John 20:19-23: Breathe

In the front of my mind one week, as I was preparing for sermons and Bible studies was the Holy Spirit and the fact that the word ‘spirit’ means ‘wind’ or ‘air’ or ‘breath’ and that as we receive the Holy Breath, we can be saved in everything both now and forever.

And then the phone rang. I was told there was a man in the hospital who had a terminal respiratory illness. He was going to die from not being able to breathe the air, the wind. I was told he might not live until tomorrow. I was told he needed a minister and I was told his family wanted a Salvation Army Officer there. I was told he might be ready to accept forgiveness for his sins and receive eternal life. I ran downstairs, I told colleagues, asked for prayer and John drove me over the the hospital, he prayed and I headed upstairs to see the man and his family. And to make a long story short, this man who was dying of a lack of breath, accepted the Breath of God, the Holy Spirit and received eternal life; so that even as he dies, yet shall He live. This man accepted eternal life, God’s Holy Spirit, even on his death bed. Praise the Lord!

What about us here? Is there any today who have never asked Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit to come into our lives? Are there any of us who are dying of an eternal respiratory disease? Are there any of us who are going through and the struggles of life without being a Christian, without taking hold of the comfort God offers? Is there anyone here who hasn’t prayed to receive the Holy Spirit? If so, you don’t need to wait until your death bed; you don’t need to wait until your dying breath; you can accept forgiveness for sins and live forever today.

Is there anyone here who has not asked God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus into their lives yet? You can do so today.

You can say this prayer today: Dear Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins and mistakes, please come into my life and my heart today. Please fill me with Your Spirit, the very breath of God. Amen.

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