False expectations are destructive and have ruined many people's lives. A false expectation is when you believe something that is not true or based on bad information. When you hope for something and it doesn't happen, it can ruin you. The same can be said when something unexpected happens based on those hopes. It can even cause us to go in an unhealthy direction. If you believe God should help you based on the thought that "I'm a good person," you are setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. This can also result in a controlling and critical attitude. This will cause you and those close to you to be unhappy. You may think, "If I can control the situation and the people involved, I can keep myself from getting hurt." We can barely control ourselves much less control others!

We may even develop a critical attitude that will make us unlikable. People won't want to be around us and we will be miserable on the inside. Our outlook on life would be dim with no hope. We would be negative and pessimistic about life in general. So let's seek truth, get all the facts and make sure that what we believe is true. Don't allow your attitude to turn sour due to bad information.

Just a thought, God bless.

PSS

Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt like you've been doing all the right things? You've been spending time in God's Word and praying, you've been kind to people and serving God. Then, all of a sudden, something happens and things start to fall apart and you begin asking God "Why" since you've been "doing all the right things."

We have a promise from God that says "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land," (Isa.1:19). So we are to expect that God will take care of us and will provide for us, as we are willing and obedient to His word. It doesn't mean we won't go through hard times.

God gave us eternal life and grace to live according to His Word, but He doesn't owe us anything. What happens with a lot of people is that they get into the mindset of, "God, I've been good, I did a good deed, I served you, so now you owe me," This is what causes people to stumble and fall; the thought that God didn't help you even though you've been so good.

It's a trap. Serve the Lord because it is the right thing to do and because you are thankful He saved you. Don't serve the Lord just to get something. He will help, guide and protect us. He doesn't owe us anything, because He will honor His Word.

Just a thought. God bless.

PSS

As we look at the world we live in and see the corruption, the lies the ill will and a culture and government that is out of control, we must maintain a heart of compassion towards our fellow man. Compassion says, "How can I help, and what can I do?" Not to be confused with sympathy, which basically says "I feel bad / sorry for you." Compassion is sincere concern and is what motivates people to be generous. Compassion is what's lacking in our culture. We lack the "How can I help," attitude.

Today, people don't want help; they just want someone to agree with them so that they can feel better about whatever they may be doing. But to have compassion on someone comes from a generous heart that is not concerned about what someone might think of them, but is concerned with someone doing better. We should all work on having more compassion towards people. Why? Because they are worth it.

Just a thought.  God bless.

PSS

Have you ever given much thought about what it means to keep your word, your commitments and your promises? One of the reasons I believe we don't trust (have any confidence) is because we say and commit to things and then think nothing of breaking them. We develop a sense of distrust because it starts with us. If we don't keep our word, why should we expect anyone else to keep his or hers? If our words aren't sincere, why should we believe anyone else's is sincere? We tend to put high standards on others, but excuse ourselves from the same standards.

The Bible talks about swearing to your own hurt. In other words, when you give your word, or make a commitment or promise, you should keep it. But in a society that embraces self and selfishness, it's hard to be the one whose word becomes their lord. More importantly, when we keep our word to ourselves, it will elevate our own self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem. It will begin to help us in every area. We will be more disciplined in our commitments, and won't give our word to do something without counting the cost. We will become more Christ-like because God always keeps His word no matter what the situation or circumstance. Overall, it will bless our lives and enrich those lives around us.

Just a thought. God bless.

PSS

Deception and fake expectations are some of the leading causes as to why Christians fail and backslide. With deception, people start believing a lie, possibly to justify their actions or they are really being "duped". Whatever the reason, believing something that is not true has horrible effects on people and their entire lives. It leads them down a path of destruction, one that for some, there is no return.

The Bible says that the devil is a liar and his whole goal is to remove you from the church and place you in a group that will have certain characteristics to them: 1.) They'll want to isolate you so you won't go to anyone and discuss what you are being told. These folks only want to control everything you're hearing. They work hard to point out everyone else's flaws, but never their own. 2.) They're usually the victims of something; the ones who got hurt, and then the "real" them comes out. 3.) They have to continually feed you lies until you come with them and become filled with hatred and bitterness. They never see anyone come to Christ; they just go after a target. These people really don't care about people; they just want to get back at someone. They want trophies. They're the wolves in sheep's clothing.

Anyone involved with these types of groups should repent quickly and never have anything to do with them ever again. There will be no peace because they grieve the Holy Spirit by spreading lies and deceit. "In the last days many will be deceived..." Protect yourself and be careful who you associate with and what you are listening to.

Just a thought, God bless.

PSS