A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (June 3, 2015)
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. (Isaiah 61:3)
I don’t know about you, but it seems that everywhere I turn lately unpleasant things keep hitting my life. Some of the stuff is small and aggravating but some things are big, like financial issues, grandkids getting hurt, my husband injuring his shoulder, a friend getting bad news from her doctor, fear creeping in about getting old, and on and on it goes. If there has been one thing I have learned in the last 33 years of ministry it is that we have an enemy and he comes to kill, steal, and destroy. We live in a sin sick world and the enemy is the prince of the power of the air. No wonder everything is such a mess!!
However, you and I have power in that we belong to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He has given us authority to use His name and He backs us up. Most of the junk that comes our way is coming to steal our joy. When you lose your joy, you lose your strength. The enemy understands that. Our choices in times like this make all the difference in the world. I heard someone say that you can get mad and glad in the same clothes! You and I can chose to let the junk control us or we can get our clothes on!!
In the midst of the battle we need to put on the garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness. It totally confuses the enemy. Here we are, suppose to be scared out of our gourd, and we are praising the Lord. It is powerful! The Jewish people always put the singers and musicians out front when going to battle. We can learn a lot from that.
Get your praise on folks!! In the midst of the battle, lift your hands toward Heaven and praise the Lord! Sing to Him a new song! Pray in the Spirit and worship Him with all you have in you and watch the enemy flee and the joy return.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. (Psalm 27:6)
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; (II Chronicles 5:13)
And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. (II Chronicles 20:21)
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3)
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3)
