Oct 25

The first step of coming from death to life in Christ is the call to salvation. When we answer that call, just as the first disciples did, we come from spiritual death to new life in Christ. Our dead bones come together in preparation for the other two steps to come.

The second step, after coming to new life in Christ, is to become part of the body of Christ, the church. But too often, this is where it ends. The new person in Christ becomes a member of a church, reads the Bible, prays -- but somehow, something is missing. Church attendance is a rule to obey; there is no life in the church; Bible reading is a chore. No life is found in God's Word or his people or his church. Prayer also lacks the vital spark of life that communication between God and man is supposed to have. All appearances outwardly show a dead person come back to life. But where is that life?

As Ezekiel saw and said, there is no breath in the bones. What is wrong? What is yet missing?

"Then he said to me, 'Prophesy to the breath
. . . Come from the four winds, O Breath, and breathe into these slain
that they may live.'"

Over and over again, we need to hear this same message: There is no life in Christ without the active working of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture for today: Romans 8:2; John 6:63
Thought for today: The Holy Spirit gives life.
Prayer for today: Holy Spirit, thank you for the life you give me in Christ.

OCT 25