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Isaiah 61:3 - Moving from Grief to Joy.

Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)  He will give a crown 
of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead 
of mourning, festive praise instead of despair 
 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   Many of us are experiencing grief right 
now because of a job lost, a business shut down, 
or a health issue, including the fear that you 
or someone you know may contract COVID-19. 
   Were also experiencing grief because 
of closed schools, canceled proms, and 
postponed weddings. Weve been unable to visit 
family and friends, even when theyve seriously 
sick in the hospital. And, heartbreakingly, some 
of us havent been able to mourn the loss of 
a loved one through a traditional funeral.   
   Yet, God promises that for all who mourn, 
 he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a 
joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise 
instead of despair" (Isaiah 61:3 NLT).  
   The greatest example of how God 
transforms grief into joy is the Resurrection of Jesus 
Christ. After he was crucified, Jesus disciples 
went through two days of the deepest fear, pain, 
and grief anyone could ever experience. Even 
though Jesus promised his disciples he would return 
from the dead, they couldnt grasp the reality 
of that through their grief. 
   But once the disciples saw Jesus 
resurrected, they understood sin and death had been 
defeated. They were released from their fears and 
anxieties. And in that release, they found joy again. 
   As you hold onto the promises of God 
through these dark days, you, too, will find release 
from your fears and anxieties - and you will find 
joy again. 
   How can that happen? By relying on the 
power of God, the same power that resurrected 
Jesus from the dead. It can change ashes into 
beauty, grief into joy, and despair into praise.  
   The only way for us to get to heaven is 
by trusting in Gods Son, Jesus Christ. We 
are made right with God by placing our faith in 
Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who 
believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has 
sinned; we all fall short of Gods glorious 
standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right 
in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus 
when he freed us from the penalty for our sins 
(Romans 3:22-24 NLT). 
   We live in uncertain times, so if you 
havent already, reach out for the one thing that is 
absolutely certain - the forgiveness and hope found 
only in Jesus. 
   If youre ready to commit your life to 
him, then pray this prayer: 
   Dear Jesus, you have promised that if 
I believe in you, everything Ive ever done 
wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose 
of my life, and you will accept me into your 
eternal home in heaven one day. 
   I confess my sin, and I believe that 
you are God, my Savior. I receive you into my 
life as my Lord. Today, Im turning over every 
part of my life to your management. You have the 
right to call the shots in my life. 
   Jesus, I want to relax in your love. 
Thank you that I dont have to earn it, deserve 
it, or work for it. I want to use the rest of my 
life to serve you instead of serving myself. I 
humbly commit my life to you, and I ask you to save 
me and accept me into your family. In Jesus 
name I pray. Amen. [Daily Devotional by Rick 
Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

Isaiah 61:1-3 - Set Free and Beauty for 
Ashes: 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190607-1117.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides: 
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio (currently live): 
https://bible.awr.org/the-warning/ 

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657