No Matter of what age group we belong to and which ethnic background we come from, there is a particular affinity that all of us have formulated towards water. Right from the time our species developed to the current time, the water has never lost its tonic consequence on us.
In fact this kinship is so much that we keep doing many matters to make for the loss of time spent with water. The reason maybe attributed to the fact that we ourselves are poised of seventy percent of water when we take apart the body composition of human beings. A Bamboo Water fountain draws direct inspiration from Tao which holds that water is a spirit strength and if used correctly then the consequences of it can be quite strong on the quality of human spirit.
Experts of Fen-shui, Tao and Zen hold that water is the ingredient of nature that brings repose and placidity to every dwelling therefore it is advocated by these Philosophical Systems to accept water as a part of any décor when constructing or repairing a house. You can find a sizeable range of Buddha Fountains here and be confident of the quality you get as this is one genuine home to buy. You can choose from a variety of Buddha water fountain options that are created exclusively Available for you on Tabletop Fountain Store - these fountains are a solution of delicate art and accomplished build so you get the most out of the fountain for your household décor.
Buddha fountains are also accessible in different proportions so you can choose what suits your place the best. impart the elixir of spirit to your doorstep with these Buddha Water fountains and experience a serene life. Bergen County Payroll Services have reported increment in their customer retention rate after beautifying their offices with dragon figurines.
In the pursuit of his Christian ministry, the Apostle Paul had a keen sense of teamwork, teamwork with God and with his brothers and sisters. This awareness he expresses by using compound Greek words that begin with the prepositional prefix, sun-. With an object in the dative case, sun means “together” or “with.” This same prepositional prefix has carried over into English, occurring in such words as “symbiotic,” “symphony,” “synergy” (the Greek sun-, represented by sym- or syn-). What follows is a brief survey of the words Paul employed to express this sharing of ministry. You will discover that such sharing continues among 21st-century Christians.
Paul calls us “co-citizens” and “joint heirs” and says we will “co-reign.” Because we are bound up with Christ, we share in His city, His inheritance, and His rule. But we also share the expectation of these future blessings with each other. Because of this, we “co-rejoice.”
Meanwhile, the struggle continues, and we “suffer together.” To endure such suffering, we “co-console” each other, and we live and die together.
But through it all, we are “co-workers.” Paul says that he and his associates are “God’s coworkers,” an amazing testimony both to the condescension of God–willing to stoop so low to work with the likes of us–and the corresponding elevation of Christians.
Paul’s letters yield for us an amazing number of men and women that Paul calls his “co-workers”: Timothy, “everyone,” the Corinthian Christians, Titus, Priscilla and Aquila, Urbanus, Epaphroditus, Clement and others, Mark and Aristarchus, Jesus Justus, Philemon, Demas and Luke. One brother Paul calls “my yoke-fellow,” a term synonymous with coworker (though it could be the man’s name).
Others Paul describes as if they are team members with him in an athletic competition–contending, striving, or struggling together. Two brothers Paul calls his “co-slaves.” Two he names as his “co-soldiers.” Because Paul considers himself a worker, a slave, a soldier, and an athlete for Christ, those who share the load with him also share these descriptions. This includes those of us who are laboring in the kingdom in modern times.
As a frequent prisoner for Christ, Paul appreciated those who ministered to him in prison, even if they themselves were free to come and go. Four he describes as “co-prisoners.” It could be that at least some of these voluntarily served Paul so constantly that their imprisonment was self-imposed.
All of these first-century Christians, as well as Christians alive today, are “partakers” or “partners” in the work of the kingdom. We share, have fellowship with, participate with, and keep company with other believers. Paul uses several compound terms to describe Christian unity. He says we must be united, of one accord, literally, “co-souls.” We are “conformed together” and “fitted together.” We cooperate and assist one another. We are “built together” and made “co-members of the same body.”
All of this togetherness, we must remember, is not a natural state–far from it! If left to ourselves, we human beings split apart at every seam, whether it is race, ethnicity, gender, or class. It is only Christ that binds us together. Only in Him can it be possible to say that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, neither barbarian or Scythian, male or female; all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:11).
Paul expresses the Christian’s union with Christ using the prepositional phrase, together with Christ. He reinforces this by employing compound verbs in which sun- is added to the beginning of the verb. This occurs in several of the key passages in Paul’s writings.
In Gal. 2:20, Paul uses “co-crucified” to describe how becoming united with Christ’s death changes the believer. Compare Matt. 27:44, Mark 15:32, and John 19:32, where the same verb describes the literal crucifixion of the thieves who died with Jesus. Paul says that as a result of his union with Christ’s death, he has died to the law, in order to live to God (v. 19). In the next verse he adds that he is no longer the one living, but Christ is living in him. True, he still lives “in flesh,” but it is a life of trusting in the Son of God, who loved him and gave himself up in his behalf. Note that this happens for the individual, not just for believers as a group. Christ died, not for humanity, but for you and me and everyone else as individuals, and only as individuals can we respond to Him.
This concept of “co-crucified” recurs in Rom. 6:6. Paul says, “Having known this, that the old man was co-crucified.” Although Christ goes unmentioned, the connection is definitely between the believer and ChristHe was the one crucified.
The consequence of this death of the old man is a burial, for Paul earlier says, we were buried together with Him” through baptism into death (v. 4). As a result of this union with Christ’s crucifixion and his burial, we also share in the new life of His resurrection: “we believe that also we will live with him” (suzēsomen, v. 8). Paul uses these same verbs in the parallel passage in Colossians (co-buried and co-raised, 2:12; co-made alive, 2:13; see also 3:1).
Because we belong to Christ, we belong to each other. Our union with Him unites us with every other person who is also united with Him in a grand and eternal fellowship.
Copyright © 2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.
Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.
Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore “The Shallows,” plumb “The Depths,” or use the well-organized “Study Links” for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve’s free “DeeperStudy Newsletter.”
Why do we differ on Passover and Pentecost? Is it because our Father God left us in the dark? Has the God of law and order left us in chaos and confusion? Are we unable to “prove all things” from the Scriptures - as we’re commanded - because we’re unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the correct dates to observe God’s holy days? DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
Since there are many questions on this holy subject, we must start from the premise that God’s Word is true, consistent and does not contradict itself (Jn. 10:35) We must look for those basic Scriptures that are black and white and build our Biblical case upon them. Such supportive Scriptures are actually abundantly available and the BIBLICAL EVIDENCE is overwhelming! Let us shine the Light of God’s Word on our prayerful study with open minds, hearts and Bibles (Isa. 8:20; Jn. 3:19-21; Acts 17:11).
The apostle Paul was inspired to write for the record that “the oracles of God” were COMMITTED TO THE JEWS. The sacred calendar is clearly a part of “the oracles of God” (Ex. 12:2; Lev. 23:4). The purpose of the sacred calendar is for the Jews to determine and declare when the holy days of God are to be observed.
Jesus clearly revealed which Jews were responsible for these holy matters. Jesus declared that “the scribes and the PHARISEES sit in Moses’ seat” of AUTHORITY (Matt. 23:2). God has ordained that the Jews preserve His Word on the Law, Prophets and Writings - despite themselves (Rom. 3:2-3). God will not renege on giving Judah this special calling and precious gift (Gen. 49:10, Rom. 11:29).
God has also ordained that Church officials can make binding decisions based upon Biblical legal precedents, affecting CHURCH issues (such as discussed in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem council of elders), that do not undermine the foundation of the Church - the Law and the Prophets (Rom. 11;18; Eph. 2:20). God has not given Church leaders a license to “kill” the brethren by destroying them doctrinally, uprooting and overturning foundational truths, or “playing God” by stealing divine prerogatives (Matt. 5:17, 19; 2 Thess. 2:3-4)!
The correct dates to observe God’s holy days should not be a Church issue, having been settled by God thousands of years ago and preserved throughout the ages by faithful Jews!
So why do we differ on Passover and Pentecost? Because some have refused, rejected, denied and attempted to dismiss the BIBLICAL TESTIMONY! (Rom. 1:18; 3 Jn. 9-10). We don’t differ because God’s forgotten or neglected to properly instruct His children in His ways! (Deut. 6:7). We don’t differ because we’re unable to prove from the Scriptures, beyond a reasonable doubt, what’s right and what’s wrong!
“Come now and let us reason together, saith the LORD” (Isa. 1:18), “for the LORD has a controversy with His people, and He will plead with Israel” (Micah 6:2).
We differ because some have questioned God’s right to choose the Jews to preserve the Bible and doubt God’s ability to see that they fulfill their serious responsibility! (Ex. 4:11; Isa. 45:9).
We differ because some won’t submit to the BIBLICAL FACT that Jesus clearly decreed that the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat and attempt to usurp that authority by forcibly installing the Sadducees in that position instead! God destroyed the power-base of the Sadducees when the Temple was destroyed but preserved the Pharisees! The Sadducees are history! We must make sure that we support God’s chosen and not find ourselves in the enemy camp! (I Kgs. 2:27,35; Acts 5:39).
God’s Church, as a general rule, has stubbornly followed the blind Sadducean dates for Passover and Pentecost. That is to our shame! We must reject the rebellious traditions of men for the commandments of God, otherwise God will reject us as His Priest-King (Mk. 7:7-9; 1 Sam. 15:23). It’s that serious!
Some, knowing better, continue to enjoy bitter strife and envying, getting caught up in proud personality clashes rather than humbling themselves before the Word of God ( 2 Tim. 2:23-26; Jas. 3:13-18). Truth is truth. It shouldn’t be a matter of “I’m right and you’re wrong,” but what does God’s Word say? God is truth. None of us owns the truth, only God does. Any truth that we might have God’s revealed it to us (1 Cor. 4:6-7). We’re not to take credit for it - all credit goes to God (2 Cor. 4:7).
Thankfully, a growing number of the brethren are beginning to see that the Bible does prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, which holy dates God would have us to observe. Therefore, may we celebrate God’s holy days as He would have us to - “in Spirit and in Truth.”
About the Author
David Ben-Ariel, an American author who has travelled widely and who has lived throughout Israel, shares a special focus on the Middle East and great interest in Jerusalem, reflected in hard-hitting articles that help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out www.benariel.com
Most of us are familiar with the inner criticism and gnawing self-doubt we hear when we want to take the next step in our work or life. Rather than staying stymied we can observe our thoughts, let them go and return to the truth of who we really are. William Wordsworth reminds us of our one true home:
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting;
The soul that rises with us, our life’s star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:”
Returning home to our true self, in each moment, is our lifework. We get sidetracked thinking the promotion, job, or finishing that e-book/workshop/project is what’s important. Certainly, accomplishing some tasks is necessary however, the state of our being as we go about doing the task is more important than getting the task done.
Walk in the Graveyard
Returning to our breath - our thread to God - reconnects us to our true home. Likewise, taking a break from our daily world and going for a walk in a graveyard can reground our soul. Seriously - try it! Like I did early last Sunday morning after I dropped my husband off at work.
I was feeling pressured to get work done as my husband was working and I wasn’t. Also, I was feeling resentful I “had to” wash the car, do the shopping, figure out the best e-book compiler, buy it and begin learning the software and writing that e-book. Worse yet, I felt martyred doing this all on Sunday. Normally, although I’m not much of a church-goer, I like to keep the Sabbath sacred nourishing myself and my spirituality.
As the “to-do” litany continued spoiling my morning I heard my small, still voice whisper, “Walk in the graveyard.” Nearly driving by the graveyard, my decision was quick. My “busy” energy responded with, “Ok. Go to the graveyard and get your walk over with.” With reflective hindsight, the complete “do/achieve” focus of that energy appalled me. My daily walks are intrinsic to my emotional and spiritual well-being - not solely a body exercise to be done!
At first I felt empty on this sunlit morning as I marched the graveyard perimeter for “maximum exercise.” Then, following another intuitive impulse I broke off from the “exercise strategy” and strayed toward a gravestone that has always haunted me. There lay buried a young man, only twenty seven years of age, music notes adorning his tombstone and the words, “Even so, - it is well with my soul.” Ah, in the face of such sorrow and loss, “Even so, - it is well with my soul.” Ah… such comforting words.
The next tombstone read, “…here are those called to God for His purpose…” and in that moment I knew each of us were called to God. With my hand on my heart and tears on my cheeks I now walked slowly, my militant march now a sacrilege. Then, again, I stopped. Listen! Listen! Gay, busy birds chirping everywhere! Had they just begun? Or had I missed hearing them before? The vanilla fragrance from the looming Ponderosa pines filled my senses.
Keeping the Sabbath
With my hand still upon my heart, I was fully present, fully alive amidst the quiet dead. Suddenly there was nothing to do, no pressing tasks, no time pressures, no directing voice, only this moment of fullness, delight, softness of the soul. The Sabbath had come. I entered into the Sabbath. I was home.
Can we keep this Sabbath every day, every moment? How much richer might our communications, work, relationships, and actions be if we did our best to work from this God-centered energy rather than the harsh, pressing demands of fear?
In the following passage from “Circle of Stones, Woman’s Journey to Herself” Judith Duerk gives a roadmap for returning to our God which I believe holds true for men as well as woman.
“Woman grounds herself in being as she claims her time, moment by moment, to be within it, as if she could touch it and hold it in her hand… as she claims her time to be, not forcing into an hour more than that hour can hold, but listening, with a sense of balance and restraint, that each task be quietly fulfilled with pause before and after… an interlude for her to reflect, to be present to herself.”
Being present to our Self, our God, moment by moment is our lifework.
About the Author
