Breath of Life (May 23,2018)

Air, a substance we are given, and one which we cannot create. An element that is foundational for survival. Such an element can be taken for granted by many. Yet its availability or substance in being is not dependent upon our desire or need of it. Sure, human beings impact air quality sometimes quantity... However, it's being originates separate from the creation of mankind's hands. This means a greater force and being has made the very air we breathe.

Breath, the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration. Such a simple act that we subconsciously repeat many times per day. This reminds me of what it is to abide in the Lord. As our Heavenly Father exists beyond our need, limited understanding, or relation to Him... He also exists within us. Similar to oxygen. A human body inhales air which consist of approximately 20% oxygen. As the air is exhaled on average 15% of the oxygen leaves the body. Therefore, approximately 5% of air inhaled is consumed by the human body. Per day a human being uses about 550 liters of pure oxygen. Enough science, it is just mind blowing how our bodies need this in order to simply function.

The same can be said about the Breath of Life that the Lord offers us. In relationship, we are given the pure breath of freedom, love and hope. Freedom from the polluted air we make for ourselves, from the bondages and cages we get trapped in. Free to breathe and breathe deeply. A breath to fill us from the deepest part of our being to fill, restore, and purify from within. A breath that is love restoring the heart and mind until it becomes an overflow through new understandings, perspectives, and ability to wholeheartedly love self and others. Hope moves such freedom and love to a living fire. A fire that burns from the depths of our soul. Breathing life into darkness, awakening the dry bones, the lost. A hope that celebrates the colorful world and doesn't back down from challenges. A breath that pushes a person and people to deeper depths, to be an inspiration rather than a victim. To not live in silence as the enemy of Truth. A Living breath that will risk everything, not only for the sake of survival but also for the sake of true life. It is a honor to lay everything down before our Father and become His fully yielded masterpieces. This is a Living breath because Christ becomes all that we rely on, our only source of true Life. Therefore, what we intentionally choose to inhale becomes what we consume even more than 5% oxygen. This is also the substance that we exhale through our living and breathing even in existence. So breathe, breathe deeply for you are so loved. Beloved, breathe in and breathe easy for God is in and among all places. May we be vessels without holes. May our breath in, be one of freedom, love, and hope in Christ as we breathe out freedom, love, and hope in Christ through a relational God.

Air and breath are powerful, may we be intentional. As we abide in Christ daily, we become restored and continually shaped into the beings we are created to be in the Father's image. Abide, for in Him is the vine of True life and the Breath of Life for you and for all.

Amen