Empowered by the Holy Spirit

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
- Psalm 46:4

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

From the dawn of creation to the glorious visions of heaven, rivers carry deep spiritual meaning throughout the Bible. They reflect God’s loving nature, immense power, and the abundant flow of His blessings. Understanding the depth of what rivers represent requires a counterintuitive move—stepping down. Just as rivers flow to the lowest places, we must humble ourselves to receive the fullness of God’s provision. In that posture of humility, we find elevation—not by striving, but by His Spirit lifting us.

In the Latin translation of the Bible, The Vulgate, Saint Jerome refers to Psalm 1 as “The Preface of the Holy Spirit.” A preface introduces a book, laying out its purpose and scope. Psalm 1:3 sets the tone for the Book of Psalms with its rich imagery of a tree flourishing beside a life-giving river: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

River imagery has significantly influenced my life, especially as referenced in Psalm 46. It captures God’s heart for provision, bringing peace, joy, renewal, and purpose. The “city of God” mentioned in Psalm 46 represents His presence among us, His treasured family, while also pointing to the truth that the church is His corporate dwelling place.

Jesus expands on this imagery in John 7:37-39 during the Feast of Tabernacles. He gave a timeless invitation: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” This promise captures the essence of the Holy Spirit, a gift like a river that nourishes a city. He empowers, refreshes, and fills us with God’s life.

The Holy Spirit River flows endlessly and presents many different manifestations. Jesus proclaimed, ‘rivers of living water,’ inviting us on a lifelong journey of discovery into the river's depths. Ezekiel 47:5 describes it as a vast river that “cannot be crossed.” In Revelation 22:1, we see its source—the throne of God and the Lamb—and its endless flow. The depth and beauty of this River are overwhelming, but it is not just for us to enjoy from afar. We are invited to step in and be fully immersed.

Entering the Holy Spirit River starts with humility. As you let go and step in, God elevates you beyond anything you could achieve on your own. In the River, you will accelerate the growth of the fruit of the Spirit, spiritual gifts, and anointing for your calling. You’ll experience transformation as your unique gifts are infused with Jesus’s anointing and perspective, empowering you to impact those around you in new and powerful ways. This is where you’ll find fresh assignments and renewed life—where God makes all things new.

Jesus’s invitation still stands: if you’re thirsty, come to Him. Drink deeply from the River that flows from His presence. Surrender control and allow the Holy Spirit to flow freely (1 Thessalonians 5:19).  As you do, you’ll find renewal, growth, and an ever-deepening connection with God. You’ll be like a vibrant tree flourishing by the water, drawing strength, purpose, and nourishment from the endless Rivers of the Holy Spirit.

Many Blessings, BW

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
- Luke 2:4-5

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

During times of refreshing and revival, the Holy Spirit moves in powerful ways, and we become more aware of His presence in our lives. Breakthroughs come more quickly, spiritual momentum builds, and the pull from our flesh and the world starts to weaken. Our hearts naturally respond in these moments, and we feel empowered to move forward in faith.

But often, after a time like this, we enter a season of silence. Think about Joseph and Mary. Gabriel appeared to Mary with the incredible news that she would give birth to Jesus. God spoke to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him that the Holy Spirit conceived this child and encouraging him to marry her. Yet after those visitations, Gabriel didn’t return. There were no more direct messages or clear instructions—no heads-up about the Roman decree that would make them travel to Bethlehem.

The glory and awe of those initial encounters—the excitement of being chosen for such a sacred purpose—soon faded as they faced the complex realities of life. Mary’s pregnancy was misunderstood, bringing shame from those around them, and Joseph had to shoulder the weight of raising a child who wasn’t biologically his. Then, on top of everything, they had to make a grueling 90-mile journey to Bethlehem with Mary close to full term.

In that silence and darkness, it’s as if God told Joseph and Mary, “I trust you. You’re parents now, and I trust you with My Son. I’ll guide you when it’s needed.”

Many come alive when the Holy Spirit moves in power. I’ve seen people shift from just going through the motions to becoming bold warriors of faith almost overnight. But I’ve also seen those same warriors pull back when night comes, and God seems silent, losing sight of who they are and what God has put in them.

There will be times of refreshing, where God’s presence is felt in powerful ways, but there will also be those quieter, in-between seasons that test our faith in new ways. In those dark and quiet times, remember that faith works in two ways: one that actively reaches for Kingdom realities and one that endures. We need both. And we also need to remember that God trusts us to live out what He’s placed in us, even in the silent, dark seasons. While our faith journey might not always be marked by moments of glory, every step brings us closer to a brighter and more glorious future.

Don’t let discouragement, disappointment, or life’s difficulties steal your inheritance in Christ. Those silent nights are just as holy as your most glorious days because “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:5). Even in the quiet or dark seasons, the light of Christ in you shines just as brightly.

Many Blessings, BW

He fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan.
-Luke 17:16

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The Gospel of Luke highlights Jesus' compassion for those often overlooked by society—the poor, women, Samaritans, tax collectors, and sinners. While many religious people of the day rejected Him, foreigners and those on the margins often showed remarkable faith in Jesus. This reminds us that Jesus’ love and grace are for everyone, regardless of their background or story.

As someone who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 has especially touched my heart. Leprosy in biblical times wasn’t just a physical illness—it led to social and spiritual isolation, too. People with leprosy were cast out and forced to live on the fringes of society, far from community and connection. When Jesus healed those ten lepers, He didn’t just restore their health— He gave them acceptance and a way back into their community.

This story also invites us to consider how we respond to God’s goodness. When God blesses us, do we pause to thank Him or take those blessings for granted, maybe even feeling entitled to them? All ten lepers cried out for mercy, and Jesus healed all of them. But only one— a Samaritan— returned to express his gratitude. This reminds us that it’s possible to receive blessings from God without genuinely connecting with Him, just as the other nine didn’t return and missed the chance to deepen their relationship with Jesus.

God doesn’t need our thanks, but He’s honored and delighted when we offer them. Jesus wasn’t seeking thanks for His own sake. He wanted those men to understand the full significance of what He’d done for them. The nine received physical healing but missed the deeper healing that comes from recognizing and responding to God’s work in our lives. The one who returned found not only physical restoration but spiritual wholeness, too.

The Bible doesn’t tell us to be thankful for every difficult thing—that would ignore the reality of pain and hardship. But it does encourage us to be grateful in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Without a grateful heart, we can easily misunderstand God, misinterpret His actions, or even misjudge His character.

Gratitude softens our hearts, drawing us closer to the Holy Spirit and helping us resist temptation. It also keeps our focus on Jesus. The more we reflect on God’s goodness, the more confident we become in Him, and the easier it is to trust Him in every area of our lives. In a world that often pushes us to focus on what we lack, what’s wrong, or what we think we deserve, gratitude changes our perspective. It grounds us in the present, helps us see our blessings, and keeps us humble, reminding us to trust that God is working all things for our good.  A grateful heart makes us more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence, even in the little moments, and opens us up to welcome deeper experiences of His grace.

Like the Samaritan leper, we can discover greater healing and wholeness when recognizing and celebrating God’s work. With a grateful heart, we’re also more attuned to the broken and hurting around us, ready to respond with compassion and love.

Many Blessings, BW

He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. Psalm 72:6

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

In this region, hay fields are typically mowed a couple of times a year, generally in the spring and fall. There’s something uniquely beautiful about a freshly mowed hay field, with large round bales scattered across the landscape. Especially in the crisp, cool air of fall, it evokes thoughts of harvest and Thanksgiving.

Early mornings in a freshly mowed hay field are particularly meaningful as they often have a misty, almost spiritual quality. Evaporation rises gently from the hay bales, creating a soft, otherworldly vapor that hovers over the field. This adds to the peacefulness of the scene, as the rising moisture reflects the first light of dawn, inspiring hope for a new and better day.

While a mowed field is a natural beauty, the spiritual experience of being "mowed" can feel unsettling. It may make us wonder if we've done something wrong or if something is out of place in our lives. These times of "mowing" are not a sign of failure but of spiritual growth, renewal, and care from a loving God.

I’ve observed some hay fields that were once vibrant and productive. For some reason the owner left the fields uncared for—they are no longer fertilized or mowed. It wasn’t long before those once thriving fields had become overgrown with weeds, brambles, and young tree saplings.

Our Heavenly Father is the Master Gardener and never neglects His fields. He lovingly tends to each of us, always at work in our lives and circumstances, ensuring we are well-watered, nurtured, and cared for. Even when we don’t see it, He works for our growth and fruitfulness

If you’ve experienced ‘mowing’ in your life, it’s a sign that you’ve been a productive field in your previous season. The Father isn’t cutting you back because you’ve done wrong but because you've borne fruit through your relationship with Jesus Christ. “Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). God has harvested the fruits of His purpose in you. Your journey, experiences, and struggles have produced something of value in His eyes.

Even when we feel like tender blades of grass, cut down and humbled, remember that our Heavenly Father sees us differently. He looks upon us with love, gracefully sending His rain to nurture us to greater fruitfulness and glory.

This is His promise to us. “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8). Indeed, we flourish more in some seasons than others. Like Paul, who found contentment in both seasons of ‘mowing’ and abundance, we can experience peace because of Christ’s presence (Philippians 4:11-13). The presence of His Holy Spirit will carry us through these tender moments into a season of flourishing and abundance.

The Lord Jesus has chosen us to be fruitful fields (1 Corinthians 3:9), ready to be used for His purposes in this world. Like hay bales nourish the hungry, our lives are meant to bless and sustain others, only made possible by an abiding union with Christ (John 15:5).

Let’s embrace the refining power of His Word (John 15:3) to avoid the harsher pruning that comes from the world. We are loved, fed, and watered in His hands in preparation for greater fruitfulness.

Many Blessings, BW

Then he came there to a cave and spent the night there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:9  

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

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After running away from Jezebel, Elijah sought refuge in a cave on Mount Horeb, feeling defeated and alone. In this moment of seclusion, Elijah had a divine encounter. God spoke to him, not through thunder, fire, or earthquakes, but in a “gentle blowing,” or as one translation puts it, “a still small voice.” This voice, this whisper of God, brought Elijah comfort, reassurance, and a new vision in his darkest hour.
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Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, was holy ground in Elijah’s time. It is where Moses encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-2), struck the rock for water (Exodus 17:6), received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20), and received instructions for building the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31). It’s also where the Lord appeared to Moses and the 70 elders who ate in His presence (Exodus 24:9-11).

Elijah comes to this sacred ground, expecting to experience God's glory. Instead, he ends up sitting in a cave, feeling despair. There, God asks him, "What are you doing here?" Elijah pours his heart out to the Lord, saying, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life” (1 Kings 19:10).

Then, God sends a mighty wind, but isn’t in the wind. He sends an earthquake but isn’t in the earthquake. Finally, God sends fire, but isn’t in the fire. God again asks, “What are you doing here?” And Elijah repeats his complaint, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life” (1 Kings 19:13-17).

It is the same conversation. What has changed? Elijah remains in despair. Yet now, Elijah is more aware of God’s presence on a personal and relational level. On this sacred mountain, where God moved powerfully, Elijah discovers that God cares about him as a person – not just as a prophet or for his success – and with the still small voice speaks to him in a deeply relational way.

We have our version of holy mountains – moments when the Scriptures were alive and powerful, times we’ve experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, and those beautiful days that Job so aptly described, “When my steps were bathed with cream, And the rock poured out rivers of oil for me!” (Job 29:6) When facing heartbreak, revisiting those defining moments can be helpful, but only if we allow those memories to fill us with faith, strength, and courage to face our circumstances rather than run from them.

The good news is that we have something even more significant than what Elijah experienced. Jesus promised that the Father would send us another “Advocate,” “Counselor,” or “Helper,” just like Him (John 14:16-18). The Holy Spirit loves us, cares for us, and stands by our side, especially when life feels overwhelming. Just like in Elijah’s story, the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit offers us a fresh start—a new beginning filled with life, joy, peace, and purpose, something we all deeply need.

Many Blessings, BW

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." 1 Kings 19:4

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

Elijah transformed Israel's destiny over three and a half years, a time marked by miracles and answered prayers. During this season, he witnessed some of God's most remarkable works recorded in the Bible. His prayers brought a widow's son back to life, provided daily food, defeated the prophets of Baal, called down fire from heaven, and brought rain as a blessing from God after three and a half years of drought (1 Kings 17-18).

After his victory on Mount Carmel and the drought was broken, it seemed the moment Elijah had been preparing for had finally arrived. Because of the demonstration of God's power, the people confessed, "The Lord is God" (1 Kings 18:39). God's judgment was over, and showers of mercy were falling, restoring the land and nation. Elijah, empowered by the hand of the Lord, even outran Ahab's chariot for sixteen miles back to the palace in Jezreel to avoid getting caught in the downpour (1 Kings 18:46).

It looked like a new day for God's people, but Ahab’s wife, the evil queen Jezebel, had other plans. She sent a messenger to Elijah, threatening his life: "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them [dead prophets of Baal] by tomorrow about this time" (1 Kings 19:2). After hearing Jezebel’s death threat, Elijah ran away. He asked God to let him die, feeling it would be better than being killed by Jezebel.

As Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Elijah was physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. He had poured everything into his mission, faithfully following the Lord's commands and caring deeply about his work. Despite a great victory, he was broken and in despair when his hopes for a national revival weren't met. This reminds us that even the most faithful can face moments of deep discouragement and disillusionment.

We all face heartbreak when life doesn't go as expected. It's important not to give up or let fear take over. In the famous love chapter in 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul gives us a key to resilience: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7). God's love empowers us to endure and persevere through tough times, reminding us that our faith and hope are strengthened by love.

Elijah's story is inspiring because his mission continued even when things didn't go as planned. His story teaches us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and recognize God always has a plan for us, even in the midst of discouragement. Elijah's journey reminds us that in times of fear, disappointment, and uncertainty, we can rely on God's provision, listen for His voice, and rest in the truth that He has plans for our lives. Our future is secure in Him. God is always at work, even when events don't unfold as we expect. Trusting God means letting go of our expectations, not letting heartbreak shape our view of Him, and understanding that He always has our best interests at heart.

Many Blessings, BW