Beauty For Ashes

Isaiah 61:3 There were over 40 kids there college age and under. The message was primarily for youth and their parents. Aunts and Uncles, Grandparents and everyone can also benefit from it as well. Ashes represent what has been destroyed or lost. How do we get to the ash heap: Sometimes we can be good people and still end up there like Job, sometimes we may be going through trial by fire, sometimes because of decisions or choices we make in life, sometimes because we ignore good advice we are given, and sometimes if we touch what GOD says not to touch. GOD tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that he has plans for us. Plans to prosper us and not to harm us. He challenged us to write down some things we are not willing to compromise on in our faith especially the youth, who we hang out with, who we date, no sex before marriage, don't settle for good instead of waiting for God's best, no drinking, no drugs, etc. He warned us that we don't just decide we are going to sin, to compromise, but it is little by little, and it is a slippery slope. But also some things we will do such as read and immerse ourselves in our Bibles, pray on a regular basis....not just come to GOD with our wish list but have an honest, down to earth conversation with him, be kind, don't gossip, etc. Thank You LORD for what you have brought me from. Thank You for loving me even when I have messed my life up royally and ended up in an Ash heap. Because out of that ash heap, GOD can bring beauty.