Ready for the King: How to Live Today for Tomorrow's Promise

Welcome home, friend. Whether you're reading this from your living room couch, on a break at work, or scrolling through your phone late at night, we're so glad you're here. Today, let's talk about something that stirs up both excitement and curiosity in the hearts of believers everywhere: the return of Jesus Christ, and how we can live ready for that incredible day.

You've probably heard people talk about "living like Jesus could come back any moment." But what does that actually look like in our everyday, busy, sometimes chaotic lives? Spoiler alert: it's not about being perfect. It's about something much more beautiful.

The Promise That Changes Everything

Here's the deal, Jesus made a promise before He ascended to heaven. He told His disciples (and by extension, all of us) that He would return. Acts 1:11 records angels telling the disciples, "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

That's not a maybe. That's a promise from the King of Kings.

For those of us in the Assemblies of God tradition, the second coming of Christ is one of our core beliefs. We believe Jesus will return, first to receive believers unto Himself, and then to reign on earth for a thousand years. It's called the "blessed hope," and friend, it really is a hope that transforms how we live right now.

But here's where it gets practical: How do we actually prepare for something we can't put on our calendars?

It's Not About Impressive Performances

There's a beautiful children's story by Max Lucado called "Just the Way You Are" that paints this picture perfectly. It tells of a group of orphans who learn they're going to be adopted by a King. Most of the children immediately start practicing impressive talents, woodcarving, painting, playing violin, becoming scholars. They want to wow the King when he arrives.

But the youngest orphan takes a different approach. When a simple, unassuming stranger shows up at their door, she's the only one who takes time to sit with him, talk with him, and show him genuine kindness. Her siblings are too busy perfecting their performances.

Plot twist? The stranger was the King all along.

And here's what he said: he wasn't looking for someone to impress him. He was looking for someone to spend time with him and love him.

Sound familiar?

What the King Really Wants

Friend, this changes everything about how we think about being "ready" for Christ's return. Jesus isn't coming back to grade our spiritual talent show. He's not looking for the most polished prayers, the biggest Bible knowledge, or the most Instagram-worthy ministry moments.

What does He want? Your heart. Your presence. Your genuine love.

Matthew 22:37-39 sums it up: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Being ready for the King means cultivating a heart that loves Him and loves people, right here, right now, in the ordinary moments of today.

Practical Ways to Live Ready

Okay, let's get practical. How do we actually live with this kind of anticipation? Here are some everyday ways to stay ready for tomorrow's promise:

1. Stay Connected to Jesus Daily

You don't need a three-hour quiet time (though that's great if you can swing it!). But spending even a few minutes each day talking to Jesus, reading His Word, and listening for His voice keeps your heart soft and connected. Think of it like texting your best friend throughout the day: it keeps the relationship alive.

2. Love the People in Front of You

Remember the youngest orphan in the story? She was ready because she was kind to the stranger right in front of her. Who's in front of you today? A coworker who's struggling? A family member who needs encouragement? A stranger at the grocery store? Those small moments of kindness are kingdom moments.

3. Live with Margin, Not Just Busyness

It's hard to notice the King if you're sprinting through life at 100 mph. Building margin into your schedule: time to rest, reflect, and be available: creates space for God to move. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is slow down.

4. Hold Loosely to Earthly Things

This doesn't mean you can't enjoy life! But when we remember that this world isn't our final home, it frees us from gripping too tightly to stuff, status, or security. We can be generous, flexible, and openhanded because we know something better is coming.

5. Stay Engaged in Community

We weren't meant to wait for Jesus alone. Being part of a faith community: like Boundless Online Church: keeps us encouraged, accountable, and growing. Together, we remind each other of the hope we share.

The Blessed Hope in Action

Here's something beautiful: living ready for Christ's return doesn't make us disconnected from the world: it actually makes us more engaged. When you know the King is coming, you want everyone to be ready to meet Him. That's why we share the gospel. That's why we serve. That's why we love extravagantly.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." That's the posture of people living for tomorrow's promise: always building up, always encouraging, always pointing others toward hope.

And friend, if you're reading this and you're not sure where you stand with Jesus, this is your invitation. He's not waiting to judge you: He's waiting to welcome you. The King wants a relationship with you, just the way you are. All you have to do is open the door.

You're Not Alone in This

At Boundless Online Church and FA Memphis, we're walking this journey together. Whether you're brand new to faith or you've been following Jesus for decades, we believe in doing life together as we anticipate the return of our King.

If you have questions, need prayer, or just want to connect, we're here for you. Reach out anytime:

Boundless Online Church AI 24/7 Assistant: 1-901-668-5380 Boundless Phone: 1-901-213-7341 FA Memphis: 1-901-843-8600 Email:lmcdonald@famemphis.net Websites:www.boundlessonlinechurch.org | www.famemphis.org

You can also join our I'm New Prayer Connection group to get connected with others who are exploring faith.

Living Today for Tomorrow

So here's the bottom line, friend: being ready for the King isn't about performing. It's about loving. It's about staying connected to Jesus and showing His love to the people around you: today, tomorrow, and every day until He comes.

The promise of Christ's return isn't meant to scare us into action. It's meant to inspire us toward hope-filled, love-driven living. Because when the King arrives, He won't be looking for impressive résumés. He'll be looking for hearts that are His.

And that, friend, is the most beautiful way to live.

Blessings, Dr. Layne McDonald Online and Connection Pastor at FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church

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Social Media Posts

Facebook: 🌟 What does it really mean to be "ready" for Jesus to return? Hint: It's not about being perfect or impressive. It's about something much more beautiful. Our latest blog dives into how to live TODAY for tomorrow's promise: with practical tips and a whole lot of hope. Read it now and share with someone who needs this encouragement! 👉 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog 📞 Questions? Call our 24/7 AI Assistant: 1-901-668-5380 #BoundlessOnlineChurch #BlessedHope #FaithAndHope #LivingReady

Instagram: ✨ The King isn't looking for impressive performances. He's looking for your heart. 💛

Being ready for Christ's return is about loving Jesus and loving people: right here, right now. Tap the link in bio to read our new blog: "Ready for the King: How to Live Today for Tomorrow's Promise"

📞 24/7 Prayer & Support: 1-901-668-5380 #BoundlessOnlineChurch #ReadyForTheKing #FaithJourney #HopeInChrist #OnlineChurch #ChristIsReturning

LinkedIn: In leadership, we often focus on preparation, performance, and readiness. But what if the most important preparation isn't about what we DO, but who we ARE?

Our latest article at Boundless Online Church explores living with anticipation for the future while staying fully engaged in the present. Whether you're a faith leader or simply navigating life's challenges, this perspective on purposeful living may resonate with you.

Read "Ready for the King: How to Live Today for Tomorrow's Promise" at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog

: Dr. Layne McDonald, Online and Connection Pastor at FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church

X (Twitter): The King isn't coming back to judge your spiritual talent show. He's looking for hearts that love Him and love people. 💛 New blog: "Ready for the King: How to Live Today for Tomorrow's Promise" 👉 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog #BlessedHope #FaithOverFear