Day 55: A Finger Pointed

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…”


I have been reading Acts as of late and it is interesting to me that Paul when a religious zealot lived life peacefully pointing his finger at will, watching the destruction of the saints, and probably going home to his snuggly bed...but when he stood for the truth and spoke for Christ, the finger was pointed at him. Recently, a dear friend of mine has endured this very same accusatory extending of the hand. Where Christ calls us to open our hands in generosity, acceptance, grace, loving kindness and ultimately truth, our enemy extends a brittle, bony finger of bitterness with the sole purpose of destructive accusation.


“If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives…”


This woman has chosen to stand for truth both in word and in action. Daily she opens her heart to share the broken pieces of her past through one on one connection with other women, the written word, and sharing her story in her local church. She has chosen to bring her own dark into the light for the purpose of freedom, both for herself, and for others. To show the power of Jesus Christ working in one woman's life through living transparently gives others the freedom to live the same, and to be delivered from captivity. True ministry; hands opened freely to her Savior, holding no thing back, giving such as she has, so that He might turn and make her offering of utmost value.


“That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ…”


God is a God of restoration, of mercy, seeking to restore, and we in His image, are meant to be redeemers not finger pointers. To His glory we are called to use our words to speak His heart. As those who are called by his name we are to bring the ministry of reconciliation through truth and healing, and to entrust our own broken pieces to a God who can turn each sliver and shard into an ability.


“To whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.”

Our very purpose and design carries with it the inherent purpose of bringing the gift of glory and praise to our Father. It is interesting to note that only with hands open can one release a gift, but our fingers must curl closed to allow one to extend. What can we possibly give with our hands closed? Who can we possibly bless with a finger pointed?

I know my friend will open her hands filled with the pain of being accused, and like her Savior with nail-pierced hands, she will forgive. In her example, may our lips be used to speak His truth, our broken pieces be offered up to be transformed into merciful ministry, and our hands always be open with readiness to give all that we are, and all that we have to Him.


Amen.



Let me shine in undeniable ways for you, Lord. Let my words speak of your glory, my hands reach out to embrace, and my life be molded and made in the image of a Savior too merciful to imagine.
Your ways are wonderful, and I am in awe!

Your Beloved

Scripture Reference: 1Peter 4:11