December 23, 2024

Beauty For Ashes

August 7, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I thought I would not make it
My mind, my strength, was gone
Everything in my life came crashing down
I felt so all alone

Now I’m lookin’ at my life in broken pieces
Oh, what, will I do now
I want to trust You but I just don’t know how
And right before I threw in the towel

God turned it
And gave me
Beauty, for ashes

My storm would not move on
My nights, they lasted so long
There was, no sign of my morning
I wanted to give up

But You wouldn’t let me be
You came and set me free
I came to You with my pain
And we made an exchange

God turned it
And gave me
Beauty, for ashes
He turned it and gave me
Beauty for ashes
God turned it
And gave me
Beauty for ashes

The worst thing in my whole life
Became the most beautiful thing

The most embarrassing thing that brought so much shame
Became the most beautiful thing

And like a baby that’s born, all the pain and dirt
Became the most beautiful thing

For, He turned it

 Tye Tribbett

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

…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.
Isaiah 61:3

I heard a saying yesterday, “When life fights, it doesn’t fight fair…”; how true is this?  Things often happen that we do not expect.  We fall, we fail; and at times we look around and see only ashes.  Ashes of relationships, of friendships, of hopes and dreams.  Life can be ugly.  But God… Despite the ugliness that life can bring, the beauty that God brings overshadows it all.  The love and restoration that God brings changes our ashes into something wonderful.  When we feel we have nothing left and our fight is gone, He is in our corner shaping our lives, directing our paths.  We don’t always see it in the moment.  But take a minute and look back. Look at your storms, your difficult times. How did God turn it around, how did He orchestrate the situation to raise you up and show His power and love…?  You may be going through a situation now, there may be a storm raging, but take rest in the fact that God is working.  Take rest in the fact that God will turn your ashes into something beautiful.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for doing something no other can do.  Life is full of ashes and only You can turn them into something beautiful.  We take peace in your words.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Broken Hallelujahs

June 29, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I can barely stand right now
Everything is crashing down
And I wonder where You are

I try to find the words to pray
I don’t always know what to say
But You’re the one that can hear my heart

Even though I don’t know what Your plan is
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes

I’ve seen joy and I’ve seen pain
On my knees, I call Your name
Here’s my broken hallelujah
With nothing left to hold onto
I raise these empty hands to You
Here’s my broken hallelujah

You know the things that have brought me here
You know the story of every tear
‘Cause You’ve been here from the very start

Even though I don’t know what your plan is
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes

When all is taken away, don’t let my heart be changed
Let me always sing Hallelujah
When I feel afraid, don’t let my hope be erased
Let me always sing Hallelujah
Let me always sing Hallelujah

I will always sing
I will always sing
Here’s my broken hallelujah

The Afters
Writer(s): Josh Havens/Matt Fuqua/Jordan Mohilowski/Dan Ostebo

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

The first time I heard this song, I cried.  Wept uncontrollably.  This was my journey.  I had walked this path.  I have seen joy and I have seen pain.  I still get a lump in my throat every time I hear it.  Often I will find myself singing it in my head.

We have all been there…

  • Replaced in the life of someone you thought was a friend
  • Rejected by someone who mattered
  • Betrayed by one closest to you
  • Made a mistake so grievous you believed it could never be atoned
  • Mired in the pit of despair
  • Broken into so many pieces you feel beyond repair
  • Unable to stand, barely able to think
  • In intense pain

So what do we do?  Here’s what one great man of God did:

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief.
Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.
Job 1:20 NLT

Six years ago I found myself in just such a place. I felt I had lost everything that mattered. What I did surprises me as I look back. I turned to my only Source of comfort—the only One I could truly trust—Jesus.  I would have never thought my faith was that strong.  As I cried out to Him, I didn’t realize I was offering Him the one thing He desired…a broken hallelujah.

brokenpiecescynda
God knows what the plan is.  Only He can make beauty from the broken pieces of our lives.  In fact, He sees beauty in the broken.  Being broken can lift us up if we lift up our broken hallelujahs to Him.

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—
that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent,
distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God],
the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 AMP

I have been on my knees…empty hands lifted…calling out His name.  I don’t always have words to pray but God hears my heart.  He has captured EVERY one of the tears I’ve cried in a special bottle (maybe more like a barrel).  I am so very thankful He was with me from the start and He has never left my side.

When these times come (as I know they will) my one desire is that my heart won’t change and my hope won’t be erased.  And that I will always sing Hallelujah.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Broken Hallelujahs

July 8, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I can barely stand right now
Everything is crashing down
And I wonder where You are

I try to find the words to pray
I don’t always know what to say
But You’re the one that can hear my heart

Even though I don’t know what Your plan is
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes

I’ve seen joy and I’ve seen pain
On my knees, I call Your name
Here’s my broken hallelujah
With nothing left to hold onto
I raise these empty hands to You
Here’s my broken hallelujah

You know the things that have brought me here
You know the story of every tear
‘Cause You’ve been here from the very start

Even though I don’t know what your plan is
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes

When all is taken away, don’t let my heart be changed
Let me always sing Hallelujah
When I feel afraid, don’t let my hope be erased
Let me always sing Hallelujah
Let me always sing Hallelujah

I will always sing
I will always sing
Here’s my broken hallelujah

Writer(s): Josh Havens/Matt Fuqua/Jordan Mohilowski/Dan Ostebo
Performed by The Afters

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

The first time I heard this song, I cried.  Wept uncontrollably.  This was my journey.  I had walked this path.  I have seen joy and pain.  I still get a lump in my throat every time I hear it.  Often I will find myself singing it in my head.

We have all been there…

  • Replaced in the life of someone you thought was a friend
  • Rejected by someone who mattered
  • Betrayed by one closest to you
  • Made a mistake so grievous you believed it could never be atoned
  • Mired in the pit of despair
  • Broken into so many pieces you feel beyond repair
  • Unable to stand, barely able to think
  • In intense pain

So what do we do? Here’s what one great man of God did:

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief.
Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.
Job 1:20 NLT

Six years ago I found myself in just such a place. I felt I had lost everything that mattered. What I did surprises me as I look back. I turned to my only source of comfort—the only One I could truly trust—Jesus.  I would have never thought my faith was that strong.  As I cried out to Him, I didn’t realize I was offering Him the one thing He desired…a broken hallelujah.

brokenpiecescynda
God knows what the plan is. Only He can make beauty from the broken pieces of our lives. In fact, He sees beauty in the broken. Being broken can lift us up if we lift up our broken hallelujahs to Him.

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—
that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent,
distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God],
the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 AMP

I have been on my knees, empty hands lifted, calling out His name.  I don’t always have words to pray but God hears my heart.  He has captured EVERY one of the tears I’ve cried in a special bottle (maybe more like a barrel).  I am so very thankful He was with me from the start and never left my side.

When these times come, as I know they will, my one desire is that my heart won’t change and my hope won’t be erased, that I will always sing Hallelujah.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Beauty for Ashes

March 19, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogoWe have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 
Matthew 5:4

For those that are in mourning over the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of any type that would cause you to be sad..know that God is always by your side to pick you up and help you with whatever you are going through.

…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.
Isaiah 61:3

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Hello! My Name Is Child of the One True King

January 20, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Hello, my name is regret…I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life, I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget
Hello, my name is defeat…I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief
Oh, these are the voices. Oh, these are the lies
And I have believed them for the very last time
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I am no longer defined by all the wreckage behind
The One who makes all things new has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life

What love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King
What love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called His children
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I am a child of the one true King

~  Written and Performed by Matthew West  ~

Regret, Defeat, Loser, Unworthy, Worthless….  Are these the lies that you choose to believe???

Yes, there have been times in my life I have felt ALL of those things. But, let me assure you, that YOU ARE NOT YOUR PAST MISTAKES. Praise the Lord for this Truth!!!
I am no longer defined by all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life
Yes, just take a look at my life!!!  My life is a miracle and I am living proof of what Jesus can do in someones life. God has given me a second chance.. My past is not pretty. But I no longer put my focus there…I live in the truth of my redeemed life. Your past mistakes do not define your future with God; praise Him for that!

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
Heb 8:12 NIV

How amazing that our God remembers our sins no more.

To provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD to glorify Him.
Isaiah 61:3 HCSB

Sisters, I encourage you to put the past in the past and let God heal those wounds and broken places and completely restore those years. That you would choose to believe the Truth of who you are in Him and that ‘Amazing Grace’ is the song that you will choose to sing!

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the promise that You give us a crown of beauty instead of ashes; and I pray for each and everyone reading this that they would reject the lies and embrace the truth of who they are in you and KNOW just how much you love them. Thank You that You meet each of us where we are at and that you remember our sins no more! In Jesus’ name, AMEN!!!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Esther – Chapter 9:17-32

October 31, 2013 by

16DayCover

Please join us for our next Online Bible Study!

“16-Day Love Challenge:

Matching our Words and Actions with

1 Corinthians 13:4-8″

by Cherie Zack and Rebecca LeCompte.

This study begins November 4th.  

Be sure to go to our Registration page for more details, and to sign up today!!

The Registration page can be found by clicking on this LINK.

We hope you will join us!!

As we read this lengthy section of Scripture, we see the final explanation of this time of salvation and rejoicing for the Jews. The Jews in the provinces killed their enemies on the 13th of Adar and rested on the 14th (Esther 9:17).  But the Jews in Shushan were given permission to stand against their enemies two days, 13th and 14th, and then rested on the 15th (verse 18).  On those days of resting from their enemies, there was a great celebration—gladness, feasting, and exchanging of gifts (verses 22-23).  Esther and Mordecai confirmed that this celebration would become a new holiday for the Jews called Purim (verses 29-30), named after the Pur (lot) that was cast for their destruction was turned on their enemies (verses 24-26).  It is still celebrated every year by faithful Jews.

Darlene Schacht includes a commonly accepted fact that Moses was circumcised on the 13th of Adar. “Circumcision represents the cutting away of the flesh and the putting off of a former life.” The Jews “cut down” their enemies on Adar the 13th.  God provides the way for us to have our old life “cut away” to cleanse us from all sin (Haman), and celebrate new life and freedom (Purim) in Christ.  Darlene and I ask, “Have you exchanged your sinful life for a new life? If not, you can make that decision right now by…asking God to forgive you for your sins and inviting Jesus into your life.”  Now is the time to put your faith in Him.

After the Jews cut down their enemies, they rested (Esther 9:22).  God gives us rest from our enemy, sin, when we allow Jesus to cleanse us and give us His gifts. He gives us:

…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.

Isaiah 61:3

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

This doesn’t mean that we won’t have trials and temptations.  It’s not a “sunny day at the beach ever-after.”  But, James 1:2-5 and 12, encourages us that we will want to “…persevere under trial because, having stood the test, that person (we) will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Did you notice that it wasn’t Esther’s position as queen that set her people free from the sentence of death?  It was actually because of the king’s love for her and his generosity (grace) to her people that he provided a way to put them in “right-standing/righteousness” with him.  It was upon his word and his name (Esther 9:25) that Mordecai and Esther were given permission to write the new decree that made the way for the Jews to live and have rest.

The joyous truth of our salvation in Christ is that we are forgiven and are now in right-standing/righteousness with God.  It is not based on our own merit, our position, our own standard of right and wrong, or even on keeping every ‘jot or tittle’ of the old law.  There is no rest in those.  Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) tells us, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”  Instead, it is based on His love and His grace.  In His righteousness there is rest.  There is freedom from condemnation, and a blessed assurance that we belong to God.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1, 2

Esther knew that she would find her salvation only in her king, so she came to him in obedience and courageous submission.  When we realize that our salvation can only come from the power, love, and authority of the King of kings, Jesus, we too will want to live in obedience and courageous submission to Him.

This great story of love and salvation of Esther and the Jewish Nation was, and is, to be shared from generation to generation, and in every province (Esther 9:26-32).  The Great Love Story of our salvation given us through Christ Jesus is to be shared in every family from generation to generation and in every “province” until Christ returns for His Bride, the Church.  “…future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn—for He has done it” (Psalms 22:30-31). “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the Water of Life” (Revelation 22:17).

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His Holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.

Psalms 103:1-2, 17-18

* * * * *

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the rest we find in our salvation that comes only from You, not from our own merit.  Thank You for changing our mourning into joy and our despair into a garment of praise!  We praise You that the joyous truth of our salvation is evidenced in our right-standing before God, our Father.  Help us, O Lord, to live in the beauty of courageous submission to You, our King of kings.  Help us find creative ways to share Your Great Love Story with our families from generation to generation, and in every “province” until You return for Your Bride. In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Life’s Healing Choices – Chapter 2 Review

January 18, 2013 by

Realize I am not God

Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, that He has the power to help me recover.

C

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“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4

 

In the first chapter, we admitted we were powerless.  Now in the second chapter, we come to believe God exists, that we ARE important to Him and that we are capable to receive His power to help us to recover.  All we have to do is believe and receive.  In the second chapter we find the hope in Christ alone through His promises: “He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness 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.” Isaiah 61:3

On Tuesday, Leslie talked with us about 3 amazing truths about God: That God exists; you matter to Him; and He has the power to help you. From the beginning of Creation, we have acknowledged that God exists—just take a look at the stars, the mountains, the oceans—all the magnificent artwork of a God who loves us enough to splash beauty all around us. Ok, so we believe He exists but do we really believe we matter to Him?  Leslie did a beautiful job showing us through His word and David’s psalms that yes, we matter so much that God keeps track of all my sorrows. “He has collected all my tears in His bottle and has recorded each one in His book.”Psalm 56:8

Wednesday, Kim gave us a reality check on keeping plugged into God’s power.  After all, do we really think we can run our TV’s, computers, game stations, ovens, microwaves, or coffee pots without power?  How do we then expect God to answer our prayers and pleas for help without being plugged into Him?  Knowing who He is and believing His promises: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

On Thursday, Amy took us through praying for God to fill us with His love, let His power wash over us and heal our hurts, habits or hang ups.  Then we began learning the importance of writing about what God is doing in your life through this study, so you can look back and are encouraged as you journey through the eight choices.  Finally, sharing with each other along the way.  “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17   We are to encourage one another through our walk. We will run into times when we do not want to deal with issues we are facing. However, through accountability and sharing throughout the study, others will encourage you to press on toward the finish.  Receive what God has in store for you.

I want to encourage you with another promise from His word:

 

Verse 5 goes on to say “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.”   What amazing promises of hope we have studied and learned this week.

 

“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.”

— Joshua 1:3 —

Let’s Pray:

Most gracious and loving Father, we are so overwhelmed by the fact that we matter so much to You that You give us a crown of beauty. You record our tears and that You will never leave us nor forsake us.  Father, as we begin to lay down our hurts and habits, and trust You will heal our hearts, please give us the courage to change what we know we can and let You change what we cannot.  Give us wisdom and strength to finish this journey and endure while the miracles happen! We give all the glory and honor to You.  In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!!

Your Assignment:

As you go into the weekend, I would challenge you to search who you really believe God is.  What are some of His characteristics. Share your thoughts.  Then how can your relationship with God help you face the areas you need to turn over to Him?  Remember, comments made here are public. You do have the option of signing in anonymously.

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If you are interested in joining us for the online Bible study, click HERE.
Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details.

If you would like to send a private message to Laurie in regards to this blog, please email her at laurie@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

Filed Under: Victorious Healing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,