Breath Of Heaven

I have many thoughts this morning. The primary one is this.

God hasn't given you that spirit. He has given you this one. He has given the Holy Spirit.

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me." - 2 Timothy 1:6-12 ESV

"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD." - Isaiah 11:1-2 ESV

Spirit is the same word for breath and wind. We live as breathing beings in a world where the wind shifts and moves.

There are ways to move and live but God gives His Holy Spirit and tells us how His Spirit is different.

I want to have the right Spirit. Jesus had the Spirit of counsel and might resting on His life and we have the Spirit of power, love and self-control to function in if we receive His counsel and wisdom.

There are other spirits that could influence us. Like a wind that howls outside our window or a scent that sparks our imagination.

We brush our teeth and that helps us to have clean breath but what are we inhaling?

Prayer is a thought that comes to mind. Perhaps we see it as talking only but it is an inhale and exhale exercise. In it we look to one Spirit. We commune with God with His Spirit.

Maybe you have been with people and they pray but the air is stale and strange but then at other times the prayers are simple but there is a freshness there. Grace is manifested there because Jesus is known and His gift has been received once and then over and over again. Vision causes circulation and purposed movement

The gift purifies. The Holy Spirit rests on Jesus Christ and we can move and breathe in that atmosphere of love and acceptance.

God help us to discern the spirits today. Give us the power to say, 'Not that spirit. I won't inhale that.' and, 'Yes, Lord I sense You by faith and receive the gift of life into my lungs today. Thank You. You are so kind to give me what I could never deserve.'

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