Kenny Kopta
Jan 8, 2025
Breathe
Kindling the Word:
John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Stoking the Spirit: Life can often seem overwhelming. Stress, anxiety, and the weight of daily challenges can leave us disconnected, much like how a device loses its Wi-Fi signal. Just as our phones, computers, and tablets rely on a strong connection to the internet to function properly, we too rely on a strong connection to the Holy Spirit for peace and clarity in our lives. When we’re disconnected, it’s easy to get off track. But when we reconnect with God, His peace flows into us, steadying our hearts and minds. Just like reconnecting to Wi-Fi, we can pause and tap into the Holy Spirit to restore our inner peace.
We are designed for God’s breath to breathe in us because God’s breath brings life. When we don’t receive God to breathe in us, we become miserable, seeking our own life and our own peace—peace that is fleeting, not everlasting. But God’s peace, which comes through the Holy Spirit, is eternal and unshakeable, available to us at any moment.
Fireside Reflection: In a world that constantly demands more of us, it’s easy to feel like we are running on empty. But God has provided a solution that isn’t about simply taking a break from life; it’s about being filled with His presence in every moment. The Holy Spirit, dwelling within us, is like the breath of life that sustains us.
When Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you,” He’s offering more than just a momentary feeling of tranquility. This peace comes from the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God inside us, who helps us breathe calmly and steadily, no matter the storm. In times of stress or chaos, we can close our eyes, take a deep breath, and remind ourselves that the Spirit of God is at work in us. As we breathe in, we breathe in His peace, and as we exhale, we release fear and anxiety. This is not something we have to strive for—it’s something we receive.
Embers of Challenge: The next time you feel your heart racing or your mind spinning with anxiety, stop for a moment. Take a deep breath and remember that the Holy Spirit is in you. You have access to the peace that God offers, no matter what’s going on around you. Challenge yourself to pause and breathe deeply, allowing the Spirit to calm you from the inside out.
Let’s hold each other accountable to stop, breathe, and trust in the peace of the Holy Spirit this week.
Ignited for Action: As we go about our week, let’s actively practice breathing in God’s peace. When we feel the stress of life rising, let’s remember that the Holy Spirit is with us, and we have the ability to breathe deeply from within. Share this practice with someone who may be struggling, and encourage them to experience the peace that only comes from the Spirit.
Fireside180 Connection: Think back to a time when you felt overwhelmed. What was your response? Did you take a moment to breathe, to pause and seek God’s peace in that moment? We can often forget that God is not distant from us in those times; He is with us, breathing His peace into our lives.
Let’s connect as brothers, sharing our own experiences of how we’ve struggled to calm down or breathe in God’s peace, and what it looks like when we do. How has the Holy Spirit made a difference in those moments?
Fanning the Flames in Prayer: Father, we thank You for the peace You offer us through the Holy Spirit. Help us to remember that we don’t have to rely on our own strength in moments of anxiety, but that You are always with us, breathing Your peace into our hearts. Teach us to pause, breathe deeply, and trust in Your presence. May we be filled with Your peace and share it with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep the Fire Burning (Weekly Memory Verse):
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6–7