Pastor Mike Nodland of the Christian Fellowship Church in Vining, IA.

As a 6-year-old kid, the farmer’s auction barns fascinated me. There were no dress codes, what you drag in on your boots left with you along with something else, and the smell was unimaginable. But that’s ok! Going to the sale barn wasn’t like going to church.

Sitting in the bleachers with my dad, I listened to the auctioneer, not understanding what he said, except occasionally, he’d yell or take a momentary pause, and more livestock would be pushed into the barn to be auctioned.

My dad was engrossed in the bidding, but I was bored. I noticed some men in the bleachers sticking their fingers up, and this auctioneer man would get really excited over them. Then my dad did it, and it worked for him, too!

What a game! I’m in! So, I started sticking my finger up, too! And then, the auctioneer noticed me! After a sound scolding by my dad, the auctioneer moved on past my adolescent bid.

Years later, at a car auction with my dad, he reminded me not to stick my finger up during the bidding! More than just fingers, Jesus rose both of His arms to a Cross and died for your sins and mine. To know Him is to know complete forgiveness!

Mike Nodland

Christian Fellowship Church, Vining, IA