Dear People

These articles are written as a source of spiritual encouragement by lead Pastor Byron Wicker.

Pastor Byron preaching at RiverLife
Pastor’s Blog

Dear People Posts

5 min read

Living in His Presence

Although the journey with God is through a fallen world, there is a path filled with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Joy is a natural byproduct of walking on this path.
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,

Psalm 16:11 holds a special place in my family’s hearts. During our early years as a couple, we were devastated by the unexpected loss of our precious baby girl, Hannah Joy. During those dark days, a dear friend gave us this verse, which resonated prophetically over our lives. The assurance that our daughter was living in His Presence became a comforting encouragement, igniting a flame of hope within our grieving hearts. This fire grew into an enduring life vision: to live in His Presence throughout our time on earth. It is a wellspring of inspiration that continues to fuel our hearts with purpose and resilience amidst the diverse seasons of life—be they marked by sorrow or joy.

In the few words of this verse, we discern the blueprint of God’s original design for our lives. We understand that God has intricately planned a unique path for each of us (Ephesians 2:10). As I have journeyed further on His path, I see clearly that Christ Himself is the very essence of this path. Without Jesus Christ, there is no true life; any path devoid of Him leads to a dead end. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). What makes this revelation beautiful is the display of God’s creativity as each person’s journey unfolds uniquely, a testament to each of us being His unique masterpiece.

Although the journey with God is through a fallen world, there is a path filled with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Joy is a natural byproduct of walking on this path. It is hard to describe joy because it must be experienced. Joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a profound sense of contentment, delight, and gladness that arises from knowing someone wonderful. At its core, joy is relational, springing from the Presence of God—the ultimate source of our joy. This is why we cherish revivals and experiences of the Holy Spirit, as they make us aware of the nearness of His Presence and power. We are also designed to find joy in our relationships with people who love us and are happy to be with us. From the beginning, God never wanted us to be alone or to be without joy (Genesis 2:18).

Being at God’s right hand is not just a meaningless gesture. It carries a lot of significance. We have been seated with God in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). It represents authority and power and even offers a divine perspective on governance. While humans often resist authority, God’s authority is distinct. He is neither an oppressor nor a dictator, ruling with utmost care and consideration. He invites us into a familial relationship, sharing His power with His children. It is the Father’s pleasure to give us His kingdom (Luke 12:32). Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, governs in a way that bestows peace. As Isaiah 55:12 expresses, “For you shall go out with joy and be led out with peace,” indicating that peace follows joy. Through His leadership, generosity, and power, we experience His profound love, joy, enduring peace, and the fullness of His blessings and inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 3:14-21).

One day, our journey on the path of life will end on earth. We will then reach our heavenly home, where we will finally be able to look upon the face of our heavenly Father and experience a joyous reunion with our beloved Hannah Joy. We will know the fullness of Psalm 16:11, a promise we hold dear. This promise is a testament to the Lord’s gracious exchange, granting us beauty in place of our ashes.

Many Blessings, BW

5 min read

The Greatest Prayer Ever

The Gospel of John tells the story of the most famous meal in the Bible – the final Passover Meal that Jesus shared with his disciples hours before his crucifixion. The Last Supper, or Holy Communion, is the only tradition that Jesus instructed His followers to continue until His return.
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.” John 17:20

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

Meals hold a cherished place in celebrations worldwide. They can evoke emotions and memories while fostering a sense of togetherness and connection. In chapters 13-17, the Gospel of John tells the story of the most famous meal in the Bible – the final Passover Meal that Jesus shared with his disciples hours before his crucifixion. The Lord’s Supper, also known as the Last Supper or Holy Communion, is the only tradition that Jesus instructed His followers to continue until His return (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

During the supper, Jesus shares some of His most personal thoughts, speaking in a way that resonates as fully human and full of divine revelation and authority. At the heart of Jesus’ message is the purpose of His earthly mission: to reveal the true nature of God the Father and reconcile humanity to Him. He summed it up, saying, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Jesus, the King of kings, came to serve humanity as a beloved Son and servant, revealing the Father’s love. As loved children of the Father and friends of Jesus, we are called to serve people on earth (John 13:13-17).

Jesus also cautioned us about the world’s hatred (John 15:18). He prepared His apostles for the near trials he would go through in a short time, including His arrest, torture, and death at Golgotha. In doing so, He also showed us how we all can live in the long term through His victory on the cross. He emphasized that our present-day spiritual warfare is based on His triumph, not on our efforts to achieve victory. The Apostle Paul later affirms this when he speaks of the “good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). This means there is a bad fight of faith, which is when we strive for victory from our sense of justice or righteousness, not from the victory Christ won once and for all at the cross.

To navigate life on Earth, Jesus emphasizes the importance of establishing a meaningful relationship with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18 & 16:7). Our relationship with the Spirit of God equips us to endure the world’s hatred, confront life’s challenges, and navigate through times of sorrow, while also experiencing the power, beauty, and wonder of our status as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and members of God’s household.

Just before departing from the Upper Room and entering the Garden of Gethsemane, where He would be arrested, Jesus offered what many consider the most profound prayer ever uttered on earth, as recorded in John 17. He prayed for Himself, the Apostles, and all His followers throughout the ages. Jesus’ intercession for us is stunning. He prayed that we would be united with the Father and the Holy Spirit just as He is (John 17:22-23). He also prayed that we would witness and experience His glory and come to know the love of the Father (John 17:24-26).

Jesus’s final meal with His disciples before His death and His prayer over His past and future followers reveal that we can have the same mantle of love, power, and a sound mind that He embodied. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was filled, empowered, and propelled to carry out His work. We, too, can receive the same filling, empowerment, and propulsion to continue His work. Just as the Father sent Jesus into the world, Jesus now sends us out to continue the work He completed on the cross (John 20:21).

Many Blessings, BW

5 min read

Ruth and Boaz

The Book of Ruth has been called the most beautiful short story ever written. The story highlights through four key moments the role of Lord Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Boaz figure, in unlocking our potential and fulfilling our destiny.
There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. Ruth 2:1

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The Book of Ruth has been called the most beautiful short story ever written. It holds a special place in my heart because my mother’s name was Ruth. Whenever I see fields being harvested in autumn, it reminds me of this story, and I revisit it. Recently, I have been reflecting on the significance of Boaz in the narrative. Boaz is a powerful type of Christ, providing valuable insights into His plan for our lives. The story highlights through four key moments the role of Lord Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Boaz figure, in unlocking our potential and fulfilling our destiny.

Ruth and Boaz meet for the first time in a harvest field (Ruth 2:1-23). This field represents where we first encounter Jesus and His saving grace. Here, we are invited to find refuge in His abundant fields, where our needs are met. Like a diligent farmer, the Lord nourishes our hearts and satisfies our spiritual thirst. This is where we find comfort and divine protection. Some of us only visit the harvest field occasionally, seeking to fulfill our needs but settling for less than our full potential. God desires more than just a place in our lives; He longs to be our true home, where we find complete fulfillment.

The next meeting of Ruth and Boaz takes place at the threshing floor (Ruth 3:1-12), where grain is separated from the chaff, symbolizing Christ’s refining work in our lives. In this intense space, we learn that what we desire most – love, peace, joy, and blessings – may be hidden. God’s presence may feel different here, even unfamiliar. We face a difficult decision about our spiritual journey during the darkest hours on the threshing floor. Do we press on to reach the purpose that Jesus Christ has called us to fulfill and wants us to discover (Philippians 3:12) or retreat to the familiar field, where our immediate needs are met, but we will never find proper rest and lasting blessings?

On the threshing floor at midnight, Ruth decides to pursue a deeper relationship with Boaz. But there is a significant obstacle in her way, as someone else has a legitimate claim on Ruth. This requires a resolution at the city gates, which serve as the city’s governance center. Boaz meets with the elders and the man with a claim on Ruth (Ruth 4:1-10). What occurs at the city gates mirrors what God wants to achieve in our lives. He wants to challenge the claims we, others, and our past have over ourselves. Like the man with the claim in Ruth’s story, we can’t provide the fulfillment we seek. But God invites us to surrender our self-sovereignty and allow Him to guide our steps toward a more prosperous and purposeful life.

Finally, Boaz takes Ruth into his home, and she becomes his wife (Ruth 4:13). They are blessed with a son who becomes King David’s grandfather (Ruth 4:21-22), with whom Jesus is a direct descendant. Today, the church is still on her journey towards her destiny, the beautiful bride of Revelations 19:7-8. As the Scottish revivalist George McDonald said, “This is and has been the Father’s work from the beginning – to bring us into the home of His heart. This is our destiny.” The Scriptures are woven together to lead us to this most significant destination. Much like Boaz’s earnest pursuit of Ruth, the central theme of the Bible revolves around Christ’s relentless pursuit of us. This divine pursuit culminates when we encounter the fullness of God’s presence, power, and purpose. This is God’s plan for each of us.

Many Blessings, BW

5 min read

Fresh Oil for a New Season

During our lives, moments inevitably arise when we embark on a journey of transitions and change. Psalm 92 offers invaluable wisdom to guide us through these transitional times and embrace the new season that awaits us.
Your anointing has made me strong and mighty. You’ve empowered my life for triumph by pouring fresh oil over me. Psalm 92:10 (TPT)

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

Psalm 92 is aptly titled “A Song for the Sabbath Day.” It was composed with the Sabbath in mind and designed as a musical reflection for this day of rest and worship. The Sabbath is also an opportunity for renewal and fresh beginnings. During our lives, moments inevitably arise when we embark on a journey of transitions and change. Psalm 92 offers invaluable wisdom to guide us through these transitional times and embrace the new season that awaits us.

Within this Psalm, verse 10 is the pivotal verse, holding the key to understanding and navigating these transformative shifts. In Scripture, oil is a powerful symbol, embodying wealth, abundance, health, and vitality, constituting an indispensable element for a prosperous and fulfilling life. It also represents spiritual abundance, only possible by the Holy Spirit. The Lord promises to grant us a renewed strength to empower and direct us as we navigate transitions and embrace new beginnings. While yesterday’s anointing sustained us in the past, each new season, endeavor, and purpose requires a “fresh anointing” from the Holy Spirit. This timeless truth is vividly illustrated in the life stories of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ, who were anointed at different times as they prepared for their unique seasons of change.

In David’s case, his anointing as king occurred on three occasions. The first instance unfolded at his family home in Bethlehem, where the prophet Samuel anointed him in the presence of his family (1 Samuel 16:13). This initial anointing served as a preparatory anointing for becoming king. The second occasion occurred following the death of King Saul. At this juncture, the elders of Judah anointed him as king in Hebron, designating him as the leader of his tribe (2 Samuel 2:4). Finally, after many years, the elders of both Judah and Israel came together in Jerusalem to jointly anoint him as king, symbolizing his consecration for national and international leadership (2 Samuel 5:3).

While Scripture records numerous instances of Jesus being anointed, three particularly pivotal ones stand out. The first anointing occurred at His baptism in the Jordan River, a profound moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him as a dove (Mark 1:10-11). This marked His identity as His Father’s beloved Son and the initiation of His ministry. As His earthly ministry neared its conclusion, Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus, which served as preparation for His impending burial (Matthew 26:6-13). Following His death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father, a heavenly anointing adorned Him with the “oil of gladness.” This anointing symbolized His exalted position at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 1:9).

The stories of David and Jesus vividly emphasize the need for a continuous supply of “fresh oil” to nurture our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being as we navigate life’s ever-changing times and challenges. New seasons often bring us different assignments and purposes. As Arthur Burt wisely noted, “The anointing is pointing.” This signifies that the anointing serves as our guiding compass, directing us toward the God-ordained assignments and purposes for the current time. Fresh oil empowers us to discern where our efforts and resources should be channeled. The anointing of the Holy Spirit and power is one of our most esteemed privileges, confirming our identity as beloved children of our Heavenly Father. As His sons and daughters, entrusted with royal and priestly roles, let us embrace the available fresh oil.

Many Blessings, BW

5 min read

An Enoch Generation

As our world is currently engulfed in uncertainty and anxiety, prophecy can be a powerful tool for comforting, encouraging, and exhorting the church.
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

From the moment I was born again, I have been immersed in and actively engaged in prophetic ministry. Over the years, I have witnessed different seasons and manifestations of the prophetic, deepening my belief in the profound significance of authentic prophetic ministry. As our world is currently engulfed in uncertainty and anxiety, prophecy can be a powerful tool for comforting, encouraging, and exhorting the church (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Notably, among all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the prophetic holds a distinct. Peter explains this in 2 Peter 1:19, portraying the prophetic as “a light that shines in a dark place.” Without this light burning in the church, there is a risk of falling into darkness and being consumed by worldly desires both at an individual and communal level. Through the light of prophetic revelation, God’s will is more easily discerned, and His people prosper. (Proverbs 29:18).

Remarkably, the gift of prophecy is accessible to all (1 Corinthians 14:31). Consequently, we should seek to grow in our prophetic anointing. Enoch is an invaluable source of inspiration and insight on cultivating a prophetic life. Two distinctive aspects of Enoch’s life stand out. Firstly, he walked in close communion with God, and God then took him to his heavenly home. He didn’t die (Genesis 5:24). Enoch enjoyed a unique intimacy with the Lord, especially considering he was the first person in Scripture who walked with God after the fall. If Enoch could have such a relationship with God, then surely, we who follow Christ can do the same. Like Enoch, we can walk with God as close companions, which opens the door for the Lord to reveal His heart to us (John 15:15).

Secondly, Enoch was a prophet with many dreams, visions, and revelations from the Lord. These profound encounters were written down in The Book of Enoch, a three-volume book that is one of the most significant non-canonical books. This book significantly impacted early Christianity, with both Jude and Peter quoting from it (Jude 1:14-16 & 2 Peter 2:4). Many prominent Jewish leaders and early church fathers also held it in high regard. The Book of Enoch introduces several pivotal concepts, including fallen angels, the coming of the Messiah, resurrection, a final judgment, and the idea of a Heavenly Kingdom on Earth. It is a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Several years ago, a prophet in China received a prophetic word alluding to a global financial meltdown in the future. The prophet asked the Lord, “What should I do to prepare for this?” The Lord responded by instructing him to prepare an Enoch Generation – a community of individuals who strongly desire to pursue a deep, intimate relationship with Christ. These individuals will be His cherished remnant saints, spreading Christ’s likeness worldwide, which is the essence of prophetic ministry.

It is beautiful that divine revelations, signs, wonders, healings, and miracles often accompany prophetic ministry. However, the primary objective of prophetic ministry is to spread the love, presence, and power of Christ Jesus.

“Worship God! For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy” (Revelation 19:10 AMPC).

Many Blessings, BW

5 min read

Meditating Upon the Word

Biblical meditation involves reflecting on the teachings in Scripture, not just reading them and moving on. I’ve discovered that biblical meditation is a good way to stay engaged in reading the Bible.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

Sometimes, we may feel that reading the Bible makes little sense or relates to our daily life and struggles. If this continues long enough, we will lose interest in the Scriptures. I’ve discovered that biblical meditation is a good way to stay engaged in reading the Bible. God encourages us to be attentive and meditate on His Word. The benefits of doing so are tremendous. Those who regularly meditate on the Word will be blessed in all aspects of their lives (Psalm 1:1-3). By meditating on the Scriptures, we gain the wisdom and understanding to apply them to our lives, leading to prosperity and success in our endeavors (Joshua 1:8).

In contrast to Eastern religions, cults, and New Age beliefs, which promote emptying the mind during meditation, the Bible teaches us to fill our minds with the Word of the Lord. Biblical meditation involves reflecting on the teachings in Scripture, not just reading them and moving on. It’s important to contemplate them and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how they may apply to your life. You can do this as you go about your daily activities. At night, when I’m in bed, I like to contemplate biblical truths, remember prophetic words and promises of the Lord, and reflect on how good He is to me (Psalm 63:6-8). This brings peace and keeps negative thoughts at bay, allowing me to fall asleep more easily.

In the practice of biblical meditation, imagination plays a crucial role. Unfortunately, the Church has often overlooked and misunderstood the importance of imagination. When we are born again, our spirit gains the ability to see all things possible in the realm of our imagination (Mark 9:23). Imagination allows us to visualize things with the eyes of our understanding (Ephesians 1:18) and to exercise our creativity (Ephesians 2:10). While the enemy may also try to use our imagination against us by introducing vain imaginations into our minds (2 Corinthians 10:5), we can capture and cast them out by the Holy Spirit and use our imagination the way God intended. Often, as I read and reflect on the Scriptures, I envision the settings and immerse myself in them, experiencing as though I am present and witnessing the events unfold. It helps me better understand and appreciate the Bible. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit reveals things I never noticed before, even if I’ve read the passages many times.

In addition to meditating on the Scriptures, biblical teachings, and prophetic words, I also meditate on the identity of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Our perception of God is the most fundamental aspect of our belief system, influencing our outlook toward ourselves, others, and our circumstances. As Jesus taught us in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), our actions and decisions are guided by our understanding of God. Developing a deeper perspective of the character and personality of the three Persons of the Trinity will renew our minds and helps to build relational closeness. Beholding the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through meditating upon His Word is the act that brings transformation to the heart and mind. For what we behold, we become (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Many Blessings, BW

5 min read

The Power of Discipleship

God wants us to learn that while we can fail, we are not failures.
For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity. Proverbs 24:15

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

5 min read

Grace, Mercy, and Revival

Every good thing we receive from God results from His grace, including revival.
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

5 min read

A Small Thing That Steers Big Things

The tongue is a small but powerful driver of the impact we leave on everyone we meet.
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