Keys to Abundant Life

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

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