Good morning. It is Thursday, September 14, 2023. I remember getting the wind knocked out of me in soccer. At full speed, I crashed into a player twice my size and fell backward onto the ground. It’s scary when you can’t breathe. I didn’t break any bones. I wasn’t unconscious. Everything was fine, except one thing… I had no breath in my lungs! You never realize the importance of air - until you have none! Read on …
Today's Reading:
Ezekiel 36,37; Psalms 110; Revelation 19
Scripture
“‘As“So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone …” (Ezekiel 37:7-8)
Observation
Ezekiel prophesied, and the bones came together. However, it was not yet complete; another step remained. Life had to enter the bones. Without breath, there was nothing. Then God said, 'I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life...' (Ezekiel 37:14)
Application
The same is true in any church or organization. There can be programs, but the presence of programs will not guarantee that we are producing life. For example, having a great program for small groups does not ensure a true sense of community among the people. Having a men’s group doesn’t necessarily mean that men are maturing and growing. Having a youth group does not ensure the youth are growing closer to Jesus. Even holding church services does not guarantee that the members are being discipled and are Christlike. Well-executed programs are great, but they are meaningless unless life is breathed into them! We must make sure the things we do are filled with the breath of life!
Prayer
Father, we can do our best to ensure that the bones of our programs are in place, but without Your breath, we will not be able to live! Our efforts and programs must produce life and fruit. Spirit of the Living God, please help us not just to look good on the outside. Breathe into our churches Your breath of life … for without it, we will be no more than a bag of bones.
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