Release, Revive, Repair, Rebuild from Brian HoustonSample

Ruins speak of former glory, of something that once was but is no longer - better days, glory days. Ruins represent failure - images of former battle, devestation, broken remains, abandonment.

In Old Testament times, God presenced Himself in a temple of stone. When that temple was in ruins, he sent Ezra and his people to rebuild it. Today, God dwells in the hearts of men and women when they receive Jesus. What is man-made can lay in ruins, but what God makes is eternal.

Personally, all our potential through failings weaknesses and mistakes could be left in ruins just like that temple. Perhaps right now you face financial ruin. Maybe you are on the edge of a ruined reputation or a relationship that is in ruins. Is there a dream you have abandoned because it lies in ruins? Because Jesus brings the ruins of your life, back to life!

It is amazing to me that God never leaves what belongs to Him in ruins. He is a God of life, of restoration and He is forever building our lives. It's a process where God releases us from bondage and repairs our brokenness. He revives us by His Holy Spirit and line upon line of His Word, He relentlessly rebuilds our life. We were created for glory and through Christ, we will be returned to glory.

Isaiah 61 declares this beautiful exchange:

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. They'll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage.

They'll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new.

Do not allow yourself to sit amongst ruins! Rise up in spirit and in stature, knowing that He has called you unto Himself, 'set apart for His glory'. Take courage in these verses today, knowing that whatever circumstances you find yourself in, what is ahead of you are glorious plans and purposes.