~a Few things to Focus on~

This quote caught my eye a few days ago.

"Lower your expectations of earth. This isn't heaven, so don't expect it to be." ~Max Lucado

With all that's been in the news lately, I just keep telling myself this quote.

I sat in a class for pastors wives and missionary wives a few years back. The speaker that week talked a lot about expectations. It was applied to the expectations we have in people. How people will let us down, our only expectations should be in the Lord. If we put our expectations in people, we will be let down. I have carried that with me in so many situations. I believe it has changed the way I react to, and think about people.

Then this week I came across this quote by Max Lucado. "Lower your expectations of earth. This isn't heaven, so don't expect it to be." Are we expecting heaven here on earth? Maybe so.

Trials and troubles are an everyday part of living here in our fallen world. Let’s let Heaven be Heaven and remember, we’re not there yet, and things won’t be easy and simple until we get there. Heaven is perfect, this world is far from it, and the Bible tells us it will get worse.

2 Timothy 3:13 - But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

That's encouraging, now isn't it? I know, it's not really. But it's the truth.

Here's a few things for us to focus on during these time:

1. Remember God is Good!

Psalm 100:5 - For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

John 10:10b - …I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

2. Trust His Faithfulness!

Psalm 56:3 - What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Isaiah 43:2 - When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Psalm 91:1-2 - He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3. Ask for His Presence and Peace!

Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Numbers 6:24-26 - The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

4. Pray for Wisdom!

Psalm 145:18 - The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Jeremiah 33:3 - Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

5. Believe that the God Who Holds the universe in His Hands is Working Every Single Trial and Triumph Together for Our Good and for His Glory!

1 Chronicles 29:11 - Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty…

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

6. We don’t have to face our troubles alone!

1 Peter 4:12-13 -  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalm 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: 

Just because we know things are going to get worse, does not mean we should not take a stand. We should stand for truth, we should fight for what’s right. While we are here on earth it is our duty, as Christians, to be the light.

Stand Firm, Don't Waiver!

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Peter 5:8-11 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Go Let Your Little Light Shine! Be the difference! Bring JOY to those around you! This dark world needs it! Let the World see Jesus in YOU!

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

(This is part of a devotion we had in our monthly ladies meeting at church. If you would like to read the full version, here is a link for a downloadable/printable form of the devotion.) Download here: THIS ISN'T HEAVEN, SO DON'T EXPECT IT TO BE