Proverbs 27:17
Sunday, October 11, 2026
This Teaching Clip made me think of you. Watch Sunday Night Prayers - Lectio 365 by 24-7 Prayer:
This Teaching Clip made me think of you. Watch Sunday Night Prayers - Lectio 365 by 24-7 Prayer:
Surrendering the Ashes At the time I’m writing this, Ash Wednesday just passed. As someone from another faith tradition, I never knew the meaning behind this day. When I discovered the depth of meaning, “ashes” took on a whole new meaning for me, and I developed a huge respect for people who wore the sign of the cross on their forehead for an entire day. David embraced the reality of his sin and a right response of godly sorrow with ashes. This was a symbol of his godly sorrow. The truth is, I have carried ashes longer than I should have. The residue and burnt remains of past decisions, regrets, and failures can cling to the soul just like ash clings to the skin. At some point, I had to realize that while acknowledging the ashes is important, holding onto them is not. Surrender is the turning point. Surrender is where I release what I’ve been holding and trust God with what remains. I cannot cleanse myself from sin or shame—only God can do that. My role is to let go. There is something powerful about the exchange God offers: beauty for ashes. It is not a transaction I earn—it is a gift I receive. But receiving requires surrender. Listen to God’s heart from Isaiah 61. He wants: “...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3, NIV) This verse reminds me that God doesn’t just remove the bad—He replaces it with something better. My ashes are not ignored; they are transformed. When I give them back, God breathes new life into what seems cold and forsaken. Don’t you think it’s time to release the ashes, and to stop holding onto regret as if it defines us? God sees you differently, and you can too! Let’s pray together: Lord, I surrender my ashes to You. I release the regrets, the shame, and the burdens I have carried. Exchange them for Your beauty, joy, and peace. Help me trust Your healing more than my memory of the past. Thank You for transforming what I cannot change. I pray this in the transforming name of Jesus. Amen. Never forget my friend— You are a miracle! Grant Fishbook
Surrendering the Ashes
At the time I’m writing this, Ash Wednesday just passed. As someone from another faith tradition, I never knew the meaning behind this day. When I discovered the depth of meaning, “ashes” took on a whole new meaning for me, and I developed a huge respect for people who wore the sign of the cross on their forehead for an entire day.
David embraced the reality of his sin and a right response of godly sorrow with ashes. This was a symbol of his godly sorrow.
The truth is, I have carried ashes longer than I should have. The residue and burnt remains of past decisions, regrets, and failures can cling to the soul just like ash clings to the skin. At some point, I had to realize that while acknowledging the ashes is important, holding onto them is not.
Surrender is the turning point.
Surrender is where I release what I’ve been holding and trust God with what remains. I cannot cleanse myself from sin or shame—only God can do that. My role is to let go.
There is something powerful about the exchange God offers:
beauty for ashes. It is not a transaction I earn—it is a gift I receive.
But receiving requires surrender. Listen to God’s heart from Isaiah 61. He wants:
“...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3, NIV)
This verse reminds me that God doesn’t just remove the bad—He replaces it with something better. My ashes are not ignored; they are transformed. When I give them back, God breathes new life into what seems cold and forsaken.
Don’t you think it’s time to release the ashes, and to stop holding onto regret as if it defines us? God sees you differently, and you can too! Let’s pray together:
Lord, I surrender my ashes to You. I release the regrets, the shame, and the burdens I have carried. Exchange them for Your beauty, joy, and peace. Help me trust Your healing more than my memory of the past. Thank You for transforming what I cannot change. I pray this in the transforming name of Jesus. Amen.
Never forget my friend—
You are a miracle!
Grant Fishbook
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