Beauty for Ashes

Isaiah 61

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy  instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a  planting of the Lord  for the display of his splendor.


The book of Isaiah is THE love letter to the church and contains many promises to the church from a very loving God.

When I first entered the US, I could not have known the impact this move would have on my life. I was one of those wandering hearts walking away from my first love.

As a child in Germany, I have had many marvelous experiences in the presence of Jesus. Therefore, I definitely knew who Jesus was.  But throughout the years, I made choices to forget and put this loving Jesus on the back burner. All though there have been many circumstances coming against me, causing my walking away, still my awareness of God did exist as a young adult. I chose to ignore Him. I will write more about this subject at a later time.

This passage of this scripture in Isaiah is a great promise of restoration and redemption. Restoration and redemption is God's main purpose for our life. He longs to restore us back to Him, but also longs to restore to us what was lost or was stolen by the enemy (satan). Let's look at this closer:

What does it mean to have lost something or something has been stolen from us?

Not only items, money or people can be destroyed around us or taken away from us. In my case it was more a theft of peace, acceptance, being well cared for and security. Which in return caused many things to be lost. Now counsellors, phycologists would tell you that this is a recipe for disaster....and yes it has been a disaster for me.


But God promises in His word that He restores and repairs the church. That He makes something beautiful out of the ashes in our life. You may ask: "Who is the church?" Well, you and I if we have accepted Jesus in our heart as Savior and Lord.

Therefore, you and I  have a right to receive the promises of God and in the same time, protection from an enemy who steals, kills and destroys

John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full!!

This is what I have mentioned in my last blog as 'Greener Pastures of God'. They are indeed greener on the other side.
Today may be the day you ask yourself: How and why?
Well, eternity is a very long time and He (Jesus) paid the price for us to be eternally restored to our First Love.....a very loving God.....who longs for us to be with Him for eternity. But this God is also jellously pursuing us. Ask Him today into your heart and accept Him as your Lord and Savior and you shall be saved. Able to receive His promises.


For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
The angels in Heaven rejoice when we are saved and born again.....Just picture that for a moment.....Glorious. All the angels are joyful and happy that we are now inside the Kingdom of God.....being adopted by a very loving Father, God HIMSELF......wow. I can hear the choir of angels singing.


Father, save us, we are Your people.

That is what I had on my heart today.

Farewell,  until next time brothers and sisters. Enjoy your day.