Thursday, September 6, 2012

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Beauty for Ashes

"Not only does the Lord want to turn your walls into bridges, but as He promises in His Word, He also wants to give you beauty for ashes."

And thus began another chapter in Joyce Meyer's fabulous book, Beauty for Ashes*.

I read this chapter a few weeks ago, but I could not get away from the message found on page 215. The more I thought about it, the more I knew I had to share this with my readers. The way she broke down the following Scripture is actually very simple, but get ready. Grab a towel. You're about to be washed in a monsoon of grace. Ready?

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified Me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent Me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] ...To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn (in Zion) ...to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit. (Isaiah 61:1,2,3 The Amplified Bible)

"God has done His part by giving us Jesus...Now, you must do your part by making a quality decision that you will never give up until you have allowed Him to:

"bind up your wounds;
heal your broken heart;
liberate you in every area of your life;
open your prison door;
give you joy instead of mourning,
a garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened and failing spirit;
AND
beauty for ashes."

I told you a towel to dry off would be necessary. **grin**

Isn't that powerful? I have read this Scripture countless times and have been blessed countless times by its message. But, never had I broken it down into its simple infrastructure like Joyce did. Oh. My. Goodness.

Can you see the picture of the cross? Can you see our Savior stretched upon the splintered wood like a lamb secured to the butcher block at the slaughter house? Why did Jesus do that? He did that so that we could run into the open arms of a loving God who desperately desired to bind our wounds, heal our hearts, set us free and bring beauty out of our dark and broken places. Whoa, dude! I can see it so clearly. I hope and pray that you, my precious reader, can see the love also.

Enough with the towel. I need a Kleenex.

*Meyers, Joyce. Beauty for Ashes. Faith Words, New York, New York, 2003.



Father God, thank You for the power of the Cross - the redemptive work done there for us...US! So undeserving. Open the eyes of our hearts to understand the depth of Your love. Help us realize that, through the cross and Blood of Jesus, our wounds have been bandaged, our broken hearts healed, we have been set free from the chains that bind us, You have given us joy and praise. You, Lord, have taken our dark and broken places and made them beautiful, all because You loved us - SIMPLY  because You loved us. Thank You Lord. We praise You. You alone are worthy of our praise.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to worship with Kristyn Getty as she sings, "The Power of the Cross". This song will melt your heart. Please take a few minutes to listen.

11 comments :

  1. Nan, I needed this today. I don't know if you had me in mind when you wrote this or not, but it ministered to me like never before. Like you, I've read that Scripture many times, and I've received comfort from it. But now, I'm hurting, confused, frustrated, and just wondering what God is doing and what the lesson is in this most recent situation. (I think you know what I'm refering to.) I need Him to bind up my broken heart and heal my wounds. Thank you so much for this message of grace and healing. I'll probbably be reading it several times throughout the day. Love you sweet friend!

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    1. My sweet and precious Jamie, I know you are hurting and I am so sorry. Jesus wants to be our all in all, no matter the circumstances. He desires to be our place of refuge, no matter the circumstances. And He desires that we find our contentment in Him, no matter the circumstances. Sweetheart, I think that is the lesson here. He loves you with an everlasting love. You are the apple of His eye, His special treasure. Never, every forget that sweet girl. The trial you are facing is preparing you for the ministry God has called you to. He WILL bring beauty out of your ashes. I know this because He has promised it to each of us. I love you sweetheart.

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  2. Powerful, beautiful words of comfort and direction! Thank you for sharing them with us today. God is definitely using you to bring others to His healing love. Thank you...

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    1. Vonda, your kind words mean more to me than you will ever know. Bless you!

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  3. Nan, I just read your last two blogs and was overwhelmed by the love that poured through your writing. Thanks so much for letting His love pour through you. I pray he will keep pouring through you from that little pot of oil so you can continue to pour to others. Personally I feel a little poured out myself and would appreciate your prayers for Jamie and I as we travel through Psalm 91 together. Bless you!

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    1. Sweet friend, you just blessed me so much. Thank you. If you are feeling adversity, chances are really good that the enemy is trying to distract you and interrupt what you are desiring to do for the Lord. Remember this, if you pour out yourself too much without filling back up with the Living Water, your well will run dry, no matter how good the intentions. Been there. Done that. :^) I am looking forward to the bible study. Psalm 91 is my all time favorite! It has carried me through many a storm. I have and will continue to pray for y'all. Love you!

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  4. Nan, I learned something about a really good friend of mine today. When she was telling me her story, my heart hurt for her like it has never hurt for anyone before. I started crying and I heard a whisper saying "you was destined to meet this girl. It is thru you that she will find healing."I i heard this so loud and clear. I felt the urge to do something for her. But what? I don't know but I do know that I can be a good friend for her and keep trying to introduce her to Christ. After reading your post, I know that she is meant to read this. Pray with me that it helps her. I love you.

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    1. Hey Little Rose, wow, wow and more wow! I stand amazed as I watch the Lord grow you up in Him and use you for His glory. That blesses me beyond words. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, ask for it and God will give it to us generously. That is where I would start with helping your friend. Also, remember that the Lord is a Shepherd who leads us, He won't push us, so follow His lead. And finally, the biggest lesson of all is that we cannot fix people, Jesus can. So, as you surrender to His Lordship and leadership, bathe your friend in prayer, and follow the Lord's lead, amazing things will happen...in His time. I am so proud of you! I see you walking in God's favor every day. I love you!

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  5. Ok Nan, you just made me cry. I pray that even though I am hurting, you know I'm not frustrated with you. It's not your fault, and I know that. Thank you for your encouragement in this comment. I feel so alone at times, and yet I know I'm not...not by a long shot. I'm having to cling to "the Lord is my portion" say my soul, "therefore I hope in Him!" Is it just me or is that not a very easy verse to walk out when you want something to happen? I'm having to learn that I can't put my hope in man...for He is my hope! Love you!

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  6. Jamie, You go girl! You are so precious to the Father and to me. There is no doubt that you are called by God according to His purposes. And because of that knowledge, I know in my knower that He will work all things out for your good. I love you sweetheart.

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  7. I was very down in my spirit on this early morning. Worry, fear, and doubt consumed me. I love Tye Tribbett's song beauty for ashes so I googled where I could find the scripture in the bible. I came across your blog. Thank you! YES!!! Two years later its still blessing lives and making a difference. You have a new fan. Again Thank you and be blessed.

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