Hoosierbuck Posted April 19, 2009 Report Share Posted April 19, 2009 "Power And Love" April 18, 2009 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16-17 Dolly Madison is more than a company that makes Zingers® and powdered donuts. Dolly Madison, wife of the fourth president of the United States, remains one of the most popular women in American history. Wherever she went, Dolly managed to charm and captivate just about everyone. It didn't matter if a person was unknown or famous, rich or poor, man or woman. People liked Dolly. Once, when she was asked to explain the secret of her power over others, Mrs. Madison seemed surprised. Quickly she replied, "Power over people? I have no such power. I desire no such power. I merely love everyone." Not too many of us can say that without hearing other folks break into laughter. As a Christian, we know the one other Person who did love everyone: the Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, Jesus was not universally loved in return. He was hated by religious leaders, the establishment, and others who were jealous of Him. Even so, Jesus kept on loving. When one of His best "friends" betrayed Him, He kept loving. When they lied about Him at His trial, He continued to love. Even when they crucified Him, He forgave those who put Him there. And why did Jesus love so intensely, sacrifice Himself so completely? It had nothing to do with seeking power or fame. Jesus so loved the world that through Him it might be saved. Won't you join with me in loving our Savior, who first loved us? From a devotion originally written for "By the Way" THE PRAYER: Dear Savior, Your love caused You to offer Your life as a sacrifice for my redemption. Because of your glorious resurrection, I am able to believe that all who acknowledge You as Savior will not perish but will have eternal life. In Your Name, I ask that all believe in Your love and in You. Amen. In Christ I remain His servant and yours, Pastor Ken Klaus Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Lutheran Hour Ministries Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aksheephuntress Posted April 21, 2009 Report Share Posted April 21, 2009 ...wow...- -this seems like it would be one of the simplest things to do, and what we should do...-yet, is one of the hardest for us- -thankyou, Chris- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJL Posted April 21, 2009 Report Share Posted April 21, 2009 As meaningful as John 3:16-17 can be, in a wierd twist of Biblical fate, also read 1 John 3: 16-18. "For God so Loved the world....................And this is how we know what love is." The " laying down of one's life" is not necessarily refering to the giving up of one's life or the sacrificing of one's life, but refers to our ability to set aside our needs and desires for the sake or someone else. God did not become man for his benefit. He did not suffer death on the cross to make himself better. He did it for us.................... That's LOVE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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