"Will you take the nails?"

     Often I lay on my side in bed facing my wall.  Not at all odd huh?  No.  Most of the time I stare at the cream colored paint until I drift of into slumber.  Well, last night I placed my hand on the wall.  I couldn't see it real well as all the lights were out.  I have done this before, ya know, wondering if your hand print were anywhere, would you be remembered for the things you accomplished with your hands...well, I did this once again.  It drove me to tears just looking at the outline of my hand, I asked myself, Have my hands changed the world? Will they change the world?  Will they try to change the world? Have they saved someone's life?  Have they praised God with every part of their being? Have they served honestly, joyfully, and peacefully? Have they been strong and courageous, finding the root of evil?  Have they lifted the fallen back to their feet? Have they cared for the elderly and the sick? Have they held the sword of truth in trembling awe?  Have they been raised in worship to their Creator?  Have they written the Words of Life for all to see?  Have they expressed deep love and passion?  And most of all, have they been willing to take the nails, and die as Christ died?

     This struck me like a ton of bricks.  I don't know if it has or will affect you as it has me.  God is showing me that the work of ones hands (and ones heart) can change the world.

     Will you die to yourself?  Will your hands take the nails? 

     Matthew16:24-26

     Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will loose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?


     "WILL YOU TAKE THE NAILS?" :

     Draw your hand print on your wall, in your journal...somewhere that you will see it in the years to come and write what I wrote above in the green letters, next to it.  Write the date.  
Be remembered for having done something great in the name of the Lord.
God bless! 

~Rachel