Did you see your breath yesterday morning? I like the picture of the bird seeing its breath.
It is good to get a fresh breath of air. The damp day yesterday was ideal for helping me breathe better. Thank each of you for the ongoing cards and emails. Thank you for your concern. Asthma is scary. Many have said that they did not know I had asthma problems. That is good. It means that most of the time I have followed my allergy/asthma regimen well enough that it stays under control. I have learned that we need breath to live.
The Bible uses a symbol of breath to describe how man was made:
”the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:6-7).
Breath of life from God! What a wonderful image.
In a severe asthma attack one feels like a breath cannot be taken. There is no breath anywhere that will fill the lungs and let the person live. In creation, God provided breath — His breath, the breath of life!
To be full of life we need the breath of God, also called the Spirit of God. You see, the same word is used in Hebrew for breath and spirit. Greek has another word that is used for both breath and spirit. When God breathed the breath of life into us, He breathed His Holy Spirit into us. That is why we believe that at the time of salvation, or the new birth, that God breathes His Spirit into us never to depart. The Spirit who lives in us then guides us, leads us to Jesus and all truth, fills us, and anoints us for special tasks. God graciously makes provision for us before we even begin to live for Him.
I pray that you have a fresh breath of the Spirit today.
Filed under: Discipleship
Yesterday, I had a rough day. But the sunrise today brought a fresh breath of the spirit. I’ve been having a hard time letting go of problems and giving them over to God. But when I look at things the way you just explained them, they are much more clear. Jesus wants to be there for me to guide me and help me through.
I thought of you today when I had a patient whose asthma began to bother her upon awakening from anesthesia. I stayed by her side until she felt better, but I saw the fear in her eyes when she couldn’t catch her breath. I am so grateful to God for watching over you this past week!
[...] your people to receive. It’s like adding fertilizer and water around your sermons. The few personal struggles lend depth, remind folks to bathe you in prayer, and helps you connect with more people in a [...]