So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”
Hebrews 5:5, ESV
Jesus Christ became a human and made Himself a servant, and being a servant to the point of death and His ensuing resurrection has proven that He is the very Son of God who understands us and draws us to the Father.
He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.
Hebrews 5:2, ESV
Regular human priests and pastors (and all Christians) relate to all of us, because we are dealing with this life along with everyone else. Thankfully, we have a High Priest who knows us and welcomes us to God, because He overcame the things of this world as one of us.
15 years ago today, I married my best friend (after Jesus, of course.)
Look at those kids and their groovy shoes. 2007-2009
She was wise and quoted Relient K, “Nice to meet you. I’m your better half.” (“The Best Thing”) We even have bought jerseys together, and I do think she looked better! Still does!
Some of our favorite jerseys include band shirts, including a quarter of another anniversary (our 14th compared to Chicago’s 56th)
We have been a quarter of the way across this world (honeymooned in Ireland, and we get to see parts again this summer!) We have been all across the contiguous US.
We have shared fantastic fandoms, read and watched much together, and told Alexa to “Do the thing.”
We have forgotten things, reminded each other of things, and enjoyed many things.
We’ve had bands sing to and for us.
Thanks for the “Gray Flowers”, Gray Havens!
We have been in many weddings together, including my honor of officiating both of her siblings’ weddings.
We have both taught in public schools, been to many concerts, and helped many friends and family as well as been helped by many.
We have been practically penniless and riding high at times, but never very wealthy and usually joyful.
My favorite things have been living life, coming through together, and helping each other love and serve God better.
I am grateful for the woman God has blessed me with, and I look forward to many more years together. (Hopefully at least as many as the band Chicago!)
She has blessed me in more ways than I can count, and I thank God for His grace in brining her into my life (even if I’m the one who crossed the country to get to her.)
I love you, Caitlin! Thanks for the past 15 years and for being a woman of God!
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10, ESV
We can rest in the peace of knowing that God is in control, that He is making heaven on earth a reality through His Church. Find hope in His sovereignty.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19, ESV
Our God is faithful, as shown in coming to us to save us from our sin and His wrath. He now calls us and empowers us to faithfully go and share this good news and raise up other faithful followers.
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Proverbs 11:24, ESV
Our God is faithful, fulfilling all our needs as we follow Him. He calls us to be faithful to follow His example and give abundantly of ourselves, and we shall see His abundance in our life.
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
John 15:2, ESV
Or God is faithful and calls us to faithfulness, and He helps us to be faithful when we trust in Him. If we prove faithless, He may put us in trials to prune out that faithlessness or simply prune us out, showing we were never His.
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
Romans 10:14, ESV
God is faithful, and He calls us to faithfulness. He empowers us to faithfully share about His faithfulness. Then others can come to faith.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!