OT vs NT Faith

Welcome to the third day of fall everyone… at least that is what my calendar says today!  Personally, I am not so sure, as we had rain with thunder and lightning on the last day of summer from 4:00 AM until 2:00 in the afternoon, followed by a partially sunny, breezy and somewhat cool day that never made it into the 80’s!  Then the first two days of fall were saturated by almost non-stop severe thunder, lightning and tons of rain. 

But now today, and the entire week ahead is forecast to be warm and summer-like with blue skies and temperatures reaching into the high 80’s!  Go figure!  You know… I’ve lived on the west coast, the east coast and now in the middle of the country in Oklahoma, and if I’ve learned anything… it’s that you can never be quite sure of the reliability of the weather forecast… that’s one reason that I always keep an umbrella, a jacket and a hat in my car!

I began my morning Bible study today with a review of a scripture that I had been looking for a while.  The verse is a familiar one to many of us found in Psalm 118:24, where a triumphal statement “of jubilant thanksgiving was sung by worshippers in procession to the Temple”* as they declared,

“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (NASB)

As I was slowly reading this verse, it suddenly dawned on me that this psalm was sung in thanksgiving to victorious events that had ALREADY occurred in the life of the Jewish nation.  By the time the psalmist wrote these words, there was probably a written record of the events that had happened and most likely physical evidence or mementoes of the victories that the Lord had provided for them.  The people could joyously celebrate these past memories because they had tangible proof that they had occurred!

What also dawned on me as I read this Old Testament verse, was that it describes a process for people living under the Jewish Law, that is different than the life of FAITH that is required of us as New Testament Christians.

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is one of the best places to discover the paramount role that FAITH plays in our Christian walk.  Hebrews 11:6 sets the baseline foundation for our FAITH-life when the writer declares that,

“Without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that HE is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (KJV) 

Then when we backup to the first verse of the chapter, we discover the Biblical definition of FAITH that says,

“Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot (yet) see.” (God’s Word ©) 

So, it’s easy to understand how the distinction between the FAITH based relationship that Christians can enjoy with the Lord Jesus Christ, and the strict following of the Do’s and Don’ts of the Old Covenant Law, is easily explained by these scriptures.

The writer of Hebrews simply teaches us that it is NOT possible to please God without exercising the kind of FAITH that assures us of the things we are expecting (as found in the Word of God)… that we do not immediately see… when we come to God with “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man” that “availeth much.” (James 5:16 – KJV)

Jesus Himself explained how this all works to His disciples in Mark 11:22-24 and summed up this fundamental truth of our Christian FAITH by teaching,

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, WHEN YOU PRAY, (not after you see it manifested in your midst), believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.” (Mark 11:24 – KJV)

Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we New Testament Christians become adopted sons and daughters of the Living God… while the Old Testament Jews were considered servants of the almighty God.  That standing gives us the ability to have an entirely different relationship with God!  A relationship that He would like for us to develop into an intimate and deeply personal oneness with Him!**

It's just like how the relationship with our spouses and loved ones should be.  It is an ever-growing relationship that is built on love, trust, respect, honor and unity!  And it takes commitment, diligence, grace and a humble heart… and the results… Well, from what I have learned from my personal experience… It is WELL worth ALL the effort!

I’ll explain more about how this all works in future blog posts… but for now… Is there a request that you have made of the Lord?  Then I would suggest that you put your faith into action and show Him how much you trust Him by THANKING Him for that need being met… right now… before you see it come into physical existence in your life!

Have a great beginning of fall as you continue to EXPECT God’s BEST and enjoy the cooler days, the colorful leaves falling to the ground and the delight of Pumpkin Spice Lattes!  

 

*Psalm 118 footnotes from the NASB Ryrie Study Bible – 1978, page 910

**See: John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:18, Ephesians 1:5, 3:19, 1 John 3:1-2, Revelation 21:7

Celebrating After the Storm!

Fiver and I had a decision to make this morning… after a long and loud night of thunderstorms, rain and bouts of hail, we were a little stir-crazy and wanted to get out for our usual morning walk along the city golf course next door and on to the neighborhood park and pond just beyond.  The only problem was that dark skies still looked a little menacing and the weather report on the radio predicted the chance of more storms throughout the morning… with clearing in the early afternoon.

The one redeeming report though, came from the two different weather radar apps that I have on my phone which showed the latest storm front moving eastward and away, with nothing behind it coming into the Tulsa area from the west… and… there were a few golfers out on the greens… which is always a positive sign! 

So, that was good enough for us and I harnessed up the dog, put on a light rain resistant jacket (just in case) and we headed out the front door!  And it turned out to be the right decision, as the clouds began to slowly lighten and blue, sunny skies emerged.

Well… it was definitely all I needed to put a JOYFUL smile on my face… and Fiver seemed pretty happy about it as well.  About half way to the park we came across an older lady who had also braved the precarious weather and was walking toward us.  We were near a spot where the pathway narrowed, so I stopped and had Fiver sit as I didn’t want to frighten the lone walker.  I’ve learned on our daily walks, that not everyone is comfortable around dogs the size of Fiver.  So, we smiled and gave her a hearty “good morning,” which greeting she happily returned and we let her pass by on her way.

On the way back from the park, I noticed a young mother with her baby in a stroller, that we had previously passed on our morning walks and commented to Fiver that I wondered if she’d acknowledge us this time.  Although she normally kept her head down, the last time we saw them, I was able to catch her attention and say hello.  This time though, she initiated the conversation by going out of her way to greet us and complement Fiver on his “good looks!”  I, in turn, greeted her and made a complimentary remark about her baby who was wide awake and looking over the side of the stroller!

Those two interactions this morning just kind of made my day!  The skies were clearing up, large patches of blue were emerging and the sun finally popped out with its golden glow!  I couldn’t help but to praise the Lord and REJOICE as we strolled between the golf course on our left and the backyards on the right, complete with the cute little Pit-mix puppy who was wiggling along his property line and reaching through the chain link fence in order to sniff and lick Fiver and the big Golden Retriever next door… who was also vying for Fiver’s attention!

It all reminded me of the very familiar scripture I had studied earlier this morning, with a modern paraphrased translation, and I recited the verse aloud as we walked and declared,

“This is the very day GOD acted— let's celebrate and be festive!”                       (Psalm 118:24 / The Message) 

And you know?  God had acted!  It was a stormy night but Fiver and I made it through (with the help of some calming medicine for the pooch) with flying colors… a little tired maybe… but doing good!  We were able to share some of the JOY of the Lord with our neighbors… and them with us… and all is well right now, out here in northeastern Oklahoma!

The King James Version of our scripture verse above says,

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” 

The original Hebrew for the word ‘REJOICE’ literally means to “spin around with emotion.”*  While to ‘BE GLAD’ is defined as “to brighten up, to put into a good frame of mind and to be delighted with a thing.”* 

I think that the modern Message Bible expresses the emotional and physical response that the psalmist was trying to convey, in a more expressive way for us in today’s society.  It is not only “the day that the Lord has made” but, it is the “very day that God acted” in our behalf, in the midst of the situations in our life RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW… and therefore like me this morning… we want to CELEBRATE and BE FESTIVE!

I don’t know about you… but when I CELEBRATE with FESTIVE JOY, I don’t do it sitting in a chair with my hands folded on my lap… DO YOU?  I’ve been known to grab my wife (or one of our kids… or even the dog!) and dance them around the kitchen… or like today… to jump a little bit right out there in the neighborhood community greens area, between the houses and the golf course!

That’s also why I almost always go out of my way to smile and say hello to those that Fiver and I come in contact with while on our daily walks!  I’ve got the JOY of the Lord because of how He has ACTED in my life… and I want to share it with others!

HOW ABOUT YOU?

I hope that I’ve stirred you up a little today… even if you’ve had a rough night or a questionable morning… God wants to ACT for you in the midst of whatever you’re facing so that you can REJOICE, BE GLAD and CELEBRATE and BE FESTIVE!

Have a great day, keep EXPECTING God’s BEST… and then pass it on to someone else!

 

*Stong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries

FREE Things

Not too long after I purchased my Amazon Kindle e-reader a few years back, I discovered an online book club called BookBub.  When I signed up for the FREE service, I listed my favorite genres of literature along with my email and immediately began receiving a daily email with a list of potential books that I might enjoy reading… at very discounted prices.  After a while, I also noticed that they would regularly offer FREE books as well!  Then, following a hunch, I went onto to the Amazon website and learned that they list the FREE Kindle books that anyone can purchase for their connected e-reader.

Well… if you’re anything like me, then you probably don’t mind taking advantage of FREE offerings… Am I right?  So, while I still occasionally purchase eBooks, the vast majority of the books I now read are the FREE ones that I’ve downloaded.  Anytime I see a FREE offering that looks promising, I download it. Then in case I don’t like it, I simply delete from my Kindle library... which has enough books downloaded to it, that it would probably take me a couple of years to read them all!

And… while we are on the subject of FREE things… did you know that your Bible is stuffed full of FREE offerings that are available to you and me through our personal relationship with Jesus?  YES, IT IS TRUE!  And they are there for the taking!  All one has to do is to know what they are and how and when to activate and/or receive them into your life.

Philippians 4:4 in the Remedy Bible Translation tells us that these FREE things, be they blessings, strength, ability, wisdom, heath or financial stability… and much, much more, constitute the underlying reasons that we can and should,

“ Rejoice in the Lord always, and Again I say, Rejoice!”  (Philippians 4:4 - KJV)

The modern Remedy Bible details the workings of this verse and further expands our understanding by teaching us to,

“Revel in the Lord and in ALL that he has FREELY given you. Yes, rejoice in the Lord and IN ALL HE IS and (IN ALL He) PROVIDES!” 

And the key to KNOWING what all those FREE things are and how to RECEIVE them, is in the depth of yours and my personal relationship with the Lord… through our daily interactions with Him in His Word! 

The Lord has many times likened the workings of my personal relationship with Him to that of my relationship with my late wife Piper.  Throughout the 48 years that we were together, there was hardly ever a week that went by where I didn’t learn something new about her… and that happened because we made the time on a daily basis, to enjoy each other’s company.  Many times, it was a slow walk around the neighborhood, a ride in the car to the supermarket or simply a few quality moments alone as we got ready for bed.

And that is the same way that you and I get to know more of the intimate aspects of the Lord, what pleases him… as well as what does not… and to learn of the special things that He has provided for us as His children.  Colossians 1:27 explains that,

“God wanted his people throughout the world to know the glorious riches of this mystery-which is Christ living in you, giving you the expectation of glory.”        (God’s Word  

The two important words in order to best understand Paul’s point here, are the words “KNOW” and “GLORY.”  “To KNOW the glorious riches of this mystery…” is talking about having an intimate and deeply personal knowledge and understanding of the mystery that Paul describes as… “Christ living in you, giving you the expectation of GLORY.”  With GLORY defined in Thayer’s Greek Definitions as “God’s GOOD and POSITIVE opinion of YOU.”

When the understanding of that verse hit me yesterday, I couldn’t help but to HOOP and HOLLAR and scribble in my notes “If that doesn’t give someone a reason to REJOICE always… then I don’t know what will!”

When Piper’s negative health diagnosis came to light, there were a few individuals, who in their personal pain for Piper’s situation, took out their anger on me and said some very hurtful words… but you know… although it surprised me and stung at the same time… their opinion of me didn’t really matter… because I KNEW through my intimate and deeply personal relationships with both my wife and my Lord… that they BOTH had good, positive, supportive and loving opinions of me! 

And it was THOSE OPINIONS that got me through the roughest of times during the last eight years of Piper’s life… and to be perfectly honest… It is STILL the important opinions that has gotten me through every day since she went home to be with the Lord!

So YEAH… I like FREE things!  I enjoyed the FREE things that my wife and I shared with each other… and likewise, through my intimate and personal relationship with the Lord, I continue to enjoy the FREE things that He regularly shows me during the time that we make for each other… each and every day... for His opinion is the one that is most important to me!

So… do you want some FREE things… Then I think that you know what you need to do!

Have a terrific weekend!  Our weather has been absolutely gorgeous this last week… and I am loving it!  Be blessed and enjoy the FREE things that God has for you… and then share that info with others around you!

As A Reminder...

Have I ever mentioned that my wife Piper was a very JOYFUL person?  Okay, Okay… I supposed that I have let that be known… more than just a few times.  I’d be tempted to say that I’ve probably said it “more than a thousand times” but I can hear my wife’s sweet and tender voice saying inside my head, “JIM! Don’t Exaggerate!” …as I had been known to go a little over-the-top when telling a funny story…

But it is true… and she is one of the best examples that I know, of a person who truly lived the principles of her heart.  When she said something with that big, contagious smile on her face, there was never any doubt and or confusion as to what she said!  She also carefully chose the words that she used in order to best convey the love and encouragement that she was desiring to express.

I thought about that trait of hers this morning when reading from the Apostle Paul’s second epistle to the church in Corinth.  In the closing verses of the letter, he reminds and encourages his readers saying,

“Finally, brethren, BE JOYFUL, secure perfection of character, take courage, be of one mind, live in peace. And then God who gives love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11 – Weymouth)

A few of the other translations, including the King James Version, use the word “farewell” or “goodbye” in place of the term “BE JOYFUL.”  But I believe that this is an incorrect translation from the Greek.  In fact, all three of the literal translation Bibles that I have, translate Paul’s words as “REJOICE!”

I point this out so as to state that Paul, like my wife, was very precise in the words that he penned to the early Christian churches.  Over the years, I have heard different Bible teachers negate the powerful truth that Paul was expressing in his letters… and especially in the introduction and closing of them, by explaining that the choice of his words were simply general greetings, salutations or closing remarks… and not to be taken as anything else.

Both Peter and Jude along with Paul, told the readers of their epistles that it was important for them to,

 “remind you about what you already know,” *

and I believe that this is exactly what Paul was doing here, as well in the conclusion of many of his other letters to the churches.  As we discussed in our last blog post,** “BE JOYFUL” or “BE REJOICING” was a personal lifestyle choice of Paul’s and a major theme that is threaded throughout all of his epistles and is especially highlighted in the book of Philippians… which, once again, was written during one of the most difficult times in his life.

It makes perfect sense therefore, that Paul would want to take one last opportunity, at the conclusions of his letters, to remind the churches of what he termed in Philippians 4:12-13 as “THE SECRET” declaring,

“I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’M TRAINED IN THE SECRET of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power (or in agreement with his theme for the entire epistle, one could insert ‘Christ’s explosive JOY’***) infuses me to conquer every difficulty.” (The Passion Translation) 

So, as you can see, Paul wasn’t one to waste his words.  And just as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that “All scripture is inspired by God and is beneficial…” he made sure that what was beneficial for us to know, was repeatedly stated in order for us to put it into current, active and daily usage in our lives!

So, what did he keep remining us?  And therefore…Do you know and live “THE SECRET” in your life?

Have a great weekend, and as you do… Keep BEing JOYFUL and keep EXPECTING God’s BEST… and then… let His BEST and your JOY ooze all over everyone around you!

 

*See: 2 Peter 1:12 / Jude 1:5 - God’s Word ©

**http://pjberruto.blogspot.com/2023/09/be-rejoicing.html

***Throughout the Bible there are comparisons make between the JOY of the Lord and His strength – for example: Nehemiah 8:10 / Romans 15:32

BE - Rejoicing!

 Be*

[ bee; unstressed bee, bi ]

 VERB

·       having the state, quality, identity, nature, role, etc., specified:

·       to occupy a place or position:

 

I have recently found myself being drawn back to the Biblical book of Philippians.  It, along with the New Testament books of Colossians and Ephesians are my favorite books in the Bible and throughout the years, have rotated back and forth in order of top preference to me!

One of the most interesting… and I must say “EXCITING” and unique aspects of this letter was that it was written during one of the lowest times in Paul’s life, when he was confined in a dingy jail cell while waiting for the final decision of his case… which most likely would be concluded with his death.

Now, you’re most likely wondering how I could possibly consider calling the background of this letter as “EXCITING!”  Well… you’d have to read the letter to understand… and when you do read this letter, you’ll quickly realize that it is the most cheerful, joyous and encouraging letter to his readers that Paul ever wrote!

I have heard it said that “The book of Philippians is Paul’s personal manifesto on how to live a life full of joy.”**  In every chapter you’ll repeatedly find the words “JOY, REJOICING” or “BE GLAD” as the Apostle speaks of and describes the attitude of his life and encourages his followers to BE the same!

The one verse that seems to sum up the entire book is found in Philippians 4:4 where Paul simply stated,

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (KJV) 

My current favorite version of this profound statement is from the modern Passion Translation Bible, where the translators help the reader to understand Paul’s intent and thereby allow for an easier practical application of the verse by saying,

“BE cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let (your) joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!” 

But the simplest and most accurate translation of the verse that gives the clearest language to Paul’s meaning, is found in the Kenneth S. Wuest New Testament, Expanded Translation where he wrote,

“BE rejoicing in the Lord always. Again I say, BE rejoicing.”

I say the ‘clearest language’ because of the emphasis on the words “BE Rejoicing”…for therein is Paul’s clear intent on the meaning of and life action that he is trying to convey to us, his readers.

You’ll notice from the definitions of the word “BE” on the title of today’s post, that “BE” describes the lifestyle of the one who “occupies the position, the state, the quality, the identity, the nature, and the role specified” …which role in this case, is to “BE Rejoicing!”

Robertson’s Word Pictures tells us that the ancient Greek word “REJOICE” that is used throughout the book of Philippians, is a “Present Active Imperative” which in the original Greek, “is a command that is expected to be followed not only once, but as an ongoing process.”***

My late wife Piper was a perfect living and breathing example of the point that Paul was making throughout the book of Philippians and of this verse in particular.  In the 48 years that we were together… beginning in high school, almost 53 years to the day today… I would be hard-pressed to remember a time when she was without a smile on her face, an encouraging word emanating from her lips and a special JOY that originated from a deep conviction of the love of Jesus Christ.

She, like the Apostle Paul, was proof that such a lifestyle could actually exist in today’s topsy-turvy world.  But that doesn’t mean that it is an easy lifestyle to maintain.  It takes lots of practice, lots of time spent in fellowship with the Lord in His Word, a positive and supportive circle of like-minded friends… and sometimes daily – or even moment-by-moment decisions to “BE Rejoicing” …in the midst of any situation or circumstance that should arise throughout your daily life.

I’ve personally learned that to “BE Rejoicing” helps me to think before I react to adverse situations, keeps me in a peaceful state of mind and body and assists me in thinking, saying and then doing the right thing at the right time (most of the time…)!

So… what do you think about all that?  How are you at “BEing Rejoicing” at all times? 

I think that we could all improve at this… But as far as I am concerned… If God, through the Apostle Paul says that it is possible… then – I can do it… for as the above Passion Translation explains: “we are united with the Anointed One!”  And then a few verses later Paul also reminds us that:

“We can do everything through Christ who strengthens us.” 

You know?  It’s really pretty straight forward when you think about it.  It is a way of life that the Word tells us to live… and then goes on to teach us HOW to DO it and HOW to MAINTAIN it in our lives!  Isn’t God Good!

Have a great rest of your short work week, and as you do… “BE Rejoicing” and let God’s BEST direct you and pour through you unto others!

 

 

*Oxford Online Dictionaries/dictionary.com

** Introduction to “Be Joyful” by Warren W. Wierbe / Published by David C Cook -         Second Edition 2008

*** https://www.ancientgreekkeyboard.com/grammar-practice/present-active-imperative-verb-endings.html

FRESH!

FRESH!

When Piper and I first moved to our new home in the countryside near the small but growing town of Fuquay-Varina in North Carolina, we did the majority of our grocery shopping at the Super-Walmart located in one of the newer shopping centers in the city.  But one day, on the way to get our hair cut at the local Great Clips, I noticed another grocery store whose chain I had heard of before… but had never been in one.  So, the next time we needed some groceries, we decided to give the big Kroger store a try… and I must say… when we walked in… I was in for a big surprise!

Going through the big sliding doors, we were instantly captivated by the largest, brightly lit, attractively displayed and seemingly unending selection of the FRESHEST looking fruits and vegetables that I had seen in quite a while!  I was so enamored by the sight before me, that I may have even wondered aloud to Piper, if the field workers were outside the store unloading the FRESHLY picked harvest from trucks at that very moment! 

Needless to say… from the day forward, we split our grocery shopping into two trips.  One to Kroger’s for their FRESH fruits and vegetables and the other to Walmart for all our other grocery needs.  We were saddened latter on when the parent company of Kroger decided to close all the Kroger’s stores in our area and convert them into the more upscale Harris Teeter stores.  We had shopped at the Harris Teeter located at the other end of town and were happy with that store as well.  The problem was that they closed our more convenient Kroger location while they renovated the store and it didn’t reopen until just before I moved to Oklahoma.  

The memory of the strong reactions that I experienced, almost every time we walked into the FRESH produce section of that Kroger store in North Carolina, came back to me one morning this week when I realized how much that reaction is similar to my walking through the Word of God… just about every time I study my Bible… first thing each morning!

You know?  I can’t ever recall a time when either Piper or I grew tired or bored with God’s Word.  It has always been FRESH to us!  I remember when someone asked me if Piper’s diagnosis had shaken my faith… and I was a little stunned by the question!  For my immediate answer was absolutely NOT!  In fact, if it did anything, it drew me deeper and closer in my personal relationship with the Lord… for if I ever needed a FRESH empowering in my life, it was right then and there!

Today marks the fifth anniversary of Piper’s homegoing and I continue… with an even greater dedication of purpose… to sense the excitement and adventures that await me when I open my Bible (or Bible Study program) early each morning.  Yes, my entire life was turned upside down when she went to her well-deserved heavenly reward, and I am still adjusting to that loss to this day… but my God hasn’t changed (see: Hebrews 13:8) and neither has my strong faith in Him and the truth of His Word.  After all, it was our unwavering trust in His Word that brought us through every aspect and event of our lives up to and including where I am today… sitting here in my study in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma!

II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that,

“All Scripture is inspired by God, and is beneficial for teaching, redirecting, correcting and training—to promote character transformation— so that the man (and Woman) of God may be PERFECT, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”    (The Remedy/KJV) 

This verse perfectly explains the daily anticipation and expectation that awaits me when I travel through the various adventures within the pages of God’s Word.  Paul told his young protégé Timothy, that the Word of God is the Almighty’s instructional handbook that is available to you and me so that we “may be PERFECT” and “thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

The first definition of the Greek word translated in the King James Version as “PERFECT” is to be “FRESH” and also implies being “complete” and “having the special aptitude for given uses,” (Strong’s and Thayer’s)

Therefore, when I complete my morning Bible study each day, I am FRESH and/or as the popular idiom says, “loaded for bear!”  Meaning that “I am ready for anything, prepared to fight and/or able to overcome any challenge”* that awaits me that day!

I don’t know exactly why it is… but I love FRESH fruits and vegetables.  Maybe it’s because I was raised by parents with green thumbs who enjoyed growing FRESH vegetables as well as picking FRESH fruits from the branches of the over 14 trees, I counted one time in our family’s front and backyards… not to mention the big vegetable gardens Piper and I had when our kids were growing up!

So Yeah, I got excited when I walked into the large and colorful produce section at that Kroger’s store in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina… just like I get excited and highly EXPECTANT when I sit down to enjoy a FRESH serving of the Word of God each morning!

Is that similar to the way that you experience the FRESHNESS of the Word of God in your life?  I sure hope so!

I hope that all of you here in the USA are all having a wonderful Labor Day holiday… and I pray the same thing for those of you who live in others places in the world!  I had an interesting and (rather long) conversation the other day, with an Amazon Customer Service Supervisor who was located in Georgetown, Guyana!  It was fun to interact and share life with someone in another country… it gave me a FRESH perspective about life in South America!

Be blessed and enjoy the FRESH perspective and empowerment that regular time in the Word of God gives to you!

 

*“Loaded for bear” idiom meaning / merriam-webster.com