Breath Of Life Online Ministry
 
The question is on the header of every page on the site. What does it mean...are you breathing?

Many people who try to walk in some type of Spiritualism understand the connection between our physical breath and life. In fact, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure it out...if you don't breathe, you don't live.

Most of us recognize the term "breath of life" from Genesis 2:7 defining the account of man's creation. A little understanding of the language may help define this better. The original Hebrew words are 'nĕshamah chay'. 'Nĕshamah meaning breath or spirit and 'chay' meaning life. God created man with His life giving breath.

The end result is that man became a living soul. Once again, 'chay' is the word for living. The word soul is 'nephesh' and it appears 475 times in the Bible as 'soul'. From the root word 'naphash' meaning to be refreshed or take a breath, the term  'nephesh' describes a breathing being. So a 'nephesh' or soul requires fresh air to thrive.

There is only one eternal, self-existent being and that is YHWH. He has no need to be refreshed and is the only One capable of providing the fresh air that we need. And whether we realize it or not, He is the only source of existence and provision for every living soul.

Let's add some food for thought. Genesis 3:8 has long been associated with our need for communion with God. The understanding is that God came to the garden in the cool of the day to meet with Adam. Many people have suggested and taught that this means we should spend devotional time with God in the early morning or 'cool of the day'. While I wouldn't argue for a better way to start one's day, that isn't what the scripture is saying here.

"Cool is actually the word 'ruwach'. This word appears 222 times in the Bible as Spirit. So to imply a time of day misses the whole point. God's desire and design is to commune with man in spirit. That's the way He gives us the provision we so desperately need...fresh air!

So when we ask, "Are You Breathing?" its really a two part question:
  • Have you acknowledged God as your only source of existence and provision?
  • Are you being refreshed in His gracious provision of life and inspiration?

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him."  John 4:23


Are you breathing? ;-D
 


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