July 23

“The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace—a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory.” Isaiah 61:1-7 (MSG)

What glorious good news is found in these powerful words of promise, personally for us first of all, for Jesus has come to heal our broken hearts, releasing us from any captivity we may find ourselves in—as a prisoner to things that own us, in whatever way they do—and set us gloriously free!

He is our comfort, the One Who cares for our needs; Who can, and does changes our circumstances from gloom and destruction, to hope; renewing our hearts and minds and restoring our spirits too! All of these things are His gifts of love and something He will never cease to do.  You can’t run out of, or overuse, His gifts of grace and the healing that is in His heart.  Those tenderest of mercies will follow you your whole life through.  He is and will always be faithful to you.

Then, as the scripture declares, He anoints you—places the same ability that He walks in to bring God’s Kingdom to bear—in the exact same weight and measure on you!  Where there is heartbreak, you can bring hope.  Where there is despair and sorrow, you can impart joy. Where sin has abounded, you can herald the good news that grace abounds even more! 

Dear heart, you are meant to be free, and in that freedom, to set others free as well. Receive all that is yours, for yourself in abundance from a well of healing and hope that will never run dry.  Then dip your cup in that same well and see others receive this life-giving water too. 

Lift up your hands beloved, exactly where you are, and let the Master anoint you now. Walk with Him always in the power of His transforming presence.  He will lead, guide, and take all the time that you need, to show you how.