Dear People

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

“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John 19:34

Dear People Who Keep Company with God

Years ago, I had a vision during worship on a Sunday morning. First, I saw Jesus’s mangled, lifeless body hanging on the cross. It was a horrifying sight. Next, I saw the Roman soldier jab the spear into Jesus’s side, and the water and blood poured out on the ground. I heard, “The headwaters of the River of Life were released into the earth that day.” The life of God is like a mighty, rushing river flowing from the Throne of God and the side of Christ (Revelation 22:1). Throughout the Scriptures, the imagery of God’s River speaks of the abundance of life, provision, joy, and gladness.

The River of God is beginning to flow with increased intensity but not as we have known it before. It is not just refreshing and renewal. Instead, it will become deeper and bring new revelations and anointing to the church and us individually. There is power in His River that we have yet to experience. The Holy Spirit is drawing us to Jesus’ side, where the blood and water flowed, and from this place of relational closeness, the Lord will reveal Himself in ways we have never experienced. There are mysteries of Christ yet to be revealed (Ephesians 3:4). And the Lord will cast a broader, more extensive net into the sea of humanity. As a result, many backsliders and those who have never known Christ’s love will be welcomed into the home of His heart.

Our agenda and plans may be disrupted as the Holy Spirit River flows with greater force. Throughout history, there has always been a challenge to the status quo whenever there is a Holy Spirit revival. By nature, we become accustomed to our routines, and it is easy to be thrown off when God breaks into human affairs. In these times, we must become like a child and surrender. Jesus was once asked by His disciples who was the greatest in the kingdom; He answered…
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‍ “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:3-5)

‍‍Jesus’ point was that the most important, fulfilling, and fruitful things in life are found in being childlike. You cannot be in control and be in the River of God simultaneously. The humble heart attracts the Presence of the Lord. Just as there is no river on earth that you step up to enter, it is with the River of the Holy Spirit. You always step down to flow with Him. You don’t have to strive, work, or struggle. Humility will place you in and keep you in the flow of the River of God. This means giving up control and direction and allowing His River to take you where it will. And He always takes us to good places.

Many Blessings, BW

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Revelation 4:8

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The holiness of the Lord is so awe-inspiring that the twenty-four elders in heaven fall and cast their crowns before the Throne of God every time they hear the four living creatures declare His holiness. This worship never ceases. God’s holiness is profound, unexplainable, and powerful, and yet an infinitely delightful and beautiful part of God’s nature, which we will enjoy and worship forever. God desires to share His holiness with His people, calling us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Isaiah had a vision of the Throne of God and heard the Seraphim cry out: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3) Isaiah was undone because he felt inadequate to stand before a holy God; he needed God to make way for him to be in His holy presence. And so, God did (Isaiah 6:1-6). Through the death of His Son on the cross, God has invited us to stand before Him. As followers of Christ, we are welcomed to boldly come to the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 10:19-22). We are made holy by His blood (Hebrews 10:10). Without Jesus, holiness is impossible. With Jesus, we are invited to live a life of holiness.

Holiness is not only for individual believers but also for the collective body of believers. The Apostle Paul told the church in Ephesus, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). Note the use of the plural words “us” and “we.” We must embrace holiness individually because we are “being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). In the hour we live, the Holy Spirit is preparing a company of people to become the end-time house of God on earth, and holiness is foundational in His house. God is restoring David’s Tabernacle so all people can encounter the Lord (Acts 15:16-17).

Years ago, my friend Donna Culler had a powerful vision of a dark time on earth when holiness would be the first pillar in the foundation of God’s end-time dwelling places.  Donna said, “I want to build this house. He took me to this pitch-dark place. All I could see was black, pitch-black darkness. This huge, vast white pillar was dropped into the darkness to help build the house’s foundation. This pillar was holiness and broke the darkness suddenly when it hit the ground. This enormous cloud of smoke billowed out and into the darkness. It was holy smoke. It pierced the darkness. I saw just the foundation of what the Lord wants to build. We cannot even imagine. The first pillar was being placed to hold the foundation. The pillar was holiness.”

In these dark days, Donna’s vision is a reminder that Jesus is building His church, and the counsel and works of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). His church will pierce the darkness. It stands as an invitation to remember and embrace the power of the blood of Christ, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and become a genuine part of God’s end-times dwelling places on earth.

Many Blessings, BW

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Dear People Who Keep Company With God,

When I was five years old, I had a nightmare that I have never forgotten. In the dream, an intruder broke into our home and was coming for me. I was so overcome with fear that my strength drained out of me like water pouring on the ground. I could not move or speak. Finally, with everything my five-year-old heart could muster, I cried, “Daddy!” Immediately, I heard my daddy in the adjacent room say, “What?” At that point, I was wide awake, my heart was pounding, and I was unaware it was only a dream. But I knew everything was ok because daddy was with me.

Hearing his voice and knowing he was there, the fear dissipated, and my strength returned. I was relieved, secure, and at rest. I went right back to sleep.

Moses was able to lead two million people across a harsh desert environment for forty years because the Presence of the Lord was with him. Jesus may have had this in mind when he told the disciples, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).

The trials and cares of life can be heavy, scary, and sorrowful at times, and if we are not careful, will put yokes upon us, making our bodies, souls, and spirits weary. When we try to carry the burdens of life and walk in abrasive, false yokes and responsibilities, it only leads to more stress, anxiety, and weariness. So often, we tend to shrink back in those times, but Jesus invites us into His Presence to learn and follow Him, and there we find the only genuine security and rest.

As wonderful as it is, the Presence of God is not just an atmosphere charged with life, joy, or peace. The Presence of the Lord is the person of the Holy Spirit. And He is called the Comforter and the Helper. He has been sent to help us in everything concerning our lives.
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‍“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

We have a precious and priceless inheritance in the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the Presence of Jesus on the earth (Philippians 1:19). And He desires to come as a dove and rest on us just as He did with Jesus (Mark 1:10). We are created to be a resting place for Him. The Holy Spirit, resting like a dove, speaks of gentleness, peace, and love. These are all qualities of the Father. And we are like children needing our heavenly Father in an increasingly conflicted, unstable, and scary world.

If we know the Holy Spirit is with us, even though we may still feel afraid and unsure, we will have the assurance that we will be ok. There is no real and lasting security and rest apart from the revelation that the heavenly Father is with us and for us through His Holy Spirit.

Many Blessings, BW

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:1

Dear People Who Keep Company With God,

God says many things about us that can change how we view ourselves and our outlook on life. But the essential thing you need to know is that you are a child of God. The most profound encounters and revelations I’ve experienced all involved God revealing Himself to me as Abba Father. There’s a world of difference between being a creation of God and knowing you are His very own dearly loved and accepted son or daughter. It changes your relationship with God and your life in many beautiful ways and enables you to become the person He had in mind before you were formed in your mother’s womb.

Peter’s use of both his names reveals how our identity develops as we get to know God as our Father. Simon comes from a Hebrew word meaning reed. A reed is shaky, hollow, and unstable, but Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, which means stone. Stones supply strength and stability. Jesus spoke this identity shift two times to Simon, at the beginning of His ministry and towards the end (John 1:42, Matthew 16:18). God often gives people new names that don’t initially seem to fit. For example, He changed Abram’s name to Abraham, “father of many nations,” when he was 75. Isaac was born 25 years later. It also took some time and help from Jesus for Simon to become Peter. And the writers of Scripture didn’t hide anything about Peter’s failures or weaknesses in those defining years. He was as fully human as any of us, but neither his humanity nor failures disqualified Him from becoming all God designed him to be.

Simon Peter’s name also combines the fact that he was a bondservant and an Apostle. For Peter, Paul, and other early Church leaders, their ministry was not a career but a mission. They understood that the most Christ-like leaders in the Kingdom of God are the greatest servants. They were servants first and then leaders. Being an Apostle didn’t mean Peter should no longer serve. Being a servant didn’t mean sacrificing leadership, power, and authority. Jesus is the King of all kings and the Servant of all.

We are called to take on the role of a bondservant. Servanthood is about our assignment, not our identity, although it can help affirm our identity. In God’s eyes, you are a loved son or daughter. On earth, you are to be a servant. Your gifts and calling help to define the primary ways you are called to serve. Being a child of God includes serving, but serving does not guarantee a healthy relationship with the Lord. When you find your identity in what you do, your confidence depends upon your performance. But when you see your identity in being loved and accepted by the Father, your well-being is based on His view of your true identity. Let your relationship with the Father have priority; from that shift, your serving and calling will flow supernaturally.

Knowing God as your Father will open your eyes to who you are and why you are here. When you have confidence that you are a dearly loved son or daughter of God, as Jesus was and is, you will “keep increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52) And like Peter, despite your failures, disappointments, and weaknesses, with the Holy Spirit’s help, you will become everything He has called you to be.

Many Blessings, BW

“No unbelief or distrust made him [Abraham] waver [doubtingly question] concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.” Romans 4:20‍

Dear People Who Keep Company With God,

We all have promises that over time God has sown into our hearts. Often, there is a period of waiting we must endure before we see the fulfillment of those promises. The time between the promises of God and when they are realized is the space where our faith is tested (James 1:2-4). This is when many people get discouraged and give up; they start believing negative thoughts such as: “It will never happen, I must have mistakenly thought this was God,” or, “It’s taking too long. I can’t keep waiting on God.”

God makes promises, and He always fulfills them, but we must learn to walk – and wait – through the process. We want our babies to be born healthy and at the right time, not too early or late, and so does God. “An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end” (Proverbs 20:21). Sometimes, the process will be short, and at other times, it will take years. The purpose of the process is to develop the character, ability, and matured gifting in us so we can carry all that God wants us to have. Graham Cooke said, “It is one thing to get your breakthrough. It is a whole other thing to live your breakthrough.” The process enables us to live out and enjoy all God gives us.

God plants the seed and is faithful to send the rain to cause its growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). Although the seed lies dormant in the ground for a time, it’s still alive and keeps its potential. A pregnant mother can do things to nurture the health and timely birth of the baby in her womb, and we also can partner with the Holy Spirit to support the growth and delivery of all He has sown in our hearts.

Abraham, the father of faith, shows us something we can do to take care of our promises: he thanked God before he saw those promises come true. Despite doubts and unbelief that tried to creep into his mind, Abraham maintained a heart of gratitude. Praise is meant to honor and glorify God, and the effect of praise is that it strengthens our faith to keep believing even when all seems hopeless.

Jesus also revealed that a heart filled with gratitude is a powerful force affecting the promises of God. He gave thanks before some of His greatest miracles manifested (John 6:11, Mark 8:5, and John 11:41). His thanksgiving wasn’t just a fitting act of gratitude: it prepared the way for miracles that would follow. When we express gratefulness to God, we are glorifying Him and acknowledging that God is faithful to His word and that gratitude releases the grace of God over us and His promises to us.

Throughout the day, negative thoughts attempt to get us to abort dreams from God. The old saying fits here, “You can’t stop the birds from flying over, but you can keep them from nesting in your head.” Whenever you’re tempted to worry or give into doubt, let that truth be a reminder to remain grateful.

Let’s take our prayers one step further by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with gratitude even when we don’t see any sign of a breakthrough. In the meantime, God’s peace will guard our hearts and mind until we see His promises manifested in our lives (Philippians 4:6-7).

Many Blessings, BW

“A certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” Luke 10:38-39

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The story of Martha and Mary is often understood to be about priorities. We’re told that, like Martha, we shouldn’t be distracted by focusing on tasks but instead should be like Mary, who sat with Jesus. While this is true, there is more to the story. We can also see it as two sisters in the same family with different purposes and callings. By God’s design, the qualities of Martha and Mary are built into us. Both are essential to our spiritual development and growth and must be fully cultivated. Martha represents our activities, our ministries, and the things we do. Mary represents our devotional life, worship, prayers, and seeking the Lord Himself. Mary represents our heart – Martha, our hands.

For those who have a tendency towards devotion, we must be careful that all we receive at the feet of Jesus must also find its rightful place in the daily activities of our lives, where it becomes a practical reality. Otherwise, we will become like a stagnant pool of water. No one desires to drink from standing water. We must never become detached from the world we live in, even in the most significant encounters of revelation and the supernatural. The Gospels tell us Jesus would go up on a mountain, which speaks of revelation and devotion to the Father. But He always came down to serve in the valley of humanity. So must we if we are to fulfill our purpose and calling[.

While Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, Martha protested that her sister was not helping to prepare the meal. Jesus doesn’t question or admonish Martha for serving. It is that she is “worried and upset about many things.” Her activity is “distracted” (Luke 10:40) and causes her anxiety and frustration while serving, a behavior that Jesus contrasts with “the one thing that is needed” in that moment, which is Mary’s devotion. Martha’s ministry to Jesus distracted her from Him because the work became her focus.

If you have a strong pull toward serving and doing, you need to know that you will be limited in revelations from the Lord while engaging in those activities. We must not neglect our Mary heart that yearns to take time to sit at the feet of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t tell Martha to stop serving, but He does challenge her to refocus her attention on Him as she serves. Out of that will come much more fruitful service. Being and doing have their proper place and time in which to function. If we pay attention to the Holy Spirit, we will know when it is time for the heart of Mary and when it is time for the hands of Martha.

Lazarus was Martha and Mary’s brother. His part in the story serves a crucial function apart from those of his sisters. “Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha” (John 11:1). Lazarus represents our old carnal nature. He is sick and dying, and Jesus would not come and heal him.  He let him die. Then, Jesus came to Lazarus after he had been dead in the tomb for four days. He was beyond help. Jesus resurrected him and told his friends to free Lazarus from the grave clothes, meaning the old life, including the old ways of devotion and service (John 11). If we are truly going to have the heart of Mary and the hands of Martha, it only comes by resurrection power, the power that raised Lazarus – and Jesus – from the grave.

Many Blessings, BW

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“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

In the garden, the devil came to Eve and tempted her to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. You will be like God, he suggested (Genesis 3:5-6). In that moment of temptation, Eve didn’t remember or trust that she and Adam were already like God. He created them in His image (Genesis 1:27). To this day, the devil doesn’t deviate much from his original playbook. The root of our fall begins when we believe we must do something to be loved, accepted, and pleasing to God.

Genesis chapter 4 reveals two family lines on the earth: the family of Cain and the family of Seth. It says that ungodly Cain left the presence of the Lord and built a city (Genesis 4:16). Cain and his descendants developed a civilization apart from God. Their significance and identity were based on their accomplishments (Genesis 4:17-21). While the godly line of Seth called on the Lord, the Scriptures do not mention anything they accomplished (Genesis 4:25-26). Their significance and identity came from their relationship with God, not what they did.

The family of Cain finally reached such a depth of darkness that they were swept away by the flood. In contrast, the family of Seth gave the world Enoch, who walked with God (Genesis 5:24), and Noah, who was perfect in his generation (Genesis 6:9). This bloodline eventually led to Christ. Seth embodies grace. Cain exemplifies performance.

We are conditioned from birth to seek approval and acceptance from others by what we do and how we act. We consciously or unconsciously do this to overcome our fears, insecurity, guilt, and shame. In the world, our significance and identity are measured throughout our lives by what we accomplish. If we produce, we are considered successful and worthy, which can work in the world system if it doesn’t lead to pride. Some people foolishly flaunt their accomplishments, possessions, or qualities they deem admirable, seeking the praise of others, not knowing that pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

We set ourselves up for disaster when we try the worldly approach of performing for acceptance in our relationship and life with God. It can lead to pride born from self-righteousness or conceit, which God will resist (James 4:6). Even if you do not become prideful, you will eventually burn out emotionally and spiritually, seeking acceptance by accomplishment. You will drift away from God because you can never live up to what you think He requires of you. Grace is the answer. Grace is at the foundation of Christianity. It is the power of God made available to meet all your needs. When you are too weak to do what needs to be done or be your true self, God’s power is perfected in your life.

The beautiful thing is that grace has appeared to all in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). We have access to His grace through faith (Romans 5:1-2), but we must first humble ourselves. God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Biblical humility is about surrendering and not depending on our human abilities, strengths, and thinking to please God or serve Him. That doesn’t mean we are to do nothing. On the contrary, the bride prepares herself (Revelation 19:7). By the Holy Spirit’s leading, we study, design, and prepare for what He asks us. But we are not to trust in our own preparation. We rely only on Him for the ability to do in and through us whatever He requires (Philippians 2:13).

Many Blessings, BW

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You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

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Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

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Imagination is an inspirational word. It reminds us of children playing or adventure movies, yet it is not just for the young or cinematic entertainment. Albert Einstein said, “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” He was right. God is the original Creator, and He has blessed us with minds made to create through the power of imagination. Our imagination is the Lord’s way of releasing creative thoughts into our life. It opens the door to possibilities where creativity, ingenuity, and thinking outside the box have their beginning. Everything created by humans – automobiles, airplanes, cellphones, computers, cigarettes, and pipe bombs – all began in the imagination of someone before they became a reality. We should never underestimate the power of imagination for good or evil.

The Hebrew word for mind in Isaiah 26:3 is ‘yetser,‘ which means a form, conception, or imagination. This verse tells us that imagination can be a mighty force when the storms of life crash upon our doorsteps. We can stay at peace and safely navigate instability, fear, and confusion by filling our imagination with the Lord. The Psalms reveal that King David masterfully used his imagination throughout his life experiences. For instance, in Psalm 16:8, David wrote, “I saw the Lord always in my presence for He is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken.” He was not speaking of an open vision or prophetic experience. Instead, David continually kept the Lord in his imagination; consequently, his faith in the Lord enabled him not to be moved or taken down by circumstances or opposition.

Our imagination can also work against us if we allow influences from the world, flesh, or the devil to gain a foothold. For example, scripture warns us that the flood in the days of Noah happened because of both the wickedness and imaginations of men (Genesis 6:5). Later, Moses cautioned Israel about giving in to the wrong inclinations and imagination of their hearts before they crossed over to their inheritance in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:21).

Thankfully, the Bible gives us practical ways to protect our imagination. Peter tells us, “Gird up the loins of your mind” (1 Peter 1:13). By looking at the meaning of the words gird, loins, and mind, a more literal translation is, “Guard the reproductive part of your mind, which is your imagination.” Peter likens the imagination to a spiritual womb. If bad influences find a home in your imagination, you will bear fruit that leads to loss, regret, and sorrow.

Only by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit can we guard our imagination against evil. Like David, see that the Lord is with you and for you. Remember whose you are and who you are in Christ. Reject imagery, thoughts, words, philosophies, and teachings contrary to the heart of Christ. Pay attention and obey the peace of God within you and always be thankful (Colossians 3:15). By doing this, you will experience the peace of God that passes all understanding, and the power of the Holy Spirit will protect your heart and mind.

Many Blessings, BW