Lessons from Antioch

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

And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.” 1 Kings 18:1

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Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

1 Kings 17 launches into the powerful story of Elijah, an incredibly anointed man in the Old Testament, and provides a compelling narrative of faith and divine intervention. He fearlessly challenges the corrupt King Ahab, prophesying a drought that will only end upon his command, demonstrating the immense significance of the powerful anointing upon him.

Then, God sends him to a remote location near the brook Cherith, outside the Promised Land. In this unlikely setting, he's cared for by some unusual helpers – ravens bring him food, and he drinks from the brook. But as the drought persists, even this divine provision eventually runs out. It's a reminder that times and seasons change, and sometimes God's provisions change along with them.

When the brook Cherith dried up, God directed Elijah to Zarephath, in the heart of Baal's territory. There, he met a struggling widow facing starvation. Elijah asked for her last meal, and though she hesitated, she trusted his assurance that her food supply would last until the drought ended. She obeyed, and as promised, Elijah, the widow, and her son had daily food. The flour and oil did not run out, as God had said through Elijah.

Later, the widow's son became ill and died. The woman was brokenhearted and questioned Elijah about her son's death. Elijah took the boy to his room, laid him on his bed, and cried out to God. He stretched himself out on the boy three times and prayed for God to let the boy's life return. The Lord heard Elijah's prayer, and the boy's life returned. This event marks a defining moment, the first instance of resurrection recorded in the Bible.

As unusual and awe-inspiring as his journey was, it was only preparation for the big showdown awaiting Elijah at Mount Carmel. There, he fearlessly confronts 400 prophets of Baal, challenges the people to serve God, summons fire from heaven, kills the prophets of Baal, and ends the relentless drought that brought about the nation's economic collapse and decimated the population (1 Kings 18).

Elijah's journey to Mount Carmel is a lesson for those seeking to operate in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the space that often exists between God's initial call and its ultimate fulfillment. As confusing and challenging as this waiting period can be, it offers a valuable opportunity to prepare and learn how to follow and flow with the Holy Spirit.  Imagine Elijah arriving at Mount Carmel without any history or training to work with the anointing.

Elijah's ministry transformed an entire nation, and this same anointing, known as the Elijah anointing, is promised for the end-times church (Malachi 4:5). When the spirit and power of Elijah rest upon the church, it will "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6), altering the destiny of nations and preparing the people for the coming of the Lord Jesus (Luke 3:4-6). Trust His timing if you find yourself waiting between God's call and its fulfillment. He may be preparing you for the spirit and power of Elijah.

Many Blessings, BW

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

King David, with great boldness, declared that God would reveal to him - and prophetically to us - the path of life, a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As a twelve-year-old, Jesus showed us the path that shaped His life. He said, "Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father's house and [occupied] about My Father's business?" (Luke 2:49 AMPC). Jesus invites us to join Him on the same path.

Having walked this path, albeit with imperfections, for a considerable time, I can confidently attest that it is the most enriching way to live. It is not always a smooth ride or about self- fulfillment, but it is a path that leaves us with fewer regrets and more joy. Essentially, a life devoted to nurturing relationships and selfless service ushers us into His Presence and fills our hearts with a profound sense of fulfillment and joy.

The Greek translation of Jesus'; words reads, “I must be in, or among, the things that belong to my Father.“ The phrase "the things of my Father" emphasizes that He serves in the Kingdom of God and highlights that He was in a close-knit family. As the Apostle Paul later explained, the grand design was for us to be citizens of God's Kingdom and cherished as members of His family (Ephesians 2:19-22).

One of the most precious gifts from our Heavenly Father is the beautiful experience of being warmly welcomed into His family (Ephesians 1:5). In the same way that adoptive parents choose and embrace a child, we too are personally selected by our Father and joyously brought into His close-knit family circle. This divine adoption comes with incredible privileges and rights, making us true heirs of God and sharing in the inheritance with Christ (Romans 8:16-17).

Through our faith in Christ, we become part of God's family, His cherished sons and daughters, enjoying the rich blessings and glory that come with our spiritual birthright (1 Corinthians 2:9).

At the heart of our spiritual journey is establishing a deep connection with the Father and recognizing our identity as His beloved children. We are not just called to be passive observers but to play an active and significant role in His Kingdom’s mission. Following the example of Jesus, who entered this world as a beloved Son and a humble servant, we bear witness to God's love for all humanity (John 13:13-17). This service is not a heavy burden but a joy and fulfillment that brings us closer to understanding the heart of the Father and His mission. It is a privilege we are blessed to partake in. Your role in God's mission is not just important; it is crucial and significant, an integral part of His divine plan.

Accolades or material wealth do not bring us true fulfillment and success. Instead, it is the depth of our connection with our heavenly Father and our steadfast commitment to serve those He brings into our lives. The path of life leads to a walk-in sync with God’s family and Kingdom mission, placing us in a grand design that holds far greater significance than any self- centered, worldly existence could ever offer. In this relationship and service, we unearth true fulfillment and success, a success that surpasses the boundaries of this world and reverberates in eternity.

 Many Blessings, BW

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