I rocked on the front porch surrounded by the crisp air of dusk. Leaves of gold and crimson danced in the gentle breeze. A songbird sang a melody of praise as, together, we watched the sky dissolve into shades of magenta. I sensed God’s sweet Presence.
I settled back in the swing and tugged on my jacket, making it snug beneath my chin. Sitting in the quiet, I thought about the bible study I had been preparing for the ladies at our precious church. I was almost mesmerized by the gentle moments, lost in thought, safe in my Father’s arms.
And then He opened my eyes to see something beautiful.
I want to take you back to Genesis 2:7 – back to the very beginning of mankind: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.”
In the verse just above this (verse 6) we are told that a mist came up from the earth and watered the face of the ground. That means the “dust” was moist and pliable, kind of like clay would be. Do you remember the words of Isaiah? “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter…”(64:8). I want you to travel back to the Garden with me. God, the Potter, scooped up the clay and, very meticulously, molded, shaped and formed it into the perfect vessel to receive His Spirit. The clay responded to the warmth of His hands. Slowly, the shape of a man emerged. But, it was only a shell of a man.
Now, here’s the good part – the part God opened my eyes to see.
Imagine our great God bending over His creation and tenderly cupping Adam’s face in His hands. Very gently our Father breathed into Adam. One breath. Two breaths. Perhaps God leaned back to observe. Then another breath. This time Adam’s chest rose and fell in rhythm to His Father’s love. He was alive with the Spirit of God.
Can you feel the tenderness? The love? The gentle care?
Now, dear One, think back on your moment of salvation – the moment your eyes were opened to see the Lord’s face – the moment your heart was awakened to receive His love. You and I had been but a shell of a person. Life had no meaning – no purpose. Many of us lived without hope, a mere puppet in the enemy’s hands of destruction. And then God came near. He sweetly cupped our face in His hands. Tilting our head back, He looked long and lovingly into our eyes, and then He breathed. God, the Father, breathed the Breath of Life into our weary souls. His strong and mighty Spirit permeated ours, filling us with new life. New hope. New joy.
Could there be anything greater than the Father’s love?
Father God, My heart is burdened for my friends that need a fresh touch from You. Breathe on them, Lord. Remind them of Your great love, Your mercy. Pour out Your grace on them – let it rain, Lord. Let Your grace rain down upon them to strengthen and encourage. Fill them with joy anew, for it is Your joy that gives us strength. As my friends feel Your breath, let their spirit skip like a newborn calf – fully free. Thank You Father. We love You and we give You praise.
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Would you like for me to pray with you about something specific? Please feel free to contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com. I would be honored to stand with you before His throne of grace.
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Nan,
Thanks for taking me back to the garden this morning and the reminder that I am safe in the arms of God no matter where I go and what I do.
love you…dear friend in Jesus!
You're welcome Glenda. When the Lord showed me His tenderness through this message, I cried. He is an amazing God. Love you!
Nan, wow what a post this morning! This reminded me of what our women's ministry director spoke on a few weeks ago. She took us back to the garden. I can't remember all the gardens she referenced, but one was the garden of Eden. Another was the Secret Garden which she said symbolizes our relationship with Christ. Love you!
Jamie, it's interesting how God sends out a message across the Body of Christ. I think this is an important one – there is no greater love than our Father's love.