The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:9, ESV
We long for Christ to return and restore Creation, but He is patient with this rebellious world, waiting for all who will call on His name in repentance and faith.
Many years on this blog I mark a very important date in my own life: January 9. And not just because it is my wonderful mother-in-law’s birthday.
Two of my more favorite passages from the Bible are these:
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8, ESV
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12, ESV
What wisdom do we gain by considering our lives and drawing near to God?
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3, ESV
So, every January 9, I celebrate my Re-Birthday, the day I was born again by faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And on January 9, 2020, (specifically, at 6:47 pm CST), I am celebrating 20 years as a Christian.
And I think people should celebrate their salvation much more than we do, to show the world the joy of the world to bring others to glorify the Lord.
Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation. Psalm 35:9, ESV
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
Psalms 40:16 ESV
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3, ESV
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16, ESV
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?
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:14, 17, ESV
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.”
Matthew 12:18, ESV
Matthew quotes a prophecy about Jesus, fulfilled in His time. However, the Holy Spirit moves today through Hos Body, the Church, to reach the world for the Father’s glory.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:19, ESV
The Father begot the Son, and they send the Holy Spirit. Because of Christ’s authority shared with us through the Spirit, let us glorify the Father by bringing in to the faith as many as He gives us to win over.
the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.
Jeremiah 31:3, CSB
Though we all stray from God, He calls out in love to come home. Today, He uses the Church, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to call to this fallen world.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV
Give yourself completely over to God for His will.
Just as the Son lived among us and gave Himself for our good, we likewise should go into our world to share the Gospel in love.
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!