“Marred Hands Settled the Issue” is a story told by Leslie B. Flynn that illustrates a truth about love for others. “An orphaned boy was living with his grandmother when their house caught fire. The grandmother, trying to get upstairs to rescue the boy, perished in the flames. The boy’s cries for help were finally answered by a man who climbed an iron drain pipe and came back down with the boy hanging tightly to his neck. Several weeks later, a public hearing was held to determine who would receive custody of the child. A farmer, a teacher, and the town’s wealthiest citizen all gave the reasons they felt they should be chosen to give the boy a home. But as they talked, the boy’s eyes remained focused on the floor. Then a stranger walked to the front and slowly took his hands from his pockets, revealing severe scars on them. As the crowd gasped, the boy cried out in recognition. This was the man who had saved his life. His hands had been burned when he climbed the hot pipe. With a leap the boy threw his arms around the man’s neck and held on for dear life. The other men silently walked away, leaving the boy and his rescuer alone. Those marred hands had settled the issue.” Just as the boy was unmoved by the wealth or status of the other men, believers are reminded that true connection and “custody” of the heart come from the one who was willing to suffer for us. As followers of the Lord Jesus we must shift our focus from religious performance or earthly credentials to a deep, personal devotion rooted in gratitude for being saved. I think of the words written in *John 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”* The price Jesus paid for our redemption was precious. When we think of the extreme suffering He endured to purchase our freedom from the penalty of sin and death, our hearts should overflow with sorrow but also with great love for Him. Jesus’ nail-scarred hands settled the issue and serve as physical proof of His great love for us as our rescuer. My prayer is that all who confess Jesus as Lord, trust in, rely on, and more importantly cling to Him for dear life, will live a life forsaking the ways of the world and all that it has to offer. My question to all who read these words are, “How tightly are you holding to the one who rescued you, are you holding on to Jesus for dear life or just staying close enough to escape the destiny of hell?” Jesus is the One who saved my life and I will spend my last breath telling those who will listen to the truth of His great love for me and for them as well. How about you?

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.