Isaiah 55:11 “So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

This whole chapter is so magnificent! I was singing it as I read, and I love it all. I was really torn as to what to write on, but this verse is what I quote or refer to most often. We glibly say “God spoke the universe into being,” but do we really grasp the impact of that? If God says it, that settles it, period. We need to realize that many of the things recorded in the Bible are conditional; we can’t just “name it and claim it.” Even with that caveat, the Bible is still filled with incredible promises and statements that should give us peace, assurance, and joy, regardless of our circumstances. It also has lots of places that tell us to “Straighten up and fly right!” We need to take in the Bible as God’s recorded Word, as well as be open to what He speaks to us in other ways. This verse applies in both instances. We need to be familiar enough with the Bible that we recognize His voice when He speaks to us in other ways as well. After all, the devil talks to us too! Many people have been led astray by things the devil has told them that agreed with what their flesh was saying. That’s one reason fasting is helpful: it teaches us to say no to our flesh, so when the devil uses our flesh to tempt us, we are much better able to resist. Given current US obesity levels, American believers could use a lot more of that! We need to remember that everything God says to us is for our good. The devil and our flesh insist that’s not the case, but it’s very true. Only when we receive the things we don’t necessarily want to hear can we receive the fulness of all that God has planned for us, and that is magnificent indeed. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I am a man of words, and this hits me very hard. I have seen my own words accomplish good, and accomplish hurt. I want to be done with hurting people with my words! However, I’m not to draw back from letting God use my mouth – or my fingers – to speak to people what He is saying. Sometimes they will rejoice in it, but sometimes not so much. If I am communicating what God is saying, then the results are entirely up to Him. His words will indeed accomplish that for which He sends them! As James cautions us, I need to keep a close watch on my words, because if they are just mine, they can be destructive in many ways. I want to speak only what God is saying, as a result of hearing and applying what He has said to me, so that His will may indeed be accomplished, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the Bible, and for the privilege of familiarity with it. Thank You for the Frank Viola book I’m reading that is giving me even more understanding of it. May I be a faithful channel of what You are saying in every part of my life, drawing people to You and defeating the works of the devil, (1 John 3:8) for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!