Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says The Lord God, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life.” So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. [Ezek 37:9-10]

Purpose, motive, intent – these words have been shared a good bit the past nine months or so. Yet, many times, we do not consider them. But God’s Word strongly does! And the way Scripture words it (mostly) is – the heart. That’s where our motives (our intents) lie. This is why we do what we do…and say what we say...and not do what we know to do...and do not say what we know we should say.

Case in point – Why do “I” go to church? Personally ask yourself this question. And after you do, then also try asking yourself this question – Why does God want me to go to church? I’ve been accused of asking lots of questions when I preach and teach. And I have been found to be extremely guilty of this. Why do I? Well, I’d like to believe it’s because Jesus did. I find it interesting how the first five letters of the word ‘question’ spell out the word – quest. Is this not what we should be on?

1. a long, toilsome search or journey for something important, often involving adventure or noble goals

2. the act of seeking or pursuing something

Notice that second definition – the act of seeking or pursuing something. What does Scripture tell us we are to seek and pursue? It is Christ Himself! At least, it’s supposed to be. And why? Because that’s what God in His Word tells us to do…first! Seek “first” His kingdom and His righteousness! The author of Hebrews strongly encourages us to do this as well, then he adds that it is for our own benefit to do so.  And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. [Heb 11:6]

I spoke with someone the other day and he shared with me how sickness had invaded his home. He and his family had missed about three Sundays. And he said to me – You know…I just didn’t feel right…like was missing something. What did David remind us of in the very beginning of Ps 23? The Lord is my? I shall not? Today, many professing Christians are spiritually lacking. They may even still be spiritually dead. And this is because they have not personally invited The Spirit of the Living God to indwell them to where HE is given complete control and dominion over their “hearts.” That is why these words from the prophet Ezekiel should resonate with each one of us who calls himself or herself – God’s own. As Master, God does own us. Doesn’t HE?

The Spirit of God continues to urge me – Preach to the heart, Damon! But first, allow My Spirit to get to your own heart. And that’s not always easy. But when I do allow Him this right, no longer am I moved or influenced by public applause or opinion or any voice of intimidation. It is God’s opinion and His opinion alone that matters and moves me the most. This is why I must be willing to submit to God’s authority before I can effectively be used By His Spirit to preach and teach to or shepherd anyone else to do the same. When we allow the breath of God to breathe His life into us, we too will come to life and stand up on our feet and become part of His exceedingly great army.