SOMEHOW YOU HEARD, “you are loved” and it produced in you a self centered, I can do what I want, dress how I want, say what I want attitude. This is the 60’s hippy, free love; not the love of a good Father. I hear, “you are loved” and I am secure because I fall under the guidance, protection, and discipline of a loving all-knowing, all-seeing Father. I’m not sure how the definition of love became to mean “do what you want, you’re loved”.

True love produces real security because it encapsulates discipline and grace. I am protected when I fall under the discipline of my Heavenly Father. I am secure when I obey His Word. I have such a measure of peace and hope knowing He sees the whole picture and He guards my soul from destruction. When I fail, and I’m disciplined, I don’t scream “You hate me!” I bow my head in sorrow for my sin and let Him chasten me and then I rest in His arms knowing He loves me.

When He says, “Do not go there, do not wear that, do not associate with them” it’s because He loves and cares for His own. Read Ezekiel 16, it’s a beautiful word picture of His care and concern for His people and the consequent rebellion. “Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word to Your servant. Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; For Your law is my delight.” Psalms‬ ‭119:76-77‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ #runyourrace

To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page