December 3rd, 2020 at 10:25 pm 
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 568 12-2-2020
LET GO AND LET GOD
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
[Living Bible translation]
Ephesians 4:31-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen….Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another…. [New International translation]
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make straight your path. [Living Bible translation]
Summary
The Bible is full of the promises of GOD. It is about the lives of individual people and it is about how a nation of people, the Israelites, rose from nothing, to greatness. The Bible is full of stories of people who, in faith, allowed GOD to have HIS WAY. Ordinary people had faith and lived extraordinary lives because they “LET GO and LET GOD.”
In Jeremiah 29:11 the writer says that GOD “ knows” the plans he has for “you.” Think about it. It does make sense. After all, GOD is all knowing (i.e., Omniscient). In other words, GOD “sees” all aspects of time---the past, the present and the future. Planning is about taking action, engaging in a process or designing steps so that some future outcome can be achieved. But not only can GOD “see” the future, GOD has unique ability to “design” futures. HOW? Well, GOD after all, is all powerful (i.e., Omnipotent). GOD has the ability to “breathe” life into “dead situations.” Just think of the creation of humanity, when GOD “breathed the breath of life” into the first human. See, Genesis 2:7.
We can also rely on GOD's plans for each of us individually, because GOD, unlike a City Planning division, or any other “human” organization, which has limited resources, limited staff and that may find itself, bogged down in paperwork with hundreds of other competing plans, GOD can plan for “each of us at the same time.” There is no wait time, no waiting line, no borders, no boundaries, no concern for “being overlooked,” because GOD can be with each of us, no matter where we are located in the world, at the same time. GOD is everywhere (i.e., Omnipresent). And GOD LOVES us all (i.e., Omnibenevolent), caring about each and every one of us.
So, GOD is uniquely qualified and capable of being a MASTER DESIGNER and PLANNER.
HE deserves our faith. We, therefore, should, LET GO and LET GOD.
But, so often, we don't. Ephesians 4 provides some understanding, why we don't just “LET GO.” According to Ephesians 4:31, we all have a tendency to let unwholesome talk come out of our mouths or take root in our minds. For example:
- When was the last time you mentioned you were “growing old” instead of “growing in the LORD”?
- When was the last time you “worried,” or thought about what you “can't do” instead of thinking of the thousands of things GOD is capable of doing, or of all the things GOD has already done for you?
- When was the last time you completely turned some “impossible” situation in your life, or some “impossible person” in your life, totally over to GOD, refusing to think about it or even talk about it ?
- How many times have you tried to make plans, based on “what you wanted,” “how you felt,” “or based on your financial situation,” without consulting GOD?
- How many times have you “thrown in the towel,” on homework, determined that “you can't do it,” felt like a failure, decided not to work or play or try because you couldn't “see” what difference it would make?
In other words, it is our own tendencies to “rely on our own understanding” or to talk ourselves out of “moving in a direction” GOD wants us to go, or our negative thinking that often causes us to lose faith (in ourselves or GOD) and not LET GO and not LET GOD.
We must believe in our minds, our hearts and with the very words that come out of our mouth, GOD IS WHO GOD IS!
BECOMING GOD's CHAMPIONS
Watching prior Olympics or watching the skills displayed by professional athletes playing football, basketball, baseball, running track, skiing, ice-skating, playing soccer or engaging in other professional sports, most people think “I could never do that, in a million years!”
And, it is often that kind of “limited” thinking that separates those who become champions and those who don't. According to many coaches, trainers, sports psychologists and others who train, study and work with champions, there is a certain “mindset” associated with champions. Many people have athletic abilities, but what often distinguished the champions from even very gifted athletes is a certain mindset. These are a few things that are mentioned:
- Champions are dreamers. They expect to win. That is, they see themselves winning even before it happens. They are optimistic. They are confident. Some might say they have faith. Or, as one writer put it, their faith is far greater than their fears. They often think their best days are ahead of them, not behind.
- Champions don't focus on the faults of others or even their own faults or weaknesses. Instead, they focus on what they can do better than others. They work at improving themselves day after day, after day, so they can get stronger and better and wiser at doing what they are doing. Some say they are lifelong learners. They have a passion to excel.
- Champions tend to be coachable, they take responsibility, they “show up,” they focus on their “gifts” they have been given. They often see their training and work as fulfilling a higher purpose, not for just a short-lived goal or gain.
See or read some of the following references: “Begin Your Day the Olympian Way, The Fastrack to Leadership Gold,” by Olympian Marilyn Kind & Emmett Miller, MD; “5 Ways to Think Like An Olympian,” by Jon Gordon. http://www.jongordon.com/positive-tip-think-like-a-champion.html; See also, www.JonGordon.com.
HAVE FAITH AND BE GOD's CHAMPION
GOD is still a champion maker. GOD is still looking for “just ordinary people,” willing to follow HIM and allow HIM to let them do extraordinary things, to HIS GLORY, even in the midst of COVID 19.
So today, let go and let GOD. LET GO and LET GOD. LET GOD and LET GO! Make this your affirmation this week.
Exercise and have faith. Eat right. Speak right. Think right.
Trust GOD to give you a future filled with hope! [Jeremiah 29:11]
Be GOD's champion and BE BLESSED!
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December 3rd, 2020 at 10:22 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 567 11-25-2020
O GIVE THANKS
Psalms 107:1-2 O GIVE thanks unto the LORD, for HE is good: for HIS mercy endureth forever. [King James translation]
Luke 17:11-19 Now on HIS way to Jerusalem, JESUS traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As HE was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met HIM. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “JESUS, MASTER, have pity on us!” When HE saw them, HE said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising GOD in a loud voice. He threw himself at JESUS' feet and thanked HIM—and he was a Samaritan. JESUS asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to GOD except this foreigner?” Then HE said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well. [New International Translation] [The King James translation of Luke 17:19 states “…thy faith hath made thee whole.]
Thanksgiving
On November 26 th people across the nation will be celebrating “Thanksgiving,” a day that President Abraham Lincoln declared a national holiday by proclamation in 1863. Prior to Lincoln's proclamation, each colony or state scheduled and celebrated its own individual day of Thanksgiving. In an attempt to bring a nation together that was torn by the civil war, Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November a national day of Thanksgiving. It was an attempt to create a custom or tradition that would be honored by Northern states and Southern states.
Once the national holiday of Thanksgiving was established, many American families created their own Thanksgiving customs and traditions. Some of those traditions included family and friend gatherings of multiple generations, makings special dishes, beautiful arranged table settings, starting with a big breakfast, watching football or a parade, visiting friends, sleepovers or travel, going to a place of worship, shopping the day after Thanksgiving, going to a movie or other engaging in other social activities. Because of COVID 19, many families will not be able to engage in many of these customs and traditions. However, that does not mean that COVID 19 need deprive us of “Giving Thanks” or our Thanksgiving.
According to these scriptures, “Giving Thanks” is about GOD.
Psalms 107:1-2, simply states that we should praise GOD and be thankful simply because GOD IS GOOD, and GOD IS MERCIFUL. We are to thank GOD for GOD's unfailing love, for being a GOD we can come to in times of trouble and for delivering us in times of distress. According to Psalms 107, if anyone is feeling troubled, distressed, poor, (or experiencing other problems because of COVID 19), this is a great time to simply “Thank GOD” for who GOD IS. Psalms 107 reminds us that GOD IS---our HELP, DELIVERER, HEALER, REDEEMER! (See Verses 2, 19, 20, 28)
In Luke 17:11-19, we are given an additional lesson on being thankful. According to Luke by giving thanks to GOD and praising HIM, we enter into right relationship with GOD and are blessed even more. The nine leapers were just physically healed. But, the Samaritan was made whole. Only the Samaritan was spiritually in right relationship with GOD, a relationship of gratitude, when the Samaritan praised GOD with heartfelt thanks—threw himself at the feet of JESUS.
I believe the elders in the church understood what it meant to be grateful and give heartfelt thanks for every single thing when they prayed and thanked GOD:
- For waking us up this morning and not into eternity;
- For articulation of speech and blood that still runs warm in our veins;
- For our last night laying down;
- That our bed was not our cooling board and that our covers were not our winding sheets;
- That we can come before GOD as wayward children and confess our sins and that HE gives us one more chance;
- For life and breath;
- That we can see and that we are not being seen;
- For everything---because YOU are just a MIGHTY GOOD GOD—and YOU are GOD all by YOURSELF!
Our elders were simply giving thanks to GOD for who GOD IS.
GIVE GOD THANKSSo, today, on this day before Thanksgiving, take time to remember who GOD IS. Take time to pray. Remember the elders who prayed for you. Take time to think about your many blessings.
On Wednesday, Thanksgiving Thursday, Friday and every day---give thanks.
Let's come together as a nation in giving GOD thanks.
Be well, be whole and BE BLESSED.
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December 3rd, 2020 at 10:18 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 566 11-18-2020
LOVE IS PATIENT
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind…. [King James translation]
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. [New International translation]
Summary
1 Corinthians 13 is part of the epistles (i.e. a letters) to the church in Corinth. The Apostle Paul went to Corinth on one of his missionary journeys. It was one of his “stops.” Acts 18:1 notes that Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met a number of people (a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla) and where Paul spoke at the synagogue regularly.
As a guide to the early Christian churches, Paul engages in a number of discourses on topics. Many refer to 1Corinthians 13 as Paul's discourse on “love.” However, if you were to ask many born prior to 1960, they probably remember 1 Corinthian as a discourse on “charity,” because the King James translation uses the word “charity” while many modern translations of this scripture use the word “love.” When one thinks of “charity” one usually thinks of “giving.” or “helping.”
Whether you think of 1 Corinthians as the scripture on “love” or “charity,” it is probably no mistake that the writers, who Paul identifies in 1 Corinthians 1:1 as himself and Sosthenese, 1 began the discourse with “Charity [or Love] is patient.”
If you think about CHRIST “giving” HIS life for humanity, despite all of humanity's continued imperfections, and that HE did this out of love for me and you, it is perhaps easier, to see the connection between “giving” (charity), love and patience. Despite humanity's failure to “do the right thing” over and over again, right up to the present, CHRIST still gave HIS life. GOD showed an extraordinary amount of patience on the cross for us, while we were yet sinners, in suffering and dying for us on the cross. HIS was a long suffering.
CHRIST's love was love “in action.” HE gave. HE healed. HE interacted with people. Often when the disciples or others were trying to rush HIM--- keep HIM from taking time to talk with a woman no one else would have talked with, 2 or keep HIM from spending time with children, 3 or dealing with people outside his borders, 4 or spending time with someone everyone else rejected, JESUS stopped and interacted with them anyway. 5 CHRIST took time to be with people, minister to them, acknowledge them and love them. HE gave of himself, HE was patient, kind, not easily angered, not self-seeking.
JESUS' love was action, time, giving, caring and sacrifice. HIS giving of HIMSELF was love.
LOVING, GIVING and BEING PATIENT WITH YOURSELF
It is important to be patient with yourself and to love yourself even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Some of the ways WebMD suggest we can stay mentally and physically active and engage in self-care, include the following health activities:
- GET OUTSIDE – Going outside and walking in green spaces, but still maintaining social distancing—staying at least 6ft away from anyone you don't live with, can often boost a person's mood, help with depression and keep high blood pressure at bay.
- GET MORE THAN 5,000 Steps a Day –Move around your home, pace while on the phone, march in place while watching TV or listening to the radio can be helpful in avoiding an inactive lifestyle.
- BE ACTIVE THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY—Try to avoid just sitting, if possible, all day. If you are at a computer all day, set an alarm to get up and move every hour. Try to replace some of your sitting with standing. Plan short breaks during the day (e.g. go for a walk, play with your child or pet or do an exercise video).
- TEXT or CALL SOMEONE – It is still important to stay connected to friends, family and neighbors, while you socially distance. You don't want to be socially isolated. Call a loved one, mail an encouraging note or set up a group chat. Social connection helps with self-esteem, lowers your anxiety and helps keep your emotions even.
- LIMIT NEWS or SOCIAL MEDIA—If you feel more anxious after listing to news stories or scrolling through social media, set limits for yourself. Check the news only once a day or choose certain days to check social media.
- TAKE TIME to RELAX—Take a long bath or shower, sip tea in the afternoon, start an evening wind down where you listen to music or engage in another relaxing activity.
- GIVE and RECEIVE HELP – Don't be afraid to ask for help (whether groceries or someone to talk to). If you don't know where to go, reach out to your church, your community or your physician or a friend. Give financially, donate to food drives, send a care package to a friend, ask an older neighbor if they need anything if you are heading to the store. Helping others helps you feel better.
- TRY SOMETHING NEW – Try a new hobby---there a number of on-line videos and websites to learn anything from art, to gardening, to astronomy to coding. Research has shown that hobbies can be good for your health.
- SET GOALS – To help you stay focused and give you a clearer purpose during these uncertain times. Don't make them too hard and don't beat yourself up if you have to put some of them on hold. Set goals within reach so you do something each week or every day.
- GO EASY on YOURSELF—This may not seem like the productive season of your like, and that's OK. Give yourself grace and focus on what's important, keeping you and your family healthy.
- WATCH FOR UNHEALTHY PATTERNS- Look for changes (e.g. are you drinking [alcohol] more, smoking, or engaging in other harmful patterns). If you're in recovery, reach out to your support group, contact a therapist or others who can help you get back on a healthy course.
- THINK OF THE BIG PICTURE- Remember you are not alone. We truly are all in this together.
See, “Coronavirus: Healthy Actions That Help You Feel Better,” https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-healthy-actions-feel-better/
WHAT's LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Today, slow down. Take time to really think about love and what you and I can do to love like CHRIST. If you are feeling anxious or down, engage in some healthy activities that will help you feel better.
Pray---for yourself and others. In terms of the “ BIGGER PICTURE,” remember GOD is still in control!
Pray, love, be patient and BE BLESSED!
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1 Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. He was seized and beaten by a Jewish mob in front of Gallio, the governor, when Sosthenes refused to turn against Paul (Acts 18:12-17).
2 See, John 4: 27, which notes that even the disciples were surprised when they found JESUS talking with a woman.
3 See Matthew 19:13-14, which notes that when the little children were brought to JESUS to be blessed, the disciples rebuked them and tried to shoo them away, but JESUS welcomed the children to HIM. HE took the time to touch each of them.
4 See Luke 8:43-48. When the woman with the issue of blood touched the “border of his garment,” JESUS, didn't put up any walls, HE immediately stopped to seek the woman out and despite the incredulity of the disciples that HE would extend HIMSELF so broadly, since there was a multitude of people around HIM, JESUS stopped and found the woman.
5 See Luke 19:1-10. Despite being the chief Roman tax collector,” and despised and low (especially in the social hierarchy of the synagogue) so that he had to climb a tree to see JESUS (and perhaps stay a safe distance away from the crowd), JESUS saw Zacchaeus' need. JESUS reached out to Zacchaeus and went to his house to fellowship with Zacchaeus.
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December 3rd, 2020 at 10:16 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 565 11-11-2020
DEALING WITH STRESS
Psalms 120:1 In my troubles, I pled with GOD to help me and HE did! [Living Bible]
Psalms 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD. HE will carry them. [Living Bible]
Psalms 18:28 My GOD turns my darkness into light. [New International translation
Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in YOU. [New International translation]
1 Peter 5:7 Let HIM have all your worries and cares, for HE is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. [Living Bible translation]
Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell GOD your needs and don't forget to thank HIM for HIS answers. [Living Bible]
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with GOD. [New International translation.]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
If we are not careful, stressful events can seem “bigger than life.” This is especially so, when we are caught in the grip of anxiety, fear, insecurity, doubt, depression worry---often caused by stress events.
Constantly hearing talk about how stressful the world seems to be because of (COVID 19, the election, hatred, prejudice, crime, the economy, homelessness, injustices in numerous settings around the world and unease in so many people's minds “about the future”) it is easy to lose “prospective.”
Reading the WORD OF GOD and meditating on scriptures like those listed above help us put things back in their proper “spiritual order” because stress and stressful events are not and never will be bigger than GOD.
Reading and studying how others like Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Esther, Ruth, Daniel, Elijah, JESUS dealt with adversity and stressful events, each of us can come to realize that what HE has done for others, HE can do for me too. We too can come to the realization that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD.
THE WORD OF GOD, is a transformative, portable, living, dynamic, healing, SPIRIT filled WORD, in all times, but especially in times of stress.
EXERCISE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
Sometimes stressful events can flood the body with hormones causing a person's heart to pound, their breathing to increase or their muscles to tense. This reaction is called “the stress response.” It is one of the reasons why stress feels so uncomfortable.
Julia Corliss, Executive Editor of the Harvard Health Letter, suggests six relaxation techniques to try to induce a “relaxation response.” With practice, Corliss suggests that using some of these techniques will help a person create a way to return to their inner calm:
- Breath focus. In this simple, powerful technique, you take long, slow, deep breaths (also known as abdominal or belly breathing). As you breathe, you gently disengage your mind from distracting thoughts and sensation. [Corliss notes that this technique may not be appropriate for those with breathing, respiratory or heart failure problems.]
- Body scan. This technique blends breath focus with progressive muscle relaxation. After a few minutes of deep breathing, you focus on one part of the body or group of muscles at a time and mentally releasing any physical tension you feel there. A body scan can help boost your awareness of the mind-body connection. [Corliss notes that this technique may not be helpful or appropriate for those who have had a recent surgery that affects your body image or who have difficulties with body image.]
- Guided imagery. For this technique, you conjure up soothing scenes, places, or experiences in your mind to help you relax and focus. You can find free apps and online recordings of calming scenes—just make sure to choose imagery you find soothing and that has personal significance. [Corliss notes that this technique is helpful in reinforcing a positive vision of yourself, but it can be difficult for those who have intrusive thoughts or find it hard to conjure up mental images.]
- Mindfulness meditation. This practice involves sitting comfortably, focusing on your breathing, and bringing your mind's attention to the present moment without drifting into concerns about the past or the future. This form of meditation has enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years. Research suggests it may be helpful for people with anxiety, depression, hypertension, and pain.
- Yoga, tai chi, and qigong. These three ancient arts combine rhythmic breathing with a series of postures or flowing movements. The physical aspects of these practices offer a mental focus that can help distract you from racing thoughts. They can also enhance your flexibility and balance. [Corliss notes that if you are not normally active, have health problems, or a painful or disabling condition, these relaxation techniques might be too challenging. She suggests checking with your doctor before starting them].
- Repetitive prayer. For this technique, you silently repeat a short prayer or phrase from a prayer while practicing breath focus.
See, Six Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Stress, by Julie Corliss, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress/
If you have a medical condition, speak with your personal physician to determine what exercises are right for you. It may also be useful to speak a psychologist or psychiatrist.
BELIEVE GOD's WORD
JESUS said:
Let not your heart be troubled; believe in GOD, believe also in ME.
(John 14:1)
The WORD of GOD assures us that in troubling or uncertain times, we can ALWAYS believe in GOD. GOD is our anchor when the world is unstable. GOD anchors our soul. (Hebrews 6:19)
So, have faith in GOD and believe! Continue to study and meditate on scripture, breathe deeply and move.
And, remember, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!
Believe and BE BLESSED!
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December 3rd, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 564 11-4-2020
RE-BUILDING OUR NATION
Nehemiah 1:1-4 The Autobiography of Nehemiah, the son of Hecaliah: In December of the Twentieth year of the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, when I was at the palace of Shushan, one of my fellow Jews named Hanani came to visit me with some men who had arrived from Judah. I took the opportunity to inquire about how things were going in Jerusalem. “How are they getting along?” I asked. “—the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from their exile here?” “Well,” they replied, “things are not good; the wall of Jerusalem is still torn down, and the gates are burned.” When I heard this, I sat down and cried. In fact, I refused to eat for several days, for I spent the time in prayer to the GOD of heaven. [Living Bible translation]
Summary
Throughout the Bible, there are a number of examples of GOD dealing with cities (like Sodom, Gomorrah and Jericho), with nations (such as the nation of Israel, Ancient Egypt, the Babylonian Empire) and with individuals (for example, Abraham, Moses, David, Peter and Paul). Sometimes GOD uses a single individual to make a difference in the history of a great nation, such as when GOD used Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt or when David became king of Israel. The book of Nehemiah is an autobiographical account of how one person, a simple cupbearer, prayed that GOD would allow him to rebuild the walls of a broken nation and how GOD answered that prayer. One person was willing to leave a comfortable palace in order to lay a few bricks in order to rebuild and restore the spiritual health of a nation.
ACTS OF RE-BUILDING
Like Nehemiah, each one of us can make a difference. Each one of us can set an example. Each one of us can provide some of the sweat and “mortar” necessary to restore and re-build the spiritual health of our nation.
Like Nehemiah we need to protect children and families in crisis. For example, Nehemiah stopped family separation and the selling of children into slavery because families were unable to pay their debt to the rich. Nehemiah convinced the rich to restore the property they had taken to the poor and assist the poor, instead of profiteering on them. (See, Nehemiah, Ch.5)
Like Nehemiah, we can try to be an example by feeding others. For example, instead of acting like the former governors and their aides before him, Nehemiah did not demand a lavish food and wine daily allowance or ask for an additional $100 a day in cash, but instead Nehemiah fed 150 officials and visitors from other countries at his own table. Nehemiah's was a frugal diet because he did not want to insist on a food allotment for himself from the people when the people were already heavily burdened. (See, Nehemiah, Ch.5, Living Bible Translation)
Like Nehemiah, we can try to protect one another from harm. Nehemiah, assembled all the people, so they would be of one mind when they entered into covenant with each other and GOD. He wanted every single person to, in essence, “be on the same page” so there would be no excuses for anyone not doing his/her part.
The CDC (the Center for Disease Control and Prevention), for example, is trying to get everyone “on the same page” with regard to COVID 19. The CDC has stated:
As of October 25, 2020, COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the country. Average daily cases in the last 7 days increased 26% from the previous 7 days. This 7-day average is 4% higher than the previous peak 7-day average that the United States reached in July. COVID-19 cases continue to vary across age groups. People ages 18-24 remain the age group with the highest incidence of COVID-19.
See, https://www.cdc.gov/.
The CDC encourages everyone to do their part in slowing the spread of the disease and to protect one another. Specifically, the CDC wants everyone to practice these healthy habits:
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay 6 feet from others.
The Bible exhorts us to:
Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman [workerwoman/worker] that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.
This too is a national priority. GOD will one day examine all our work. We are all in this together!
IT's NEVER TOO LATE
Tomorrow and over the weeks and months ahead, pray about how you can help re-build our nation. Ask GOD. Pray for direction. Pray GOD restore the physical and spiritual health of the nation and that we all do our part.
Remember, it is never too late to pray and rebuild! All we need do is lay one brick---day after day, week after week.
Pray, Re-build and BE BLESSED!
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December 3rd, 2020 at 10:10 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 563 10-28-2020
SWEAT
Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. [King James translation]
Summary
It is interesting to compare mankind's quality of life before the fall (before Adam disobeyed GOD) and afterwards. Before the fall, Adam lived in GOD's garden. Eden was a GODly place, a beautiful space, uniquely created and designed by GOD. GOD planted trees, with the choicest of fruit. Eden was a place of peace and comfort. Most importantly, it was a place where humanity could be with THE CREATOR. In Eden, Adam could commune with THE CREATOR. Adam could talk with THE CREATOR, walk with THE CREATOR and do the work THE CREATOR designed specifically for him. It was ideal.
But as a result of Adams disobedience, and the disobedience of generations of male and female “Adams” thereafter, humanity was denied Eden. Humanity would still have to eat, but no longer would humans eat from GOD's special garden. Adam would have to plant his own garden. Adam would have to sweat. Adam would have to face obstacles. Instead of beautiful trees and easy, accessible fruit dangling from branches, Adam would encounter “thorns and thistles.” (See, Genesis 3:18.) Adam would have to deal with “the dust” and “the ground”--his very own nature, trying to live---trying to eat. Living outside of Eden would be hard and it would be frustrating.
Yet, one of the greatest lessons of the Bible, is that the story did not end with “the fall.” GOD continued to provided. For example:
- When the Israelites were sweating in the wilderness, complaining and unhappy about all of the obstacles in their lives, GOD rained down bread from heaven. (See Exodus 16:4)
- Job's “thorns and thistles” seemed to be never ending. They attacked his flesh and his spirit. He could find no comfort---not even from his friends or his wife. It seemed like everything he had worked and sweated for just disappeared overnight. Job's sweat was also the sweat of illness, discouragement and mental suffering. But, in the midst of his despair, GOD found Job and reminded Job who GOD IS.
There are many other examples and Biblical witnesses to GOD's AMAZING GRACE. The greatest act of GRACE was GOD sending HIS SON, JESUS, THE CHRIST to redeem humanity from the penalty of death. JESUS took the thorns and thistles of life, which HE wore in HIS suffering and then turned them into a crown of glory and victory, when HE then arose, victorious, with all authority from the grave.
JESUS sweated too. In a “prayer garden” called Gethsemane, in HIS agony, HIS sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground. (See, Luke 22:39-44) Yet, HE continued to commune with GOD. HE continued to pray. And GOD, in HIS GRACE, heard HIM. GOD always hears JESUS. (See, John 11:41)
Yes, the Bible has a lot to say about sweat, the thorns and thistles of life and GOD's GRACE.
EXERCISE SWEAT
One of the more famous quotes attributed to Edgar Allen Poe is “The best things in life make you sweaty.” When it comes to exercise, the subject of sweat or what make you sweaty can be complicated and sometimes misleading.
It turns out that some people just sweat more than other people. So, just because a person sweats does not mean they are losing weight or that a person is getting a better workout. Generally, sweat is the normal reaction of the body when your body is working harder. It is the body's cooling mechanism to reduce body heat. However, sometimes sweating can be the result of medical conditions. Excessing sweating can be caused by a thyroid condition, diabetes or infection. If you are experiencing excessive sweating or have concerns, consult your personal physician.
If you sweat during exercise, you may need to consume more liquids to offset the loss of fluid from your body. Some of the tips for maintaining proper hydration include:
- Drinking water before and after exercise.
- Drinking water during exercise, especially if you exercise for long periods of time.
- Drinking water in hot and cold weather.
- Before and after exercise avoiding beverages that contain alcohol.
Although people often associate sweating with cardio exercises, sometimes holding a single pose can make you sweat. For example, consider the following:
- Static Lunge - Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. Then take a big step forward and lower your back knee, without touching the ground and keeping your back straight and hips pointed straight ahead. Place your hands at your waist and hold, balancing yourself for 30 seconds or more. Then switch sides.
- Glute Bridge – Lie on your back with your hands along each side. Then bend your knees, keeping your feet flat on the ground, pointing forward. Squeeze your glutes and slowly lift your hips. Be sure to keep your shoulders down and draw in your abs. Hold for 30-45 seconds, then lower to the ground and repeat.
- Superman/Superwoman – Lie face down and extend your arms straight ahead and your feet straight behind. Simultaneously lift your head, chest, arms, legs and feet, so you look like Superman/Superwoman flying. Look straight ahead. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat.
If you have balance problems, an injury, a medical condition or concerns about performing these exercises consult your personal physician for an exercise program appropriate for you. Remember it never hurts to ask a medical expert or to seek the advice of someone who knows your condition.
SWEAT, LIFE & THE BIBLE
Life still has its thorns and thistles. And, life can still make us sweat. Like the story of Job, the year 2020 has been a year of bad news reports. One pandemic (COVID 19), has been followed for another pandemic (global injustice), and another pandemic (environmental flooding, wild fires and other climate changes) and another.
The good news is that GOD still IS. GOD still hears our prayers. JESUS is still our DEVINE INTERCESSOR. GOD still has AMAZING GRACE!
The Bible is still a source of spiritual and physical health and can quench our spiritual thirst.
So, continue to pray. Continue to persevere. Continue to wait on THE LORD.
Stay Biblically hydrated, and BE BLESSED!
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December 3rd, 2020 at 10:07 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 562 10-21-2020
DETERMINED TO LIVE
2 Kings 20:1-6 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order: for you shall die, you shall not recover.'” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I walked before thee in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in thy sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you; on the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add, fifteen years to your life....”
[ Revised Standard translation]
Summary King Hezekiah was born in 739 BC. He was considered one of the great and good kings that reigned over Judah. During his reign he introduced religious reform, he tried to abolish idolatry and he faithfully “ walked” with God. Like Solomon before him, King Hezekiah was one of the few kings who went to the temple to pray. (2Kings 19:1). However, one day King Hezekiah became ill---sick to the point of death. Even the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah that he should “put his house in order.” But Hezekiah decided to live. In fact, Hezekiah was determined to live. The scripture states that Hezekiah “ turned his face toward the wall” and prayed. Instead of allowing himself to get distracted by “bad news” and instead of focusing on the situation around him, Hezekiah turned against the situation in front of him and turned to GOD. Hezekiah turned from death and instead turned to life.
In his prayer Hezekiah reminded GOD how he had walked before GOD in faithfulness---in essence how throughout his life, Hezekiah had “exercised” his faith and how he had given GOD his “whole heart.”
GOD heard Hezekiah's fervent prayer and GOD gave Hezekiah 15 more years of life!
Food and Longevity
There are numerous articles on the effects of food on longevity. In “The 10 Best Foods for Longevity,” by Joel Furhman, MD, the following natural plant foods are promoted as foods that help fuel the body with nutrients, help to increase energy, help to reduce a person's risk of disease and help a person maintain a healthy weight. Instead of feeding an addiction to processed foods, which increase a person's risk for such illnesses as obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, Furhman recommends these making these ten foods part of a healthy diet:
- Raw or Cooked Cruciferous Vegetables: For example, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, kale and cabbage.
- Salad Greens: For example, spinach, lettuce, mustard greens, kale, collard greens.
- Nuts: For example, sliced almonds, raw cashews, walnuts.
- Seeds: For example, flax, chia seeds, pumpkins seeds, sesame seeds;
- Berries: For example, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, blackberries, raspberries.
- Pomegranate
- Beans and Other Legumes: For example, black beans, red beans, chickpeas, split peas.
- Mushrooms: For example, white mushrooms, shiitake, oyster, reishi.
- Onions and Garlic: For example, yellow onions, scallions, shallots, chives.
- Tomatoes
See, “The 10 Best Foods for Longevity,” by Joel Furhman, MD, updated June 6, 2020, https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-foods-for-longevity-4005852.
Exercise and Longevity
There are also numerous articles and studies regarding the effect of exercise on longevity. Even light physical activity was enough to increase the lifespan in older men. Researcher looked at about 1,180 men, who had an average age of 78, who wore a device that measured their movements over a seven-day period. The men were followed for five years.
Although government guidelines recommend at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of “moderate-intensity exercise” every week, it was noted that overall only about half of American adults actually meet the recommended guidelines.
But researchers found that it was overall volume of exercise and not how hard or how long a person exercised that mattered most regarding longevity. For example, the researchers found that sporadic bouts of exercise, even if under 10 minutes a day had a positive effect on lifespan. In other words, getting a few minutes of exercise, even if it was light exercise, mattered. “Every 30 minutes of light intensity activity per day---like going for a walk or gardening---was linked to a 17% lower risk of early death in the study.” See, “Even Light Exercise Can Help You Live Longer,” by Alexandra Sifferlin, February 20, 2018, https://time.com/5166564/physical-exercise-can-increase-lifespan/.
Be Determined! If someone were handing out winning ticket for “additional years of life,” most of us would think that we had won the “ultimate” prize. After all, who wouldn't want to live longer? Who wouldn't want “life?” Yet, that is exactly what GOD offers us---the “Gift of Life.” Like Hezekiah, whose name means, “GOD gives strength” or “My strength is THE LORD,” we too must exercise our faith, turn to life and pray--asking for GOD's help and strength.
Be Determined:
- to be healthy!
- not to give in or to give up!
- to keep yourself and others in prayer!
- to strengthen your physical and spiritual walk before GOD; and, most importantly,
- to THANK GOD for HIS walk with us!
And, BE BLESSED!
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December 3rd, 2020 at 10:03 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 561 10-14-2020
FRUIT
AMOS 8:1-2 Thus THE LORD GOD showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit. And HE said, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A basket of summer fruit.”
[Revised Standard translation]
Then THE LORD said, “This fruit represents my people Israel…”
[Living Bible Translation]
Summary
The book of Amos is a book about prophetic justice and judgment. Amos was a prophet---a spokesperson for GOD, predicting and foretelling GOD's plan for the people, including GOD's plan to judge and punish Israel for their sin. GOD was going to punish Israel because the people had disobeyed GOD. They had broken covenant with GOD by repeatedly worshipping idols. The wealthy elite were becoming rich at the expense of the poor, stealing even their “smallest crumbs” with taxes, fines and unjust interest rates. There was rampant corruption and social injustice everywhere, even in the courts. Individual pride, the lust for power and self-interest were more important to the people than GOD or righteousness.
In chapters 7 and 8 of the book of Amos, (i.e., The Book of Visions), Amos describes a series of visions from GOD. In the first two vision narratives (in the 7 th chapter), Amos seems to persuade GOD not to carry out the punishment on Israel that GOD described to Amos in these two visions. However, in the 8 th chapter, GOD gives Amos a third vision. GOD shows Amos a basket of summer, ripe fruit. The kind of ripe fruit Amos saw may have included strawberries, peaches, blueberries or cherries. In the hot Middle East sun, this type of ripe summer fruit would not have lasted long. The fruit would turn brown. It would become soft. It would have decayed, spawn mold, began to rot and then smell. Eventually it would have to be “dealt with.” Through this vision, GOD lets Amos know that, like ripe rotting fruit, Israel's sin and social injustices had gone unchecked too long. Like molding, ripe summer fruit—the stench of Israel's sin had become too great. It had to be “dealt with.” GOD would not defer punishment any longer. The people and the nation of Israel were accountable to God and now it was judgment time.
Fruit
There are a number of reasons why fresh fruit is a part of healthy eating. Fruits are a good source of essential vitamins and nutrients, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C and people who incorporate fruits as part of a healthy diet tend to reduce their risk of chronic diseases. Some of the benefits include the following:
- Potassium – Potassium helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure. It also helps to guard against bone loss and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Fruit Sources: Include: bananas, prunes, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, orange juice, avocados, figs
- Fiber – Fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of heart disease. It also is important to proper bowel function, reducing constipation and diverticulosis. Fruit Sources: Include: raspberries, apples (most of the fiber is in the peel); bananas, oranges, strawberries, mangos. Remember, fruit juice contains little or no fiber.
- Vitamin C - Important for the growth and repair of body tissues, wound and cut healing care, healthy gums and teeth. Fruit Sources: Include: citrus sources (e.g. oranges, grapefruit), cantaloupe, pineapple, watermelon, kiwi, mango
- Antioxidants – These are substances that fight off free radicals, unstable atoms, that may increase aging, damage healthy cells and cause cancer. There is also some research that berries high in antioxidants may benefit the brain. Fruit Sources: Include: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other berry fruits.
See: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307145825.htm; https://www.creativehealthyfamily.com/top-10-reasons-why-you-need-to-eat-fruit/; https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/fruits/fruits-nutrients-health.
If you are diabetic or have other health or digestive concerns, speak with your personal physician about your fruit and fruit juice consumption.
Fruit juice and other sweetened beverage consumption should be particularly monitored in infants and children. In, “Sweetened Drinks Still Top Sellers to Kids,” by Dennis Thompson it was noted that:
- Drinks marketed to children often contain unhealthy sugars and sweeteners and are delivered in packages containing too-large servings;
- According to researchers at the University of Connecticut, none of the 34 sweetened drinks aimed at the youth market met nutritional recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP;
- Two-Thirds of the sweetened fruit drinks and flavored waters contained no fruit juice at all and those that did have fruit juice contained less than 5% fruit juice;
- Many of the single-serving 100% fruit juices and pouches contained more than 4 ounces, thus exceeding the recommended daily amount for a toddler, making them size unhealthy for them, since the serving sizes were bigger than a toddler should be drinking;
- You can't trust the packaging because 85% of the sweetened drinks contained images of fruit, but only 35% of the drinks had any fruit juice at all;
- Children between the ages of 2 to 11 see more than twice as many ads for sweetened drinks than healthy alternatives.
Researchers found that sweetened drinks are marketed heavily to parents and children and parents need to read the label of the products they buy for their children and monitor their children's intake carefully. See, “Sweetened Drinks Still Top Sellers to Kids,” by Dennis Thompson, https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20191016/none-of-top-selling-kids-drinks-meet-experts-health-recommendations#1.
Spiritual Fruitful
Not only must we be mindful of the fruit we eat and what we give children, we must also be mindful of whether we are “spiritually fruitful.”
Galatians 5:22 states:
But the fruit of THE [HOLY] SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Today, let us pray for wisdom. Let us pray for justice. Let us pray for mercy and humility.
Let us pray for the fruit of THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Pray we be spiritually fruitful and BE BLESSED.
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December 3rd, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 560 10-6-2020
REMEMBERING OTHERS
2 Samuel 9:1-10: One day David began wondering if any of Saul's family was still living, for he wanted to be kind to them, as he had promised Prince Jonathan. He heard about a man named Ziba who had been one of Saul's servants, and summoned him.
“Are you Ziba?” the king asked.
“Yes, sir, I am,” he replied.
The king then asked him, “Is anyone left from Saul's family? If so, I want to fulfill a sacred vow by being kind to him.” “Yes,” Ziba replied, “Jonathan's lame son is still alive.” …So King David sent for Mephibosheth---Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. Mephibosheth arrived in great fear and greeted the king in deep humility, bowing low before him. But David said, “Don't be afraid! I've asked you to come so that I can be kind to you because of my vow to your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you shall live here at the palace! Mephibosheth fell to the ground before the king. “Should the king show kindness to a dead dog like me? He exclaimed…And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly with King David, as though he were one of his own sons. [Living Bible translation.]
Summary:
David was the youngest son of Jesse. David grew up a shepherd, keeping the sheep. He was essentially “a nobody,” living on a sheep farm. Jonathan, on the other hand, was “royalty,” a prince, the son of King Saul. Although they lived in “different worlds” the two men became loyal friends, despite the fact that Jonathan's father, Saul, hated David with an insane passion and repeatedly tried to kill him. Nevertheless, Jonathan stood by David, protected him and acted as peacemaker. When David lived in the wilderness caves to escape Saul's wrath, Jonathan went to David and reassured him (telling him not to be afraid) Jonathan encouraged David and told him that GOD had a plan for his (David's) life. Jonathan literally told David that it would be David who would become King of all Israel. The two men made a covenant before the LORD, renewing their pact of friendship, so that David would not be discouraged. See, 1Samuel 23:13-18.
When Jonathan died in battle with the Philistines, David deeply mourned the loss of his friend. But, soon afterward a lot of things suddenly started happening to David. David was anointed king over Judah. David was involved in a number of military campaigns. There were numerous victories. And then, one day, David remembered.
David suddenly thought about his old friend Jonathan and asks if there was anyone from Saul's family still living. One of Saul's servant's Ziba appeared before David and told David about Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth who had a disability. He was described as “lame in both feet.” See, 2 Sam. 9:3. By this time, all of Saul's land was lost. There was this grandson Mephibosheth, but he had a disability. He couldn't walk, so he couldn't work the land.
The sick, the disabled, and, in general, anyone having a disease in ancient Jerusalem was a social outcast. The sick often lived outside the city gates, where they begged for food. Even Mephibosheth, the son of a prince, referred to himself as a “dead dog.”
But David remembered his friend Jonathan. He remembered his covenant and his promise to show kindness to his friend's family. So, David “found” Mephibosheth. He “restored” his land to him. He “took him in,” like family and sat him at his own table, so he could be with David forever. David remembered.
REMEMBER OTHERS
Food Insecurity – In the United Stated
In “Food Insecurity By The Numbers,” September 27, 2020, Christiana Silva, reported on some of the data regarding food insecurity in the United States.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, even before the pandemic, some 13.7 million U.S. households, experienced food insecurity at some point during 2019. This means that in 2019 approximately 35 million Americans (or about 10.5% of all U.S. households) were not able to acquire enough food to meet their food needs or were uncertain where they would get their next meal. Since the pandemic, based on one estimate by researchers at Northwestern University, food insecurity more than doubled as a result of the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic, resulting in as many as 23% of all U. S. households experiencing food insecurity. See, “Food Insecurity By The Numbers,” September 27, 2020, by Christiana Silva, https://www.npr.org/2020/09/27/912486921/food-insecurity-in-the-u-s-by-the-numbers.
Children have been especially affected. According to USDA data, in 2019 13.6% of households with children experienced food insecurity. Analysis from the Brookings Institution found that in late June, 2020, 27.5% of households with children were food insecure. Researchers at Northwestern University found that there were about 29.5% of households with children are experiencing food insecurity in 2020, about triple the number in 2019. Id.
Part of the problem is that the school lunch programs were a main source of food for many households. So, with many children not being able to return to school, they are now food insecure. Id.
Silva also noted that the data showed that Black and Hispanic Americans were disproportionately affected in terms of food insecurity. In 2019, 19.1% of Black households, 15.6% of Hispanic households and 7.9% of White households (below the national average) experienced food insecurity. Education was another factor. For example, college graduates experienced food insecurity at 5% in 2019, while food insecurity for those without a high school diploma was about 27%! People with disabilities, especially if they are not in the workforce, also experience a higher rate of food insecurity. Id.
Food Insecurity- Globally
Silva also reports that according to the United Nations World Food Program, the global pandemic may double the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity from 135 million in 2019 to 265 million in 2020. Id.
Remembering Others
Many of us "grew up poor.” Like David, our parent just worked. Many of them “just made a living.” They were not princes or princesses. However, now that many are “doing a little better,” some may have “forgotten” those who are still living in deep poverty or need food.
We may all need to take a moment and remember and then pray about what we might do to help.
REMEMBERING GOD's GRACE
Some have likened David “kindness” to Mephibosheth to GOD's GRACE to us. Like Mephibosheth, we too were weak, hobbled by sin and lost. GOD's kindness and GRACE to all humanity put us in “right relationship” with GOD, allowing us to become HIS sons and daughters so that we could have access to GOD and be with GOD forever.
David's kindness to Mephibosheth provides an example for us to show kindness to others. But first, we have to remember.
So, today remember. Remember GOD's GRACE to you. Pray about what you or your worship community can do or what you can do to help your worship community and organizations that help families and children. Then, do something.
Like David, remember others, be kind and BE BLESSED.
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December 3rd, 2020 at 9:52 pm
Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 559 9-30-2020
EVEN THE DOGS
Matthew 15:22-28 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to HIM, crying out, “LORD, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” JESUS did not answer a word. So HIS disciples came to HIM and urged HIM, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” HE answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before HIM, “LORD, help me!” she said. HE replied, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes LORD,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then JESUS answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
[New International Translation]
Summary
During Biblical times the Jewish people considered themselves separate from gentiles* of their times. One group of gentile “outsiders” living around the Jewish people during the time of CHRIST were the Canaanites. To many Jewish people, the Canaanites were no better than “dogs.” So, one day when a Canaanite woman came to JESUS crying for mercy on behalf of sick child, even some of JESUS' own Jewish disciples were annoyed and urged JESUS to send her away. From their prospective, she was just a gentile, unclean and woman. But, the woman was desperate. She was a mother, and her daughter needed help. Moreover, the woman knew JESUS could help her daughter. She believed in JESUS. She acknowledged HIS authority---she called HIM “LORD.” So, she literally begged JESUS for help.
Initially, JESUS said nothing. When the woman persisted, JESUS pointed out that HIS [immediate] mission was to save the “lost sheep of Israel,” meaning the Jews. But the woman would not be dissuaded; she came and knelt before HIM, in humble submission. She worshipped HIM. She pleaded.
Testing her “faith” JESUS spoke to the woman and said: “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.”
Still, the woman did not give up. She replied: “Yes LORD,” basically acknowledging the common attitude of the Jew. And in essences, she was admitting that “YES, I know that Jews consider us Canaanites to be “dogs.” But with fierce determination, the woman quickly retorts: “But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” In other words, “ even the dogs” deserved to be blessed by the MASTER too!
Seeing how great the woman's faith was, even with the testing of her faith, JESUS grants the woman's request. JESUS heals her daughter immediately! All because of the faith of a determined woman!
_________
*A gentile is anyone who is not of the Jewish race or religion.
DOGS TODAY
Although not everyone likes dogs or even want a pet or dog; nevertheless, it turns out that there may be some benefits to owning one.
In “This Is How Much More Exercise Dog Owners Get Compared To People Who Don't Have Dogs,” it was reported that based on a study which surveyed adult dog-owners, adult non-dog owners and children, it was found that dog owners were “four times more likely to get the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, compared to those who did not own a dog.” It was noted that in England, where the study occurred, only 66% of men and only 58% of women are able to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise and that in American less that 50% of Americans do. However, the study found that on average, the dog owners spent close to 300 minutes per week walking with dogs while those without dogs spent less than 100 minutes per week walking. See, “This Is How Much More Exercise Dog Owners Get Compared To People Who Don't Have Dogs,” by Kate Streit, May, 30, 2019, https://www.simplemost.com/dog-owners-get-more-exercise-study/.
It was also noted that dog owners spent more time performing other types of exercise, such as jogging and cycling compared to non-dog owners.
It is interesting that we may live a society, where many may recognize the importance of exercising a dog on a regular basis but where a person may not recognize the importance of regular exercise for him or herself. In other words, people who may not be exercising regularly may not be treating themselves “better than a dog.”
ARE DOGS TREATED BETTER THAN THE HOMELESS?
On July 31, 2012, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for The Homeless published an editorial titled “Dogs Get Better Treatment Than Homeless People.” See, https://www.neoch.org/issue-54-articles/2012/7/31/dogs-get-better-treatment-than-homeless-people.html. In that editorial they compared the treatment of dogs to the homeless. They pointed out that:
- The Cuyahoga County kennel is a clean facility staffed by trained professionals with a deep concern for animals. Whereas, the overflow shelters for homeless men and women are inadequate facilities staffed by untrained, overworked staff, some of whom are just punching the clock and have no concern for the people that they serve.
- San Francisco is constructing an apartment building for their homeless dogs and cats. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has a large advertising budget with a huge network of volunteers, some of whom are willing to go to the extreme for animal rights whereas San Francisco has an extremely large homeless population approaching 10,000 people per night with a severe shortage of housing.
- Why are we as a society spending money doing fundraising campaigns and spending valuable resources to house homeless animals while millions of our taxpaying citizens sleep on the streets or on mats in a shelter? Why not prioritize solving human homelessness before we work on the needs of homeless puppies?
- Every jurisdiction has a dog warden, but very few municipal or county governments have a homeless liaison.
- We need a re-evaluation of our priorities and work on ending the suffering that exists on the streets. We need to rebuild people so they have the confidence to live free of chemicals in a home…[W]e have a fundamental responsibility to justice for our citizens.
Id. This editorial was written pre-COVID 19.
In 2019 it was estimated that there are about 150 million homeless people worldwide. Habitat for Humanity estimates that 1.6 billion people in the world live without adequate shelter. In the United States, the 2019 estimates were that there were about 567,715 homeless; approximately 17 out of every 10,000. See, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States and https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/. And, these data are pre-COVID 19.
We all have to be concerned about how others are treated! We all have to help to end suffering and to strive for greater physical and spiritual health for ourselves and for others.
Pray about what you should do! Then do something. Check with organization in your church, in your neighborhood, in your city, or national organizations that help feed or shelter the homeless.
Be determined and BE BLESSED!
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