The Breath of Life

We can go days without food and a few days without water, but without breath we can not survive. Getting from one breath to the next is vital for our future existence so today I want to expand my lungs on this topic.

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Without the Lord we are but dust of the ground.  We are empty vessels waiting to breathe life.  What ever comes out of our mouths are the issues of life.  Our speech can only speak what is in the heart.  It is not only our thoughts but our words give birth to future events.  We do not go out and buy a car unless first saying, ‘Today I am going to buy a car’.  Life and death are in the power of the tongue and it goes deeper than just our breath but also our words which is directly connected with what has been harboring in our hearts.

When God breathed the word into existence He breathed life into existence.

2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Science is still uncovering some of the words of the bible into scientific break downs.  The word is life and when you speak God’s promises over your life; in complete confidence knowing God is not man that He should lie, and He always keeps His promises, you are speaking life into existence.  You are stepping out on faith.  You will say and do things that do not make sense in the natural, but in scripture and prayer it makes more than enough sense.  Your ‘friends’ may laugh at you and you may sometimes feel like a fool but when you see the harvest from your obedience you can breathe.

I say breathe in complete peace before you see the outcome.  If there is no peace in a situation, do not do it.  God is not a god of confusion.

Physical Health Benefits of Deep Breathing

Your Lymph System benefits greatly from the practice of deep breathing.  The lymph system is your body’s sewagesystem and every cell is surrounded by lymph. The basic breakdown is that the lymph system is activated when you breathe deeply allowing dead cells, blood proteins, and other toxic material to be removed. Many take advantage of this in meditation as do I.

When we meditate, we meditate in the word.  Meditation is a blend of reflecting, reviewing, repeating, thinking, analyzing, feeling, and enjoying. It is a intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional activity that requires our whole being.

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Making Time

In the American lifestyle it is always the hustle and bustle and getting as many tasks done as you can in a short period of time so you can drone out on the television for the rest of the day not having to think at all.  Needless to say in many other cultures this is not so.  Time is taken to  ponder and consider. I think this expected American behavior can only add to the unique experience of meditation.  In this lifestyle we have to make time to spend with the Lord and putting everything second only connects you closer if you will only consider.  We make time to watch t.v., we make time to go shopping, we make time to waste time etc etc.  It is a complete submission and open communication with our Father.  We can pray and He can speak through His word.  During this peaceful dialog we can breathe deeper allowing our body to benefit as our minds and hearts become full of the Holy Spirit.

Notes to consider:

• Focus on a scripture that is of interest to you in your current time.
• Read it over and over and commit it to your heart.
• Begin to memorize it.
• Allow time for the Holy Spirit to speak to you through God’s word.
• Ponder how it fits with your life and the bible as a whole.
• Allow yourself to feel what God feels.
• Transition from meditation to application.  Consider how the word should be applied to your actions and behavior.

What is so great about this meditation and/or prayer time is that we can do it virtually anywhere! We are not subjected to a religious position or ritual in this time.  We can pray on our way to work in the car, while we are brushing our teeth or taking a shower, we can meditate on a scripture we know by heart while washing dishes or cleaning the house.  Prayer and meditation is not bound to just sitting on the floor with your hands on your knees and your legs crossed.  God is not impressed with your position.  He is listening and looking at our hearts.  But what ever you do don’t ignore your spouse if they are talking to you.  I should know!  I sometimes meditate as I am painting and he will want to ask me something but I am not paying attention to him.  I now let him know I am in prayer and that way there are no interruptions or potential arguments.

For those who have road rage: Try praying for that person you are angry at.  Speak life and bless that person through prayer.  Remember how much God loves that person too.  Watch how quickly your mindset can change when you pray for those who offend you! Breathe deep

So, there is no more excuses!  As you release the toxins in your physical body, release the spiritual toxins in your heart and mind and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse you as you meditate in the word.

God Bless!~Melissa Leslie