"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).
God breathed His life into us from our first moment in our mother’s womb. His breath is the essence of who He is—the source of ALL life! This was our initial connection to His abiding love and presence as His prized creation, made in His own image.
Jesus appeared among the disciples after His resurrection and breathed on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). This precious introduction to the Holy Spirit intertwining with the lives of the disciples was in preparation for the powerful Pentecost (the Spirit’s infilling) that was about to come. His breath of life still sustains and empowers us through the Holy Spirit living in us as Christians.
God called us out of darkness and set us apart for such a time as this—Not to sit still, but to demonstrate that Jesus IS the light of the world, and He alone, can breathe NEW life into “dry bones”! He has gifted us with talents for the work at hand, and He guides and inspires us with His Word as “all scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). We simply have to follow the Savior’s lead, full of faith, keeping one foot in front of the other. In this way, we glorify God and are enabled to do His work on this earth.
Guiding Points:
Call to Action: Be mindful this week of God’s breath. Make a conscious effort to connect with Him through prayer and scripture. Remember that every breath we take comes from God…every moment, His gift!
“As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils” (Job 27:3).
“God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth” (Isaiah 42:5).
“Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person” (Genesis 2:7).
Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for Your breath of life in me. Thank You for choosing and showing me Your endless love and mercy. I want to remember that every breath in me has purpose. Let others see Your light in me. I give You all the glory, Lord! In Your precious name, I pray, Amen!
Final Thought: Let your heart be strengthened by knowing the Holy Spirit—God’s breath of life lives in you and will always be with you.
The Life-Giving Breath of God
Focus on the Fruits! KINDNESS
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Responding to the Call: Embracing Jesus as Our King
“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:17-19).
Choosing a Soft Heart: Rekindling Your Hearts Compassion
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).
Focus on the Fruits! PATIENCE
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
God’s Shining Face: The Profound Impact on Our Lives
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24- 26).
Focus on the Fruits! PEACE
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: A Journey Towards Divine Purpose
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Focus on the Fruits! JOY
“God will let you laugh again; you’ll raise the roof with shouts of joy” (Job 8:20).
Taking Up the Mantle: Your Role in Expanding God’s Kingdom
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).