Dear People

For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity. Proverbs 24:15

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Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

God wants us to learn that while we can fail, we are not failures. We do not have to stay down when we fall, but we can get back up and keep going. Nobody wants to experience loss, as it can be embarrassing and cause us to lose confidence; failure can either help us or hold us back. Our mistakes do not determine who we are. While they may leave a mark, they should not define us. The Bible documents the shortcomings of many significant figures in God’s story, yet they are still revered as spiritual heroes.

As a new believer, I was deeply impacted by the life of John Mark. He was born into a wealthy family deeply devoted to Jesus Christ, and his home in Jerusalem was a center for Holy Spirit activity (Acts 12). John Mark was related to Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) and was selected as an assistant to Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13). He abandoned them when things got tough, which caused a rift between Paul and Barnabas and led to a broader disagreement within the church community (Acts 13). As a result, Paul shunned John Mark (Acts 15). Despite having great potential, John Mark failed to take advantage of his opportunities and caused much hurt.

Eighteen years after the fateful mission trip, Paul had a different opinion of John Mark. In a message to the Church in Colossae, Paul urged them to welcome John Mark as a fellow worker (Colossians 4:10). Later, toward the end of his life, Paul requested that Timothy bring John Mark to him because he found him useful for ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). Paul’s perception of John Mark underwent a complete transformation, from rejection to reliance, which is a powerful testimony to the redemptive power of God.

Paul had a valid reason for changing his attitude towards John Mark. Following John Mark’s unsuccessful mission trip, he was mentored by a man who knew failure well: Peter, who became his spiritual father (1 Peter 5:13). This discipleship with Peter transformed John Mark’s life, culminating in his authorship of the Gospel of Mark, inspired by his relationship with Peter. The story of John, Mark, Paul, and Peter is a testimony to the power of discipleship in turning our failures into successes.

In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invited everyone to become His disciple by saying, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” A yoke is a wooden device placed over the necks of two animals, with the untrained animal following the lead of the trained one. We can apply this to our lives by seeking guidance and mentorship from mature followers of Christ. By learning from them, we can grow in our faith and become better versions of ourselves. This is the Lord’s way of turning our setbacks and letdowns into opportunities for growth and experiencing success in the Kingdom of God.

Many Blessings, BW

Moreover, now for a little while grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage. Ezra 9:8

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

I was born again during the Jesus Movement, an extraordinary time. However, I was surprised when it ended, as I had assumed that this was the norm in Christianity. Since then, I have seen other revivals come and go, each unique with significance, but always saddening when they ended. Throughout my experiences, I have realized that every good thing we receive from God results from His grace, including revival.

Our unearned and undeserved favor from God comes from being saved through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8). Previously, a veil separated us from God, but it was torn apart by Christ’s death and resurrection, giving us access to the open heaven through His body and blood (Matthew27:51 and Hebrews 10:19-20). By accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have been given the extraordinary gift of grace and the opportunity to be in the presence of God. We cherish this privilege and never take it for granted.

During a particular season, the Holy Spirit River flowed abundantly, and we could profoundly experience the grace of our adoption as God’s children (Ephesians 1:5). This encounter with God as our loving Abba Father has significantly transformed our lives. It has allowed us to understand and accept our identity and purpose in life, leading to the healing of past wounds and trauma, liberation from negative influences, and at times, much joy.

Throughout the years, we have focused on an apostolic prayer found in Ephesians 1:15-20. The Apostle Paul made this prayer, requesting that God grant us the spirit of wisdom and revelation to know Jesus Christ better. Paul also mentions the hope of God’s calling, the richness of His inheritance in the saints, and the immense power available to those with faith. With the help of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, our understanding of Jesus has deepened, and we have gained a better appreciation for the blessings He has given us through His life, death, and resurrection.

We were inspired by God’s grace, mercy, and the Holy Spirit to create a space on earth where His presence can be encountered. Our goal is to make the love of the Father and the opportunity to connect with Him accessible to everyone through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13,18 & 22).

Although God has already done many great things for us, we still live in a world that has strayed from its original state of purity. Therefore, we need moments of revival and renewal from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19). Fortunately, we can find comfort in the fact that God’s mercy is always available, and His grace can restore and revive us (Ezra 9:9).

Many Blessings, BW

Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. James 3:3

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The human brain interprets sensory information from the world and is responsible for nearly all functions of our body. The cerebrum, by God’s design, is the control room of our brain and is the location of our speech center. James reveals, as medical science now confirms, that despite its small size, the tongue is not weak. Bits in horses’ mouths and a ship’s rudder (James 3:4) have this in common: small things that steer big things. The tongue is a small but powerful driver of the impact we leave on everyone we meet.

James teaches that while humans have tamed every beast, bird, reptile, and sea animal, we cannot tame our tongues (James 3:8). Our words are an expression of our hearts. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Only the Holy Spirit can tame our tongues by working on our hearts.

Since the tongue is essential to speech, food, and liquid consumption, the Bible often uses it in metaphors to understand the heart and mind of God. As the tongue is used by our physical body to taste food and drink, so by the Holy Spirit, we can taste and see that the Lord is good (Hebrews 6:5 & Psalm 34:8). To taste means something more than a fleeting relationship; it means allowing the Lord and His truth into our inner being. Jesus told us that those who taste and see He is good would find blessings and true happiness (Matthew 5:6). When we taste the Lord, nothing else will truly satisfy us, and we will discern what is of Him and what is from the world, flesh, or the devil.

The tongue aids in chewing and swallowing food and liquid, which speaks of the impact of receiving the word of the Lord. “But the ones (word) that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). A noble and good heart is a surrendered heart. The word of the Lord must be taken absorbed inside a person to have any effect. Simply seeing, smelling, or touching food or water is not enough. It must be consumed to become one with you. The word of the Lord puts substance into your life and changes the essence of who you are.

The tongue enables us to speak, and one of the most precious gifts of the Holy Spirit is the ability to speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues allows us to bypass the interference of our limited understanding and have direct communication between our spirit and the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2). It also releases the interpretation and understanding of the secrets and purposes of God into our hearts (1 Corinthians 14:2). And as we speak in tongues, we build up our spiritual strength (I Corinthians 14:4).

The power of words, whether expressed through speech, writing, thoughts, or any other means, is undeniable. Don’t ignore the power of your words. They can set you on a trajectory of life or loss (Proverbs 18:21).

Many Blessings, BW

“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John 19:34

Dear People Who Keep Company with God

Years ago, I had a vision during worship on a Sunday morning. First, I saw Jesus’s mangled, lifeless body hanging on the cross. It was a horrifying sight. Next, I saw the Roman soldier jab the spear into Jesus’s side, and the water and blood poured out on the ground. I heard, “The headwaters of the River of Life were released into the earth that day.” The life of God is like a mighty, rushing river flowing from the Throne of God and the side of Christ (Revelation 22:1). Throughout the Scriptures, the imagery of God’s River speaks of the abundance of life, provision, joy, and gladness.

The River of God is beginning to flow with increased intensity but not as we have known it before. It is not just refreshing and renewal. Instead, it will become deeper and bring new revelations and anointing to the church and us individually. There is power in His River that we have yet to experience. The Holy Spirit is drawing us to Jesus’ side, where the blood and water flowed, and from this place of relational closeness, the Lord will reveal Himself in ways we have never experienced. There are mysteries of Christ yet to be revealed (Ephesians 3:4). And the Lord will cast a broader, more extensive net into the sea of humanity. As a result, many backsliders and those who have never known Christ’s love will be welcomed into the home of His heart.

Our agenda and plans may be disrupted as the Holy Spirit River flows with greater force. Throughout history, there has always been a challenge to the status quo whenever there is a Holy Spirit revival. By nature, we become accustomed to our routines, and it is easy to be thrown off when God breaks into human affairs. In these times, we must become like a child and surrender. Jesus was once asked by His disciples who was the greatest in the kingdom; He answered…
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‍ “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:3-5)

‍‍Jesus’ point was that the most important, fulfilling, and fruitful things in life are found in being childlike. You cannot be in control and be in the River of God simultaneously. The humble heart attracts the Presence of the Lord. Just as there is no river on earth that you step up to enter, it is with the River of the Holy Spirit. You always step down to flow with Him. You don’t have to strive, work, or struggle. Humility will place you in and keep you in the flow of the River of God. This means giving up control and direction and allowing His River to take you where it will. And He always takes us to good places.

Many Blessings, BW

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Revelation 4:8

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The holiness of the Lord is so awe-inspiring that the twenty-four elders in heaven fall and cast their crowns before the Throne of God every time they hear the four living creatures declare His holiness. This worship never ceases. God’s holiness is profound, unexplainable, and powerful, and yet an infinitely delightful and beautiful part of God’s nature, which we will enjoy and worship forever. God desires to share His holiness with His people, calling us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Isaiah had a vision of the Throne of God and heard the Seraphim cry out: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3) Isaiah was undone because he felt inadequate to stand before a holy God; he needed God to make way for him to be in His holy presence. And so, God did (Isaiah 6:1-6). Through the death of His Son on the cross, God has invited us to stand before Him. As followers of Christ, we are welcomed to boldly come to the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 10:19-22). We are made holy by His blood (Hebrews 10:10). Without Jesus, holiness is impossible. With Jesus, we are invited to live a life of holiness.

Holiness is not only for individual believers but also for the collective body of believers. The Apostle Paul told the church in Ephesus, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). Note the use of the plural words “us” and “we.” We must embrace holiness individually because we are “being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). In the hour we live, the Holy Spirit is preparing a company of people to become the end-time house of God on earth, and holiness is foundational in His house. God is restoring David’s Tabernacle so all people can encounter the Lord (Acts 15:16-17).

Years ago, my friend Donna Culler had a powerful vision of a dark time on earth when holiness would be the first pillar in the foundation of God’s end-time dwelling places.  Donna said, “I want to build this house. He took me to this pitch-dark place. All I could see was black, pitch-black darkness. This huge, vast white pillar was dropped into the darkness to help build the house’s foundation. This pillar was holiness and broke the darkness suddenly when it hit the ground. This enormous cloud of smoke billowed out and into the darkness. It was holy smoke. It pierced the darkness. I saw just the foundation of what the Lord wants to build. We cannot even imagine. The first pillar was being placed to hold the foundation. The pillar was holiness.”

In these dark days, Donna’s vision is a reminder that Jesus is building His church, and the counsel and works of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). His church will pierce the darkness. It stands as an invitation to remember and embrace the power of the blood of Christ, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and become a genuine part of God’s end-times dwelling places on earth.

Many Blessings, BW

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Dear People Who Keep Company With God,

When I was five years old, I had a nightmare that I have never forgotten. In the dream, an intruder broke into our home and was coming for me. I was so overcome with fear that my strength drained out of me like water pouring on the ground. I could not move or speak. Finally, with everything my five-year-old heart could muster, I cried, “Daddy!” Immediately, I heard my daddy in the adjacent room say, “What?” At that point, I was wide awake, my heart was pounding, and I was unaware it was only a dream. But I knew everything was ok because daddy was with me.

Hearing his voice and knowing he was there, the fear dissipated, and my strength returned. I was relieved, secure, and at rest. I went right back to sleep.

Moses was able to lead two million people across a harsh desert environment for forty years because the Presence of the Lord was with him. Jesus may have had this in mind when he told the disciples, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).

The trials and cares of life can be heavy, scary, and sorrowful at times, and if we are not careful, will put yokes upon us, making our bodies, souls, and spirits weary. When we try to carry the burdens of life and walk in abrasive, false yokes and responsibilities, it only leads to more stress, anxiety, and weariness. So often, we tend to shrink back in those times, but Jesus invites us into His Presence to learn and follow Him, and there we find the only genuine security and rest.

As wonderful as it is, the Presence of God is not just an atmosphere charged with life, joy, or peace. The Presence of the Lord is the person of the Holy Spirit. And He is called the Comforter and the Helper. He has been sent to help us in everything concerning our lives.
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‍“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

We have a precious and priceless inheritance in the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the Presence of Jesus on the earth (Philippians 1:19). And He desires to come as a dove and rest on us just as He did with Jesus (Mark 1:10). We are created to be a resting place for Him. The Holy Spirit, resting like a dove, speaks of gentleness, peace, and love. These are all qualities of the Father. And we are like children needing our heavenly Father in an increasingly conflicted, unstable, and scary world.

If we know the Holy Spirit is with us, even though we may still feel afraid and unsure, we will have the assurance that we will be ok. There is no real and lasting security and rest apart from the revelation that the heavenly Father is with us and for us through His Holy Spirit.

Many Blessings, BW

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:1

Dear People Who Keep Company With God,

God says many things about us that can change how we view ourselves and our outlook on life. But the essential thing you need to know is that you are a child of God. The most profound encounters and revelations I’ve experienced all involved God revealing Himself to me as Abba Father. There’s a world of difference between being a creation of God and knowing you are His very own dearly loved and accepted son or daughter. It changes your relationship with God and your life in many beautiful ways and enables you to become the person He had in mind before you were formed in your mother’s womb.

Peter’s use of both his names reveals how our identity develops as we get to know God as our Father. Simon comes from a Hebrew word meaning reed. A reed is shaky, hollow, and unstable, but Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, which means stone. Stones supply strength and stability. Jesus spoke this identity shift two times to Simon, at the beginning of His ministry and towards the end (John 1:42, Matthew 16:18). God often gives people new names that don’t initially seem to fit. For example, He changed Abram’s name to Abraham, “father of many nations,” when he was 75. Isaac was born 25 years later. It also took some time and help from Jesus for Simon to become Peter. And the writers of Scripture didn’t hide anything about Peter’s failures or weaknesses in those defining years. He was as fully human as any of us, but neither his humanity nor failures disqualified Him from becoming all God designed him to be.

Simon Peter’s name also combines the fact that he was a bondservant and an Apostle. For Peter, Paul, and other early Church leaders, their ministry was not a career but a mission. They understood that the most Christ-like leaders in the Kingdom of God are the greatest servants. They were servants first and then leaders. Being an Apostle didn’t mean Peter should no longer serve. Being a servant didn’t mean sacrificing leadership, power, and authority. Jesus is the King of all kings and the Servant of all.

We are called to take on the role of a bondservant. Servanthood is about our assignment, not our identity, although it can help affirm our identity. In God’s eyes, you are a loved son or daughter. On earth, you are to be a servant. Your gifts and calling help to define the primary ways you are called to serve. Being a child of God includes serving, but serving does not guarantee a healthy relationship with the Lord. When you find your identity in what you do, your confidence depends upon your performance. But when you see your identity in being loved and accepted by the Father, your well-being is based on His view of your true identity. Let your relationship with the Father have priority; from that shift, your serving and calling will flow supernaturally.

Knowing God as your Father will open your eyes to who you are and why you are here. When you have confidence that you are a dearly loved son or daughter of God, as Jesus was and is, you will “keep increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52) And like Peter, despite your failures, disappointments, and weaknesses, with the Holy Spirit’s help, you will become everything He has called you to be.

Many Blessings, BW

“No unbelief or distrust made him [Abraham] waver [doubtingly question] concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.” Romans 4:20‍

Dear People Who Keep Company With God,

We all have promises that over time God has sown into our hearts. Often, there is a period of waiting we must endure before we see the fulfillment of those promises. The time between the promises of God and when they are realized is the space where our faith is tested (James 1:2-4). This is when many people get discouraged and give up; they start believing negative thoughts such as: “It will never happen, I must have mistakenly thought this was God,” or, “It’s taking too long. I can’t keep waiting on God.”

God makes promises, and He always fulfills them, but we must learn to walk – and wait – through the process. We want our babies to be born healthy and at the right time, not too early or late, and so does God. “An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end” (Proverbs 20:21). Sometimes, the process will be short, and at other times, it will take years. The purpose of the process is to develop the character, ability, and matured gifting in us so we can carry all that God wants us to have. Graham Cooke said, “It is one thing to get your breakthrough. It is a whole other thing to live your breakthrough.” The process enables us to live out and enjoy all God gives us.

God plants the seed and is faithful to send the rain to cause its growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). Although the seed lies dormant in the ground for a time, it’s still alive and keeps its potential. A pregnant mother can do things to nurture the health and timely birth of the baby in her womb, and we also can partner with the Holy Spirit to support the growth and delivery of all He has sown in our hearts.

Abraham, the father of faith, shows us something we can do to take care of our promises: he thanked God before he saw those promises come true. Despite doubts and unbelief that tried to creep into his mind, Abraham maintained a heart of gratitude. Praise is meant to honor and glorify God, and the effect of praise is that it strengthens our faith to keep believing even when all seems hopeless.

Jesus also revealed that a heart filled with gratitude is a powerful force affecting the promises of God. He gave thanks before some of His greatest miracles manifested (John 6:11, Mark 8:5, and John 11:41). His thanksgiving wasn’t just a fitting act of gratitude: it prepared the way for miracles that would follow. When we express gratefulness to God, we are glorifying Him and acknowledging that God is faithful to His word and that gratitude releases the grace of God over us and His promises to us.

Throughout the day, negative thoughts attempt to get us to abort dreams from God. The old saying fits here, “You can’t stop the birds from flying over, but you can keep them from nesting in your head.” Whenever you’re tempted to worry or give into doubt, let that truth be a reminder to remain grateful.

Let’s take our prayers one step further by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with gratitude even when we don’t see any sign of a breakthrough. In the meantime, God’s peace will guard our hearts and mind until we see His promises manifested in our lives (Philippians 4:6-7).

Many Blessings, BW

“A certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” Luke 10:38-39

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The story of Martha and Mary is often understood to be about priorities. We’re told that, like Martha, we shouldn’t be distracted by focusing on tasks but instead should be like Mary, who sat with Jesus. While this is true, there is more to the story. We can also see it as two sisters in the same family with different purposes and callings. By God’s design, the qualities of Martha and Mary are built into us. Both are essential to our spiritual development and growth and must be fully cultivated. Martha represents our activities, our ministries, and the things we do. Mary represents our devotional life, worship, prayers, and seeking the Lord Himself. Mary represents our heart – Martha, our hands.

For those who have a tendency towards devotion, we must be careful that all we receive at the feet of Jesus must also find its rightful place in the daily activities of our lives, where it becomes a practical reality. Otherwise, we will become like a stagnant pool of water. No one desires to drink from standing water. We must never become detached from the world we live in, even in the most significant encounters of revelation and the supernatural. The Gospels tell us Jesus would go up on a mountain, which speaks of revelation and devotion to the Father. But He always came down to serve in the valley of humanity. So must we if we are to fulfill our purpose and calling[.

While Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, Martha protested that her sister was not helping to prepare the meal. Jesus doesn’t question or admonish Martha for serving. It is that she is “worried and upset about many things.” Her activity is “distracted” (Luke 10:40) and causes her anxiety and frustration while serving, a behavior that Jesus contrasts with “the one thing that is needed” in that moment, which is Mary’s devotion. Martha’s ministry to Jesus distracted her from Him because the work became her focus.

If you have a strong pull toward serving and doing, you need to know that you will be limited in revelations from the Lord while engaging in those activities. We must not neglect our Mary heart that yearns to take time to sit at the feet of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t tell Martha to stop serving, but He does challenge her to refocus her attention on Him as she serves. Out of that will come much more fruitful service. Being and doing have their proper place and time in which to function. If we pay attention to the Holy Spirit, we will know when it is time for the heart of Mary and when it is time for the hands of Martha.

Lazarus was Martha and Mary’s brother. His part in the story serves a crucial function apart from those of his sisters. “Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha” (John 11:1). Lazarus represents our old carnal nature. He is sick and dying, and Jesus would not come and heal him.  He let him die. Then, Jesus came to Lazarus after he had been dead in the tomb for four days. He was beyond help. Jesus resurrected him and told his friends to free Lazarus from the grave clothes, meaning the old life, including the old ways of devotion and service (John 11). If we are truly going to have the heart of Mary and the hands of Martha, it only comes by resurrection power, the power that raised Lazarus – and Jesus – from the grave.

Many Blessings, BW

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