BLESSING OUR CHILDREN

BLESSING OUR CHILDREN

 The community of Pastor Tom Erickson has a public Library that created a popular children’s program called “Dial-A-Tale.”  Anytime children want to hear a fairy tale, they just dial a certain number and a friendly voice reads a short fairy tale to the excited and expectant child.  However, Dial-A-Tale’s number is only one digit different from Tom Erickson’s phone.  Because young fingers make dialing errors, Tom often gets calls from children listening expectantly for a fairy tale.  After several unsuccessful attempts to explain this to small children, Tom felt he had only one alternative.  He obtained a copy of “The Three Little Pigs,” and set it by the phone.  And now, whenever such calls come in, he simply reads this children’s tale. 

 How nice is that?  The Word reveals God’s keen interest and love for all children.  We adults must be proactive in transforming young minds and spirits by embodying genuine love, kindness, compassion and wisdom.  There is truth in the saying that ‘It takes a community to raise a child.’  Whether they are related to us or not, whether they meet our personal expectations or not, we must reach, touch, bless and transform young impressionable minds with a lasting legacy of heartfelt love.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE OPTICAL ILLUSION OF SIN

THE OPTICAL ILLUSION OF SIN

 Steve Green sang for many years with gospel music trailblazers, Bill and Gloria Gaither.  He enjoyed becoming acquainted with work crews in the auditoriums where their concerts were held.  The Gaither family preferred concerts-in-the-round, which meant extra work for the riggers who work on rafter beams--often one hundred above the stage--to hang sound speakers and spotlights.  

 “The fellows I talked to weren’t bothered by the sight of looking down one hundred feet,” says Green.  “What they DIDN'T like were jobs in buildings that had false ceilings--acoustical tiles that hung just a few feet below the rafters.  They were still high in the air, and if they slipped, their weight would surely smash right through the flimsy tiles.  Because sometimes their minds would play tricks on them, lulling them into carelessness and not focusing on how high they actually were.”

 Satan employs a related strategy to deceptively create an illusion surrounding sin.  His aim is to  disguise the danger of sin by convincing unwatchful individuals that the impact of any spiritual fall will be minimal.  No wonder Peter advised us to “resist him, standing firm in the faith.” (I Peter 5:9)  Never fall for satanic duplicity.  No matter how it is packaged, sin is always a disdainful and dangerous affair.  Indeed, what the Word promises that we will earn for sin is destruction and death. (Romans 6:23)  That’s why I am so grateful that HE is fully able to keep us from falling prey to satanic snares. (Jude 1:24)

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE WONDROUS WORD

THE WONDROUS WORD

I read an insightful article describing the Word of God: “This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.  Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.  Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy.  It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.  It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character.  Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.  Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.  It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.  Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.  It is a mine of wealth, a fountain of glory, and a river of pleasure.  Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ, and to a grand and glorious eternity.”

Amen!  Amen!  Amen!  

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

NEVER DEBATE NITWITS

NEVER DEBATE NITWITS

 C.K. Johnson, president of the International Flat Earth Research Society, rails against proven and verifiable fact.  He writes, “Forget what you learned in elementary school--the earth is flat as a pancake.  All that stuff about the earth being round and the sun being the center of the solar system is a big joke.”  Johnson leads an organization of more than 1,400 members who take great pleasure in poking fun at people like you and me, whom they describe as “globites.”  

 Nevertheless, Johnson claims that their society is largely comprised of doctors, lawyers, engineers and architects.  These Flat-Earthers dismiss modern science as a conspiratorial club for sun worshippers, and they write off all space programs as multi-billion-dollar hoaxes.  According to them, “The moon walk was done on a Hollywood set.  All faked!” Johnson and his followers also insist that our sun is a gigantic spotlight  measuring 32 miles across and moving in an ellipse 3000 miles above the equator.  Furthermore, they believe that the stars are mere holes poked in a huge canopy covering the Earth.  

 There is an old and apt saying that simply says, “Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.”  To be transparent, there was a time earlier in life when I was prone to engage in serious debate with those whose worldviews are totally out of touch with reality.  FYI, I no longer participate in such wastes of time and energy.

 My advice: For your peace of mind, never debate people who have long since surrendered logic, facts, balance, sensibility and wisdom.  You will seldom succeed.  Sometimes, the best response is silence.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

CHRISTIANITY WAS NEVER ABOUT PROPERITY

CHRISTIANITY WAS NEVER ABOUT PROSPERITY

 One of the most tragic occurrences in contemporary church culture is the undue emphasis on securing wealth in this present world.  It is marketed and packaged deceptively in the bright-colored and distracting ribbons of God’s will for an ‘end-time redistribution of wealth’ or ‘the need to demonstrate the truth of the gospel by the success of believers’ or ‘financing the Kingdom of God,’ etc.

 It’s nonsense.  And it’s a demonic distraction and deception.

 Many would even have us believe (implicitly) that the least among us may not be true Christians, because those who are closest to Christ are either benefactors or beneficiaries of fiscal blessing.  Well, I have an important suggestion.  Instead of bending a listening ear to the self-serving teachings and testimonials of those who would manipulate us, why not attend to the words of the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ?  Here’s what our Lord has to say on this matter: “A man’s life does not consist of the abundance of things that he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)  And, according to Jesus, “You have the poor with you always.” (Mark 14:7 – Matthew 26:11)  In fact, believe it or not, Jesus Christ was actually homeless!  “And Jesus said unto him, foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has no where to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)  Stop trying to be rich; start trying to be right.

 Prosperity teaching contradicts and cheapens the atoning work of Christ’s cross.  Furthermore, it manipulates the masses.  And importantly, it is a stumbling-block and turn-off to those who might otherwise hear, receive and live – if they received unvarnished, uncommercialized, gospel truth.

 This problematic situation reminds me of a true story set forth by Clarence Jordan, the author of the “Cotton Patch” translation of the New Testament and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia.  It seems that he was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister’s church.  With overflowing pride the pastor pointed to their lavish imported pews and luxurious décor.  As they stepped outside in the twilight, a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the magnificent church steeple.  “That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars,” the minister proclaimed with a self-satisfied smile.  “You got cheated,” replied Jordan.  “Times were when Christians could get them for free.”  Think.

 Here's something we should always remember.  If the gospel is true anywhere, it is true everywhere.  It is virtually impossible for those who occupy the bottom rungs of the economic ladder in so-called ‘third-world-nations’ to attain opportunities for wealth that are present in more industrialized nations.  Are they thus less eligible recipients of the grace of God?  And is their inability to acquire riches an indicator of the lack of true faith, or a lower quality of faith?  My friend, if the specifics of the gospel aren’t just as valid and attainable in the impoverished slums of Africa or Asia – as they are in the wealthy enclaves of America – then none of the message is true.  Those persons may never reside in magnificent homes or attain worldly possessions that neighbors admire or envy, but they can surely lay claim on eternal life.

 Bottom-line: God does not want us to be rich; God wants us to be whole.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

GOD'S PRESENCE IS EVERYTHING

GOD’S PRESENCE IS EVERYTHING

 After attending church one Sunday evening, an innocent little boy knelt at his bedside and prayed, “Dear God, we had a good time at church today--but I wish you had been there!”  Hmm…

 While the young boy likely meant that literally, there is a lesson here for all of us.  Sometimes, it seems like what goes on in many church services is more of a ritual, a customary and habitual behavior, than an edifying entrance into the presence of the Lord.  To wit, worship should always be a powerful spiritual togetherness, a corporate passage-by-faith into the inner sanctum of Heaven’s throne room.  In a real sense, true worshippers kneel before their Creator fully disrobed, stripped of self and selfishness, naked and unashamed, surrendering agendas, plans, ideas and emotions in exchange for an intimate encounter with the King of Kings.

 Allow me to frame it another way: Just as the Word commands me to love God with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength, it is only reasonable that worship should also emerge from deep within my heart, resounding through my soul, mind and physical being. (Mark 12:30) 

 Bottom-line: If God does not occupy the center of our worship, if we not spiritually and fully engaged, it just becomes a hollow, routine, shallow, empty and lonely experience.  For only in God’s presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)  Therefore, the church sanctuary must and shall be a supremely sacred space where all may sense the very essence of Christ, as revealed through His Holy Spirit.  After all, He alone is the personification of our joy, peace, comfort, security and love.  His presence is everything.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

SUSTAINING FAITH IN TRYING TIMES

SUSTAINING FAITH IN TRYING TIMES

 Tests, trials and temptations show up as potential tutors for all of us.  How we handle them reveals our character, flexibility, strength and capacity for spiritual growth.

 In “Run Today’s Race,” Oswald Chambers frames it this way: “Faith for my deliverance is not some theoretical faith in God.  Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love.  There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace.”

 So tough times teach life lessons.  But even there we can totally depend on our God – who is present, caring and capable of addressing all hurts and needs.  Even when we find ourselves in less-than-ideal circumstances or conditions, Jehovah-Shammah is THERE as the powerful panacea for anything that challenges us.  His Word strengthens, sustains, soothes and satisfies.  According to David, “He sent His Word, and healed them [us], and delivered them [us], from their [our] destructions.” (Psalm 107:20)

 Trust God.  Rely on His promises, which hold absolute truth, which never fail.  “So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

 My friend, you can (and you will) make it!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

 In “Today in the Word,” William Ward pens very important spiritual insights:

 “Discouragement is dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future.  It is ingratitude for the blessings of yesterday, indifference to the opportunities of today, and insecurity regarding strength for tomorrow.  It is unawareness of the presence of beauty, unconcern for the needs of our fellowman, and unbelief in the promises of old.  It is impatience with time, immaturity of thought, and impoliteness to God.”

 My friend, right here and right now…ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD!  (I Samuel 30:6)

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

JUST BE AVAILABLE

JUST BE AVAILABLE

 It has been said that nothing is too big for our God to accomplish, and nothing is too little for Him to use in accomplishing it.  So whenever you are tempted to feel small, of minimal worth, or even relatively useless in comparison to others, remember that your Creator has plans to use you. 

 Yes…YOU…

 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)

 I love the lyrics of a simple phrase chorus that declares, “Litte is much, if GOD is in it!”  What you bring to the table might seem small, but Almighty God sees it as a seed that has potential for a mighty and miraculous harvest.  Availability outweighs ability.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

POST-RESURRECTION APPEARANCES OF JESUS CHRIST

POST-RESURRECTION APPEARANCES OF JESUS CHRIST

 “The New Unger’s Bible Handbook” documents the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ.  These witnessed appearances validate the certainty that He arose with absolute victory over death, hell and the grave.  Because He is “the firstborn among many brethren,” we too shall conquer death and live eternally in the presence of our Redeemer. (Romans 8:29)

 Jesus Christ Appeared…

…to Mary Magdalene (Jn. 20:14-18; Mk. 16:9)
…to the women returning from the tomb (Mt. 28:8-10)
…to Peter later in the day (Lk. 24:34; I Cor. 15:5)
…to the disciples going to Emmaus in the evening (Lk. 24:13-31)
…to the apostles (except Thomas) (Lk. 24:36-45; Jn. 20-19-24)
…to the apostles a week later (Thomas present) (Jn. 20:24-29)
…in Galilee to the seven by the Lake of Tiberias (Jn. 21:1-23)
…in Galilee on a mountain to the apostles and 500 believers (I Cor. 15:6)
…at Jerusalem and Bethany again to James (I Cor. 15:7)
…at Olivet and the ascension (Acts 1:3-12)
…to Paul near Damascus (Acts 9:3-6; I Cor. 15:8)
…to Stephen outside Jerusalem (Acts 7:55)
…to Paul in the temple (Acts 22:17-21; 23:11)
…to John on Patmos (Rev. 1:10-19)

 Hence, our Lord and Savior “ever liveth…” (Hebrews 7:25) 

JESUS LIVES!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE MEANING OF THE CROSS

THE MEANING OF THE CROSS

 The cross of Calvary means so much to so many.  Because of Christ’s vicarious sacrifice, believers have at-one-ment and peace with The Father.  Thank you, Jesus!  You came to pay a debt You did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay.

 Allow me to cite just a few faith perspectives of that wondrous, old, rugged cross:

 “All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell is terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning.”  –Oswald Chambers

 “The cross is God's way of uniting suffering with love.”  –Georgia Harkness

 “The figure of the Crucified invalidates any thought which takes success for its standard.” –Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 “It was on the cross of Calvary that God-in-Christ dealt fully and finally with self, the nature from which all our sins flow.”  –Miles J. Stanford

 “The deformity of Christ forms you.  If He had not willed to be deformed, you would not have recovered the form which you had lost.  Therefore He was deformed when He hung on the cross.  But His deformity is our comeliness.  In this life, therefore, let us hold fast to the deformed Christ.”  –Augustine

 “It has been said there was a cross in the heart of God long before the cross was erected at Calvary.  As we think about it, we will be overwhelmed by the wonder and greatness of His love for us.”  –Billy Graham

 “From all that dims Mount Calvary, Oh Lamb of God deliver me.”  –Amy Carmichael

 Amen, sisters and brothers, Amen!  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

TRUE REPENTANCE

TRUE REPENTANCE

The celebrated devotional author of “My Utmost for His Highest,” Oswald Chambers, penned the following article that challenges us concerning the need for genuine repentance:

 We trample the blood of the Son of God if we think we are forgiven because we are simply sorry for our sins.  The only explanation for the forgiveness of God and the unfathomable depth of His love is the sacrificial and substitutionary death of Jesus Christ.  Repentance is merely the outcome of our personal embrace of the atonement which He has worked out for us.  It does not matter who we are, or what we have done; we have absolute reinstatement by the death of Jesus Christ and by no other way.  It is not earned, but accepted.  And our Lord does not pretend we are all right when we are all wrong.  The atonement provides a new birth whereby God, through the offering of Jesus, makes an unholy man holy.  

 Acceptance of the Christ of Calvary involves not only forgiveness, but willful submission to His Word.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer calls it “cheap grace” whenever people ask for and expect God’s forgiveness while still refusing to truly repent and turn from their ways.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE WONDROUS GRACE OF CHRIST'S CROSS

THE WONDROUS GRACE OF CHRIST’S CROSS

 J. Allan Peterson relates the following fascinating story of grace: 

A young boy was consistently late coming home from school.  His parents warned him one day that he absolutely must be home on time, but he arrived later than ever.  His mother met him at the door and said nothing.  At dinner that night, the boy glanced with disappointment at his meal.  There was one slice of bread and a glass of water.  He looked at his father’s full plate and then at his father, but his father remained silent.  The boy was totally crushed.

 The father waited for the full impact of the situation to sink in, then quietly took his son’s plate and placed it in front of himself.  He took his own plate of meat and potatoes, put it in front of his child, then smiled warmly at him.  When that boy grew up, he had vivid memories of that incident and remarked, “All my life I’ve known what God is like by what my father did that night.”

 Amen.  The grace of our Father, revealed in Calvary’s cross, is awesome and amazing!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

 Perhaps the singular most important question in all of the Bible was posed by Jesus Christ to His twelve disciples: “Who do YOU say that I am?” (John 15:16, NKJV)  What we personally think of the Lord is mission critical to our opportunity for abundant and eternal life. 

 In a Gallup poll Americans were asked, “Who do you think Jesus is.”  70% of those interviewed said Jesus was not just another man.  42% stated Jesus was God among men.  27% felt Jesus was only human but divinely called.  9% stated that Jesus was divine because he embodied the best of humanity.  However, 81% of persons polled self-identified as Christians.

 My friends, Jesus Christ is Who the Word says He is – not the views or opinions of men.  In truth, some embrace the Lord with very opportunistic motives.  They believe that He exists, but He is considered and called on only in times of need.  Others take an ala carte approach to His Word, and thus have views of His deity based solely on their personal life experiences or the beliefs of those they trust.  Others express confidence in Who He is, but fail to allow Christ to become Lord of their lives.

 During Holy Week, it is especially fitting that each of us will prayerfully evaluate our own relationship with Jesus Christ.  Bottom-line: ‘Who do YOU say that JESUS is?’

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL

PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL

 Success is often reached through the little stuff.  When Pat Riley coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1982 to 1990, his team won four NBA championships.  In taking over the New York Knicks in 1991, Riley inherited a team with a losing record.  But the Knicks seemed able to play above their abilities and even gave the eventual champions, the Chicago Bulls, their hardest competition in the play-offs.

 How does Riley do it?  He says his talent lies in attention to detail.  For example, every NBA team studies videotapes and compiles statistics to evaluate players' game performances.  But Riley's use of these tools is more comprehensive than that of his rivals.  “We measure areas of performance that are often ignored: jumping in pursuit of every rebound even if you don’t get it, swatting at every pass, diving for loose balls, letting someone smash into you in order to draw a foul.”

 After each game, these ‘effort’ statistics are punched into a computer.  “Effort,” Riley insists, “is what ultimately separates average players from impact players.  Knowing how well a player executes all these little things is the key to unlocking peak performance.” 

 Are you paying attention to the seemingly small-stuff of life?  King Solomon put it this way: “The little foxes…spoil the vines.” (Song of Solomon 2:15)  My friend, be prayerful and attentive.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE OVERWHELMING PAIN OF LONELINESS

THE OVERWHELMING PAIN OF LONELINESS

 Loneliness is a problem of monumental proportions in our society.  To point out how lonely many people are, Pastor Chuck Swindoll highlighted an advertisement in a Kansas newspaper which read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00.”  Swindoll continued, “Sounds like a hoax, doesn’t it?  But did anybody call?  Absolutely!  It wasn’t long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day.”  The pain of loneliness is so profound that some are willing to try almost anything for a half hour of companionship.

 Why not take a few moments to reflect on who could be overwhelmed by loneliness in your sphere of influence, i.e. your family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors?  Even a brief phone call could immeasurably lighten their load and brighten their day – just knowing that someone cares.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

JEALOUSY VS. ENVY

JEALOUSY VS. ENVY

 In his book entitled “Homemade,” Dr. Gary Collins highlights the distinction between jealousy and envy.  He writes, “To envy is to want something which belongs to another person.  ‘You shall not covet your neighbor's house, his wife or his servant, his ox or donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.’  

 In contrast, jealousy is the fear that something which we possess will be taken away by another person.  Although jealousy can apply to our jobs, our possessions, or our reputations, the word more often refers to anxiety which comes when we are afraid that the affections of a loved one might be lost to a rival.  We fear that our mates, or perhaps our children, will be lured away by some other person who, when compared to us, seems to be more attractive, capable and successful.”

 Both jealousy and envy are enormous wastes of your God-given individuality, time and energy.  You are unique and wonderfully designed by the Creator.  Identify your distinctives, treasure them, and deploy them to a waiting world.  Only you can be you – no one else!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THINGS THAT CAN DESTROY US

THINGS THAT CAN DESTROY US

 The renowned social change-agent, Mohandas Gandhi, offered this simple summary of the things that have great potential to diminish our lives, productivity and peace:  

 Politics without principle, pleasure without conscience, wealth without work, knowledge without character, business without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice. 

 Indeed, these are important guidelines to remember and observe.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

JESUS CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR

JESUS CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR

 D.M. Stearns was preaching in Philadelphia.  At the close of the service a stranger came up to him and said, “I don't like the way you spoke about the cross.  I think that instead of emphasizing the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example.”  

 Stearns replied, “If I presented Christ in that way, would you be willing to follow Him?”  “I certainly would,” said the stranger without hesitation.  “All right then,” said the preacher, “let's take the first step.  He did no sin.  Can you claim that for yourself?”  The man looked confused and somewhat surprised.  “Why, no,” he said.  “I acknowledge that I do sin.”  Stearns replied, “Then your greatest need is to have a Savior, not an example!”

 Daily we stand in need of His grace, mercy and love – the miraculous portals of our eternal salvation.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!