Instead Of

In this world, we see the destruction of lives, homes, cities, and even nations. The Eternal God can heal anything with the power of Jesus Christ our Lord. He can give us His blessings instead of the ruins we deal with. Pray with me these verses from Isaiah 61.

Jesus Christ gave His followers the mission to continue doing His works. He gives us the desire to follow Him and the strength and courage to move in His path. 

Instead of mourning, God gives comfort

For spiritual beings who are our enemies, God’s season of freedom is a time of God’s wrath. We reach out to all the earth bringing God’s comfort to those who mourn.

For those who grieve, God has given them a beautiful crown instead of ashes. God gives gladness instead of sorrow. We are wrapped in victory, joy, and praise instead of depression and sadness.

We stand for what is right. We are like magnificent towering trees. And we give all the glory to the Eternal One who planted us.

Our lives will be rebuilt. Even though ruins surround us, we will restore the structures, relationships, families, and lives through the power of Jesus Christ. Even though some ashes and debris have been laid untouched for generations, God’s beautiful grace and mercy will restore them.

Isaiah 61:2-4

2 He has sent me to announce the year of jubilee, the season of the Eternal’s favor: for our enemies it will be a day of God’s wrath; For those who mourn it will be a time of comfort.

3 As for those who grieve over Zion, God has sent me to give them a beautiful crown in exchange for ashes, To anoint them with gladness instead of sorrow, to wrap them in victory, joy, and praise instead of depression and sadness.

People will call them magnificent, like great towering trees standing for what is right. They stand to the glory of the Eternal who planted them.

4 And they will rebuild this place from its ancient ruins; they will restore the ages-old, once-splendid structures; They will renew Israel’s ruined cities from the ashes and debris that laid untouched for many generations.

O Lord, You’re Beautiful

Together with these verses, a beautiful hymn by Keith Green, reveals a call of our hearts. Help us, Lord, to live out Your Word in our lives. Our reward is giving glory to You. Lord, light the fire in our hearts to follow You. You are my first love, Lord. Keep Your eyes on me and bless me with Your grace. You are beautiful, my Lord God, I seek Your face.

O Lord, You’re Beautiful by Keith Green

Oh, Lord, You’re beautiful Your face is all I seek
For when Your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me
I wanna to take Your word and shine it all around But first help me to just to live it, Lord
And when I’m doing well Help me to never seek a crown For my reward is giving glory to You
Oh, Lord, please light the fire That once burnt bright and clear
Replace the lamp of my first love That burns with holy fear