A Tattoo Artist Who Loves Me~

Greetings,

I have a confession: I enjoy watching TV shows where people get tattooed, and the big reveal at the end is my favorite part.  Sometimes it's amazing, like when someone gets their child's portrait on their arm and it looks REAL.  Other times, it's comical.  One time a gentleman requested a tiger and the finished image literally looked like a toothy fish.

There's always a bit of a pow-wow between the artist and human canvas to make sure everyone is clear about what will be done, and more than once I have heard advice along these lines, "Are you absolutely sure you want your significant other's name across your ribs, wrist, forehead? "

Apparently, name removal is the top request in the tattoo removal request world.  I can certainly see why.  Commitment isn't what it used to be, and  no one wants to walk around with a permanent homage to a person they are no longer with.

There is, however, a Tattoo Artist Who loves me so  much that He engraved my name on His palm, and He will never regret it!

Isaiah 49:16 "I have written [engraved, inscribed, tattooed] your name on the palms of My hands."

My name and yours are forever and permanently etched on God's own hands, and this means He is constantly reminded about us.  How many times in a day do you see your own hands? It's the one part of the body that is front and center all day every day.  I will sometimes go a couple of days unaware of my ears or kneecaps. But my hands are always up to something, and so are God's.  Whenever He opens His hands to bless, help, heal, protect, guide, love, pour our peace and joy, you, precious you, are written right there.

How might your day change knowing God is crazy about you? Permanently committed to You? 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are always thinking about us, and we are grateful. You are committed to seeing us safely through this life into eternal life, and we are grateful. You love us so much that You tattooed our names on Your mighty hands, and we are grateful.   Who are we that You, the Creator of Heaven and earth, cares so perfectly about every single detail of our lives?  Amazing that You love us so very much.  Help us to remember that whenever we struggle.  In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Written, Engraved, Inscribed, & Tattooed~

Wednesday greetings:)

As we continue on our journey with Jabez, I pray your hearts will be greatly encouraged.

1 Chronicles 4:10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
The third thing Jabez cried out for was for God's hand to be with him.

God's hand...what image does it conjure up in your mind?

Do you picture a strong, invincible, big, muscular hand? Think again and think even bigger! God's hand is so vast that all of His children's names are written on the palm.

Isaiah 49:16 "...I have written your names on the palm of my hand."

Other versions say "engraved," "inscribed," and even "tattooed."

Our names aren't going anywhere, and neither is God.

When we talk to Him through prayer it's more about our faith growing stronger than making sure He's around. We are the ones who struggle with doubt and fear, and prayer helps us overcome all that mess.

I dare you to cry out for God's hand every single day for a week. (But by all means, keep on praying after a week). And at the end of those seven days you will find yourself with a bolstered up faith--the kind of faith that can look a person in the eye and confidently say, "God' s hand is with you; go forth with joy!" After all the times I have said this, yelled this, and cried this, my own family would have disowned me by now if they hadn't experienced it for themselves.

Before we pray, think about these two questions: Can anyone erase you from God's palm? Is there anything or anyone bigger and stronger than our God?

I feel better already.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let Your hand be with us! Let Your hand be with our families! You are awesome, and we are at peace in Your tender-loving care. In Jesus' name, AMEN~