Power and Love

Ancient proverb – If you give a man a devotion, you feed him spiritually for a day
                               If you sign him up for Daily Devotions, you feed him spiritually…
                                       For probably longer than a day.
 
https://www.thesaviorsstory.com/daily-devotions

TITLE: Power and Love
DATE: May 11, 2019                                                                   
TEXT:  John 3::16 – ESV - :  16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
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Dolly Madison is more than a company which 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.

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 One other Person who did love everyone: the Lord Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, unlike Dolly Madison, the blessed Redeemer was generally not universally loved, applauded or appreciated.

• The people of His hometown tried to murder Him.
• His king tried to have Him put to death when He was a baby.
• His church arranged for Him to be betrayed; brought in false witness  and railroaded Him to His death
•  He was hated by leaders of the church, by the establishment, and others who were jealous of Him.
• His government condemned Him to death even though it was obvious Jesus was innocent of all wrong doing

In spite of what “they “ did; 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 had Him crucified, He forgave those who had put Him there.

And why did Jesus love so intensely, sacrifice Himself so completely? Not so He could have power; not so He could be famous. Jesus loved, so the world, through Him, might be saved. Won't you join with me in loving our Savior, who first loved us?

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.
 
The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html