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> _ To those who have been called, who are loved in God the > Father and kept for Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in > abundance._ JUDE 1-2 (NIV) Most loving
heavenly Father, on this Saturday, like every day, we need a fresh encounter with the daily-ness of your mercies, the wonders of your love, and the riches of your grace. This one little
passage is full-term pregnant with encouragement, peace, and hope. Jude’s words are life giving and heart encouraging. Who are we, according to Jude? We are your _CALLED, LOVED, AND KEPT_
children. Advertise on TGC Father, you didn’t just invite us to become followers of Christ; you _called us_, with all the legal power of a subpoena, and you adopted us as your beloved
children. Instead of whining our way through life, we now cry, “Abba, Father”. We didn’t invite Jesus into our heart; you gave us a new heart. You raised us from the dead and hid our lives
in Christ. You sealed us with your Spirit, who now indwells us forever. For your sovereign grace and irresistible power, we praise, bless and adore you. And now, through our union with
Christ, you love us as much as you love Jesus—as hard as that is to grasp. Indeed, Jesus is our “_righteousness, holiness and redemption_” (1 Cor. 1:30). Father, _nothing_ is more centering,
freeing, and transforming. Hallelujah, because the gospel is true, we’re no longer condemned or enslaved to sin. Neither are we spiritual orphans looking to people, stuff, and “karma” to
give us life, liberty, and happiness. Lastly, Father, thank you for securing us as the _kept ones_. Nothing can pull us from your hand or tear us from your heart. The good work you began
_IN__ us_, you will finish _FOR__ us_. We believe this good news; we want to believe it more than ever. When we’re tempted today to look anywhere else for “_mercy, peace and love”_—forgive
us and reel our hearts back in. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ beautiful and sufficient name. SCOTTY SMITH is the founding pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee. You can
follow him on Twitter.