Breath as Divine Gift: Embracing Spirit in Life

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound connection between breath and spirit, drawing from the rich linguistic and theological insights found in Genesis 2:7. The Hebrew word "ruach," which means wind, breath, and spirit, reminds us that every breath we take is a divine gift, a constant infusion of God's spirit into our lives. This understanding challenges the common perception that breath is merely a physical act, separate from the spiritual realm. Instead, we are invited to see each breath as a sacred moment, a reminder of God's presence and life-giving power within us.

The Book of Job further illustrates this connection, emphasizing that the breath of God is what sustains all humanity. This divine breath is not exclusive to Christians but is a universal gift, available to everyone, everywhere, at all times. The New Testament echoes this theme, particularly in the event of Pentecost, where God's spirit is poured out in a new and transformative way. This ongoing relationship with the spirit invites us to live inspired lives, fully aware of the divine presence in every moment.

However, many of us are not breathing correctly, both physically and spiritually. The insights from James Nester's book "Breathe" highlight how most people breathe too rapidly and through their mouths, which is not optimal for our health or spiritual awareness. By practicing mindful breathing, we can align ourselves with the rhythm of God's spirit, becoming more receptive to His presence and guidance.

To cultivate this awareness, we engaged in a simple breathing exercise, inspired by the teachings of Christian writer and neuro researcher Jeffrey Schwartz. This practice involves breathing deeply and mindfully, allowing us to become more attuned to the spirit's movement within us. As we breathe, we are reminded of the Genesis narrative, where God breathes life into humanity, a continuous act that sustains us every day.

Key Takeaways:

- Every breath is a divine gift, a reminder of God's presence and life-giving power within us. This understanding challenges the notion that breath is merely a physical act, inviting us to see it as a sacred moment. [02:30]

- The breath of God sustains all humanity, a universal gift available to everyone, everywhere, at all times. This challenges the idea that the spirit is exclusive to Christians, emphasizing its universal nature. [04:01]

- Many of us are not breathing correctly, both physically and spiritually. By practicing mindful breathing, we can align ourselves with the rhythm of God's spirit, becoming more receptive to His presence and guidance. [06:12]

- Mindful breathing, as taught by Jeffrey Schwartz, involves deep, intentional breaths that help us become more attuned to the spirit's movement within us. This practice enhances our spiritual awareness and connection to God. [08:03]

- The Genesis narrative of God breathing life into humanity is a continuous act that sustains us every day. By embracing this truth, we can live inspired lives, fully aware of the divine presence in every moment. [09:57]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Embrace the Present
[00:57] - The Miracle of Breath
[01:31] - Breath and Spirit in Genesis
[02:17] - Spirit-Breath Connection
[03:05] - Job's Insights on Breath
[04:16] - Universal Gift of Breath
[05:01] - Breathing Incorrectly
[06:12] - Spiritual and Physical Breathing
[07:34] - Practicing Mindful Breathing
[08:35] - Continuous Divine Breath
[09:07] - Breathing Rhythm Exercise
[10:12] - Receiving the Spirit
[11:21] - Inspired Living
[11:40] - Closing and Announcements

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Genesis 2:7
- Job 27:3
- Job 33:4

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 2:7, what does it mean that God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life"? How does this relate to the concept of "ruach" as both spirit and breath? [01:31]

2. According to Job 27:3, what is the significance of the "breath of God" in our nostrils? How does this passage emphasize the connection between breath and life? [03:05]

3. The sermon mentions that many people breathe incorrectly, both physically and spiritually. What are some of the physical and spiritual implications of this incorrect breathing? [06:12]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between mindful breathing and spiritual awareness? What role does this play in our connection to God's spirit? [08:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of "ruach" as both breath and spirit challenge the common perception of breath as merely a physical act? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [02:30]

2. The sermon suggests that the breath of God is a universal gift available to everyone. How does this perspective influence our view of God's presence in the world and in others? [04:01]

3. In what ways does the practice of mindful breathing, as taught by Jeffrey Schwartz, enhance our spiritual awareness and connection to God? How might this practice change our daily interactions? [08:03]

4. Reflecting on the Genesis narrative, how does the continuous act of God breathing life into humanity inspire us to live more aware and inspired lives? [09:57]

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Application Questions:

1. How can you incorporate the practice of mindful breathing into your daily routine to become more aware of God's presence? What specific steps will you take to make this a habit? [08:03]

2. Consider the idea that every breath is a divine gift. How might this change the way you approach moments of stress or anxiety in your life? [02:30]

3. Reflect on your current breathing habits. Are there any changes you need to make to align more closely with the rhythm of God's spirit? How will you implement these changes? [06:12]

4. How can the understanding that the breath of God sustains all humanity influence the way you interact with people from different backgrounds or beliefs? [04:01]

5. Think about a time when you felt disconnected from God's spirit. How might practicing mindful breathing help you reconnect in similar situations in the future? [08:03]

6. Identify a specific moment in your day when you can pause and practice the breathing exercise mentioned in the sermon. How do you anticipate this will impact your spiritual awareness? [09:57]

7. How can you use the concept of "spirit-breath" to inspire others in your community to live more aware and inspired lives? What actions will you take to share this message? [02:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Breath as a Divine Gift
Every breath we take is not just a physical necessity but a sacred moment infused with divine presence. The Hebrew word "ruach" encapsulates the essence of wind, breath, and spirit, reminding us that our very breath is a gift from God. This understanding challenges the notion that breathing is merely a biological function, inviting us to recognize each breath as a moment of divine connection. As we become aware of this sacred rhythm, we are reminded of God's life-giving power within us, a constant presence that sustains and inspires. [02:30]

"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." (Job 33:4, ESV)

Reflection: As you go about your day, take a moment to pause and focus on your breathing. How does recognizing each breath as a divine gift change your awareness of God's presence in your life?


Day 2: The Universal Gift of Breath
The breath of God is a universal gift, sustaining all of humanity regardless of faith or belief. This divine breath is not exclusive to any one group but is available to everyone, everywhere, at all times. The Book of Job emphasizes this connection, illustrating that God's breath is what sustains us all. This challenges the idea that the spirit is exclusive to Christians, highlighting its universal nature and inviting us to see the divine in every person we encounter. [04:01]

"For as long as life is in me, and the breath of God is in my nostrils," (Job 27:3, ESV)

Reflection: Consider someone in your life who holds different beliefs from you. How can you acknowledge the divine breath in them and show appreciation for the universal gift of God's spirit?


Day 3: Aligning with God's Rhythm through Mindful Breathing
Many of us are not breathing correctly, both physically and spiritually. By practicing mindful breathing, we can align ourselves with the rhythm of God's spirit, becoming more receptive to His presence and guidance. Insights from James Nester's book "Breathe" highlight how most people breathe too rapidly and through their mouths, which is not optimal for our health or spiritual awareness. By slowing down and breathing mindfully, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with the divine. [06:12]

"Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:" (Isaiah 42:5, ESV)

Reflection: Take a few minutes today to practice mindful breathing. How does this practice help you feel more aligned with God's spirit and open to His guidance?


Day 4: Deep Breathing as a Path to Spiritual Awareness
Mindful breathing, as taught by Christian writer and neuro researcher Jeffrey Schwartz, involves deep, intentional breaths that help us become more attuned to the spirit's movement within us. This practice enhances our spiritual awareness and connection to God, allowing us to experience His presence more fully. By engaging in this simple yet profound exercise, we can cultivate a deeper sense of peace and spiritual insight. [08:03]

"The breath of our nostrils, the LORD's anointed, was captured in their pits, of whom we said, 'Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.'" (Lamentations 4:20, ESV)

Reflection: As you practice deep breathing today, reflect on how this intentional act can enhance your spiritual awareness. What new insights or feelings of peace do you experience?


Day 5: Embracing the Continuous Divine Breath
The Genesis narrative of God breathing life into humanity is a continuous act that sustains us every day. By embracing this truth, we can live inspired lives, fully aware of the divine presence in every moment. This ongoing relationship with the spirit invites us to live with intention and purpose, recognizing the sacredness of each breath and the life-giving power of God's spirit within us. [09:57]

"Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." (Genesis 2:7, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate the awareness of God's continuous breath into your everyday activities to live a more inspired and intentional life?

Quotes


The Hebrew word "ruach" means both wind and breath and spirit, and that's true also for the Greek word "pneuma" and then in Latin "spiritus." Our word inspiration, expiration to stop breathing, there's a connection in all of these languages. This gets real important in Genesis chapter 2 verse 7 and for you and me. [00:01:05]

We often think of the spirit and breath as very separate. We think that breath is something physical we do it on our own, it's a secular deal we can do it with no help with God, and then we think of spirit as something that belongs probably to Christians. That's not what Genesis is teaching. [00:01:54]

The text doesn't say that God breathed into the person the Breath of Life the first time and then after that they were breathing on their own. No, every single breath in our lungs is the Breath of God. Jack Levinson, great Old Testament scholar and theologian, actually says the fact that the same word means spirit and breath is a great advantage in Hebrew. [00:02:20]

The Ruah of God is in every single breath of every human being. So just listen to these words, Job 27 verse 3, Job says as long as I have life within me, the Breath of God in my nostrils. Or Job 32 verse 8, but it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the almighty that gives them understanding. [00:03:01]

In other words, God is sending his spirit and his breath into all Humanity, everyone everywhere all the time. There's often an association of spirit and breath for a very good reason. Breath is the gift of God's spirit inside of us. The spirit breath is in everybody, so you better be ready to meet with the spirit. [00:03:49]

We are to live now under the inspiration of the spirit with every breath we take. Here's the problem: we are breathing wrong. There's a huge New York Times bestseller a few years ago by an author named James Nester, and it was simply called "Breathe." It sold over 2 million copies. Really interesting book. [00:04:47]

He talks about the significance, the importance of breath, and now actually 90% of us are breathing wrong. You will take about 670 million breaths during your life. He says most of us breathe on average every 3.3 seconds, and that's too often, too rapid, and most of us are mouth breathers. [00:05:06]

Almost all spiritual Traditions, different religions, will associate breath attending to our breath with spirit and prayer, and the fact that it does something to our attention and our mind. That is because when that air is coming into your nostrils, that is the Ruah, the Breath of God. [00:06:16]

The spirit of God is closer to you than you have any idea, and you don't have to earn it, you don't have to merit it. It doesn't depend on how good you did yesterday or in the last moment. God is sending you every breath. It is not a secular thing; it is a gift of his spirit. [00:07:19]

Jeffrey says mindfulness is Simply Having very clear awareness, as though from the outside, from a wise perspective of your life, of your inner life, of your thoughts, in a way that enables you to practice discernment with God. Just simply that, to be fully Mindful. [00:07:49]

The idea in this form of breath, Jeffrey says, is you might actually think of that verse Genesis 2:7, and God breathed into the nostrils of the man the Breath of Life. You understand now the writer of Genesis isn't saying that happened one time like CPR and then it was done. [00:08:23]

You can practice that anytime as a form of Genesis 2:7 prayer, and it will make you more mindful, and it can make you more inspired, more receptive to the spirit of God all through this day. As you think about it, just pause and breathe, and be aware and be grateful and be inspired. [00:11:05]

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Transcript
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