Down But Not Out Week 2
God needs to be the center of our lives. Our journey with Him should dictate everything else we do. There’s an ebb and flow to our spiritual life—sometimes we find ourselves on the mountaintop, full of clarity and joy, and other times we’re in the valley, wrestling with doubt or weariness. But through it all, keeping God at the core grounds us and provides direction.
In the original biblical languages, “breath” is often synonymous with “spirit.” Scripture itself is described as the “breath of God,” revealing its divine origin and life-giving power. Without the Spirit of God, a church is like a sailboat without wind—directionless and powerless. Likewise, our personal Christian lives lack vitality and strength without the presence of the Holy Spirit. We need the breath of God to truly live out a meaningful and empowered Christian life.
The Bible, the word of God, is alive and active. However, it is faith that activates its power in our lives. Hearing the word alone is not enough—if it isn’t combined with faith, it will have no effect. When we read God's word, we must approach it with faith, believing it can transform us. Revelation from God’s word fuels our faith, allowing it to take root and grow.
If we want to experience the blessings of God, we must be willing to give—both financially and personally. It’s in our acts of generosity and sacrifice that we open ourselves to His provision and favor.
In Scripture, two Greek words are often translated as “word”: logos and rhema. Logos refers to the written word, the words on a page, while rhema is the revealed word—a moment of clarity or understanding where we say, “Now I get it.” It’s the kind of insight that moves us deeply and brings transformation.
We must also recognize that the opportunity of a lifetime must be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity. This calls for intentionality and responsiveness to God’s timing.
Christian meditation involves reflective thinking about God’s word and considering how to apply it in our daily lives. Meditation leads to revelation, and revelation leads to obedience. Through this process, our relationship with God deepens, and our lives begin to align more fully with His will.
Three practical ways to connect with Scripture in a fresh and powerful way include:
1) Accepting the authority of God’s word
2) Making God’s word a daily part of your life
3) Putting God’s word into practice.
Growth in our spiritual journey is essential. We need to be more aligned with God next year than we are this year. We should continually seek to grow in our understanding of God’s word. As we do these things, our faith matures and our lives become more aligned with the heart of God.