Breath
By Dr Mike Townsend , Chair of Trustees
We take breathing for granted , as an essential part of being human . “ The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life , and the man became a living being .” ( Genesis 2.7 )
Running out of breath is very alarming and dangerous . I recently caught pneumonia and had to be ‘ blue lighted ’ twice to hospital . I was desperate for oxygen ! Some of you will understand . For many , their condition includes regular shortness of breath .
Just as breathing is vital for physical life , so spiritual life requires spiritual breath .
The resurrected Jesus “ Breathed on them [ the disciples ] and said , ‘ Receive the Holy Spirit .’” ( John 20.22 ).
The bible words for “ Spirit ” relate to the idea of “ wind ” and “ breath ”. The Holy Spirit ( the third person of the trinity ) is essential for spiritual life . We are lost without the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit .
I was on Lake Windermere in the Lake District learning to sail . The trouble was that when we got out into the middle of the lake , the wind completely dropped .
“ Nothing for it !” declared the skipper , “ We take down the sails and row !” Getting those sails down was very difficult . Suddenly the boat capsized , and I was in the water ! No wind meant disaster !
My friend Jane , a wheelchair user , joined a very caring church . “ Don ' t worry ,” they said , “ We will look after you .” They did . But Jane found no sense of spiritual purpose and direction .
She left that caring church . Her new church soon recognised Jane ’ s spiritual insights , and ability to teach the scriptures .
Quickly Jane was leading Bible studies , preaching and became a spiritual adviser to the group of churches . She “ breathed ” the breath of God , The Holy Spirit , and exercised her spiritual gifts . The caring church could not see beyond her disability . Jane ’ s spiritual life had nearly capsized .
Are you enjoying the breath of the Holy Spirit enabling and guiding you ? Like the wind , you never quite know in which direction the Holy Spirit will lead .
“ The wind blows wherever it pleases . You hear its sound , but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going . So it is with everyone born of the Spirit .” ( John 3.8 ).
I am happily home and recovered . Whatever our circumstances , The Holy Spirit wants to “ breathe ” Jesus ’ spiritual direction into us . Which direction is God ’ s Spirit taking you ?
Where is God ' s spirit taking you ?
Welcome Sally , and thank you Simon
After many years of service and valuable input , Simon Dennis is stepping down from the TTR board . Thank you , Simon , for your insight , hard work , and incredible support . You ’ ll be missed !
We ’ re excited that Sally Whitney-Mitchell has recently joined our board of Trustees . She brings
Welcome Sally !
personal experience of disability , as well as her professional experience in disability studies . Look out for more from Sally next issue . www . throughtheroof . org