leader. In fact, Moses was a murderer.  He was slow of speech, and really argued with God when God chose him to lead his people out of Egypt.  God didn’t call him because he had awesome presentation skills, was dynamic and was loved by his people. It was quite the opposite. However, we need to keep in mind

GOD DOESN’T CALL THE EQUIPPED – HE EQUIPS THE CALLED

Take some time and look at your life and where you are right now, and look at how you got to where you are. When I did this exercise, I was amazed at all the things that happened to me, and to people in my life. I didn’t always give credit to God when they happened, but looking back I can see how my entire life God has been putting me into positions, bringing people into my life, etc that lead me to where I am today. God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called.

Scripture: Exodus 3:7 – chapter 4.

So many times the kingdom of heaven is right in front of us, and yet we don’t see it.  You can if you are looking for it. Much like when you purchase a new car (and then you see everyone who has the same model), the kingdom heaven is right in front of you. If we don’t watch out for it we will miss it.

Scripture: Matthew 20: 1-16

Today’s scripture is Thessalonians 4:13-18

What a great day it will be when ALL of the Christians from every church rise up to great him. Think about the size of that! Christ is waiting for the cue from his father to return. Will you be ready?