Year of the Bible: Part Nine of TwelveSample

The Breath of God

The Hebrew word for Spirit is ruach, meaning "air in motion." The same word is used for "breath" and can also mean "life." The English word "spirit" doesn't do justice to what the Bible is trying to convey. It's from the Breath of God that we get our life; through His Breath, we were created in the image of God: "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being" (Genesis 2:6-7).

Jesus breathed on His disciples, giving them new life, empowerment, and authority and establishing the new creation (2 Cor 5:17). Now, believers are born of the Spirit. Just as Adam received life from the words and Breath of God and the disciples received courage and empowerment from the words and Breath of Jesus, we can receive life, encouragement, wisdom, and empowerment directly from God, His Breath, and His Word. God wants to breathe into your life today when you spend time with Him, in His Word, and in fellowship with Him and others.

Question: When was the last time you felt an infusion of life and passion from your time with God?

Prayer Focus: Spend time in prayer every day, asking God to breathe on you and fan the flame of His passion in your life.