“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:” - Jude 1:1
“Called, beloved and kept.” That pretty well sums it up, doesn’t it?
We’re called by the Holy Spirit through the promises of the Gospel. Our hearts are made alive by His Spirit as we hear that call and believe His promises, and He draws us into this wonderful relationship with Himself.
We are beloved; His own dear children. By grace, God is our loving Father who listens to our prayers and gives us what we need, always in His vast wisdom and tender care for us.
We are kept by His grace, preserved from harm and danger even as He allows us to go through various trials here to strengthen us and draw us closer to Himself. We are His, and He keeps us in His infinite mercy.
Lord, You have called me to Yourself, revealed Yourself to me and awakened faith in my heart. You know what I’m facing today. You know the limits of my faith and what I need to grow. Keep me close, for Jesus’ sake. I trust You, Lord. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles