This song has been playing in my mind for the past week. Not only for its good rythm and melody, but also for its ministering and meaningful lyrics. The context of the song is taken from Isaiah 61. Isa 61:1,2 are the words which Christ quote at the synagogue at the beginning of His ministry (Luke 4:18-21). It is also the prophecy of the Messiah’s office or a messianic prophecy pointing to Christ’s ministry on earth. (Side note: The book of Isaish is written about 681 years BC i.e. before the birth of Christ).
I have been ministered by this song. Simply becuase it reminded me that it is not what I can do for Him or in service for Him. But rather, I can only do all things “through Him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13, NIV). It is only with the partnership of His Holy Spirit, that I can face the challenges and tasks in 2009 and the years ahead. It is only with His annointing and empowerment that I will be able to serve Him in the arenas He has placed me in.
“Ashes – By ashes understand whatever is proper for days of mourning, as by beauty whatever may become times of rejoicing. (John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible)” Indeed, the Lord will turn all circumstances around for the “good of those who love Him and are call according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28. NIV).
Lord, pour Your Spirit over me and lead me to Your cross where You are. Lead me and guide me in path of righteousness for Your name sake, that I may honour and glorify You in wherever You have placed and lead me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; 2 To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To grant those who mourn {in} Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isa 61:1-3 (NASB)
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.” Isa 61:3 (NLT)
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isa 61:3 (KJV)
“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 splendour.” Isa 6:3 (NIV)
PS: Remember to turn off the blog music as you listen to the song. Enjoy.
Ate my favourite chicken feet noodle and drank my kopi-o kosong. Why is this a good start? Well, this chicken feet noodle stall will run out of chicken feet by 930am each morning. Although the stall sells chicken wing noodle and wanton noodle, its main selling dish is its chicken feet noodle. The last time I ate it was about a year ago. There were a few times, i went down at about 9am and all the chicken feet were sold out. It is good to start the year enjoying one of my favourite food and breakfast combo 