E-votional

E-votional - The Breath Of Life

April 3, 2002

Verse:

"When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' "

Thought:

Watching a leave dance in the wind, not really knowing where it is going, but nonetheless, going, I am reminded of the fact that the wind goes where it goes. As if it has a life of it's own, a plan to where it wants to go, as it encounters things that can be influenced and driven, it invites their presence. The wind powers the birds of the air, seeds or pollen, and yes even seems to bring the dead leaves back to life. The wind is life, fluid and constant. It goes. It moves. Throughout the Bible, God, God's presence is described as wind, the rustling of leaves, clouds in the sky and something that descends life a dove. Subtle in appearance and gentle in presence, the Holy comes surprisingly, yet leaves an indelible mark.

Hear the Good News, Jesus brings to us God's life, the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are more like the fallen leaf than much else. Fallen, we are left to the elements and the decay of having one thing after another piled on top of us. But the Holy Spirit, as it comes into our life, lifts us up and carries us where it is that God wants us, where it is that God needs us. The difference between us and the fallen leaf is that we have a choice in the matter. We can ask for and seek out God's presence, while the leaf has no recourse other than being subject to the wind. When we seek out God, He responds, lifts us up and brings to us new life. Do we wish to be lifted up or experience the fate of the leaf that lies on the forest floor? Choose life, choose God.
Prayer:

Gracious God, lift me and carry me as you do all whom You love. Bring to me direction, desire and purpose, that I might make a difference in the world. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.