The Ministry of Presence

Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.
-Matthew 9:36

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

One of my earliest and most unforgettable shepherding experiences was with a twelve- year-old girl fighting a brain tumor. After her surgery, she ended up in the ICU. I would slip away two or three times a week during my lunch breaks to pray for her. I felt filled with the Holy Spirit’s pleasure and presence each time I returned to work. It was as if I were doing what I was created to do.

She eventually moved to a rehab center, and one evening, some friends and I visited her. We brought guitars and filled her room with prayers and worship. Soon, curious and desperate faces peeked in, drawn by the music. Some asked us to pray and sing for their sick children. Looking back, it still pulls on my heartstrings to think about those desperate families and suffering children, but knowing Jesus was with us, touching lives in ways we could never have imagined, brings comfort.

Later, when the Lord called me to pastor our church, a friend asked, “How will you help those people?” I had a mental list of plans for those first few months, but when I opened my mouth, something unexpected came out: “I’m going to help them draw closer to God, to know Him and His ways—and He’ll take care of them.” That wasn’t my plan—it was God’s. And all these years later, the Holy Spirit keeps reminding me: it’s still His plan.

When Jesus saw the crowds, His heart broke for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He turned to His disciples and said, “The harvest is plentiful, but there are not enough workers. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more workers into the fields!” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus longs for us to have shepherds—those willing to walk alongside us through life’s challenges and heartaches.

One of the more inspiring pastoral stories in the Bible is Peter’s restoration after denying Jesus three times. As part of that restoration, Jesus entrusted him with caring for His lambs and sheep (John 21:15-17). Peter’s story shows us that even when we’ve messed up, if our heart is still in step with the Shepherd, God can use us in ways that go far beyond what we can see.

I’ve learned the hard way to be cautious, because the enemy will attempt to hinder biblical shepherding, such as by chasing every new “wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14), following trendy church movements, and imitating or comparing yourself to others. To guard against the enemy’s strategy, remain rooted in Him, listen to His voice, and care for the sheep He entrusted to you with His steadfast, faithful love. Proverbs captures this essence well: “Know your flock well and keep a close watch on your herds” (Proverbs 27:23).

True shepherding isn’t about our strength, love, or wisdom; it’s about relying on Him. When we lean into the Good Shepherd, He equips us to reflect His care, patience, and hope. The girl in the ICU, the desperate families in the rehab center, and the people down through the years and congregations have taught me that shepherding is ultimately about leading people to know God, encounter His presence, and walk in His ways. And when we do that, He takes care of everything else.

Many Blessings, BW

When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
- Luke 18:8

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

As a young believer, I often heard the term “remnant church.” I envisioned it as a community I longed to be part of—something distinct from the churches I knew, which often felt monotonous or lacking in vitality. To me, the remnant church represented a place where the presence, truth, and power of the Holy Spirit were unmistakably real.

Over the years, I’ve heard the term less and less. But as I reflect on the state of the church today, my focus isn’t so much on what we are, but on what we’re called to become—a people wholly devoted to God, grounded in His Word, and anchored in His presence and power, regardless of which direction others may take.

The concept of a remnant is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In Genesis 6–9, Noah and his family remained faithful while the world turned away. They weren’t perfect, but they followed God when no one else would. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah thought he was the only one left faithful to God, but the Lord revealed there were still 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal.

Time after time, Israel itself became a remnant. In Judges 6–8, God reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 to just 300 men, and through them delivered Israel from the vast Midianite forces. After the Babylonian exile, books such as Ezra and Nehemiah recount the story of a small group that returned to rebuild Jerusalem. Isaiah 10:20-22 speaks of a “remnant of Israel” returning to the Lord—a theme echoed in Romans 11:5, where Paul describes early believers as a “remnant chosen by grace.

In every case, the remnant is marked by faithfulness. It consists of those who stay true to God’s Word—choosing obedience over comfort, loyalty over popularity, and truth over trend—even in the face of political, cultural, or personal pressures. Scripture doesn’t tie the idea of the remnant church to a denomination, movement, or tradition. It points to a faithful community centered on God’s calling, rooted in His Word, and empowered by His Spirit. This remnant stands firm amid opposition and cultural drift, unmoved by shifting styles, trends, or spiritual fads (John 6:22-71). In the end, it’s not about a label—it’s about a heart wholly surrendered to Him.

Looking back, I realize my desire for a remnant church wasn’t about seeking something exclusive or different for its own sake. It stemmed from a deep longing for something real—a faith rooted in truth, alive in the Spirit, and wholly committed to Christ. That longing has never left.

While the shape of the church continues to change, the call to be part of God’s faithful remnant remains unchanged. Whether in revival, renewal, or decline, God has always preserved a people who remain steadfast in Him. The real question isn’t whether a remnant church exists—it’s whether we’re willing to be part of it.

Many Blessings, BW

And that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
-Ephesians 3:17

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

There are seasons when the Holy Spirit leads us to look back, not to dwell in the past, but to remember where we’ve come from and how God has shaped us. I’ve been in one of those seasons lately, and it’s reminded me how vital it is to stay dependent on Him, rather than relying on our experiences, knowledge, or even spiritual insight.

I often reflect on something Arthur Burt, one of my spiritual fathers, shared when I was a young believer. At the time, he had been following the Lord for fifty years and gave this sobering warning: “If I’m not careful, those fifty years could become a liability if I rely on what I know instead of trusting Him.” That stuck with me then, and it still does. Experience is valuable, but it can become a crutch if it replaces fresh trust in God.

I appreciate how Eugene Peterson puts it: “There are no experts in the company of Jesus. We are all beginners, necessarily followers, because we don’t know where we are going.” This journey of faith isn’t about certainty—it’s about trust. The Holy Spirit is always faithful to Scripture, but He often moves beyond what we can predict or understand. We never outgrow our need for Him as our guide.

When the Holy Spirit leads us back to our spiritual roots, it is not to remain there, but to prepare us for what’s ahead. I think back to my early days in a church that some would have called charismatic, though that label never fit. We weren’t typical, but those years shaped my walk with God and my sense of calling. I’ve always been drawn to a spiritual rhythm that doesn’t look like the norm. It hasn’t always been easy, and I don’t claim it’s the best path—but it’s the one God set before me.

The call to remember is not about nostalgia—it’s about realignment. Jesus’ message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4-5 is a clear reminder: “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first.” It’s an invitation to the love and devotion we once knew when we first met Him.

Paul echoes this in Colossians 2:6-7: “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Our foundation isn’t in movements or experiences—it’s in Christ. Returning to our roots means renewing our simple, steady trust in Him.

God doesn’t want us to live in the past, but He does ask us to remember. He brings us back to our foundations—not to relive old moments, but to strengthen us for what’s ahead. Christ, our Cornerstone, is still our sure foundation. As we stay rooted in Him, we’re not just grounded—we’re propelled forward. May we never lose that beginner’s heart: rooted in Christ, full of gratitude, and ready to follow wherever He leads.

Many Blessings, BW

Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding.
-Proverbs 2:2

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

Divine wisdom and understanding are essential for living a vibrant and meaningful life. Without them, our knowledge of God’s ways remains limited, and our perspective becomes clouded. This leads to confusion, drawing us toward a worldly mindset characterized by frustration and missed growth opportunities. We do not have to figure it out alone; wisdom and understanding are available through the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and a deepening relationship with the Lord Jesus.

The Holy Spirit isn’t the “third” person of the Trinity because He’s the least important. He is entirely God (Acts 5:3-4), just as the Father (Philippians 1:2) and the Son (Titus 2:13). He came last because He was the final part of the Father’s promise, sent to be God’s presence with us now (Luke 24:49). When we honor Him as God and welcome His presence, His truth and power strengthen our hearts, bring transformation within, and reveal His authority and power through our lives.

Peter highlights how the Holy Spirit makes Scripture come alive: "Therefore, I will always remind you of these things, even though you already know them and are firm in the present truth" (2 Peter 1:12). The phrase "present truth"; refers to the specific Scriptures the Holy Spirit emphasizes in different seasons. This doesn’t diminish the rest of Scripture but reveals its living nature—what Jesus called the "proceeding word" in Matthew 4:4: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

While Scripture is foundational, it does not specify every detail of life’s decisions. That is where the Holy Spirit steps in—bringing clarity, peace, and direction. He bridges the gap by illuminating the Word and speaking into our situations. His guidance assures us of His nearness and strengthens us to move forward confidently, knowing we are not alone.

Becoming established in the "present truth" is a process. Over time, we recognize the consistent themes that the Holy Spirit highlights—both in our journey and within the broader faith community. As we submit to His leadership, wisdom begins to shape our hearts, and revelation knowledge becomes life-giving, influencing our thoughts, decisions, and spiritual growth (Proverbs 2:10-16).

At the heart of it, wisdom and understanding flow from our relationship with the Lord Jesus. He said, “I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not understand what his master is doing; instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). God doesn’t just give us written instructions to follow. He invites us into His thoughts, purposes, and plans.

In Christ, "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" are hidden (Colossians 2:3). As we grow closer to Him, these treasures begin to unfold, reshaping how we perceive God, ourselves, and the world around us. Revelation and wisdom aren’t just tools for navigating life—they’re the natural overflow of walking with the Spirit. They deepen our understanding of His heart and lead us to true fulfillment in His presence.

Many Blessings, BW

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
- Acts 10:38

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

In the beginning, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. Then God spoke creation into being (Genesis 1). The Bible’s compelling opening reveals a fundamental truth: God’s power is released when the Word and Spirit unite. The New Testament illustrates this pattern as the Holy Spirit energizes Jesus’ ministry and the early church through prophetic proclamation, miracles, and authoritative preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

I love how R.T. Kendall illustrates this beautiful truth: “We need the sun and the rain to bring beauty and balance to nature. Similarly, we need the Word and the Spirit to know God truly and understand His ways. The Word is like the sun, and the Spirit is like the rain. Without both, things can go awry. It’s been wisely said: ‘All Word and no Spirit, we dry up; all Spirit and no Word, we blow up; but with both Word and Spirit, we grow up.’”

Jesus emphasized this vital truth when He reproached the Sadducees for their disbelief in the supernatural and much of the Bible, telling them they were seriously mistaken because they didn’t understand the Scriptures or God's power (Matthew 22:29). We can never truly know God apart from His Word and His power. Jesus is the Word, and the Holy Spirit reveals God’s power. Without a genuine relationship with the Word and the Holy Spirit, we will possess a form of godliness without its life-changing power (2 Timothy 3:5).

The Holy Spirit not only reveals God’s power, but He also brings forth God’s presence. We are created to be a people of His presence and power. We embrace our identity as “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37-39) by being rooted in two profound truths: God’s deep, unwavering love for us and His immense power working both within and upon us.

Although the Holy Spirit is always with us, becoming more aware of His presence can strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. The Apostle Peter, quoting King David, emphasized this on the Day of Pentecost: "I have set the Lord continually before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken" (Acts 2:25). Intentionally honoring and respecting the Holy Spirit's presence, guidance, and works anchors us, providing stability even during challenging times.

We must welcome the Word, the Spirit, and His power with open hearts, allowing Him to work freely rather than trying to fit Him into our limited understanding or personal plans. When we attempt to control or manipulate His work, we risk diminishing His influence and suppressing His presence in our lives.

By surrendering to the Word and the Spirit, we experience His transforming presence and power. The Holy Spirit shapes us into Christ’s image, enabling us to reflect His light, share His love, and walk in His truth. Instead of trying to direct Him, let’s yield fully, trusting Him to guide us according to His perfect will.

Many Blessings, BW

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.
- Acts 1:8

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The early church didn’t rely on political influence, wealth, or clever strategies for impact. Instead, the Holy Spirit provided the strength and wisdom that fueled their effectiveness. His presence and power enabled ordinary men and women to share the gospel boldly, perform miracles, love sacrificially, and stand firm in the face of intense persecution. They radiated God’s presence, united in purpose, fervent in faith, and overflowing with love. That same Holy Spirit is alive and available today, ready to equip and empower us to bring light into the darkness and hope to a hurting world.

The story of the Holy Spirit began in the New Testament when Mary conceived Jesus through the Spirit’s power (Matthew 1:18). Later, John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). During His earthly ministry, Jesus didn’t baptize anyone with the Holy Spirit or fire. But after His ascension, He fulfilled that promise by sending the Holy Spirit. Christ’s ascension marked the completion of His earthly mission and opened the way for us to receive the same Spirit-filled power that Jesus embodied.

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended with tongues of fire—a powerful symbol of God’s presence, power, and authority (Acts 2:1-4). This moment wasn’t just a personal spiritual experience but was central to God’s plan to confront darkness and evil through a redeemed, Spirit-filled people. When the Holy Spirit comes, He brings power, love, a sound mind, and a bold voice. He stands ready to transform our lives and the world around us.

When we place our faith in Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). We are baptized into His body (1 Corinthians 12:13) and adopted as God’s children (Ephesians 1:5). Yet, stepping fully into God’s mission on earth requires the baptism of the Holy Spirit—empowerment that continues as we are repeatedly filled with His presence (Ephesians 5:18). Through this filling, we become vessels of God’s voice, wisdom, power, and love.

The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to preach (Acts 1:8; 4:29), prophesy (Acts 2:18; 19:6), express genuine worship and praise (Acts 10:46; 16:25), and perform miracles (Acts 4:30; 6:8). Above all, He walks with us as our guide, helper, and comforter, pouring God’s love into our hearts (Romans 5:5). In a dark and often challenging world, His presence brings light, strength, and hope. 

Misunderstandings, excesses, and counterfeit movements have clouded our understanding of the Holy Spirit, leading some to approach Him with hesitation or skepticism. However, these distortions don’t erase the powerful truth of His work. From the beginning, when He hovered over the waters in creation (Genesis 1:2), the Holy Spirit has been actively bringing life, order, and renewal. His presence is a gift that remains unchanging, even when human understanding falters.

We are called to avoid letting life's worries, the lure of wealth, or worldly distractions stifle His work in us (Mark 4:19). Instead, let’s be filled with the Spirit’s fire, carrying Christ’s light to a desperately needy world. May we always seek to overflow with the beautiful, life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit!

Many Blessings, BW