Each Wednesday, a devotion is posted here, sent via email to our email list and also posted on our Facebook page. If you would like to be part of our email list please contact the church office. In addition, check out past Devotions on our Facebook page.
I often receive feedback that the devotions are rich in content and are complex. Reading devotions whether short and concise or longer and complicated should never be read once quickly. All types of devotions should be read multiple times using contemplation, reflection and pausing. In those spaces of contemplation and reflection we experience the Holy Spirit interacting with us. Sometimes, individuals will reach out and provide their thoughts and reflections on their devotion. My intent has always been to create a dialogue. So read these in the way that best works for you to experience the Holy Spirit and create a dialogue with others in our community.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community!
How often do you think of oxygen? If you are like me, not much unless it is an issue. Today’s devotion is all about breathing! May you take a moment and live on God’s breath in your life.
Breathing God in As Your Source of Life
Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4
Oxygen, vital to life. For humans our lungs allow oxygen to sustain us in our breathing. Breathing, something that isn’t an issue, until it is. Recently I experienced an asthma attack that after 2 days took me to the ER. After 7.5 hours of waiting and some testing to rule out blood clots and cardiac issues, they gave me an IV shot of prednisone and a nebulizer. The nebulizer was amazing and I could breathe again.
Breathing, vital to life and something that isn’t an issue, until it is. When have you experienced breathing difficulties? How have you managed them? What causes them?
As I sat in the ER my mind wandered to God’s breath and how God’s breath creates and sustains. Then I wondered, what would it be like if everyone in this world lived on God’s breath every moment of their lives. Lived on God’s breath as the source of life. If humanity did that, violence would disappear, acceptance and harmony would reign.
In fact, in your life right now, what would change if you lived on God’s breath and not just oxygen? Would the illnesses, challenges, worries, etc. become manageable in a different way? What aspects of your life would be different if you lived on God’s breath and not just oxygen?
Oxygen and God’s breath do not fix our issues, concerns or problems. However, it does mean we navigate, manage and view our issues, concerns or problems knowing God’s breath is sustaining you. It is hard to describe but when you experience God’s breath it is utterly astonishing and amazing.
What will it take for you to live on God’s breath? As if your life depended on it? What would change?
Dear God, thank You for giving me life with Your breath. I am sorry I don’t always live as if Your breath in me is vital to my survival. Help me to live on Your breath and oxygen in a way that I experience You in amazing ways. Amen.
(image from https://marthaorlando.blogspot.com/2018/01/breathe-on-me-breath-of-god.html)
by Rev David Piltz
