Lately, I am hearing a phrase in various Christian environments and it seems to bother me. I even had someone pray it over me recently. "The Lord has no expectation upon you." What does this mean? How can we say this? As I reflect upon the Word of God, I observe countless commands. Does not a command connate an expectation? How is it that we can tell others that the Lord has no expectation upon them when we are expected to read our Bible, pray, seek fellowship, and serve? No expectations... such a subtle and enticing thought. The implication is rest and less stress. Who does not want these? Yet, James tells us clearly that faith without out works is dead. What good is knowledge if it is not acted upon? Knowledge blesses and equips for action. I am reminded of Jesus saying on a regular basis, "He who has ears let him hear..." Quite simply Jesus says, "Listen!" But this is not a listening to just hear. This type of listening responds. It is a call to action. To say the Lord has no expectation upon us challenges my theology. Does it challenge yours too? Stretch my mind and dialogue with me.

"He has shown strength with His arm." Luke 1:51a

Mikayla, Grant and I went to serve their school Omaha Christian Academy the other day. We are moving into a new school facility in October so there are ample opportunities to find a local mission project for the kids. We have been so busy this summer that this is our first time to go. We were allowed the privilege of sanding two door frames and then washing 37! Every once in a while one of them said, "Mom I can't reach a spot can you get it for me?" I did not think anything of it. Immediately I moved to the spot they needed reached and took care of it.

As we continued working, I started to pray in my heart to God. Ever so sweetly I heard in my heart, "Tara do you see how lovingly you are willing to stretch your arm out to Mikayla and Grant in their time of need?" I said, "Yes, LORD! It is no problem for me." "Tara, I too show my strong arm to my children in their time of need!"

I paused for a moment and basked in the wonder of our Father. There is nothing out of our reach that His arm cannot reach! There is nothing that is too hard for His strength! He is ready and available to show His strong arm in our behalf. Do we pause and ask? How long do we try to work through it on our own? How long do we strive and strain when it is simply solved with a request for help?

O Father, forgive us for not asking sooner! Forgive us for sometimes not asking at all. I am always amazed at how you meet me in the simplist of places. I love you Father! Help me to seek You first in all things. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

Is there something out of your reach today? Why don't you ask the Father to stretch out His strong arm in Your behalf.