Refocused Faith Sharpens Spiritual Sight

And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time” (Luke 1:18-20).

The incredible good news was met with incredulous doubt. Although he was a priest, accustomed to praying and interceding for the people of Israel, Zechariah doubted. Although he knew the stories of God’s supernatural interventions in the births of Isaac, Samson, and Samuel, Zechariah doubted. Even though he stood at the altar of incense, before the veil of the Holiest place in the Temple, and in the presence of Gabriel, God’s supernatural messenger, Zechariah doubted. His question was not born of disrespect, but revealed a deep desire to be certain, to be assured, and to believe. How shall I know this? In this encounter between priest and angel we learn how refocused faith sharpens spiritual sight.

Rational faith is a natural gift. Everyone has faith in what they can see, hear, taste, smell, and touch. We trust countless things every day without even thinking about them, because we know them through our natural senses. We believe the sun will rise and set, the clock will advance, the plane, train, bus, or automobile will get us where we are going, and so much more. We trust people, although we find them a little less reliable than things. Zechariah responded to the message of Gabriel with his eyes fixed on the natural circumstances of his life. He and his wife were too old to have a child. His nearsightedness kept him from believing and receiving the precious blessing God wanted to give him. The Teacher inspired Luke to record Zechariah’s response as a prompt for us to check our own eyesight, to see if we are able to see and receive the spiritual things God wants to show us… “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Maturing disciples are able to look past our natural circumstances to see the supernatural truth God wants to reveal because we do not walk by natural sight alone… “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Refined faith is a divine gift. God allowed Zechariah and Elizabeth to age without children. Through a lifetime of devoted service God brought the priest to this very intentional encounter with His messenger. Now Gabriel invoked nine months of silence for Zechariah, a period of both muteness and deafness (see Luke 1:62). With the Spirit’s help we see that it was all in order to dull his natural senses and heighten his spiritual senses. Through His word and in the midst of life’s trials Christ refines our faith and increases our spiritual sight that we might see and know Him more clearly… “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Reaching faith moves our focus from the natural to the supernatural. For born again and growing disciples there is so much more than just the natural world around us. It’s true that we must walk with our eyes open, with an awareness of the natural world around us, but we do not limit our sight to the natural world, we reach beyond the world of the seen to the world of the unseen… “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Gabriel showed up and prompted Zechariah to grow his faith by readjusting his focus. As our faith matures, the Spirit of Truth reveals more and more of the supernatural world that is beyond our natural senses… “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

As we grow up into Christ we see Him and His truth more clearly because…

Refocused Faith Sharpens Spiritual Sight.

The Spirit of Greatness

“And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared” (Luke 1:14-17).

The announcement of an impending addition to the family almost always provokes congratulations and best wishes. There is celebration and anticipation when we consider all the potential of the fresh new life that is soon to come. The angelic announcement to Zechariah of the impending birth of John was accompanied by the promise of joy and gladness. But the messenger Gabriel went much further. In the Temple encounter with Zechariah, the angel promised that John will be great before the Lord. Wow! This child would not just be great by the standards of the world, but the Lord God Himself would declare him to be great according to His divine standard. Imagine the weight of responsibility Zechariah must have felt in the light of this incredible announcement! He and Elizabeth would have to raise this child to be holy, set apart from the world, and available for the service of the Lord. But God would do the major work of preparing John for his special life’s work. In another revelation of His sovereign grace, even before his birth, God would see to it that this child was filled with the Spirit of greatness.

The origin of John’s greatness was the Holy Spirit. It’s true that John’s parents would bear the responsibility to raise this special child in a holy home, keeping him from the pollution of worldly enticements and temptations like wine or strong drink. But it was God’s impartation of the Holy Spirit that would mark John as His servant. The Holy Spirit identifies true believers as God’s children… “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). Like John, genuine disciples are to be set apart from the world around us and preserved in holiness by the Holy Spirit… “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

The objective of John’s greatness was to prepare hearts to receive Jesus Christ. John would shake up the world by confronting people with the terminally diseased condition of their sinful hearts… “John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). He challenged his audience to respond by confessing, repenting, and being baptized to prepare to receive Jesus… “And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mark 1:5). He even confronted the selfishness, greed, and materialism of his growing crowd with a lifestyle of austerity and dependence upon the Lord… “Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey” (Mark 1:6). Like John, true believers are to be changed by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that should convict and compel others to seek Jesus Christ… “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8).

The outcome of John’s greatness was to confidently and humbly introduce others to the Savior. John did not preach about himself, his supernatural birth, or his encounter with Christ in the womb. He preached the good news of Christ to an audience prepared to believe and receive Him… “And he preached, saying, ‘After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit’” (Mark 1:7-8). Real disciples know and trust the same Holy Spirit witnessing power to lead others to Christ… “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

As we grow up into Christ we are more engaged and effective witnesses as we are empowered by…

The Spirit of Greatness.

A Confirmation of God's Grace

Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John" (Luke 1:8-13).

Zechariah was a faithful servant of the Lord. He took his turn serving as priest along with his division. He humbly accepted whatever duties were assigned to him by his superiors. But the Lord had a special assignment for this God-directed life. While Zechariah was burning incense inside the temple, a large crowd gathered outside. Both priest and people were praying and at the top of their list was a prayer for the coming of the Messiah. They were living in difficult times, under the oppression of the Gentiles. They longed for freedom from the rule of the Romans and the reestablishment of the kingdom of Israel and they believed the Messiah would be the leader that would bring the deliverance they longed for. Of course, they also had a long list of personal needs that were not hidden from the ears of God. High on the prayer list of the aging Zechariah was a longing for a child of his own. God heard every prayer. He dispatched an angelic messenger with an answer that responded to both the intercessory and personal supplications of Zechariah and the people, but even more, served as a sign that the Messiah was coming soon. The Holy Spirit compelled Luke to record this remarkable encounter before the altar of incense in front of the veil that hid the Holiest Place in the Temple because it was a confirmation of God’s Grace.

Zechariah was called by grace. He was sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and devoted to serving God. True disciples, like Zechariah see every day as a gift from God, full of potential to be part of His supernatural work. We strive to conquer sin and keep ourselves available to God. We are sensitive to the Spirit’s presence and work in our home, neighborhood, workplace, and everywhere we go. When we live this close to the Lord, He receives our prayers and reshapes them into His will… “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 826-27). Like He did for Zechariah, God transforms the prayers of earnest disciples into His perfect will and His answers to our prayers will make us part of His supernatural plan even as He meets our personal needs. Are you available to God, to be directed and used according to His grace every day?

The angel was commissioned by grace. The Spirit reveals the name of this angel just a few verses ahead… “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news” (Luke 1:19). With these words the angel reveals that his presence and message are God-directed, God-sent, right from the divine throne room. The angel was not sent to King Herod, High Priest Mattathias, or even to Elizabeth the baby’s mother. He declared good news to Zechariah, the man of God’s choosing. Even more than angels, true disciples are ministers of the gospel by God’s grace today… “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power” (Ephesians 3:7). Are you experiencing God’s grace and power as you share the gospel every day?

The baby was conceived by grace. Gabriel’s words were clear. Elizabeth would bear a son conceived by Zechariah, but the life granted through this conception was a gift from God. The angel instructed Zechariah to name the child John, a name that means the grace of the Lord or in whom there is grace. True disciples believe we are saved by grace… “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8), and we are living each day by grace… “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him” (Colossians 2:6). Are you trusting less in yourself and more in God’s grace every day?

As we grow up into Christ our called, commissioned, and conceived lives become…

A Confirmation of God’s Grace.

Three Demands of the God-Directed Life

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years (Luke 1:5-7).

After introducing us to the intended recipient of this story, our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, prompted Luke to begin at the beginning. This good news story begins before the birth of the main character. In setting the stage for this “orderly account” (Luke 1:3), Luke writes about Zechariah and Elizabeth a husband and wife about to be used by God for a very important purpose. The Spirit intentionally inspired Luke to record three significant facts about this precious elderly couple. These spiritual truths will bless earnest disciples that are serious about discovering and pursuing the will of God… “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Today the Spirit illuminates the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth to show us three demands of the God-directed life.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were living a devoted life. They were each descended from priestly families and were thus set apart for God’s special work. They lived among those called to serve the Lord in His temple and to intercede for the people. While New Testament believers are not part of the line of Old Testament priests, the Spirit testifies that we are part of a new priesthood of believers… “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). As such, we are to live in holiness, above and beyond the sin and temptation of this world so we might be set apart and available for God’s holy work… “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).

Zechariah and Elizabeth were living a disciplined life. They were “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord”. They were obedient to the laws and truths revealed in God’s word. Jesus promises that He will make Himself known to those who obey His word… “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21). He also promises the Holy Spirit in increasing measure to those who keep His commandments… “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:15-17). It is the Holy Spirit that leads us into truth and empowers us to do God’s work… “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Zechariah and Elizabeth were living a determined life. They had no child of their own but they were willing to serve God’s child. They were advanced in years but they were never too old for the Lord’s work. Maturing disciples are not immune from the trials of life. We get sick and grow old just like everyone else. We have broken dreams and disappointments. What makes us different is our growing knowledge of the Lord. As we get to know our great, supernatural God better we expect Him to be doing great, supernatural things… “You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples” (Psalm 77:14). Our discernment of His soul-saving work is heightened… “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Our desire to be part of His kingdom-building work grows… “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

As we grow up into Christ the Spirit helps us to become more devoted, disciplined, and determined…

Three Demands of the God-Directed Life.

The Gospel for Lovers

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, ^just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught (Luke 1:1-4).

The Lord has seen fit to give us four accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. We call these accounts gospels. Jesus preached a gospel Himself… “One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up” (Luke 20:1). He gave His disciples a commission and authority to preach His gospel to the world… “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal… And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere” (Luke 9:1-2, 6). Just what is the gospel? The Greek word translated gospel is euangelizō and it means to announce good news. What sets Luke’s gospel apart from the others is not its author or its content. What makes Luke’s gospel different and the perfect complement to the other three gospels is his audience. In this wonderful account we have received the gospel for lovers.

All the gospels come from the same Author. Although we have received these accounts from four different writers, each of them was inspired by the same Author, the Holy Spirit… “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). The purpose and work of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of the truth revealed by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ… “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). Luke’s gospel and the Holy Spirit are gifts from God to enable us to walk with Jesus and discover and enjoy His precious truth everyday… “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13-14).

All the gospels contain the same good news. The Spirit defines the good news of the gospels through the pen of the Apostle Paul… “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you… For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4). In the Revelation, the Spirit reveals that this same good news is reflected in four different ways… “And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight” (Revelation 4:6-7). Luke’s gospel is a historical narrative that begins with the priest Zechariah serving before the sacrificial altar of the Lord, and ends with Christ’s revelation to His disciples that He was the final sacrifice pointed to in the scriptures… “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). For this reason Luke’s gospel is represented by the sacrificial ox of the Revelation.

What makes Luke’s gospel different is his unique audience, identified by the writer himself… “Most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3). Theophilus is a Greek name that can be translated lover of God or loved of God. The Holy Spirit selected Theophilus to represent God’s chosen audience for this precious gospel. It was his love for God that made him most excellent in God’s eyes. Maturing disciples like Theophilus who love God will be transformed by the powerful truth revealed by the Holy Spirit in Luke’s gospel… “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15-17).

As we grow up into Christ we are blessed and transformed by the truth of…

The Gospel for Lovers.

The Gospel that Transforms Us

This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written (John 21:24-25).

John’s Gospel ends here. The Holy Spirit reveals that as John reflected on His time with Jesus, he was transformed from skeptical follower into beloved disciple. Through the life and pen of the Apostle, the Holy Spirit exhorts us imitate this devoted disciple and to be transformed by the truth revealed in his gospel. The Spirit compels us to examine our motives and He challenges us to embrace the truth Christ revealed and to let that truth transform us into compassionate, caring, and confident disciples of Christ. If we become diligent disciples after the manner of John, like Him we will follow Christ wherever He calls us. Some of us will struggle in our walk, some will be under relentless attack for our faith, some will experience prosperity on earth, some will die early, some will live long, but all will be used to advance Christ’s kingdom. The key is to understand the difference between being a mere follower and serious disciple of Christ. Followers have many selfish reasons for remaining in the crowd and at a distance from the Lord. Disciples follow Christ ever more closely, embracing His truth and sharing it with the world. Disciples like John strive to be as close to Christ as possible… “One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side… So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, ‘Lord, who is it?’” (John 13:23-25). True disciples follow Christ whatever the cost, wherever the location. That is what John was now willing to do, after following Christ for more than three years. That is what his gospel now challenges us to do. Truly this is the gospel that transforms us.

How long have you been following Christ now? Have you been hiding in the crowd of Christ followers? Has reading this humble devotional work made you aware that you have not been following Christ at all? Are you ready to respond to the truth revealed in this gospel by taking a step of faith away from the crowd and closer to Christ? The first step is to pray and tell Him that you believe He paid for your sins when He died on the cross… “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Then tell Him you want to step closer to receive Him as your Savior and Lord… “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Jesus promises to hear your prayer and let you know that you are now His child by placing His Spirit in your heart… “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:6). If you continue to follow Christ closely, His Spirit will go to work helping you to become more like Him every day… “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). John’s gospel reveals that the Holy Spirit transforms diligent disciples into the image of Christ in three ways:

The Spirit helps us to know and follow Christ more closely… “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me” (John 15:26).

The Spirit reveals and compels us to embrace Christ’s truth more earnestly… “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).

The Spirit works in and through us to transform our lives into something that brings glory to Christ… “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14), fulfilling Jesus’ desire that His disciples reflect His glory to the world… “All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them” (John 17:10).

As we grow up into Christ followers become beloved disciples like John by embracing the truth of…

The Gospel that Transforms Us.

The Love that Secures Us

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:20-23).

Love is a two way street. Love between Jesus and His disciples is given and received by both parties. After Peter was challenged to let love for Christ be his motivation for intimacy with the Master, for serving others, and for trusting the sovereign will of God for his life, Peter noticed John, the beloved disciple following closely. Here Jesus revealed the other side of love, the love Christ has for beloved disciples like John. Here discerning disciples get a glimpse of the love that secures us.

Christ’s love keeps us close to Him. Jesus was busy in a personal meeting with Peter. John was content to follow the Master closely because He was confident in Christ’s love for him. He did not have to be the closest to Jesus. He did not have to be center of attention in the circle of disciples. He knew Jesus loved him and that assurance compelled him to walk humbly close behind the Master. Jesus has demonstrated His love for us… “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Here, eHeHe reminds us that He earnestly desires intimacy with those He loves… “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24).

Christ’s love keeps us growing in Him. In the midst of the turmoil of the last supper John stayed close to Jesus, resting his head on the Savior’s chest. While others sought answers among themselves, increasing suspicion and speculation, John looked to the Master and asked Him directly to reveal deeper truth about who was about to betray Him. John was confident enough in the love Christ had for him to seek the truth despite the possibility that Jesus might have named him as the culprit. Jesus wants to reveal deeper and deeper levels of His truth to those whom He loves. He has given us the Holy Spirit to our guide His precious truth… “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him… These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:23-26). Jesus loves us enough to show us truth that will discipline and mature us as His disciples… “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12:6). The Holy Spirit exhorts us to imitate and reflect this kind of revealing, perfecting love toward each other… “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

Christ’s love keeps us safe in Him. Jesus knew that Peter was going die as a martyr for Christ. He also knew that John was going to live a long life of persecution, suffering, and exile that would produce a beautiful and prophetic testimony for Christ. He would live until Jesus came to him with a brilliant revelation of Himself and of our eternal future with Him that would encourage and exhort true disciples throughout the ages as we look forward to Christ’s ultimate return… “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John” (Revelation 1:1). Jesus’ words to Peter about the beloved disciple John are a precious encouragement to persevering disciples in all ages and circumstances that nothing can separate us from His great love for us… “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).

As we grow up into Christ He keeps us close, keeps us growing, and keeps us safe in…

The Love that Secures Us.