Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Change”
Our Bible verse for today: “The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair.” Isaiah 61:1-3 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Jesus is for you.”
Now there’s an encouraging thought: “Jesus is for you.” That’s right, He’s your biggest fan and He wants the best for you. Read Isaiah 61:1-3 again. God sent Jesus to bring good news to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, and to proclaim liberty and freedom to those in various forms of captivity (this is a reference to being in captivity to sin, and to things like drugs and alcohol, as well as to actually being behind bars). He came to proclaim the Lord’s favor as well as the Lord’s judgment. He comforts those who mourn, and He brings festivity and rejoicing where there had been mourning and despair.
I don’t know what you’re dealing with in your life right now, what kind of despondency, despair, depression, or addictions you might be wrestling with; and I don’t know what financial pressures you may be facing, or if key relationships in your life are in turmoil. I also don’t know if perhaps you could be struggling with a sense of shame, guilt, and inadequacy.
What I do know however, is that in and through Jesus we find true freedom and victory. I also know that whatever change is needed in your life, Jesus is the One who can bring it to pass. He can lift you out of the depression; He can free you from the drugs and alcohol; He can heal your broken heart, restore your joy, provide for your needs, and remove your shame. Yes, Jesus is for you. And, He is able. He is able to deliver you.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 