Breath of Life

"Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Genesis 2:7 (NASB)

In Genesis chapter 1 we discover that God created us in His own image, but we need Genesis 2 to explain life. Life is the very breath of God, breathed into us by a living God. 

Genesis 3 tells us that sin stole life from us as God intended, but sin did not steal God's image from us. Sin can bury God's image deep within, but when life is breathed into us through Jesus God's image begins to resurface and shape us into that image. We are still created in the image of God, but we need His breath breathed into us by Jesus.

Father, right now Satan is trying to steal life from people. Jesus taught us that the Devil only comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but that is not the end of His teaching. Immediately Jesus says that He came to not only give life, but to give life to the full (abundantly, exceedingly, to the extreme). He came to breath life into us! (John 10:10)

Those yet to believe in Jesus for salvation have been deceived about who they are and the image they bear. Often times they gasp for breath living lives under the lies of the enemy. Believers in Jesus often have life stolen from them too. Circumstances of life have stolen their breath away as they struggle in their own strength rather than relying on the One who is victorious over our battles.

But we weren't created that way. We were created in the image of God and to exist on His breath, not our own - gasping for air. What a fundamental truth of God's Word: 1) we are created in God's image, with the ability to have His heart and mind, to know His will and live according to His purpose; and 2) that in Christ we can receive His breath of life to live out His life in a broken world. 

Whether for the first time, calling out to Jesus for salvation and receiving His breath of life, or in need of a fresh breath of life, call out to Jesus today and stop gasping for air, living lives under the lie of the enemy. Enter into 2017 with a fresh breath of Heaven breathed into you by a gracious and loving God.

You were created for life! Breath on us today Breath of Heaven, breath on us today!

Happy New Year!
Shawn