Perceptions, Expectations & the Pleasure of God by John Belt

Perceptions, Expectations & the Pleasure of God
by John Belt




I. EXTERNAL APPEARANCES


Perceptions we draw from "external" actions or what things "look like" on the outside will be incorrect, Jesus said if we make decisions based on external appearances our conclusions would be incorrect.

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
(John 7:24)
God looks at the heart. God will even ask us to do things that look offensive to others by appearance just to test our heart in matter of how radically we will obey Him no matter what others think. The things that God will ask us to do will offend the natural mind that likes to have everything figured out.

II. RELIGIOUS EXPECTATIONS

Then answered the Jews and said to him, What sign show you to us, seeing that you do these things? (John 2:18)

The Pharisees and religious leaders always demanded Jesus to do things according to their expectations. When Jesus did only what the Father desired the Pharisees were blinded to the works of Jesus and of the Father's will. They could not see the glory of God in the will of God. They just wanted what they expected on their terms. Therefore they were blind to the things that they should have seen. So it is today. God sets things up in such a way that people will have expectations of us, then when we don't please them according to their expectations they are offended. This is a test on both their hearts and the obedient heart who is choosing please God alone. Jesus lived for the Father's pleasure. Only the Father's affirmation mattered to Jesus. The opinions of man are of no value to the one who follows after the voice of God. The voice of God is paramount to our fulfilling the divine destiny that God has purposed for our lives. Compromising this for something that is dumbed-down to try to please both man and God will result in a life like Saul who lost the blessing and anointing of God. Saul did not obey and rather did something religious because of his desire to please the people.

And Samuel said, What have you done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people ... And Samuel said to Saul, You have done foolishly: you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which he commanded you: for now would the LORD have established your kingdom on Israel for ever. But now your kingdom shall not continue: the LORD has sought him a man after his own heart...\
(I Samuel 13:13-14)
III. LIVING FOR THE FATHER'S PLEASURE

And he said to them, How is it that you sought me? knew you not that I must be about my Father's business? (Luke 2:49)

Just like the Lord we need to live for the Father's pleasure allowing Him to fill us and flood through us into the earth. We are the living, walking habitations of His glory living to continually pour out His goodness. The glory filled life is what He has called us to live, reflecting the image of His Son. A life infused in His Presence has no limitations and is free of expectations of others. We can live this life as we continue to access His power and blessing upon us.

Lord help us to come into deeper walk, a higher place, a better place that is full of Your blessings and goodness that we may be conduits of your love's attributes to others overflowing with the fruits of heaven!


John Belt
Live In His Presence Ministries.com