Chapter 4

[Allen] continuing from the last post-

page 48 "When you know that your whole life is in God's hands and that he can provide everything you need, you no longer have to fight for things at someone else's expense. You will find yourself relaxed enough to actually do that things that can bless someone else."

In the times of economy that we are having, how approriate for this statement to be talked about. Our lives doesn't revolve around the economy nor the stock market. Our life savings for our worldly posessions perhaps but when we get down to the bottom line, it is life of others that we should be most concerned about. God has promised to take care of our needs- "...Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." For me slowing down trying to do so much to take of our selfish desires would allow me more times for others. God will provide for the things I need.

at the end of the next paragraph it says, "No matter how much we may tell people we want to help, our demeanor may be screaming that we don't." Telling people, 'let's get together' really is meaningless unless we do it- and when we don't- that sends a loud message to them that we really don't care enough to make the time.

page 50 EXPECTATIONS
Christ had came to earth to live a life and to model example of life for all to see. Having the foreknowledge of the His disciples it would seem reasonible that He would chose people that would be more 'in tune' with His plan. But instead even after He had told them what was about to happen at Calvary they were still arguing who was the best and who would be reigning with him on his earthly kingdom- they didn't get it. He knew their weakness as humans and didn't expect more than they were capable of. That is a thought of comfort to me- God knows me, His expectations of me isn't higher than the ability He has given me to achieve.

What happens when we put expectations on our friends and they don't live up to them? How do we respond? "Disappointments are the surest test that you are a captive to expectations [page 51]." When I was in charge of a Sunday School Class I found myself doing this alot, having expectations of the students; which would always lead to diasters. Many times I would come away from the class being disappointed because of the expectations I had anticipated. "Expectations are resentments waiting to happen [page 50]." is exactly what was happening- I was sabotaging our relationship because of expectations that should of never been made on them.

devoted vs. committed

What a buzz word, committed? Committed to this and that, making packs, or vows to each other that many times finds ourselves not being able to follow through with. Page 51 talks about the word commitment and it wasn't used once in the New Testament! ouch! the word devoted is actually translated having kindly affection for others rather than to being committed! Relationship, rather than promises or expectations. Who are we to expect more out of others than what ourselves are unable to do. As we lose the expectations of others we allow to see them as Christ see them- our eyes are hoped to what we can do to serve them, to love them, and to be real with them.