He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes. Job 30:19
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:6
In the first verse from Job, he was lamenting his suffering and that he had become like dust and ashes. In the second verse, he accepts that he is but dust and ashes in the presence of the Holy God. It is like this for the Christian as well, our suffering and denouncing of the outer man makes us feel like we are but dust and ashes, till we come into the presence of a holy God and accept the fact that we are but dust and ashes in utter repentance. This is the putting to death of the outer man in a nutshell. From there we can truly praise the LORD in Spirit and truth for he has turned these ashes into beauty, a planting of the LORD.
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)
For encouragement to those who are experiencing the fiery trial in their life. The sooner you reach repentance the sooner God can bring the growth of righteousness in your life. Over the past ten to 15 years, I have walked this path, questioned the LORD as to why he has brought me to this place.... it was so that I could put to death that outer man fully and allow him to bring the growth to my life. This way has been hindered by doctrine in the church that has failed to speak on the crucifixion of the flesh. They have turned Christianity into a prosperity religion, not a transforming faith.
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:6
In the first verse from Job, he was lamenting his suffering and that he had become like dust and ashes. In the second verse, he accepts that he is but dust and ashes in the presence of the Holy God. It is like this for the Christian as well, our suffering and denouncing of the outer man makes us feel like we are but dust and ashes, till we come into the presence of a holy God and accept the fact that we are but dust and ashes in utter repentance. This is the putting to death of the outer man in a nutshell. From there we can truly praise the LORD in Spirit and truth for he has turned these ashes into beauty, a planting of the LORD.
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)
For encouragement to those who are experiencing the fiery trial in their life. The sooner you reach repentance the sooner God can bring the growth of righteousness in your life. Over the past ten to 15 years, I have walked this path, questioned the LORD as to why he has brought me to this place.... it was so that I could put to death that outer man fully and allow him to bring the growth to my life. This way has been hindered by doctrine in the church that has failed to speak on the crucifixion of the flesh. They have turned Christianity into a prosperity religion, not a transforming faith.