Longing for Redemption - November 26, 2017

II Timothy 4:8 - In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

In many ways, Paul's longing for his eternal home was foreign to Jewish sentiment. The Jewish culture has always been more in touch with the "here and now" rather than the the "sweet by and by."  Certainly, many who followed Pharisaic teachings believed in an afterlife. Diametric in belief were their counterparts, the Sadducees, who believed in only an earthly existence with no hope of a life after death (Acts 23:8). However, both groups and most Jewish people looked mainly for betterment of life here on earth. They believed their position as children of Abraham made them secure for whatever heaven would offer them. So, when Paul spoke of the heavenly realm as the reward of the believer, this was a paradigm shift, especially for Jewish believers. His Gentile audiences knew less about the Jewish sense of entitlement regarding birthright. Therefore, Paul's letter to Timothy was not one of special privilege regarding the aged apostle's heritage as a child of Abraham, but instead his right to be a child of God according to faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:12).

Some of the Jews who followed Jesus undoubtedly grew angrier as He did not manifest the kingdom of God on earth. That is the only thing that interested many of them. They did not want to hear about a heavenly kingdom, but one where they would prosper socially, economically, and politically here on earth. Their arrogance as the "chosen people" made them blind to the paradoxical teaching of Jesus concerning a kingdom where the poor in spirit reigned (Matthew 5:3). Rather than fortify this earth, they were being told to abandon it and to prepare for a new heaven and a new earth. Instead of considering their country, position, social standing, or wealth, Jesus was telling them to forsake all and prepare for something infinitesimally superior. However, they could not have both. They would inevitably trust in one or the other, deciding which kingdom they chose to give their allegiance.

What is remarkable is how Paul -- a Pharisee of Pharisees -- threw off former preconceptions of Jewish acculturation and embraced the Messiah and His promise of the hope of Glory. Or, how Peter, Andrew, James, and John abandoned their families to follow Jesus! This was unheard of in ancient Palestine, for a son to walk away from his family. Our westernized mindset built on individualism really does not comprehend the closeness of Semitic families and what this meant.

Similarly, if we have truly loved Christ's appearing in our lives and hearts on the day of our salvation, we will be anticipating His return and not be seeking to preserve our earthly heritage. Consider King Hezekiah and how he begged God not to take him to heaven (II Kings 20:6). It can be argued that Hezekiah is the reason why the Babylonians later pillaged Jerusalem. If he had not been around to show the Babylonian emissaries Judah's wealth, they might not have bothered with this distant land (II Kings 20:12-19). However, the king was only interested in the "here and now." He did not understand how loving his earthly life would have ramifications for centuries.

How many of us would react similarly? How many of us love our comfortable lives here on earth and would be saddened to see Christ coming in the clouds? Like those of the Jewish nation, are we as Christians enraptured with our earthly lives? Have we become so busy with the temporal things that we do not long for the things of heaven? (Luke 14:18-20) So many of us loved His initial appearing in our lives when He saved us. Yet, now there might be some reservation regarding His second coming to snatch us away. We should all beware of loving the "here and now" and long for the "sweet by and by." If not, then have we truly loved His appearing?

Heavenly Father, may we long for Your Son's appearing. There is nothing this imperfect earth can give us that You have not already granted us if we will but trust in You. Help us to have great patience, forbearance, and wisdom, knowing Your return is soon. May we love Your appearing in all aspects of our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

Legs to Stand On - November 19, 2017

II Samuel 9:8 - Again he prostrated himself and said, “What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”

Possibly no other scripture passage gives us a clearer picture of redemption than that of the story of David and Mephibosheth. To understand this story's significance, it is first essential to understand the importance of the covenant between David and the house of Saul. Not only was David bound in loyalty to King Saul, but the covenant and promise he entered into with his son Jonathan was a binding oath of fealty. Jonathan's stripping himself of his armor and giving it to David was an ancient practice of humility that symbolized complete trust and loyalty to the other. David understood the importance of his oath to Jonathan and therefore sought to honor his solemn promise after his friend's death. Therefore, after the kingdom was firmly established in David's hands, we find chapter nine of the second book of Samuel devoted to this covenant trust. David sought out the remaining posterity of Jonathan to bestow the same kindness he experienced from Saul's son as David fled imminent death. David's merciful attitude does not necessarily respect the strength of the man he inevitably helps. Instead, it reveals both the character of King David and also the King of Kings (II Samuel 9:1-7).

Those familiar with this story know that Mephibosheth's handicap further demonstrates King David's kindness. We are told a few chapters earlier how the lad's nurse had heard of Saul and Jonathan's death and was hurrying to retreat from the conquering Philistines. In her haste, she fell with the child and crippled him for life (II Samuel 4:4). Now in his teens or early twenties, Mephibosheth was granted a reprieve by the reigning king. He may have possibly heard stories from his father regarding his great friend, David. Yet, for years after his father's death, he may have heard nothing that would have given him any hope of kindness springing from the covenant between Jonathan and David. But then came that extraordinary day when the king called for him to appear before the royal court. Would he be killed? His thoughts were possibly running rampant as he drew near to Jerusalem. Once there, we read how the king's desire was to extend kindness to him for his father Jonathan's sake. The first thing he tells him is to not be afraid. David promises to restore all the fortunes of Saul's house to the young man (II Samuel 9:7). Mephibosheth's response is classic middle eastern as he prostrates himself before his benefactor: "What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”

One might look at David's act of kindness as extraordinary, for truly it was. Conversely, the response of Mephibosheth was both complimentary of David's kindness and his understanding of the king's covenant obligation to Jonathan. Even though David knew his legal obligation to Jonathan's covenant, David's character was demonstrative of his love toward his old friend. The restoring of property and title are one thing. However, granting Mephibosheth a seat at the king's table placed the young man in a place of honor and respect not unlike any of the king's sons.

While the parallels and similarities between this redemption story and the one Jesus Christ wrought for us are obvious to most, they still bear mentioning over and over again. Have not all of us who have tasted of the kindness of God been crippled by sin? Has he not sought us out as David sought out Mephibosheth to restore to him his royal fortunes? Often, I have heard God's great gift of salvation referred to as "religion" and as a "crutch" for those too weak to stand on their own. Tragically, those who say such things are those who do not see they are dragging themselves through life, unable to stand as they imagine. When you know you are a cripple, a crutch is a wonderful thing! I shudder to consider our state if God had not sought us out in our lameness and restored to us a place of honor at his table. While we may feast on God's goodness here on earth, there will be a day when we will forever be at His great banquet table. There we will know that we were once crippled by sin and that our Great King redeemed us --- not on our own merits but through his love and kindness as our Creator.

Heavenly Father, our gracious God ... allow us to understand what You have done by seeking us out and inviting us to Your royal table. May we feast upon Your wisdom and Your love, knowing You have not withheld anything from us as sons and daughters of the Most High. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

How to Love God's Word - November 12, 2017

We have all known picky eaters. When I was a child, I was required to eat everything on my plate. With our children, my wife and I insisted they try something before saying they did not like it. Usually we made them eat two or three bites before opting out. I believe this is a reasonable and rational approach rather than forcing children to eat. However, I will say there is really nothing today that I do not like when it comes to food. Similarly, my grown children like most cuisines. They have learned from experience that all foods are at least worth trying. By allowing our palates to experience a variety of tastes, we train our "flavor buds" to appreciate and evaluate. This disallows the pre-judging of foods and denying them a proper chance.

In contemporary America and other westernized countries, we do not lack a variety of experience regarding food. Even smaller towns have Chinese and Mexican restaurants, whereas larger cities have any ethnic food we might desire. However, I would venture to say that many of us do not know there are similarly many different flavors and "tastes" in God's word. Proverbs 27:7 tells us "A sated man loathes honey, but to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet." When hunger is the driving force, it doesn't matter how something tastes. The only concern is to quell the hunger pains. However, once we have found out how to satisfy our hunger by continually coming to God's word, it is helpful to find out how to make it satisfying as well. Just because someone is no longer hungry does not mean they are satisfied in their fullness. Through the years, I believe I have learned a thing or two about not only satisfying my spiritual hunger from God's word, but also finding great satisfaction in the various flavors and tastes I encounter. I will explain this further through the following three steps that reveal how to find lasting fulfillment in dining continually and with great pleasure on God's word:

1. Try it, you might like it! -- If you have never studied the word of God in a consistent manner, do not pre-judge that it is a boring endeavor. Oftentimes, God allows us to engage in the discipline of reading His word before He gives us a true love for it. As Jeremiah states in our lead verse, he "found" the words of the Lord. This means diligently spending time in the word everyday to begin finding what God is saying to us, individually. When we do, we begin to find the joy in discovery as God brings His word alive.

2. Mix it up! -- Do not, and I repeat , do not start in Genesis and start reading through the entire Bible! (Most folks who do this stop when they hit the chapters in Leviticus about cleansing leprosy!) Instead, read  a chapter from the Old Testament each day and one from the New Testament. Or, read a Psalm or a chapter of Proverbs along with a chapter of the Gospels. Personally, my daily reading consists of a chapter from the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), a chapter from the history books (Joshua through Esther), a chapter in the poetry books (Job through Song of Solomon), a chapter in the prophets (Isaiah through Malachi), a chapter of the Gospels (Matthew through John), and a chapter of the New Testament (Acts through Revelation). By reading six chapters a day, I get through the Old Testament about once every eight months, the New Testament books every five months, and the Gospels about four times a year. I have been doing this for many years and it works well for me.

3. Don't be doggedly dogmatic! -- Even though I have a set schedule of reading and study, I do not get bent out of shape if I miss a day or my schedule gets thrown off by the Holy Spirit leading another way. Our Bible reading should be regarded as a "love plan" not a contract that can be broken if we do not hold to it perfectly each day. However, we should try to maintain consistency when possible. If we do, the Lord will bless our time and begin to show us treasures we would not have believed as we remain faithful.

Are we famished for God's word? Some of us do not even have a mild appetite for what God has given mankind through the written word, let alone a ravenous desire for His writings. Are we daily in the Holy Bible, digging out its treasures? The only way to get hungry for God's word is by getting into it. As we do, we will long for it as we would miss a loved one,  rather than condemning ourselves as a judge when we miss a day. The Word of God is not a drudgery, beloved. It is "a joy and the delight" of our hearts if we will but discipline ourselves to seek God there daily.

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who desire a greater discipline in reading and meditating on Your word. Give them first the desire to spend time with You, daily, in Your written word. Then, bless their faithfulness by sharing nuggets of truth that will make their spirits soar. As they find the joy in Your word, increase their hunger for it, developing their taste and pleasure as they savor its wonder! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

 

Rick

Simply Salvation - November 5, 2017

Psalm 116:6 - The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

In Alcoholics Anonymous, there is a saying that goes something like this: "No one comes in here as a high roller!" The implication is that no one goes to AA because it seems like a fun and entertaining thing to do. It is usually a last resort in an attempt to arrest alcoholism. Some have said that going to an AA hall was like going to the "last house on the block." The implication being that this was their last choice and often their last chance at a sober life, by their thinking. Alcoholism had brought them low and now they needed the help of God and the group to find a way from this hopeless pit in which they were trapped.

In our lead scripture, the psalmist also mentions he "was brought low." Whether or not it was a result of his doing or not, it is clear that people, places, and/or things had brought him to a low place in life. Often the cause of our distress is not relevant when we are overwhelmed in its result. We just want to get out of the discomfort created by the grief. However, often our pride stands in the way of even acknowledging we are in a pit of despair. Instead, we keep saying everything is okay or it will improve if we "keep on keeping on." Another familiar truism used in AA is the definition of insanity, doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results. Not only is this the apex of pride but it is also the pinnacle of ignorance. It denies both our need of a Savior and also our insistence that we are Him!

How low will we allow ourselves to go? How simple can we become? The mighty paradox of the Kingdom of God is the weak are made strong by His grace. As Paul states, not many of us who are wise by the world's standards have found the wisdom of God in salvation (I Corinthians 1:26-27). When we finally do understand how something bigger than ourselves is the one that has brought us low, then it only makes sense that something bigger than ourselves must intervene to bring us higher once again. If Jesus Christ and His salvation is not necessary and if we can lift ourselves from the proverbial mire by our own bootstraps, then His death and resurrection was a complete waste of time! Those who have been brought low by their flesh, sin, and the devil should know they cannot save themselves. There is only salvation in Jesus Christ --- Period! (John 14:6; John 8:24)

While God's redemption is utterly simple in that we must embrace the seeming foolishness of the cross, it is often not easy (I Corinthians 1:18). We all have this mental beast on our shoulders that wants to be king instead of allowing God His proper place in our lives. When we finally do experience the simplicity of the Gospel, then we can say with the psalmist: "Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." (Psalm 116:7) As I and countless others have said, humility and surrender is not a place of perpetual weakness. They are the springboards to more strength than we can ever imagine. All we must do is believe, trust, and then surrender. The results will astound those simple enough to believe as He brings us to that higher place in Him.

O Lord our God, may we know we have been brought low by sin. May we know You are the only One who can bring us higher. Everything else is but an illusion. Grant us eyes to see and ears to hear. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

Setting the Captives Free - October 29, 2017

Psalm 126:1-2 - When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

Many years ago I remember how tough it was lying in bed at night with my knees literally throbbing with pain. I loved running so much, yet seemed to continue to injure myself. The "clicking" of my knees scared me as I would bend down to pick something up. It was a noticeable sound if someone was standing next to me while I bent down. I didn't want to stop running, but the pain was getting severe. Should I have my knees scoped? The answer, for me, was not surgery but a radical new way to run called barefoot running. That was over four years ago and I haven't looked back.


I didn't really understand back then that I was a "stupid" runner. Even more than a stupid runner, I was clueless regarding what good running form should be -- the kind of form that promotes correct body movement, especially in my legs and feet. Most shod runners don't have problems. But then there were those few, like myself, who seemed to be able to get away with running "stupid" for a while, and they would eventually get injured and just take time off from running. That wasn't good enough for me, because I didn't want to give up my love of running even for one day! However, with any "addiction" there is a price to pay and I paid it with severe injuries that I thought would end my running career. However, a day came in October 2003 that would change my running forever. Inevitably, this knowledge of proper placement would enable me run effortlessly and injury-free. It was truly like setting a captive free once I received this personal truth.

Years before, I was enslaved to a different pain. It was the sickness of a body of death that manifested most demonstrably through alcoholism and addiction. I remember those nights of lying on my bed with sickening drunkenness possessing my body and mind. Even worse, I remember the mornings and the horror of knowing I was in chains to the demon alcohol and that I was doomed to continue doing its bidding. Then there was the "not knowing". What had I done the night before? Where had I been? The anguish of mind and soul as I dealt with the guilt of my own powerlessness through black out drinking. Who or what could set me free from this body of death?

Once I finally did put the plug in the jug in 1992 and recommit my life to the Lord, the terror ended. I once again started back on that road to freedom and to the "Zion" of total restoration of body, soul, and spirit. I was one of the fortunate ones. A lot of folks go through life never knowing that their "form" is all messed up because they don't have anything "demonstrably" wrong. They consider themselves to be pretty good people. They go to church and tithe and do some charity work occasionally. Yet, some who look good on the outside -- like they are doing all the right things are merely masking the loneliness and sense of loss within. Doing what looks right on the outside, they convince themselves that they are free yet they are captives to their own sense of self-righteousness.

The way back from any captivity is first acknowledging that one is a captive. Secondly, to know how to be set free and to take action toward that freedom. Third, is to walk in that liberty. It was not enough for me to know that I was a stupid runner, but I needed to change my form (for me, barefoot running was the key). As a sinner that was a demonstrative drunk, it was a matter of surrendering my life and will to the Lord Jesus to allow Him to set me free. Today, I thank God that my maladies, both physically and spiritually, were catalysts to propel me to their respective solutions. My prayer for others is that God would shake us all out of our "comfort", our mediocrity, our casual lives and propel us toward radical living. Jesus said to the church at Laodicea in Revelations the third chapter that He wishes that His church were either hot or cold -- but since they were but lukewarm He would spew them out of His mouth. Don't be as the Laodiceans. Be radical! Be on fire for God. Do you know that God has set you free? Are you on a joyous journey to your respective "Zion"? Or has God not dealt with you in a breaking way where you are "By the rivers of Babylon ... weeping, remembering the lushness of Zion?" I tell you my friend, you and I will never understand what true freedom from captivity is until we have wept over our sin. Only then will we truly know the joy of His salvation!

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

Acting on God's Promises - October 22, 2017

I Kings 3:12-13 - Behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days.

To the most part, I remember my parents being good for their word. When they promised something, they usually carried through. However, most parents learn not to promise unless they know they will be able to deliver. Phrases such as "we'll see" or "maybe" might often represent the wisdom of parents to know they may not be able to definitively to do as they say. While these may seem like "weasel words" to some, they can often keep us from speaking presumptuously and causing unnecessary disappointment. As a child, I remember one instance where my father promised me something and could not deliver due to circumstances beyond his control. When he made the promise, he very well thought he could keep it. I was hugely disappointed when he told me he could not keep his promise. At 12 years old I can still remember sobbing for an entire afternoon, blaming my father for telling me something and not being able to carry through.

Of course I forgave him. That is what we do as human beings as we look to ourselves and see how we can often make promises and likewise not follow through. However, as a child, I believe there is an innate longing and desire for promise keepers in our lives that will never let us down. When we find out our parents and others are as fallible as we are, it can often cause us to become cynical and jaded toward others when they continue to fail us. That is why it is paramount to understand the ideal of a Promise Keeper, and that is God Himself. As we see in our lead verse, God's conversation in Solomon's dream did not contain any "we'll see's" or "maybes." Instead, we see a God who states He had "given" the king a "wise and discerning heart" and also "riches and honor."

It would be superfluous to believe the moment Solomon woke up that he was the wisest man in the world, just as it would be foolish to believe that God had caused massive wealth and great honor to likewise manifest. This is the stuff of fairy tales where genies "poof" things into existence! Instead, God had surely given these things to Solomon as his inheritance. Now, it was time for the king to begin acting upon the truths of these promises and start obtaining them. Surely, those closest to him the day after his dream did not say, "Why Solomon, you seem so wise today! What happened to you?" Rather, God gives us a glimpse into Solomon acting upon the promise of God in his judgment between the two harlots and their quarrel over who was the rightful mother of a disputed child (see I Kings 3:16:28). Solomon's wisdom astounded all those who heard regarding how he settled the feud. The Scriptures explain it in the following: "When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice" (I Kings 3:28). Until Solomon acted upon God's promise for wisdom, no one probably could tell any difference in the king. Likewise, not until Solomon began gathering wealth and respect from other nations did he start to manifest God's promise of "riches and honor."

When God gives us a promise, it is always in the Definitive or Simple Past tense. He regards it as a completed action, just as we should also. However, degrees of manifestation are often characteristic of how we believe and ultimately act on these respective promises. If Solomon had thought to himself, "Well, that was an interesting dream," and then did nothing about it, we probably would not equate Solomon to the wisest and richest king of the Kingdom Age of Israel. However, just as he acted upon his dream, we must do likewise when God whispers to our souls. We may never have a dream like Solomon but we all have a vision (or visions) which God has entrusted to us regarding his gifts and callings for our lives. If He has spoken a word, it is without revocation (Romans 11:29). God has graciously given each and every one of us promises. It is now our responsibility to act on them and ensure they become a reality.

Heavenly Father, allow us to resurrect every promise You have ever spoken to us and to act upon them until they come to fruition. Grant us the wisdom to act upon Your spoken word to our hearts, knowing that You see these gifts and callings as ours already, even if they are not flowing through our lives today. We ask for Your grace and mercy to see as You see and then to move with faith to make Your dreams and Your vision a reality. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

A Proper Education - October 15, 2017

Galatians 3:24 - Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.

Elementary school years were, for the most part, good years for me. I got along well with my teachers and fellow students and generally brought home good grades. My fifth grade teacher is the one who stands out as the one who had the most influence over my early education. This educator was a kind soul, yet had a firm hand. She loved teaching, it was clear. When I was in her class she was in the twilight of her life and had taught many years. There was a special affection that grew between Mrs. Spearman and I throughout that year. She knew that I loved her grandmotherly ways, and she returned my respect with special care of her own. I remember once I had written a poem about winter and sledding and she read it to the class with great emphasis and a smile that was evident when she read each line. She asked the class who they thought wrote the poem. Some said this one or that one. At the time, I was very shy and had not given any indication of my desire to write. They never guessed it was me until she told them so with affection in her voice. I was so proud of that moment, that this kind teacher would honor me in such a small way. Nearly fifty years later, I still remember that day and will always remember her with great love and admiration for taking the time and effort to validate me amongst my peers.

We may have someone in our past who made all the difference shaping our young lives. It may have been a teacher, a relative, or a close friend. Regardless, we are all tutored and shaped by those things around us. That is, what we allow to shape us. Whether we realize it or not, our upbringings, traditions, mores, and a myriad of other influences are why we are the person we have become today, at this very moment in time. For most of us, our parents and what they dictated became the major catalyst in building the character we possess. These were likely more than suggestions but they were the law for most of us. They were "you darn well better do it if you know what's good for you" commandments that, if we transgressed, meant some type of punishment that usually was not pleasant. I tried to avoid my parents displeasure along these lines as much as possible in my formative years. However, as previously implied, my educational disciplines fell off in conjunction with my rebellious attitudes at home. In my early teens, no longer did I care about listening to teachers, parents, or any type of authority. For many years after, I would suffer the consequences of this foolish behavior. However, even as our lead verse states, "the Law" was having its desired effect on me. The commandments of society, my parents, and most importantly God, were leading me to an end of myself and my eventual surrender to Christ. For without the Law showing me how far I had spiraled downward out of control, I would have never seen my great need for Jesus Christ. He is our benchmark regarding how far as lost sinners we have all fallen from grace.

Initial surrender to Jesus Christ is imperative to once again be restored to that grace that only He can give. However, surrender is not a one time event. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 15:31 that he surrendered to Christ daily, insisting on dying daily for His Lord. In this regard, I would pose this question: How teachable are we? Do we allow God's law to bring us to a place of understanding and surrender regarding our inability to save ourselves? The law will produce various responses. Three relevant to our lead verse are as follows:

(1) We are doing pretty good compared to most people
(2) We just need to try harder and do better, and
(3) There is no way I can fulfill what God wants ... Lord, help me!

Of course, the most sensible response is number three. To the point where pride is alive in our old sin nature is the degree where we will deny we need God's help. As the Lord stated through Jeremiah, "they have turned their backs to me instead of their faces" (Jeremiah 32:33).

Education should be a life-long endeavor. I thank God for memories such as my fifth grade teacher and the loving tutor she will always be in my life. Through her kindness and love, I was able to see how learning is something to be embraced, not shunned. We all have earthly teachers that instruct us throughout our lives regarding life's lessons. However, there are some teachings that cannot be ignored, and these are God's commandments through His word. The psalmist tells us how the Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul (Psalm 19:7). We can either run from this great instructor, or embrace it and allow it to transfigure our lives. Beloved of the Lord, the only way we can receive proper education from God is to allow His "tutor" to instruct us. The gaze of the soul toward God's Law will only happen when we turn our face towards His and surrender to His direction.

Fairest Lord Jesus, thank you for sending Your great Law to tutor us. Thank you for showing us our great need regarding how far we have fallen from You. Allow us to embrace and love Your Law, for it truly does restore our souls and causes us to delight in the transformation of our beings into Your likeness. In Your precious Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick