If you've ever watched the DIY Network (short for "Do It Yourself" Network), you've probably come across a show called "Rehab Addict," a show starring a single mom named Nicole who discovers and rehabilitates historic homes that were once the pride of the neighborhood but then fell on hard times. "By the time the dust clears," the promo says, "a house that was ready for the wrecking ball is restored to its former glory."

When we read the Old Testament book of Isaiah, we can't help but observe that our God is a "rehab addict." Over and over again, Isaiah describes God's relentless passion and remarkable power to redeem our mistakes, our failures and even our rebellion. One of Isaiah's favorite names for God is "Redeemer." Isaiah 47:4 says, "Our Redeemer - the Lord is his name - is the Holy One of Israel." As our Redeemer our God will take what is old and make it new: "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth." (Isaiah 65:17) He will take our sadness and turn it into joy: "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me ... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair." (Isaiah 61:1-3) He will empower his people to rebuild what was ruined: "They (God's people) will rebuild the ancient ruins, and restore the places long devastated." (Isaiah 61:4) And he will resurrect what once was dead: "On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever." (Isaiah 25:7-8)

Have you ever made a mess you couldn't clean up? Ever made a mistake that couldn't be redeemed? God is a "Rehab Addict" - he specializes in lost causes. Join us this summer as Isaiah the prophet introduces us to the God who rehabilitates, restores and redeems our worst wrecks and turns the ashes of our mistakes into the beauty of our dreams.