Lisa Notes: 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

    For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
    so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
    For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace.
Isaiah 55:10-12a

It was two days ahead of Ash Wednesday. We gathered to listen to Isaiah 55:10-12a.

Be present in it. Be changed through it.

1. Alison, responsible for preparing the Lenten service at her church, felt restless, not quite prepared. Until she heard the words, “You shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace.”

They were enough. Instead of fretting about the finishing touches on her lesson, she now relaxed, trusting that Jesus would guide her into the homestretch with joy and peace as she concluded preparations.

2. Another heard the message of purpose. Change was becoming a constant in his life. Changes from years ago, last month, this week. But through the Lord’s words to Isaiah, he heard, “It shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

They assured him that the Lord purposes each life’s change. And that all would be well in his.

3. I, too, listened to the verses. Hearing about the rain “watering the earth, making it bring forth and sprout,” I was reminded how Jesus ripens things in his perfect timing, not rushed or hurried.

And so the now of this season continues to ripen for me. In this year of One Word: Jesus, I’m not to solely learn more about him, but also to walk more actively with him. It’s time. Go places and do things and love people. Together.

The Word—recorded by Isaiah thousands of years ago—still returns a harvest. In different ways in different lives in different times, but for the same reason—to accomplish his purpose.

Only Jesus always succeeds in the things for which he is sent, never returning empty.

Only the Living Word is that fertile. That fresh. That faithful.

* * *

What scripture has spoken to you lately?

Comments (20)

Logging you in...

Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout

Logged in as

0 Vote up Vote down

alecia · 637 weeks ago

One of my favorite set of verses. "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose..."
This verse has encouraged me with my kids. We try to do a devo after dinner and sometimes I wonder if anything is getting through, it makes me want to give it up. But I heard those verses one Sunday and they told me that even though I may think nothing is getting through, God's word is powerful and will not return void. It will accomplish it's purpose.

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

Amen, Alecia. You are wise to continue with the devos. Even if the individuals words aren't remembered (but some will be!), the reverence and dedication that you are showing the Lord at that time will be remembered. Keep it up!
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

+1 Vote up Vote down

bjsnapped 2p · 637 weeks ago

Beautiful post and wonderful reminder of the "Living" word which becomes Life Giving as it touches the Living Spirit within us. And, it can simultaneously touch others, bringing to life exactly what each needs at any given moment. Now that's Real Life! Our God is sooooo Incredible!! Blessings . . .

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

Real Life--love that, Betty Jo. Spirit touching Spirit, that's what the Word does. Yes. The Lord is definitely incredible to be able to speak to us each what we need; a miracle.
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

+1 Vote up Vote down

bjsnapped 2p · 637 weeks ago

Woo Hoo! Lisa I can comment now. Thank you!! I was trying earlier to comment on an older post, Where Is God's House?, back in January. Perhaps your settings don't allow comments on older posts after so many days. I'll stick with the newer posts from now on. :)

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

I'm glad it finally let you comment! ha. Thanks for your perseverance. The older posts *should* still be open for comments, but I haven't figured out the rhyme or reason as to why it works sometimes and not other times. I'll be grateful for whatever it lets come through. :-)
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

0 Vote up Vote down

Alicia@the Overflow! · 637 weeks ago

Oh, I DO love how the Word is alive for anyone willing to hear.. and Jesus whispers the word we each need. Such tender grace in that! The word that struck me this morning was from John 8: "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me....." And I nearly cried from relief- the buzz of life can leave me so dry and sometimes I just need to hear it straight from His mouth- --- COME.

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

Thanks for sharing your Word, Alicia. How filling it is to hear--anyone who is thirsty--come! Amen.
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

+1 Vote up Vote down

hisfirefly 20p · 637 weeks ago

Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God
priceless
thank you
My recent post Not for the whole

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

Priceless--yes. Can you imagine if we had to pay for each word we received? We'd all be in debt...Thankful that HE paid it for us.
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

0 Vote up Vote down

Brandee · 637 weeks ago

I'm so thankful for the LIVING Word...for how, every time we turn to it, we find something new to bless and help.
My recent post To the Readers of My Blog

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

I'm thankful, too. What other book can do what the Living Word can do? None. We are blessed to have Him in all the ways He makes Himself known.
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

+1 Vote up Vote down

rgerryts 8p · 637 weeks ago

It is amazing to think his word so ancient is still so vibrant as to return a harvest. Thanks for sharing this with us today.

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

Amazing is the right word. Words penned thousands of years ago--yet still blessing us uniquely in this day and age. Only God.
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

0 Vote up Vote down

Renee · 637 weeks ago

I love that Gods word does not return empty. His W ord is so powerful!
My recent post Meeting Jesus In The Garden

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

I love that promise, too. Without it, I'm afraid I'd often think that it's a waste of time to spread his words. But with it, I know it matters not if I see the results; they'll be there in his timing.
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

0 Vote up Vote down

Mandy · 637 weeks ago

Oh, this is beautiful, Lisa! I have a fondness for Isaiah, and it is fascinating to see how the Word speaks to different people. And what a One Word! This is the first time I've been to your blog. The design is so pretty. Thanks for stopping by my place today.
My recent post WWJS {About You}?

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

I usually have mixed feelings when I read Isaiah. :-) Sometimes I get bored, then wham! he'll hit me with something huge and profound. I do particularly love chapters 43 and 55.

I appreciate you visiting back, Mandy. I've had your letter on my mind a lot today. I think it'd be a good exercise for many of us to do...
My recent post 3 verses, 3 people, 1 Word

0 Vote up Vote down

kati woronka · 637 weeks ago

As usual, the strength of your faith inspires me; thanks for these words!
My recent post She fled, she has seen terrible things, she’s bored… but there’s joy

1 reply · active 637 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

Lisa notes 103p · 637 weeks ago

Thanks, Kati. But the inspiration works greater the other direction. I know you're being such a great encouragement to people who really need it overseas. Praying for those from Syria....
My recent post grace drips, drips, drips