SCARRED HANDS

Easter Devotional, 4/8/12

A person's hands can tell you some things about them. Some hands are quite large, others very small, which generally reflects the size of the person, with occasional exceptions. Whether they are soft and supple or scarred and calloused can reveal how much work they do with their hands. The skin of some hands may be chapped, which can indicate either that they wash their hands or have their hands in water a lot, or they have been outside in wind or cold weather without gloves.

Hands can also help determine what a person does in life. If they have large, strong hands they are more likely to be able to take a job in some type of heavy labor like construction than someone with a very weak grip. If they have exceptionally long fingers, they could play certain instruments with more ease than those with short fingers. If they have very good fine motor control and coordination they might be able to be a surgeon more than someone with clumsy hands. While there is much more that goes into what a person does, the hands do play a role.

Some people believe that you can read the palms of people's hands and tell what their future holds. As a child I remember some friends saying that one of the creases on the palms of your hands was the life line, and if it was long you would have a long life, and whether it crossed the other lines or not, etc. had different meanings. But we know that our future is literally in God's hands, not ours.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28 NIV

And what about God's hands? We know that Jeus our Lord and Savior, whose resurrection we celebrate today on Easter, has some special scars on his hands. Those marks helped identify him to those who saw him after he was raised from the dead and while he walked this earth before ascending into heaven.

On the evening of that first day of the week (after Jesus had risen from the dead that morning), when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord....

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:19-20, 26-27 NIV

Those marks on the hands of Jesus were evidence of his death on the cross to pay the debt that we owed for our sins. It is as if we ourselves pounded those nails. His death is on our heads, but our name is on his hands.

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands... Isaiah 49:16 NIV

What a glorious Savior we have, who died on the cross to save us from the punishment we wholly deserved, who never sinned himself, and who rose again to give us eternal life with him in heaven. The Bible says "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us". (Psalm 103:12) No matter how bad things have been in our lives, we can lay all our burdens at his feet and leave our entire future in his hands... his scarred hands!

In the arms of Your mercy I find rest, 'cause You know just how far the east is from the west, from one scarred hand to the other! (Lyrics from "East to West" by Casting Crowns)

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

written by Jan Andersen

Saturday Devotional...4/7/12

Buried

Have you ever buried something in your life and then dug it back up again? Even worse…have you dug up something in another’s life…something that they’d buried? Isn’t it typical that we ask God to forgive us, and then we go right back to that forgiven sin as if we have every right to take a shovel to it? Are we so blind? Not only do we not have that right, but the whole process is completely delusional. Once we’ve been forgiven, our sins have not only been buried, they’ve disappeared. Yes, there are still memories, but that’s all they are, memories.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Christ became sin. That’s right, during the process of His death,

He became sin. It’s something that we hear and read,

but can we really wrap our minds around it?

Though He knew no sin, therefore He knew no guilt,

every sin ever committed and ever to be committed

was placed on Him until He became it.

I’ve often wondered…what did He look like? What was He seeing? Feeling inside? What was He thinking?

It says in Mark 15, verses 25 to 34 that He hung there from 9am until 3pm. He hung there slowly dying for 6 hours. That’s 21,600 seconds of sin being put on Him one by one. I wonder how many sins per second were falling on Him. I’ve seen emptiness in a person who has nothing but sin in their life. Is that what Jesus looked like? Not only was He mangled beyond recognition, but was He empty? He was complete perfection from birth until that point. He went from perfection to that in a matter of hours. Then He was buried.

So if all of our sin was put on Him and then He was buried, what happened to it all? Was it dug back up? No! When the stone was rolled away, there was nothing but perfection there. A complete investigation was conducted and no sin was found. Wow…from perfection, to sin, to perfection again? Where did it go?

We’ll never be able to understand this amazing miracle, but then again that is the nature of miracles. Though on Friday He was becoming my sin, and on Sunday He rose from the dead and now lives again as my Savior, praise God that on Saturday, He was burying my guilt and shame for good. I can try to dig it back up, and I might think that I have, but it’s only an illusion, I can dig for eternity, but all I’m going to find is a perfectly risen Lord on the other end of that shovel. It’s no use trying to dig up mine, and it’s no use trying to dig up anyone else’s.

Every day this week, I’ve struggled to get out of my house and get my shopping done. My struggle can be traced to some very guilty sources, my kids. Their behavior this week has been atrocious! I’ve basically been chained to my house because of it. So, guess what! There’s been no shopping for treats, knick knacks and goodies to put in their Easter baskets. I was so fed up by the end of the week that I was ready to tell them there won’t be any colored eggs or baskets for them this year. I mean it was their own fault right? Besides, they’re all old enough to know that there’s no Easter bunny, anyway. But then God reminded me that He buried their sins. Yet, I keep reminding them of everything they did this week, and regardless of how sorry they are, they still have to face the consequences. (Sigh) It wasn’t working. I kept digging and digging, but all I was finding was Jesus. I guess I better give up.

Well here I am, and I don’t know about you, but my Saturday entails last minute shopping and egg coloring with my kids. You can bet that they’ll also be hearing a story. It’s a story that begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Friday, Saturday and then Resurrection Day. Emphases will be on Saturday, the day that sin was completely buried, and on the day after, the day that sin was unable to be dug up.

Praise God that not only was our sin buried, but it was never able to be dug up again. It’s disappeared and all that’s left are memories seen in His scars.

Living He loved me, dying He saved me

And buried He carried my sins far away

Rising He justified freely forever

One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day!

(from the song, Glorious Day, by Casting Crowns)

Amie Spruiell

4/6/12

Here is a link from You Tube of "Glorious Day"
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipf0GZb6HHQ

Friday Devotional

Havarti

My wonderful friend Andrea Christensen recently went through a three week training course in order to be trained and taught with her new companion “Harvarti” who would be her new “Guide Dog for the blind.”

You see, Andrea throughout the last several years has gone blind from a degenerative eye disease. She was so excited about the opportunity awarded her to attend “Seeing Guide Dog” training classes. She was learning to feel secure with her new companion….”Harvarti”. Though these training classes were challenging for both Andrea and Harvarti, they both successfully graduated from the program and were now to be together as companions, comforting one another through the obstacles of life to come.

Andrea called me several times throughout her three weeks of being away from family and each time we spoke, she was thrilled beyond words of the connection and affection that she felt towards her new escort. One might have to have an inside look to know and understand that Andrea is full of life and although blindness has been a thorn in her side, she never complained about this obstacle in her life, but she kept determination and with a full blown “Attitude Ahead,” she was ready to meet, greet and move forward in life with Havarti. Oh how she instantly bonded with Havarti with a new sense of life’s direction for both of them. Andrea had a song in her heart of Amazing Grace as she could now sing “I once was blind but now I see” of course that being in doggie language.

Upon Andrea’s arrival home after three long weeks of grueling intense training….she was quick to settle in and welcome her new little girl “ Havarti” to her new home with the Christiansen’s!

Little did Andrea know what was ahead of them, as her new love and companion soon became fatally ill shortly after their arrival home. Andrea and her family immediately took Havarti to the Vet in which in turn was admitted to a caring local Veterinarian Hospital. Andrea stayed by Havarti’s side till the end.

Andrea is now heart broken and cried out for understanding as to why God would allow this to happen. Through many tears and a heart that is broken…The Lord spoke simple words to Andrea’s daughter Jeanine that shed light on their situation. Paraphrasing words from above, the Lord revealed to them that ….no one would have loved that precious little guide dog to the end of her life, more than Andrea. And though life brings tragedy’s our way and our human minds can’t understand or comprehend God’s full picture….we can rest assured and know that in God’s infinite love….he brings those special people to humans and animals alike…that will love them unconditionally and unselfishly to the end of life’s journey..

Easter Sunday is now approaching, and my thought goes to this scenario of Andrea and Havarti. And that is … even though sometimes there is joy for a short moment in time, God has a purpose for and in all things for those who trust his judgment, and I do believe when Andrea’s heart heals, she will look back and sing the song of praise to the Lord….from her own perspective.

I once was blind, but now I see

.

God, you showed Havarti Amazing Grace.

For Andrea thought Havarti was there for her, but in actuality …God turned the tables, as Andrea was there for Havarti.

Written by:

Glenna Williamson

Thursday Devotional...4/5/12

Another Growth Opportunity

I just finished a 12 week bible study on insecurity. It was fascinating, sometimes funny, and sometimes scary how hidden fears (and some not so hidden) show themselves in my life.

A humorous instance: my daughter, a 4th grader at the time, wrote a beautiful letter to the president a few days after 9-11. It was so touching and sweet that my mother encouraged me to make a copy for myself and send it on to the real recipient. Well, I didn’t send the letter because she had made some spelling errors and I didn’t want the president to see them! As if that wasn’t ridiculous enough, I actually asked and encouraged her to rewrite the letter and fix her mistakes – so I could send a perfect one! I know, I know, the charm of her original letter (and thousands of others received by the president at the time) was the heartfelt authenticity. But that didn’t stop my fear of being an imperfect mom from controlling my decision-making.

A disappointing example: my husband came home to tell me he had a dream. He explained all the details, what he wanted to do, where we could live, and how we could live. I kept a straight-face but I had no intention of letting him go do this thing. So I waffled, asked lots of ‘what if’ questions, and told him I would pray about it (see the leadership role reversal here?). I did pray, and asked God how I could talk my husband out of this idea. I had one strong opinion that I had decided was the most important detail to be considered. So, armed with my one ‘detail’ I was convinced I knew what was right. I dug my heels in. We didn’t move, and he didn’t follow his dream; he seemed to forget all about it, and went back to his regular life. My fear of being a failure was so much a part of me, that I couldn’t even allow, much less encourage, my husband to decide for himself what he wanted.

I wish I could tell you I never made that mistake again, but I did! He had an even more secure job opportunity come along a few years later, and, because I was afraid I would not fit in, or be accepted, I delayed his answer, and when he finally responded the position was taken.

We laugh, in a sad sort of way, about those two times. I have apologized profusely with tears and regret. Wonderful man that he is, he has forgiven me, he knew I was afraid, and let me have my way. But it is time to grow up! I appreciate his sacrificial patience with me (and his incredible kindness not to point out my real issues!). Now, with 12 weeks of biblical encouragement in my heart and mind I am ready to take action.

Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 37:24-26 (NLT)

Though they stumble, they will never fall,

for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Once I was young, and now I am old.

Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned

or their children begging for bread.

The godly always give generous loans to others,

and their children are a blessing.

 

Dear Lord, thank You for Your kind way of leading me into truth so that I (and others in my life) may be free. I choose this day to trust You. Help me to face my fears for what they are: fear of rejection. My pride has resisted this truth and I thank You for bringing it down. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

Bible study:

“So Long, Insecurity”

by Beth Moore.

Wednesday Devotional...4/4/12

"Wait On The Lord"

As I wait on the Lord and go about the routines of life, I choose to have a fervent and patient hope in the Lord that He will complete and attend to everything that I have brought before His throne room. I know that my Lord is faithful and will do just exactly what He has promised in His word.

Isaiah 40:31 says,

"But those who wait on the Lord,

Shall renew their strength,

They shall mount up

with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and

not faint."

Just that verse alone is extremely refreshing and highly inspiring to me. Each of us in some way or other are waiting on the Lord. It may be to see our loved ones come to Him, waiting on answers where we need wisdom, healing physically and the list goes on.

The best part of all, God tells us we will rise above that situation that we are experiencing. He will give us unlimited strength to overcome at that time. We will be renewed in our strength.

I embrace His word today and know that in Him He will provide my needs supernaturally, whatever they may be as I wait upon the Lord.

In His Great Love,

Sandy Billingham

Tuesday Devotional

Psalms 107: 17-22

Fools because of their transgression,

and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat;

and they draw near unto the gates of death.

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble,

 and he saveth them out of their distresses.

He sent his word, and healed them,

and delivered them from their destructions.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness,

and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,

 and declare his works with rejoicing.

If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miraculous cures were emblems of his healing diseases of the soul. It is also to be applied to the spiritual cures which the Spirit of grace works. He sends his word, and heals souls; convinces, converts them, makes them holy, and all by the word. Even in common cases of recovery from sickness, God in his providence speaks, and it is done; by his word and Spirit the soul is restored to health and holiness.

Submitted by : Annie

APRIL FOOLS KING

devotional for Sunday, April 1, 2012

This year Palm Sunday falls on April Fools day. It is no joke that our Savior came to earth as a human being and died and rose again for our sins. So what was the event that we celebrate on Palm Sunday all about?

Jesus was entering Jerusalem the Sunday before he was killed on a cross and then rose again from the dead. But the people there had no idea this was to happen. They only knew that this Jesus was a miracle worker - some in the crowd were Jews who knew he had raised Lazarus from the dead and were now following Jesus because he was fulfilling the prophesies about the Messiah from over 450 years before. A great crowd came to Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover later in the week. When they heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem, they began gathering and lining the streets, throwing their garments and palm branches on the street. Those were customs reserved for someone of great honor, a king. They thought Jesus had come to be an earthly king, to save them from Roman rule and restore their kingdom on earth.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” ^{John 12:12-15 NIV}

But was this like an April Fools joke on the people expecting a king? Not at all. Jesus had come not as an earthly king, but a heavenly one, and it was the crowd gathered there that was portraying him as something earthly only. Jesus came to restore our broken relationship with God, not to restore Jerusalem's kingdom on earth. He came to pay for our sins in our place so that we might have absolute and total forgiveness as a completely free gift, not to gain earthly wealth or give earthly victory. We only have to not reject this free gift of forgiveness and eternal life by remaining faithful believers. This was not at all what those Jewish people were thinking that day, and within a week Jesus would die and rise again from the dead. His coming to earth had been totally misconstrued by many. Some probably were so confused at Jesus not becoming an earthly king and perhaps even angry, that they probably fell away from following him. But there were those who did remain faithful and with the disciples became the beginning of the Christian church.

Have your intentions ever been misunderstood? Have your actions been misconstrued? Have you said something meant to be helpful and good but it was taken as hurtful? And how have you responded in those situations? Were you astonished, upset, or defensive? Remember how Jesus handled it. He was generally calm, and simply continued with his Father's plan. He did not argue or defend himself. He knew sometimes he would be misunderstood but continued to love the people and let his actions speak for him. We would do well to imitate Jesus in this also! Perhaps we can remember that the next time our words or actions are misunderstood.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to imitate you in my daily life, caring for those around me and witnessing to them of your great love. And if I am falsely accused of something else, help me to continue to be loving and understanding of others. Please forgive me for times when I have been upset or even retaliated. May I always be a good witness for you. In your name I pray, Amen.

written by Jan Andersen