Wednesday, July 18, 2007

The Holy Spirit--Breath of Life

Earlier this year I preached several sermons, and posted some, about the Holy Spirit as the wind or breath of God. This post is adapted from an article by Rev. James Miller, United Church of Canada. It spoke to my heart today. Perhaps it will bless you as well.

It was the first day of the new week. The disciples were in an upper room which was locked, out of fear. Jesus appeared before them. He said “Peace be with you.” Then Jesus breathed on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (Paraphrase of John 20:19-23)

No wind. No fire. No speaking in unknown languages. On this occasion, just a simple breath...the Holy Spirit is the breath of life...

It is hard to miss the Holy Spirit when it is a mighty wind. You have to be paying attention when it comes as a simple breath. If God’s spirit is coming to you in every breath you take, then every moment of your life is a holy adventure. What are you doing with this wild and precious gift?

What great things has the Holy Spirit revealed to you today? The Spirit of God is present in you. Do you perceive it? The Holy Spirit is working through you. Do you recognize it? The Spirit of the risen Christ is speaking to your heart in sighs too deep for words...When you get up in the morning, do you ask yourself this question-“What wonderful things is God’s Holy Spirit going to reveal to me today?”If you don’t, why not?

If God is with us...why shouldn't’t we expect God’s Holy Spirit to have something to say to us each and every day?. If you get up in the morning looking for the breath of God, you will find it. If you get up in a hurry and rush into the day, most of us are not even aware of our own breathing. All too often we head into the day focused on our schedules and our problems...We don’t take time to count our blessings. We don’t take time to breathe.

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