Tuned to Transformation

What do make overs and oak trees have in common? Why, transformation of course."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, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instad 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."-Isaiah 61:1-3Today I want to share a post from Laura Ziesel at The Redemptive Pursuit. The Redemptive Pursuit is a weekly devotional for women (that I sometimes contribute to !!). I love them because their devos are relevant, thought-provoking, and they don't fill up my Inbox like crazy. If you're a woman and into reading devotionals, I'd highly recommend signing up for their weekly bit of wisdom."The last sentence of Isaiah 61:1-3 says, "They will be called oaks of righteousness." Who is this "they" that Isaiah speaks of? The same people who were previously the afflicted, brokenhearted, captives, prisoners, and mourners."This week, Laura writes,The bruised and broken do not stay that way forever; they are transformed into mighty oaks, planted and purposed to bring Him glory."Yes, Jesus died to free us from things--sin, fears, disease, shame. But God's plan doesn't stop there. He doesn't free us and then leave us alone. He frees us for things--joy, good works, justice, righteousness. He has great plans for us, plans that are usually hidden from our view."Today, I echo Laura's prayer to place as much focus on my spiritual transformation as my physical appearance.My voice rises with hers,"Continue to free me from the chains that I still wear. And transform me by the power of Your Spirit, so that I might be a mighty oak of righteousness, planted to bear good fruit for your glory."Amen.To read her whole post, click here.

The Good Kind of Irony

I first started spiritual writing when I was angry at God. Like real angry. F-bomb dropping and exploding into the night sky kind of angry.

Turns out, God can take it.

Which is why, five years later, in a stroke of divine irony, I have found myself writing devotional pieces--and meaning it.

Because if God can really take all of my profanity and darkness and questions and running, and in return offer love and grace and grace and grace and more grace (do you get the point?), then why wouldn't I find reason to praise Him? Why shouldn't my most commonly used f-word be faith?

In a recent message on anger and doubt, my pastor said that often Jesus transforms our deepest doubts into our deepest worship.

That, I'd say, is the best kind of irony.

In case you missed it, last week I was featured in the Redemptive Pursuit's weekly devotional for women. Please take some time to check it out and thank God for the good kind of irony.