For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered 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 succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)
This Bible passage should give us a powerful insight into God’s heart and His will.
The Word itself possesses infinite power. The universe, all creation, and humanity were brought into being through the Word, and all created things are meant to obey God’s Word.
Since our life and existence originate from the Word, should we not also live by the guidance of the Word?
Just as the Word accomplished the work of creating all things and humanity—a great work of love—so too this same love God has for us urges Him to continually desire to nourish us with His Word, to guide us in living well, and to help us attain the fullness of life. The Word helps us journey through this life, supports us, and carries us so that we may successfully fulfill the Father’s plan for us, and one day return to the Father’s house to be reunited with Him and remain with Him forever.
This Bible passage, in a gentle way, speaks of the Father’s deep and tender heart. It is worth savouring carefully and reflecting upon again and again.
It warmly reminds us not to neglect receiving the nourishment and guidance of the Word. Its ultimate purpose is to bring about the fulfillment of the Father’s will in us, and to complete the mission for which the Word was sent into our lives.
In this retreat, we will explore practical ways to listen to God’s voice in our daily lives so that we do not miss His personal messages meant for our growth and welfare. Drawing wisdom and inspiration from the Scriptures—God’s very words to us—we will reflect on how He continues to speak into our hearts.
Throughout the retreat, we will also examine the inner dispositions that help us receive His Word more openly, and learn how to strengthen our “spiritual muscles” so we become more attuned to His Voice.
Through these spiritual exercises and our shared journey, our ultimate goal is to deepen our ability to discern God’s will by staying attentive to His unique messages for each of us, as we navigate our lives and seek to understand the mission He entrusts to us.
During this 40-day spiritual journey, we long to build a closer and more intimate relationship with the Lord together with you. Along the way, we will invite you to cultivate some new life habits, allowing the Word of God to enter into daily life and become an integral part of who we are. This requires our commitment and perseverance, so that these good habits may gradually reshape our lives and help us become more attuned to the Lord.
We encourage you to invite a spiritual companion to walk this journey together, offering mutual support and encouragement, so that the new habits we form can be sustained. The goal of this retreat is to bring about a lasting impact on our lives, and these 40 days are only the beginning. We also encourage you to begin keeping a spiritual journal during this period, recording the messages and inspirations the Lord gives you. More importantly, write down the words He speaks to your heart and your response to Him.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, Farmer of Hearts has accompanied many through a 40-day online retreat, supporting growth in spiritual life. Our team’s heartfelt desire is that, through sustained daily deep reflection, participants may be drawn ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, entering into a profound and intimate communion with Him. We look forward to walking this journey with you this year!
Let us once again savour this Bible passage:
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered 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 succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Is 55:10-11)
Reflection
Do you long to hear God’s voice? What methods have you used to help yourself listen to His Word?
Do you believe that God desires a personal relationship with you and wishes to give you messages that are intimate and uniquely yours? Why?
Are you willing to desire more earnestly to listen to God’s voice? How will you prepare, both spiritually and practically, to put this desire into action?
Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, I sincerely thank You for touching my heart today through this passage of the Bible, allowing me to feel Your intentions and desire for me. Your powerful yet gentle invitation affirms Your resolve to nourish me with Your Word, to root my life more firmly, and to help it bear richer and more abundant fruit.
I am willing to let Your Word enter my life, to reshape me and water the soil of my heart, so that Your Word may grow and take root within me. I will no longer let the words that come forth from Your mouth return empty, nor allow Your will to go unfulfilled, nor disappoint the love and hopes You have for me. May the Lord look kindly upon my desire!
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Fundraising Appeal
Thank you for participating in this 40-day Lenten spiritual journey. We hope you have been inspired and have benefitted from it! For the spiritual benefit of all of you, Fountain of Love and Life devotes a lot of time and effort in producing various spiritual projects every year, and all our ministries are sustained by the generous donations of our supporters. We hope you will support us with prayers and donations. Please make an online donation using the button at the top of the website Lent.FLL.cc. Thank you very much for your support. God bless!
The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: “Leyton” – Murf.AI
Mandarin Narrator: “Natalie” – Murf.AI
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editor: Cyan Cheung
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Theme Music:
“Long Distance” by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist
“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria