Breathe of Reason

In life there is one thing important to discover, the essence of breathing for more than your physical life.  Paul described life unashamedly as an “eager expectation and hope … with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Phil. 1:20).  That is an expression of certainty in one’s identity, a reflection of who you are now and will be in Christ Jesus.

As Paul grew older the pain from his beatings, his afflictions, and weariness in life he nonetheless knew that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (v21).   But, to be in Christ is to be like Christ, a servant to the very end.  That time for the end of earthly life is determined by God alone, not any personal desire.  Paul knew that living “means fruitful labor, but he was “hard pressed” in a desire for life or death, he knew to “be with Christ … is far better” (22-23).

Then Paul says “but,” a big word of change to desire and opinion of what should or should not be in the soul of a person.  He knew Christ had a reason for him in every moment and every breath.  Just as the Lord has a reason (call if you will) for all of us.  The Spirit of God whispers into our hearts the desire and purpose we all have in common.  Paul knew in his heart that it is better to “remain in the flesh [because doing so] is more necessary on your account” (24).  Such a desire is the same reason God has said, “I am with you.”  Paul now expresses that he is “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus” (26).  God has custom-built each of us to witness and guide people in a life immersed in Christ.  We have purpose in life.  As Rick Warren wrote, “It’s not about you,” we must all realize it is about serving those who you can tell about Jesus and mentor how to live in Christ.

I was doing something I enjoy one day.  As I stepped out a doorway onto a porch I saw then said to an elderly man, “How's it going?”  He replied, "I'm upright and sucking air.”  I learned a lesson in that moment, the importance of breath.  To breathe is a commodity we have been given for a short time. 

While we do activities that we like, or don’t like, it is in those moments that our breath allows words and deeds that are important to someone, eternally important.

My point, every breath must count—breathe, with reason.

Alive, breathing in Christ,

Owen <><

From:  Philippians 1:20-26 ESV

Bold Confidence

After the resurrection Jesus appeared to the saints and “they worshiped him.” He “said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” that authority and power is why you can “therefore and make disciples of all nations. Jesus ensured us that his presence anoints the faithful with authority; in turn we can be bold and live with confidence because “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:17-20)

As the church grew, the saints prayed, asking our Lord God “grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” What a request!  They prayed with confidence to be bold witnesses and enabled to reveal God’s power to heal and His Spirit’s work by signs and wonders.  It was undoubtedly an answer of yes from God, because after “they had had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29-31)

The presence of Christ ensures the enabling of the Holy Spirit with us—this reveals strength not of this world.  The Holy Spirit within and upon us is Christ’s presence, the endowment of authority “to heal” and witness Christ with “signs and wonders.”  In the same way, we have confidence to bring the Word of truth.  God’s power enables us to be bold.  Christ’s presence brings authority by his Spirit’s ever present enabling, makes each follower of Christ a conduit of God’s power—that is why you and I are confident, therefore, bold in your witness and prayer—“Such is the confidence that we have through Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:4).

Bold, confident in Christ’s authority,

Owen <><

Silent While Hearing Miraculous Stories

“The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done …”
Acts 15:12

How long did those miracles take?  I can only guess.  However, if you pray one hour throughout the day, every day for a year, that would be 365 hours to pray for miracles.  The Bible tells stories of instant miracles and some longer, most miracles happened fast.  Jesus put the ear of Malchus back on by a simple touch, in mere seconds (John 18:10).  Jesus raised a man from the dead, in the time it took to yell “Lazarus, come out!"  It took Lazarus longer to walk out of the tomb, stumbling over the wrappings of death’s clothing. (John 11) 

I’ve witnessed miracles within moments of prayer beginning. So, just think, if miracles take about a minute, then 365 hours of prayer would manifest 21,900 miracles a year.  This I know for sure, all of us would be silent as you told us what God had done.

I’m praying for your miracle stories,

Owen