Breathe On Me Lord

Scripture
John 20:22-23 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Observation
After reading these verses this morning, I was reminded of the 'dry bones' in Ezekiel 37:1-14 . . . can these bones live?  Lord, You know.  I love verse Ezekiel 37:14 "I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life . . ."  Jesus breathes on His disciples, and they receive the Holy Spirit at His word.  Jesus Christ is Savior, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, Healer, and the Soon Coming King! Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8  - a Bible verse displayed in Foursquare Churches around the world.  He's the same today - He still breathes on His followers and we can receive His Holy Spirit power!  Power to love, power to forgive!   

Application
I believe that God loves me, forgives me, and wants to empower me and bring life to areas of my life that are dead and lifeless. The breath of God gives hope, extends grace, love, forgiveness, and fruitfulness; and it's is mine for the asking.  Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.  

Prayer
Father, I ask that You would breathe on me, I need You.  Revive me, refresh, restore me, I pray.  Help me to forgive and not carry a grudge.  May I live my life in such a way that will bring glory to Your Name.    

The B I B L E

Scriptures 2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.  

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double edged sword it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  

Observation
The word of God, the B I B L E is God breathed, inspired by the Holy Spirit and powerful.  It teaches us the truth, revealing Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Jesus is the true and living God, God's Son.
Reading and meditating on God's word opens our eyes to areas we cannot see otherwise - where we are missing it.  It brings correction and not only corrects, but shows us the right things to do and tells us what is right and what is wrong.
God prepares us and equips us with His word to enable and empower us to do good works - good deeds.  He shows us  how to live life with others in ways that would honor Him.

Application
Read God's Word every day.  There are no substitutes.  Devotionals are ok and can even enhance our readings, but they are but leftovers of what someone else received from God.  Eat fresh manna every day where there are no worms or decay . . . 
Fresh bread!  Cool water!  The Word revives me, restores me, and refreshes me!  It is able to teach me, rebuke me, correct me, and train me in righteousness.  I will be throughly equipped for every good work when I read God's word and am filled with His Holy Spirit!  

Prayer
Father, I thank You for the Bible, Your Word.  When I hunger and thirst, when my heart and flesh cry out to You - fill me O living God, fill me and overflow me with Your love and power.  Ready me for what You have prepared for me today.  May I find Your Word alive and active in my life today.  Adjust my thoughts and attitudes and help me respond to Your corrections quickly without excuses.  In Jesus Name, A-men.