Dear People

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

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Jude 1:3

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Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

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The Book of Jude is crucial for believers today. It’s not only written to us, as God’s holy people, but also entrusted to us to preserve, defend, and contend for the faith. Sometimes, we must stand up for what is righteous and merciful. And there are times to speak for love, truth, and against fear. How do we fight for the faith?

First, we need to know the difference between contending and being contentious. Being contentious means acting out of an argumentative or divisive spirit. We must always be kind and not quarrelsome towards people (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Our battle is not with humans alone but with the dark world’s rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers (Ephesians 6:12)

Thankfully, Jude gives us some keys on how to contend for the faith. He begins by telling us to remember the words spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:17). We are to be people grounded in the word of God. Jesus said, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

‍We are not fighting for our political, personal, or theological perspectives but for our faith in Christ. Then, he says to pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). Our spiritual strength increases as we pray in the Holy Spirit, which gives us the energy and power to contend for our faith. The Apostle Paul told us, “Whoever speaks in a tongue edifies himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4). Edifies means building or establishing a house. Faith flows more freely as the result of praying in the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

The next thing Jude tells us is to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21). God’s love is essential as it is the foundation of our lives; our foundation determines our destiny. Therefore, we must remain “rooted and grounded in God’s love” (Ephesians 3:17). That means knowing, by revelation, that He loves and accepts us, not for what we do but simply for who we are—His beloved children. As we invest our hearts in our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14), we will root ourselves in His love.

One of my favorite titles of God is “the Father of mercies” (2 Corinthians 1:3). This is who He is and what He is like. Jude tells us to look for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:21) because Jesus is the face of God’s mercy. I love how Psalm 119:132 captures the essence of His mercy toward us, “Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name.” Another way of saying this is, “God, I see you having mercy on everyone around me. I would like some too!”

‍Jude concludes by telling us to show love to others (Jude 1:22), even those who seem to be undermining the faith. True love always seeks expression (1 John 4:20-21) in voice or actions, as it is a compelling power (2 Corinthians 5:14). The Apostle Paul loved the Corinthian believers, and love compelled him to write them a letter that was challenging, one that caused sorrow in him and in the Corinthians. But it needed to be spoken, so love said the hard truths. There are unloving ways to talk about the truth—that kind of truth-speaking we should reject. But there are ways to speak the truth in love that we should always seek.

We must continually let His love shape how we talk about our faith.

Many Blessings, BW

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
‍Genesis 1:1

Dear People Who Keep Company with God,

The first four words of the Bible are significant as they reveal the existence of God. Genesis is about the origin of everything except God. He has no starting point. Even before there was a beginning, there was God. He always has been, always is, and always will be. That’s what it means to be from everlasting to everlasting. That is the very definition of eternity. God made everything in creation, and all that is created points to His glory.

The profound mystery is that our everlasting creator, God, wants to walk and talk with us. He has a commission for us, one He initially gave to Adam and Eve in the garden. Before the fall, they had a divine connection and communion with the Lord, and their lives were blessed and fulfilled (Genesis 1:28). And we were created for the same purpose. God never revoked the original commission. He is looking for people who will lay hold of all His plans and intentions by faith.‍

In the beginning, God.

He is who we need in all of our beginnings. Everything that begins with God has the best chance of success. The Bible starts with God and ends with the glory of the New Jerusalem. I love how the New Testament opens as the Old Testament does, with an introduction and revelation of God. But Matthew focuses on the Person of Jesus Christ. Matthew begins his gospel with “the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ” (Matthew 1:1), whereas Mark states, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1). Luke tells us how God prepared a people to birth the Christ Child into the world (Luke 1-2). John writes, “in the beginning, the Word” (John 1:1) because the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Often in a new beginning, as in the act of physical creation, our hearts and life may seem “without form and void and in darkness” (Genesis 1:2). Do not let this throw you off. It is not a doorway to despair but to hope. New beginnings and fresh starts can be scary, as change is often inherently challenging.

Every day begins in the darkness of night, but light always arrives as the morning dawns. The Holy Spirit is constantly with us, brooding like a mother hen over all our questions, chaos, and darkness. And as the sun rises in the morning, the light of Christ will arise upon you. And as this happens, we can receive renewed meaning, identity, and purpose (Genesis 1:3).

In a time of unprecedented upheaval, change, and turmoil in the world, the Holy Spirit invites us to a renewal of our first love. Jesus Christ is “the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). Jesus is the first stone, the “chief cornerstone” in every building that will withstand life’s storms.

Build your thought life upon Christ. Let Him be your first thought every morning, the last thought as you fall asleep at night, and the center of your big and small endeavors. His wisdom will arise in you (1 Corinthians 1:30). You can discern and judge what is fitting, trustworthy, and lasting. And like the sons of Issachar, you will understand the times and know what to do with decisions big and small (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Many Blessings, BW