Most of us rarely think about our skin unless it gets hurt, but it is a very necessary and amazing part of our body. Our skin has seven layers, found in two major parts. The epidermis is the part you see, and it has five layers. The dermis lies under those layers, and it has two layers.
Our skin is soft enough to let us move easily, yet strong enough to resist damage. The skin’s surface, the first of its seven layers, is actually dead, partly made of keratin like our fingernails. However, the cells under the surface are alive, and new ones are continually being made.
Our skin is like armor, giving us protection from outside harm and a barrier to germs that make us sick and to other foreign matter. Healthy skin can help us endure extreme temperatures of hot and cold that would otherwise damage our internal organs. It also plays an important part in controlling body temperature. When we are too hot, our body gives off heat by sweating, which helps us cool down. But in cold weather the pores close up, and body heat is kept inside. Isn’t it interesting that skin permits moisture (sweat) to come out, but allows no water to go in, even if it’s held underwater? It also keeps too much moisture from getting out, to protect us from dehydration. What a marvelous organ!
The sixth layer of our skin gives us the lines and whorls that are like tiny ridges, to give us our fingerprints and footprints. On our hands, these help us grip things. Those on the feet give a barefooted person sure contact wherever he walks. Perfectly smooth hands and feet would not work well at all, so a wise Creator provided the little ridges. Fingerprints and footprints also give a clear way to identify people — no two are alike, not even on identical twins.
Why do we need fingernails? They make our fingertips stiff and protect them from injury as well. Without them it would be impossible for our fingers to pick up most small objects.
Skin has an amazing ability to heal. Even when seriously hurt, healthy skin can almost always heal itself.
Just like God has given our skin like an armor to protect us, if we believe in the Lord Jesus, we have armor that protects us against Satan’s attacks. Two important parts of this armor are the “Word of God” (the Bible) and “the shield of faith.” When we use these with God’s help, we can resist Satan and keep finding joy in the Lord Jesus. This armor is given in Ephesians 6:10-1810Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10‑18). It is good to read these scriptures often.
Did You Know?
Fingerprints and footprints give a clear way to identify people.
Messages of God’s Love 2/11/2024