Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV
The devil tries to convince us we’re failures, and the world mocks our faith, but God uses our faithfulness to lead others to Christ or heap judgment on others. Continue to honor God with your life.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
James 1:2-3, ESV
The devil goes after those who grow in Christ, so rejoice that God allows him to attack as it shows you are growing in faith and faithfulness with the help of our faithful God.
“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.“
John 3:28-29, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
Jesus came to live amongst us, and His true followers look to Him.
True followers of Jesus rejoice to hear Him and to point others toward Him.
People may scoff, and they may even claim we think of ourselves as high and mighty and christs ourselves.
Yet, God came to us, showing us He is the source of all goodness and power, saving His Bride – the Church – from her sin.
Jesus has saved His people, and we will want to show the world who He is.
The world may think we want to be their saviors, but we know He is the rightful King and Savior.
Our refutation is not done the same way as the world.
Yes, we deny ourselves and point to Christ, but we do it by pointing to the Scriptures that reveal His deity and works.
We remember and proclaim the prophecies of Jesus’ first coming, His death and resurrection, and that He is coming again for His Bride.
May we seek the Lord who saves us and is coming again to claim His Bride.
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!