Thought for September 12

One of our readers asked for me to place the Thought in bold to make it easier for her to read. 

 History:

  • 1755: Casanova sentenced to 5 years in prison for an affront to religion and common decency
  • 1792: Court martial for Bounty crew begins at Portsmouth
  • 1928: Hurricane kills 6,000 in florida
  • 1958: Supreme Court orders Central High School in Little Rock to integrate
  • 1959: Bonanza premiers
  • 1964: Canyonlands National Park designated
  • 1970: Phyllis George named Miss America
  • 1972: Maude premiers
  • 1984: Barbara Mandrell badly injured in car wreck
  • 1992: Mae Jemison is first black American woman in space
  • 2000: Netherlands passes law allowing same-gender marriage, adoption and divorce
  • Born: Henry Hudson, Alexander Campbell [founded Disciples of Christ], Richard Gatling [Gatling Gun], HL Mencken, Jesse Owens, George Jones, Linda Gray [Sue Ellen on Dallas], Barry White, Ricky Rudd [NASCAR], Paul Walker, Jennifer Hudson, 
  • Died: Peter Mark Roget [Thesaurus], Steven Biko [died in police custody in South Africa], Anthony Perkins [Psycho], Raymond Burr, Johnny Cash, Jack Kramer [tennis], Ray Dolby [sound expert], 

Thought:
When I was in high school, I had a a saying which continues to be true 60 years later--different expectations make for bad relationships.  If Jan and I have different expectations about a project or a trip, we are likely to have a rocky spot in our relationship. If you and your employer have different expectations of your time, commitment, and production, you will likely have a bad relationship. As I read Deuteronomy 10, I understand that if God and I have different expectations, my relationship with Him will be broken. Read 10:11-13 and notice:
  • God's goal for us--that we will possess the land He promised us. [10:11]. For the children of Israel in the wilderness, this was the Promised Land of Canaan. For us, we are bound for the Promised Land of eternity with Christ in a place we call heaven. God's goal is for everyone to have the opportunity to possess the promised land--not own it, for just like the earth and everything that's in it, it belongs to God. Just possess it. 
  • What does the Lord require of us if we desire to possess the promised land?
    • Fear the Lord. Live in a constant state of awe at His power, glory, majesty, grace, mercy love. Remind myself daily, what is man that God should care about us. 
    • Walk in ALL His ways. I do not get to pick which of God's ways I want to follow--I am to walk in all His ways--in the light, in love, with patience, kindness, gentleness and self control. Humbly, thankfully, joyfully, peacefully. 
    • Love Him. My actions and attitude match my words of praise and love. And my love for Him is greater than anyone or anything else.
    • Serve Him with all our heart and soul. Yes, I serve, but I do it joyfully, enthusiastically, not hesitantly or begrudgingly or resentfully. 
    • Keep His commandments. Love God and love my neighbor. 
  • What if I mess up? Jesus met every requirement, so if I place my faith and trust in Him, God transfers the righteousness of Jesus to me and I get to enter the promised land. 
Different expectations make for bad relationships--God has told me what He expects. Reminds me of that hymn, I am satisfied with Jesus--then the question comes to me as I think of Calvary is my Master satisfied with me.

Blessings
Larry

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