I believe God gives us beauty for ashes. I wasn't quite sure of this statement in younger years. The broken spots of life can be restores and new beginnings happen. Our trust in God is what makes the difference in our lives. I was reading about the Lord's favor in Isaiah and thought I would share from that today. God uses our hard and good things in life, to help others along this journey.
Isaiah 61:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
1 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,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 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.
ONE DAY ~
Beauty for ashes
My daughter and her family lost their house in the Napa fires 2017. I remember her sending me a picture and I saw was ashes. In the ashes were small unknown things. Weeks later, the ashes were removed and another picture was sent. The land is clear to rebuild again, but it doesn't start there. It starts on paper with a plan of what it will look like. They want it back the way it was, but it takes time. I believe 2017 started a new beginning for them and leads into a new year of favor. God will bring beauty out of the ashes.
ONE DAY ~
Everything changes and our normal are not normal anymore
Joshua 1:9 New International Version (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
ONE DAY ~
Through it all, I have learned to be strong and courageous in my life. I trust God with all my heart and I've seen so many positive things. You might not realize you have a story to tell but you do. God places people in our daily lives for a reason. Just one word of encouragement can go a long way. Speaking words of encouragement to yourself is valuable too. If we could only comprehend that God is with each of us daily wherever we go. One day we will understand things more, but until that day, let us trust the Lord.
Let me go back to the story of my daughter and her family's house. Her husband (Sean) went up to see their property before Tracy did. The house was gone and ashes remain. He brought back one small vase that had the word FAITH written on it. It was the only thing in the ashes he saw. The vase was still warm from the fire. He came back encouraged and said God is telling us something with this word faith. They have a long journey ahead but a positive attitude.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God ~ Romans 10:17 This is the year of the Lord's favor and I believe that. Believe big and hold onto your dreams. Just like a runner who starts at beginning of the race, wants to finish it strong. Be determined to make a difference and count blessings daily.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie
Isaiah 61:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
1 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,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 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.
ONE DAY ~
Beauty for ashes
My daughter and her family lost their house in the Napa fires 2017. I remember her sending me a picture and I saw was ashes. In the ashes were small unknown things. Weeks later, the ashes were removed and another picture was sent. The land is clear to rebuild again, but it doesn't start there. It starts on paper with a plan of what it will look like. They want it back the way it was, but it takes time. I believe 2017 started a new beginning for them and leads into a new year of favor. God will bring beauty out of the ashes.
ONE DAY ~
Everything changes and our normal are not normal anymore
Joshua 1:9 New International Version (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
ONE DAY ~
Through it all, I have learned to be strong and courageous in my life. I trust God with all my heart and I've seen so many positive things. You might not realize you have a story to tell but you do. God places people in our daily lives for a reason. Just one word of encouragement can go a long way. Speaking words of encouragement to yourself is valuable too. If we could only comprehend that God is with each of us daily wherever we go. One day we will understand things more, but until that day, let us trust the Lord.
Let me go back to the story of my daughter and her family's house. Her husband (Sean) went up to see their property before Tracy did. The house was gone and ashes remain. He brought back one small vase that had the word FAITH written on it. It was the only thing in the ashes he saw. The vase was still warm from the fire. He came back encouraged and said God is telling us something with this word faith. They have a long journey ahead but a positive attitude.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God ~ Romans 10:17 This is the year of the Lord's favor and I believe that. Believe big and hold onto your dreams. Just like a runner who starts at beginning of the race, wants to finish it strong. Be determined to make a difference and count blessings daily.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie
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