As we approach our second day of clarifying who we are as a family, today we will focus on expectations. It’s no secret that God does not want us to live in the past or the future, but the present. (Matthew 6:34) It is also no secret that God expects us to count the cost and think ahead. (Luke 14: 28 – 33) To do that you must have clarity of thought, and a little help from your friends. Talking things through with other family members or friends will help you reason through your hopes, dreams and expectations. However, from that point, you are on your own – just you and God.

To achieve your objectives, you must display the passion and boldness to sustain you through the acquisition process. To will not have the “power” to attain them, without the right heart and mindset. You must depend on that mentality or God will not multiply your efforts. Look at what it says in Joshua 7:7 – 9: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I want you to understand that this is not just one verse out of context for the ancient Hebrews – it’s a mentality God is saying we must embrace. Your hopes and dreams MUST become expectations. Look at how God’s Spirit continues the concept in Greek with Paul’s letters. Paul uses the word ελπίδα (elpis) for hope. That doesn’t mean “I wish.” The word means: expectation of what is sure (certain); hope. So how can you be certain? Be reminded of what God promised in Psalm 37:4: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  So the key is delighting in God so he can meet our expectations.

Now, let’s go back to our time around the dining room table back in 2009 when we worked on our Family Values. Our second theme was expectations. As you read the list below understand how God was directing us with the mindset so we could be passionate and confident that He would do what we cannot – and most often that is grant us favor with others. You and I both know that is not possible if we approach our expectations with the wrong attitude. I am proud of your “Expectations.”

• That our family members will be considerate, understanding and have empathy for each other
• That our honesty with each other will be truthful, based on love and thought before speaking
• A relationship with God
• That we will hold each other accountable for their actions
• That we will be respectful, listen and supportive of family members
• That we will think positively without judgment of each other
• That we will stretch each other to be the best we can be
• That we will not humiliate or degrade each other
• That we will lead productive lives and have a focus that honors our creator
• That we will not be complainers or one who holds grudges

Love Dad