SEPTEMBER 18 – DEVOTIONAL
GRATITUDE FOR BEAUTY FOR ASHES: GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH YOU
Isaiah 61:3 reveals the heart of our God: He gives beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for heaviness. Even in seasons of loss or disappointment, we can pause with gratitude—not because the pain is easy, but because God remains faithful. What we see today is not the end of what He can do.
Consider Naomi. She returned to Bethlehem grieving her husband and sons, describing herself as empty and bitter. Yet beside her stood Ruth—a loving, loyal daughter-in-law who refused to abandon her. Naomi could see what she had lost, but could not yet see what God would bring through the relationship that remained. Through Ruth’s marriage to Boaz and the birth of Obed, Naomi experienced renewed hope. Their family story became part of the lineage of David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.
What a reminder to thank God for those who walk faithfully beside us! Sometimes, His care reaches us through someone who stays, listens, prays, and helps us take the next step. Cherish these relationships and offer that same love and loyalty to others. Your faithful presence may become part of someone else’s restoration.
Beloved, stay rooted in your relationship with Christ while your story unfolds. Bring Him your disappointments, make room for His Word, and keep your heart open to His love and the care of others. Gratitude helps us recognise the grace already present while we trust Him for what is yet to come.
God is not finished with you! As Isaiah 61:4 reminds us, those who experience restoration can become rebuilders. Through a grateful heart, a life connected to Christ, and loving, faithful relationships, your healing can bring hope to your family and generations to come.
Have a blessed and beautiful weekend! May you and your family be encouraged to remain rooted in Christ, cherish one another, and give thanks—God is still bringing beauty from your ashes. Shalom! 🙏🏽🙌🏾
Bible Reading Summary
Isaiah 28:14–30:11
Isaiah warns Judah’s leaders because they have trusted their own plans instead of God. They believe they have secured themselves against danger, but God tells them that true security is found in Him. Isaiah also speaks of God’s wisdom in dealing with His people, showing that He knows exactly how to correct, discipline, and restore them. Yet Judah continues to seek help from Egypt instead of waiting on God. The passage warns against rebellion, false confidence, and refusing to listen to God’s truth.
Key Themes: Trusting God, humility, judgment, obedience, false security, repentance, and God’s wisdom.
Galatians 3:23–4:31
Paul explains that before Christ came, the law served as a guardian until the time of faith. Through Christ, believers are now God’s children and heirs of His promises. There is no distinction between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, because all are one in Christ. Paul reminds the Galatians that they once received him warmly but are now being influenced by false teaching. He uses Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between slavery under the law and freedom through God’s promise.
Key Themes: Faith, freedom, sonship, equality in Christ, God’s promise, grace, and spiritual maturity.
Psalm 62:1–12
David declares that his soul finds rest in God alone. He describes God as his rock, salvation, fortress, and refuge. Even when people attack him or try to deceive him, David chooses not to be shaken because his hope is in God. He encourages others to trust God at all times and pour out their hearts before Him. David also warns against trusting riches or human power because they cannot provide lasting security. God alone has the power and unfailing love to reward each person according to their deeds.
Key Themes: Trust, quietness before God, security, hope, God’s power, unfailing love, and dependence on God.
Proverbs 23:19–21
These verses encourage us to listen carefully and choose the path of wisdom. We are warned against becoming controlled by excessive eating, drinking, laziness, or a lifestyle of constant indulgence. Such habits can lead to poverty, shame, and wasted opportunities. Instead, we are encouraged to develop self-control and live with purpose. The passage reminds us that our daily choices shape our future. Wisdom means recognising unhealthy patterns early and choosing discipline, moderation, and responsible living.
Key Themes: Wisdom, self-control, discipline, moderation, responsible living, and avoiding destructive habits.
Final Reflection
These passages remind us that true security is found in God, not in human plans, wealth, status, or worldly connections. Isaiah warns us against depending on ourselves, while Galatians reminds us of the freedom and identity we have through Christ. Psalm 62 teaches us to rest in God even when people or circumstances are unstable. Proverbs reminds us that wise living requires discipline and self-control.
BOA AT 8 — MY HEARTFELT GRATITUDE ❤️🙏🏾
My gratitude to God for eight years of grace and faithfulness! My heartfelt thanks to everyone for the beautiful birthday and BOA anniversary wishes, kind words, and prayers. Your love has made this season even more special.
I particularly thank God for the relationships that have stood with us through thick and thin—those with a heart like Ruth, whose love, loyalty, and faithful presence have helped carry us through this journey of beauty for ashes. Like Ruth and Naomi, may you and your families experience restoration and intergenerational transformation, to the glory of God!
Thank you to everyone who has walked this journey with me, helping us reach the hurting and broken, support orphans and the homeless, and spread the gospel through BOA’s daily devotions and outreaches. Your prayers, generosity, and service have helped bring hope to so many.
To everyone registered for tomorrow’s 8th Anniversary Conference and Ordination, thank you! Special thanks to every volunteer and minister who has stood with me in prayer, planning, and preparation. I am deeply grateful for your love and dedication.
I am believing God with you for a divine encounter that deepens our relationship with Christ and continues His work of generational transformation—raising restorers, rebuilders, and agents of transformation in our families and communities.
All glory to the God who gives beauty for ashes! May His work in us bear fruit for generations to come. The best is yet to come! ❤️🙌🏾
📢 FINAL CONFERENCE PLANNING & PRAYER MEETING
Praise the Lord, BOA Conference Coordinators, Team Leaders & Volunteers!
As we make final preparations for the 2026 BOA Conference & Anniversary, we will be having our final Conference Planning & Prayer Meeting today.
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
This is our final planning meeting, and your presence, prayers, and contributions are greatly valued.
💻 Zoom Meeting Details
🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81943694022?pwd=VXEyckZVK0V0ekFETGJ0MndkalZrZz09
Meeting ID: 819 4369 4022
Passcode: 936644
Thank you for your continued commitment, sacrifice, prayers, and support.
I look forward to seeing everyone later today.
Blessings always, 🙏💜
Minister JK
Beauty For Our Ashes Christian Network
Previous Post
Support the Mission. Transform Lives. Give Today.