What did you expect when you became a Christian? Did you expect to BE someone you weren't before? Maybe you expected to RECEIVE blessings or material security. Or maybe you expected your painful relational, emotional, physical, or difficult circumstances to go away. The “truth matter” is that none of these should be the “expectations” that take precedence over one...that is, having a personal relationship with God Himself. The thief on the cross got it right:

“Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

The point is this...the primary expectation we have as believers is our eternal (including the present) relationship with God. We grow to love Him...to know Him more deeply...to be in His presence...to walk with Him more closely. That will not only be your heavenly expectation, but it is the expectation of our lives today. The “thief” got it...have you?

Where are you now in your Christian life? Are you so burdened and buried in your predicament... or are your priorities and cravings set on achieving temporary worldly goods or aspirations? Is this what you expected when you became a Christian? The real joy of being a regenerated Christian is knowing God and relishing His presence. That's the expectation and aspiration we should have every day.

This song popularized by Fernando Ortega should be our prayer each morning and day:

In the morning when I rise,
in the morning when I rise,
in the morning when I rise,
give me Jesus.

Refrain:
Give me Jesus, give me Jesus.
You may have all this world, give me Jesus.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.