Chrissy Siggee

His Hands and His Side

John 20:18-20
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.

Jesus never hid his scars from His disciples, nor does he hide them from anyone today. He bears the marks of His passion. They prove His identity, proclaim His victory and are the emblems of His authority as Savior and King.

The cross is not only the symbol of atonement but of excellence and goodness—an exquisite example of love. It whispers peace within but calls for effort without. It has a purpose as well as a message for the sinner.

Christ died for all that they may no longer live unto themselves but unto Him who for our sake died and rose again.

It is remarkable that His scars were the only thing Jesus showed His disciples after His resurrection. By His scars they recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread at Emmaus, even when they failed to recognize him on the road in His appearance, His speech and His features. – Luke 24:13-16

By His scars, Thomas was convicted of His unbelief a week later and cried “My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28-29

His scarred hands and His side are the token and seal of our peace with God and irresistible call of service and sacrifice.

Our Lord and our Savior, we thank you for giving up your life for us on the cross of pain and shame. We thank you that you took the beatings and bore the nails for us so we may be saved. Amen.

“And we will know Him by the nail prints in His hands” – Unknown

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

Trials and Temptations

James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Life is not always uncomplicated, and sometimes trials and temptations discourage us, but James encourages us to consider it a pure joy. You see, James wants us to know that trials and temptation can make us better equipped and stronger to handle life if we are willing to learn from them. Real joy comes from knowing that we will actually become spiritually healthier for having gone through our trials and temptations.

Trial and temptations aren’t fun and often they’re distressing and can even cause self-pity—woe-is-me pity parties. I know; I’ve been there. The hardest part of a trial is to know how to deal with them. Our faith is constantly being tested, whether it’s an attack for the evil one, a combination of circumstances, or God preparing us for greater things. And often it’s hard to know the difference.

James reminds us in verse five of chapter one that “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

I’ve learned that when going through a trial or temptation I need to ask God for wisdom to understand it. Understanding the purpose of any trial and temptation can help me to focus on the answer. Prayer for understanding gives direction and peace. Without prayer, doubt can invade and cause unnecessary anguish.

We can overcome our trials and temptations and become conquerors of our doubt, overcome our temptations and become stronger through our trials.

Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Father, help us to trust You even in times of trial and temptation. Give us wisdom and perseverance so we may be strengthened in our Christian lives. Keep doubt out and Your love in filling is with the peace and joy that only you can give. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Rumors

2 Thessalonians 3:11 “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.”

1 Peter 4:15 “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.”

Rumors are harmful, and no one should take rumors as truth but place it in the Lord’s hands, seeking His wisdom and truth. Even friends and family don’t always know the truth of rumors and we need to protect each other in love by stopping rumors as they occur. Rumors do injury to the innocent and encourage mistrust, which in turn, ruin relationships with others.

God is our judge and counselor, and if one of His children needs counseling and discipline, He will instruct and administrate. We have no right to judge anyone on others hearsay.

Rumors seemed to be present in most churches and ministries and as leaders; we need to seek out the truth before we give discipline to the wrong person or persons. And, discipline and action should be according to the deed and under God’s instruction.

The old saying: “nip it in the bud” means to stop something before it grows or gets worse. It’s kind of like nipping a flower when it’s still a bud so it can’t grow. We as Christians can “nip” a rumor in the “bud” before it becomes uncontrollable and cause harm. To pass on hearsays or word-of-mouth tattle-tales, is immature and falls short of Christ in us.
Words can be powerful and very harmful.

Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

We need to check our hearts and protect our brothers and sisters in Christ. Close your ears to rumors. Nip them in the bud, and if need be, check some details yourself and clear up any rumors that are causing harm against your brother/ sister and love them.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Father, help us to keep our tongue restrained and stop rumors before the do harm. Give each of us a heart of love for all our brothers and sisters in Christ and protect relationships with truth and honesty. Keep our hearts pure and give testimony to it. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible