HOPING TO SEE THE KING

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the death of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Tens of thousands of adoring fans gathered this summer at the Presley estate known as Graceland in Memphis Tennessee, remembering the man who is considered to be one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. Who was this man that continues to be loved by millions, most of whom never having the chance to see him perform live, let alone meet him in person?

Elvis Aaron Presley was born in a humble two room house in Tupelo Mississippi on January 8th, 1935. He had a twin brother who was stillborn at birth, so Elvis grew up an only child. His parents Vernon and Gladys moved the family to Memphis Tennessee in 1948, and in 1954 Sam Phillips of Sun Recording Studios discovered the budding 19 year old singer, recording "That's Alright Mama", which rocketed Elvis into instant success. In 1955 his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor, and by 1956 Elvis was firmly established as an international musical sensation. Over the years Elvis starred in 33 films, and his music garnered him 3 Grammy awards (including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36). His American recordings earned him gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards, and globally Elvis has sold over 1 billion records - more than any other musical recording artist in history!  His blend of blues, country, and gospel helped define the birth of rock and roll as we know it, and his charm and charisma excited live audiences to a frenzy in sold out concerts around the world.

With all of Elvis's fame, fortune, and international success, one would think that he must have been the happiest man on earth, right? Unfortunately, those closest to Elvis have documented that this was not the case - especially after the divorce from his wife Priscilla in 1973. Joe Moscheo of The Imperials (a gospel quartet who sang back-up for Elvis) said that Elvis's marriage failure "was a blow from which he never recovered". No amount of riches on earth will every bring lasting joy or contentment, and broken relationships can prove devastating. Prescription drugs soon became an addiction for Elvis, and twice he overdosed on barbiturates - spending three days in a coma after one incident. The demanding touring schedule, deteriorating health, obesity, and personal depression compounded. Finally, on August 16th 1977, his girlfriend Ginger Alden discovered him in an unresponsive state on his bathroom floor. The King was dead at age 42.

The question is, where is Elvis Presley spending eternity? It is widely known that Elvis grew up in church, and he wanted to sing gospel music. All of his competitive Grammy awards were won for his gospel recordings. Even after he reached super stardom, following his concerts he would often retreat with his southern gospel back up singers back stage or in a hotel room to sing sacred Christian songs for hours. Rick Stanley is the step-brother of Elvis, and lived with him for a time in his Graceland mansion, even travelling with him on tour. Regarding Elvis's faith, he said this; "Elvis was very complex ... he had the ability to turn it on in concert ... actually, he was a very shy person. He had a great love of the Lord. His aunt was a preacher, and he paid for her church. He gave cars to strangers, and he visited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the holidays. He was the one constant person who would always ask me, 'Rick, are you staying close to the Lord?'" Just like many famous celebrities, Elvis made tremendous mistakes, and was troubled in his life. He missed out on many blessings that God was willing to give. Like all of us, our journey on this earth is a series of decisions that we make, some positive and others negative. However, John 3:16 makes this promise, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life." Did Elvis believe in Jesus Christ? Only God knows for sure, but I personally believe that he did; Elvis himself stated openly that only Christ is the King. I hope that when Elvis breathed his last, he was ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We will have to wait and see.

TEN TIMELESS PROMISES OF GOD

The Christian life is a blessed one - far better than wandering through life without God. With this understanding in mind, we can also be honest and admit that life sometimes has its challenges. If you're like me, you have probably experienced both good times and bad - mountain top triumphs and valleys of discouragement. Thankfully, our blessings far outnumber our trials! As a follower of Jesus Christ, the best place I can turn to in times of trials is the Bible, which holds the keys to wisdom, strength, and happiness. II Corinthians 1:20 states, "For all the promises of God in Him (Jesus Christ) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." Simply put, everything that God declared He would do for followers of Jesus, He will do! We can build our lives on the relevant and enduring Word of God, and be confident that He will keep His promises - since He is faithful and true. Here are ten timeless promises which bring strength and encouragement to me, and I hope they will do the same for you! 

1. DIRECTION. Proverbs 3:5-6  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
~ When we commit to live for Jesus Christ as Lord and trust in Him fully, He guides the events of our lives and leads us daily - keeping us on his perfect path which he has preordained for us to experience.

2. GOODNESS. Romans 8:28  "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
~ When we love God and live for His purpose, we can rest assured that He works all things - the positive and the negative - to produce goodness in our lives!

3. PROVISION. Philippians 4:19  "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
~ It is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father promises to supply all of our need (not our greed), regardless of difficult circumstances or mounting odds against us. He takes care of His own.

4. PROVIDENCE. Isaiah 46:9-10  "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying 'My council shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.'"
~ There is only one God, and He is on the Throne! He gives mankind free-will, often resulting in harmful choices. Nevertheless, God is in control, fulfilling His providential master plan throughout the ages.

5. WISDOM. James 1:5  "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach., ad it will be given to Him."
~ God provides heavenly wisdom and direction, both for difficult  and confusing circumstances, and for everyday life. All we have to do is ask Him in prayer to lead us, and believe Him for the answer!

6. DELIVERANCE. Psalm 91:14  "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My Name."
~ We do face battles as believers in Jesus Christ. However, God is our refuge and fortress. Even if we are tested in order to help us grow, know that He also delivers us in His perfect way and perfect time.

7. SUCCESS. Joshua 1:8  "This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
~ A simple yet powerful Kingdom principle; obedience to God's Word brings blessing; disobedience brings destruction. The Bible is God's blueprint to build a happy life - both for now and eternity.

8. CHURCH. Matthew 16:18  "And I also say that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
~ Regardless of the enemy's strategies and attacks, more and more people are coming to know Jesus Christ as Lord. The Kingdom of God will advance, and Jesus will return for His Bride - the Church!

9. HEALING. Isaiah 53:5  "But He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
~ Jesus Christ paid for our salvation through His shed blood on the cross. Through faith in Him we have forgiveness, salvation and healing - body, mind, heart, and soul. Sometimes believers receive physical healing in this present life, but all of God's children are promised complete healing and happiness when we receive transformed bodies in His glorious presence! (See Romans 8:18-25)

10. ETERNITY. John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

~ We all go through struggles in life, and sometimes we lose loved ones who pass from this earth. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the hope and assurance that when this life is over, we will enjoy an eternal reward in the glorious presence of our Lord and Saviour! Choosing to live for Jesus Christ guarantees us an abundant life now, and eternal life later in our heavenly home - praise His name!