For God So Loved "Those People"

For God So Loved "Those People" John 3:16-17 Note: This is not a peaceful post. In fact, it could be rather divisive. Truth has a way of doing that.

For God so loved liars, that He gave His only Son, that if a liar believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn liars, but in order that liars might be saved through Him.

For God so loved cheaters, that He gave His only Son, that if a cheat believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn cheaters, but in order that cheaters might be saved through Him.

For God so loved thieves, that He gave His only Son, that if a thief believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn thieves, but in order that thieves might be saved through Him.

For God so loved adulterers, that He gave His only Son, that if an adulterer believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn adulterers, but in order that adulterers might be saved through Him.

For God so loved homosexuals, that He gave His only Son, that if a homosexual believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn homosexuals, but in order that homosexuals might be saved through Him.

For God so loved pornographers, that He gave His only Son, that if a pornographer believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn pornographers, but in order that pornographers might be saved through Him.

For God so loved murderers, that He gave His only Son, that if a murderer believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn murderers, but in order that  murderers might be saved through Him.  

For God so loved rapists, that He gave His only Son, that if a rapist believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn rapists, but in order that rapists might be saved through Him.

For God so loved pedophiles, that He gave His only Son, that if a pedophile believes in Him they will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn pedophiles, but in order that pedophiles might be saved through Him.

For God so loved the world (that means the entire world, not just the "good" people), that He gave His only Son, that whoever (anybody, be it sweet little child or the person that rapes and murders that child) believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world (We all know what it's like to be condemned; by others, or by ourselves. If you don't yet, you will.) but in order that the world might be saved (from death, judgement, circumstances, sins, addictions, anything that holds you; He can and will save you) through Him.

Think about who you consider "those people" and put them into the verse. It might just change the way you view them.

This post is not aimed at the "bad" people, but at the "good" people who consciously or unconsciously condemn others and forget that God loves them and Christ died for them too.

The Fruits of Love

The fruit of the spirit is LOVE. Joy is love's strength. Peace is love's security. Long-suffering is love's Patience. Gentleness is love's conduct. Goodness is love's character.  Faith is love's confidence.  Temperance is love's victory. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

I'll Be Home for Christmas

A tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. May we never forget all they and their families sacrifice to keep us safe.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Measure of a Man

Came across this the other day and thought I'd share it.

Not-how did he die?

      But-how did he live?

Not-what did he gain?

      But-what did he give?

These are the units

      To measure the worth

Of a man as a man

      Regardless of birth

Not-what was his station?

      But-had he a heart?

And how did he play

      His God-given part?

Was he ever ready

      With a word of good cheer,

To bring back a smile,

      To banish a tear?

Not-what was his church?

      Nor-what was his creed?

But-did he befriend

     Those really in need?

Not-what did the sketch 

      In the newspapers say?

But-how many were sorry

     When he passed away?

Author Unknown

That's What I Said

A few things I've said.

A true friend gets stabbed in the heart when someone stabs you in the back.

Loyalty can be earned, trust can be earned, love must be given.

In loving, we find we are stronger than we ever imagined.

Life is about loving, and leaving the world a bit better for your having been there.

Can I make a difference?

In a world of hurricanes, wars, earthquakes, and epidemics; one has to wonder, "What can I do? " Most of us are not multi-millionaire philanthropists, experienced diplomats, or skilled doctors. We can't finance rebuilding efforts, mediate between hostile nations, or heal the sick. So, can we really make a difference?

A vacationing businessman was walking along a beach when he saw a young boy.
Along the shore were many starfish that had been washed up by the tide and were sure to die before the tide returned. The boy walked slowly along the shore and occasionally reached down and tossed a beached starfish back into the ocean. 

The businessman, hoping to teach the boy a little lesson in common sense, walked up to the boy and said, "I have been watching what you are doing, son. You have a good heart, and I know you mean well, but do you realize how many beaches there are around here and how many starfish are dying on every beach every day? Surely an industrious and kind hearted boy such as yourself could find something better to do with your time. Do you really think that what you are doing is going to make a difference?" 

The boy looked up at the man, and then he looked down at a starfish by his feet. He picked up the starfish, and as he gently tossed it back into the ocean, he said, "It makes a difference to that one."

-Author Unknown -

So, maybe you can't dole out wads of cash to good causes, but I bet you could give a little. Likely you won't be called to broker any peace treaties, but you might be able to help settle an argument between friends. And it doesn't take a doctor to fix chicken soup for an ailing family member, or visit a sick friend. Maybe our actions will make a big difference and maybe they won't, but "It makes a difference to that one."

Hope

It grows up in a barren land
First seed then shoot
A leaf and stem
Growing stronger and stronger still
It bursts forth, spreading light and life across the sand
Touches all with fragrant bloom
And never fades away

by Me