Rain Upon Mown Grass

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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He [Uzziah] continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him successful. 2 Chronicles 26:5

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Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

As I embarked on my journey in pastoral ministry, I was moved by the story of King Uzziah and the profound impact of his reign on Judah’s history. His accomplishments in the military, infrastructure, and spiritual reforms stood out to me, shaping Israel’s path during his time. I felt a calling from the Lord to walk a path of significance in His kingdom.

However, my initial understanding of kingdom significance was limited and idealistic. I believed then, as I still do now, that God invites us to live lives of purpose and impact. Yet, I’ve realized that kingdom significance isn’t about making a career out of it; it’s about aligning with God’s heart and becoming a servant to His causes and people (Matthew 20:25-28). Despite his many accomplishments, Uzziah’s downfall came when he lost sight of God’s heart for serving His people.

In his early days, Uzziah passionately loved God. The phrase “As long as he sought the Lord” is a testimony to his unwavering dedication and a source of motivation for us all. It’s a reminder that our circumstances should never deter us from answering God’s call. The term sought paints a picture of forging a path, symbolizing overcoming obstacles and challenges. Life presents many hurdles that can make God’s opportunities seem unreachable. We can either give in to the urge to retreat or lean on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, moving forward with faith to carve a way for ourselves and inspire others along the journey.

In our spiritual journey, we are not meant to walk alone. Just as God blessed Uzziah with the wise prophet Zechariah, who taught him to fear the Lord, we too can expect to have prophetic and wise mentors, teachers, and supportive friends. These individuals, who genuinely believe in us and the mission we’ve been entrusted with, are a blessing and testimony to the value of community and the strength we can draw from those around us.

Uzziah’s story is a reminder that a strong and blessed start doesn’t always guarantee a powerful finish. Despite starting his life beautifully in grace (2 Chronicles 26:16-21), he let arrogance take over. His entitlement-driven anger led him to overstep his authority, particularly in worship. Uzziah insisted on doing things his way, defending his actions, and asserting his rights. This tragic turn of events warns of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in our relationship with God.

Unfortunately, Uzziah developed leprosy on his forehead in his anger (2 Chronicles 26:19). In the Bible, leprosy is often used as a symbol for sin, representing how it can impair and numb the sensitivity of its victims. After this incident, King Uzziah lived the rest of his life in seclusion, unable to lead his nation or participate in the spiritual life of Israel. It’s a sad ending for a man once abundantly blessed and significantly used by God.

Uzziah’s story powerfully reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s desire to fill our lives with a deep love for God’s beauty and purposes, surrounding us with a supportive and caring community along life’s journey. Yet, it also cautions us against the dangers of pride, entitlement, and sin creeping into our hearts, causing us to lose sight of the servant heart of the Lord.

Many Blessings, BW

“At this time, Moses was born, and he was beautiful to God. He was nurtured for three months in his father’s home. Acts 7:20

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,
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The books of Exodus to Deuteronomy tell the story of Moses’ incredible life. As you explore these scriptures, you'll discover that beyond his remarkable leadership, many miracles are associated with him. They reveal how tumultuous his birth and life circumstances were, background details that are easy to overlook but integral to his redemptive story.

Moses was born during a time of genocide, where countless Hebrew baby boys were being drowned. In a desperate bid for his survival, his mother placed him in a basket among the reeds along the Nile River, hoping that someone would discover and care for him (Exodus 2:1-3).

Remarkably, Moses was found by members of the household of the ruler who demanded and sanctioned the slaughter of his people. He grew up in the palace of Pharaoh. This place was a continual reminder of the children whose lives were mercilessly cut off and God's seeming silence in the face of suffering and horrific injustice (Exodus 2:10).

Undoubtedly, Moses carried the weight of his people's anguish, wrestling within himself about his identity and purpose. In a moment of anger at the injustices, he struck and killed an Egyptian who had been abusing one of his Hebrew brothers and hid the man’s body in the sand (Exodus 2:11-12). Yet, even in this dark hour, he had hope, believing that his activism for justice would reveal God's hand at work (Exodus 2:13-14).

His intentions were noble - to protect his people and uphold justice. But like many of us in our search for meaning and purpose and doing what we believe is right, Moses took matters into his own hands, veering away from God's heart and ways. As a result, he had to run for his life, leaving behind everyone and everything he knew.

He dwelt in the desert for forty years, embracing unfamiliar customs and seemingly losing touch with any semblance of identity and purpose. Yet a life-altering meeting with God at a burning bush and his acceptance of God's plan sparked a profound journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of God and His ways.

As time passed, Moses grew to be known as "a friend of God." The Bible describes how the Lord would speak to him face to face as if talking with a close friend (Exodus 33:11). Throughout it all, God's guiding hand was ever-present in Moses' life. Moses was always considered "beautiful to God." 

Much like Moses, we have encountered brokenness, sorrow, and rejection. We navigate a world that's becoming more hostile to our faith, wrestling with challenges such as fractured families, business setbacks, mistakes, and erroneous beliefs in our relationship with God and service to Him. Regardless of how the world may judge us as successful or failures, accepted or rejected, we are and have always been cherished and valued in the eyes of our heavenly Father.

Surrendering to Christ empowers us to heal from our past wounds and heartaches. It opens the door to a meaningful and passionate relationship with God. Knowing that our heavenly Father cherishes you and desires your companionship (John 15:15), regardless of your history or present situation, can profoundly enrich and change the trajectory of your life.

Many Blessings, BW