Last week, May 7-9, myself and Scott, a young minister in our church, traveled to Washington D.C. to attend a Pastor's Briefing sponsored by the Family Research Council, a Christian, pro-family organization. It was an awesome time. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency about two blocks from the Capitol, where the conference was being held. We heard some wonderful messages about the importance of standing for Christian values in the public and political arena. The highlight for me was the Wednesday night tour of the Capitol building where we heard Rick Greene and David Barton of Wallbuilders ministry, talk about the religious heritage of our nation. It was amazing to hear how pastors had a great impact in preparing the nation for the impending fight for freedom and intricately involved the formation of our founding documents.
On Thursday we prayer walked around Capitol Hill and the Mall. We also spent some time in the Library of Congress, which is an amazing building. We also walked to the World War II Memorial, which wasn't there the last time I was in DC in 1997. It was a bit of a walk from the Capitol Hill area, but well worth it. I've always been interested in WWII, and being at the monument and reading the quotes from the leaders of that era was a very moving experience. I'm looking forward to going back and taking the family.
I read a Proverb a day (31 chapters in Proverbs and 30 or 31 days in a month), and I came across 14:34, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." We became a great nation because of our commitment to biblical values and principles. We are losing our greatness because we are losing our commitment to those same things. But I believe we're seeing the beginnings of a grassroots return to our biblical foundations. Organizations like Family Research Council are providing the leadership and the resources to turn our nation around. Pray for them as they are on the front line of culture war. And pray for all Christians to get involved in the voting process and vote our values. I pray that our generation is used of God to bring about a national spiritual renewal.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
What To Do in "All Things"
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
What are we to do when God is working those “all things” for our good? Praise the Lord!
“One of the best ways to get out of a pit is to praise your way out. When you’re praising God, you’re trusting God. If you’re worrying, you’re are not trusting,and if you’re trusting, you’re not worrying…If you’re going through a battle and you’ve prayed about it, you should be rejoicing. Every time you think about the situation, praise Him.” (Kate McVeigh)
What are we to do when God is working those “all things” for our good? Praise the Lord!
“One of the best ways to get out of a pit is to praise your way out. When you’re praising God, you’re trusting God. If you’re worrying, you’re are not trusting,and if you’re trusting, you’re not worrying…If you’re going through a battle and you’ve prayed about it, you should be rejoicing. Every time you think about the situation, praise Him.” (Kate McVeigh)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Big Day
Well, it's been a great day. I turned 43 today and I've been so blessed. I took a vacation day from work. so I got to spend a little extra time in the word and prayer this morning. I then headed for the golf course. I haven't played since last fall and it was good to get out on the course again. I don't take golf that seriously so it is very relaxing for me. (Plus I was under 100, and I got paid to play).
On the way home Cecelia informed me that she and the girls were taking me to my favorite ribs restaurant, Tony Roma's, which recently opened in Pigeon Forge. I haven't had Roma's Ribs since our last trip to Myrtle Beach a couple of years ago. I made up for lost time! It was great.
We then walked around Pigeon Forge and Patriot Park. It was beautiful evening. We fed the ducks in the river/creek, and just relaxed at the park. This has been one of the best birthdays I've ever had - nothing exciting, just relaxing and being with Cecelia and the girls. I loved it!
God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and family. Some recent events have really drawn us closer together. I'm thankful for a godly wife who seeks God's face and believes His word. She has been a source of spiritual encouragement for me. And she is raising godly daughters. They're not perfect, but they know how to honor God with their lives and talents. A couple of weeks ago, the four of them (Cecelia, Holli, Lydia and Abigail) sung in church. My heart nearly burst with joy as they used their gifts and talents to honor God. I'm so thankful for a family that has a heart to serve and honor God.
Well, this is more than I anticipated writing, but it's been a great day.
On the way home Cecelia informed me that she and the girls were taking me to my favorite ribs restaurant, Tony Roma's, which recently opened in Pigeon Forge. I haven't had Roma's Ribs since our last trip to Myrtle Beach a couple of years ago. I made up for lost time! It was great.
We then walked around Pigeon Forge and Patriot Park. It was beautiful evening. We fed the ducks in the river/creek, and just relaxed at the park. This has been one of the best birthdays I've ever had - nothing exciting, just relaxing and being with Cecelia and the girls. I loved it!
God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and family. Some recent events have really drawn us closer together. I'm thankful for a godly wife who seeks God's face and believes His word. She has been a source of spiritual encouragement for me. And she is raising godly daughters. They're not perfect, but they know how to honor God with their lives and talents. A couple of weeks ago, the four of them (Cecelia, Holli, Lydia and Abigail) sung in church. My heart nearly burst with joy as they used their gifts and talents to honor God. I'm so thankful for a family that has a heart to serve and honor God.
Well, this is more than I anticipated writing, but it's been a great day.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Maundy Thursday
Growing up in the Baptist church that I did, I never heard about Maundy Thursday. Not until I was in college did I become aware that Christians all over the world commemorate the last meal Jesus had with His disciples. Maundy is from the Latin word for mandate or commandment. It is a reference to what Jesus said to His disciples during the meal - "But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. " (John 13:34)
Jesus, the master teacher that He was, gave an old commandment new life. In the OT book of Leviticus the Lord said, "Forget about the wrong things people do to you, and do not try to get even. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the Lord." (19:18, NCV) Though this was part of the law code of the Jewish people, love is a hard thing to legislate. What it became in practice was "Love those neighbors who are like yourself." In other words, love those who are like you, who see things like you do, who you can love as much as you love yourself. It was not what God intended.
Jesus updates the commandment to "You must love each other as I have loved you." How did Jesus love? By giving Himself for those who didn't love Him; by laying down life for sinners, so that they could become saints. Real love always seeks to lift up the object of its affection. Jesus gives further instruction by saying, "If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples." (John 13:35, NLT) As we love others like Jesus loved us, others know we belong to Him. Do you think that pleases Jesus? I think so too.
Jesus, the master teacher that He was, gave an old commandment new life. In the OT book of Leviticus the Lord said, "Forget about the wrong things people do to you, and do not try to get even. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the Lord." (19:18, NCV) Though this was part of the law code of the Jewish people, love is a hard thing to legislate. What it became in practice was "Love those neighbors who are like yourself." In other words, love those who are like you, who see things like you do, who you can love as much as you love yourself. It was not what God intended.
Jesus updates the commandment to "You must love each other as I have loved you." How did Jesus love? By giving Himself for those who didn't love Him; by laying down life for sinners, so that they could become saints. Real love always seeks to lift up the object of its affection. Jesus gives further instruction by saying, "If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples." (John 13:35, NLT) As we love others like Jesus loved us, others know we belong to Him. Do you think that pleases Jesus? I think so too.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Small Things
The Bible says, "do not despise the day of small things." Most days are filled with "small things;" nothing spectacular, just little blessings along the way. But if we pay attention to the little blessings along the way, we see that they add up to a full day of good things. Today was one of those days. This morning was a good time of worship for me. Nothing spectacular happened, but I sensed the presence of the Lord. We spent the afternoon together as a family and I was blessed to spend some time with Cecelia and the girls. We've been so busy with church and school that we have rarely all been together the last few weeks. And tonight I got to set back and worship the Lord while the choir did "Written in Red." What a powerful musical, and they nailed it. The song, "Who Will Call Him King of Kings" gave me the "Holy Spirit goosebumps." He is my King and I could just bask in His love tonight. A day of small things, but what a wonderful day. Thank you Lord!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Like the Father
You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends. If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that? But you must always act like your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-48 (NCV)
Has anyone ever said, "You're just like your father," or "You're just like your mother." I remember when people would say those things to me, and I immediately shut them down. I loved my dad, and he was a pretty good guy, but I didn't want to grow up to be like him. My dad was old fashioned, close minded, closed lipped, and could be a pretty harsh man. He wasn't always nice to my mom. He sometimes caused me a lot of anger and frustration. I wanted to be different. But people saw in me some characteristics of my dad that I didn't see, or didn't want to see. But I finally came to the realization that I had begun imitating what I had grown up seeing. Recognition is the first step to change. I've been fortunate to be able to change some of the behaviors I had adopted from my dad. I'm thankful to have a loving family that has helped me see what I'm doing and what I could be.
When I became a Christian I didn't realize all that it meant. I got saved primarily so I could go to heaven when I died. I knew it meant that I needed to be a good person, but at the time, I didn't realize that being a follower of Christ meant becoming like Him. Being a Christian means becoming like the Father, because that's the example of Jesus. Jesus set a pretty high standard. especially in the area of relationships.
My earthly father taught me (by example) to avoid the people that didn't like me, (out of sight, out of mind). He taught me to be nice to those who were nice to me, and be friends with those who were friendly to me. For most of my life, that's how I lived... like the world. Then I started taking the Bible seriously, and reading the passages like the one above that revealed a different standard of relationships. I realized I could no longer give others the "cold-shoulder" and be like Jesus. I could no longer look the other way when I encountered people who didn't like me, and be like my Father. I'm still a work in progress, but I understand what it takes to please the Father, and that's all that matters.
Has anyone ever said, "You're just like your father," or "You're just like your mother." I remember when people would say those things to me, and I immediately shut them down. I loved my dad, and he was a pretty good guy, but I didn't want to grow up to be like him. My dad was old fashioned, close minded, closed lipped, and could be a pretty harsh man. He wasn't always nice to my mom. He sometimes caused me a lot of anger and frustration. I wanted to be different. But people saw in me some characteristics of my dad that I didn't see, or didn't want to see. But I finally came to the realization that I had begun imitating what I had grown up seeing. Recognition is the first step to change. I've been fortunate to be able to change some of the behaviors I had adopted from my dad. I'm thankful to have a loving family that has helped me see what I'm doing and what I could be.
When I became a Christian I didn't realize all that it meant. I got saved primarily so I could go to heaven when I died. I knew it meant that I needed to be a good person, but at the time, I didn't realize that being a follower of Christ meant becoming like Him. Being a Christian means becoming like the Father, because that's the example of Jesus. Jesus set a pretty high standard. especially in the area of relationships.
My earthly father taught me (by example) to avoid the people that didn't like me, (out of sight, out of mind). He taught me to be nice to those who were nice to me, and be friends with those who were friendly to me. For most of my life, that's how I lived... like the world. Then I started taking the Bible seriously, and reading the passages like the one above that revealed a different standard of relationships. I realized I could no longer give others the "cold-shoulder" and be like Jesus. I could no longer look the other way when I encountered people who didn't like me, and be like my Father. I'm still a work in progress, but I understand what it takes to please the Father, and that's all that matters.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
New Beginnings?
One of the things I've learned in my time off is that the number 8 is the number of new beginnings. I learned this from a TV preacher that I normally wouldn't watch, but something kept me tuned in. I had heard this idea from a couple of different places, but this guy went through the Bible, highlighting number "8" passages. A couple caught my attention - there were eight people in Noah's Ark, symbolizing a new beginning. David was the eighth son of Jesse, symbolizing a new dynasty. Hebrew children were circumcised on the eighth day of their lives - symbolizing a new cycle of life.
In subsequent research (I had to learn more about "8"), I learned of a Jewish festival called "Shemini Atzeret", the "eighth day assembly." It came after the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkoth. Leviticus 23:33-44 declares that the Feast of Tabernacles is to be celebrated for seven full days. Seven is the number of completion and the final day celebrates the completion of the harvest. The eighth day begins a new growth cycle, therefore a holy convocation is called for, a time of worship which, in Jewish tradition, would include a prayer for rain for the new growing season. The eight day was a new beginning.
Christ was raised on the "eight day" of the week - the ultimate evidence of a new beginning.
What is God saying through all of this? Is 2008 the year of new beginnings as the TV preacher said? Still seeking, praying and waiting for clarity ... thankful that God is always a God of new beginnings.
In subsequent research (I had to learn more about "8"), I learned of a Jewish festival called "Shemini Atzeret", the "eighth day assembly." It came after the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkoth. Leviticus 23:33-44 declares that the Feast of Tabernacles is to be celebrated for seven full days. Seven is the number of completion and the final day celebrates the completion of the harvest. The eighth day begins a new growth cycle, therefore a holy convocation is called for, a time of worship which, in Jewish tradition, would include a prayer for rain for the new growing season. The eight day was a new beginning.
Christ was raised on the "eight day" of the week - the ultimate evidence of a new beginning.
What is God saying through all of this? Is 2008 the year of new beginnings as the TV preacher said? Still seeking, praying and waiting for clarity ... thankful that God is always a God of new beginnings.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Terminal Illness
A few weeks ago as I was preparing a sermon, God brought to mind the fact that I have a "terminal illness." Those words usually bring to mind something like cancer, ALS, Aides, or some other disease for which there is no cure yet. I have none of those. My terminal illness (as is yours), is being human. The truth is we're all dying. Unless the Lord returns, we're not getting out of this life alive. It may be soon, or it may be many years in the future, but eventually our terminal illness catches up with us.
I took my 82 year old mom to the doctor last week, and we were talking about family history. She reminded me that my grandfather, her dad, died when he was 45, an age I am rapidly approaching. Later, I was processing this information and kind of wondering where I was going to fall in the "life/death timeline" (83 like mom, 45 like grandfather, or maybe 96 like grandmother), and again the Lord spoke: how much time I have isn't nearly as imp0rtant as what I do with the time I have.
More thinking... am I doing with my life what I am suppose to be doing? Am I doing all that I could be doing for the Lord? I'm taking the next few days off to spend some time seeking the Lord and His will. I have a terminal illness and I want to make sure I'm using all the time I have left to glorify God by bearing much fruit for Him!
I took my 82 year old mom to the doctor last week, and we were talking about family history. She reminded me that my grandfather, her dad, died when he was 45, an age I am rapidly approaching. Later, I was processing this information and kind of wondering where I was going to fall in the "life/death timeline" (83 like mom, 45 like grandfather, or maybe 96 like grandmother), and again the Lord spoke: how much time I have isn't nearly as imp0rtant as what I do with the time I have.
More thinking... am I doing with my life what I am suppose to be doing? Am I doing all that I could be doing for the Lord? I'm taking the next few days off to spend some time seeking the Lord and His will. I have a terminal illness and I want to make sure I'm using all the time I have left to glorify God by bearing much fruit for Him!
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Adventure of the Christ-Life
Life has become a great adventure with the Lord of late. Though nothing cataclysmic has happened, there just seems to be a sense of adventure about the future. It is great to be in a place where you can completely trust the Lord for the future. I don't have to know what is going to happen next, I just trust the Lord and hang on. There is a wonderful sense of freedom in knowing that I'm not in charge of my life - God is. I can relax and rest in His arms.
For those who know me, this is quiet a change. I use to be a control-freak. I had to know what was going to happen next, and I hated surprises. I still don't like surprises too much, but I've begun to look forward to the adventure of each day. I know God is always at work, and I can partner with Him by allowing Him to lead me and use me for His glory. Is there anything greater? I haven't found it yet.
For those who know me, this is quiet a change. I use to be a control-freak. I had to know what was going to happen next, and I hated surprises. I still don't like surprises too much, but I've begun to look forward to the adventure of each day. I know God is always at work, and I can partner with Him by allowing Him to lead me and use me for His glory. Is there anything greater? I haven't found it yet.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Thoughts on the TBC and church in general
The TBC (Tennessee Baptist Convention) is underway in Kingsport, TN. I attended the afternoon session of the pastor's conference on Monday and was blessed by the messages of Johnny Hunt, Dennis Swanburg, and Jerry Vines. Tuesday was the first day of the convention and I attended the morning session. The reports were encouraging, giving is up (even excess), talks of change and moving forward. A few motions and changes to committee reports were offered. All in all the business session seemed to move well. What concerned me most was the mass exodus of messengers after the business session and before the time of worship and the president's message. I realize some probably had important things to attend to, but I believe many were only there to cast their vote in the business session, and when that was over there was no reason for them to stay. I think that's very unfortunate. It reminds me of those people in our churches who never come to participate in the Wednesday prayer service with their fellow church members, but come for the monthly business meeting to make their voice be heard.
It is no wonder we are divided as a Convention. First of all, even at an annual convention, the worship of our Lord should have priority over our business sessions. If we spent more time in worship together, we'd probably need less time for the business sessions. Secondly, if we can't worship together, how can we possibly work together for the glory of God. We're divided in our work because we are divided in our worship. Worship must always come before work. God is always more concerned about who we are than what we do. When we again make worshiping together a priority in our Convention, we'll see our divisions being dissolved and God working through our Convention to reach the lost and unchurched people of our state. And what is true in our convention is true in our individual churches as well. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
It is no wonder we are divided as a Convention. First of all, even at an annual convention, the worship of our Lord should have priority over our business sessions. If we spent more time in worship together, we'd probably need less time for the business sessions. Secondly, if we can't worship together, how can we possibly work together for the glory of God. We're divided in our work because we are divided in our worship. Worship must always come before work. God is always more concerned about who we are than what we do. When we again make worshiping together a priority in our Convention, we'll see our divisions being dissolved and God working through our Convention to reach the lost and unchurched people of our state. And what is true in our convention is true in our individual churches as well. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
True is True
A part of the morning sermon was about the narrowness of truth. If something is true, then the opposite is false. Truth, by it's very nature is narrow.
Amazingly, though, rather than learn and accept the truth, some people prefer to create their own reality and promote it as truth. They make statements based on limited information and personal feelings rather than on facts. A good example is found in Matthew 12 where Jesus healed a man who was controlled by demons and was blind and could not speak. Jesus healed him and the Bible says that the people were amazed. They recognized the uniqueness of Jesus; the miracle was used to confirm His true identity.
But the Pharisees, who would not accept the truth of who Jesus was, created their own reality and said that Jesus cast out demons and healed because His power came from Beelzebub, the prince of demons. For the Pharisees, it suited their agenda to ignore the truth and the evidence of the truth, and create their own reality, and make Jesus out to be something He was not, and ignore who He really was. Unfortunately, this kind of "truth twisting" happens often in today's world. Some people are being destroyed because others are twisting the truth.
The good news, though, is that in the end, truth will be made known. God, who already knows everything, will reveal what has been hidden by the truth twisters, just like the Pharisees were revealed for who they really were. True is always true, and one day all truth will be made known.
Amazingly, though, rather than learn and accept the truth, some people prefer to create their own reality and promote it as truth. They make statements based on limited information and personal feelings rather than on facts. A good example is found in Matthew 12 where Jesus healed a man who was controlled by demons and was blind and could not speak. Jesus healed him and the Bible says that the people were amazed. They recognized the uniqueness of Jesus; the miracle was used to confirm His true identity.
But the Pharisees, who would not accept the truth of who Jesus was, created their own reality and said that Jesus cast out demons and healed because His power came from Beelzebub, the prince of demons. For the Pharisees, it suited their agenda to ignore the truth and the evidence of the truth, and create their own reality, and make Jesus out to be something He was not, and ignore who He really was. Unfortunately, this kind of "truth twisting" happens often in today's world. Some people are being destroyed because others are twisting the truth.
The good news, though, is that in the end, truth will be made known. God, who already knows everything, will reveal what has been hidden by the truth twisters, just like the Pharisees were revealed for who they really were. True is always true, and one day all truth will be made known.
Friday, November 2, 2007
A Do-Nothing Day
Well, it is obvious I am not much of a blogger. Time is at such a premium in my life right now that it is hard to add anything to the plate. But, today was a day of rest. It's the first full day I've had off since returning from Mississippi three weeks ago, and I've taken full advantage of it by doing virtually nothing.
It seems weird doing nothing after over 21 days of "go-go-go". I feel guilty. All day I've thought of the numerous things that I could be doing - both church and ministry related and around the house, but I've resisted the urge to do anything, not because I'm lazy, but because of sabbath. I need a do-nothing-day, just to rest and recharge. I use the sabbath day to rest physically and recharge my spiritual batteries by reading and praying. It has been a good day, and I know I'll be a better person and minister for taking it.
The Lord set the example by resting on the seventh day after creating the world. He then commanded us to follow His example in the Ten Commandments. The Lord, our Creator, knew we needed a day of rest to maintain our balance in life. We have a day of sabbath because the Lord loves us and wants the best for us. We would do well to follow His example and obey His Word (sorry, the preacher in me just comes out).
It seems weird doing nothing after over 21 days of "go-go-go". I feel guilty. All day I've thought of the numerous things that I could be doing - both church and ministry related and around the house, but I've resisted the urge to do anything, not because I'm lazy, but because of sabbath. I need a do-nothing-day, just to rest and recharge. I use the sabbath day to rest physically and recharge my spiritual batteries by reading and praying. It has been a good day, and I know I'll be a better person and minister for taking it.
The Lord set the example by resting on the seventh day after creating the world. He then commanded us to follow His example in the Ten Commandments. The Lord, our Creator, knew we needed a day of rest to maintain our balance in life. We have a day of sabbath because the Lord loves us and wants the best for us. We would do well to follow His example and obey His Word (sorry, the preacher in me just comes out).
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Expectations
Expectations - anticipated or assumed action or outcome. The belief that certain things should go a certain way. Expectations can be beneficial; they can be the standards we set for ourselves and strive to live up to. Expectations can also be harmful when applied to others in an unrealistic way. We expect certain people to behave a certain way, and when they don't we become disappointed in them. This is inevitable in life, for no one can live up to our expectations always. But what do we do when others fail to live up to our expectations for them? Some turn away - break the relationship; but is this the real solution? What about when we fail to live up to God's expectations (and you better believe He has them. To think God does not have expectations for His followers is to believe in an impersonal, nebulous god; a non-entity)? Does God turn away from us when we fail to live up to His expectations? The answer will bother some people - but the answer is yes.
In the Old Testament, when the people of God failed to live up to the covenant relationship with God, He withdrew His power and protection and the people suffered the consequences of oppression, tribulation and even destruction.
In the New Testament, Jesus made His expectations clear to those who would follow Him, and when they weren't willing to accept them or live up to them, He moved on. He didn't lower His expectations in order to appease the people (rich young ruler, Pharisees, people of Nazareth, man who wanted to bury his father [Jesus said, "let the dead bury the dead", ouch!], even the cripple at the pool [Jesus said, "Do you want to be well? Then get up and walk!"]. Jesus never changed the expectations so people would like Him or follow Him.
But with God in the Old Testament and God in the Flesh, Jesus, in New Testament when the people failed to live up to His expectations, all that was needed to restore the relationship was repentance: "I'm sorry Lord; I blew it. I let You down and I'm sorry. I'm ready to get back on track with You." And His response was/is always, "You're already forgiven. Let it go, don't look back. Let's move forward." (Thank you, Lord, for the cross and You're amazing grace!)
Don't you wish it was like that in our relationships with others? Too often others want us to jump through their hoops before they are willing to forgive (a sign they don't understand grace or true forgiveness). And others, well... it doesn't matter what you do, they'll never let it go. Their catalogue of offenses that they keep track of is just too big for them to let go of. And as more people fail to live up to their expectations the catalogue gets bigger and harder to carry - (unforgiveness is a great burden!)
Life's too short not to live by grace. It's OK to have expectations for yourself and for others, but they should be tempered by grace - the grace that God has given us.
In the Old Testament, when the people of God failed to live up to the covenant relationship with God, He withdrew His power and protection and the people suffered the consequences of oppression, tribulation and even destruction.
In the New Testament, Jesus made His expectations clear to those who would follow Him, and when they weren't willing to accept them or live up to them, He moved on. He didn't lower His expectations in order to appease the people (rich young ruler, Pharisees, people of Nazareth, man who wanted to bury his father [Jesus said, "let the dead bury the dead", ouch!], even the cripple at the pool [Jesus said, "Do you want to be well? Then get up and walk!"]. Jesus never changed the expectations so people would like Him or follow Him.
But with God in the Old Testament and God in the Flesh, Jesus, in New Testament when the people failed to live up to His expectations, all that was needed to restore the relationship was repentance: "I'm sorry Lord; I blew it. I let You down and I'm sorry. I'm ready to get back on track with You." And His response was/is always, "You're already forgiven. Let it go, don't look back. Let's move forward." (Thank you, Lord, for the cross and You're amazing grace!)
Don't you wish it was like that in our relationships with others? Too often others want us to jump through their hoops before they are willing to forgive (a sign they don't understand grace or true forgiveness). And others, well... it doesn't matter what you do, they'll never let it go. Their catalogue of offenses that they keep track of is just too big for them to let go of. And as more people fail to live up to their expectations the catalogue gets bigger and harder to carry - (unforgiveness is a great burden!)
Life's too short not to live by grace. It's OK to have expectations for yourself and for others, but they should be tempered by grace - the grace that God has given us.
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