Normally, I have a new picture of my wife and me from the past 48 hours before this post.
2009 – Ireland
Unfortunately, my wonderful wife of 13 years today has had to deal with an old man, as I threw out my back this last week and spent most of the time in bed or my recliner.
While I am quickly on the mend (relatively speaking), my wonderful wife has had to take care of me quite a bit. She has done well covering some of the “for worse” and usually having a smile.
Therefore, as June 13 comes along with our 13th anniversary, it feels a little like I prematurely entered my golden years. 🙃
Fortunately, we have made it 13 years, mostly having fun, relying on God, and loving each other.
I am so grateful for the gift God has given me in Mrs. Klem. She sometimes claims I am the better half, but I can attest (on my completely unbiased blog) that she is the better half.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, my love, and I pray the next 13 years are as good together (or better) as the first 13, Lord willing and unless Christ returns!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2, ESV
This world can be overwhelming, death and suffering terrifying, the fear of Hell debilitating.
But Christ has redeemed us, and by His Spirit we are comforted. Our hope is in Him and eternity with Him, so that our worries and fears are diminished in light of His glory.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10, ESV
The ultimate good work was Christ dying on the cross for our sins. We ought to sacrifice of ourselves to take that news to others, helping them get through this life (especially when considering this really may be their best life now!)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV
God has revealed His Word to us – both our Old and New Testaments – to help us grow more Christ-like and affect our world for His glory.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you
1 Peter 5:6, ESV
Just as Christ humbled Himself to become a Man and die for us, we, too, should humble ourselves for the sake of the Gospel, to share with others why we are willing to look shameful and foolish for their salvation.
Remember: doormats can help clean feet. They can also be fancy. It is the glory of the Homeowner that we seek.
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26, ESV
Our God is the One who changes us, who fills us with His love and grace, who makes us new.
Let us show others the love and grace of our God, the change He has made in us.
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!