Monday, August 27, 2012

GOD’S EXPECTATIONS FROM YOU


WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT OF US? And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the LORD’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good. (Deuteronomy 10:12-22)
GOD’S EXPECTATIONS ARE SPECIFIC.
Often we ask, “What does God expect of me?” Here Moses gives a summary that is simple in form and easy to remember. Here are the essentials: (1) fear God; (2) live according to his will; (3) love him; (4) worship him with all your heart and soul; (5) obey his commands. How often we complicate faith with man-made rules, regulations, and requirements. Are you frustrated and burned out from trying hard to please God? Concentrate on his real requirements and find peace. Respect, follow, love, serve, and obey him.
HOW SHOULD OUR EXPECTATIONS BE MEASURED?
 Jesus responded, “Elijah is indeed coming first to set everything in order. Why then is it written in the Scriptures that the Son of Man must suffer and be treated with utter contempt? But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and he was badly mistreated, just as the Scriptures predicted.” (Mark 9:12-13)
OUR EXPECTATIONS MUST NOT LIMIT GOD.
It was difficult for the disciples to grasp the idea that their Messiah would have to suffer. The Jews who studied the Old Testament prophecies expected the Messiah to be a great king like David, who would overthrow the enemy, Rome. Their vision was limited to their own time and experience. They could not understand that the values of God’s eternal kingdom were different from the values of the world. They expected relief from their present problems. But deliverance from sin is far more important than deliverance from physical suffering or political oppression. Our understanding of and appreciation for Jesus must go beyond what he can do for us here and now. Our expectations of what God will do must always include the fact that our perspective is very limited, too.
 Soon a gale swept down upon them as they rowed, and the sea grew very rough. They were three or four miles out when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” (John 6:18-20)
FAITH OUGHT TO INCLUDE GREAT EXPECTATION.
The terrified disciples probably thought they were seeing a ghost (Mark 6:49). But if they had thought about all they had already seen Jesus do, they could have accepted this miracle. They were frightened-they didn’t expect Jesus to come, and they weren’t prepared for his help. Faith is a mind-set that expects God to act. When we act on this expectation, we can overcome our fears.
 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. (Romans 1:10)
GOD’S ANSWERS WON’T ALWAYS FIT OUR EXPECTATIONS.
When you pray continually about a concern, don’t be surprised at how God answers. Paul prayed to visit Rome so he could teach the Christians there. When he finally arrived in Rome, it was as a prisoner (see Acts 28:16). Paul prayed for a safe trip, and he did arrive safely-after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake. God’s ways of answering our prayers are often far from what we expect. When you sincerely pray, God will answer-although sometimes with timing and in ways you do not expect.                                                                                                              Children of God, Almighty God is expecting something great from you. Give your life to Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and fear the Lord your God and Obey His Word and also do His will to the end it shall be well with you in Jesus name. Keep on ready this Magazine; I pray the glory of the Lord will continue to shine in your life and the Family in Jesus name.       

For Prayer and Counseling:
Christ Apostolic Church Divine Rewards Ikeja
God’s Glory Zone, Box 263 Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: 08034945702, 08026161601. Jafolayan5@gmail.com

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