EXPECTATIONS
Expectation is being defined here as: a strong belief that something will happen; a belief that someone will or should achieve something; to look forward toward what will probably occur.
For most people expectations come from their emotional thought process, from information stored in their sub-conscious (soul). These expectations are motivated by trying to fulfill some perceived personal need or want. These expectations are always imagined and contain flaws in logic, which in turn creates false hopes, dreams and desires. Then when their "soul expectations" fail to meet the imagined results, mental and emotional frustration ensues and we blame someone or something other than our self - even God.
Two thousand years ago people were expecting the Messiah to come; they were expecting a deliverer, a rebel, a fighter to free them from Roman rule. When Jesus did not fulfill their expectations they became disappointed, frustrated, and angry enough to sacrifice him on the cross of Satan.
True expectations can only come from knowing, from personal, direct, first-hand experience with revelation from the Living God, God the Father. "God knows what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Mtt 6:8) So expect God to know what you need, not what you want.
When it comes to expectations, expect nothing: after all, how can one expect something you know little or nothing about.
Do not read other peoples' experiences and expect you should or will have the same experiences. Other peoples' experiences are just that, "other peoples". Your experiences will be unique to you, so don't let the soul dream up expectations for you. God is in charge of your "gestation period" before you can be born again. God knows what you need, and when you need it.
Each person's gestation period is different because we are each on our own path. (Gestation: the development of something over a period of time.) So don't expect to be changing faster, or slower, or when will it be finished, but above all, DO NOT EXPECT that you can just sit back, wait, believe and DO nothing, and God will do all the work for you. You have to learn AND APPLY these teachings of Jesus to your self - then God will see your EFFORTS and help will be sent.
It is only in the application of this knowledge to one's self that brings help and makes the necessary changes. Knowledge without Application brings nothing but self-righteousness; it brings no fruit. "Doing" is what brings change and experience, not thinking. With the help of God, Jesus, and the heavenly angels, eventually the new man is born.
God says, "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. No good thing does God withhold from those who walk upright." (Jeremiah 33:3, Psalm 84:11)
Again, what did Jesus tell us? "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God AND His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you: all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Mtt 6:33, 21:22)
Strive daily to keep God at the core of who you are; mind. You are mind from Mind, created in the images of God the Father, so look to God and trust him. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God will do what he says he will do. (2Cor 1:20, Joshua 21:45, Psalm 77:8, 2Peter 1:4)
We are mind, created from Mind, and by virtue of that fact, the Kingdom of God is within. We can expect God to do for us what we need, when we need it, in the way best for us. When God is the "focus," we can expect everything else to become clear.
Returning to Life everlasting in heaven is such an amazing gift; this is God's gift to us, and there is nothing we can do on our own to return. (Eph 2:8) "And this is how much God loves us; that he sent his Son, so that everyone who believes on his teachings will not perish but have eternal Life." (John 3:16)
"We know how much God loves us, and we put our trust in his love. There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. God is love, not fear, and all who live in love, live in God, and God lives in them." (1John 4:16,18)
We must learn what genuine love is. (1Tim 1:5) To be sincere in our love for all. (Rom 12:9-10) We must focus on getting to know God and His Righteousness within. For the desire of the righteous ends only in good, and the hope of the righteous brings joy. (Proverbs 11:23, 10:28)
You can expect God's love, Jesus' love, and the love of the heavenly angels to see you through the gestation period to become born again. All rejoice in the rebirth of each and every Lost Sheep.
"Love is patient. Love is Kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1Cor 13:4-7)
However, you can expect Satan, the devil, to try and stop you from reading these teachings of Jesus. You can expect trials and tribulations from the devil to stop you from APPLYING these teachings to your self. Satan will use whatever means he can to stop you; friends, family, doubt, disbelief, lies, the very contents of your own soul. But God will not allow the devil to tempt you beyond what you are capable of handling. (1Cor 10:13) So expect to work hard, to stand on guard against the devil. Doubt not and fear not; do not let your soul rationalize away this opportunity to return home to Heaven.
Remember, God does not tempt any man, only the devil does this; so do not cast these "pearls" before non-seekers or they will turn against you and "rend you". (Mtt 7:6)
You can expect that you are going to have to re-learn most of what you have been taught; especially if you have belonged to a religion. The Word of God is Living, and Active, and Sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of Spirit (mind), discerning the thoughts and intentions of the soul. (Heb 4:12)
Expect that there is much work to be done. Work to become perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect and He will put his laws in your mind, and write then on your heart (soul).
You can expect what you get, what you experience, nothing more and nothing less, so don't have any expectations. Do the work, apply these teachings of Jesus and see what happens. Work to succeed, and you will succeed.
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