God Speaks: A 5-Day Devotional to Hear From GodSample

Day 1: Introduction: God’s Good Breath

When missionary Walter DeMoss worked to translate the Bible into the Moba language of West Africa, he encountered a problem. The local word for “spirit,” SEIK, meant something fearful and to be avoided. How could the Holy Spirit be translated faithfully?

One day, while watching the wind blow through the trees, Walter had an idea. “The Holy Spirit is like that,” he said. “Unseen, but powerful and refreshing.” The Moba men agreed. They decided to create a new word: YEN-FO-NGAM, meaning “God’s Good Breath.”

The Bible tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV). Just like breath gives life, God’s Word sustains you. It teaches, challenges, and shapes you so you can live faithfully and be ready for every good work.

Yet in many places around the world, people are still waiting to receive this life-giving breath of God in their own language. And for those who do have the Bible, it can be easy to let it sit closed and untouched.

The breath of God isn’t meant to sit still. It moves. It speaks. It fills you with life and forms you into someone who reflects His heart and actions in the world.

Reflect:
What would change if you viewed the Bible not as a duty, but as the life-giving breath of God? How might it move through your words and actions today?