"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness 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 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 61:1-3
This is such a great calling! Proclaiming freedom for the captives-- because only God has the power to turn ashes into beauty and to give the oil of gladness instead of despair. I LOVE how God promises oil... oil is almost impossible to wash off or out of things- and He has promised that- in gladness!!! I love it! And oaks of righteousness for the glory of His splendor! What a great illustration and an incredible testimony! I can't wait for what God has in store!
we just studied that passage in church and it is definitely one of my favorites (although there are sooo many favorites)!!! It is one of those that inspires us to get off our butts & do what we are called to do! Can't wait to hear all about your trip and for us to be able to go again when Jonah gets a bit older! Love you guys and excited to hear your progress!!!
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