Prophet Man (song)

   Every so often, someone comes along with yet another doomsday prediction. It's not a new phenomena; people have been predicting things since Biblical times. Of course, The Bible gives us guidelines about prophets to follow. If what they say doesn't come to pass, it doesn't follow that they're a real prophet; they're a false prophet and we should not listen to them. Of all the prophecies out there about the end times, one thing we know for sure- Jesus Christ will return! However, no one knows the date- only the Father in Heaven. It may seem like pundits and prophets are just pelting out predictions at you, but John by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote down the final Revelation of Jesus on Patmos. Instead of worrying about what will be, we should focus on what is now- and do what Jesus told us to do, which is to be His witnesses wherever we go until He comes. Even so, come Lord Jesus!


"Prophet Man"
(parody of "Rocket Man" by Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin;
parody lyrics copyright by Nathan Ludwick 11/10/2018)
(1 Timothy 1:3-7 and 4:6-10 and 6:20-21, Titus 3:9-11, Matthew 24, Acts 1:1-11, Proverbs 21:28, Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32 and 18:15-22, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, the book of Jude, Revelation 1:1 and 22:16-21)

They've cracked His plans so many times
Midnight hour comes again
And we're gonna see Christ coming back by then
They've missed their dates so much; they just revise
They're throwing out new dates
They trust this time it's right

And in Deuteronomy 18- last line
Don't trust ramblings if found to be a lie
He's not God's man (or) mouthpiece- like online trolls
Oh no no no- he's a Profit Man!
Profit Man- churning out fake news- with fear controls

And I know he cannot be (uh) wrong one time
In Proverbs 21:28 (two eight)- he dies!
He's not the man they think he is- he's snowed
All of them so- a false prophet man!
Prophet Man?- Turn it now to Jude- abhor stained clothes!

Bars faithless minds from Grace and where's it end?
In fact, they go to Hell
But there's Someone here to save them- let Him in!
In all the signs Christ told of the end
AntiChrists come- don't be deceived!
False prophets, man! False prophets, man!

And you need to go 24 Matthew's lines
From east lightning comes down to west to shine
The Son of Man's coming like that, I know
I know, know, know- Christ has prophesied
Robber man- turning up while snoozing, we don't know

And we need to go 36 verse 'bout time
The touch down's privy now to just one mind
The Son of Man's coming's like days of Noah
Only God knows (when)- just The Father, man!
Bond servant- furnishing their food like "Home Alone"

And I read in 47- in charge guy!
And the wicked's gonna be (uh) ostracized!
And the wicked drunken beater's cut to size!
With hypocrites gnashing teeth-eternal cry!
And Christ's coming gonna be like thief in night
And we need to get ready, put faith in Christ
And it's not for me and you to know the time
Acts 1:8- we've gotta be witness for Christ!

.................................................................................

We are the Reason for the Season

        In the hustle and bustle of this busy holiday season, it's easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many activities and traditions to keep up with at Christmas. It's easy to forget what it's all about and why we do the celebrations we do. But, of course, in the course of it all, we should always remember the reason for the season- us. If not for us, there would be no Christmas- there'd be no need. It might seem weird to say Christmas is all about me and you but in a sense it certainly is just that. In the same way that police and fire fighters and superheroes are out of work without villains to stop and people to save, the birth of Christ would not be necessary except for us. We, the pinnacle of God's creation, went astray like sheep. We have all sinned and are all villains. But instead of sending us to the Phantom Zone, God found a way to save us from our Kryptonite that had killed us. The real life Superman came to earth, rocketed out of Heaven and arriving via the miracle of the Incarnation. He was raised by a carpenter and his wife in a small town, not too unlike Jonathan and Martha raising Clark Kent in Smallville. Joseph and Mary raised Jesus Christ in Nazareth later on after His spectacular birth in Bethlehem, which was reserved for only a few shepherds to first know about and view the manger.
       And like the meek and mild-mannered reporter, Jesus humbled Himself and disguised His superpowered self in the form of a bondservant for the planet daily for 33 years. And ultimately, He showed us that He is the one true real Superhero because He did what only He could do for the sake of the people- He gave His life to save all of humanity. He paid the price for all of our wrong deeds once for all time. And then He proved He is God over all ultimately by defeating the great enemy no one else could defeat- He beat death, sin, Hell, the devil and his demons all in one blow! He rose again from the grave!
      And He did it all to save us! If we put our faith in Him to save us, He gathers us in His arms and no scheme of Lex Luthor can ever shake us loose. We are saved forever from the sin that had entangled us and we are freed to live for Jesus and have an assurance of eternity with Him in Heaven.
And that's the meaning of and reason for Christmas. Yes, Jesus is still always the reason for the season but as David Meece reminds us, we are the Reason for Jesus coming! He loves us and wants to save us! That's why we can celebrate Christmas and that's ultimately what we celebrate- the advent of our salvation culminating and fulfilled in Easter!
      And as we celebrate the joy to the world The Lord's first coming brings, we also look forward to the joy to the world (for those in Christ) that The Lord's second coming brings. :-)
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman- fully God and fully man! The Saviour has come and The Saviour's coming again! Hallelujah!
Merry Christmas and Happy (First and Second) Advent! :-)

"We are the reason that He gave His life. We are the reason that He suffered and died. To a world that was lost He gave all He could give to show us the reason to live." ...."He is my reason to live!" :-)
- "We Are The Reason" by David Meece

(Philippians 2, Galatians 4:4, Psalms 98, Mark 4:41, Colossians 1:15-23, Romans 5:6-8, John 1:1-18, John 1:29, John 1:43-51, John 3:13-21, 1 John 4:7-21, Hosea 11:8-9, Hosea 2:16-23, 2 Peter 3:8-9, Revelation 22:16-21) (Action Comics by DC Comics publishing and David Meece's 1980 "Are You Ready?" album from Myrrh Records for all the rest ;-))

The Rapture (song)

Note: (This is another entry from the archives. I do hope to eventually have all my previous writings (as much as possible) archived on this blog. That's still a work in progress.)

Given one of the recent topics of this blog, I thought this parody was only appropriate to post. I hope it doesn’t have a jagged edge for my Anglican friends (and any other Christian denominations that don’t believe in the Rapture as Southern Baptists particularly are famous for holding to.) I have tried to only mention what The Bible says about the end times events here- read the passages for yourself and let the Holy Spirit lead you as you read for understanding. I know some folks believe in pre-tribulation Rapture, some in mid-tribulation Rapture, some in post-tribulation Rapture and some who don’t believe in it at all. Regardless of what people believe regarding the timing of events, here’s what is clear from Scripture. Jesus will return one day! One day we who have put our faith in Christ will enjoy eternity with Him in Heaven. Those who have rejected Him will have to face God’s judgment and wrath in Hell. (And we’ll either get to either location through either our deaths or His return and judgment.) The only way I know to soften the blow of those truths is simply this- God loves us all so much that He sent Jesus to die for us and rise again- to endure God’s wrath for all of us so that we never have to. God wants everyone to trust in Jesus so they can avoid Hell and go to Heaven instead! And we don’t know when we’ll die or when Jesus will return. So don’t waste any time- today is the day of salvation! Trust Jesus in faith today! :-)

“The Rapture”
(parody of “The Rapper” by The Jaggerz)
(parody by Nathan Ludwick 11/8/2013)
(Hebrews 9:27-28, John 3:16-17, Matthew 24-25, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 and 5:23-24, Acts 1:1-11, 2 Peter 3, 2 Corinthians 6:2, Revelation 3:20)

Hey world, Christ left but He’s coming back to get us!
He’ll find you unaware if Jesus has been barred ‘cause you won’t make Him Lord!
You’ll stay excluded, having to live through wrath of The Lord!

(Chorus 1)
Rap-a-rap-a-rap- we call it The Rapture
Rap, rap, rap- caught up to hereafter

So read 1st. Corinthians- Go in 15- translation!
Christ says there’ll be two work companions- one’s gone; one gets left, dude
He waits such (a) long time- He wants no one (to) be lost, dude

(Chorus 2)
Rap-a-rap-a-rap- He calls at The Rapture
Rap, rap, rap- Noah’s days encore

He’s made restitution- with His death and Resurrection
“Come up to My place,” Christ is calling, “By faith- on Me.”
He loves you and He wants you- World, you gotta face reality!

(Chorus 3)
Rap-a-rap-a-rap- Don’t know when’s The Rapture
Rap, rap, rap- nobody but Father!

Rap, rap, rap- Christ calls- what’s your answer?
……………………………………………………………………………………

Signs and Times

            Since the time Jesus ascended into Heaven, people have been thinking His return and the end of time is imminent. Eschatology (the study of end time events) continues to be a hot topic today. It seems every few years or so, I hear various predictions for the end, even in a vague manner. For instance, here is one such article discussing the possibility of signs in the heavens and their meaning for us with the total solar eclipse coming up in August.
            It's certainly very interesting. And I certainly can't deny that it sure looks like a lot of signs of the end times prophecies are being fulfilled. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, people in past generations all the way to the days of the early church believed that the signs of the end times were being fulfilled and that Christ's return was imminent. I understand that we can look at the signs of things happening in the Heavens, but I have a big problem with anyone making predictions of specific dates. Matthew 24:36 states very clearly that no one but God The Father Himself knows the date of The Lord's return. The Bible tells us more than once that Jesus will come like a thief in the night- He will come suddenly at a time when people do not expect Him.
            I'm not denying that we very well may be seeing the fulfillment of some of The Bible's prophecies for the end. But ultimately, all I can say is I don't care to venture a guess because I don't know for sure. God is in control of everything- including the end times- and He will work all those details out in His time. If anything, I hope such speculation would emphasize the need to tell people about Jesus- that should definitely be what eschatology drives us to do more than anything. However, I don't think we need to share with people about these astronomical signs that may or may not be the fulfillment of prophecies. Rather, we need to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people and let the Holy Spirit work to bring them to salvation. While Jesus does tell us to "watch and pray" in Luke 21:25-36, He also said it is "not for us to know the times and dates The Father has set by His own authority." (see Acts 1:6-8) In that same passage, Jesus tells us what we should do instead. It's not for us to know the times and dates. Jesus then juxtaposes this with saying, "But you will receive power when The Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." There's our mission there- in fact, our Great Commission (as Matthew 28:18-20 issues.)
            Look also at what Titus 3:4-9 says. In verse 8, we are told to stress the Gospel to people- how Jesus saved us through His death and Resurrection. And we are to do it so that those who have trusted in God will be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Verse 9 tells us what's unprofitable and useless- the first thing on the list is foolish controversies (along with genealogies and arguments and quarrels about The Law.) I would say arguing about when the end times events will take place would count as foolish controversies. Jesus clearly said in Matthew 24 that there would be a number of false prophets saying that "Christ is here" or "Christ is there", etc. He clearly said if they tell you to rush out to the desert because Christ is there- don't believe them! 1 Timothy 6:20-21 also speaks to this. (But of course, Jesus also gave us numerous parables and warning about the end and told us to watch and pray- and we must balance that as well. However, the distinction I'm making here is getting caught up with predictions about the end to the extent that it's causing division in the church [which Titus 3 talks about] or that we become so Heavenly-minded that we're no earthly good, as the saying goes. [The converse is true as well- we can be so earthly-minded that we're no Heavenly good as well.] For further reference on this, just look at 1 Thessalonians 4-5 and 2 Thessalonians 3 in particular. We have clear commands against being idle and on how to live with the knowledge that Jesus will return one day and we must be ready- but even more so- we must make sure others are ready by sharing the Gospel with them! [See also 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and 7:1 and 2 Peter 3- particularly verse 14. And Romans 13:8-14 and I'm sure there are others still.]
           And of course, Ecclesiastes 3 is also applicable. To everything- including the end times events- there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven.) I also like to look at John 21:15-25. Here we have the scene where Jesus reinstates Peter and tells him very clearly, "Follow Me." And Peter notices John following them and asks, "Lord, what about him?" And I love Jesus' answer- in effect, He says, "What about him? If I want to be alive until I return- what's that to you? It's not your concern. I repeat- Follow Me." (my paraphrase there.) I think this passage can apply for us following Jesus now. And it's what I've been trying to get at here. I just think it's funny how much time and effort people put into trying to figure out exactly what Jesus told us we are not going to figure out- in fact, what Jesus told us is not for us to know. And He also told us what our focus should be- yes, keep a watchful eye out for signs of His return. Keep watching and praying. When you see these signs, lift up your head for your redemption draweth nigh! (see Luke 21). Keep meeting together in church, keep spurring one another on toward love and good deeds, keep persevering and living by faith. (see Hebrews 10:19-39). Jude 1:17-25 is another great call to persevere. And of course, 2 Timothy 3 and 4. Wow- that says it really well. Preach The Word- be ready in season and out of season. [Also see 1 Corinthians 9:16]
            So what if it looks like signs are coming together for the end times? They are going to do that just as God has prescribed and we really can't do anything about it other than to pray that God continues to extend His long-suffering and patience as He did for Nineveh, because The Lord's patience means salvation! (Don't forget that Jesus gave the sign of Jonah in Luke 11:29-32. But though the people of Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching- unfortunately, there is also a sequel to Jonah- the book of Nahum. And Nineveh does get destroyed at that time because they fell back into sin.) God will not stay His hand forever. He will judge everyone in righteousness in His due time. And the Gospel of Christ is the only way of salvation for all who will believe on Him. One last thing I was reminded about today just shortly after seeing this email. "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (Acts 20:24 NLT) And- "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ... Therefore, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!” [see Philippians 3:7-8 and Job 1:20-22- some of my favorite verses.]
            And another quote I've heard says it well, "...there is great security when God is not just number one, but everything in your life." Sometimes I honestly get scared seeing some of the world events and some of these predictions or reading of the horrible judgments the world will face in Revelation. But I also remember one of the most repeated commands in The Bible- "Fear not." I know God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) And I know that I have (repeatedly :-)) put my faith in Jesus and asked Him to be my Savior and trust that He is faithful to do what He said He would do. I think there is still a human tendency to feel some fright at what we don't know and what we can't control- and the whole idea of experiencing things so different from what we've known. And I know there are a number of verses that talk about longing for the return of The Lord (2 Timothy 4:8; Philippians 1, Revelation 22:16-21 and others). And I remember when I first read Revelation 18 and really understood it- how evil the world system of Babylon is and how much it needs to fall- there are times when I do feel the longing to see Christ return and set right all wrongs. At the same time, there are things I'd like to accomplish in life that I don't know if they will ever happen for me. I'd like to find the right girl and get married and be a husband and a father. I'd like to find myself in the right place where I can do more writing and maybe get something published. I'd like to see more places around the world and continue to visit and connect with old and new friends. And I know all these hopes and dreams are in God's hands too. (Psalms 37:3-11 and Psalms 90:12 and Psalms 139).
           And I know I have to wait on The Lord's timing and trust Him. (Psalms 40). But I also know He must be my greatest desire above all else- as the deer panteth for the water, so my soul pants after Thee, O God. (Psalms 42). I think that's true sometimes- I know it's not true all the time and I know it needs to be true all the time. And that gets me back to the verses I quoted above. Ultimately- for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. That's what my status must be. I know I don't always feel that and I know I don't always live like that- but that's what it must be. Luke 9:23 says that if I want to come after Christ, I must deny myself and take up my cross daily and follow Him. Count the cost! I want my desire to be knowing Christ above all else and counting all else but dung, as Philippians 3:8 says. Because Job 1:21 is also true- naked I came into the world and naked I will depart. I didn't bring anything in and I can't take anything out. May The Name of The Lord be praised!
          Help me, God, to want You and nothing else. Help me to keep trusting You above all else. Even if that means I may never see these things I'd like to see happen come to pass, help me to trust that You have a good plan in mind for me- thoughts of good to prosper me and not to harm me- to give me a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) And to remember that Your thoughts and ways are higher and better than mine. (Isaiah 55:8-11) And help me to remember the truth of Isaiah 57:1-2. Help me to remember that even though no one will marry or be given in marriage at the Resurrection (Matthew 22), no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for You and The Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields- and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. (see Mark 10:17-31). Like Martha, I'm worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Help me to be like Mary who chose what is better and that will not be taken away from her. Help me to seek Your kingdom first and trust that You will add all that I need unto me. Help me to keep my treasure in Heaven and not on earth. Help me to trust You with everything and let You be my everything. God is in control. All will be done in His time. And He is making all things new! Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Jesus, Be Louder to me than the World

       It's been said a couple of different ways. Preacher Roe said, "Some days you eat the bear; some days the bear eats you." John Denver had a beautiful song that said, "Some days are diamond- some days are stone." Some days I want to cry out with the Psalmist- "O Lord, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength, like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom You remember no more, for they are cut off from Your hand." (Psalms 88:1-5) "The darkness is my only friend." (Psalms 88:18) - Hello, darkness- my old friend- I've come to talk with you again......
          But like Paul and Simon said by the Holy Spirit- "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. .....My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account." "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith- that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 1:21 and 23-24 and 3:7-10) "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:6-9)
          Sometimes I just want to tell all the cares of my personal life- all the demands clawing from all sides- all the chaos and craziness of life- whether it's on a personal and family level or for friends- or stretching nationally and worldwide....Sometimes I just want to tell it all to shut up for a while! Sometimes I just want to block out all the noise and just be still and know that The Lord is God. (Psalms 46:10)
            I just need to hear You, Jesus, tell the winds and waves, "Peace! Be still!" And whether He tells the storm to calm down or He tells me, His child, to calm down- either way, I know He's with me and I ride uncomfortable but safe in His hands. (John 10:29)
           And at those times- and all times- and the times I am not I want to be doing it more- I just want to say again with the Psalmist- "I love The Lord, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the Name of The Lord; 'O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!' Gracious is The Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for The Lord has dealt bountifully with you." (Psalms 116:1-7)
           Yes, soul- return to your rest in the tender arms of Jesus, who promises rest for the weary soul. (Matthew 11:28-30) I love how the rest of Psalms 116 goes on to say that God has delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling. I'm gonna walk with The Lord in the land of the living. Yep- all men are liars, but God is true always. His steadfast love endures forever! And He loves me like crazy and with an eternal love! :-) (Jeremiah 31:3) Even though I don't know why He does- I know He does and I know He's always true. And I thank Him for it! I love you too, Lord- help me to love You more! And for the times I can't face this world any more, grant me Your peace that passes all understanding. May I always know Your peace upon me- that You alone give; not as the world gives- Your peace that no one can take away! Keep my mind stayed upon You, Jehovah- and keep me in Your perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3 and John 14.....)
          Lord, I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not Your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for Your rules at all times. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways. My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope in Your word. My eyes long for Your promise; I ask, 'When will You comfort me?' I remember Your Name in the night, O Lord, and keep Your law. This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept Your precepts. The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep Your words. I entreat Your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise. When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to Your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep Your commandments.Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. My flesh trembles for fear of You, and I am afraid of Your judgments. My eyes long for Your salvation and for the fulfillment of Your righteous promise. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise You, and let Your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.
(all taken from Psalms 119)
           I don't particularly want to die any time soon, and there are a lot of things I'd still like to do in life before that day- or before the day when Christ comes again.....but even though I still have trepidation at times about both those times with the fear of the unknown and all those old fears about salvation and how God can love and even save a messed-up individual like me- I still have faith that calms all my fears and says that I am His and He is mine and I just trust that Jesus will do what He said He will do. And there are some days that I am truly just so longing for my Home in Heaven. There are some days that I am just feeling SO done with life- (to clarify not in a suicidal way)- just in a way that feels like I am so weary of dealing with so many things on and on again and again- and sometimes I just want a change from it all and a release. Sometimes I feel like chilling with Asaph and Habakkuk and Job, crying out- What's the deal, God? How come the wicked get to prosper, but I feel like I try to live for You and get the shaft instead? But One greater than Shaft is here and He binds up the brokenhearted. And He's suffered more than words can say and knows all about pain, betrayal and heartache. And thus, I trust again and leave things to Him. And some days I just long for His kingdom of light and love to come and redeem this old earth, while I wait up on the roof for Him. I know He will come soon in His time (whatever day that might be- and I don't know when it is- if in my lifetime or not)- but one day He will fulfill that promise. Even so, come Lord Jesus! And until that day or the day of my death- help me to be faithful every moment as You lead me on.
          And I love how Psalms 116:7 says that The Lord has dealt bountifully with you, my soul. Or to put it another way- Thank The Lord because He's been doubly good to you. He's blessed me with physical life and spiritual life through faith in Jesus' death and Resurrection. I thank and praise Him for that. I thank and praise Him for all the many other blessings He's given me. And I thank Him for all the hard things He's let me go through that makes me cling all the harder to Him. For all the things that pain me and open my eyes and ears with His megaphone to a deaf world that tells me that He is the only sure thing to hold on to above all else. [Kinda like C.S. Lewis said. ;-)] Where can I go but to The Lord? (as a classic song says- not to mention John 6:68. Jesus alone has the words of eternal life!) God is my portion and the strength of my heart forever! (Psalms 73) Whom I have in Heaven but You, Jesus? And what better could I hope to find down here on Earth? I could search the most distant reaches of this world but I'd just be wasting my time- I'm certain already I'm sure I'd find You're my one thing! (And the pure in heart shall see God.) .....(both Psalms 73 and lyrics from Rich Mullins' "My One Thing" :-))
         And here's another great Rich Mullins song- one that Amy Grant actually recorded and made famous, but one that he wrote. Here's a clip of him actually performing it himself.
Even when I'm not feeling the best about everything, no matter how my life is looking and no matter how bad things may be looking in the world, I just want to say to all the negative forces in the world- I'm going to praise The Lord anyway! Thank You, Lord Jesus! Let everything that hath breath praise The Lord! He is always doubly good to me.

Maranatha!

         Maranatha! (An Aramaic phrase combo meal [loaded with the good calories for energy though- so it's all cool] which translated can be interpreted as, "The Lord has come!" Of course, this is true- this is what we celebrate at Christmas and Easter. At the Ascension, we celebrate His promise to return. At this celebration, the more recent interpretation would be appropriate, "Come, Lord!"
Just as the last verses of The Bible say- "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen." (Revelation 22:20-21) (This of course, being a seemingly Greek equivalent.)
          However, though in one sense, from God's view, The Lord has come and come again and everything is finished [since He exists outside of time and can see everything all at once- Yeah, He's way cool like that. I try not to think on that concept too long because then my finite little 3 1/2 pounds of brain explode! But I definitely like to think on the concept that The Lord God is awesome and worthy to be praised- and that's just one of the infinitely many cool reasons!].
          But from our limited, time-bound human perspective, though The Lord has come, we haven't seen The Lord come again yet. But He will come in His time- and thus, while we wait and watch expectantly, we must also work wholeheartedly for our wonderful Lord and worry not about such things [or anything] because this is what He commands. (As Jesus summarized- Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. [Matthew 22:34-40] And if you want an even simpler version, Jesus also gave us the Golden Rule- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. Note that Jesus says that this is The Law and The Prophets! And as Ephesians 4:15 notes, speak the Truth in Love. :-))
          So, all that was to say- First comes the marathon, then the maranatha. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) But yes- Amen! Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
          And since Wikipedia just informed me that that phrase only appears once in The New Testament (in Aramaic), and it's in 1 Corinthians 16:22, my last statement is even truer than I realized- lol. [Note: While I would not recommend Wikipedia as a source for research papers for school and such, I do recommend the reference links it provides- there are usually some quite interesting ones and I suggest checking the one listed there for further reading.]
        (Also, see this nice article from Compass Bible Church that explains it in more detail.)