Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer

Words (and deep information) of Comfort, Prayer, Motivation, Health and Encouragement

By Yvonne Huggins-McLean

Prayer Day # 550 7-22-2020

INNER STRENGTH

Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of HIS glorious riches HE may strengthen you with power through HIS SPIRIT in your inner being. [New International translation]

SUMMARY

Paul’s epistle (i.e., letter) to the Ephesians is the tenth book of the New Testament. Because of its rich theological themes, it has often been called “The Queen of the Epistles.” (William Barclay, 1976.)

In Ephesians 3 Paul reveals the secret of strength. While most of us would look at the bulging arm muscles or leg muscles of a weight lifter and conclude that the person is strong or has strength, Paul notes that the strength of a person or a Christian is not based on how they “look” on the outside but rather strength comes from the “inner being.” Ephesians 3:16 tells us that the secret of strength is the presence of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT or CHRIST within our lives.

In Ephesians 3:17, Paul suggested when CHRIST becomes so “at home” in our hearts that we become “rooted” and grounded (e.g., like a strong upright tree) in GOD’s marvelous love. In other words, if we “invite” HIM in and allow HIM to enter our lives and “abide” in HIM and HE in us, then we can become strong.

The importance of the “inner person” or “relying on the strength of the LORD” is referenced in a number of other scriptures:

Isaiah 40:29-31 HE gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak… they that wait upon THE LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

2 Corinthians 4:16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in THE LORD is growing every day.

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a RIGHT SPIRIT within me.

For Paul, focusing our attention on the “INNER PERSON” was important.

For Paul, unity with CHRIST, unity with the HOLY SPIRIT, the unity in using the gifts of THE HOLY SPIRIT and the unity of loving GOD and others is what makes us strong!

The unity with the POWER within us, allows us to do exceedingly, abundantly more than all we can ask for or image! Ephesians 3:20

CORE TRAINING AND EXERCISES

One of the secrets of greater balance, greater strength and improved posture is “core training.” Core training refers to those “inner” muscles that gird your trunk and your pelvis:

These muscles are like the body’s “girdle” or “corset.” These are the muscles that help you pull in your stomach, help you stand up straight and strengthen your back. They make you more stable inside so you can be more stable outside.

The Bridge – The bridge helps strengthen the abodominal muscles and the muscles that support the spine. Lie flat down on a mat on your back and bend your knees so your feet are flat on the ground. Tighten your core and slowly raise your hips in an attempt to form a straight line between your chest and your knees. Do not arch your back. Keep your head on the ground. Hold for a few moments (e.g. try a mental count and see how far you comfortably go in good form), then slowly slower your yourself back down. Repeat serveral times. Take breaks as needed.
Bent Arm Plank – Strengtens your core and improves balance. Lie on your stomach with your elbows directly under each shoulder and your forearms flat on the floor. Focus your eyes between your hands. Now lift your body, so your body forms a straight line from your head to your ankles. Your toes will stablize you in the back. Hold (e.g. try to mentally count and see how far you can comfortably go in good form), then slowly lower yourself back down. Repeat serveral times. Take breaks as needs. For an easier plank- Do the move up with your knees bent, and lift your hips so your body is straight from head to knees.
Stomach Crunch – Lie on your back on a mat, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on your thighs. Now slowly curl up toward your knees until your shoulders are about three inches off the ground. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly lower back down to the ground. Keep your eyes at the baseboard level to avoid neck strain. Repeat several times. Takes breaks as needed.

As always, if you have a medical condition, do not feel fit, do not feel well enough to perform these exercises, have balance problems or you do not exercise regularly, do not attempt any of the above exercises. Consult your personal physician about a proper exercise program tailored for you. Always consult your personal physician if you have medical issues, questions or are about to start an exercise program.

Remember to also stay hydrated.

STRENGTHEN YOUR SPIRITUAL CORE

Ever wonder how you, or your family or perhaps those around you in your places of worship are going to make it through the 2020 pandemic? Paul’s answer in Ephesian is: “GOD’s INNER STRENGTH.” Imagine GOD as our STRONG CORE! Imagine growing and getting stronger in THE LORD every day!

How? We just have to invite HIM in everyday, so that we too can be more rooted and grounded in GOD’s unity and love. So, today let us set aside your anxiety. Today let us pray for greater spiritual INNER STRENGTH! Let’s make GOD our CORE. Remember, GOD has the POWER to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or even image!

So, Pray. Let’s exercise our bodies and our faith. Read and study GOD’s WORD! Let’s learn to be wise, sensible and loving toward others. Let’s learn to love others and ourselves as much as GOD loves us! Let’s strive for unity—in GOD and with others.

BE strong! Strengthen your CORE And, BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 549 7-15-2020

STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART AND SPIRIT

Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. [King James translation.]

Summary:

Psalms 31 is one of the sacred hymns or songs of David. Psalms were and are still used in sacred Christian and Jewish worship. Like most hymns, Psalms 31 is a praise song to GOD. David had a lot to praise GOD for in his lifetime because David faced a number of trials, tribulations and challenges:

It was David who faced his own personal “life and death” Olympics against a foreign challenger named Goliath. (1Samuel 17)
David spent many years running for his life and in hiding from a jealous King Saul (1Samual 19:9; 20:24)
David was homeless, living in caves and fields (1 Samuel 20:24; 22:1)
David was hungry and had to ask for help from a priest (i.e. the “church” or “temple”) during those times. (1Samuel 21:6)
David sinned and had to confront the situation he put himself in (2 Samuel 12)
David lost a baby (2 Samuel 12:19)
David had a child who rebelled against him (2 Samuel 15)
David had family confusion and mayhem in his house, resulting in one son, Absalom, killing his brother, Ammon, who raped his sister. (2 Samuel 13:30).
David grieved, mourned and suffered deeply when he lost his son Absalom, who was trying to unseat his father as king.
David watched his own sins (rebellion against GOD, deceit, abuse of power, manipulation, seduction of a woman, etc.) seemingly being played out in his sons’ lives.

The Revised Standard translation calls Psalms 31 “Deliverance to the distressed.”

Psalms 31 includes a number of “heart strengthening” words of encouragements to the distressed. Praising GOD, David says:

LORD, I trust in you alone (vs 1)
Yes, you are my Rock and my fortress (vs 3)
Into THINE hand I commit my spirit (vs 5)
YOU alone are my GOD; my times are in YOUR hands (vs 14)
Oh, how great is YOUR GOODNESS to those who publicly declare that YOU rescue them (vs 19)
BLESSED is THE LORD, for he has shown me that HIS never-failing love protects me like the walls of a fort! (vs. 21)
Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for THE LORD! (vs. 24)

David, the musician, knew there is something about being able to strengthen one’s own heart and spirit, in song, with the “WORD of GOD.” David knew that just humming a tune to GOD, moaning a verse in praise of GOD, thinking about GOD’s GOODNESS was a spiritual tonic for deliverance from distress.

WHY CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT

Cardiovascular exercise is any exercise that raises your heart rate. The cardiovascular system is the large circulatory system which moves fluids and blood throughout the body. A major part of the cardiovascular system is the heart. The heart is responsible for blood going to all of the extremities of the body. The heart is essential for all parts of the body to function properly.

But cardio exercise is not just good for the heart. It also:

Lowers your blood sugar;
Improves your moods and is often recommended as a treatment for depression and anxiety;
Tends to improve deep “slow wave” sleep that helps renew the brain and body;
May increase organizational “executive function.” (i.e. Helps you think better.)
Helps prevent those things that increase the risk factors for dementia;
Helps the neuroplasticity of the brain, which helps you learn or do new things;
The heart is a muscle and like any muscle, it needs to be exercised.
May help ease arthritic pain;
Helps boost the immune system.

See, “Cardio Exercise: Good For More Than The Heart,” slideshow, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/slideshow-cardio-exercise-good-for-more-than-heart.

Cardio exercises include: walking, running, dancing, biking, climbing stairs steadily, jumping rope, jumping jacks, burpees, squats, etc. There are also chair cardio exercises and cardio exercises that can be performed with weights. Consider your medical condition and level of physical condition in determining which exercises are right for you.

CHAIR EXERCISES

Equipment: A flat, sturdy, upright chair, with no wheels.

If you are not steady in a chair, sit on the floor with your back against the wall.

Opposite Elbow/Opposite Knee Crossing

Sit up straight with your knees together.
Raise your hands and bring them behind your head, gently
Bracing your abs, hinge a little, so your back barely touches the back of your chair
Cross your right elbow to your raised left knee, turning your waist
Return to your start position and repeat the same movement with your left elbow and raised right knee
Try to complete a number of reps (e.g. 10-20).
Don’t push down on your head or strain your back. Try to hold in your abs and maintain your posture. Take breaks as needed.

Leg Lift and Twist

Sit upright in your chair. Both feet planted on the floor in front of you.
Extend the right leg straight ahead. Keep the left leg bent and solidly grounded.
Cross your hands over your chest, and brace your abs tightly.
Rotate your torso to the right as you raise your right leg to the height of your left knee so your knees touch
Squeeze your right knee to your left knee together and then you rotate back to your start position.
Switch sides and repeat
Try to complete a number of reps (e.g. 10-20).

As always, if you have an injury, are concerned about safety or you have a medical condition, speak to your personal physician about what stretches are appropriate for you. If you experience dizziness, discontinue the exercise and again consult your physician. Drink water and stay hydrated.

LET GOD STRENGTHEN YOU SPIRITUALLY

Trials and tribulations are a form of spiritual aerobics---putting us through “the ropes,” testing our “endurance.”

Let’s learn from Psalm 31. Put your hope in GOD. Today, let GOD strengthen you spiritually. “Tell HIM all about your troubles.” “Proclaim: “Yes, JESUS loves me” or “Amazing Grace” or whatever song of praise fills you as you think about GOD’s GOODNESS! Like David, praise HIM. Or, as our church ancestors said in times of distress: Praise HIM anyhow!

Let GOD strengthen your spirit and your heart and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 548 7-08-2020

NEVER STOP

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. [New Living Bible translation]

Summary There are some things the Bible tells us to never stop doing. In I Thessalonians 5: 16: 18 we are instructed to NEVER STOP PRAYING. Some of the various translations put it this way:

Pray without ceasing. [King James translation]
Pray continually. [New International translation]
Always keep on praying. [Living Bible Translation]
Pray constantly. [Revised Standard translation]
Pray at all times. [Good News translation]

The Bible provides a number of reasons when we should pray constantly, including the following:

GOD hears. Unlike churches that sometimes close and unlike phones that can that signal that the person we are calling is busy, or is not picking up, or perhaps refusing to answer or blocking, we have a “GREAT HIGH PRIEST,” (Hebrews 4:14) who has gone to heaven to help us. (Hebrews 4:14.)
HE understands. Our GREAT HIGH PRIEST understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15)
HE is a GOD of GRACE and MERCY. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to pray with “confidence” and “boldly” because our GREAT HIGH PRIEST will allow us to come before HIM and is willing to extend GRACE and MERCY in our times of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Prayer reaffirms. Prayer reaffirms our relationship with GOD. When we go to GOD we acknowledge HIM as our CREATOR, as OMNISCIENT, as OMNIPOTENT, and LORD. Like David in 2 Samuel 22:2-4, prayer is an acknowledgement that: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my GOD, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, my refuge and my savior; THOU savest me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” GOD is our “real” shelter.
Prayer Glorifies GOD. Prayer helps us refocus. Instead of it being all about “me” or “this nation” or “that nation” or whatever circumstance that troubles us, prayer is a time to remember “Our GOD in heaven.” Prayer is a time to pause, to relax, to let go and to leave our burdens with GOD. Psalms 55:22.

What happens when people pray? The Bible is full of examples! Women, who were called barren, have children. See Hannah (1 Samuel Chs 1, 2); Sarai (Genesis Ch.11, 21); Rebekah (Genesis Ch. 25); the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4); Elizabeth (Luke 1). GOD forgives.

See, David (2 Samuel 12:13); Psalms 51. God Strengthens. See, Samuel (Judges 16:28); David (1 Samuel 30); JESUS (Luke 22: 41-43). And much more….

As the Living Bible translation states: Always keep praying, no matter what happens!

Never Stop - Exercising

Although many people will talk about the benefits of exercise, many do not realize what happens when they stop:

According to Maria Masters in “This is What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Exercising,” https://www.health.com/fitness/stop-exercising-effects, researchers found in a study published in the journal, Frontier In Aging Neuroscience, that even a short vacation from your workout may cause changes to the brain.

In a study where a group of long-distance runners took off for 10 days, their MRI’s showed reduced blood flow to the hippocampus, the part of the brain that associated with emotions and memory.

In related studies measuring what happens when people stop exercises, it was noted that after 14 days your endurance may decrease.

Master’s study of the research indicated that after four weeks, a person might see a decline in their strength.

In another study in 2016, elite Taekwondo athletes experienced an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass after an eight-week exercise hiatus. Id.

Never Stop Stretching

Find a sturdy straight back chair. Place your feet together in front of you so your thighs and knees are together and you are sitting up straight. Tuck in your gut and place your hands on the chair (holding along the edge in front close to your thighs) for support. Now keep your toes on the ground, take a deep breath and raise your heels straight up slowly as high as you can go. Pause. Then, as you exhale, lower your heels back to the floor in your start position. You should feel the stretch allow the back muscles of each leg. Repeat 4-5 times.
In the same sturdy straight back chair. Now place your heels on an angle of each chair leg so your toes and feet point toward the corners of your room at an angle. If you can, rest your heels along the front legs on each side of your chair, at an angle. This time rest your hands along the side of your chair for support. Now, with breath, raise your heels, again keeping your toes on the ground. You should feel your hips opening slightly as you breathe in and then exhale out. Pause a moment at the top before returning to your start position. Again, these are gentle stretches. Point your knees up and out as your rise up. Try to relax your body as you exhale so your heels come back to their start position against each chair leg.
In the same sturdy straight back chair, place your feet about a little less than shoulder width apart in a comfortable sitting position. Hold on to the side of your chair as your raise your right leg straight up, pointing your big toe straight in front of you about waist high. Image your big toe is a piece of chalk and start making circles. Try to increase the size of your circle without dropping your leg. Aim for 5-10 circles, then reverse your toe circles and do 5-10 more circles. Be sure you continue breathing in an out as you create your toe circles. Then switch to your left leg and left toe, repeating the same exercise on your left side. Try to maintain your posture and try not to hunch forwards. At the end of this exercise march in place in your chair (raising your feet straight up, while sitting) for about a minute. Then stand up, hold onto a counter and make circles with your waist—first one way and then the other. If you have balance problems, stay in your chair, holding onto the sides of your chair and make your waist circles in a sitting position.

Review Your Never Stop List

Some things are just not worth the risk nor worth losing. Some might include the following on their “Never Stop” list:

We should never stop learning. Albert Einstein said, “Once you stop learning you start dying.”'
We should never be silent about injustice. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated: “Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat to Justice Everywhere.” Elie Wiesel put it this way: “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must NEVER be a time when we fail to protest.” So, protest and support those who protest against injustice.
We should never stop loving one another. John 13:34-35.
And, NEVER stop praying.

Today and every day, never stop celebrating GOD’s Goodness!

And, BE BLESSED.

Prayer Day # 547 7-01-2020

DON’T WORRY

Matthew 6:25 “So my counsel is: Don’t worry about things--- food, drink and clothes. For you already have life and a body---and they are far more important than what to eat and wear. [Living Bible translation]

Matthew 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his/her life? (Or a single cubit to his/her height) [New International translation]

Matthew 6:34 [D]o not worry about tomorrow…. [New International translation] GOD will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. [Living Bible translation]

Summary

There are a number of scriptures in the Bible about worry. Psalms 55:22 tells us to give our burdens (whatever we worry about) to the LORD. Psalms 55:22 assures us that “ HE will carry them.” “ HE will not permit the godly to slip or fall.” In John 14:27, JESUS promises us peace. Comforting HIS disciples, HE tells them (and us) “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” In 1Peter 5:7, we are told to “Let HIM have all your worries and cares, for HE is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” In Psalms 37:1-3 we are told to “Fret not” because of evildoers but instead to “trust in the LORD.”

One of the longest discourses on “worry” is found in the sixth chapter of Matthew. It is interesting that this discourse occurs right after the discourse on prayer. Right after a prayer about food (“Give us this day our daily bread); right after a prayer that was prefaced with there is really no need to ask GOD for anything, because HE already knows exactly what you need (because HE is GOD and ALL KNOWING), there is a discourse on worry. It was as if the writer knew that even after we prayed that instead of leaving our concerns with GOD, we would have a tendency to pick up those concerns, put them in our mental “backpacks,” swing them back over our “shoulders” and walk away from our prayer altars as burdened down with fear and worry as we had been before we bowed down to pray. So, after teaching about prayer, knowing our nature, JESUS gives us some instructions about worry.

In Matthew 6:25, we are told not to worry about “ things.” Although food, clothing and drink are mentioned specifically, we could easily add hundreds of other “ things”---like, cars that need repair, computers or phones that malfunction, over extended credit cards, bills, etc.

As a practical matter, Matthew 6:27 reminds us that “worry” is a useless exercise or depletion of energy. Worry “solves” nothing. It “adds” nothing to resolving the problem. It is just “negative” energy. It grows nothing. It does not grow faith or trust in GOD.

Matthew 6:34 tells us that worrying about tomorrow is actually a distraction preventing us from putting our full energy into today. Worry robs us of “present time.” Instead of living in and enjoying “the moment,” we are constantly trying to look around the next bend thinking we can prevent a collision. This kind of behavior is completely in opposition to a daily life of prayer. Like the Israelites who were given “manna” (i.e. bread of heaven) in the wilderness---bread which could not be stored, but had to be “gathered” each day (Exodus 16:15-21), we have to trust GOD on a daily basis too. This is why we pray: Give us this day our daily bread. We live one day at a time, in GOD, with GOD, in CHRIST JESUS. GOD will take care of our tomorrows!

HOW WORRY AFFECTS THE BODY

While some concern or heightened awareness can be healthy and can even motivate a person to achieve their best, excessive or chronic worry, on the other hand, can interfere with appetite, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep and job performance. Chronic worry and anxiety can cause an outpouring of stress hormones which can have serious physical consequences, including:

suppression of the immune system
digestive disorders
muscle tension
short-term memory loss
premature coronary artery disease
heart attack

“How Worry Affects the Body,” www.webmd.com. Although excessive and chronic worry can cause an imbalance in the body, www.webmd.com suggests a number of ways to restore harmony of mind and body. These include:

Speak to your doctor. Many doctors are still making virtual on-line appointments with their patients or conducting telephone conferences.
Exercise daily. With your doctor’s approval, begin a regular exercise program. Without question, the chemicals produced during moderate exercise can be extremely beneficial in terms of enhancing the function of the immune system
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Stress and worrying provoke some people to eat too little, others too much, or to eat unhealthy foods. Keep your health in mind when worrying entices you to partake of foods high in sugar, fat, and salt
Learn to relax. Relaxation techniques can trigger the relaxation response -- a physiological state characterized by a feeling of warmth and quiet mental alertness. Common relaxation techniques include deep abdominal breathing, meditation,listening to calming music, and activities like yoga and tai chi.
Daily meditation -- instead of worrying -- may help you move beyond negative thoughts and allow you to become "unstuck" from worries that keep your body on high alert. With meditation, you purposefully pay attention to the present moment without thinking of the past or future.
Have a strong social network. Loneliness may be as much a risk factor for disease as having high cholesterol or smoking cigarettes.
Talk to a professional therapist. Psychological counseling can help you develop appropriate coping strategies to deal with issues that trigger excessive worrying.

One of the greatest forms of “meditation” is prayer. Many churches also have numbers you can call to speak to someone or request prayer. At Allen Temple, Rev. Lana Rice has a live “Prayer Call” in on Wednesdays from 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM. (Pacific Time). Just call 712-770-4971, access code: 312234#.

MORE STRETCHING

NECK and CHEST STRETCH: Sit in a straight back chair with your feet planted firmly on the floor. Interlace your fingers, and place them behind the back of your skull, with your thumbs running by your ears and down your neck. Rest the back of your head in the palm of your hands. Breath in and slowly allow your elbow to go straight back as you sit up straight, sucking in your gut. Hold for a second, then breathe out and relax your elbows, allowing your elbows to come in. This should be an easy movement, so if your elbows only move a few inches, that’s fine. Focus on deep breathing from your abdomen. Don’t apply too much pressure to the back of your head. Let your breath determine the extent of your movement.
GENTLE NECK STRETCH: Sit on a mat, rug or pillow on the floor with your back against a wall. Assume the same relaxed, finger intertwined position described in Exercise #1. Again, your head is resting in the palms of your hands behind your head and the back of the fingers near the wall. Now inhale. As you exhale ease your left elbow inward so it is pointing toward the ground and your right elbow is pointing toward the ceiling. Again, this is an easy movement and there may only be movement a few inches. Take two good breathes and then return to your upright spine position. Now repeat the exercise on the other side, bringing your right elbow inward so it is pointing to the ground and your left elbow is pointing toward the ceiling. Again, take two good breathes and return to your upright position. Again, this is a gentle stretch. It should not be forced or feel painful. Do this three times, alternating sides.
GENTLE SEATED BACK BENDS: Sit in a straight back chair with your feet planted firmly on the floor. Bring your hand to the back of your low back with your fingers pointing down your back and your thumbs wrapped around your waist pointing toward the front of your body. Press firmly with your fingers into your low back as you inhale, raising your chin upward toward the ceiling. As you exhale, arch your back slightly (like a cat), leading with your chin downward, as you relax your fingers. Don’t allow your chin to drop down too low. Leading with your cervical spine, take a deep breath and inhale, again raising your chin toward the ceiling. Again, these are gentle, rocking movements with breath. These are gentle back bends. See, https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain/stretches-for-seniors, if you need a visual aid.

THINK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE

One way to not worry is to pray and then train your mind to think about something else. Philippians 4:8-9 tells us to fix our thoughts on what is true and good and right. We are to think about things that are pure and lovely. We are to dwell on the fine, good things in others and to think about all we can praise GOD for and be glad about. Philippians 4:9 tells us to practice. (Living Bible translation)

So, today, let us begin that practice. And, let us put aside excessive and obsessive worry. Let us focus just on today. Look all around you at GOD’s GOODNESS this day! Look at the birds. Look at the trees. Look at the flowers in the fields around you. Look up at the sky, the stars and GOD’s many wonders, this day! Look around you and see GOD this day.

GIVE GLORY to GOD this day and BE BLESSED.

Prayer Day # 546 6-24-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT TOGETHER

(Lessons from Daughters of Zelophehad)

Numbers 27:1, 6,7 One day the daughters of Zelophehad came to the entrance of the Temple to give a petition to Moses, Eleazar the priest, the tribal leaders, and others who were there…. So Moses brought their case before THE LORD. And THE LORD replied to Moses, “The daughters of Zelophehad are correct….” [Living Bible translation]

THE SISTERS ZELOPHEHAD

Who are we?

We are the daughters of Zelophehad. ¹ There are five of us: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, Tirzah. Some of our ancestors came from Africa---Egypt! We are descendants of Manassah, one of the sons of Joseph from his African wife. We are part members of the half tribe of Manassah! ² Numbers 26:28 See, Manassah had a son named Machir, who had a son called Gilead. Gilead came from the region of Gilead and the family of Gileadites . Numbers 26:19 Gilead was our great grandfather. Gilead had a son called Hepher, our daddy’s daddy. Hepher is our grandfather. Numbers 26:30-33
Our grandfather, and my daddy and we sisters are called Hepherites. Numbers 26:33 Yes, if you want to, you can call us Hephers. ³

The census is correct. The records are true. When GOD told Moses and Arron to take a second census, after the plague in the dessert ended, the census was that my daddy, Zelophehad, had five daughters and no sons. Yes, no males at all. Not a one.

We are GOD fearing woman. Unlike some of the others (those who perished in Korah’s rebellion against the LORD, Numbers 16:1 or like some of those Israelites who joined in the Baal worship Numbers 25:5, and who perished or died in the wilderness), we never worshipped other gods. Our daddy raised strong, GOD fearing women. And although we had no brothers in our household, we the daughters of Zelophehad household, have a strong household too.

OUR TRIAL

We have a problem. Our daddy died in the wilderness. He didn’t die of the plague. He died of natural causes. In other words, he didn’t die because of Korah’s revolt or because of Baal worship, he died because of his own sin. Numbers 27:3 The problem for us is that our daddy left no sons. There was just us, five daughters. And, it was now time for the allocation of land to the tribes, clans and families.

Under the tribal inheritance law, property allocation was made to male heads of families. But, since the head of our household is gone, we now viewed as having no head of household at all. So, we five women needed to put our heads together. Because, if we do nothing, we will end up with nothing! No land, no allocation, nothing in the record books. Our family legacy will just be gone!

It will be like our daddy, and we, never existed! See, this was not about just protecting women, this was about protecting Joseph’s African sons’ inheritance too. Our case is about protecting Manassah’s defendant’s inheritance, which included us Hepherites. Maybe Joseph’s own daddy knew that the African side of the family had to be protected when it came to dividing up his inheritance. Maybe that was another reason why he adopted Joseph’s sons so the Manassah decedents and the Ephraim decedents could each become a half tribe. If you don’t make sure there is equality in the “inheritance pot,” early on, later descendants definitely suffer. Now, once again, the Manassah decedents and the Hepherites, the African side of the family, needed protection against being disinherited and diminished! We needed the law to give our daddy and us equal protection.

HOW WE GOT THROUGH IT

Being women in our culture, we sisters know we cannot do a lot of things. We cannot become high priests. We cannot attend services with the men. But our daddy talked to us about things. Maybe daddy knew that his daughters, a bunch of sisters, would need to know more than just cooking and drawing water at the well. And, we sisters paid attention. We listened and watched what occurred when the men had meetings. We heard about this thing called a “petition.” We heard about people petitioning and presenting their case. So, we sisters got together and talked it over and decided that we were going to petition about what was happening to us. Numbers 27:2 We sisters decided to protest! We were going to present “our case” in front of everybody! Because if you’re going to protest, you might as well go high and go wide!

We went to the Tent of Meetings entrance door, which is where women are allowed to stand and serve, and spoke. ⁴ See, Exodus 38:8; 1 Samuel 2:22. When we got to the entrance of the Tabernacle, we argued our case and petitioned Moses, Eleazar, the priest, the tribal leaders, and everybody else who was there. We reviewed our lineage going back to Manassah, and the families that came out of that African root, including our grandfather, Hepher and our daddy, Zelophehad. Numbers 27:1

We explained that our daddy didn’t die in Korah’s sinful revolt, which killed a lot of people in the wilderness. We explained that our daddy died a natural death. We told them that our father’s name should not disappear from history, but that we, his daughters, should be given our daddy’s inheritance in the same manner as our daddy’s brothers would be given theirs! Numbers 27:4

We don’t know what Eleazar the priest did, nor what the trial leaders did. We don’t know what decision they would have made had the decision just been left up to them. What we do know is that Moses took our case to THE LORD! And, PRAISE YAHWEH, THE LORD ruled in our favor! THE LORD said we were RIGHT!

So Moses brought their case before THE LORD and THE LORD said to him. "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them.

Numbers 27:5-7 [New International translation]

GOD said, if a man dies and leaves no sons, turn his inheritance over to this daughters! If he has no daughters then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. And, if he has no brothers than you give his inheritance to his father's brothers. And if his father has no brothers, then give his inheritance to the nearest kinsman that is next to him of his family.

THE LORD made this a legal requirement for the Israelites!

Numbers 27:9-11 [New International translation]

To make sure the land stayed within the tribe of Manasseh, all of us sisters married men from our own tribe, so that the inheritance remained within our tribe and our tribe’s inheritance was not reduced. ⁵

We protested injustice and won! Just as Moses did what THE LORD commanded and gave us our daddy’s inheritance, we sisters also did as THE LORD commanded and made sure that the inheritance remained within the Manassah tribe. See Numbers 36:12

We protested! And, GOD took care of us sisters! GOD took care of us our people, our tribe. And, when you are right, GOD will take care of you too!

Sometimes you just have to act like Hephers!

MORE STRETCHING

Static Chair Stretch– Sit up straight in a straight chair. Bring your left knee up and inward your chest, placing the back of your heel on the end of your chair and wrap your hands around your leg holding your leg, while sitting up straight. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Relax and repeat 2-4 times. Next, while your heel is still resting on the end of your chair, allow your knee to fall toward the left, so the bottom of your left foot is touching your thigh. Use your right hand to hold onto the side of your chair for balance as you use your left hand to bring your left foot in closer to your inner thigh. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Then bring your knee back up to your start position. Relax and repeat 2-4 times. Repeat the same set of movements on your right side. [Try to reach under your thigh to move your heel to the chair. Avoid putting your hands on your knee caps to move your legs.]

Chair Push Up- Sit up straight in a straight chair. Place your hands along the sides of your chair either along the sides or slightly under your thighs, so your fingertips are pointing straight ahead. Plant your feet firmly on the ground. Now, slowly raise up your buttock. Then slowly lower yourself down. Try to keep your back straight. And, remember to breathe. Repeat 3-5 times. [You may only be able to rise ¼ or ½ inches or just push down as you open your chest. Remember, this is a slow push. After 2 or 3 body raises, open and close your hand and circle your wrists. You may want to place a small pillow underneath to cushion your descent down.

Chair Leg Stretch – Position yourself firmly in a chair. Raise your right knee but keep your left foot on the ground. Now straighten your right knee so that leg is pointing straight ahead. You can use both hands to hold up the right leg or to help keep it straight. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then allow the knee to collapse into the raised position, maintain the same height. Then lower the foot to the ground. Repeat 2-3 three times then switch to the other side.

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

It is not easy to protest. Especially when you don’t have a seat at the table, or can’t gain entrance into the room or participate and stand with the decisionmakers. When everyone is used to treating you a certain way or you are part of a “slave” past, it can be very difficult! But, sometimes you have to protest anyway, even if you have to stand at the “entrance of the door” or outside the normal channels. Sometimes you just have to make yourself heard! That’s what we sisters did. We presented our case to the people, the leaders and to the highest level possible. Then we relied on GOD! And, GOD came through!

So, remember GOD is a GOD of JUSTICE. GOD is a GOD of FAIRNESS. GOD is a GOD of RIGHTEOUNESS.

Trust GOD to take care of  you  too and  BE BLESSED!

____________________________________
¹  A few references state that the name “Zelophehad” means “dark shadow.” One suggestion is that this name refers to the “dark shadow” of the previous generation when they were slaves in Egypt. See, comment by Kathyhollway, December 13, 2018; https://drawcloseblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/13/names-and-honour/.
² There is the half tribe of Manassah and the half tribe of Ephraim because these are considered the Tribe of Joseph. Manassah and Ephraim were the sons of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob’s (also called Israel). Jacob later adopted Joseph’s sons, who were born in Egypt, as his own. See Genesis 48:5. This was to help ensure that the sons of Joseph would have an equal share in Jacob’s inheritance as Jacob’s other sons. So, Joseph’s inheritance was split between his two sons. Israel is also giving Joseph a double portion (i.e. a portion above his other brothers-Genesis 48:22) which supports the view that Israel was giving Joseph the birthright (which normally would be given to the eldest son (Reuben) and giving Joseph the blessing. The birthright and blessings meant the authority to lead the family passed to Joseph. Reuben disqualified himself from the birthright by sleeping with one of his father’s wives, so the birthright went to Reuben’s half-brother, Joseph. See, 1 Chron. 5:1.
³ It is interesting to note that a “heifer” a young female cow that has not given birth to a calf, sounds like “Hepher.” In Biblical times a barren woman or a woman who has never given birth was looked down upon by other woman and generally by her community. According to the “urban cultural dictionary” to call someone a “Heff-er” was slang for woman or girl. Later the word took on the meaning of an insult, as when a woman was called a “cow.” “Heff-er” or “Heffa” later took on a number of negative connotations. These words were also used in urban culture by woman to refer to other woman in derogatory ways. It was a way of calling another woman a derogatory name or “annoying” because she was viewed as difficult or because she ate too much, especially more than her share. It was a way some woman complained, in an unsisterly manner, about other women. See Urban Dictionary, https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=heffer and https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=heffa.
⁴ Unlike the despicable behavior on Eli’s wicked sons, who treated the woman serving at the entrance of the tabernacle or tent of meetings like prostitutes, many believe that the women at the entrance of the tabernacle, performed real service to THE LORD and that many of these women may have been “dedicated” to such service, perhaps in the way that Hannah dedicated the baby Samuel. See 1 Samuel 2:21-28. At least one commentator suggests this dedication became the fate of Jephthah’s daughter. Being “dedicated to THE LORD,” would have required that Jephthah’s daughter remain a virgin for the rest of her life. This would also explain why Jephthah’s daughter asked her father to give her a few months to go up and down the mountains with her companions to bewail her virginity, since her father’s “vow” meant she would never marry and remain a virgin in temple service. See, Judges 11 and “Women Who Served at the Entrance to the Tent of Meetings, by Marg Mowczko, July 20, 2019, https://margmowczko.com/women-entrance-tent-of-meeting-tabernacle/
  ⁵ This was a further requirement issued by THE LORD, which Zelophehad’s daughter’s obeyed. See, Numbers 36:5-12

Prayer Day # 545 6-17-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from The Lepers)

2 Kings 7:8-9 The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp and entered one of the tents. They ate and drank, and carried away silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also. Then they said to each other. “We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves….”

THE FOUR LEPERS

Who Are We?

Do our names matter? Of course not! At least not to anyone else. No one ever asks our names. No one ever walks up and introduces themselves to us. No one ever extends a hand. No one greets us with a hug. No one ever invites us into their homes. We are not allowed in The Temple or any places of worship. No one ever wants to risk touching us---the unclean! Most people look at us and then look away. We stand more than 6 feet apart. In fact, we are made to live far away from any community. We are outsiders. We are supposed to wear ragged clothing, look unkempt by letting our hair hang loose, wear a covering upon our upper lip (to prevent the spread of our disease) and advertise our presence by crying out to others around us, “Unclean, unclean.” Leviticus 13:45 We are the lepers. To everyone, our disease is who we are.

Leprosy defines our existence. It limits our existence. We live isolative lives. Most consider us a walking plague, a curse. It is a disease that gets in our clothing. Leviticus 13:47 It is a disease that can spread in a house. Leviticus 14:33. It is progressive disease, known for its scabs, swelling of skin, bright and bald spots and skin malignancy. Leviticus 14:54. ¹

There are four of us. We are trying to survive.

OUR TRIALS

Right now, we are barely surviving. For us, every day is a trial. Every day we try to find food to eat and try to stay away from those who would just kill us to get rid of us. We have come together to stay alive. We are trying to survive a disease within and without. We are trying to survive society’s indifference and hostility to our very existence, just because we look the way we look. So, we look out for each other.

But now things are even worse. There is a war going on around us. The Syrians are at war with our king and our people, the Samarians. King Ben-hadad of Syria has gathered his entire army and besieged Samaria. Because all commerce has been cut off and the city’s gates are closed, there is a great famine in the city! Everyone inside the city is starving. The enemy is camped nearby. We four lepers are camped outside the city’s gate. We have no food and the people inside the city have no food to give us. So, we are starving too. But, now is a moment of truth.

We look at each other. We decide to assess our situation. This is what we say to one another:

“Why stay here until we die? If we say, ‘We’ll hiding. normally live outside the city, ---the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So, let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans [the Syrians] and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.”

2 Kings7:4 We get up and get ready to move. GOD help us.

HOW WE GOT THROUGH IT

We stay together. We reason together. We made a decision together. We speak with one voice. And, then we started walking, we walked together, in faith placing “our” fate with GOD. And GOD heard us! GOD took over and decided our fate and the fate of our people! Although, we didn’t know any of this at the time we started walking.

When we arrived at the Syrian camp to surrender, we are astonished! No one is here! There is no guarded standing watch. We see no one! [THE LORD had made the Syrian arm hear the sound of chariots, and horses so caused them to believe that the King of Israel had hired the Hittites and the king of Egypt to attack them. So, in a panic the Syrian army fled into the night leaving their tents, horses, donkeys and everything else behind.] When we walked together into the first tent, again no one was inside. No one was inside. We see left over food everywhere! We are hungry---famished! We begin eating and drinking. What a feast! We had never seen anything like these tables full of food! We also see a lot of gold and silver in the tent. And we see some of the finest clothes we had ever seen! So, we make a quick decision to take the silver, gold and clothing and hide them. Then we returned to the camp, and enter another tent. We do the same thing we did in the first tent. After gathering more silver, gold and clothes, we leave the second tent to go out hid those valuables too. What a blessing!!!

It was when we were returning to the camp, that suddenly we looked at each other, again assessing our situation. And then, as if reading each other’s minds, we say to one another:

“We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment [GOD’s punishment] will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.”

2 Kings 9 In other words, although we were liberally being blessed by GOD right now, walking around with full stomachs, counting our wealth and our blessings, we knew there were thousands of poor people who were still starving in the city of Samaria. We knew people in the city were probably at the brink of death from starvation, just as we had been at the city’s gate. Although we were still outcasts before, right now we were “the one’s on top” and we needed to do the right thing to help those less fortunate than ourselves! Even though our community did not see us as a part of their community, we knew that all humanity is part of the community of GOD. We knew that GOD wouldn’t continue to bless us so we can just live in comfort and greed, but that GOD was blessing us four lepers so that we could be a blessing to the others in the city! We knew that to do otherwise and to not share GOD’s blessing would be a punishable sin!

We feared GOD. We revered GOD. So, we decided we needed to do the right thing. We needed to share the good news! Other people needed to be saved too!

We rushed back to the gates of the city and told the watchmen at the gate what we had seen at the Syrians camp. And, the watchmen told the king. The king was initially skeptical. He thought that perhaps the Syrians were hiding in the fields trying to lure the people out of the cities. He thought it was a trap. He wasn’t yet ready to just accept GOD’s blessings. So, the king sent out some scouts to see where the Syrians had gone. 2 Kings 7:12-13 But, when the scouts followed the Syrian trail all the way to the Jordan River, the scouts now knew that what we told the king was true. The scouts quickly returned to the city and relayed their findings to the king. The Syrians were gone and had abandoned their camp! Well, good news traveled fast!

The King quickly sent one of his special assistants to the gate to control the traffic, because all of the people, who could, came rushing out of the city to plunder the Syrian camp and eat! GOD blessed a lot of people that day! All of us who entered that Syrian camp ate at the table THE LORD prepared for us right in the presence of the Syrian (our enemies’) camp!

We four lepers stuck together, and trusted and obeyed GOD and GOD took care of all of us! We did what was right and shared the good news! GOD was with us and for us and the people and that’s how all of us made it through! GOD just opened the windows of heaven and showered us all with blessings!

We are still four lepers. We still support each other. We now know, without a doubt, that GOD loves us too. Despite our circumstances, despite how people treat us, GOD is still with us! And, despite what people think of us, we have value and were a blessing to the community!

We four lepers walk by faith! Our circumstances are still not perfect, but we know GOD saved us and Samaria. You should trust GOD too!

[ Post Script: We four lepers later learned that although we had faith in GOD and GOD blessed us, another fate awaited the king’s special assistant who was placed in charge of the Samarian gate to direct traffic. Apparently, the prophet Elisha met with the king, the day before the Syrians fled and while the people of Samaria were still starving. Elisha gave a message to the king from THE LORD that the Samarian people would soon be selling flour, barley at the gate for as little as a shekel (about a dollar!). GOD was telling the king that there was going to be a drastic turnaround despite the fact that at the present time there was no food or selling going on in the city! But, when the king’s special assistant heard Elisha, the special assistant apparently scoffed and refused to believe GOD’s man or GOD’s WORD. Not believing that such a thing could happen, the special assistant gave an insulate retort to Elisha: “That couldn’t happen even if THE LORD opened the windows of heaven!” We heard, the prophet Elisha told the special assistant: “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it.” 2 Kings 7:2 All of what Elisha said came true. You see, the special assistant was trampled to death in the gateway when the people came rushing out the city for food and to plunder the Syrian camp! In death, the special assistant’s eyes were open, but the special assistant did not share any of GOD’s rich blessings because of his lack of faith! Unlike us, the special assistant died and did eat any of the food GOD has prepared for the rest of us! 2 Kings 7:17-20 His lack of faith in GOD and rejection of GOD’s good news lead to another end for him---death! GOD did indeed “open the windows of heaven and showered out blessings! But the special assistant was punished for his unbelief and missed out!]

Although, we are four lepers, please, please listen and learn from what happened to us and Samaria and the king’s special assistant. Fear GOD! Revere GOD’s WORD! Believe GOD and GOD’s WORD, and live!

STRETCHING TOGETHER

Shoulder Stretch– Place two straight back chairs so the seats of each chair face each other but do not touch. Leave enough space so that two people can sit down. Seater A should sit down, sit up straight, relaxed so your head, neck and shoulders are in a straight alignment. Seater A should place their arms along each side of their sides, so the back of the elbow is in alignment with the back, the hands are making a fist, with the thumbs pointed inward. [This pose will look like a karate pose right before a person is about to straighten their arms to make a punch.] Remember to keep the inside of your arms close to your waist. Seater B will sit in the opposite chair and place a flat hand over Seater A’s upturned fist. Seater B may have to position their chair so that they are also sitting straight in their chair. Seater B’s shoulders should also be in alignment with their back. Seater B should gently apply gentle pressure pushing Seater B’s fist down as Seater A resists that pressure by maintaining their alignment by gently pushing up. Each person should feel a slight stretch along the shoulders. After 3-4 seconds of resistance relax and start again. Try to do at least 3 reps. Then switch so that Seater B becomes the fist-maker and Seater A the one pressing down. Try to relax as to perform these shoulder stretches.

Butterfly Stretch – One person should sit on a mat or rug with your heels together, as close to your groin as possible, holding your ankles. Be sure to sit up straight. Your partner should gently reach behind you or in front and gently lower your knees to the floor (while you hold your feet together). Your will need to tell your partner the degree or limit of your stretch. When you have reached your limit, your partner will hold for about 4 or 5 seconds and then gently allow you to slowly raise your knees up, while you still hold your ankles and try to keep your back straight. Then switch positions.

Back Stretch -On person should sit on a mat or rug with their legs slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Tuck in your gut and slowly lean forward from the hips. Your partner will stand behind you and with their hands around the middle of your low back your partner will gently assist you as you lean forward. You will need to tell your partner when to stop (or when you have reached your stretch limit). When you say stop, your partner will hold for 4 or 5 seconds and then gently allow you to rise back up from the hips. Don’t slouch or look downward (straining your neck). Try to keep your head and shoulders relax as you bend at the hips, your hand extending forward, one over each leg. Remember your hips are moving forward and your hands are moving forward with your hips. Your hand and shoulders are not reaching out. Your partner should use a gentle touch and may need to remind you to relax or straighten your back. Again, be gentle. Repeat 2-4 times. Then switch positions.

SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER, TRUST GOD, BELIEVE and SHARE THE GOOD NEWS

A lot of people feel alone. Many are hungry. Many often feels as if no one cares. A lot of people think others see them as “unclean,” “irrelevant,” or “useless.” Some feel as if they are “invisible,” or of little value. Sometimes people are even afraid to enter houses of worship, afraid how others might view them or treat them. They feel like outsiders. Everyone should be concerned about anyone who feel this way. These are all areas for personal introspection and self-evaluations. All should ask “Is it I, GOD?” and “What can I do better to rectify any “injustices,” systems of racism, classism, sexism, ageism or other “ism” that tries to separate people from their humanity and equality as a member of the community of GOD.

We all need each other to survive. We need to value everyone. We need to try to be a blessing. We all need to spread the GOOD NEWS!

We also should listen and learn from GOD’s WORD, including the tale of the four lepers and the king’s special assistance. So:

Revere GOD; Fear GOD, believing that all things are possible;
Ask GOD to:
1. Help us with those characteristics within ourselves that may lead to unbelief;
2. Help us to have more faith;
3. Help the unbelief around us (our own and anyone else’s that we allow to decrease my faith in GOD and GOD’s WORD or those who have may have lost hope); and
Love and support one another and spread the good news.

Believe in GOD’s blessings, be a blessing to others and BE BLESSED!

__________________________

¹ Based on the description in Leviticus, the bacteria of leprosy, which affected the nerves, skin, eyes, hair and lining of the eyes may have also caused and breed infectious vermin that settled on clothes and object in a home like a type of mold or it may have been a type of mold. When the Leviticus rules were established this may have been especially true for Hebrews living in a dessert, where there was little water, and few opportunities for practicing good hygiene. Biblical leprosy, at least the type described in Leviticus Chapter 13 seems to be different from modern leprosy (Hansen’s disease). The Leviticus leprosy is described as greenish or reddish spots on walls, garments or in the skin. See, Leviticus 13:49; Leviticus 14: 37 Biblical leprosy may have covered a variety of skin diseases and disorders, like psoriasis, vitiligo, which can make the skin white.

Prayer Day # 544 6-10-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from King Nebuchadnezzar)

Daniel 4:1-3 This is a proclamation of Nebuchadnezzar the king, which he sent to people of every language in every nation of the world: Greetings: I want you all to know about the strange thing that THE MOST HIGH GOD did to me. It was incredible—a mighty miracle! And now I know for sure that HIS kingdom is everlasting; HE reigns forever and ever.

KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR

MY PROCLAIMATION

Greeting. I am called Nebuchadnezzar. “Nebuchadnezzar” is the name the Israelites call me. My father named me Nabu-kudurru-usur, which means “Nabu, preserve my first son.” Nabu is the name of one of the gods in my culture. Names are very important in my culture. That’s why when we capture slaves, we rename them. We want to assimilate them into their new culture as quickly as possible. We want to separate these slaves from their past and their GOD.

Let me tell you who I am. I am king of Babylon, one of the greatest cities in the whole kingdom. I am the most powerful man in all the kingdoms. I have a powerful army and I have conquered many cities, which are now cities within my kingdom. I am king!

A few years ago, I attacked and conquered Jerusalem, the famous city of the Jews. I took the sacred cups from the Hebrew Temple of GOD and placed them in in the treasury house of my god, Shinar. Daniel 1:2 I selected the best of the Jewish boy captives and instructed Ashpenaz, my master eunuch, and the chief of my court officials to train these boys so they would become Babylonians. I wanted to change their minds and change their allegiance to me and my gods.

There were four special Jewish boys. The one called Daniel I re-named “Beltshazzar,” which means “Bel protect the King.” “Bel” means lord or master. Bel is what we call the Babylonian, god, Marduk. We call Marduk lord and master because that is what we believe. I gave the other three Jewish boys Babylonian names too. I called them Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego. These Jewish boys turned out to be very smart and very wise. All of them became advisors in my court. Their advice seemed to far better than that of all the skilled magicians and astrologist that I encountered in all my kingdom. Daniel 1:20

During my early reign I was very powerful! If fact, I was intoxicated with power. Intoxication can be a dangerous condition. It can distort one’s vision, cause one to see oneself bigger than one actually is. Intoxication can also cause one to make mistakes, stumble and fall. Power intoxication can be a dangerous condition. It can also lead to what I like to call “royal tantrums.” A “royal tantrum” is when you become so intoxicated with power that when you don’t get what you want or sometimes even when you do get what you want (but want even more), you become irrational and lose sight of the humanity of others. You lash out indiscriminately, not caring what happens to those around you! It is an especially dangerous condition for a king like me, who is already very powerful, because when I went into a royal tantrum, I not only became a danger to others and, as you will see, I became a danger to myself as well. This is what happened:

MY ROYAL TANTRUMS

Tantrum #1 - One night I had a terrible dream. I woke up trembling with fear. Yes, trembling! And, I was king! And to make matters worse I couldn’t remember my dream or what had caused my fear! I just knew it was bad!

I called all of my magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, astrologers and demanded they tell me my dream and its meaning. Daniel 2:2-4 They replied that if I told them the dream, they could tell me its meaning! But I wasn’t falling for that! They could have told me anything or continue to stall until the calamity that I feared was coming came and then they could be rid of me! Daniel 2:5 So I told them that if they didn’t tell me my dream and interpret it, they would be torn limb from limb and I would destroy their houses. But, on the other hand, if they did what they claimed they could do and tell me what I wanted, they would be given gifts, rewards and great honor! Daniel 2:6 I wanted action right now! But they replied there wasn’t a man alive who could do what I demanded. They said only god could do this and the gods did not they live in human dwellings, so they were not readily accessible. Well, this was an outrage! I was furious and I had a royal tantrum. I immediately issued an order to execute all the wise men of Babylon! I wanted every last one of them rounded up! If they didn’t do what I wanted they were going to face the consequences, execution. Daniel and his three companions were rounded up for execution too!

When Arioch the chief executioner came to kill Daniel and his friends, they didn’t seem at all upset or fazed! I’m told Daniel told his friends to just pray with him to their GOD. Daniel 2:17 Well that night, Daniel’s GOD revealed the vision to Daniel and the next day, praising his GOD, Daniel appeared before me and revealed the vision to me! Daniel described exactly what I saw in my dream! As soon as he told me, I knew in my spirit he was telling me the truth. Then, Daniel interpreted the dream.

Daniel told me that I was king over many kings but that his GOD had given me my kingdom, strength and glory but that my kingdom would not last forever. Daniel told me about other kingdoms that would come after mine and that they would end too. Daniel said that one day the GOD of HEAVEN would establish HIS KINGDOM. GOD’s KINGDOM would shatter the greatness of all of the former kingdoms that had come before. And, GOD’s KINGDOM, unlike the rest, would last forever and ever! Daniel 2:37-44 I immediately fell on my knee, for I knew that only Daniel’s GOD had revealed this to Daniel! I was full of immediate praise for Daniel’s GOD and gave Daniel great gifts and honor. I made Daniel chief of all my wise men and my chief advisor in my court. Daniel 2:46-47,49 That day I had nothing but praise for Daniel’s GOD. But, over time, I guess I forgot my dream and what Daniel told me.

Tantrum #2- As I’ve said, power can be intoxicating. And, this time, my cup was full to overflowing! It all began when I made a golden statute. It was 90 feet high and 9 feet wide! I thought it was magnificent! I set it up on the plain of Dura, in Babylon so that everyone could see it. I then gathered everyone to admire “my statute” (and my stature) and decided to dedicate my great work! Daniel 3:1-2 So, I issued a decree, a proclamation, through my entire kingdom. I decreed and commanded everyone---no matter what their nationality, their language or religion--- that at the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe they were to immediately fall down and worship the golden statute I created. Anyone who refused to obey my decree would be cast into a fiery furnace! I created a god and I wanted everyone to obey me! Daniel 3:5

After I issued the decree, I immediately received word from some of my officials that there were three Jews, those three companions of Daniel, who had not fallen down and worshiped my golden image when the music played. They were refusing to obey me! I decided to give these Jews another chance. I told them the next time the music sounded if they fell down and worshiped my golden statute, everything would be well. But if they didn’t, I warned them I would cast them into a flaming furnace within the next hour! I was pretty for sure that this would ensure their obedience. After all I was the king and I told them they were in my hands now! Daniel 3:15

Well, those three didn’t seem concerned at all. They had the nerve to calmly look at me and even tell me they were not worried about what happened to them. They told me they knew their GOD was able to deliver them. But, they said, if their GOD did not, under no circumstances, would they ever bow down and or worship the golden statute I had erected. Daniel 3:18 Well, I was furious! Livid! No one speaks to me, the king of Babylon, like that!

I immediately ordered the furnace heated up seven times hotter and ordered my solders to tie these men up with rope tightly, fully clothed, and cast them in the fire. Daniel 3:19-21 I then stood back a distance, so I could watch with pleasure as these three burned! I stood back because the flames were leaping out of the furnace so fiercely that it killed the soldiers as they were throwing the three in the fire! Daniel 3:22

Then, something strange happened. As I was watching I suddenly saw four, not three, men walking around in the midst of the furnace! I was so astonished, I leaped to my feet! I turned to my advisors, who were standing nearby and asked: “Didn’t we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They looked at me and they all said: “True, O King” As I looked back in the furnace, I said: “Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they aren’t even hurt; and the fourth, looks like the SON of GOD!” Daniel 3:24-25 I then went to the mouth of the furnace and yelled: “Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego, servants of THE MOST HIGH GOD, come out! Come here!” I watched in amazement as the three men stepped out of the furnace. I saw that the fire hadn’t even touched them! Their clothing was not scorched!

They didn’t even smell of smoke! Right then, I knew then that no other GOD could do what their GOD can do! I blessed their GOD because I knew that there was none like THIS GOD! I immediately issued a decree that no person or any nation, language or religion ever speak a word against the GOD of Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego or face the threat of being torn limb from limb or have their house laid in ruins! Then I promoted Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego!

I should have remembered this lesson, but I guess over time I forgot again!

GOD Forewarns me! – Perhaps the GOD of Daniel, Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego knew that I would forget, because I enjoyed myself, prospering in my palace, when I suddenly had yet another frightening dream! I issued a decree for all the wise men of Babylon to come before me and interpret my dream. Many came, but none of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, fortune-tellers or wizards were able to interpret my dream when I told them about the dream! Daniel 4:4-7 Finally, they brought Daniel to me. I told Daniel my dream. Daniel 4:8 I remember he had interpreted my dream before and that no mystery was too great for him to solve. But, after listening to me tell him about the dream, Daniel just sat there, stunned! He was silent for an hour! Daniel 4:19 When I encouraged Daniel to speak, he finally told me the meaning of the dream. Daniel told me the dream was about my future. Daniel 4:20-26

After telling me the meaning of my dream Daniel urgently advised me to listen to him! Daniel told me that perhaps it wasn’t too late! He advised me to do the following:

Stop sinning; do what you know is right; [and] be merciful to the poor.

Daniel 4:27 Daniel said if I changed, perhaps GOD would spare me from this future that was sure to come about, if I didn’t change!

I only wish I had listened more carefully to Daniel and heeded his advice. I didn’t.

Twelve Months Later – Twelve months passed. I remember I was walking on the roof of the palace. I was standing there, looking around me, admiring the great city of Babylon! My city! I started talking about its greatness and my greatness. I started talking about how powerful I was. I remember talking about my mighty power –I was probably thinking about my army power. See, my father, Nabopolassar, was a great military general before he became king! I believed in dominate military rule too. I admired the power of the military to come in, take immediate control, subdue people and make them obey. A good military force left no doubt who was in control, which was me! Perhaps I was thinking about how I had conquered cities like Jerusalem and established my kingdom. I recall saying “ I built this beautiful city.” [Forgetting, that GOD had told me HE had allowed me to conquer Jerusalem and forgetting that GOD had already told me these earthly kingdoms, including my own, would all fall!]

That day on my palace roof, I recalled thinking of all the land I owned, the royal palace, the capital, my empire. I was suddenly intoxicated with power, full of myself, looking around me at what I consider all that was mine! [I was definitely thinking about things, power, and my own greatness instead of people, the poor, or about the welfare of those who lived in the city. Most importantly, I was completely forgetting about GOD and GOD’s WORD! At this point, I was probably one of the greatest threats to myself and the people around me than I had ever been! All I wanted was more, to admire and worship myself! I was turning myself “into a god” in my thoughts and in my own mind!]

Suddenly my train of thought and all of self-admiration was abruptly interrupted. I heard A VOICE abruptly announce that I was about to receive a ROYAL DECREE from HEAVEN. THE VOICE said:

“This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the MOST HIGH is SOVERIGN over the kingdoms of men and given them to anyone HE wishes.”

Daniel 4:31-32 Immediately it all happened! What Daniel told me would happen to me 12 months earlier suddenly started happening! I fell to my knees. I then started to eat grass like an ox in the fields. My mind left me. And, for the next seven years, my body was drenched with dew, my hair grew long, like feathers, and my nails became like bird’s claws. I was reduced to an animal in a field. ¹ I was totally humbled!

HOW I GOT THROUGH IT

At the end of seven years GOD allowed my mind and my sanity to return to me. When my sanity returned, I then looked up and praised GOD!

I am still praising GOD! I will honor GOD for the rest of my life! Daniel 4:34 Because there is none like HIM! No one can stop HIM or challenge HIM! GOD judges us all! HIS works are truth. HIS ways are just!

GOD not only restored my sanity GOD restored my kingdom. Daniel 4:36 GOD was merciful and even gave me greater honor than before. I will never, ever forget what GOD did for me! HE humbles those who walk in pride---men, like me, who think themselves great. Daniel 37

So, I, King Nebuchadnezzar, issue this decree to you. Learn from my story. Learn from me.

Remember:

Only GOD is GREAT! All GREATNESS belongs to HIM;
GOD’s ways are JUST! So, remember people are more important than cities or things. Like GOD, be just and merciful to the people in the cities and areas where you live. Be kind and just to the poor, for they belong to GOD as much as you belong to GOD. We are all in GOD’s hands.
Only GOD REIGNS forever. And, one day GOD will REIGN! GOD is our ultimate KING and JUDGE

People everywhere, listen to my story and learn!

MORE STRETCHING

Shoulder and Side Stretch– Sit up straight in a straight chair with your hands extended in opposite directions like a cross. Relax your shoulders so your hands, arms and fingers form a straight line. Keeping the left arm straight and unmoving, turn your waist and slowly string the right hand over to the left hand until the right hand and the left hand softly clap. Then bring the right hand back as if you’re drawing back the string of a bow, with your elbows coming straight back until your waist is facing the front of the chair. Unbend the right elbow until you both hands are in your starting opposite direction position and then repeat the clapping motion again on the left side 3-4 more times. Switch, repeating the same movements on the right side. You should feel the stretch along your sides and your shoulders. This exercise can also be performed standing up. Remember to turn your waist slowly in the direction of the clap and keep the elbow up the same height as the clap. Remember to exhale as you bring the string of your imaginary bow back. Don’t arch your back or shoulders. Remember as you turn your waist, look in the direction of the clap to avoid straining your neck.

Knees to Chest- Lie down on your back on a rug or mat. Extend your legs on the floor. Keeping your lower back on the floor, slowly bend your knees and grasp the back of your upper thighs with your hands, slowly bringing your knees in toward your chest. Feel the stretch and hold for 10-30 seconds. Then release and repeat the motion. Remember to keep your head on the floor and relaxed. Try not to jerk. Gently open your legs as far apart as possible, keeping your toes and knees pointing outward. Place a hand along each side of your thighs. Place the right hand along the right inner thigh and left hand along your left inner thigh, close to your knees (but do not touch the knees). Keeping your spine neutral, gently hinge forward from the hips until you feel a mild stretch along your inner thighs. Again, be very gentle with yourself. For a more challenging stretch, after your hold, extend the feet about 6 to 12 inches off the ground and then bend the knees again. Do at least 3-4 reps.

Straight Leg Stretch – Sit straight up on a mat with your feet extended straight ahead. This exercise can also be done sitting on a mat or rug with your back against a wall. Flex your feet so your toes are pointed toward the ceiling. Now raise your right leg the height of your left big toe and extend the right leg slowly toward the left until you feel and stretch and then hold for 4-6 second and then slowly move the right foot back to the same height as your big toe and then down, keeping both feet flexed the entire time. Repeat the same motion on the left side. Remember, these are slow stretch and hold movements. Don’t try to overextend the stretch to the right or the left. And, breathe. Try to complete at least 3-5 reps on each side. For a different stretch, point the toes straight ahead instead of flexing the heals and pointing the toes toward the ceiling. Take breaks as needed and drink water to stay hydrated.

GOD IS GREAT

When we think about GREATNESS, we should think about GOD! If we become obsessed with greatness, try to flex power to the detriment of others, we risk becoming a danger to ourselves and others. We also risk the anger and judgement of GOD!

Psalm 147:5 states:

GREAT is our LORD, and of great power: HIS understanding is infinite.

JESUS taught that greatness comes through service to others. See, Mark 10:44. In Matthew 20:27, JESUS taught:

[I]f you want to be right at the top, you must serve like a slave.²

Greatness comes with sacrifice. Greatness comes through service.

There is no power greater than GOD! So, serve a GREAT GOD! Praise a GREAT GOD!

Be humble, praise GOD and BE BLESSED!

_____________________

¹ Boanthropy is a psychological disorder where the sufferer believes that he or she is a cow or ox. This condition still exists today. Many references to this kind of condition has been found in various other cultures. See, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boanthropy.

² Living Bible translation.

Prayer Day # 543 6-3-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from Samson)

Judges 16:28 Then Samson prayed to THE LORD and said “O LORD JEHOVAH, remember me again—please strengthen me one more time….[Living Bible translation]

Judges 13:1-5 Once again Israel sinned by worshiping other gods, so THE LORD let them be conquered by the Philistines, who kept them in subjection for forty years. Then one day The Angel of THE LORD appeared to the wife of Manoah, of the tribe of Dan, who lived in the city of Zorah. She had no children, but the Angel said to her, “Even though you have been barren so long, you will soon conceive and have a son! Don’t drink any wine or beer, and don’t eat any food that isn’t kosher. Your son’s hair must never be cut, for he shall be a Nazirite, a special servant of GOD from the time of his birth; and he will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.” [Living Bible translation]

SAMSON

GOD IS ABOUT TO MOVE!

I am Samson. My name means “man of the sun.” I know that usually people start from the beginning, but I believe this is where I should start. Right now, I think I am at the end of my last trial, in fact I am in the sunset of my life. I have been imprisoned by the Philistines for a while. They have gouged out my eyes. I have bronze shackles on my legs. I have been treated like an animal---a beast. Like an ox, I grind grain in a Philistine prison. Now that I am weak, the Philistines laugh at me. They make fun of me and mock me because I look so helpless.

Today is a special holiday for the Philistines. They are celebrating one of their gods, Dagon. They worship this god of grain and fish because they think this god is a source of life. And, they are confident that their god beat my GOD and delivered me into their hands. They are drunk and full of themselves today. They have demanded that I be brought to the center of their Dagon temple so they can make fun of me and deride me. Judges 16:23-24 I can hear their drunken laughter. A boy is sent to guided me from the prison to the temple. I asked him to stand me between two pillars in the center of the building. I tell him I want to rest on the pillars. Judges 16:26 In the center, I can hear the noise and laughter of the people in the temple balcony. I can tell the temple is packed---a full house. There must be about three thousand people around me---all making fun of me—my people (the Israelites, who the Philistines rule) and my GOD.

My lips are moving. Those around me don’t know I am praying to my GOD---THE ONE TRUE GOD, JEHOVAH. I am asking GOD to remember me and give me strength. Judges 16.28 I am asking to become Israel’s judge, Israel’s warrior and GOD’s servant, one more time. I grab the pillars on each side and pull. As I stand, I can feel the SPIRIT of JEHOVAH, my GOD! GOD is about to act!

MY BEGINNINGS

I was born to be a judge, a warrior for my people. I was appointed by GOD to defend my people, from birth. My mother raised me as a Nazirite, which means that “I am dedicated to GOD.” The law for a Nazarite was given to Moses by GOD. When a man or a woman makes the vow of a Nazirite, separating themselves unto the LORD, then:

He or she shall drink no wine or strong drink;
He or she shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink;
He or she shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried;
He or she shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, not even the seeds or the skins;
No razor shall come upon his/her head;
He or she may not go near any dead body; and
All the days of his or her life he/she shall be holy to THE LORD.

If he or she is defiled by having someone fall dead beside him, then he/she shall shave his head, he/she will then be cleansed from the contamination of being in the presence of death, on the eighth day there must be a animal dedication (the kind of animal is specified under the law) and he/she must begin all over again with a new vow, let his/her hair begin to grow again. The law provides for other fulfillments if a person defiles themselves. See, Numbers 6:1-21.

My parents listened to THE LORD and raised me as a Nazirite.

My TRIALS

My first trial came when I went to Timnah and saw a Philistine girl who I immediately wanted to marry. I went to my parents, but they objected, but I insisted. As we were going to Timnah a young lion attacked me. The Spirit of THE LORD came mightily upon me and I was able to rip the lion’s jaws apart with my bare hands! No one saw this feat, not even my parents. My parents arrived at Timnah, they made arrangement with the girl’s father for my marriage and we left. When I returned to Timnah for the wedding I found a swarm of bees in the carcass of the lion and ate some. I then threw my wedding party and invited about 30 young men and made a wager with them that if they could solve my riddle, I would give them 60 robes! On the other hand, if they couldn’t solve the riddle, they would give me 60 robes. The riddle was: “Food came out of the eater, and sweetness from the strong!” (I was remembering the honey in the carcass of the lion.)

Well, the 30 Philistines cheated. They threatened my betrothed and convinced her to beguile me and get the answer to the riddle, which she did. At that point, the SPIRIT OF THE LORD came upon me and I went into another city, slew thirty men, took their clothes, and gave the clothes to the young men who solved my riddle. I went home and then returned to the woman who I intended to marry, but found out that her father had given her to the guy who was supposed to be the best man at my wedding! I was furious. I went out, caught 300 foxes, tied that tails together in pairs and torched each pair. The foxes ran through the fields of the Philistines and the running foxes destroyed standing corn, vineyards and olive trees. Then the Philistines found out what I did, they burned the woman who I loved and her father alive and then used the men of Judah to capture me. When I was brought before the Philistines, I snapped the ropes that were binding me as if they were thread, picked up a donkey’s jawbone that was on the ground and slew a thousand Philistines with it! Judges 15:15 I was Israel’s judge (their leader and warrior against the Philistines) for the next 20 years. Judges 15:20

I fell in love again. This time to a woman named Delilah. You would have thought I would have learned my lesson from the first Philistine woman. This time the lords of the Philistine came to Delilah and offered her money to find out the secret of my strength. They gave her eleven hundred pieces of silver. Like the other woman, Delilah nagged at me, whined that I didn’t love her until I finally told her my secret---that I was a Nazirite, dedicated to GOD since birth and that my hair had never been cut. Well, that very same night, Delilah lulled me to sleep in her lap and the Philistine lords brought in a man while I was asleep and my hair was cut. When I awakened, I thought I could still do what I had done before, but I didn’t realize that the LORD had left me and my strength was gone. Judges 16:20-21 (I guess I really didn’t realize where my strength came from. But, if I didn’t know before, I knew now.) The Philistines quickly bound me, gouged out my eyes and tossed me in their prison. They wanted revenge for all the things GOD had allowed me to do when I was strong.

How I Got Through It

When you’re in prison or someplace where your freedom of movement is limited, or sometimes when “bad things happen,” you can spend a lot of time thinking about the unpleasant things that have occurred over your life. You have a lot of time to think about all the mistakes you’ve made. You have time to ruminate over all of the things you should have done, and all of your life’s errors. I know I did. If you’re not careful, you will just keep replaying your life’s mistakes over and over and over again---never moving forward, forever chained to your past. Never growing. Never moving. Perhaps you might even reach the point where you start “pulling out your own hair,” or engaging in some other kind of self-destructive behavior because of your own self-negativity.

Looking back over the past prevents someone from ever “moving on.” They are not only shackled by physical chains but are shackled by mental and spiritual chains as well. The spiritual chains of not forgiving themselves or more importantly, not going to GOD and asking for GOD’s GRACE and GOD forgiving powers.

If you are shackled by the chains of your bad behavior, by your past, by your poor decisions, by mistakes or things that have separated you from GOD, GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT can renew you too! GOD can give you a second chance! That was my prayer to GOD, for another chance!

So, don’t listen to “the Philistines” around you. Don’t worry about “the haters.” Don’t try to see yourself through the eyes of others! Don’t worry about what people have said about you. Forget about all the negative things you have even said about yourself! GO to GOD and pray for forgiveness and pray for GOD to use you.

GIVE your life to GOD! That’s what I did!

[ Postscript- The Book of Judges notes that Samson did indeed give his life. Samson grabbed the pillars, pushed with all his might and the temple came crashing down on the Philistine leaders and all the people inside. Judges 16:30 As a warrior for his people, Samson was victorious over more people at his death than over his entire lifetime. Samson was buried with his ancestors, having judged Israel for twenty years. Judges 16:31 The final victory was THE LORD’s]

MORE STRETCHING

Chest Stretch– Lie on the floor on a mat or rug with your knees bent and your feet on the mat and your feet and toes flat on the mat. Both knees should be pointed toward the ceiling. Gently cup your head in your hands and point your elbows to the ceiling so that your elbows are pointing straight up toward the ceiling too. Don’t try to bring your elbows inward or put a strain on your neck. Just try to relax. Now try to slowly lower your elbows toward the floor gently until you feel a stretch across your chest, shoulders and arms. Hold for a few seconds and then return to your start position. Again, try to relax. Don’t arch your back. As you gently lower your elbows try to belly breathe as opposed to chest breathe.

Seated Thigh Stretch- Sit up straight in a straight chair. Gently open your legs as far apart as possible, keeping your toes and knees pointing outward. Place a hand along each side of your thighs. Place the right hand along the right inner thigh and left hand along your left inner thigh, close to your knees (but do not touch the knees). Keeping your spine neutral, gently hinge forward from the hips until you feel a mild stretch along your inner thighs. Again, be very gentle with yourself and don’t pull. Keep your shoulders down and relaxed. Don’t hold this stretch too long. When you feel the gentle stretch, return to your (regular sitting) start position. Then repeat. [After doing this stretch you may want to do some seat rotations, turning from the waist from one side of the chair to the other side. Again, be gentle, and don’t strain your neck]

Seated Mountain Yoga Pose. Sit up straight in a straight chair, with your hand relaxed at your side and the palms of your hands gently touching the insides of your chair. Sit up straight, extend your spine forward as you take a deep breath and rotate your hands outward toward the back as you sit up even taller. As you exhale, push down on your sit bone (the lower part of your tailbone) into the chair as you rotate your hands inward to your start position. Again, be gentle and try to take belly breathes, not chest breathes.

EXPECT GOD TO ACT!

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Apparently, faith, as Samson shows, doesn’t require physical sight. In fact, Hebrews 11 states that faith is about “waiting” “and having the “certainty” (Living Bible translation) that what we are hoping for is “waiting for us,” even if we cannot see it up ahead! Hebrews 11:2 It is about believing GOD and believing in GOD. It is about expecting and trusting GOD to ACT! And then acting like you are expecting GOD to ACT!

The Psalmist David declares:

Don’t be upset. Expect GOD to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise HIM for all that HE will do. HE is my help! HE is my GOD! [Living Bible Translation]

Psalm 42:11

Samson, expected GOD to ACT. And, GOD did!

Pray and trust GOD.

Prayer Day # 542 5-27-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from The Shunammite Woman)

2 Kings 4: 20, 24-26 So he took him home, and his mother held him on her lap, but around noontime he died….So she saddled the donkey and said to the servant, “Hurry, Don’t slow down for my comfort unless I tell you to.” As she approached Mount Carmel, Elisha saw her in the distance and said to Gehazi, “Look that woman from Shunem is coming. Run and meet her and ask her what the trouble is. See if her husband is all right and if the child is well.” “Yes,” she told Gehazi, “everything is fine.”

2 Kings 8:1-4, 5-6 Elisha had told the woman whose son he had brought back to life, “Take your family and move to some other country, for the LORD has called down a famine on Israel that will last for seven years.” So the woman took her family and lived in the land of the Philistines for seven years. After the famine ended, she returned to the land of Israel and went to see the king about getting back her house and land. Just as she came in, the king was talking with Gehazi, Elisha’s servant…“Oh sir!” Gehazi exclaimed, “Here is the woman now, and this is her son—the very one Elisha brought back to life!” Is this true, the king asked her. And she told him that it was. So he directed one of his officials to see to it that everything she had owned was restored to her, plus the value of any crops that had been harvested during her absence.

THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN Life Before My Trial My name is unimportant. I lived in the city of Shunem. I’m a Shunammite. The people of my village are part of the tribe of Issachar. I come from a family of means, wealth. I am also a woman who “pays attention.” I noticed a holy man of GOD who continuously passed through Shunem. One day, I went to my husband and suggested we offer this Holy man hospitality. I suggested that we provide a little room for the man of GOD on the roof. The room would have a table, a chair and a lamp where this man of GOD and his servant could stay and rest and enjoy a meal. 2 Kings 4:10 The man of GOD, was a prophet named Elisha. The prophet’s servant’s name was Gehazi. I was happy my family could be of service.

One day the man of GOD told his servant Gehazi to summon me. Elisha thanked me for my kindness and then asked what he and his servant could do for me. For, example they asked if I wanted them to put in a good word to the king or to the general of the army?

At this point it would probably help to explain the importance of hospitality in my culture and to me. You see I am an Israelite. We were a nomadic people. We often lived in desert climates. So, when strangers or foreigners passed by, offering hospitality, it was a matter of “life and death and honor.” Without hospitality (food and water) from other people, a person could die in a dessert. To offer a stranger hospitality meant that they became “your honored guest.” You were offering your home as a refuge, a place of protection, a place of rest. The forces of hospitality meant that when someone entered your home, they were given a place of honor, free from worry. In essence, you were treating someone as you yourself would want to be treated if you were in that person’s position. Hospitality is what Abraham showed to the three strangers who stopped by his tent, when he ran back to his tent and told Sarah, his wife, to use the best floor and to make some cakes for men to eat! Genesis 18:6 Hospitality was what caused Abraham to run out to his herd, selected a fat calf, which he had his servant hurry and butcher, and then served it up with other fine food from his table. And, then the men ate, Abraham stood nearby under a tree, waiting to see if they needed anything else. Genesis 18:7 And then the men departed, hospitality led Abraham to go with them part of the way, to ensure their protection from his home to the next part of their next destination. Genesis 18:16 Sheltering a guest under your roof has serious implications in my time for the host and the guest. Sharing a meal with someone was a communal commitment. ¹ Sharing a meal was a matter of trust for the host in the guest and the guest in the host. Hospitality is not something you do in order to receive something in return, it is something you do because “it is the right thing to do.” ²

So, when I was asked if I wanted anything as a reward my hospitality, I would not even consider such a thing. I had a home, among my own people and I was content. Perhaps that would have been “a trial” for some. Perhaps some would have wanted to give it some thought---after all, having someone “put in a good word” with a king or general could be very beneficial. Perhaps for some “it would have been tempting” to “have power,” “be seen,” “be recognized” or “be acknowledged” or to have an extra layer of security with “those in high places.” But this was not one of my areas of weakness or temptation. I was content with what I had.

But, the man of GOD decided to bless me anyway. I was called back and the man of GOD told me that next year, about this time, I would give birth to a son! At first I thought Elisha was lying. 2 Kings 4:16 You see, I had no children—the term used for women like me is “barren.” I had come to terms with my situation---my circumstance--- my condition.

But, what the man of GOD said came true! I had a baby boy the following year just as Elisha predicted. 2 Kings 4:17

My Trials

Everything was going well. I was still living in Shunem. I was still living in my home among my people. My husband and I had a son and the child was growing. I was still extending hospitality to the man of GOD and his servant. I felt very, very blessed!

Then, one day, my child went to visit his father in the field and started complaining about a headache. His father called a servant and sent the child home to me. I was holding my precious child in my lap until about noon when the child suddenly died. I took the child to the man of GOD’s room, laid him on the bed and shut the door. I then sent my husband a message to send me a servant and saddle a donkey because I needed to hurry and see the man of GOD right away! When my husband asked why, since it wasn’t religious holiday and he didn’t understand why I would need a religious man, all I said was: “ It shall be well.”

I got on the saddled donkey and told the servant to hurry and don’t slow down, unless I tell you to. As I approached Mount Carmel, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant ran and met me on the road. Gehazi asked if it was well with my husband and well with the child. I answered: “ It is well.” But I kept going. When I arrived at Mt. Carmel and saw Elisha I fell to the ground at his feet. Gehazi was about to push me away, but Elisha could tell I was troubled and ordered Gehazi to leave me alone. I then asked Elisha, “Did I ask for a son?” “Didn’t I tell you not to deceive me?” Then Elisha went into action. He gave Gehazi his staff and told him to run and lay the staff on the boy’s face. Elisha told Gehazi not to greet anyone along the way. But, I told Elisha I wasn’t leaving him. So, Elisha started walking with me back home. Before we reached the house, we ran into Gehazi. Gehazi told Elisha he did what Elisha told him to do but the boy had not awakened. When Elisha came to my house, Elisha entered the room where my son lay and started praying to THE LORD. THE LORD must have heard Elisha’s prayer because Elisha went into the room again and when he came out, he told Gehazi to summon me and gave me back my son---alive! 2Kings 4:36 Yes, ALIVE!

My second “trial” occurred when the man of GOD, Elisha, told me to take my family and leave my home and village and move to a foreign land for seven years because THE LORD had decreed a famine on Israel. Shunem was my home. Shunem was the place where I was respected, where I reared my son and where my husband and I made a living off the land. Our farm was there. But when the man of GOD told me to “move,” I moved. My whole family and I became foreigners in the land of the Philistines for seven long years! But we survived. We sheltered in the foreign land and when the seven years ended, we returned to Shunem. We just waited until it was safe to return—at the end of the seven years. Could we have returned at the end of the first year or the second year or even the sixth year? Sure. But some risks are just not worth it.

The first thing that we did when we returned was to go see the king to see if we could get our house and land back. I didn’t know what to expect. I just trusted GOD.

It turned out that GOD was 100 steps ahead of me. GOD had already worked it out. When we arrived at the king’s court, we saw Gehazi, Elisha’s servant! Apparently, Gehazi had been talking about me and my son, because I heard him say, “Here is the woman now, and this is her son—the very one Elisha brought back to life!” The king then turned to me and asked if it was true. I told the king, it was. Then the king directed one of his officials to see that everything I owed was restored to me. AND, the king even gave me the value of any crops that had been harvested on the land in my absence. Only, GOD could prepare this kind of welcome! ONLY GOD!

How I Got Through It

When I look back on what occurred, I can only say that hospitality is a two-way street. I was sheltering a man of GOD. I was learning from the man of GOD. Elisha spent a lot of time in communion with THE LORD. The private room I provided him gave him time to spend in prayer and in peace. When Elisha needed to relay a message, he sent his servant. He basically did not “waste his time” on trivial matters or lesser things. I learned several critical points: First, the man of GOD made GOD his focus. The messages he received from GOD were his focus. Many things, like conversing with commanders (e.g. Elisha sending his servant Gehazi to speak with Naaman, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian army (see 2 Kings 5), or sometimes speaking with kings (e.g. when Gehazi was at court with the king when my family returned) and often even speaking with me, Elisha left these matters to his servant Gehazi. I learned that sometimes, you need to know where and to what you need to pay your attention, and what can be left for others. I learned that from having the man of GOD in my house. So, when the problem arose, I went directly to GOD’s man. I went to someone who could help

Second, I learned that while I was extending hospitality to GOD’s man, GOD was extending hospitality to me! GOD was allowing me to enter into HIS REALM, HIS WORLD. What is GOD’s WORLD? It’s a WORLD where barren women have children. It’s a WORLD where the dead come back to life. In GOD’s WORLD the impossible become possible. In GOD’s WORLD, NOTHING is too hard for GOD to fix! That’s GOD’s world and that is THE WORLD I entered.

Third, I believe that GOD spoke to “my spirit” and prepared “my spirit” while I was going through it. Like a GOOD HOST prepares a guest, GOD prepared me so I could face my trials with grace. That’s why I could say, “It’s well.” Sometimes GOD just “sustains” you through a trial (through an illness, dealing with a sick child or losing a loved one, or losing a home, or having to deal with an adversity for seven long years). GOD will give you words to say. GOD will show you how to act. GOD will give you a “right frame of mind.” GOD will give you “peace” in the midst of a storm to live through a famine, to live in a strange place, to be displaced, to lose everything, to go wherever GOD leads. GOD will give you hope when all hope looks like it’s gone. I believe GOD did that for me!

In GOD’s realm, in GOD’s time, if you accept GOD’s invitation and GOD’s “hospitality” GOD will show up and “show out” because ONLY GOD CAN do what no one else can do! Only GOD can give you the words to say, can help you stand in the midst of a storm and “see you through” when you can’t see your way.

So, be hospitable to others. Examine all the ways, GOD has taken care of you or your family or ancestors or given “life” to “dead situations” or “poured down blessings on you or your family’s life. Perhaps you have been living in GOD’s REALM and didn’t even know it!

Focus on what’s important and don’t waste time with the trivial. Spend quality time with GOD. Believe and have faith by entering into GOD’s world of the impossible! Trust and have faith that GOD CAN, even if you can’t see it or know how it will be done. And, let GOD speak to your spirit. You too may find yourself saying “It’s well” or “Everything’s gonna be alright!

Let GOD extend hospitality to you!

MORE STRETCHING

Calf Stretch– Stand up about hand’s length from a wall, with your arms extended about shoulder height. Start with both heals up. Then, slowly press both heals into the ground, feeling the stretch. Then slowly bend one knee with the heal up while the other heal of the other foot remains on the ground. Rotate bending your knee on each side until you feel a stretch on each rise. Rotating about 5-10 times. Then assume a front stance, with your right foot forward about a foot from the wall. Push against the wall slowly, so you feel the stretch in the calf of your left foot. Do about three gentle pushes, feeling the stretch, then switch feet so that your left foot is in a front stance position and repeat the exercise on the other side. Remember, these are gentle stretches. You are not trying to tear muscles. Take breaks if needed.

Shoulder stretch. Stand up straight. Start with your hands by the outside of your thighs. Leading with your wrist and your fingertips pointing down, slowly raise your hands until your right hand is directly over your hand along the side of your head. Then slowly lower your hand, leading with your wrist and your fingertips pointing up until your hand float back to the start position. Do three of these shoulder stretches on the right side and then do the same movement on the left side. Then, again, standing tall, raise both hand over the head, like a big bird and gently let the showers rise and fall as if you have wings. Again, be gentle. Breathe in when your hands rise up and breathe out when your hands float down.

Seated Yoga Stretch. Sit up straight in a straight back chair. Cross one leg over the over so your leg is parallel to the floor and your foot over the top of your lower thigh above your knee. Do not put place your foot on your knee. Next cross your arms and try to bring your parallel arms parallel with your cross foot. You should feel a stretch. Sit back toward the back of your chair as you cross and lean slightly forward. Try to let your crossed elbows touch to opposite points along your leg. Switch legs and repeat the forward stretch. Return to a crossed elbow straight back position between stretches. Gain, move slowly. These are gentle stretches. Drink water. Stay hydrated between stretches.

As always, if you have an injury, are concerned about safety or you have a medical condition, speak to your personal physician about what stretches are appropriate for you. If you experience and dizziness, discontinue the exercise and again consult your physician.

ENTER GOD’s WORLD GOD’s WORLD is a WORLD based on faith. It’s a WORLD described in Hebrews 11:11, where walls tumble down when people of faith walk around the walls for seven day. Hebrews 11:32 It is a WORLD where people pass through a Red Sea as though they were on dry land. Hebrews 11:29 In GOD’s WORLD, ordinary men like Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah and David win great battles and overthrow kingdoms. Hebrews 11:32 It is a WORLD where men are kept unharmed in a den of lions. Hebrews 11:33 It is where women receive their loved ones back from death. Hebrews 11:35

If you are ready for the impossible to become possible, enter GOD’s WORLD. Allow GOD to extend HIS hospitality to you!

Enter GOD’s WORLD, have faith and BE BLESSED!

_______________________________________

¹ To share a meal with someone (e.g. Obadiah 7; Judas (John 13:18)) and then betray them was a serious breach of hospitality. Wars have even been nearly started over the refusal to extend hospitality (e.g. when Nabal refused to extend hospitality to David and his men and Nabal’s wife, Abigail intervened (1Samuel 25); or when Gideon asked the men of Succoth and Penuel for food and was refused (Judges 8:4-17) and later made them pay for this breach of hospitality.

² We are to love continuously. Hebrews 13:2 states: “Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Prayer Day # 541 5-20-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from Hagar)

Genesis 16:7-9, 13 The angel of THE LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert: it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And HE said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going? “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered…. She gave this name to THE LORD who spoke to her: “You are the GOD who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen THE ONE who sees me.” [New International translation]

Genesis 21:15-19 When the water was gone, she [Hagar] left the child [Ishmael] beneath a bush and went off and sat down a hundred yards or so away. “I don’t want to watch him die.” she said, and burst into tears, sobbing wildly. Then GOD answered the lad’s cries, and the ANGEL OF GOD called Hagar from the sky, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Don’t be afraid! For GOD has heard the lad’s cries as he is lying there. Go and get the boy and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” Then GOD opened her eyes and she saw a well…. [New International translation]

HAGAR

Life Before the Trial – My name is Hagar. I am Egyptian—from Africa ¹ (Genesis 16:1). I am also a slave, a servant to Sarai, an older woman who is married to Abram. In Egypt there are many gods. My mistress and her husband Abram serve one GOD. I often hear them speaking about how their GOD will make them a great nation. I listen, but these things did not affect me, until one day they did.

After many years of living with Abram and Sarai and Sarai remaining barren (which has always been viewed as a sign of “disfavor” among women, just as fertility is viewed as a “honor,”), my mistress Sarai summoned me. She decided to make me a “second wife” or “surrogate” so that Sarai could have children through me (Genesis 16:1). Abram agreed. And, I soon became pregnant. I must admit that I became very proud. I strutted my pregnancy and even looked down on my mistress, who became very angry. In fact, she beat me!

I was so angry at being beaten I just ran. I had no plan, no money, no place to go. I just ran.

My Trials

When I stopped running, I was at a desert spring along the road of Shur. I was distressed. Again, I had no plan. I was by a spring, when an angel found me. The angel knew my name and asked, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?” All I could say was that I was running away from my mistress, Sarai. The angel told me to return to my mistress and to act appropriately. The angel told me that my baby would be a boy and that I was to name him “Ishmael,” which means ‘GOD hears” because GOD had heard my woes! I was told that my son would be “a wild one—free and untamed as a wild ass!” I was told the child will be against everyone and everyone will feel the same toward him. I was told I would be the mother of a great nation (Genesis 16:8-12). I then realized that all of this was from GOD, the LORD. I realized that unlike the Egyptian gods, who are statues, but do not see, here was a GOD who saw me and that I saw GOD in the form of an angel and lived to tell about it! I later called the well where I was “The well of the LIVING ONE WHO SEES ME!” This was my first introduction to GOD. I did as GOD told me and returned to my mistress and gave birth to a son, Ishmael.

GOD not only blessed me with a son, but blessed Sarai and Abram with a son too! Abraham was about 100 (Genesis Genesis17:1)! Sarai was about 90 or 91(Genesis 17:17)! Abraham and Sarah (GOD changed their names) had a son who GOD named “Isaac,” which means “laughter” (Genesis 17:19).

My son Ishmael was the cause of our second trial. Ishmael was teasing and mocking Isaac, when Sarah became angry. Now that Sarah had “a child of her own,” she wanted nothing to do with Ishmael, who Sarah now considered “my son—the Egyptian slave girl’s child.” She wanted nothing to do with us and certainly didn’t want “my son” to inherit along with “her son,” Isaac. So, Sarah demanded that Abraham “get rid of us.” Abraham did. One morning, Abraham strapped some bread and a bottle of water on my shoulder and sent me and Ishmael away! We hiked into the wilderness---wandering aimlessly. When the water ran out, I left Ishmael under a bush, because I didn’t want to watch him die, and went a few feet away and burst into tears! I sobbed wildly. Ishmael was crying too! Once again, I was reacting to my immediate circumstances. All I could see was dessert. I felt hopeless. My fears (about dying in the desert, about having no place to go, about my whole predicament) were consuming me.

Again, suddenly the Angel of GOD called out. The Angel told me GOD had answered Ishmael’s cries (. The Angel told me: “Don’t be afraid!” Then the Angel told me that GOD would make a great nation from Ishmael’s descendants (Genesis 21:18). Then GOD opened my eyes and when I looked around me, I saw a well (Genesis21:19). Ishmael and I drank and then everything turned out fine!

How I Got Through It

When I look back, there is no doubt GOD not only “came through” for me and for Ishmael, but it is amazing that GOD “came through” despite all my faults and my tendency to “focus on the wrong thing.” My first trial showed “my nature.” When I was beaten, when I was upset, I just ran. I just reacted emotionally to my situation. As the angel of GOD pointed out in our very first encounter, I had no response to the question “where was I going?” because I didn’t know where I was going. I was just “reacting emotionally” to my circumstances instead of having a solution for my problem.

Even when I had my first encounter with GOD, I was so fixated on seeing GOD, I completely failed to listen to what GOD said! GOD named my son “GOD hears” but when trouble came again, I completely forgot that GOD would hear my son’s cry! Even though GOD told me during my first trial that I would be the mother of a great nation and that Ishmael would have many descendants; nevertheless, when I encountered my second trial, I completely forgot about GOD’s WORD and what I had been told! Instead of trusting GOD’s WORD, instead of having faith in GOD, I let my circumstances and my emotions, take me down the road of fear and anxiety. I was afraid that I would die. I was afraid that Ishmael would die and that the dessert would be our graveyard. I couldn’t see anything because fear obscured my vision! Fear made me a blind woman! And, for a while in the dessert, because of my fears and emotions, I forgot GOD and GOD’s WORD. Because of my fears, I couldn’t even “see” my blessings, a life giving well, which was right in front of me!

During my first trial, I was so focused on “seeing,” when I should have been “listening more.” During my second trail, “I allowed my circumstances” to “obstruct” “my vision” so that I could not see or remember GOD’s WORD and GOD’s PROMISES.

So, in the end, GOD brought me through---not because of me or anything I did nor any act of faith on my part, but just because GOD is TRUE TO HIS WORD. Despite of my fears, GOD still brought me through because we can rely on HIS WORD.

So, all I can tell you is that don’t let your circumstances try to dictate your future. Don’t let your circumstances control your emotions. Don’t let your circumstances make you so afraid you forget GOD. Instead, GO TO GOD’s WORD. Look for GOD’s PROMISES. And, just as GOD was TRUE TO HIS WORD for me, GOD will be TRUE TO HIS WORD for you!

Listen, I know what I’m talking about. See, after I left the dessert my future started to unfold. I saw GOD do exactly what GOD said GOD would do for Ishmael. Ishmael grew up, became and expert archer and married an Egyptian girl (Genesis 21:22). Then, just like one of Isaac’s later descendants (Jacob/Israel), Ishmael had twelve sons (Genesis 25:12-15). Each of Ishmael’s sons became the founders of a tribe that bore his name. Each of sons was like a prince and ruled a large territory.

Ishmael’s descendants were sometimes called Ishmaelites. Throughout history, Ishmael’s descendants and Isaac’s descendants have often “crossed paths” many times. For example, it was the Ishmaelites who took Isaac’s descendant, Joseph, to Egypt when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:27).

So, trust GOD’s WORD. Ask GOD to open your eyes to your future. Ask GOD to give you a future just as GOD did for me, Ishmael, Isaac, 100-year-old Abraham and 90-year-old Sarah! GOD gave us all futures, despite “our circumstances,” and despite what looked like impossible situations.

So, don’t focus on your circumstances. Instead, have faith in GOD and GOD’s WORD. Listen to GOD. Let GOD dictate your future!

MORE STRETCHING

Seated Rotation Stretch– Sit up straight in a straight back chair with your feet flat on the ground. Slowly rotate your head and torso to the right without moving the lower part of your body from the waist down. As you slowly rotate place you left hand on the outside of your lower right thigh and your right fingers under the back seat of the chair where the seat and the back leg of the chair seat meet, as you sit up straight. Feel the stretch. They slowly return to the starting position and repeat the same movement on the opposite side. To deepen your stretch, use your thigh hand to gently twist a little further.
Head Stretches. Sit up straight in a straight back chair with your feet flat on the ground. Slowly tilt your head to your right shoulder, keeping your shoulders down, until you feel a stretch. Return to your start position. Now slowly tilt your head to your left shoulder, keeping your shoulders down, until you feel a stretch. Repeat 4-5 times on each side. Next make a V, starting with the head in a downward position and then coming up on each side toward the sideways toward the shoulders so your head makes the side of a V. Return to your start position and then come up on the other side of the V. Repeat on each side making the shape of a V at least 3-5 times. Next gently and slowly circle your head until you have made a complete circle at least two times. Next gently and slowly circle your head making a reverse circle in the opposite direction at least two times. Then gently and slowly move your head all the way and all the way back. Take a break and drink water at any time for hydration.
Knees to chest – Lie on your back with you’re the back of your head touching the floor and your neck relaxed. Slowly bend your knees toward your check and grasp the back of your thighs with your hands. Gently pull your knees toward your chest until you feel a stretch. Next grasp one leg behind the thigh with both hands and point the other foot straight ahead. Switch until you have done at least 4-6 rotations. Try to keep your back on the ground as you bring each knee in toward your chest and point the other foot. Take breaks and drink water to stay hydrated.
Froggie Kicks – Lie on your back with your feet straight up in the air. Bring your heels together and point your knees and toes outward. Keeping your heels connected, slowing bring your heels inward toward your chest, then with your heels still connected, push your heels outwards. As you breathe in, bring your heels inward and as you breathe out, push your heels out. Do at least 5- 10 froggie kicks. Take breaks when needed. Try to maintain your form, keeping your back on the floor. For greater stability, cup your head in your hands with your elbows pointing outward and try not to go from side to side.

As always, if you have an injury, are concerned about safety or you have a medical condition, speak to your personal physician about what stretches are appropriate for you.

HAVE FAITH IN GOD’s WORD

When you are in the middle of a trial, or when your emotions cloud your judgment or when you look around and can’t see a way through, remember GOD’s WORD. Remember, GOD’s promises:

As a sign, GOD promised that a child shall be born to a virgin. And she shall call him IMMANUEL, meaning, “GOD is with us.” Isaiah 7:14
Psalms 18:2 states THE LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliver. He is my shield and my stronghold. Proverbs 18:10 says, THE LORD is a strong fortress. The godly run to him and are safe.
John 16:33 states that Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I (JESUS) have overcome the world.

Listen to THE WORD. Take comfort in the WORD. See your future in THE WORD.

Believe GOD’s WORD and BE BLESSED!

___________________________________

¹ Many consider Egypt a transcontinental country because part of it spans the Northeastern corner of Africa and the Southwestern corner of Asia, by a land bridge now known as the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt is bordered on the North by the Mediterranean Sea and on the East by the Red Sea.

Prayer Day # 540 5-13-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from Judah)

Genesis 38:24-26 About three months later word reached Judah that Tamar, his daughter-in-law, was pregnant, obviously as a result of prostitution. “Bring her out and burn her,” Judah shouted. But as they were taking her out to kill her she sent this message to her father-in-law: “The man who owns this identification seal and walking stick is the father of my child. Do you recognize them?” Judah admitted that they were his and said, “She is more in the right than I am….”

[Living Bible translation]

JUDAH

Life Before the Trial –

My name is Judah. I am the fourth son of Jacob, whose name was change to Israel. My mother is Leah. My grandfather is Laban. Leah is the oldest of my grandfather’s two daughters. My aunt, Rachel is my grandfather’s youngest daughter. Rachel is the one my father Jacob loved the most. It caused my mother a lot of pain.

Yes, I come from a complicated family. Who doesn’t? When I was born, my mother already had three sons, Reuben (meaning “GOD has noticed my trouble”); Simeon (meaning “Jehovah heard” (referring to the fact that GOD had heard she was unloved and given her another son); and Levi (meaning “Attachment”- hoping that Jacob would become more attached to her because she had now given him three sons!) My name “Judah” means “Praise,” because now my mother said she will praise JEHOVAH” (Genesis 29:31-35). Between, my mother, my Aunt Rachel’s handmaidens/servant women, who my Aunt Rachel used as surrogates for children, and my mother Leah’s handmaiden/servant, who was also used as surrogate for bearing children for my mother, and finally Aunt Rachel, who later gave birth to two sons (Joseph and Benjamin) my father had a number of children, mainly boys. Yes, my father’s tent was full and chaotic! A lot of the strife came from family jealousy because just as my father Jacob favored one wife (Rachel) over the other (Leah), my father favored some of his children (especially Joseph) over his other children. As I said my family is complicated.

I know that GOD was grooming me and my brothers for leadership, just as he was grooming Joseph, but none of us could clearly “see” ourselves or put aside our tendencies to overreact at times (which is another way of saying “not consulting GOD first). All of my brothers, and myself included, had a lot of “growing up” to do!

My Trials

Probably my first trial was when my brothers plotted to kill Joseph. We were in Dothan pasturing our father’s flocks, when my brothers and I saw Joseph at distance, all dressed up in his fancy multicolored coat that our father had given him, which only increased the tension in the family. Unlike Joseph, my other brothers and I were all dressed in work clothes, that were dirty and grimy smelling of sheep. Being a shepherd is hard work. There are the late nights guard duty with the sheep; protecting the sheep from wolves and other predators; the constant gathering of the sheep; the gathering of the strays;training the sheep so they responded to our voice; untangling sheep from briars; and all sort of other duties. If a sheep is injured, sometimes you have to lift the sheep up off the ground and carry it to a safe place so you can tend its wounds. It’s a 24-hour job! And, knowing that Joseph was probably there to spy on us, so he could report back to our father or worse to gloat about his latest dreams about how all of us would one day bow down to him, didn’t make seeing Joseph easy. Some of the other brothers called him “that dreamer.” They thought he was arrogant and useless. And they were tired of his special treatment. Suddenly they voted to just kill Joseph and be done with him. That’s how much they hated him! However, my oldest brother, Reuben, made it clear that no blood be shed (Genesis 37:21-22). Instead, seeing how riled up my other brothers were, Reuben suggested throwing him in a well. [Maybe Reuben just wanted to placate the others and planned to let him out later. We’ll never know…]

You know how a crowd can get once they get riled up-- well my brothers were no different. They quickly stripped Joseph’s coat off him and threw him in empty well. I actually thought they planned to leave and let Joseph die in the well. Reuben had gone off and my brothers were still talking and laughing about letting Joseph die in the well. I didn’t want any part of Joseph’s death, so when I saw a caravan of Ishmaelites traveling on the road on the way to Egypt, I convinced my brothers to sell Joseph to them. After all Joseph was our brother and we didn’t want to be responsible for his death. We just wanted him to suffer and see what it was like to really work. My other brothers agreed and so we sold Joseph. Yes, we sold our own flesh and blood into slavery. We then created a lie amongst ourselves and told our father Joseph had been killed by a wild animal and smeared Joseph’s special coat with animal blood as proof to our father of Joseph’s death (Genesis 37:30-33). We thought we had seen the end of Joseph. But we were to learn GOD had other plans for brother Joseph.

The next trial in my life came when I left home, married a Canaanite woman and started raising a family of my own. I was living in Chezib and had three sons: Er, Onan and Shelah. When Er grew up I arranged for Er to marry a woman named Tamar. But, my son Er was wicked and GOD slew him (Genesis 38:7). Since Tamar was now a widow, I told my next son, Onan, to do his duty as “kinsman,” as our law required, and marry Tamar and have children so my dead son Er would have heirs. I probably should have monitored that situation closely, but I didn’t. What happened was that Onan married Tamar, but he refused to have any children that were not his own. So, every time Onam slept with Tamar he spilled his sperm so that Tamar could not conceive. What Onan did displeased GOD, so THE LORD slew him too. So, I was left with one son, Shelah. I must admit that I was a bit afraid that Shelah would suffer the same fate as his brothers. So, I sort of “stalled” about letting Shelah marry Tamar. I told Tamar to remain a widow in her father’s house until Shelah became of marriageable age and tried to forget all about Tamar and the family kinsman obligation. Instead, I focused on my sheep and myself.

Well Shelah grew up and I just went about my business. I even left the area and went to another city, Timnah to supervise the sheering of my sheep(Genesis 38:12). When that task was done, I was on my way to another village, Enaim, when I saw this prostitute on the road. Her face was covered but she was definitely “selling.” I stopped and asked her to sleep with me. When we started bargaining for the price of her services, I told her I would give her a young goat from my flock as payment. I told her I would send it back to her after I slept with her. She asked for some “collateral” to make sure I would keep my word about sending back the goat and I agreed to leave my identification seal and my walking stick (Genesis 38: 17-19). I slept with this veiled woman and then left. When I came back with the goat, I couldn’t find her and no one in the area knew of any “public prostitute” who hung around the entrance of the village. I looked and looked but finally gave up. I thought, let her keep the seal and walking stick. And, I left with my goat (Genesis 38:23).

About three months later I received word that Tamar was pregnant. I was livid. It didn’t matter that I had refused to keep my promise to give her my son Shelah, I considered “my family” publicly wronged by “this harlot” and I wanted her punished. I wanted her brought out for all to see and passed judgment on her myself. I wanted her burned (Genesis 38:24)! I probably would have “crucified her” if that had been an option! I was really feeling self-righteousness and I demanding justice!

How I Got Through It

What happened next was “a lesson” I will never forget! They were about to take Tamar out and kill her when Tamar asked her executioners to give me a message. The message was that the father of her child (who I would have also had the right to seek revenge against as well) was the owner of the identification seal and the walking stick they handed me! Imagine my astonishment when I was handed my own "identification seal and walking stick! I quickly admitted that these items were mine and also admitted that Tamara was “more righteous” than I. Tamar was the “concealed” prostitute that I had asked to sleep with me,” and who I had engaged in prostitution! I was the other culpable party! Apparently, Tamar had taken matters in her own hands and had “forced me” to fulfill my family’s obligation as “kinsman redeemer,” despite my own disobedience to GOD and the law in not marrying her to my son Shelah.

When Tamar “exposed me,” she basically kept me from killing her unborn (child---which actually turned out to be my children, since we all later learned she was carrying twins!). By exposing me Tamar also kept me from killing my own grandchildren, since under the redeemer law, these children would be the children of both Er and Onan, her deceased husbands! So, Tamar had prevented me from murdering my own children/grandchildren and murdering my own family.

But exposing me and allowing me to repent, Tamar probably also prevented JEHOVAH from slaying me, because my own wickedness and refusal to fully execute the redeemer laws were just as villainous as what Onan did to Tamar and was probably as wicked as some of the things Er had committed in his lifetime! So, in the end it was the GRACE OF GOD that saved me! And, it was Tamar that gave me a new family! In other words, GOD saved me from myself! GOD showed me the error of not taking “everything” to GOD, the error of pointing an “accusatory finger at another,” because so often we stand convicted of the very same things (if not worse things) we accuse others. GOD showed me error of not loving family! I’m grateful I repented. I’m grateful GOD gave me a second chance.

As a leader, I learned the importance of family, a lesson I also later learned when my brother Joseph saved all of us—his family and all of Egypt—from the famine.

So, don’t be like me. Love family, even when you think they are “unlovable.” Don’t be “stingy” loving others. Also, don’t be judgmental. Let GOD settle all your disputes. Don’t be so quick to “get on your high horse” over others. Do your best with your children—pray for them when they do wrong. Continually, pray for yourself too because none of us, except GOD, is perfect. And, be sure to thank GOD daily! Thank GOD for GOD’s many blessings, including allowing you to survive your own judgmental actions and for not living up to GOD’s ethical standards. Remember, GOD expects us to be just and merciful to others!

Despite, my flaws, GOD has shown me great mercy! The tribe of Judah became one of the most important tribes in history. If you look back at those who came after me you will find King David, one of the greatest kings ever, was from the tribe of Judah. And KING JESUS, the MESSIAH, was from the tribe of Judah too. Despite my faults, GOD blessed me and my family. None of this could have happened had it not been for GOD.

The sign of insignia of the tribe of Judah is the lion. ¹ The lion is furious, brave and powerful. May we all find the courage to be just and merciful to others!

MORE STRETCHING

Cat-Cow – On a mat, position yourself on all fours, with your hands spread about shoulder with apart and your knees hip width apart. Some refer to this as a “Table Top” position because the idea is that if you are correctly positioned, someone could put a glass on your back like they were putting a glass on a table top. Once you are in table top, arch your back up like a frightened cat as you exhale. Then inhale and arch your back down in “cow” position, pulling in your belly. As you repeat cat and cow, with breath, feel the stretch across your chest and down your torso. When you have done about 3-5 cat-cows, lean back with your hands and upper elbow in a “child’s position” allowing your buttocks to fall backward toward your heels. Hold for about a minute, then with your head down, move your hands to the right, then move your hands center and move your hand to the left and back to center. Then return to your table top position for another round of cat-cow. End each cat-cow with the “child’s position” stretches.
Side Quadricep Stretch. Lie on your right side with your legs stacked and extended on the floor. Rest your head on your left arm. Bend your right knee and bring your heal toward your right buttock. Reach back behind you with your right hand and try to grab your heel. If you cannot reach your heel, place a towel or strap gently around your right ankle and gently grab the ends of the towel or strap with your right hand, gently pulling the ends of the towel toward your buttock until you feel a stretch. Then, slowly return to your start position. Turn over to your other side and repeat. When you have stretch on both sides you have completed one rep. As you do this exercise keep your hips stacked and try not to roll forward. Take breaks as needed.
Leg Raises – Lie on your back with your head cupped in your hands so your elbows are pointing in opposite directions. Gently raise your right leg as high as you can in a straight leg motion. When you have reached as high as you can go, gentle lower your right leg and repeat the same motion on the left side. Again, these are gentle straight leg raises. One straight leg raise on the right and the left is one rep. Complete 5-10 straight leg raises reps. Take breaks as needed. Remember, these are gentle straight leg raises. If you want an extra exercise, gently raise your flexed feet (legs straight) about 12 inches from the ground. Then, gently lower your feet to the ground. You have completed one rep. Try to do 4-8 (12inch off the ground) leg raises. Again, take breaks as needed.

Be sure to stay hydrated and drink water after exercising. If you experience pain or you have a medical condition, consult your personal physician for the best stretches for you or ask if the above stretches are ok for you to include in your stretch routine.

DON’T BE SO QUICK TO JUDGE

It is easy to judge---especially “other” people. But, exercising “good judgment” is an entirely different thing. Exercising good judgment usual requires knowing the facts, understanding the big picture, understanding what is motivating that person or not motivating a person to act or to not act. Sometimes “good judgment” means not giving the person the judgement they deserved (as when I tried to kill Tamar and when I sold my own brother into slavery), and accepting GOD’s mercy.

So, here is my advice. Instead of judging, take your problems to GOD. Pray for a discerning spirit. Pray for a loving spirit and pray for the other person/people you believe has wronged you. Even if you are wronged, try to love anyway, the way GOD loves us, despite our many wrongs and faults.

Also, seek justice for others. Remember, we are all part of GOD’s family. Don’t settle for injustice anywhere. Seek justice for people everywhere.

Ask GOD for a forgiving spirit toward others (like my brother Joseph) and GOD forgave me.

Thank GOD for GRACE and MERCY and BE BLESSED!

__________________________

¹ The Lion of Judah is also one of the titles of the Solomonic Emperors of Ethiopia. In the Rastafari movement, the Lion of Judah represents Emperor Haile Selassie, and is a symbol of pride, strength, kingship and African sovereignty and unity. See, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_of_Judah. In Revelation 5:5 John refers to “The lion of the tribe of Judah, the ROOT of David” as having conquered and proved HIMSELF worthy to open the scroll and break the seven seals.

Prayer Day # 539 5-6-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from Rahab)

Joshua 2:1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went, and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lodged there. [Revised Standard translation]

Matthew 1:1, 5 These are the ancestors of JESUS CHRIST, a descendant of King David and of Abraham…Salmon was the father of Boaz (Rahab was his mother); Boaz was the father of Obed (Ruth was his mother); Obed was the father of Jesse….

[Living Bible translation]

RAHAB Life Before the Trial –

My name is Rahab. Yeah, I’m one of “those” kind of women. Women to whom people are always attaching a name or label--“Too bossy,” “Too Independent,” “Loud,” “Angry,” “Demanding,” “Difficult.” Some of the “bad” labels include “Harlot,” “Prostitute,” or “Sinful Woman.” You probably have heard people call women like me “out of their “true” names before. Well, that’s what my life is like.

I am the kind of a woman most “respectful” women in Jericho society look down their noses on. They don’t want to associate with “my kind.” I am also the kind of woman most “respectful” men in Jericho often want to hang around – but, just not “in public.” Sometimes when you have a place where men drink, women like me are known as “Party Girls.” Or, sometimes people will say “Check out Rahab for a good time!” Yeah, there are lots of labels for women like me.

See, I run an inn--a place where men stay, so people naturally assume that since I’m sleeping under the same roof with men who are not my husband and there is drinking that “something must be going on.” Jericho is just like every other major city. People love to gossip---especially about “other women.” Because I ran an inn for men, people naturally assumed the worse. They talk about me a lot. But if I worried about every name I’ve been called or concerned myself with “what people think of me,” I’d probably be a beggar on the streets! Still, it isn’t easy. Living under “the cloud” of negative public opinion is never easy! But, I’m a survivor! So, when I wake up each morning. I put on my “business” clothes, open the door of my inn and just keep on moving.

Right now, I’m not married. With a “reputation” like mine, not too many families want me marrying their “precious sons” or want me in their family tree. And, frankly, if I had a husband, given the customs of the times, any business I owned, like my inn, would immediately become “my husband’s.” That’s just the nature of the times. I’m also a Canaanite. And, right now, there’s a lot going on.

My Trials

Every city in the area is on high alert! You see everyone’s been talking about these people called “Israelites” and their GOD. The Canaanites have lots of gods, but NOTHING like what we hear this Israelite GOD can do! Did you hear about what happened to Egypt, mighty Egypt! A whole Egyptian army drowned in the Red Sea! The Israelite GOD did that! We heard about how the Amorite kings were defeated. When King Sihon refused to let the Israelite come through his land, the Israelites slaughtered those kings. Numbers 21:22. Joshua 2:10-11. No one has ever seen or heard anything like it! The King of Jericho has heard the rumors too, and the King is on high alert! So, you can image my surprise when two Israelite men, who were trying to disguise themselves, came to my inn seeking shelter.

I let them in and hid them. I had already decided that nothing was going to stop the Israelite GOD, so I decided right then and there to become an Israelite GOD believer.

I hid the Israelites on the top of my roof, where I was drying out my stalks of flax. My flax was part of my “retirement” income. It was like having my bank account on the roof. I was literally risking everything by hiding the Israelites.

Usually, I am all business, but what good is a “bank account” if you don’t live to spend it! In other words, there are some things more important than money or the economy. There are some things more important than business. I decided that being on the side of the Israelite GOD was “life” and everything else would just have to take a “back seat.” I only asked that when these Israelites and their GOD conquered Jericho, as I knew they would, and came into “their kingdom” they remember me and my family (my father, mother, sisters, brothers and all their families.) The Israelites agreed. So, in exchange for not betraying them and helping them, the Israelites promised me (swearing in the sacred name of their GOD) that I and my family would be saved. Joshua 2:11.

Those two Israelites even gave me a scarlet cord which my family and I hung in our window as a “sign” that we were protected! I’m sure those Israelites were thinking about Passover, when only those “under the lamb’s blood” sprinkled on the mantel of their doors in Egypt survived when the Angel of Death passed over Egypt.

Sometimes economic decisions and money are NOT the most important thing, when life and death are weighing in the balance. I chose GOD. I chose life!

How I Got Through It I hid the Israelites. When the king’s men came by my inn searching for them, I sent the king’s men on a wild pursuit away from my inn. I kept my end of the bargain and GOD and the Israelites remembered me. I and my family were saved! When Jericho fell the whole city was destroyed---men, women, young, old, oxen, sheep, asses---everything, except for me and my family. (Joshua 6:17-20) We were the only ones saved! (Joshua 6:25) We were saved because I believed in the one true GOD and because GOD remembered me!

When GOD saved me, I was given an entirely different “life.” I began serving GOD. I became a member of GOD’s people. I married an Israelite named Salman. We had a child named Boaz. I also later had a daughter-in-law named Ruth! Ruth believes GOD saved me so that GOD could save her! All I can say is trust GOD and live! Don’t be short-sighted or try to hold onto short term gain. Put your whole faith in GOD and then let GOD do exceedingly, abundantly above everything you can even image in your life! That’s how I was saved! And, that’s how I became part of the genealogy of THE MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST!” Remember, GOD remembers.

MORE STRETCHING

Arm Stretches – Stand straight with your feet together and your arms relaxed along your sides. As you inhale, keep your arms out to the sides and up toward the ceiling with your palms facing each other over your head. As you exhale sweep your arms down again to your side. If you have balance problems do this with your back touching the wall or sitting in a chair. Take at least 3-5 good inhales and exhales. If your want an additional challenge, hold some water bottles or 3-5lb weights in each hand as you inhale and exhale out. Take breaks when needed.
Knee lifts. Stand up straight with your feet together. Lift your right knee and then your left knee, lightly touching both hands to the knee being lifted. You can also do this exercise with your back against a wall or seated in a chair. For an extra challenge try to hold your knee up 2 or 3 seconds before returning your feet to the floor. Try to do at least 3-6 knee raises on each side. Take breaks as needed.
Seated Chest Stretch- Sit up straight in a straight facing chair without arms. Clasp your hand behind you, interlacing your fingers so your palms face the back of the chair. Gently and slowly lift your hands toward the ceiling until you feel the stretch. You may not be able to lift your hands far, so don’t overextend yourself. Try to relax and keep your shoulders straight. Then return to your start position with your hands relaxed along your sides. Try to look straight ahead and keep your chin level with the floor. Don’t look down. Also don’t lean forward as you lift. Remember, a few inches can still produce a good stretch.

If you experience pain or you have balance problems or medical issues, consult your personal physician for the best stretches for you or ask if the above stretches are ok for you to include in your stretch routine. For more information about stretching see: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/how-to-stretch#1.

MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION

Sometimes people get their priorities “mixed up.” Instead of putting GOD first sometimes they focus on the economy, their savings (or lack of savings) or their job or “material things,” not realizing that GOD is the giver of life and that without GOD, all these other things are meaningless. As Rahab reasoned, what’s the point of “having a Jericho retirement plan” or any account or business if you’re not alive to see it. What’s the use of planning for tomorrow, if the keeper of all your tomorrows is not in your life! That we save material things is not important. The fact that GOD SAVES is.

Remember, it is GOD in whom we live and have “our being” ---not our jobs, not our incomes, not any of the material things we assume are or were important. Like, Rahab, we need to acknowledge the SAVING POWER of an AWESOME GOD and serve HIM! We need to find new life in GOD instead of seeking refuge in an “OLD LIFE” that has already been destroyed or will pass away!

Remember GOD. And, ask GOD to remember you and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 538 4-29-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from Ruth)

Ruth 4:13,18-22 So Boaz married Ruth, and when he slept with her, the LORD gave her a son. This is the family tree of Boaz, beginning with his ancestor Perez: Perez, Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nashon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David. [Living Bible translation]

[Living Bible translation]

RUTH

Life Before the Trial –

My name is Ruth. You can probably tell I am a foreigner. Perhaps it is my accent, the way I say words or the way I talk. Perhaps it is the way I look, the texture of my hair, the shape of my eyes or nose or my mannerisms. Yes, I am different. I am from Moab. I am a foreigner.

It's sort of interesting that whether you are a foreigner depends on where you are at the time. If you are in the land of Moab, you are the foreigner and I am not. When I first met my husband and my husband’s mother Naomi, they were foreigners living in my land, Moab. I married my husband in Moab. My father-in-law, Elimelech, had already passed away. (Ruth 1:3) My mother-in-law had two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They are all Ephrathites, originally from Bethlehem in Judah. Perhaps I should have been more cautious when I married my foreigner husband, Mahlon, because his name in Hebrew means “sickly.” Chilion’s name in Hebrew means “destruction.” ¹ Chilion is the husband of my sister-in-law, Orpah also a Moabite woman, like me. Perhaps our husbands’ names should have warned me and Orpah about what was to come but when you marry someone or you’re in love, those kinds of things are not important, even if the person was prone to sickness. In any case, both brothers died. So, me, Orpah and our mother-in-law were three widows, with no one in sight to take care of us.

I am very close to my mother-in-law Naomi. She is a woman of GOD. She is kind. I have watched her pray. A praying mother-in-law is a powerful thing. I consider Naomi “my mother.”

Naomi told us that she could not offer me or Orpah another son, who under the Hebrew tradition, would be obligated to take us all in and care for all of us. Under Hebrew law that person is called the “kinsman-redeemer.” But, Naomi is too old to bear children. (Ruth 1:11-12) So, she told me and Orpah to return to our own mothers’ houses and offered up a prayer of blessing and protection for each of us to her GOD. (Ruth1:3). Orpah returned home. I did not. Naomi tried to force me to leave her side, but I am stubborn. I refused. I told Naomi that “she was my people.” Her GOD was my GOD. I told her “We are family.” I told her we would live and die together. I made a vow to GOD to not let anything separate us. (Ruth 1:16-17). So, when my mother-in-law decided to return to Bethlehem, I went with her. And, my journey as a foreigner, an immigrant began.

My Trials

We cross the border into Bethlehem. We walked. It was a long, long journey. My mother-in-law had a kinsman, Boaz, who she said was kind. She suggested I go into his fields and glean for food. Gleaning is a way of feeding the poor. It is sort of like “leaving the scraps for the dogs.” When a field was being harvested, poor field workers, like me, walk behind and pick up any left-over wheat or grain or the left overs of whatever the reapers were cutting. Lots of immigrants and foreigners like me end up in the fields. It’s common. But working in a field around a lot of rough men, can be a dangerous place for a foreign, immigrant woman, like me. I was very, very afraid. But Naomi and I needed to eat, so I went.

It turned out, I had nothing to worry about, Boaz told the men not to bother me and he even instructed me to work right alongside the women of his own household, so I wouldn’t be easy prey, harassed or molested. (Ruth 2:22) I gleaned in Boaz’s field through the barley harvest and the wheat harvest too! GOD is GOOD!

My mother-in-law decided that I needed to marry and she mentioned Boaz, her kinsman. She left it up to me to approach Boaz, which I did. I basically asked him to make me his wife, according to GOD’s law, since he was a kinsman. I wanted him to be my kinsman-redeemer. Thank GOD Boaz did not spurn me. In fact, he thanked GOD for a girl like me. (Ruth 3:10). But we had a problem, Boaz was not Naomi’s closest relative. There was another relative who basically had the first rights to marry me. In other words, I could be married off to this other relative and neither Boaz nor I could do a thing about it. Another man had the first right of kinsman redeeming. And, it turned out that this other kinsman was not as nice as Boaz. This other man was a racist. He didn’t like foreign women, like me.

How I Got Through It

Well, it all worked out in the end. Boaz bought Naomi’s husband’s land, which included the right to take Naomi into his household and marry me, and the other guy, refused to buy the land because he didn’t want to “taint” his bloodline with my blood. See, if he married me and we had children, my son would be an equal heir like his children, and his “racist self” wasn’t having any part of that. No way was a foreigner going to be “equal” with his children. (Ruth 4:6). So, the other relative, took off his shoe, as was the tradition of the time, and handed it to Boaz as proof to all that he was giving up his claim to Naomi’s land and to me. Boaz, gleefully claimed me and my mother-in-law. (Ruth 4:9)

And that’s how I, a foreign woman, an immigrant from Moab became Mrs. Boaz! GOD works in mysterious ways. But, not only did I become Mrs. Boaz, I ended up in the genealogy of kings and GOD! You see, I am the great-grandmother of King David. I am also in the genealogy of JESUS CHRIST, the KING OF KINGS! If that other relative only knew what he was giving up by refusing to marry me! And, if you believe in JESUS and consider JESUS your “ELDER BROTHER,” then I am in your family tree too!

I often ask myself what made the difference between one kinsman and the other. Why was Boaz so kind and the other kinsman so wretched.

I contribute a lot of what happened in my life to my “mother-in-law” Naomi. I believe her GOD heard our fervent prayers. All day long while I was in the fields, Naomi was praying for me. When I approached Boaz to plant the idea of him marrying me, my mother-in-law was praying for me! She was a patient in her praying and urged me to be patient too. (Ruth 3:18)

I also know looking back on it all, that GOD had a plan for me! Even before I was crossing the border, GOD had already put HIS plan “in action” a long time ago. GOD’s plan was working itself out even before I was born! You see, there are some “hidden figures” in my story. One of those “hidden figures” is my “future mother-in-law,” Boaz’s mother. Her name is Rahab! Some may know her as “Rahab of Jericho,” who GOD saved---probably for me! (Gen. 6:18) Like me, Rahab was a foreigner! Rahab was a Canaanite. And, she raised Boaz. GOD was preparing Boaz as a baby so growing up, he was looking into a “foreign face,” so Boaz wouldn’t have a problem loving me, another foreigner. GOD was already softening Boaz’s heart for my arrival.

The other “hidden figure” in my story is my husband’s grandmother, the mother of my husband’s father, a woman named “Tamar.” Boaz’s father, Perez, was one of Tamar’s twin sons. Boaz had probably heard about the injustice toward women and about kinsman redeeming from Tamar, his grandmother. See my husband’s grandfather (and father) was Judah! Yes, Judah--one of the many sons of Jacob/Israel. Judah, himself married a foreign Canaanite girl, the daughter of Shua. (Gen 38:1). Later, Judah arranged for one his sons, Er, to marry a young girl named Tamar. But Er was wicked, and died. Tamar ended up a widow like me! (Gen 38:6). When Judah, tried to follow Hebrew tradition, and arranged for another of his sons, Onam, to marry Tamar so they could have a child and so Er’s blood line would continue, Onam married Tamar, but whenever they slept together, Onam, spilled his sperm to prevent Tamar from having “his brother’s baby.” Onam didn’t want any child to “taint his own bloodline.” He didn’t want any children that were not “his own.” (Gen 38.9). And, under Hebrew law, any children with Tamar would be his deceased brother’s children. So, Onam kept Tamar barren. Judah can tell you the rest of the story, but what happened was that Tamar tricked Judah, her father-in-law, into sleeping with her so that she could get pregnant. Tamar gave birth to twins Perez and Zerah. Perez fathered my husband, Boaz. Once again, GOD was already “orchestrating” how and why I was going to “get through it” even before Boaz and I were even born! Tamar had probably planted the importance of the kinsman-redeemer in Boaz’s mind even before we met!

GOD has “hidden figures” in all of our lives! If you don’t believe me, all I can say is “look at me!” Listen to me! I’m living proof that GOD “saw me even before I was” in my mother’s womb. I, my mother-in-law Rahab, and my husband’s grandmother Tamar, are living proof that you don’t have to worry about what people call you, say about you or how they treat you, because GOD will take care of you.

My story is also living proof that GOD wants us to be concerned about “people” not nationalities. We are all “people” from GOD’s family tree, whether we want to acknowledge our kinship or not! GOD’s family tree is sprinkled with immigrants, and “so called” prostitutes (that is what people said about Rahab and Tamar) and sprinkled with people who others are ready to leave on the junk heap of humanity—those left behind or begging for scraps. But, GOD sees. GOD is just and GOD can work out a “DIVINE” plan for you just as GOD worked out a “DIVINE” plan for me. We only see what looks like a trial, but GOD has already worked it out in our favor. GOD sees a bigger picture, because GOD is OMINISCIENT! GOD is OMNIPOTENT! GOD is OMNIPRESENT. GOD can work it out!

Time will not permit me to tell you more---about Hagar, the foreign handmaiden of Sarah, (Gen. 16:1) about Zipporah, the Midianite Black Cushite foreign woman Moses married ² (Numbers 12:1) or about the foreign Samaritan woman, JESUS encountered at the well (John 4:4-9). All I can say is be careful how you treat foreigners. Be careful how you treat people. Be careful not to let your own prejudices cause you to miss out on what’s really important or what GOD could have provided you. GOD is a just GOD! GOD is a MERCIFUL GOD! ³

MORE STRETCHING

Upper Arm Stretch – Lie on a mat, or a carpet or blanket, placing a pillow horizontally above your head, with the top of your head just below the bottom of the pillow. Grab a strap, a belt or a towel and hold the ends about shoulder width apart, straight above your head with your elbows resting on the towel. As you breathe in tighten your hold on the ends of the towel, keeping your arms straight until you feel a gentle stretch. When you breathe out, relax but keep your hands over the head. Continue to breathe in and out, holding on to your “strap” for about 10 breathes. If you get fatigued, release the strap, bring your hands to your sides and just breath in and out. During this stretching exercise, you can flex the feet (pointing the toes to the ceiling) or point the toes. See which positions offer the greatest stretch.
Single Knee Pull-Lie on a mat, or a soft carpet or blanket, with your legs extended straight head on the floor. Relax your shoulders against the floor and try to visualize your shoulders touching the floor on each side. Once you are relaxed, grasp the back of your right thigh underneath with both hands and slowly bring the thigh toward your head. Again, try to keep your shoulders down. There may not be much movement. Then return to your starting position and repeat the same movement on the other side with your left thigh. You have just completed one rep. Make a note of how many reps you complete per session. Aim for 2-4 reps.
Knees to Chest- Lie on a mat, or a soft carpet or blanket, with your legs extended straight head on the floor. Relax your shoulders against the floor and try to visualize your shoulders touching the floor on each side. Once you are relaxed slowly bend both legs grasping the back of your thigh with each hand (the right hand will grasp the right thigh and the left will grasp the left thigh). Slowly bring your knees inward toward your head, again trying to keep your shoulders on the floor. Again, you may not move far. When your feel the stretch, hold. And, try to take 3 breathes. Then return to your starting position. You have completed one rep. Try to complete 2-4 reps.

If you experience pain during a stretch, stop immediately. If you have a medical condition, consult your personal physician for the best stretches for you or ask if the above stretches are ok for you to include in your stretch routine. For more information about stretching see: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/how-to-stretch#1.

TREAT EVERYBODY RIGHT

Whatever your trial, treat everybody right. And, appreciate the trials and hardships of others. Don’t contribute to injustice. Instead, take a stand against injustice even during trials.

Remember, we can’t afford to mistreat anyone in GOD’s family tree. We need to treat everyone right! Calling other’s names, mistreating others just won’t work in GOD’s family!

After all, we are all foreigners. Someone once put it this way: “I’m a poor wayfaring stranger traveling through this world of woe. Just trying to make heaven my home.” So, let’s be kind to each other.

May GOD bless all the hidden and not so hidden figures that GOD has orchestrated in our lives-- all the praying fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, all the praying grandmothers, all the praying pastors, members and Sunday School teachers, teachers and counselors, neighbors, and many others who bless our past and bless our future as we travel through trials and as we wander through it all.

Remember, GOD has already worked it out!

Pray GOD allow you to be a “hidden figure” in the life of others. Give, donate, pray, encourage, love, support all of GOD’s “children.” Make a difference, even when no one is looking. Love, even when you are don’t feel like it. Like all hidden figure, “Shine!” Reflect THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Be encouraged, keep praying, keep shining and, BE BLESSED.

________________________________

¹ See, https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/mahlon-and-chilion

² Moses and Zipporah even had a baby named “Gershom,” which means “foreigner,” because Moses was a stranger while he was tending his future father-in-law, Reuels sheep. (Gen. 2:21) See also: https://www.usnews.com/news/religion/articles/2008/01/25/zipporah-may-be-obscure-but-the-wife-of-moses-mattered; https://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/2346085/jewish/The-Cushite-Woman.htm

³ If Ruth were to speak from the balcony of heaven she might also tell you about JESUS CHRIST, who became the GREAT “KINSMAN-REDEEMER” for all of humanity.

Prayer Day # 537 4-22-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT (Lessons from Joseph)

Genesis 47:11-12;27-28 So Joseph assigned the best land of Egypt—the land of Rameses—to his father and brothers, just as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph furnished food to them in accordance with the number of their dependents…So Israel lived in the land of Goshen in Egypt, and soon the people of Israel began to prosper, and there was a veritable population explosion among them. Jacob lived seventeen years after his arrival, so that he was 147 years old at the time of his death.

Summary

Roman 15:4 tells us: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Let’s listen to what Joseph can tell us about “Getting Through It.”

JOSEPH Life Before the Trial

My name is Joseph. I often refer to my teen years as “My Peacock Years” or “My Ostrich Years.” Looking back, it was as if all I could “see” was “me.” It was like my head was buried in the sand. I had no sense of justice or family or who I needed to be.

I grew up in a large household. A very large household. I have lots of half-brothers, because my father, Jacob/Israel had lots of wives. His favorite wife was my mother, Rachel, who died giving birth to my younger brother, Benjamin. (Gen 35:19) I don’t know if it was because of my mother’s death or because she was his favorite, but growing up, “I could do no wrong,” in my father’s eyes. I was his favorite son. I was also a tattletale, always ready to tell my father about some thing or other that any of my half-brothers did wrong. (Gen.37:2) Needless to say, it didn’t endear me to any of them. To tell you the truth my brothers were rugged, hard-working men and I was just “a boy,” still “wet behind the ears.” More often than not, while they were working, I was off wandering around trying to look good. Like many teenagers, I liked looking good---styling. And to make matters worse, my dad gave me this special coat that was “Phat.” And, it was real expensive. It had all these different colors in it! (Gen. 37:3) You could see me for miles! It never even crossed my mind that it really wasn’t fair that I received special gifts or that I got treated better than my brothers, because back then, it was just “all about me.” And, I loved it that way!

Even though I was a self-centered, obnoxious teen, looking back, I know that I was also blessed with special spiritual gifts. I just didn’t know what to do with them. Some might say, I had the gift of prophesy. Maybe some might say, “back in the day--my day,” it was the old men who had visions [like my dad Jacob had when he was older (Gen 32:24] and the young men [like me and my dad, when dad was younger (Gen 28:11-13)] who had dreams. GOD’s gifts are to bless others. But I was seventeen and thought everything given to me was just all about me. I remember that when I had prophetic dreams at seventeen, instead of going to GOD and asking GOD what the dreams meant, because I was “the center of the universe,” I thought everything happening was “all about me.” I thought the dreams were “my” dreams. And when I interpreted my dreams, I was center stage. Really, I was “something else,” back then. (Gen. 37:5-7). And my cockiness just made my brothers hate me even more.

My Trials

All the jealousy, hatred and distrust caused my brothers to “sell” me into slavery. It had gotten so bad that some of my brothers even thought about killing me (Genesis 37:18-20). My half-brother Reuben, wouldn’t let the others shed my blood. Instead they sprinkled that coat I told you about with blood, threw me down a well, sold me to a traveling trader and then told my dad I had been attacked by a wild animal and died. (Genesis 37:11-14). I guess I was dead to them anyway! My brothers and I had never really been family.

I call the next period of my life my “growing pain” years. I was now a slave, which meant that my “lazy days” were over. I had to work because a slave’s life is basically nothing but work.

It turned out that “I was good at it.” I had a gift for it. That gift probably would have remained dormant, had it not been for GOD’s “trials.” I turned out that GOD had given me the gift of administration. The Greek word for the gift of administration is “Kubernesis.” It refers to the idea of someone being a shipmaster or captain, basically steering a ship toward a destination or goal. It also means “to govern or rule.” So, a person who has the “spiritual gift of administration is guiding or directing people toward a GODly destination or goal.” ¹

A ship’s captain guiding a ship has to be sensitive to a lot of things---weather conditions, wave patterns, currents, the condition of the crew and the gear. Well, having the spiritual gift of administration requires a person be sensitive to a lot of things too. One of those things is fairness and injustice. Everyone needs to believe that the person in charge will be fair, do right by them and not put up with wrongdoing. In other words, the person guiding the ship has to have a strong “moral compass” or the ship could end up capsizing. At seventeen, my moral compass didn’t exist or was broken. GOD took me through some exercises to help fix that problem—to make me a little more sensitive, as GOD continued to teach me administration.

The Ishmaelite trader that bought me from my brothers took me to Egypt and sold me to a man named Potiphar, who was actually a member of Pharaoh’s personal staff (Gen. 39:1). I was put to work and my spiritual gift of administration soon became apparent and I was soon “the head slave in charge” of a very successful Potiphar household ship. Things were going so well, Potiphar put me in charge of his business affairs, too. Crop production increased and there was an expansion in the flocks (Gen 39:5-6). All of Potiphar’s ships (household and business) were enjoying smooth sailing. I know GOD was blessing me and Potiphar. Everything was fine until Potiphar’s wife rocked the boat. She came on to me—she tried to seduce me. I told her it wasn’t fair to my master or GOD but she wouldn’t listen. One night, she screamed rape (grabbed my slave coat as proof that I had been with her [by the way did I mention GOD has a sense of humor—remember my fascination with my special coat as a kid…anyway] and I ended up in prison. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right. A great injustice was occurring, but I was now sort of “walking in my half-brothers’ shoes.” I was now on the “the other end.” I was learning a terrible lesson on what it feels like when you’re not getting a fair shake.

I was innocent but Potiphar believed his wife. So, I was thrown in prison for a crime I didn’t commit. But, even “in my circumstances” GOD continued to use my spiritual gift of administration. As soon as the chief jailer learned how good I was, I became “the head inmate in charge” of prison administration. GOD was expanding my spiritual gift “territory." I was now in charge of more people, a whole prison. And, as before, everything ran smoothly.

My next lesson in fairness came as GOD was orchestrating my prison pardon. GOD was also instructing me about spiritual gifts. I was still in prison, celled with two other inmates, who happened to be the Pharaoh’s chief baker and the wine taster. [It’s interesting how GOD kept steering me closer and closer to Pharaoh.] Both of these men claimed to be innocent. But, as they often say, in prison “everyone is innocent,” or so they claim. But one night, GOD gave each of these men a dream. When they told me they were disturbed about their dreams and wanted help, I told them that interpreting dreams is GOD’s business. (Genesis 40:8) [I was no longer 17 and learning that GOD’s gifts were about GOD’s business!] I then asked them to tell me about their dreams and GOD revealed to me what each of their dreams meant. GOD gave me the gift of true interpretation. The wine taster’s dream meant that in three days he was going to be released and restored to his former position in Pharaoh’s household. (Gen 40:12) The chief baker’s dream meant that in three days he was also going to be released and beheaded, and the birds would eat his flesh. (Gen 40:18-19) Everything happened exactly as GOD revealed it would happen. I asked the wine taster to remember me when he returned to his position, but I guess he forgot.

I was learning another lesson—namely, patience --- because I was in that prison for two more long years. But, I also learned that sometimes you just have to “wait on THE LORD.” Just when I thought GOD had forgotten about me, I was removed from prison because Pharaoh also had some disturbing dreams that none of his wise men could interpret and the wine taster remembered me and told Pharaoh about the young Hebrew fellow he met in prison who could interpret dreams---me. When I appeared before Pharaoh, he demanded that I interpret his dreams. I told Pharaoh that I can do nothing without GOD and then GOD revealed the meaning of the dream to me (Gen 41:16-17). GOD was revealing to Pharaoh that there would be seven years of prosperity followed by seven years of famine. I then laid out an administrative plan so that Egypt could survive when the seven years of famine came. Pharaoh saw the SPIRIT of GOD in me, and put me in charge of everything (Gen 41:37-40). Once, again, GOD was expanding my territory (Genesis 41). I was now in charge of all the lands in Egypt.

To make a long story short, my brothers and I reconciled. Going through it I realized I missed my family. I never even realized their value until they were no longer there. See, mealtimes were especially hard for me because Egyptians don’t eat with Hebrews. I ate all my meals alone. ² I had plenty of time to think about all the great family meals I shared with my family growing up, that I couldn’t share with them now. I missed seeing my father, my little brother and even all my half-brothers. In fact, I missed my whole extended family, all of those cousins and everyone else who joined us on family holidays. Sometimes you don’t really appreciate something until it’s gone.

How I Got Through IT I learned that “How I Got Through It,” is probably the wrong questions and suggests the wrong frame of mind to have—as least for me. It is not about “I.” I can only tell you, “How GOD Steered Me Through.” I learned that GOD has a greater plan beyond what we view to be “our narrow circumstances.” My “trials” or what I can say “my journey” taught me that sometimes trials activate spiritual gifts. I learned that what I may view as a “trial” is just GOD’s plan working itself out. For example, had I not gone though “my journey” my people (the nation of Israel, my father Israel’s people) may have died in the famine. But GOD positioned me for HIS purpose to save my family, all of my people, the Egyptians and even the world, because everyone came to Egypt for food during the famine. I was able to bring my people to Egypt, feed them, give them some of the best land where they could graze their herds and grow and proper as a people.

GOD brought all of us together for HIS purpose. And, when I look back on all my mealtimes, I learned to appreciate what I couldn’t appreciate before, the love of GOD and the love of my family. I was in charge in Egypt, and it may have looked like I was steering the ships (in Potiphar’s house, in Prison and when I became part of Pharaoh’s administration) but GOD was “MY CAPTAIN.” GOD was positioning all of us, the Egyptians, me, my brothers, for HIS PURPOSE. I’ve learned that in life there may be storms, but GOD is my “SAFE HARBOR.”

Was there discomfort, uncertainty, anxiety, even pain along the way? Sure. But I needed to grow. I was spiritually immature. Just as the experience of teeth coming through the gums or the bones of a child expanding in the child’s body brings some discomfort, spiritual growth may bring some discomfort too. It’s just how spiritual growth and development may occur---through some adversity. I certainly never knew what GOD could do or what I could do until I had “a problem” and I had to completely depend on GOD!

I think all of us have to learn “it’s not about me.” I know I had to learn this and so did my brothers. ³ My brothers and I would soon realize that GOD has a plan for all of us.

I found out clothes don’t make the man (or woman). Rather, it’s the spiritual scars on your hands and feet as you work for GOD; it’s the spiritual stamina that you build up walking with GOD; it is all of those “character” marks in your life that you “go through” that determine who you are. I wouldn’t be the man I am without having going through Potiphar’s house and prison. Going through it with GOD, not only increased my faith but allowed others (the wine taster and Pharaoh and others) to see the SPIRIT of GOD in me.

My advice is to let GOD chart your path on this stormy sea we call life. LOVE GOD and LOVE OTHERS TOO. And, don’t let your own self-love, acting like a peacock as I did or insensitive to the needs and well-being of others, stunt your growth, or hinder you along the way. Remember, it’s not about “you.” Remember, it is all about “GOD.”

STRETCHES TO KEEP YOU LOOSE AND IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY

Calf Stretch – Stand facing a wall about a little more than arm’s length away. Put one foot forward and extend a bent knee backward so that you are in a front stance. Use your arms to brace yourself against the wall and then tucking in your stomach muscles, lean slowly into the wall until you feel a stretch in your calf muscle of your back leg. Hold for 20 or 30 seconds and then switch feet.
Chest and Shoulder Stretch -Sit in a sturdy chair. Interlace your fingers of your right hand and left hand behind your head, with your elbows bent and palms of your hands facing the back of the head. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades back as you straighten your posture sitting upward. Hold for 20 or 30 seconds then switch to the other side. Between stretches cup your head with interlaced fingers, pointing your elbows forward to relax between stretches, slowing breathing in and out.
Glute Bridge – Lie on the floor with your feet point in one direction and the hand in above your head in the opposite direction. Take 3 deep breathes from your stomach. Try to feel or observe your stomach muscles slowly expand in and out. Then slowly bend your knees and bring your hands forward along each side so the tips of your right hand is touching the tip of your right heal and the tip of your left hand is touching the tip of the left heal. Then tighten your butt (your glute muscle) and slowly push yourself up toward the ceiling. Try to keep the upper part of your body relaxed. Then slowly bridge down. Repeat, 5-10 times.
Cobra Stretch – Lie flat on the floor with your belly touching the floor and your hands flat on the floor, along the side of each shoulder. Stretch your legs behind you, pointing your toes downward. As you exhale, lift up your chest pushing your hips into the floor. Hold the position for 10-15 seconds, then slowly, and carefully lower the upper part of your body down. Don’t overextend your hands, so that you lift your hips. Try to keep your hips down. Repeat the Cobra stretch several times. You are stretching your back and stomach muscles.
Butterfly Stretch – Sit on the ground or against a wall. You may want to use a mat to sit on. Slowly bring your knees in trying to bring the heels of each foot inward so they touch. If you are doing this for the first time, you may want to bring the heels together on the floor away from the body and then as you sit up straight try to slowly bring the feet inward. Grab both feet with and using your elbows, slowly try to push your thighs down until you feel a stretch along the inner thigh. Hold for 10 or 15 seconds and then relax breathing in and out for about 10 good breathes. This stretch helps to loosen the inner thighs, the groin, the hips and the knees.

Try to incorporate stretching into your weekly schedule. If you have a medical condition, consult your personal physician for the best stretches for you or ask if the above stretches are ok for you to include in your stretch routine. For more information and visuals regarding the above stretches see: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/slideshow-stretches-to-get-loose .

EACH TRIAL CAN BE A MARK OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Growing up, many fathers and mothers will stand their children against a wall, and place a mark by each of our names every year to see just how much growth has occurred over the past year. Well, I believe our heavenly FATHER does the same thing. I believe our FATHER looks at all of marks and scars and trials we go through in life to see just how much “we’ve grown spiritually” going through it with HIM. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the greatest spiritual growth spurts occur during some of our hardest times.

Sometimes, self-centered nations, also have to learn to “get over themselves,” find GOD and “grow up” too!

Sometimes you may feel you’re traveling in a fog, or the waves of life may be crashing on all sides or you may even feel as if you’ve lost your bearing or that no one cares. Sometimes you may even feel like you’ve been unfairly and unjustly treated or just tossed overboard, like useless drift wood or food for the sharks for no good reason. But, as Joseph teaches us, if you just hold on a little longer, hang in there with GOD, and make GOD “your ANCHOR,” and give GOD administration over your life, everything will be alright.

GOD is our SAFE HARBOR.

Grow, trust in THE LORD and BE BLESSED.

_________________________________________

¹ See, “Spiritual Gifts of Administration,” https://spiritualgiftstest.com/spiritual-gift-administration/.

² The Egyptians considered it an abomination to eat with a Hebrew. It was probably because the Hebrews were shepherds and keepers of livestock. (Genesis 43:32 and Genesis 46:33-34)

Prayer Day # 536 4-15-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

(Lessons from Jonah)

Jonah: 4:5,10 So Jonah went out and sat sulking on the east side of the city…Then the LORD said, “You feel sorry for yourself when your shelter is destroyed, though you did no work to put it there, and it is, at best, short-lived. And why shouldn’t I feel sorry for a great city like Nineveh with its 120,000 people in utter spiritual darkness, and all its cattle?”

Summary

Roman 15:4 tells us: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Let’s listen to what Jonah can tell us about “Getting Through It.”

JONAH

Life Before My Trial

My name is Jonah. And to be honest, I’m a “real piece of work.” Some of you may even call me a stone cold racist. All I can say is that it is true that I hate Nineveh and its people. ¹ I’m from Gath-helper, a village about 2 miles Northeast of Nazareth. (2Kings14:25) Some of you may be wondering how did I come to hate these people? Did my father, Amittai, raise me in a racist household or did those Nineveh people do something to me? Well, none of that is really relevant to my story. Let’s just say “I am what I am.” I make it my business to stay as far away from Nineveh as possible. What is relevant is this: I’m a Hebrew, a prophet, like my father. I believe in GOD. I’m just a hating Nineveh GOD believing prophet.

As GOD’s messenger, my job is to deliver GOD’s message. And, one day, it happened. GOD gave me a message to deliver. The problem was that the message was to Ninevah! [Who says GOD doesn’t have a sense of humor.] My immediate reaction was “No, Absolutely Not!” I’m not going. It didn’t matter that GOD’s message to Ninevah was a warning, that GOD was going to destroy Ninevah for their wickedness if they didn’t repent. (Jonah 1.2). In fact, I was thinking, let them be destroyed! Who cares! So, I decided to defy GOD. I ran. Looking back, I actually thought I could hide! (Jonah 1:3-4) I went to down to the dock and I boarded a ship heading for Tarshish, about 600 miles from Ninevah! (Jonah1:3) I actually thought I was safe. But, all too soon I was to learn a really powerful lesson. Namely, that with GOD, there is no hiding place!

My Trials

Let me tell you what happened. I was sound asleep when suddenly the captain of the ship started violently shaking me awake. (Jonah 1:6). Apparently, I had been sleeping through a terrible storm. I had been completely oblivious as to what was happening around me. The storm was so violent the captain, a pagan, was urging everyone on board to pray. The captain told me to pray to my GOD and to beg for mercy for us all. (Jonah 1:6). I was figuring out a way to stall, since, as I said, I was hiding from GOD, when suddenly one of crewman got the bright idea to have everyone draw straws to see who had offended the gods and caused the storm, as these pagans believed in many gods. (Jonah 1:7). The idea of this game was that the guilty one would draw the short straw. I believed in the one TRUE GOD, JEHOVAH. I didn’t believe in any of the false pagan gods or drawing straws. But I went along anyway. In my mind I was thinking, what are chances that these pagan worshippers will figure out it was me.

Well, as I said before, GOD has a sense of humor, and after everyone drew, I looked down and saw that I drew the short straw! (Jonah 1:7) At this point these crewmen demanded to know what was going on. So, I told them the truth. I told them I was a Jew, that I worshipped JEHOVAH, the GOD of heaven, earth and sea and that I was running away from HIM, but that apparently my plan hadn’t worked. As the storm worsened, I realized that this storm was all my fault. My sins had caught up with me, and with them! I didn’t want these men to die because of me, so I told them to just throw me into the sea. (Jonah 1:12). These pagan crewmen were kind and instead of doing what I asked they tried to steer the ship ashore so they could just get me off the ship onto dry land. (Jonah 1:13). But GOD wasn’t having it! As the saying goes, “Sometimes when you make your bed, you have to lie in it.” In other words, I wanted a sea journey, so I was getting a sea journey---and everything that came with it!”

Things got worse and worse and the storm raged on. The ship felt like it was coming apart. It got so bad that even these pagan crewmen started praying to my GOD. (Jonah 1:15). Finally, the crew had enough and it was sink or swim! I was the one who had to learn how to storm swim and fast and the men picked me up and threw me into the raging sea! (Jonah 1:15) What happened next was unbelievable! Just like that, the storm stopped! Stopped! Everyone on board that ship was in awe (just like me) and every single crewman, became a JEHOVAH believer! All of them vowed to sacrifice and serve HIM. (Jonah 1:16).

But GOD wasn’t finished with me. I guess GOD must have thought that since I was acting childish, I needed to be treated like one. So, GOD then gave me a serious, “time out” and I was swallowed by a humongous fish! (Jonah 1:17) And there I sat-- in belly of a huge fish for 3 long days and nights---thinking and praying. I prayed like I never prayed before!

Like a child “forced” to be still, I had a lot of time to think and reflect. I remembered how things used to be. I remembered how I used to worship GOD in the temple. (Jonah 2:1-5) I remembered and thanked GOD for snatching me for the jaws of a death at sea. Every day, I thanked GOD for one more day! I was grateful for just being alive. I thanked GOD for even saving those crewmen, who served false gods, and for turning them into believers, despite me! I then promised my FATHER, JEHOVAH, in fact, I vowed, to do better, if GOD just gave me another change. I told GOD I would sacrifice and be an obedient servant. I also thanked GOD for my deliverance, even before I was delivered, because I knew right then and there that GOD was my only hope and that GOD was my DELIVERER. I put my trust in HIM! (Jonah 2:7-10)

And, just like that, just as GOD delivered me and those crewmen from the raging storm, the GOD of MERCY delivered me again. GOD ordered that fish to spit me out! And it did! And, this time when GOD told me to deliver HIS message to the city of Nineveh, I did exactly what GOD told me to do! (Jonah 3:1-3). I preached GOD’s WORD to Ninevah for 3 days. (Jonah 3:3)

How I Got Through It

Looking back, I can see now that “the trial” (I call it a lesson) I went through was one I needed. I was disobedient and GOD, like any good parent, set me straight. In fact, I’m grateful that GOD didn’t just take me out, because just as GOD brought me in this world, GOD could have easily taken me out. Or, it could have been worse! I could have ended inside something worse---an alligator! Yes, I was grateful for GOD’s lesson. I was grateful for GOD’s GRACE and MERCY when I landed on the beach. I thought I had learned!

But, unfortunately, “I was “ still a real piece of work.” Because, after I preached to the people of Ninevah and gave them GOD’s message that they needed to repent or GOD would take them out,” Ninevah actually repented. (Jonah 3:1-10). So, GOD told me HE was NOT going to destroy Ninevah! (Jonah 3:10)

When I heard that GOD was not going to destroy Ninevah, the racist side of me bubbled up and then boiled over. I didn’t want GOD to be merciful to Ninevah. I wanted GOD to wipe them all out! I was furious---so angry, I told GOD “I could die.” (Jonah 4:3-4) Then, I sulked and I pouted! [I must have looked like one of those defiantly children who holds their breath and shakes their fists or kicks angrily on the floor, when they don’t get their way] So, GOD gave me another lesson.

GOD grew a big vine, with big leaves that allowed me to sit comfortable in the shade. Then GOD sent a worm to eat the plant, which withered and died, and caused me to bake unprotected in the sun. At that time, I really thought I was going to die. And, if that weren’t enough, GOD sent a scorching east wind to bake me even more. (Jonah 4:5-9) Then GOD asked me some questions: “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?” “If you feel sorry for yourself when your shelter (the plant) was destroyed, even though you did nothing to build that shelter, and it is at best short lived, why shouldn’t I feel sorry and have concern for the great city of Ninevah, which has 120,000 people, who all live in spiritual darkness, not to mention all of the city’s cattle?(Jonah 4:10).” So, that’s what happened. That’s my story. The end.

Wait a minute some of you may be demanding! What do you mean “The end!” This story is incomplete! Where’s Chapter 5 of Book of Jonah! What happened after Chapter four!!! What!

To those demanding a “happy ending” or why my “Book” (my story) seems incomplete, I say to you, you miss the point. See, I told you from the beginning “I’m a real piece of work.” I am a racist. I’m flawed. I act in ways that are childish, foolish, illogical, insensitive, all of which sometimes and probably, more often than not, makes me ill-equipped to do GOD’s work or GOD’s WILL, which is to draw others to HIM. Although I, myself, am the product of GOD’s MERCY (through no effort of my own) and you’d think I would be in the best position to extend mercy, ironically, so often I don’t want to be merciful to others or I’m simply oblivious (as I was to those pagan crewmen)! I’m disobedient! So, GOD gives me time outs and lessons.

I have “half-baked ideas!” So maybe GOD tried to “bake” some sense in me, (who knows the mind of GOD!) so that I can become a better, clearer thinker about how GOOD GOD has been to me. I am given lessons in GOD’s GOODNESS and MERCY and GOD’s GIFT---HIS to give to whoever GOD chooses. Perhaps GOD lesson was to show me that sometimes I have more compassion for animals (Ninevah’s cattle or dogs) or more compassion for “endangered birds or other animal species” than humans, who are often physically or spiritually endangered. My story is “unfinished” because GOD was not finished with me yet! My lessons and education continued. GOD was still molding and shaping me.

To those of you who look down on me or feel that because I’m a racist I got what I deserved or that racists need to suffer trials, let me just ask you a few questions.

Are you racist against racist? Hate them? Don’t want to be around them?
What would you do if GOD asked you to minister and preach to the biggest racist you know or do something else contrary to “who you are—your nature”?
What MERCY has GOD extended to you that you do not want to extend to someone else? What right do you have to demand the MERCY of GOD and yet ask GOD to withhold that same MERCY from others—even me?

And to you, who may criticize me or others for being “a piece of work” I say to you, “ we are all pieces of work,” in the EYES of GOD. All of us are incomplete, childish, irrational, at times unloving and unlovable. So, GOD has to teach us all lessons---lessons about obedience, MERCY, GRACE, appreciating worship, being grateful, being thankful, being kind, valuing others and loving others as much as we want GOD to love us. Some of these “lessons” feel like “trials.” But sometimes GOD’s lessons are BLESSINGS. Look around you –look at the good that can sometimes come out of the bad---like the salvation of those pagan crewmen, despite of my own obedience!

Sometimes GOD gives us “time outs” to think and to appreciate HIS GOODNESS and MERCY and to learn. As long as our individual books of life are open and we live, we are all under GOD’s tutelage and GOD’s life’s lessons go on. We are all incomplete chapters.

So, my advice? When the lessons come, study hard! Learn. Think. Pray. Pray for wisdom and mercy. Study GOD’s WORD. Repent. Love others. Love GOD.

CHAIR EXERCISE

There are a number of great chair exercises. However, if you have a medical condition, you may want to consult your physician before trying these. First find a sturdy chair.

Neck Stretch- Seated in a chair, slowly tilt your head toward your right shoulder until you feel a stretch. Holding this position, gentle, extend your left arm down your side until you again feel a stretch on the left side of your neck. Release and repeat, performing two or three repetitions on each side. This is a warm up exercise.
Shoulder Circles. Sit in the chair. Then place your fingertips of your right hand on your right shoulder and the fingertips of your left hand on your left shoulder. Circle your shoulders forward 10-15 times then reverse and circle backwards 10-15 times.
Toe Taps- Sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground. Then bend your toes toward the ground and then up to the ceiling. Keep your heels on the ground as you bend downward and upward. A variation of this exercise is to extend the feet straight forward with the heels touching the ground as you bend downward and upward.
Seated Jumping Jacks- Sit up straight in your chair. Extend your arms to each side and then above your head, like a normal jumping jack. Return your arms to your side before raising your arms above your head again. Start slow and then increase your speed moving your arms as fast as you can, performing 3 sets of 5- 10 seated jumping jacks.
Knee to Chest- Sit up straight with your left foot firmly on the ground. Grasp the back of the right knee and slowly raise it toward your chest until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat with your left leg.

If you feel pain, have balance problems, feel dizzy or have other problems, discontinue the exercise and consult your physician for a more appropriate set of exercises for you. For more chair exercises see: https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/chair-exercises-for-seniors; https://www.yourmodernfamily.com/exercise-sitting-down/.

LEARN, REFLECT, PRAY, LOVE

Sometimes we can learn from the lessons of others. Sometimes lessons help us grow in the image and spiritual likeness of GOD. (Colossians 3:10)

Some of GOD’s lessons may be to appreciate GOD’s GOODNESS. Perhaps things we have been told things or heard a thousand times before will suddenly have new meaning. And, after we make it through, because of the GOODNESS of GOD, perhaps we will have new testimonies or “stories” to tell others. Perhaps we will say: “I’d heard deacons, church mother and preachers “thank GOD for one more day” over a thousand times, but I never really knew for myself what that meant, until COVID 19.” Perhaps we’ll say: “I never understood, until I sheltered and I woke up every morning, thankful and grateful “for one more day,” after hearing about the death toll in the news the night before.” Perhaps we’ll say: I never understood “give us this day our daily bread” until COVID 19, and I counted the meals I ate or went to stores with empty shelves.” Or, “I never appreciated family, friends, people who I see in grocery stores and who worked in hospitals until COVID 19.” “I never prayed like I pray during COVID 19!” If this becomes our nation’s testimony, then we perhaps will have learned some valuable lessons.

Pray all of us incomplete children of GOD continue to learn.

May we learn to extend love and mercy, be grateful and BE BLESSED!

___________________________________________

¹ It’s interesting to note that Ninevah is first mentioned in Genesis 10:11. It is one of the cities established by Nimrod, who some believe was the first of the kings, and a mighty hunter. Nimrod was one of the descendants of Cush. Cush also spelled “Kush,” is also the name of the southern portion of the ancient region known in ancient times as Nubia. Nubia is in Africa. Many believe Nimrod would have been “classified” as a Cushite, who were known for their Black skin. See, Black History in the Bible, http://www.blackhistoryinthebible.com/tag/what-race-was-nimrod/ and Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Kush. Ninevah later became the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were feared and often hated by other nations.

Prayer Day # 535 4-8-2020

GETTING THROUGH IT

Job: 42:12,16-17 And the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…And after this Job lived a hundred and forty years, and saw his sons and his sons’ sons, four generations. And Job died, an old man, and full of days.

[Revised Standard translation]

Summary

Roman 15:4 tells us:

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

New American Standard Bible translation. In other words, the WORD of GOD instructs us so that we can make it through the difficulties of life. One way that we learn to persevere and continue on is by learning from the example of others, people who “made it through” ----people who survived the trials and tribulations in their lives. These survivors’ stories often can be laid out in three acts: 1) A description of their life before the trial; 2) A description of the trials encountered and; 3) A description of how they made it through or what they were like afterwards. Over the next few weeks, we will examine a few of these survivor stories. Today, we consider Job and what Job might say if he could speak today.

JOB Life Before the Trial – I (Job) lived a rich and satisfying life. I had great wealth. Thousands of sheep and camels, hundreds of asses and oxen, a large household, and lots of children. (Job 1:3,4) I was one of the wealthiest men in the East. I feared GOD and stayed away from evil. (Job1:1). I offered sacrifices to GOD for my children, fearing they may have sinned. (Job1:5). My wife and I were what some might called “good people.” I was also GOD’s servant. (Job:8)

My Trials - My trials came in waves. In the first wave of my trials I lost everything I thought I possessed.” Like I said I had sheep, camels, donkeys and other possessions, which I managed expertly. But suddenly it was all gone. It vanished overnight. One servant reported a hostile tribe took my donkeys and attacked my workers. Another servant reported that a fierce fire broke out (my servant called it “the fire of GOD) and all my sheep and servants taking care of them were consumed, except for the one servant who brought me the sad news. (Job 1:16). Before the first servant had even stopped talking another servant rushed in and delivered more bad news. All my camels were taken and the servants taking care of my camels killed too, except this single servant. The worse report of all was that another messenger told me all my children were dead. Yes, dead. What sounded like a desert tornado engulfed the house where they were feasting, collapsed all the walls and none of them escaped except this lone servant. (Job 1:18) It probably was one the worse moments in my life. It was the worse news of all.

My second wave of trials came in the form of sickness and pain. I suddenly developed terrible boils from head to toe. (Job 2:7-8). I suffered greatly and probably smelled horrible. Even my wife, couldn’t stand to look at me. One day she told me to commit spiritual suicide! She advised me to just curse GOD, end my suffering and die. (Job2:9). My friends blamed me. They told me that I must have brought this upon myself and urged me to repent. (Job 13) My clothes were full and worms and dirt. (Job 9:28). They were no comfort at all.

The next trial was the day my spirit was broken. (Job 17) I pitied myself, I was falling apart, deteriorating and saw no hope in sight. Death was standing over me. I could feel the grave. I went to GOD and asked: “Why?” “Why GOD, Why?” Why is this happening to me!” It didn’t seem right. It doesn’t seem just. I talked and talked and talked to GOD but I received no clarity. I wanted to understand this. No, I demanded that GOD explain HIMSELF.

How I Got Through It

When I look back over everything that happened, I believe I got through my first wave of trials, loosing all my possessions, because I realized that I really didn’t own any of those things. You see none of us come in the world with possessions and none of these things we possess can be carried away in death. We come in naked and we leave naked of our possessions. (Job1:22). We should be grateful to GOD for what we have, but if GOD takes them away, since everything belongs to HIM, so be it…. [Eventually GOD gave me more. HE gave me more children. Although I didn’t know it at the time what GOD would do, when GOD blessed me again, I think I appreciated GOD’s GOODNESS more. Losing something, often makes you realize the value of what you had.] If Satan thought I worshipped the things I had, Satan was wrong. (See Job 1:8-11). I worship GOD, not things.

When the trials of my physical sickness and pain came, I still did not curse GOD. Again, Satan was wrong. My wife wanted me to curse GOD, but I knew that was just foolishness. I still worshipped GOD. Even when my friends, like Satan, wanted to use my sickness and pain against me, to separate me from GOD or in the case of my friend to say that GOD had separated HIMSELF from me, it didn’t happen. I still talked to GOD, I still believed in GOD, through it all. In fact, I was talking to GOD a lot during my trials and I just kept on talking with GOD.

The last thing about my trials I need to explain to you is that I learned from my trials and came out of it with a greater understanding of GOD and myself. In other words, I wasn’t meant to “get through” the trials, I was meant to “grow,” “get stronger,” to “still serve GOD in my trials.” Before my trials, I was GOD’s (comfortable) servant. But I had no understanding what it meant to be “GOD’s Suffering Servant,” In my trials GOD showed me that I had no real ability to understand how GOD does things, why GOD is doing things or how my suffering will help others or GLORIFY GOD. My vision is not GOD’s VISION, my mind is not GOD’s MIND. My role is just to serve, to have faith (i.e. to believe everything will be alright because GOD has DIVINE CONTROL even in the midst of my suffering. (Job 42:1-5). I surrendered to GOD and repented in the midst of my trials for not understanding the limits of my own existence or in the marvelous, incomprehensible ability of GOD to do anything. (Job 40:4) GOD increased my faith in the midst of my trial. I found peace of mind in my trial. And, GOD blessed me.

GETTING THOUGH AN EXERCISE ROUTINE

Kristin Vovino offers seven tips for getting though a tough workout:

Focus On One Thing At A Time - For example, if you walk 5 mile and focus on how far that is the entire time you are walking, you will likely “mentally wear yourself out.” Instead, focus on one or two things---your breathing, your pace. Or just focus on the immediate task, just getting to the next block, the next stretch.
Think Positive-Negative thoughts can change your entire outlook and attitude. If you can’t think positive at least try to keep it neutral. If you can’t envision your victory at the end of the race, just make it thought “one more hour,” rather than think “I can’t do this.
Focus on How You Feel Not How You Look – For example if you are working out to “loose weight” or “change your body appearance” you may loose your motivation, get frustrated because you are not seeing body results as fast as you want to. Think about exercise as being a positive factor in how you feel (being more energized, feeling less stressed) than what you hope to look like.
Set A Goal – If you set a time goal, you may be more likely to get it done. For example, if you know you need to be in physical shape by the time a race rolls around or you want to achieve 2 miles every other day by the 30^th of next month you are likely to be more motivated than just saying you will eventually do it or get it done.
Find Something You Love and Compete – Find time to find a sport, an event or activity you love. It will add more meaning to your workout.
Find A Workout Friend – This can be someone who will call you up to report or make you accountable regarding your workout, a You Tube Workout or online virtual friend or someone in your household. Don’t let social distancing keep you from working out with friends.
Treat Yourself – Set up mini challenges during your workout and reward yourself. You may push yourself walking up a hill and then slow down for the next stretch on level ground as a reward. Or, stop and enjoy a view once you make it up a hill.

The idea is to keep yourself motivated to “Get Through it!” See, “7 Tips to Get Through That Tough Workout, by Kirsten Vovino, https://www.cheatsheet.com/life/7-tips-to-get-through-that-tough-workout.html//

GETTING STRONGER; GETTING THROUGH IT GOD knows exactly what is happening. Whether it is lost employment, lost income, lost freedom of movement, family losses, loss of health, trying to get through a tough workout, trying to get through a tough week at home, or surviving what looks like a tough virus . GOD is still in control. Even in the midst of suffering, GOD knows, GOD cares, GOD is able and GOD will be victorious in the end, even if we don’t understand and victory may not be apparent.

This week many people around the world will be celebrating Passover, beginning tomorrow. Others this week will be remembering the Suffering Servant, described by Isaiah 53:7-12 and Luke 9:22, JESUS’ journey to the cross and victorious resurrection. Those celebrating Passover will remember how a people got through it. Those celebrating Good Friday and Resurrection will remember how JESUS took the sting out of death and was victorious and provided salvation for the world.

As we read, learn and remember, pray GOD give us the peace of mind and faith to endure.

Pray we learn the lessons of GOD’s WORD and BE BLESSED.

Prayer Day # 534 4-1-2020

WAITING

Acts 16:25 Around midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to the LORD—and the other prisoners were listening---suddenly there was a great earthquake: the prison was shaken to its foundations, all the doors flew open—and the chains of every prisoner fell off! [Living Bible translation]

Summary

The Book of Acts was recorded by a biblical medical professional, a physician named Luke. Luke was writing to a Gentile named Theophilus (whose name in Greek means “friend of GOD” or “loving GOD”), chronicling some of the history of the early church. Acts describes a dangerous time in the life of the church. But it was also an exhilarating time for the early church. JESUS had been arrested and crucified. But JESUS had also been resurrected and had visited HIS disciples a number of times. (See Luke 24:34-35; John 20:26-29; Luke 24:50-53). The church was being persecuted. Christians were being tracked down and arrested. But one of its chief persecutors, Saul (whose name was changed to Paul) had a personal encounter with JESUS and later became a staunch defender of the faith. Christians were afraid. But they were also empowered, because on the day of Pentecost, THE HOLY SPIRIT was poured out upon all humanity (as prophesied by the prophet Joel, in the Old Testament). See, Act 2 and Joel 2:28-32.

Prior to many of the great “highs” for the believers there was very often a period of waiting.

For example, after JESUS’ last visit with HIS disciples, JESUS instructed them to wait in the city of Jerusalem for THE HOLY SPIRIT to come and empower them. Luke 24:49 states: “ And behold, I send the promise of MY FATHER upon you: but tarry (i.e., wait for) ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” So, the disciples waited. While they waited, the disciples prayed and were busy doing church work (Acts 1:12-26).

When Saul/Paul met JESUS on the Damascus road, there was a brilliant light and Paul fell to the ground. After JESUS told Paul WHO HE WAS, Paul was instructed to go into the city and wait . Acts 9:6 states: “ Now get up and go into the city and await my further instruction.” (Living Bible). So, Paul waited. While he waited, Paul fasted and prayed. (See Acts 9:11)

In Acts 16, before Paul’s and Silas’ miraculous exit from jail, there was also a period of waiting. The Bible says that prior to their incarceration, Paul and Silas were physically beaten and thrown into a prison. Not wanting to risk their escaping, the jailer put Paul and Silas into an inner dungeon, where the jailer chained Paul’s and Silas’ feet. And there they waited. While they waited, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to the LORD, and literally turned their situation into a “worship service.” Other prisoners, who Paul and Silas may not have even been able to see, “were listening.” Paul and Silas, were vigilant, prayerful and stayed woke. What Paul and Silas did, not only affected them but everyone around them! Because of what Paul and Silas did as they waited, the other prisoners were probably all saved and became believers, because even though the physical chains had fallen off all of them and all the doors flew open none of the prisoners left, having found a new freedom in listening and hearing about GOD. Even the jailer and his whole household became believers!

But Paul and Silas had to wait until “around midnight” before this miracle occurred.

The Bible says, Noah waited 40 days and nights sheltered with his family in an ark doing what GOD told him to do, before he saw the rainbow. (Gen.8-9) The Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness, partly due to what they did (being disobedient) and what they did not do (be obedient to GOD).

The Bible has numerous examples of men and women waiting. What they did during the wait often made all the difference in the world to themselves and others.

NEVER TOO LATE TO EXERCISE

In “It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercise, Researchers Find Great Rewards When Mild Exercise Programs Are Started Late In Life,” by Sid Kirchheimer, May 13, 2003, there is a report of a research study involving 9,500 women tracked for 12 years, examining the old adage whether it really is never too late to start exercising. The study was reported in The Journal of The American Medical Association. Researcher began tracking the 9,500 when they were at least 66 years of age. They found that those who went from doing little or nothing to walking just a mile a day slashed their risk of death from all causes and from cancer by nearly half. Their risk of heath disease was reduced by more than a third. The research found that these new exercisers enjoyed nearly as much protection as woman who were physically active before the study and remained active.

Another researcher found that women who went from being sedentary or walking two miles a week to walking eight miles a week over the six years of the study had “significant life improvements.” See, “It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercise, Researchers Find Great Rewards When Mild Exercise Programs Are Started Late In Life,” by Sid Kirchheimer, May 13, 2003, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20030513/never-too-late-exercise/. It was pointed out that most of the women averaged around age 77 and were doing very mild exercises—not running marathons.

Starting Late?

For those late starters to exercise, the experts suggest the following:

Get a checkup [or at least a doctor phone check-in]. Consulting your doctor can determine if the exercise you want to do is compatible with your medical history or in the case of a physical check-up, with your lungs and heart. The doctor may also consider other conditions, including any medication you may be taking. If you are diabetic or have high blood pressure you may want to consult your doctor about whether the dosage of your medication needs to be adjusted. (Sometimes people are under the mistaken belief that once they start exercising, they don’t need to continue all their medications or can stop all medications altogether. Remember, ALWAYS consult your doctor about medication changes. If you are concerned about your medications, speak WITH your doctor. Don’t play doctor.)
Start Slow – Once your physician ok’s your exercise program, start slowly. While you may have read that 30 minutes of exercise a day is good, if you’ve never exercised, you may have to start at “below your comfort level.” Walking just a few minutes day is better than walking 10 minutes and then not being able to walk the rest of the week.
Go More Often – A few minutes of exercise may be done several times a day. [For example, a walk up and down a driveway may be a few minutes or a walk around the house or part of the house may be a few minutes. [Or raising your legs (walking in place) a few minutes a day, three or four times during the day may be the starting point where you want to increase your number of rotations as you increase your stamina.] According to the experts, ideally you want to be able to utter a few words or syllables in a few sentences when you’re exercising. You may be exercising too little if you can speak in complete sentences and may be exercising too much if you can barely talk.
Do What You Enjoy – If you like being outside, try gardening (raking a few leaves, picking up weeds, raking, bending down or sitting on a pad on the ground and pulling up weeds. Cover several places in a yard, so you’re bending up and down. If you like being inside, try a few wall push- ups, trying raising one knee and then the other to the level of a counter (you may need to hold onto a sturdy chair). Or, if that is too easy, raise your knee, straighten out your leg (flexing or pointing your foot) bring if back and down and then try the other leg. (Again, you may want to hold onto a chair, lean with your back against a wall or just stay seated in a chair (holding onto the sides of the chair) as you do this exercise.

Id.

PRAY, WORK and ENCOURAGE OTHERS AS YOU WAIT

As world leaders continue to report that we are in the grips of a virus, and people around the world shelter-in, for some it may seem like being in prison. Others may feel like they are just always waiting---waiting in lines, waiting for the results of tests, waiting for information from the federal government or state government, or waiting for news about jobs, unemployment, benefits, loans, etc. Others, are waiting to hear from loved ones who reside in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, or other facilities. Students, parents and others may be waiting for news about schools, waiting to see friends, waiting for things to get back “to normal.” There’s a lot of waiting…. everywhere.

What we do while we wait matters. We can pray---one for another, for ministries, families, medical personnel, those who are working to keep things running, those who are suffering, family, friends, neighbors, other countries, and leaders. In this time of “blindness” as to what will happen, we, like Paul, can pray to GOD and read scripture, trying to achieve a better understanding of WHO GOD IS. We can help others, spiritually or financially. We can try to stay in contact with each other, let others know we care and are thinking about them. We can be mindful of our actions, because what we do affects ourselves and all our neighbors, at home and abroad.

We can wait on THE LORD, deriving comfort from THE HOLY SPIRIT. So, pray, work, exercise and praise GOD in songs. As we wait, we can also look back and thank GOD for all of the things GOD has already done (including all the things we took for granted) and just continue to TRUST IN THE LORD, with the same confidence as before.

The Bible teaches us that waiting is nothing new. But how we wait matters.

While we wait, pray we BE A BLESSING and BE BLESSED.

Prayer Day # 533 3-25-2020

GOD: OUR STRONG SHELTER

Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my GOD is my rock, in whom I take refuge. [Living Bible translation]

Summary

Psalm 18 is a song of praise, a song of thanks and a song of affirmation about the who GOD IS. The writer is David—the boy shepherd, who became a great military leader, and who became the second King of Israel, after the death of King Saul.

In Palms 18:2 David praised GOD for being his STRONG shelter. David could sing GOD’s praises with great conviction because GOD sheltered David many times against his enemies, including the jealous and paranoid King Saul. When David wrote Psalms 18 perhaps David recalled how he had to seek shelter in the caves of Adullam with his brothers and other relatives to escape Saul, but it was GOD who protected him. (1 Samuel 22:1)

Perhaps David recalled going to Moab and asking for permission and royal protection from the King of Moab to shelter his parents, while David lived in a cave. (1Samuel 22:3) But even though David was sheltering himself and his parents in earthly places, David understood his true shelter was GOD. David may have been physically living in the caves and living among the rocks, but David understood that GOD was his solid “ROCK.” David knew that without GOD he would perish. So, while he sheltered, David prayed and consulted GOD.

When David wanted to know whether he could go into battle, he asked GOD. When David asked GOD whether he should go into battle against the whole Philistine army (even though David’s own men advised him against doing so), GOD said yes, go. Afraid, uncertain David asked GOD again, and again GOD said yes and reassured David that HE would protect David and help him conquer the Philistines. And, GOD did. (1Samuel 23:5)

Perhaps David recalled the history of his ancestors, recalling how Joshua defeated Jericho, a city that everyone thought was invincible, until the walls fell. Perhaps he recalled how great nations would rise up against the Israelites but would fail because David and the Israelites were SHELTERED by GOD. David understood that GOD, not buildings, was his “FORTRESS.” GOD, not earthly shelters, was David’s “DELIVERER.”

In Psalms 27:5, David declares with confidence:

For HE (GOD) will hide me in HIS SHELTER in the day of trouble…

Psalms 46:1 states:

GOD is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

This means that all of us can shelter IN GOD because only GOD is a STRONG SHELTER.

EVERY EARTHLY SHELTER REQUIRES MAINTENANCE

Take a survey and you will find that every earthly shelter requires maintenance.

Any homeowner or apartment owner will tell you that in time, if it is not the roof, it’s the plumbing or the siding, or the trees that need to be cut, or the weeds, or the leaves or the gutters or the chipping paint, the floors, the carpet, or the furnace, the hot water tank, the stove, refrigerator, the washing machine, microwave or dryer that needs to be replaced. Sometimes it is an ant invasion during the rainy season, or flies or gophers or woodpeckers or other rodents. The list of things that an early shelter needs can seem endless.

Our Body Requires Maintenance

Like an earthly shelter, our bodies need maintenance too! Ignore it too long, fail to “maintain it,” “retrofit it,” or prepare in anticipation of problems and you can easily find yourself in trouble.

Joint Exercises

Like maintaining your plumbing, it is a good idea to exercise your joints. Some simple exercises to increase flexibility and reduce joint stiffness include some of the following:

Shoulder rolls – Stand up straight (without locking your knees) with your arms pointing straight down and close to your body. Take three deep breaths and try to relax and center your body, with your head pointing straight ahead. Then slowly roll your shoulders forward ten times and then slowly backwards 10 times
Straight backward leg raises – Lie on your stomach with your elbows and forearms on the ground. Keeping your legs straight, gently raise one leg straight up and down and then gently raise the other leg up and down. Repeat on each side about 10 times.
Side Bends- Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with your knees slightly bent. Slowly reach over your head with your right hand toward the left, while your left slowly reaches down toward your knee as you lean your body into the stretch. Hold for a count of 10, taking deep breaths. If you feel pain, you’ve reached too far. Then repeat on the other side.
Truck Rotations- Lie on the floor, with your knees bent and your hand extended on the floor in opposite directions. Take three deep breaths and try to relax. Then slowly let your still bent knees fall to the right. Then return to your original position. Then repeat on the other side letting the knees slowly fall to the left. Repeat 5 times alternating from right to left.
Hip Roll- Lie flat on your back with your knees straight and legs about shoulder width apart. Slowly roll your knees and feet in the inward so that you are pigeon-toed. Them slowly roll your knees outward.

If you have a medical condition, injury or have never started an exercise program, consult your personal physician for an exercise program right for you. If you feel any pain doing any of these exercises, discontinue immediately and again consult your physician about an exercise program that fits your needs. Exercise within your limits. If do not regularly exercise start with one simple exercise and slowly increase your exercise tolerance. Remember, “Rome was not built in day.”

For more information about joint exercises see, WebMD, “Simple Joint Exercises For Health,” https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/oa-active-18/everyday-exercises-for-oa-slideshow; “Exercises to Relieve Joint Stiffness, April 22, 2013, by Pfizer Medical Team, https://www.gethealthystayhealthy.com/tools/exercises-relieve-joint-stiffness.

GOD: OUR MIGHTY FORTRESS AND SHELTER AGAINST ALL ILLS

It has been called “The Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” It was written by one of the greatest leaders and reformer of the time, Martin Luther, priest, monk, theologian and composer. In 1529, Martin wrote “A Mighty Fortress Is our GOD.” He wrote:

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

O ur helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.

Today, humanity faces another “mortal ill” -- a virus, called COVID 19. And, like Martin Luther and David, we can all have a confident assurance that GOD is still a STRONG SHELTER, a REFUGE and DELIVERER against mortal ills. GOD is still a solid ROCK. (See Matthew 16:18)

Whether we shelter in China, Italy, America, or other parts for the world --- whether in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, or even, like the homeless, we have no earthly shelter at all, or like David, live in a cave--- we can all turn to GOD for SHELTER.

Remember, sheltering is nothing new. GOD SHELTERS every day!

Trust GOD to be your STRONG SHELTER and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 532 3-18-2020

DON’T PANIC. GOD’s GOT YOU.

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your GOD. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. [Message Bible translation]

Summary

Isaiah was an old testament prophet who wrote during a stormy period in Israel’s history. Mighty nations were rising up around them threatening the safety of the Israelites. Whenever a nation rose up, like a mighty “Game of Thrones” the people panicked.

There were the Assyrians, who swept westward from what is known as Syria today. When the Assyrians rose up and threatened Jerusalem, the people panicked because the Assyrian army was known for its cruelty and ruthlessness. In fact an Assyrian commander was so confident of his victory that he refused to speak to the Jewish negotiators and loudly threatened in Hebrew, so that every Jew in earshot could hear, that the Jerusalemites would be forced to eat and drink their own body waste in order to survive when he started the siege of Jerusalem. In distress, King Hezekiah panicked, and ripped his clothes in distress and then prayed mightily to GOD. GOD answered King Hezekiah’s prayer. And, Isaiah reassured the people that GOD would protect them from the Assyrians and that the Assyrian king would return home and be killed. (Isaiah 37:7). And, GOD did what GOD said HE would do.

The Babylon Empire rose in the South and struck terror in the heart of the Hebrew people. Even, though the fall of Jerusalem would eventually occur, Isaiah still reassured the people, even before the fall, that GOD would redeem the people from Babylon (See Isaiah 41:2), that they would return home to their homeland. GOD comforted the people. GOD told the people, “Don’t panic.” “I’M with you.” “I’M your GOD,” the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. GOD reassures HIS people that, although their world may seem shaky, HE is steadfast and has a steady hold on them! Although everything around them may seem like it is falling apart, HE has a firm grip on them.” Isaiah wanted the people to know: “GOD’s got you!”

You can always rely on GOD! And, GOD did just what GOD said HE would do.

Panic Can Be Dangerous

The writer in “Why Do We Panic in Emergencies” gives two examples:

On December 13, 1913 a party was being held for the family of miners who were facing a lengthy strike. The party was supposed to lift the spirits of the gathers but everyone was tense. For some reason (no one knows) someone suddenly yelled “Fire,” which triggered panic. Four hundred people all suddenly searched for an exit, rushing down the stairs and out the building. Seventy-three men, women and children died that day. There was no fire.

On June 6, 1944 a fire broke out at a Ringling Brothers/Barnum and Bailey Circus. About 168 people died. Many were trampled trying to flee the scene. Only a small percentage died from smoke inhalation or the fire.

Researchers have studied crowd behavior and study how people react to danger. They have noted that even when given correct information for example about where an exit is, because of a behavioral concept called “herding”, sometimes people will go in the same direction because most people are going in that direction too, even if the direction they are going is wrong. Researchers have also noted that in times of panic, the “fight and flight” instinct may cause people to make “unwise decisions” especially when we are part of a large group and others are trying to do the same thing. One conclusion and suggestion from this research study is that you should pay attention to your surroundings when you go out. Notice where the exits are located if you are in a crowed place. Be alert in emergencies, but “don’t panic,” because the life you save may be your own. See, “Why Do We Panic in Emergencies,” Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/201610/why-do-we-panic-in-emergencies.

In other words, plan ahead and remember what you know for sure, despite what the crowd may be doing.

Interesting enough this is the same advice some financial advisors give people who start to panic and want to sell off all their retirement savings during times of deep dips when others start panic-selling in the stock market or engaging in other panic behaviors. See, “Suffering Through Your First Financial Crisis? Read This to Relax,” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/15/smarter-living/corona-stock-market-tips-dealing-with-financial-crash-crisis.html. See also, “If You’re Panic shopping, chances are you might also panic-sell your stocks,” by Jill Cornfield, March 15, 2020, https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/moving-to-cash-and-panic-shopping.html.

Some Copying Strategies to Remain Calm

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, some copying strategies a person might use to remain calm and void panic include:

Take a Time-Out- Practice yoga, meditation, listen to music, (e.g. turn off the TV, radio or what ever might be causing you to stress)
Eat well-balanced meals – Don’t skip meals and eat healthy snacks.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine- Both may aggravate anxiety and trigger stress in some people.
Get Enough Sleep – When stressed the body needs additional sleep and rest.
Take Deep Breathes – Exhale and Inhale slowly.
Count to 10 slowly - Repeat and count to 20 if necessary.
Accept that You Can’t Control Everything- Put what is occurring in perspective.
Maintain a Positive Attitude -Try to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
Talk to Someone – Talk to family, friends, or a therapist or professional if you need help. [Consider also speaking to some in your church, temple or place of worship.]

See, “Coping Strategies,” https://adaa.org/tips.

GOD’s GOT YOU

GOD never promised us continuous sunshine. GOD has never promised us a rose garden. GOD has not promised Christians a carefree life.

What GOD has promised is to be with us----to be our Emmanuel. *

GOD has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

GOD has told us there will be difficult times in this world, but we can have peace of mind and heart.

Here on earth, you will have may trials and sorrow; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Our ancestors sang, “Hold on to GOD’s unchanging hand.” Remember their faith and prayers and trust GOD to hold onto you!

So, don’t panic! Remember, GOD’s got you!

Trust in GOD, keep praying and BE BLESSED!

___________

*Immanuel (Hebrew: means, "God is with us"; Romanized, the word is Emmanuel. en.wikipedia.org.

Prayer Day # 531 3-11-2020

PLAN AHEAD

Luke 14:28-31 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?

[Revised Standard translation]

Biblical Comment The Bible encourages all of us to plan ahead, to carefully evaluate our current situation; to identify the resources that we will need; to identify our strengths and weaknesses; and, in general, to consider the “costs” in implementing and completing our goals. The 14 ^th chapter of Luke gives us two examples:

The first example is that of a person wanting to build a tower but who has not planned ahead or taken the necessary steps to complete the job. The vision was there. In fact, the vision was even lofty! This person does not want to build a mere house, but a tower! However, the execution was weak. Perhaps the person started building without a blueprint, or underestimated the cost of the building materials, or he did not take into consideration the physical or psychological sacrifices that he or others would need to make to complete the task.

The second example given in Luke 14 is that of a king going to war. When kings went to war, the stakes were high. During Biblical times losing a war, would not only mean the end of the king’s reign but the destruction of a whole nation. Men were killed, women were widowed, children were orphaned and, once defeated, survivors were taken captive as slaves. Property, possessions and even religious freedoms were lost in times of war. Entering into war required careful consideration, counsel and planning, because “everything” was at stake. For this reason a wise king sought wise counsel from military experts, prophets, wise men and from GOD.

It always pays to consult GOD first.

Home Exercise Program

Because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) many schools, colleges, universities, banks, churches, governments, employers, families and individuals are trying to plan ahead. One of the measures that some planners are considering is requesting that people reduce their risk of exposure (either being exposed or exposing others) by avoiding crowds and working at home. If you plan to work at home, you may also want to consider a home exercise program. Here are a few simple exercises that you might consider incorporating into a home exercise program:

Jump Rope – It was something many of us did as children. Jumping rope burns calories, elevates your heart rate, improves coordination, muscle elasticity and brain function. After a short warmup, you can do 30 second interval jumps followed by 15-30 second of rest. You can jump with both feet landing together, one foot at a time or mixing it up.
Climb Stairs – If you have stairs in your home, you can include them in your workout. You can set a time for walking up and down the stairs and just begin until your timer beeps. Start with just a few minutes (e.g. 5 minutes) and then lengthen the time as you get stronger. Set a regular pace. Put on some music if that helps your concentration and posture.
Dance – Create a playlist or go to YouTube and find some dance music and just dance. Remember, no one is watching, so you can be the best dancer in the room! Dancing is a cardo workout. It can help lower your risk for high blood pressure and help with weight loss.
Squats With Alternative Reaches – Stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Then squat down holding your hands straight in front of you, your chest high and not letting your knees past your toes. Lower your body as if you are sitting in a chair. Once you are in a squat position, move your hands to the right, then back to the center and rise up. For the next squat, move your hands to the left, then back to the center and rise up. Continue to alternate squatting and alternatively reaching until you have completed 10-15 squats. [A variation of this exercise is to actually put a chair behind you and squat into the chair. Or, put your back against a wall, with your feet about a foot hip-distance apart and a soft pillow behind your heels. Then slowly go down the wall until you reach a chair sitting position. If you cannot maintain the position long, just slide down and land on the pillow and start again.]

See: “Simple Home Workouts,” by Kara Mayer Robinson, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/simple-home-workouts#2 and “6 Low-Impact Exercises as You Age, by Katherine Tweed, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/low-impact-exercises-for-seniors#1.

Other simple exercises may include weight lifting, gardening (e.g. weeding, planting, etc.), walking around the block, sweeping or doing other chores- washing the car, cleaning, raking, washing down doors and walls, etc.

If you have a medical condition, consult your personal physician for a home exercise program suitable for you. Even if you don’t have a medical condition, you can consult your physician about an exercise program suitable for your age and needs.

At home you can still partner up. Invite a neighbor, a friend or another family household member to join you and to help hold you accountable. Remember being at home, doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Plan ahead!

Home Prayer Programs Many of us grew up in ‘praying homes.” We knew that our mothers, grandmothers, fathers, aunts or other family members were praying. We knew that they were praying because they told us! If there was an important event, we were told “I’ll be praying for you” or “You’re in my prayers” or we simply saw them praying, reading their Bibles or talking to GOD. The family “prayers warriors” had well used Bibles. These Bibles were visible in our homes. Many families had their own home resident “prayer warrior.” Some very fortunate families had more.

Many of us are still reaping the benefits of those prayers because those “prayer warriors” “planned ahead.” Many of those “prayer warriors” essentially prayed for children, teenagers, young adults or others before “they had enough sense to pray for themselves.” They prayed for the family. They were trying to build a strong tower.

Families still need “prayer warriors.” Churches still need people who will pray for the church family—for students, teens, young adults, older adults, the homeless, the nation, the world and in stressful times.

Pray and seek GOD’s counsel and direction now. Read your Bible. Perhaps GOD has called you to become the home “prayer warrior” for your family, church, a specific group GOD has placed on your heart. Exercise your home prayer muscles. Remember, there’s a lot you can do at home.

Staying home? Plan ahead! Tell someone you are praying for them! Tell GOD everything!

Exercise, pray, consult GOD and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 530 3-4-2020

FRIEND OF GOD

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed GOD, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called GOD’s friend. [New International translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

There are a few people in the Bible who seem to have a special relationship with GOD. One of these people is Abraham. Abraham was called “GOD’s friend.” The fact that Abraham was GOD’s friend seems to have been “common knowledge” in the Bible.

In 2 Chronicles 20:7, King Jehoshaphat, one of the kings of Judah, the Southern part of the divided kingdom, states during one of his prayers:

Art not thou our GOD, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend forever? [King James translation]

In other word, Abraham was not only GOD’s friend, but was GOD’s friend “forever,” suggesting that they were not just friendly but “best friends.” Just image being that close to GOD!

Isaiah 41:8, is another clear acknowledge by GOD, that Abraham was indeed “HIS friend.” In Isaiah, GOD speaking to HIS people, states:

But, as for you, O Israel, you are mine, my chosen ones, for you are Abraham’s family, and he was MY friend. [Living Bible translation]

This suggests that the benefits of GOD’s friendship can reverberate from generation to generation. In other words, a best friend knows and cares about their best friend’s family too.

In the above scripture from James 2:23, believed to have been written by the brother of JESUS, also refers to Abraham as GOD’s friend. James’s letter provides additional evidence as to why Abraham and GOD were such good friends. James states that Abraham believed GOD. Isn’t that one of the characteristics of a good friends? They believe in you?

Think about the people you call best friends in your childhood. When anything really exciting happened at school, wasn’t it your best friend you wanted to tell and get their reaction. When you wanted an opinion “that really mattered”---how you looked, whether a certain outfit fit you, what junior high school you might attend, what activities you were signing up for at school, wasn’t it your best friend you wanted to consult and compare notes. You believed your friend. You trusted them.

Many a frustrated parent has said: “If they told you to jump off a cliff, would you jump off too?!!?” over what seemed to be blind allegiance and willingness to follow in the footsteps of a best friend!

Abraham had an even greater blind allegiance and faith in his friend, GOD.

EXERCISING WITH FRIENDS

Anyone who has had a “gym buddy,” “walking pal,” “exercise classmate,” “team mate” “workout partner,” or “been in a group exercise session” can attest to the benefits of exercising with friends.

There are numerous benefits when you exercise with friends.

Accountability- Knowing that your friends will show up helps to motivate you to show up. And, showing up is 99% of the exercise battle. You are more likely to exercise when you get into the habit of exercising with another person. If you exercise alone, it is easy to “take a pass.” But, if you know others will be looking for you, or asking you, “Where were you? We missed you!” this sense of being accountable to others helps to keep you showing up on a regular basis.

Motivation- Watching other people exercise, practicing with others, learning various movements motivates everyone to keep at it and get better. Although people often feel like they will “stand out” or look awkward “compared to everyone else,” when people actually attend exercise classes a few times, they are often surprised how easy it is to “fit in.” Everyone just wants to have fun! No one is competing. Everyone just wants to enjoy themselves and get healthy! Once you realize that “Most people think they can’t dance, or can’t do the moves right” everyone stops looking around and just move to the Zumba or exercise beat.

Socialization- Socializing in an exercise group, at a gym, on a team with other people is good for a person’s physical and their mental health. One of the reasons that parents often encourage their children to participate in sports is not only for the exercise but to teach them “life lessons too.” You learn how to cooperate, work together as a team, try to achieve a common goal and learn how to do your best for the greater good. You can learn or re-learn those same “life lessons” when you try to improve in adult team exercise activities. Often going to the gym becomes a time of learning to “let go” [of everything else that happened during your day or you have planned for the day] and just focus on relaxing, exercising and having fun together.

So, give it a try. If you are concerned about your lack of activity, you want to improve your stamina, physical condition or get to the next level, call up a friend, try an exercise class or just start walking regularly at places where other people walk. You are likely to make some friends soon. You can also “be a friend” by encouraging someone else.

A FRIEND OF GOD

Think about some of the characteristic of best friends:

They tend to tell each other everything;
They hang out at each other’s houses;
They trust each other.

Think about James 2:23: Abraham believed GOD.

Today, tell GOD you want to be friends. Talk with HIM. Tell HIM everything. Find one of GOD’s houses and meet some of GOD family members. Join a church “team” and do some activities together (e.g. help the homeless, sing in a choir, become an usher, go to a Sunday School class and “hang out” there, become part of the GOD’s team).

Invite GOD to your house. Talk to HIM in the morning (e.g. read a Psalm every day). Get to know GOD better and better every day. Tell GOD your plans for the day and invite HIS input and participation. Have a conversation with GOD as you eat—be thankful for every meal. Call HIM up to go over your day. Let HIM know what happened. Bring the needs of other friends and situations to HIM. Take all your worries and concerns to GOD.

Best friendships don’t happen overnight. But, to be able to say: “I am a friend of GOD” is worth the effort!

Be GOD’s friend, exercise with friends and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 529 2-26-2020

BREATH & STRESS

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. [King James translation]

Summary

The book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is about origins and beginnings. The very first words, in the first verse, in the first chapter of Genesis are: “In the beginning GOD….” In Greek the word “Genesis” means origin. In Latin, the word means “beginnings.” The book of Genesis describes the origin of light, darkness, day, night, the heavens, the earth, land, vegetation, the moon and the stars. The book of Genesis also describes the creation of birds, fish, animals and mankind.

The creation of man is actually described in two parts. In Genesis, Chapter 1, the creation of man’s spiritual origins is discussed. Genesis 1:26-27 states:

Then GOD said, ‘“Let us make a man---someone like ourselves, to be master of all life upon the earth and in the skies and in the sea.’ So GOD made man like his Maker.”

This scripture about man’s “spiritual” creation is consistent with John 4:24, which states: “ GOD is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and in truth.”

The second part of mankind’s creation addresses man’s “physical” or bodily creation. In Genesis, Chapter 2, the Bible states:

The time came when the Lord GOD formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And man became a living person.

GOD breathed into the body of man life and then man became physical living being. GOD’s BREATH is essential for life.

BREATH, STRESS & HEALTH In a New York Times article entitled “Americans Are Among the Most Stressed People in the World, Poll Finds,” by Niraj Chokshi in 2019, it was reported that “Americans report experiencing stress, anger and worry at the highest levels in a decade,” according to a 2018 Gallup poll study of more than 150,000 people around the world. The study found that “being under 50, earning a low income and having a dim view of President’s Trumps job performance were correlated with negative experiences among adults in the United States.” This Gallup poll study also found that while stress declined globally, anger increased. Worry and sadness were at new heights and feelings of physical pain remained unchanged. Chad topped the list as the country with the most negative experiences. Other African countries, like Niger and Sierra Leone, were also high on the list of counties with negative experiences as wells as Middle Eastern countries, like Iraq and Iran. In 2018, based on the study, Latin America led the countries with the most positive experiences, despite the fact that in some Latin American countries, like Honduras and El Salvador, had some of the world’s highest murder rates. See, “Americans Are Among the Most Stressed People in the World, Poll Finds, Niraj Chokshi, The New York Times, April 25, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/25/us/americans-stressful.html

According to, “What Stress Does To the Body,” in WebMD, stress can take its toll on a person’s physical and mental health. Research has shown that stress has been connected to chronic problems like high blood pressure, obesity, depression and more. Id.

Stress can cause panic attacks in some individuals, sometimes causing a person to breathe faster, harder or hyperventilate. It may even cause long term health problems, such as consistent high heart rate and increased levels of stress hormones, increasing a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke and hypertension. These can affect a person’s cholesterol levels and cause inflammation in the body. Id.

In “10 Tips for Managing Stress,” WebMD, offers a number of ways of dealing with some of life’s stressors. WebMD’s list includes:

Exercise – Working out regularly is one of the best ways to relax your body and your mind.
Relax Your Muscles – Stretch, enjoy a massage, take a hot bath or shower, get a good night’s sleep.
Deep Breathing – Just stop and take a few deep breaths
Eat Well – Eating regularly and well-balanced meals may help you feel better and may help control your mood.
Slow Down - Look at your life and find ways to do this. (For example, set your watch ahead 5 or 10 minutes to avoid “being late.” On the road, travel in the slower lane to avoid road rage. Don’t try to answer all your e-mails; just a few.
Take A Break – Plan some real down time. Give your mind time off from the stress. Restful things you can do include: Prayer, Music, Spending time in Nature, Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation
Make Time for Hobbies - Relaxing hobbies for some include: Reading, Knitting, Doing an Art Project, Playing Golf, Watching a Movie, Doing Puzzles, Playing Card or Board Games.
Talking About Your Problem- Talk with family member, friends, a trusted clergyman or clergywoman, your physician. Speak to a therapist.
Go Easy on Yourself – Accept you can’t do things perfectly no matter how hard you try. Accept that you cannot control everything. Stop thinking you can do everything. Keep your sense of humor and laugh a little.
Eliminate Your Triggers – Try to figure out the biggest causes of your stress (Job? Your Commute? Schoolwork? Can you reduce any of these? Try keeping a stress journal and make a note when your feel stress. See any patterns? Can anything on your list be reduced, lessened or can you find a solution?

See, “Stress: How To Manage And Reduce It,” https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/tips-to-control-stress#3

REMEMBERING OUR ORIGINS Stress often leaves us vulnerable, uncertain, anxious or not in control or controlled by people or circumstances not in “our control.”

Philippians 4:6, we are given this advice:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to GOD. And the peace of GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS. [New International translation.]

Sometimes we have to remember “our AUTHOR.” (See Hebrews 12:2) Sometimes we have to remember our CREATOR and our origins. (See Genesis 2:7)

Sometimes we just have to remember that GOD REALLY IS IN CONTROL. GOD knows what’s going on, even when we don’t. GOD was in control in the beginning; and GOD will be in control in the end, no matter how things may look or feel.

So, take a deep breath and have faith .

Breathe deeply and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 528 2-19-2020

CREATE – INVENT

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning GOD created…. [King James; New International; Revised Standard translations]

Genesis 4:19 Lamech married two wives---Adah and Zillah. To Adah was born a baby named Jabal. He became the first of the cattlemen and those living in tents. His brother’s name was Jubal, the first musician—the inventor of the harp and flute. To Lamech’s other wife, Zillah, was born Tubal-cain. He opened the first foundry forging instruments of bronze and iron. [Living Bible translation]

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a right spirit within me. [King James translation]

Summary In Genesis 1:1, the first book of the Bible, in the very first scripture in the Bible, in the very first sentence of that scripture we are told that GOD created. HE is a CREATOR. In Arabic, “Rabb” an Arabic word meaning “LORD” “MASTER” “NOURISHER” also means “CREATOR.” See, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabb. The Genesis scriptures describe GOD creating a number of physical things---the heavens, the earth, dry land, vegetation, stars, moon, birds, fish, oceans, cattle, reptiles.

We are also told that GOD created some non-physical things---light, darkness, seasons—which manifest themselves in the physical environment.

Genesis also tells us that GOD created mankind—a male and female, which was bone, flesh (Genesis 2:23) as well as spirit (Genesis 1:26), like (or in the image of) GOD himself.

Genesis also introduces its readers to inventors. In Genesis 4 we are introduced to Jubal, the first musician, the inventor of some musical instruments. We are also introduced to Jubal’s half-brother, Tubal-cain, who opened the first foundry, where instruments of bronze and iron were forged.

Psalm 51:10 is a song/prayer to GOD, after the prophet Nathan came to David to tell David of GOD’s judgment after David’s adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, Uriah. In this psalm, David spiritual prostrates himself before GOD. In a plea for forgiveness, David admits he is a sinner (Verse 2) and that he has sinned against GOD (Verse 4, Verse 11). David pleads for mercy (Verse1) and asks GOD to transform him (Verse 2 and Verse 7). David pleads with GOD to:

Create in me a clean heart, O GOD, and renew a right spirit within me

David prays a sinner’s prayer for salvation (Verse 11). He asks God to save him from his sinful nature (Verse 5---“in sin did my mother conceive me”). David admits that he is a broken man. He repents and offers himself sincerely to GOD (Verse 17). David ask GOD for restoration. David believes and has faith GOD can and will.

CREATION vs. INVENTION

Creation and Invention

In “Difference Between Creation and Invention,” the writer states that there is a difference between a creation and an invention:

Creation is an artifact that has been brought into existence by someone. An invention is the creation of something in the mind. Artworks are always referred to as creations such as a painting or a drawing. There are people who are creative and despite seeing what everyone else sees, they think what no one else has thought before. These are innovators who come up with a new idea in their mind, and when they translate this idea into reality, the product that takes shape is called a creation.

See, https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-creation-and-vs-invention/, April 18, 2011.

People who make things easier, simpler or better by creating something tangible or a product are usually thought of as inventors.

African American Inventors

During Black History Month many African American inventors, who would not ordinarily be recognized because their names were never included in Anglo-American and European history books, are often appreciated for the first time: Some of those inventors may include:

Frederick McKinley Jones - The inventor of the air-conditioner unit (7/12/1949)
Sarah E. Goode - The first African American woman granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for her invention of the folding cabinet bed in 1885.
Sarah Boone - Who patented a design improvement to the ironing board (12/30/1887)
Alexander Miles - The inventor of the elevator (10/11/1867)
Garrett Morgan - The inventor of the Traffic Light/Gas Mask (11/20/23)
T. A. Carrington - The inventor of the stove (7/25/1876)
Dr. Patricia Bath - The first female African American medical doctor to receive a medical patent for a laser cataract treatment device, the Laserpharo Probe, in 1988

Create Your Own Exercise Program

Sometimes you just have to create your own workout program. Sometimes you have to “Just Do It.” In “Fitness Program: 5 Steps to Get Started,” by the Mayo Clinic Staff, there are a number of suggestions for starting you own program. These include:

Consider your fitness goals;
Create a balanced routine;
Start slowly and progress slowly;
Build activity into your daily routine
Plan to include different exercise activities;
Allow time for recovery;
Put it on paper;
Assemble your equipment;
Get started! And;
Monitor your progress.

See: Fitness Program: 5 steps to get started; by Mayo Clinic Staff; 10/24/19 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20048269

If you have an injury, medical condition or concerns, discuss and show your written workout program to your personal physician. Better safe than sorry!

GOD CAN AND STILL DOES CREATE

GOD is still in the “transformation business.” GOD is still able to transform circumstances, situations, and most importantly lives. We don’t have to design a plan for ourselves. We don’t have to tell or instruct GOD what to do. We don’t have to “figure it all out for GOD.” Like David, we just have to go to GOD, just as we are, flawed and all, and ask GOD for:

A clean heart and a right spirit

Then believe, have faith and trust GOD will. Whether it is a new exercise program, a sinful transgression, a problem, a financial situation, the election, viruses or just life, we can trust GOD.

Trust and have faith! And, BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 527 2-12-2020

S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G

Exodus 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. [New International Translation]

Exodus 14:26-27 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the LORD swept them into the sea. [New International Translation]

Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. [King James Translation]

Matthew 9:20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch edge of HIS cloak, I will be healed.” JESUS turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” HE said, “your faith has healed you.” [New International Translation]

Summary

There are a number of people in the Bible who provide models for stretching. In Exodus 14, Moses stretches his hand over the sea twice. In the Hollywood version of the Israelites’ exodus from Egyptian slavery, the scene, although dramatic, probably lasts less than 15 minutes. In the Book of Exodus, scripture tells us that Moses’ first stretch over the sea lasted “all night.” All night long, there was a strong East wind blowing, but Moses “stretched on.” We can imagine the huge gale of winds, perhaps forcing Moses to shut his eyes, thus blinding or blurring his vision, and the gusts perhaps temporarily deafened his hearing. Perhaps Moses own voice was drowned out by the sound of such a mighty wind. Yet despite the wind’s disorientation and not being able to see “what GOD was doing” or hear a clear answer as to “what was going on” or being able to ask GOD “how is all of this going to save us,” Moses kept his hand stretched out. He stretched out “a-l-l night l-o-n-g.” Moses outstretched hand was not about seeing (i.e., “seeing it for himself) or hearing (i.e., being given a clear explanation or) or “understanding” (i.e., getting an answer that made sense to him” Moses stretched his hand out in faith---FAITH IN THE LORD.

Once the first stretch occurred and the Israelites were on dry land after their crossing, the LORD told Moses to stretch out his hand again! Looking across and seeing the Egyptian army approaching with all its military might, Moses no doubt saw the fear in the eyes of the people, he certainly heard their wails of anger, fear and desperation as the Israelite saw and heard the approaching army. And, Moses was already tired. Moses had already been tried, having been up all night, but when the LORD told Moses to stretch, Moses obeyed! Moses stretched out his hand again until “day break” ---another “long stretch.” And GOD honored Moses’ faithfulness.

The virtuous woman described in Proverbs also stretches her hand. Like Exodus, it is worth reading this Proverb carefully. The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is industrious—she works with her hands (Verse 13). She is thrifty when it comes to food (Verse 14). She’s an early riser and good household manager (Verse 15). She watches for bargains, she’s energetic, has a good business mind and know how to plant (Verse 16). She has an eye for clothing and manages her wardrobe (Verse24). She has strength and dignity and no one would ever call her “lazy,” because she doesn’t have time for laziness or idleness (Verse 27). Although, she is not described as “having great riches” (and may even be poor herself compared to those with great wealth or those who have the luxury to idle their time), nevertheless she stretches out her hand to the poor and needy (Verse 20).

If one looks carefully, Proverbs 31 also describes many of the qualities of 17 ^th and 18 ^th century slave women in America. Many of these women picked cotton under tortuous conditions on plantations, tended to children, managed side cabin gardens, made their own clothes and prepared meals for the household. Many of these women could say, as Langston Hughes states in his poem “Mother to Son,”

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor

Yet they would also say, as Langston says: “I’se been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s,”

In other words, these slave women and their progeny, like Harriet Tubman, Mary McLeod Bethune, Sojourner Truth, Alice Ball, Ella Ball and others still stretched out and gave, despite their own circumstances. They knew as if you are “tight” and don’t stretch out and open your hand, “nothing can go out,” but also “nothing can come in.” In other to “receive a blessing,” it was important to stretch by open your hands and your heart and give a blessing to others!

The woman in Matthew 9:20 also stretched. Despite twelve long years of cramps and bleeding and stiffness (being “stiffed and rejected from the temple to society”) the woman in Matthew Ch. 9 is a good example why it is never too late to stretch. She is also an example that GOD is faithful if you stretch out in faith. GOD will “see you,” just as JESUS saw her, and HE can turn your situation around if you take a leap and stretch out on faith.

Yes, the Bible is a wonderful instruction manual on stretching!

STRETCHING AND FLEXIBILITY

Stretching is not the same as flexibility. Flexibility refers to the range of motion of a given joint. Stretching is an exercise that can increase flexibility. According to Michael Esco, PhD, in “Stretching and Flexibility, 7 Tips,” people often stretch incorrectly. According to Esco:

Don’t bend down and touch your toes to stretch your legs before a run or hold your hands together behind your back to stretch your chest muscles before bench pressing. These kind of “static stretches” for “warm ups” can hurt your performance or cause injury. Why? Because muscles are like rubber bands, because they both are elastic. If a rubber band is too stretchy, it won’t have a “pop.” Likewise, a muscle that is too elastic from stretching has to work harder to generate power and will be prone to injury from strain and being overtaxed. That is why static stretches should not be done as a warm-up but as a cool down, when the muscles are already warm and less prone to injury.

The best way to warm up is to perform dynamic movement. For example, if you are going to run or jog, start by walking and then increase your pace. If you plan to bench press, start with lighter weights (50%-70% lighter) and then build up to higher weights. If you want to stretch your leg muscles, do high knee marches or lunges. Arm circles, jumping jacks and skipping rope are other good dynamic warm-up exercises for warming up.

Don’t bounce – According to Esco, bouncing stretches, where the body rocks back and forth in a bouncing motion is "a recipe for disaster." These motions are difficult to control and not recommended for beginners or for people recovering from an injury.

See, “Stretching and Flexibility, 7 Tips, Expert Advice on how to stretch and stretching mistakes to avoid” by Michael Esco, PhD, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/stretching-and-flexibility-tips#1

STRETCH YOUR FAITH

Both physical fitness and spiritual fitness require that we s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Remember, GOD is still THE LORD ALMIGHTY. HE still does thing “exceedingly,” “abundantly,” “beyond” and “above all” we ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20).

Keep S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 525 2-5-2020

SIGHT & INSIGHT

Matt 9:27-21 And when JESUS departed thence, two blind men followed HIM, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when HE was come into the house, the blind men came to HIM, and JESUS saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto HIM, Yea, LORD. Then touched HE their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And, their eyes were opened.... But they, when they were departed, spread abroad HIS fame in all that country. [King James translation]

Summary:

Two men who are blind make their way to JESUS. The men ask JESUS to have mercy on them (each man asking for himself and his companion). When JESUS asks them if they believe that HE is able to heal them, they say: “Yes LORD.” According to their faith, they are healed. When the men leave JESUS, they spread the news about JESUS all over the region.

Food For Sight: Carrots are probably one of the best known good foods for the eyesight. Carrots are rich in beta carotene and lutein, which are antioxidants that help prevent eye damage. According to Healthline, yellow carrots contain the most lutein, which may also prevent Macular Degeneration. See: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-carrots-good-for-your-eyes#carrots-and-eye-health. Macular Degeneration is an age-related medical condition which affects older adults and results in the loss of sight. It is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans older than age 55 years.

Other foods that are considered good for sight include:

Dark green leafy vegetables – According to the Mayo Clinic, lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in broccoli, spinach, peas, and other green vegetables.) Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, almonds

Zeaxanthin is another powerful antioxidant, which helps to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

Other foods that help the eyes include:

Foods rich in vitamins A, C, E (berries, oranges, and other citrus fruits and drinks.

Some of the preventive measure to take include:

Avoiding cigarette smoke. According to studies on eye disease and smoking: Smoking increases the risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and Dry Eye Syndrome.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - Smokers are three to four times more likely to develop AMD than nonsmokers. Nonsmokers living with smokers almost double their risk of developing AMD
Cataracts - Heavy smokers (15 cigarettes a day or more) have up to three times the risk of cataracts as nonsmokers.
Glaucoma - There is a strong link between smoking and high blood pressure, cataracts and diabetes, which are all risk factors for glaucoma.
Diabetic Retinopathy- Smoking increases a person’s risk of getting diabetes and makes managing diabetes more difficult. Complications of diabetes, made worse by smoking, include: stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, foot problems, nerve damage, vascular disease and other complications.
Dry Eye Syndrome - Dry Eye Syndrome is more than twice as likely to impact smokers than nonsmokers.

See: www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/smoking_can_lead_to_vision_loss or_blindness.htm; and https://www.allaboutvision.com/smoking/.

Food For Thought And Prayer

Spiritual blindness can be more crippling and more harmful to our relationships with others and our relationship with GOD than physical blindness. For example, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving, do we put on blinders to the needs of the homeless, those incarcerated or children (in juvenile facilities, in hospitals, in foster care), or the needs of families, or the needs of those in our places of worship? Are we willing to let GOD “enlarge our vision?”

Could it be that we miss opportunities because our “vision” and our faith are “too small?”

Can you envision GOD doing “ exceedingly abundantly,” “ above all that we ask of think,” “ infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes” and “ immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine?” (Ephesians 3:20; King James, New International, and Living Bible translations) If not, perhaps it is time for a spiritual vision examination.

So, today, pray for greater sight and insight. Ask GOD to touch our eyes and the eyes of our leaders so we recognize injustice, fairness, right, and wrong.

Pray for clearer sight, greater insight and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 524 1-29-2020

BE TRANSFORMED

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers [and sisters], in view of GOD’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to GOD—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what GOD’s will is –HIS good, pleasing and perfect will. [New International translation]

Summary

If there was anyone in the Bible who knew about transformation, most would agree that Paul did!

When we first meet Paul, he was known as “Saul.” Some might call him a “stone cold killer” and “Public Enemy # 1” to Christians. The Living Bible translation describes him this

Paul was like a wild man, going everywhere to devastate the believers [in JESUS CHRIST], even entering private homes and dragging out men and women alike and jailing them.

See, Acts 8:3. Paul described his old self as having a zeal for persecuting Christians (sometimes called the followers of “This Way.” In addition to touting his educational credentials, as having been a pupil of Gamaliel, a strict Pharisee, who educated those under him in a similar strict manner and according to the Jewish laws, (Acts 22:3), Paul admits that he viewed all Christians as a threat. In Acts 22:4 Paul states:

[I] persecuted the Christians, hounding them to death, biding and delivering both men and women to prison

Paul acknowledges that he had a reputation for going after Christians. In fact, in Acts 22, he basically says, “ask anyone and they will tell you I’m telling the truth:

The High Priest or any member of the Council [i.e., The Sanhedrin, the Supreme Counsel and tribunal of the Jewish people that had religious, civil and criminal jurisdiction] can testify that this is so. For I asked them for letter to the Jewish leaders in Damascus, with instructions to let me bring any Christians I found to Jerusalem in chains to be punished.

See Acts 22:5. But after Paul’s Damascus road experience where Paul “met” and had a personal experience with JESUS, Paul was completely transformed:

Paul was humbled and forced to his knees (Acts 9:4)
Instead of being arrogant and boastful, Paul found that he was blind and needed to be led. (Acts 9)
Instead of persecuting believers, Paul becomes a zealous believer, telling everyone about the Good News about JESUS---that HE is the SON of GOD. (Acts 9:20). Paul said:

1. For to me to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

2. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that CHRIST saved me for and wants me to be (Philippians 3:12)

3. Paul calls himself “ a servant of CHRIST JESUS.” (Romans 1:1); “ crucified with CHRIST,” so that “ I myself no longer live, but CHRIST lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Paul’s transformation allowed him to start all over again!

START OVER! KEEP GOING!

It happens at the beginning of January. They make resolutions. They decide to go to the gym. They start a “new thing.” Many gyms are full of “January People” the first week of January. Gym parking lots are generally full. Often classes are full too. During that first week, gyms are teeming with activity! By the second week, more parking spaces become available. And by the third week you can park almost in any section you want. Perhaps the results did not come as quickly as the January People wanted so they “slacked off” “a bit” or stop going altogether.

Sometimes “January People” make resolutions about what they will eat or drink. Or the January promise may be about spending, attending church, reading the Bible, watching less TV, spending more time with a spouse, children or family. Sometimes January people join a church ministry or have goals for their present ministry or volunteer group.

There are “January Student.” Some have about studying, playing an instrument, getting homework done faster or have other academic goals.

There are also “January Project People” who have projects they have been planning for years--- house project, a work project, or a personal project they are trying to “get done.”

If you are feeling that you just haven’t accomplished what you wanted to accomplish, what you thought you needed to accomplish or if you are feeling like “things are not working,” Romans 12:1 reminds all of us, “Don’t give up!” “Start Over again!” and remember GOD’s power to TRANSFORM YOU and YOUR MIND!

For example, if you want to move beyond being a “January Gym Person,” study the habits of those who keep going to the gym. Many of them will tell you that they are not looking for “external” rewards” (like a great body; or because they lose a pound every time they go) but they go to the gym because of the “internal rewards” (they enjoy the friendship with other people, because it has become part of their “healthy living” lifestyle). The gym has just become part of their mental and physical routine.

Many tasks involve showing up, being consistent, sacrificing some activities for others and deciding to “keep going” or starting again, even when things did not turn out the way you wanted them to the first time! So, don’t give up! It’s not over yet! Keep going!

PRAY and ASK GOD

Romans 12:1 also reminds us to be mindful of the type of resolutions and goals we try to achieve. We are warned to “do not conform to the pattern of this world.” Some parents have put it this way: “Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean that you have to do it too.” “Just because everyone else owns it, doesn’t mean you need to own it, buy it, wear it too.” “Just because everyone else is going, doesn’t mean you need to go too.” We don’t have to conform to everything we see in magazines, on TV or in ads.

Instead Romans 12:1 encourages each of us to find what is pleasing to GOD! Pray about what GOD wants you to do. Pray about what GOD wants you to become. Pray and ask GOD what GOD’s will is for you!

So, as we approach the end of January, pray about for GOD’s will for you! Pray about GOD’s will and for renewal in our homes, our neighborhoods, and world governments.

Please pray one for another. Pray GOD’s will be done!

Prayer Day # 523 1-22-2020

RE-EXAMINING SALT

Deuteronomy 29: 22-23: Then your children and the generations to come and the foreigners that pass by from distant lands shall see the devastation of the land and the diseases the Lord will have sent upon it. They will see that the whole land is alkali and salt, a burned over wasteland, unsown, without crops, without a shred of vegetation---just like Sodom and Gomorrah and Admah and Zeboiim, destroyed by the Lord in his anger. [Living Bible translation]

“re”-a prefix, occurring originally words from Latin, used with the meaning “again” or “again and again or meaning “back” or “backward” to indicate or backward motion.

BIBLICAL COMMENTS The book of Deuteronomy derives its name from “deuteros” meaning second and “nomos” meaning law. “Deuteronomy” means “second law,” because the book is Moses’ proclamation of GOD’s divine law to the people a second time. The book repeats the recitation of the civil and moral law. It is also a rededication of the people to GOD through the renewal of the covenant between GOD and the people of Israel. It is the repeating of the law and the people’s vows to GOD.

Moses knew that some things were so important they needed to be repeated again and again. Moses also knew that sometimes it is important to just stop and look back---for re-examination, reaffirmation, for reflection and to ensure the people were still following GOD’s law.

SALT GUIDELINES According to the CDC, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American consumes too much salt. Nine out of ten American consume much more than the recommended limits for salt. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, people over the age of 14 should consumes no more than 2300 mg of salt—or the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of salt. Americans younger than 14 should consume even less. See, “CDC: 90% of American consume too much salt,” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/304833.php#1.

SALT’S HARMFUL EFFECTS

1. High Blood Pressure

The reason why salt guidelines were revised and lowered was based on scientific evidence of salt’s harmful effects, one of them being, that too much salt can lead to increased risks of high blood pressure, a major risk for heart disease and stroke.

Around 1 out of 3 adult Americans, about 70 million people, suffer from high blood pressure. Only about half of those suffering from high blood pressure have it under control. The raised blood pressure from eating too much salt can damage the arteries leading to the heart, the arteries leading to the brain and in general puts extra strain on your arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the various organs in the body.

2. Kidneys

One of the functions of the kidneys is to filter blood, removing unwanted fluids. Extra fluids go out into the bladder to be released as urine. Eating too much salt reduces the ability of the kidneys to remove water affects and the pressure created on the arteries can cause strain, damaging the kidneys and preventing the removing of unwanted and toxic waste products, which can eventually build up in the body.

3. Dementia New research has shown that a diet high in salt may be connected to cognitive decline or dementia. Studies on mice have shown that a diet high in salt leads to dementia in mice because of an overproduction of inflammation. A high salt diet was also found to affect the levels of tau protein in the brain. Studies have shown that a buildup of tau protein is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The research results on mice are a good reminder and warning about the dangers of salt. However, more research is necessary to duplicate the rodent findings in humans. Id.

BE A SAVY CONSUMER:

In order to be aware that you are ingesting salt, it is important to recognize the list of ingredients on a package that includes salt or sodium-containing compounds. According to MayoClinic.com if you see a package that mentions any of the following, you are looking at a salt or sodium product:

- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

-Baking soda

-Baking power

-Disodium phosphate

-Sodium alginate

-Sodium nitrate or nitrite

It is also helpful to know that much of the salt we ingest doesn’t always come from a salt shaker. The biggest contributor of salt for most American is salt from process foods and restaurant foods. Some of the foods include grains, meats (e.g. poultry), baked goods, soups and sandwiches. “Get the Facts: Sodium and Dietary Guidelines,” states:

One slice of bread can contain anywhere from 80 to 230 mg of sodium, and a slice of frozen pizza can contain between 370 and 730 mg.
Some breakfast cereals contain 150 to 300 mg of sodium before milk is added.

A cup of soup and a sandwich could result in a consumption of 2,200 mg. of sodium! See: “Get the Facts: Sodium and Dietary Guidelines,” https://www.cdc.gov/salt/pdfs/sodium_dietary_guidelines.pdf

If you don’t monitor your intake, your sodium consumption can build up quickly!

SOME THINGS ARE WORTH REPEATING AGAIN According to the Dietary Guidelines For Americans, all American should probably use less salt. In other words, we all need to monitor the salt we eat. We all need to use less salt. The matter is so important, it bears repeating: Reduce Your Salt Intake.

Make today a day for reexamination. Reexamine your use of salt. Reexamine your food intake. Reexamine your goals for this year. Reexamine your finances. Reexamine what it means to be an American. Reexamine your prayer life. Reexamine your commitment and your relationship to GOD. Reexamine your commitment and need for greater physical and spiritual health. Reexamine your relationships with others. Reexamine your ministries. Reexamine whatever GOD has placed on your heart.

Reexamine, pray and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 522 1-15-2020

SHOULDERS

Deuteronomy 33: 12-13 And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders. [King James translation]

Biblical Lesson

Chapter 34 of the book of Deuteronomy is the blessing of the tribes. The very first verse of the chapter announces that “This is the blessing that Moses, the man of GOD, gave to the people of Israel before his death.” See, Deuteronomy 34:1, Living Bible translation. Like, Isaac blessing his sons Jacob and Esau (see Genesis 27) and like Jacob blessing his grandchildren Manasseh and Ephraim; (see Genesis 48), Moses wanted to share a prophetic word from the LORD with “the children of Israel.”

To the tribe of Benjamin, Moses prayed and declared that the LORD shall “cover him” and that the LORD “dwell between his shoulders.”

The shoulder in the Bible is associated with strength. In Luke 15:4, in the Parable of the Lost Sheep,” when the herdsman finds his lost sheep, he lifts it up and lays it on his shoulder, rejoicing. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah preaches a Messianic message that a Child is born, a son is given, and that his name shall be called “Wonderful,” “Counsellor,” “The Mighty GOD,” “the Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace” and that “the government shall be upon HIS shoulder.”

In the Book of Job, in Chapter 31, Job uses a shoulder argument to defend himself against the guilty stares and condemnation of his “friends.” Job gives a number of examples of ungodly behavior and then basically states that if he has committed any of those offense against GOD (e.g., lied, deceived, lusted after another’s wife, been unfair to his servants, mistreated the poor, raised his hand to the fatherless, been insensitive to the plight of widow, “ then let my arm fall from the shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.” In pronouncing this judgment upon himself, if he were guilty of offending GOD, Job makes it clear that losing the strength of shoulder or losing an arm, would be a harsh punishment indeed. See Job 31:22.

This verse also reminds us that when GOD dwells within us, whatever burden we may face, we have the blessed assurance that GOD can “shoulder it.” That is why the ancestors frequently said or sang: “Take your burdens to THE LORD and leave them there.”

The Need to Exercise the Shoulder

The shoulders are still associated with power. And it’s important not to take your shoulders for granted. Your shoulders allow you to get something off a shelf, drive your car, type at a keyboard, and to do numerous other things during the course of a day. Reach for something and you are using your shoulders. Carry a bag of groceries, scratch your back, lift anything of any weight and you are using your shoulders.

The shoulders are usually capable of a wide range of motion, which is why exercise is important.

Exercises that strengthen the shoulders, improve posture, increase flexibility and mobility can be done at home, at work or at a gym. As one writer noted, a pair of sculptured shoulders can look good on anyone!

Cross-Arm Shoulder Stretch :

Gently raise your left hand across your body to the opposite shoulder, allowing the hand to gentle rest against the back of the right shoulder. Then gently place the right hand at your left elbow to gently lift your left elbow to the level of the shoulder, then across the body. Continue to extend your hand across your shoulder along the back until you feel the stretch. Hold for 10-20 seconds and then repeat 5-10 times. Reverse the hands and repeat the stretch on the opposite side. The purpose of this stretch is to increase range of motion and flexibility.

Arm Rotations

This exercise will strengthen your deltoid shoulder muscles. This is a simple exercise that can be done sitting or standing up. Raise your arms to shoulder level and extend them straight out to your sides. Your body will be the shape of a cross. Now rotate your arm in a forward motion for 5 revolutions and then rotate your arms backward for 5 revolutions, making circles. This is considered one set. Now, do this exercise three times, forward and backward.

Group/Class Shoulder Exercises

Many gyms include shoulder exercises as part of a normal warm-up workout. Many gyms also have barbells, weights, rowing machines, presses and other machines and equipment which will help strengthen your shoulders. Speak to a Zumba, yoga, Pilates, or water aerobics instructor, or a trainer if you would like recommendations or training on shoulder exercises. . Remember, during the month of January some gyms offer free sessions, 3 day passes or welcome consultations.

If you have an injury, have a medical condition, are on medication, feel any pain attempting an exercise, have questions, concerns or need assistance consult your personal physician for the best exercise program for you.

Pray for Strong Shoulders

If you are concerned about our government, the governments of other countries, or the inability of governments to end war or be more humanitarian, we can find comfort in the prophetic words of Isaiah---that one day “the government will be on HIS shoulders.” (Isaiah 9:6) Until then, we continue to pray for all government leaders. And continue to ask GOD’s blessings and that HE dwell “between each of our shoulders” as well as our minds, and our hearts. Pray that each of us do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with GOD (Micah 6:8). Pray we help shoulder each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2-4).

Remember, we all need to hear a WORD from the LORD. And, we must all shoulder the responsibility of being GOD’s living WORD in the world. So, square your shoulders. Lift HIM up----and be ye lifted up---today and every day in 2020! (Psalms 24:9)

Be strong. Be prayerful. BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 521 1-8-2020

KOINONIA

Acts 2:44-46 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need. They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, praising GOD. [Living Bible translation ]

Definition: “Koinonia” is a New Testament Greek word that means “commune by intimate participation.” The word is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the relationship within the early Christian church as well as the act of “breaking bread” that CHRIST prescribed during the Passover meal. It identifies the state of fellowship and community that should exist among Christians. Koinonia embraces concepts like “sharing,” “joint participation,” “contribution” and “fellowship with each other and with GOD.”

DISCUSSIONActs 2:44-46 is often cited as a prime example of ‘Koinonia’ among members of the early Christian church. The idea of meeting together, sharing their resources, worshipping together, praying together, meeting in small groups for fellowship and the act of participation in communion is expressed in Acts 2:44-46 and elsewhere in the gatherings of the early church. The word “Koinonos” means a companion, a partner or a joint owner.

Koinonia can also refer to a spiritual relationship, as when something is held or shared jointly for GOD. The HOLY SPIRIT acting within us and through us for the mission of helping the poor or to achieve a higher purpose, thereby glorifying GOD, is also expressed in the concept of ‘Koinonia.’ Koinonia also refers to a bond between comrades, as when friends share their joys and pain, when one prays for another, or when people are united because of their common interests and goals. Koinonia involves action. It is the “ doing together.” It is a blessed, interdependent friendship and fellowship among believers and with GOD.

KOINONIA GOALS - FOR THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS

Although it may be traditional for people to enter their own, separate and private “mental closets” and make their own individual lists of new year resolutions or goals, I would like to suggest that we, as a Wednesday group of believers, in the spirit of Koinonia, set a few Koinonia goals for the next seven days.

A. SPIRITUAL FITNESS GOAL:

Read and re-read Psalms 103- A Psalm of David discussing “The Benefits of the LORD” over the next seven days. [For example, read a portion first thing in the morning or at night or set aside time during lunch or during some part of your day.] If you want a sermon on this scripture or a deeper understanding of how this scripture can help you, I encourage you to listen to the December 29, 2019 sermon of Rev. Bernestine Smith. https://livestream.com/allentempleoakland/events/1851802/videos/200282351.

Say a Koinonia prayer for someone and a Koinonia prayer of thanks to GOD each day!

B. PHYSICAL FITNESS GOAL:

Select one or more of the following goals: Find a partner to do one or more of these exercises at least once on 3 different days over the next 7 days ( If you have a medical condition or disability and have not been exercising, consult your personal physician request a consultation about what exercises would be appropriate for you.):

1. Find a walking buddy and take a walk for at least 30 minutes. If your buddy is in a wheel chair find the appropriate grounds for wheel chair mobility and modify your time, if necessary.

2. Ask a friend or family member to join you in doing some online exercise movements appropriate for your level. The following websites may be helpful:

Exercise For Seniors - https://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=exercises+for+seniors
Exercise For Teens - https://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=exercises%20for%20teens
Exercise For Children- https://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=exercise+for+children+
Exercise In A Wheelchair- https://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=exercise+in+a+wheelchair
Exercise for Anyone - https://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=exercises%20for%20anyone

Always consult your personal physician if you have questions or concerns about exercise.

3. Ask a family member or friend to join you in doing some exercises with weights appropriate for you and your partner.

4. Take two or three exercise classes. [Many gyms, like 24-Hour Fitness, provide 3-day passes in the month of January. If you live near a 24-Hour Fitness gym, call and ask about their free 3-day passes.]

https://www.24hourfitness.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9dDwBRC9ARIsABbedBNngVqFwBB1YdouaHV5UEtAtCw6L4GCsZtq7lrQs45Qara8fBTL_98aAgQdEALw_wcB&adb_id=PPC_ADB_ACQ_022018_JS190220ACQ&ef_id=Cj0KCQiA9dDwBRC9ARIsABbedBNngVqFwBB1YdouaHV5UEtAtCw6L4GCsZtq7lrQs45Qara8fBTL_98aAgQdEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!6388!3!331933638657!e!!g!!24%20hour%20fitness%20near%20me

C. FOOD/DRINK GOAL

Eat a raw fruit or vegetable for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner over the next seven days. For example, a piece of fruit, salad, raw carrots, celery, broccoli, etc.
Make a point to drink plain water (hot or cold) with at least two meals per day. Avoid drinks with added sugar over the next seven days.
Eat one to three meals with friends, family or co-workers over the next seven days.

KOINONIA IS NOT JUST FOR YOU

Koinonia is not just for you. Our goals are not only for ourselves but for our churches, families and community. We are all in this together!

One thing you can always do is pray one for another during this Koinonia 7-day journey and into 2020! Please pray for members of your family, pray for those who join you in worship (members, visitors and friends). Pray for the homeless. Pray for students. Pray for our leaders and other leaders around the world. Pray for the incarcerated. Pray for the lonely. Pray for the sick. Pray for the mentally ill. Pray for those who are hungry. Pray for nations. Pray for youth and children everywhere. Pray for Peace.

Pray for Koinonia. And, don’t forget to thank GOD for all of GOD’s benefits to us all!

Prayer Day # 520 1-1-2020

BE HAPPY

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when HE saw the crowds, HE went up on a mountainside and sat down…and HE began to teach them saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see GOD. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of GOD. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me…. because great is your reward in heaven… [New International translation ]

Definition: The word “Beatitude” is from the Latin “beatus” meaning both “blessed” and “happy.” It is a description of Supreme happiness or Supreme blessedness.

SCRIPTURE DISCUSSION

The verses of Matthew chapter 5:1-12 are often referred to as “JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount” or “The Beatitudes.” Like Moses’ receiving the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, JESUS’ teaching of the eight beatitudes is a message, instruction or proclamation from GOD. The message of the beatitudes is about humility, charity, and spiritual love.

The message of the beatitudes tells us what it means to live like Christ, who sacrificed Himself out of love for all humanity. The beatitudes are a guide for the “spiritual” or “inner person.”

The beatitudes are similar to Jesus’ Passover instruction that to be “great” you must “serve.” See, Luke 22:26.

The beatitudes are similar to JESUS’ instruction that to be “great” we must become like “little children” and not “overbearing adults” ---wanting to have everything our way. See, Matthew 18:1-3

The promise and the reward of living a “blessed” life or embracing “an attitude” for the beatitudes is supreme happiness .

Happiness Research

There has been a great deal of research concerning happiness. For example, in “Choose To Be Happy, Strategies for Happiness: 7 Steps to Becoming a Happier Person,” by Tom Valeo reviewed by Louise Chang, MD. There are a number of recommendations, based on research, for living a happier life. Central to this research is the idea that you can choose or pursue happiness. Some of the action steps a person can pursue include the following:

Step #1: Don’t Worry; Choose Happiness

This first step involves conditioning your mind by making a conscious choice to not think about those things that make you unhappy, but instead to boost your own happiness. This is basically the lesson of Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” In other words, often what is inside a person gets reflected outside. Instead of intentionally thinking the worse, thinking that “you are going to have a bad day” or that “the work day will automatically be bad” you can choose to be happy (e.g., think that the day will be great!), irrespective of your circumstances. If “you let” people “make” you unhappy, (i.e., you give them the power to do so), they often will. But, instead, if you decide to “make” yourself happy, (i.e., you give yourself the power to do so), you often can. So, make an intentional choice about how you are going to feel “inside.” Decide what kind of attitude you will have. Assure yourself that GOD is going to work everything out, no matter what happens. Step out on faith, trust GOD and be happy (i.e. claim your victory and even celebrate early), even before the situation unfolds!

Step #2 Cultivate Gratitude

One of the ways of developing a “happiness” state of mind” is to “perform some happiness exercises.” One such exercise is to cultivate a sense of gratitude. Wake up in the morning and literally count your blessings—name them one by one. Breathe the fresh air, listen to the sounds, smell the rain or the earth. Look back over your past---did GOD ever get you through a storm? Were you blessed with GODly parents and friends? Did GOD see you through a test or a presentation, give you a job, allow you to attend school, provide a roof over your head, allow you to eat a good meal? Has HE taken care of you and your ancestors, generation after generation? Did GOD physically or spiritually heal you? Instead of thinking about what you don’t have, think about just how far you have come.

Step #3 Foster Forgiveness Holding or “nursing” a grudge, a grievance or a hurt can affect your own physical and mental health. Mahalia Jackson, the famous contralto Civil Rights Gospel singer, is quoted as saying “If you dig one ditch you better dig two cause the trap you set may be for you.” In other words, all those negative thoughts you have for someone else, may be affecting your own health. Unforgiveness tends to have twin ravenous siblings, bitterness and resentment, which eat up a lot of “mental” energy. They like to waste time remembering past wrongs. They churn away at every slight, creating a “festering sores” in the heart. They use up creative energy, setting land mines and envisioning other “get even” disasters that often end up blowing up in the wrong person’s face. Unforgiveness, resentment and bitterness are difficult walking companions, because they are “stuck” in one place--the past. Best to leave them behind and move on. Unforgiveness also tends to cause memory loss and poor vision. Unforgiving people forget that none of us has reached perfection. They forget that all of us make mistakes. The thought of being “better” than someone else or that someone else is so much worse is “just an illusion.” All of us need forgiveness. If GOD forgave us (and the world) on the cross, who are we to refuse to do likewise.

Step # 4: Counteract Negative Thought and Feelings This may look a lot like Step #1, but the difference is taking it out of the “mental” realm by using “action” to counter the mental. So instead of just thinking, do something physical to help you shrug off negative thoughts and negative feelings. Practice yoga. Practice meditation or breathing exercises. Do relaxation exercise, tai chi or other moving meditation techniques to quell anxiety. Go for a walk. Take a zumba or dance class. Go to Bible study. Listen to a sermon. Pray for someone. When you “feel bad” do something to make yourself feel good.

Step #5: Remember, Money Can’t Buy Happiness So much of our unhappiness has to do with “myths” we hold in our minds about what we “imagine” will make us happy.” Research tend to show that once income levels rise above the poverty level, more money tends to bring very little happiness. There are numerous accounts of lottery winners who were much happier before they hit the lottery than afterwards. See: http://time.com/4176128/powerball-jackpot-lottery-winners/. One winner reported wishing he had just torn up the ticket.

Step #6: Foster Friendship

Unhappy people often feel isolated, disconnected and alone. That is why it is important for churches and worshipers to reach out to others and extend the hand of friendship. Valeo states that: “One Australian study found that people over 70 who had the strongest network of friends lived much longer.” Many churches used to sing the hymn: “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds; is like to that above” * at the end of every church service. The song served as a constant reminder that the “binding ties of friendship and fellowship” provide meaningful support to people in difficult times and increase their happiness.

Step #7: Engage In Meaningful Activities

According to one psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, people are seldom happier than when they are “in the flow,” the state in which the mind becomes thoroughly absorbed by a meaningful task that challenges your abilities. This often happens when people serve. When people volunteer their time, join a choir, join a ministry, become part of a civic activity in your community, it has meaning and increases happiness. This same psychologist also noted that one of the most common leisure time activities in America—watching TV—produces some of the lowest levels of happiness. In other words, “to get more out of life; you have to put more into it.” Do something for GOD. Allow GOD to use you. Serve with gladness and be happy.

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Over the next few days, we will be wishing each other Happy New Year. Many of us will be praying for a Happy 2020 for ourselves, our families, our friends, our churches, our cities, our nation and the world.

Meditate on Matthew 5:1-12. Let us open our minds and our hearts to JESUS’ sermon to us. Let us pray we forgive, be grateful, choose to be positive, be peacemakers, mourn with those who have suffered and lost loved ones, and pray for those who continue to suffer because of war and indifference. Pray we become just and merciful and that we have friendly places of worship that extend helping hands of true friendship to our neighbors and love one another.

Pray in 2020 we treat our minds and bodies as temples of GOD. Pray we make a sincere commitment to greater spiritual and physical health.

Pray that we continue to study GOD’s HOLY WORD, so that we can learn exactly what HE would have us to learn, so we can do exactly what HE would have us to do and be exactly what HE would have us to be.

In 2020, be happy and BE BLESSED!

_______________________________________

Prayer Day # 519 12-25-2019

GOD’s LOVE

John 3:16 For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON.… [King James translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS The birth of JESUS marks an extraordinary event in human history. It is a divine event. It is a time when we marvel that GOD--- OMNIPOTENT (all powerful), OMNISCIENT (all knowing), OMNIPRESENT (everywhere at the same time), and OMNIBENEVOLENT (all loving and all good), became flesh and blood, in the form of JESUS, and dwelled among us, a sinful people, so that HE could show us “ WHO HE (GOD) IS” and how to love.

GOD became flesh in the natural world and became the “living WORD.” HE became and epitomized “ LOVE,” “SACRIFICE,” “TRUTH” “TRUE FRIEND,” “FAMILY,” “ELDER BROTHER,” and showed us how to have the “ RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.”

GOD gave THE GIFT of LOVE.

LOVE & EXERCISE

There are people who love to exercise. In “How to Learn to Love Exercise,” Mark Stibich, PhD, list some steps to become one of those people.

SCHEDULE IT - If you let it, everything will take priority over exercise. Instead of viewing exercise as “free time” and convincing yourself that you have no “free time,” it is important to practice setting aside time consistently to exercise. So, schedule it!
- You can begin by first setting aside 30 minutes 3 times a week to just think about exercise. In other words, don’t turn on the TV, don’t surf the internet, don’t answer the phone, don’t write, just think. Think about what you could be doing in the 30 minutes (e.g. walking outside or at a mall or other enclosed structure, taking a yoga class, taking a Tai Chi class, doing a series of stretches to a video, going to the gym and using exercise equipment, etc. Do this mental exercise for at least 30 minutes 2-3 times a week or until you are ready to take the next step.
- Now that you have set aside “mental exercise” time, substitute the mental exercise with the real thing. One of the easiest way may be to call a gym and ask for a free pass to attend a class.
SET A MINIMUM – Once you have scheduled time, determine a minimum number of times each week you will exercise and make a commitment to not fall below that minimum. Sometimes you may exceed your minimum or you may have a “bad day” and reduce the intensity of the exercise but try to keep your commitment.
MAKE YOUR GOAL HEALTH & ENERGY--Tell yourself each time you exercise your goal is health and energy. Avoid setting weight loss goals or body image goals. Each time you exercise should be a win-win because you are sticking to your commitment and achieving greater health and energy. Even on your “light” workout days, you are still winning!
BECOME AWARE OF THE MENTAL BENEFITS OF EXERCISE--In other words, notice how exercise makes you feel. Ask yourself some mental health questions. Since you started exercising:
- Are you dealing with stress differently?
- How’s your creativity?
- How’s your problem-solving skills?
- Do you enjoy food more?
- Are you tired on non-exercise days?
- Do you crave different foods?

Hold onto your positive answers on days you’d rather sit or surf the internet

5. ENJOY THE CHANGES – For example: Do you have:

Better posture?
Increased endurance?
Increased flexibility? Not as stiff in the mornings?
More strength? Easier to carry grocery bags or do other chores?
Better movement? Can you go up and down stairs easier?

6. APPRECIATE AND ENJOY HOW YOU FEEL DURING AND AFTER EXERCISE -

Really feel your muscles and limbs
Marvel at the mechanics of running, walking or lifting
Feel your pulse increase or your blood flow quicken
Appreciate what is happening to your body during exercise.

7. CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF – Once you have learned to love exercise, continue to challenge yourself. Don’t let

yourself get bored or hit a plateau. Keep growing. Keep striving. Keep challenging your body. There’s always room for a better you!

See , “How to Learn to Love Exercise,” by Mark Stibich, PhD, April 9, 2019, https://www.verywellfit.com/how-to-learn-to-love-exercise-2223800.

According to Stibich, once you learn to love exercise and create an exercise lifestyle, you will be on the road to developing a healthy habit that will help sustain you throughout your life.

EXERCISE GOD’s LOVE

GOD wants each of us to love ourselves and each other.

Just as GOD gave us the gift of love, we likewise should treat ourselves as “treasured by GOD.” See, 1Peter 2:9. We should show respect for everyone, including ourselves and others. See 1Peter 2:17. We must love everyone. In fact, we are commanded to love one another, just as GOD has loved us. See, John 15:12.

So, tomorrow and every day, celebrate! Celebrate GOD’s LOVE. Exercise GOD’s LOVE. Exemplify GOD’s LOVE.

PRAISE GOD for HIS LOVE and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 518 12-18-2019

JESUS, The Magi and The Gifts

Matthew 2:1-2, 11 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him….On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasurers and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh…. [New International translation]

Biblical Lesson

The visit of the Magi is one of the great visual images of Christmas. Numerous children’s plays will include three young children, wrapped up in old robe like “bed sheets” with crowns on their heads. You may remember receiving or sending numerous Christmas cards over the years of three crowned men on camels with outstretched hands holding gifts. Or, you may recall images of three men entering a stable presenting their gifts to baby Jesus, lying in the manger, with Mary and Joseph standing nearby and the baby under a huge bright shining star. These are the “Three Wise Men.” These are the images we have carried around with us for years. Many have even suggested that the reason we give each other gifts at Christmas is to remind us of these three wise men who gave gifts to Jesus. And because of their gifts, during the weeks before Christmas many still journey far and near, going from store to store, and spend hours searching the internet for just the right gift to give.

However, the story of the visit of the Magi actually described in the Gospel of Matthew may not be what we envisioned as children or have carried with us even into our adult years.

First, when Matthew describes the visit of the Magi or wise men from the east who journeyed to Jerusalem, the number three is never mentioned. Matthew just states that there came Magi or wise men from the east. Perhaps there were three or four or many wise men that came. We often assume there were just three because of the three gifts that are mentioned: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Magi are sometimes depicted as kings. Others believe the Magi were astrologers who studied the stars. Several translations even use the word “astrologers” at Mathew 2:1, including the Living Bible, Amplified Bible, New English Bible and other translations. Some who believe the Magi were kings point to Isaiah’s reference to the Messiah in Isaiah 60:3 Messiah that:“Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” See, New International translation.

And then there are the gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. See King James, Living Bible and Revised Standard translations. What was the purpose of these gifts? Some state that the gifts were “symbolic” of the kind of gifts you would give to a king during those times. Gold represents a valuable commodity (like money), myrrh being an anointing oil, and frankincense a perfume.

Others believe the gifts had spiritual significance, with gold representing an earthly kingdom, frankincense (an incense which was often used in the temples during worship) representing the deity of JESUS. Myrrh, another oil, was used during embalming oil, thus representing death, pointing to JESUS’ death and resurrection. There are some who believe that perhaps these gifts were actually used to later anoint JESUS’ body after his crucifixion.

Some have stated that the gold symbolized virtue, frankincense symbolized prayer, and myrrh suffering. Others believe the Magi’s gifts were for Mary and Joseph and later used to finance the family’s trip and stay in Egypt, where they fled to escape King Herod’s persecution.

The visit of the Magi and all the speculation about their gifts show that it is easy to “get mixed up.” Just like today, it is easy to focus on the wrong thing---the earthly gifts instead of GOD’s glorious, miraculous, loving, eternal, sin offering, sacrificial GIFT to all humanity, JESUS.

Stay Focused on Health and The True Meaning of the Holidays With candy canes dripping from Christmas trees, Christmas stockings filled with sweets, sugar and butter cookies, boxes of chocolate gifts, free candy treats at work and lots of fast food between shopping trips, it is easy to lose focus on the need to still eat healthy during the holidays.

It may also be easy to lose sight of the needs of the homeless, the helpless and those suffering in our communities, in every city in America, and in poor countries around the world. Men and women are still languishing in nursing homes and mental health facilities and prisons.

The numbers of those “incarcerated” in the United States alone are staggering. According to 2019 statistics, the American criminal justice systems has incarcerated almost 2.3 million people in 1,719 state prisons, 109 federal prisons, 1,772 juvenile correctional facilities, 3,163 local jails, and 80 Indian Country jails as wells as in military prisons, immigration detention facilities, civil commitment centers, state psychiatric hospitals and prisons in U.S. territories. See, “Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie in 2019,” by Wendy Sawyer and Peter Wagner, March 19, 2019, https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/pie2019.html.

Just as there was no room for JESUS in the inn (See Luke 2:7), many of the homeless and incarcerated feel there is “no room for them” in our society, in America’s Christmas celebration or America’s heart. They feel totally abandoned, “on the outside looking in,” during a time when there are images everywhere of others celebrating.

Just as we have to stay focused on our own health, we must also be mindful and focus on the health and welfare of others, especially the least and left out among us.

Stay Focused-Let’s Not Forget GOD’s Love

During the month of December, there are numerous reasons to celebrate and thank GOD. In December 2019, some have or will be celebrating the Advent Season, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Kwanza, St John’s Day, The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, World AIDS Day, Human Rights Day, International Volunteer Day and Christmas.

But, it is easy to lose focus. So, remind yourself and others what is really important and why we celebrate. Let’s remember, there are many, many reasons to thank GOD but there is also still much work to be done.

There are many, many reasons to re-gift the greatest gift of all---LOVE---the gift GOD gave us.

So, let’s stay focused. Let’s continue to pray. Let’s continue to work.

And, mostly importantly, let’s continue to love.

Stay focused and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 517 12-11-2019

FROM A ROOT

Isaiah 11:1-2 The royal line of David will be cut off, chopped down like a tree; but from the stump will grow a Shoot [Christ, the Messiah]—yes, a new Branch from the old root. And the SPIRIT of the LORD shall rest upon HIM, the SPIRIT of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might; the SPIRIT of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. HIS delight will be obedience to the LORD. [Living Bible translation]

Definition: the word “Messiah” is a term used in Judaism, Christianity and Islam to reference the redeemer who will come. Christians believe that JESUS CHRIST is THE MESSIAH (i.e., GOD’s Anointed One).

Summary

The prophet Isaiah lived over 700 years before the birth of JESUS CHRIST yet this Old Testament prophet foretells the following New Testament events:

John the Baptist gave his testimony as a witness to JESUS the MESSIAH. In Luke 1:32 John says: “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him,” –thus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophesy that “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon HIM.”
JESUS was the Spirit of Wisdom, even in HIS youth and early ministry. HE was wise in all things (the way HE taught, the way HE answered questions, the way HE counseled. HE became for us Wisdom from GOD. (See 1Cor. 1:30)
JESUS is a Wonderful Counselor because HE not only understands our predicament, but HE judges the heart (not our status, our finances, our clothing, nor our material things). We can always tell Jesus all about our troubles.
JESUS has the love and might to help us. HE calms the stormy seas of life; HE has power over death; HE is our High Priest intervenes on our behalf before THE FATHER. (See Hebrews 4:14-16)
JESUS was totally obedient to HIS FATHER---unlike the rest of humanity (including each of us), HE never sinned. HE delighted in doing the FATHER’s will. HE was the perfect servant. HE humbled himself. Even when it was hard, Jesus allowed the FATHER’s will to be done. HE was obedient, even death on the cross. (See, Philippian 2:8)
JESUS came from the lineage of King David—from David’s “stump.” This royal line had been laid dormant for at least 600 years before Jesus (our KING) came long—thus, JESUS was like a new green “Branch” rising out of an old dormant “” (See, Revelation 5:5)

So, that at the name of JESUS, every knee shall bow… and every tongue shall confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. [Isaiah 45:23-24; Philippians 2:9-11.] No wonder heaven and earth (e.g., the heavenly host of angels, the wise men, the women (Mary and Elizabeth) and the shepherds) rejoiced!

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are a great way to help your body maintain strength and fight fatigue. Root vegetables generally refer to any underground part of a plant. Root vegetables include the following:

Bamboo shoot (Bambusa vulgaris and Phyllostachys edulis)
Beet root (Beta vulgaris vulgaris)
Carrot (Daucus carota)
Chinese artichoke (Stachys affinis)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
Jícama (Pachyrhizus erosus)
Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Prairie turnip (Psoralea esculenta)
Radish (Raphanus sativus)
Rutabaga (Brassica napus Napobrassica group)
Sweet Potato or Kumara (Ipomoea batatas)
Turnip (Brassica rapa Rapifera group)
Wasabi (Wasabia japonica)
Water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis)
Yam (Dioscorea)

Because roots help support and nourish the plant, root vegetables are generally high in vitamins and minerals. They also tend to have low calories and high fiber. Many root vegetables are high in Vitamin A, B, C and high in antioxidants, substances that help prevent disease and help to prevent cell damage.

Because root vegetables are in the ground or close to the ground, it is best to eat organic to avoid the risk of pesticides. The moisture in root vegetables will depend on a number of variables, including the size of the vegetable, the age, where it is grown and when it is harvested. Root vegetables can be grated, thinly sliced into small pieces and even juiced. On non-raw days, root vegetables make great soups.

Root Teas

There are also a number of teas made from roots including: ginger root tea, ginseng root tea, beet root tea, licorice root tea, marshmallow root tea, sarsaparilla root tea, yellowdock root tea, dandelion root tea, etc.) Be sure to read the information about your root tea carefully because some root teas are not recommended for everyone. For example, valerian root tea is not recommended for pregnant woman, nursing mothers or persons with liver disease and may interact with medication. Many of our ancestors used root teas medicinally.

ROOTED IN CHRIST

The Greek word for “Messiah” (anointed one) is “Christos.” Thus, the name “JESUS CHRIST” joins a name and a title referring to JESUS as the Messiah. Thus, when we pray in the name of “JESUS CHRIST,” we affirm that HE is our Messiah—our Wonderful Counselor, our Wisdom, our Might, our High Priest. It is an affirmation of HIM being GOD’s “Anointed One.”

For Christians, celebrating JESUS CHRIST, THE MESSIAH, is not a one day event. It’s not a 25 day December countdown. Christians celebrate CHRIST every time we pray. In prayer, Christians are rooted in CHRIST every day.

So, in the days ahead, if whenever anyone looks at you anxiously and asks: “Are you ready for Christmas?” Just smile and say “Absolutely! It’s rootimentary! (sic).

Pray, stay grounded, rooted in the word and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 516 12-4-2019

PLAN AHEAD

[Revised Standard translation]

Biblical Comment

The Bible encourages all of us to plan ahead, to carefully think about what we need to accomplish the task, to consider our strengths and weaknesses, to evaluate our present situation and, in general, to consider the “costs” in implementing and completing our goals. Two examples are given.

The first example is that of a person building a tower without planning ahead or taking the necessary steps to complete the job. The vision was there. In fact, the vision is lofty! This person does not want to build a mere house, but a tower! However, the execution is weak. Perhaps the person started building without a blueprint, or underestimated the cost of the building materials and ran out of funds. Perhaps he did not evaluate his own strengths and weaknesses and did not consider the physical or psychological sacrifices necessary to complete the task.

The second example given in Luke 14 is that of a king going to war. This example suggests that the stakes are high. During Biblical times losing a war, not only meant the end of the king’s reign but the destruction of a whole nation. Men were killed, women were widowed, children were orphaned and, once defeated, survivors were taken into captivity as slaves. Property, possessions and even religious freedoms were lost in times of war. Entering into war required careful consideration, counsel and planning, because “everything” was at stake. For this reason, the king sought wise counsel from military experts, prophets, wise men and from GOD.

Health Tips For The Holidays

WebMD provides a number of tips for maintaining good healthy habits during the holidays. Some of these include the following:

Never Arrive Hungry - New York psychologist Carol Goldberg, PhD, says planning ahead can help you maintain discipline in the face of temptation. "Don't go to a party when you're starving," she warns. Try to have a nutritious snack beforehand. If you do arrive hungry, drink some water to fill up before filling your plate.
Divert Your Attention - Many people forget that there's more to a holiday party than food, Goldberg tells WebMD. "Don't look at the party as just a food event," she says. "Enjoy your friends' company or dancing. Focus on something other than food." "Take your mind off of food and focus on the conversation."

Pace Yourself - Chewing more slowly will fill you up with less food…Munch at a leisurely pace and put your fork down between every bite. “This puts you in control.”

Outsmart the Buffet - When dinner is served buffet-style, use the smallest plate available and don't stack your food; limit your helpings to a single story. "Go for the simplest foods on the buffet," "Fresh fruits and vegetables are good choices. Watch out for sauces and dips.

Limit Alcohol - Avoid drinking too much alcohol at holiday parties. "It's not just about calories but about control," Susan Finn PhD, RD, chair of the American Council on Fitness and Nutrition, explains. "If you drink a lot, you won't have as much control over what you eat." If you feel out of place without a drink, Goldberg suggests sipping water or club soda, "so you have something to carry like everyone else." And, don’t drink and drive!
Bring Your Own Treats - Whether you're going to a friend's party or an office potluck, consider bringing a low-calorie treat that you know you'll enjoy. Bringing your own dessert will make the more fattening alternatives less tempting. And don't feel your dessert has to be typical holiday fare. "Get away from rigid thinking about what holiday food has to be," Goldberg says. "People love fruit."

Walk It Off - Make a new holiday tradition: the family walk. Besides burning some extra calories, this will get everyone away from the food for awhile. "Get people off the couch and move," Finn says. "Go out for a walk as a family before or after the meal." She says walking not only benefits you physically but also puts you in a mindset to be more careful about what you eat. "There's something about activity that puts you in control."

See, www.webmd.com.

In addition to food planning, plan ahead financially. Create a budget. Focus on the spiritual. Don’t let others turn Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Advent and other spiritual holy days into just an excuse “to buy.” Don’t allow the store ads, the numerous internet sales offers, and other marketing ploys designed to get you to spend money, whether you can afford to or not, to “shop you.”

Have some meaningful discussions about what Holy days mean to you, with your family and those with whom you worship. Discuss the importance of making it through the end of the year, the may challenges you and your loved ones overcame, explain the importance of gathering together with family or giving to those in need. Look at past photos with young children, teens, and other members of the family so everyone can see just how far you have come. Review the “Biblical stories.” Talk about GOD. Ask GOD to help you plan ahead.

What is Your Vision From GOD?

Vision is important! Proverbs 29:18 tells us “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” However, Luke 14:28-31 reminds us that every vision requires careful planning, preparation and consultation with GOD or prayer.

What is your vision? Is your vision to have a strong, healthy body? Is your vision to build a strong financial “house?” Is your vision to have a strong spiritual foundation? Is your goal to present your mind, body and will to GOD as a spiritual and physical sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to GOD? See, Romans 12:1. Fight for your health! Treat your health like a detailed battle plan –developing strategic ways to fight the “enemy,” (e.g. unhealthy overeating, lack of exercise, overindulgence, obsessive or manic shopping, depression, anxiety). So, plan ahead.

Create a spending plan for the remainder of the year and pray fervently about the ways that you can stick to it!

Pray and seek GOD’s counsel. Plan and be prepared to “go to war,” fighting for the vision GOD has given you.

Consult THE MASTER BUILDER and MAKER, GOD! Ask HIM to be the “CHIEF CORNERSTONE” of your “strong tower.”

And, let’s not forget to pray for our nation and all the world’s leaders. The stakes are high for us all!

Pray, plan and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 515 11-27-2019

GIVE THANKS and PRAISE GOD

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.]

Discussion

In Luke 17:11-19, we are given a lesson in “Giving Thanks and Praising GOD.” According to Luke by giving thanks to GOD and praising GOD, we enter into right relationship with GOD and receive GOD’s spiritual healing.

Luke 17, describes ten lepers, each having a physical disease called leprosy. Leprosy was a harsh, isolating disease. It was also easily identifiable. According to Leviticus 13:38 and 13:43 sometimes skin coloring, the white spots, or swollen sores on the head or forehead, would be some of the markers that would help identify a person as a leper. But so there would be no doubt, a person with leprosy had to “self-identify” themselves as carrying this physical disease. Those with leprosy were required to wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face, and if that were not enough, the leper had to cry out “Unclean!” “Unclean!” whenever they encountered other people, because leprosy was contagious.

There are some, who believe that to be a Samaritan was to be the equivalent of a “social or religious leper.” Samaritan were looked down upon during Biblical times. They were not considered “pure” because their ancestors had married foreign women. For example, during the time of Nehemiah, because of prejudice and dislike of Samaritans, Samaritans were not even allowed to serve as priests in the Temple in Jerusalem. See Nehemiah 13:28-30. As a result, Samaritans worshiped at a different “temple,” in Samaria. This difference was yet another reason why the Jews disliked Samaritans and thought that Samaritans and their “religion” “unclean.”

So, to be a Samaritan with leprosy in Biblical times was in essence to be “a double leper.” However, according to Luke, all of the lepers were healed on their physical condition, but only the Samaritan “came back,” and was make whole.

Unlike physical condition, spiritual conditions are not so easily detectable. Those with spiritual sicknesses do not “self-identify.” They often do not stand out. There are no identifiable markers, like sores. People with spiritual diseases can go anywhere, worship anywhere without detection by other people. They can melt in a crowd. Only, GOD knows each person’s spiritual diseases.

When the Samaritan, praised GOD, worshiped GOD, acknowledging GOD’s superiority over his life and reconnected with GOD and gave thanks, in addition to a physical healing, the Samaritan received a spiritual healing and was made spiritually whole. The Samaritans “Thanks” didn’t just come from his mouth, it came from his spirit.

The Samaritan’s praise was real and the Samaritan’s praise was pure. As a result, only the Samaritan received a whole healing (physically and spiritually), when he opened himself to GOD and gave thanks and praised GOD. Only the Samaritan was blessed twice!

GIVE THANKS & PRAISE GOD

This week as you celebrate Thanksgiving, GIVE THANKS and PRAISE GOD.

GIVE THANKS and PRAISE to GOD for the ancestors

GIVE THANKS and PRAISE to GOD for the lives of those who will be missing around the table this year.

GIVE THANKS and PRAISE to GOD for the new births in your family, the new friendships and the new relationships.

GIVE THANKS and PRAISE to GOD for everything that GOD has already done and the exceedingly, abundant things GOD does and will do.

PRAISE GOD from whom ALL blessings flow!

And, BE BLESSED and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 514 11-20-2019

SHORT but SIGNIFICANT

John 11:35 JESUS wept. [King James Translation]

Summary

This scripture is famous for being the shortest verse in the King James Bible and many other translations. This scripture occurs in the narrative that describes the death and later resurrection of Lazarus. John describes the sequence of events as follows: JESUS receives a message from Mary and Martha that their brother, Lazarus, is sick. The writer John describes Mary as the same woman who poured perfume on the LORD and wiped his feet with her hair. See, John 11:2. [However, because the woman described in Luke 7:37, who broke an alabaster box of ointment, poured the expensive perfume on JESUS and wiped his feet was a disgraced prostitute, many scholars question whether this woman and Mary, the sister of Lazarus were the same woman]. JESUS loved this family but HE does not go to see about Lazarus until two days later. JESUS just stays where HE is. HE makes no move to go to Mary or Martha or Lazarus. JESUS tell the others with HIM the purpose of Lazarus’ illness is not death but rather to glorify GOD and so the SON of GOD will receive glory from this situation.

After two days have passed, JESUS tells his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” When they arrive in Bethany, where Lazarus and his two sisters live, JESUS encounters Martha and later meets a weeping, grieving Mary, who falls to HIS feet saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When JESUS sees her weeping, and the other people who came to console Mary also weeping, because Lazarus had died and Lazarus’ body had already been entombed in a cave behind a stone for four days, the Bible says, JESUS “groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” In other words, JESUS was deeply moved. Verse 33. The Bible says, JESUS asked where they had laid Lazarus and was told to “come and see.”

Then, JESUS wept.

John 11:35 illustrates that JESUS not only sees our pain; HE feels our pain. JESUS is not a neutral observer, watching human events unfold, without empathy. JESUS understands grief. HE understands sorrow. HE understands our frailties. Even if JESUS already knows what is going to happen, or that Lazarus or each of us will eventually rise, HE weeps for us. So, when our spirit groans in our “uncertain situations; when we become overwhelmed, unable to see at times beyond our adversities, remember HE groans. When we pray in times of weakness, having nowhere else to turn, wondering why GOD is taking so long, or why two days has turned into 2 years or longer, and we grow tired of waiting, the HOLY SPIRIT also knows and groans too, interceding and praying with us. See Romans 8:26-27. We are not alone. No, never alone.

This scripture is short but significant.

Boost Your Self-Compassion to Exercise:

Sometimes people deal with exercise from a distance. Sometimes people just talk about exercise. They may “plan” “consider” or “speculate.” Sometimes people watch others exercise on television. Some may even read articles, buy exercise CD’s.

Others may buy the exercise clothing, shoes, and other exercise paraphernalia. A cycle machine may service as a coat rack. People may buy a number of pairs of walking shoes, but never consider taking a walk around. Hand exercise tools may go unused.

If this is you, the point of saying all this is not so you will feel worse or experience more guilt, the point is that you consider having some self-compassion about your situation. In other words, start taking care of yourself, start comforting yourself, speak to your own spirit, in order to stop looking down and start looking up. Have some self-compassion.

According to Harvard Health, research has shown that self-compassionate people recognize when they are suffering and are kind to themselves at these times, thereby lowering their levels or related anxiety and depression. See: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/4-ways-to-boost-your-self-compassion

Harvard Health suggests four ways to boost your self-compassion skills:

Comfort your body. Eat something healthy. Lie down and rest. Massage your own hands and feet. Take a walk. Anything you can do to improve how you feel physically gives you a dose of self-compassion.
Write a letter to yourself. Write a letter to yourself describing the situation, but without blaming anyone — including yourself. Use this exercise to nurture your feelings. [Consider reminding yourself of all of the past “dead” situations you have already overcome. Remind yourself that “you are still here, despite the weeping” Remind yourself how many times GOD may not have “come when your wanted HIM to, but the situation was still resolved, in GOD’s time.”]
Give yourself encouragement. Think of what you would say to a good friend if he or she were facing a difficult or stressful situation. Then, when you find yourself in this kind of situation, direct these compassionate responses toward yourself.
Practice mindfulness. Even a quick exercise, such as meditating for a few minutes, can be a great way to nurture and accept ourselves while we're in pain.

Id. [Emphasis added.]

And, we should also add:

Pray and Recite Scripture: Remember JESUS and THE HOLY SPIRIT feel your pain. GOD is our Emmanuel – HE is with us. We are NEVER alone. We need to remind ourselves that weeping may endure for a day, or even two days, or 3 or 4 or more days, but we have scriptural promises, that if we believe, we will eventually “see” joy in the morning. We can “do all things” because GOD “CAN do all things.” Philippians 4:13. Pray that GOD will find GLORY in your difficult situation. John 11:4.

Having self-compassion may also mean seeking help. If you need additional health dealing with the gravity of your situation, if you need help with some of the stones in your life speaking with your physician, a psychologist, a school counselor (if you are in school/public or university) or a spiritual leader in your place of worship. If your need an exercise boost, consult a trainer if going it alone is not working. Get others personally involved in your life. You are not alone.

Encourage Yourself

So, today, encourage yourself! Have self-compassion! Wait on THE LORD!

BELIEVE and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 513 11-13-2019

YOU ARE THE BODY

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of CHRIST, and each one of you is a part of it. [New International translation]

Discussion

The 12th chapter of the first letter to the Corinthian church was authored by Paul, who describes himself as “called to be an apostle of JESUS CHRIST” and Sosthenes, who Paul describes as “our brother,” and who, in Acts 18:17, is described as “the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. See, 1 Corinthians 1:1. Throughout this letter there is a frequent theme and appeal for unity.

For example, in 1Corinthians 1:10, Paul discusses unity of mind. Here he begs his listeners to avoid arguments, divisions and splits and dissensions over who they each believe they are “mentally attached” to in leadership or inclined to follow. For example, some claiming they are “followers of Paul” or “for Peter” or “Apollos.” Paul discourages these kinds of mental “alliances” which he describes as trying to “break CHRIST into many pieces.” Deemphasizing his own importance as well as the importance of each of these mere human leaders, Paul asks “did I die for your sins?” If they want to align themselves or boast of anyone, Paul suggests they boast of CHRIST. 1Cor.1:31.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 12:27 is another appeal for civil unity. Using each person’s human body as an example, with its various parts (head, hands, feet, ears, eyes) Paul, tells the Corinthian believers that they are members of “The body of CHRIST.” This idea lends itself to many comparisons. There is the comparison of each person being a unit (like the units of the body) with CHRIST as “the head.” There is the comparison of each person having various gifts and functions but they must all come together for the good of the whole body, if the body, which is still ONE, is to function properly. In other words, two feet, can’t just walk off in different directions or decide they each want to be left feet, causing the body to stumble and fall. Each part needs to do its proper part and be “appreciated.” Paul wants no discord “in the body.”

The “we are the body of CHRIST” scripture also lends itself to the importance of CHRIST being able to use each of us for HIS good. This is how Teresa of Ávila put it:

“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world.
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

You are GOD’s “hands and feet” in the world.

HAND AND FINGER EXERCISES

So often when people exercise, they think of “big” muscle groups. Sometimes, the “little things,” like the hands or fingers get overlooked. Here are some stretch exercises for both:

Seat yourself in a comfortable chair with your hands extended on each side. With your index finger (i.e., the pointer finger or the first finger) and the thumb on each hand make a “O” shape, making the “O” as round as possible, keeping the other fingers straight as possible. Then continue to make the same “O” shape with each of the other fingers, again, keeping the other fingers straight. Hold each circle stretch for 30-60 seconds. Repeat 4 times on each hand.
Seat yourself on the floor with your back straight. Feel free to use a wall for support. Place your hands on each side of you with your palms toward the floor. Now gently press your palm into the floor. This stretch opens up the top of the wrist.
In a standing position, place your hands in a prayer position with your elbows touching each other. With your palms pressed together, slowly spread your elbows apart. Do this while slowly lowering your hands to waist height. Stop when your hands are in front of your belly button or you feel the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat.
Finger Lift. Place your hand flat, palm down on a table or flat surface. Gentle lift one finger at a time of the table and lower it. You can also raise all the fingers and thumb at once and lower it. Repeat 8-12 times on each hand. This exercise increases your range of motion and flexibility on each hand.
Thumb Flex. Place your hands in front of you palms up. Extend your thumb away from your other fingers as far as it will go. Then bend your thumb across your palm until it touches the base of your little finger, keeping the other fingers in place. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat about 3-4 times with each thumb.

If any of these stretches cause pain, stop. If you have an injury, condition or are concerned about doing any of these exercises, consult your own personal physician for exercises appropriate for you.

See, https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hand-finger-exercises and https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hand-finger-exercises for more information about hand and finger exercises.

YOU

1 Corinthians 12:27 says “you.” In other words, Paul and Sosthenes are being up front and personal. It’s not the government, not your president, not your legislature, not your neighbor, not the wealthy, not the healthiest, not the fittest, nor the smartest, nor someone else. It’s you. Your walk, your eyes, your hands, your compassion, your feet and your unity with other believers is how GOD will bless the world.

At times world disharmony, the vastness of human need, the depth of world suffering and despair may at times seem daunting. But Paul reminds us: “No eye has seen, no ear had heard, no mind has conceived what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM”. 1 Corinthians 2:9. Trust GOD. Have faith.

Do your part and your best!

Be the body and BE BLESSED.

Prayer Day # 512 11-6-2019

DRY BONES

Ezekiel 37:1-3 The Power of the LORD was upon me and I was carried away by the SPIRIT OF THE LORD to a valley full of old, dry bones that were scattered everywhere across the ground. He led me around among them, and then he said to me: “Son of dust, can these bones become people again?” [Living Bible Translation ]

I said, “O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.” Then He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones….” [New International translation]

Summary

Ezekiel was an Old Testament priest.His calling/job was to speak the WORD of GOD to a people that were in rebellion against GOD, a most difficult task indeed. But since he was “called” by GOD, GOD prepared Ezekiel for the task. Ezekiel’s preparation involved experiencing the SPIRIT OF GOD through a number of visions. In verse 37, Ezekiel has a vision of a valley of dead bones. These bones were very dry bones (New Testament translation) and very scattered. In other words, the fact that these bones were dry was compounded by the additional problem of these bones being disjointed, confused, fragmented, and mixed up. The fact that these bones were dead and that the whole valley was full of these bones, must have caused Ezekiel to question whether that particular valley was even a safe place to be. Ezekiel saw “Death Valley,” a mass graveyard of confusion.

The first thing that GOD did for Ezekiel was to cause him to open his mind up to the possibility of “seeing beyond the visible.” Ezekiel initially saw scattered bones in a valley. Through a series of questions, and instructions, GOD caused Ezekiel to realize that these bones were in fact people---his congregation--- in fact the Nation of Israel. Israel had been beaten, led into captivity, humiliated and were so beaten down and so disconnected from their roots that they (the bones themselves) thought they had no hope. They were “lifeless.” But GOD promised Ezekiel, if Ezekiel followed HIS instructions, and prophesied to the bones, telling them about GOD’s plan for raising them up as a nation and about GOD’s plan to provide them with a KING and ONE SHEPHERD (Verse 37:24), (i.e. JESUS CHRIST), the dry bones would live again.

So, Ezekiel prophesied and GOD did just what HE said HE would do. GOD breathed life into the bones. GOD transformed a valley of death and dry bones into a people with spiritual life. GOD used Ezekiel to strengthen the bones. In Hebrew, Ezekiel’s name means “GOD will strengthen.”

STRENGTHENING YOUR BONES

KIDS According to KidsHealth, “3 Ways to Build Strong Bones,” having strong bones in childhood lays a foundation for building bone health throughout a person’s life. Most of bone building occurs during childhood until around age 20. Adults can replace old bone with new bone, but the process is slower. Over time, bones can become weaker. But if kids have strong bones in childhood, they will stand a better chance of avoiding bone weakness later in life. See, “3 Ways to Build Strong, Bones,” reviewed by Richard W. Kruse, DO and Susan M. Dubowy, PA-C, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/strong-bones.html.

KidsHealth believes there are three important ingredients for kids having healthy bones:

1. Good Source of Calcium

2. Good Source of Vitamin D;

3. Exercise

Calcium – If a child eats dairy, and some children do not, a doctor will tell you how much calcium a child needs based on age. According to Kidshealth, generally younger children need 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy each day while older children need 4 servings.

Vitamin D – Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Again, a doctor can assist in determining what a child’s Vitamin D needs are based on age. Osteoporosis is a “silent” bone disease where the bones become fragile, loose density and become brittle, typically as a result of hormonal changes or lack of calcium or vitamin D. It is “silent” because people do not feel their bones weaken and often people do not realize they have osteoporosis or a health problem until their bones fracture or break.

Exercise – Everyone’s muscles, even children’s muscles, get stronger the more they are used. So encourage children and youth to exercise. Riding a bike and swimming may be fun and good exercise but they are generally, according to KidsHealth, not weight bearing exercises. Weight bearing exercise include running, jumping, climbing or other exercises that put pressure on the bones. Children should have approximately an hour of weight bearing exercise per day.

ADULTS

Diet and exercise for adults are also preventative measures. Getting enough calcium throughout your life helps to build and keep strong bones. Dark leafy vegetables (e.g. kale, collars, broccoli, spinach, okra, etc.) are high in calcium and many juices are now calcium fortified. An equal amount of yogurt has more calcium than and equal part of cottage cheese or milk. Being out in the sun (at least 20 minutes) helps the body to build vitamin D in order to absorb the calcium. Weight bearing exercises (e.g. weight lifting, walking, jogging, dancing, playing tennis, Tai Chi, etc.) at least 3 times a week, help to make bones and muscles stronger and help to prevent bone loss.

If you are concerned about your bones, consult with your physician about testing, recommendations and prevention. Be proactive! Don’t wait!

BEYOND DRY BONES TO LIFE

Just as there will be peaks and valleys in life, there will also be desserts. And, sometimes the vicissitudes of life can try to sap your spirit, making you feel “lifeless,” like you have dry bones. Sometimes, the day after day of “bad news,” “world horrors,” creates the feeling that the whole world in in a “Death Valley.” But like Ezekiel, we have to “see beyond,” “remember the promises of GOD” and “Continue to speak the WORD of GOD, even in the midst of confusion and “dryness.”

Like Ezekiel (and other greats of FAITH, such as Abraham, Rahab, Ruth, Esther, Deborah), “speak in faith” and “act in faith,” even when “things” around are not what they should be. Like Ezekiel, believe GOD can bring people “back to life,” “turn situations around,” and “do just what HE said HE would do.” Like Ezekiel, continue to speak and call those things that are not, as if they were. See Romans 4:17.

So, today, prophesy. Prophesy to yourself about your health. Prophesy to yourself about your children. Prophesy about our cities (and the plight of homelessness, hunger, crime, indifference, racism, sexism, inequality). Prophesy to the raging nations and governments. Whatever is troubling you “to the bone” ----prophesy!

Prayer Day # 511 10-30-2019

KEEP MOVING

2 Kings 7:3-8 Now there were four lepers sitting outside the city gates. “Why sit here until we die” they asked each other. “We will starve if we stay here and we will starve if we go back into the city; so we might as well go out and surrender to the Syrian army. If they let us live, so much the better, but if they kill us, we would have died anyway.” So that evening they went out to the camp of the Syrians, but there was no one there. For the LORD had made the whole Syrian army hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the sounds of a great army approaching…So they panicked and fled into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else. When the lepers arrived at the edge of the camp they went into one tent after another, eating, drinking wine, and carrying out silver and gold and clothing and hiding it. [Living Bible translation]

Summary:

In Biblical times leprosy was a terrible thing. It was incurable. It was contagious. People afflicted with leprosy were forced into social isolation. During Biblical times, a person with leprosy was forced to live outside the city gates. They were not allowed to attend “church.” The religious leaders of that time wanted nothing to do with them because they were considered ritually “unclean.” In fact, a person with leprosy was required to yell out “unclean, unclean” wherever they went, so that others could avoid contact with them. Lepers often had to rely on the charity of others for food and water.

In 2 Kings, four lepers, who had banded together outside the gates of their city, found themselves in what seemed to be a hopeless situation. Not only were they lepers, driven outside the city gates with a dreaded disease, but their city was in the midst of a famine and there was an enemy Syrian army camped nearby, threatening the city.

The four lepers gathered together and contemplated their situation. If they went into the city, which they were forbidden to enter, they would die from the famine. If they stayed where they were, they would starve to death because the city gates were closed as an enemy army was nearby. If they surrendered to the Syrian army, they could be killed.

Like “deer in the headlights,” these four lepers could have let their fear paralyze them. Or, they could have just argued with each other “about their situation,” again doing nothing. They could have blamed their families for abandoning them, their religious leaders for ostracizing them, causing them to resent what was happening but again no action. They could have just “given up,” stayed put and waited for death. They could have cursed or screamed about the “unfairness” of “their lot in life” or complained “why is this happening to me.” In other words, there was a lot of ways the lepers could have spent what they believed was “the rest of their short lives.”

But, instead, they decided to act. They decided to be proactive. They decided to take a walk over to the enemies’ camp. They decided to step out on faith. Because even walking into the enemies’ camp would be better than just sitting, because just sitting and doing nothing was certain death. So, the lepers got up and got moving. After they started moving, they soon discovered that GOD had not forgotten them. And, just as GOD promised HE would do it in Psalm 23:5—GOD “ prepared a table before [them] in the presence of [their] enemies.” GOD frightened the Syrian soldiers into thinking they were being pursued and the panicked Syrians soldiers ran and left everything --food, clothing, and their wealth. When the Lepers walked into the Syrian camp, there was no one there---only evidence of the goodness of GOD. By deciding to move, the lepers discovered GOD’s blessing.

Keep Moving

There are large groups of people in the world that believe they are in an “impossible” situation. The “impossible situation” that many of these “50+ year old” individuals find themselves is called “Getting Older.” In America alone, there are about 108.7 million people who are 50-plus! Many think of the “getting older” process like a kind of “leprosy” where they feel they are in a “losing situation.”

Some of the 50-plusers describe “losing their youth.” However, according to Twyla Tharp, the 78-year old dance icon, in her book Keep It Moving, Lessons For the Rest of Your Life, youth is not lost, rather a person’s “youth” stays where it is, it is just that the person who “moved on.” In other words, change happens.

Rather than getting “stuck” in the past or getting “stuck” thinking about the “negatives” of aging or how your world may be “contracting” (e.g., always talking about what you can’t do now vs. what you could do before, talking about “negative feelings,” clinging to the past, or your fears and feelings about family abandonment, church abandonment, or feeling that you should just stay in bed or do nothing), many experts, including Tharp recommend you just keep moving. Rather than “despair” about change, Tharp and others suggest embracing change. Look forward, embracing the possibilities ahead, and keep working at something (whether it be your weightlifting, your walk, your stretching, your joint mobility, or your mind to prevent memory loss or stagnation.) Go to lectures, do puzzles, plant something, exercise your curiosity, volunteer, exercise your creativity. Exercise.

If you a need specific reasons why you should keep moving, here are just a few:

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes.
Physical activity can make daily life better.
Some physical activity is better than none. Get a little more active every day.
Most health benefits occur with at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. Additional benefits occur with more physical activity.
Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activity are beneficial.
No matter what your age, you can find a way to make exercise work for you.
The health benefits of physical activity occur for people with disabilities.
The benefits of physical activity far outweigh the possibility of adverse outcomes.

See, https://health.gov/paguidelines/moveyourway/materials/PAG_MYW_OlderAdults_FS.pdf.

CLAIM GOD’s PROMISES

If you keep on moving, you too may be able to claim a Psalm 23 blessing! According to Psalm 23:

I shall not want. Psalms 23: 1
HE restoreth my soul. Psalms 23:3
I shall fear no evil. Psalms 23:4
Even if my walk involves a “rod” or a “staff,” they shall comfort me. Psalms 23:5
No matter what happens, I will trust GOD for HIS overflowing blessings. Psalms 23:5
GOD’s “GOODNESS and LOVE” will follow me “all the days of my life.” Psalms 23:6
I have a LIVING, GUIDING, CARING SHEPHERD. Psalms: 23:1

Fight the urge to do nothing. Stay positive. And, have faith!

Keep moving, and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 510 10-23-2019

BREAKFAST

John 21:12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” JESUS said; and none of us dared ask HIM if HE really was the LORD, for we were quite sure of it…This was the third time JESUS had appeared to us since HIS return from the dead.

[Living Bible translation.]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are the written account of the life, death and resurrection of JESUS. The word “gospel” refers to the “good news” message or “glad tidings” of the New Testament. The word “gospel” is said to derive from the old English translation of “god-spell” [from “god” meaning “good” + “spel” meaning “story or message”]. See, www.etymonline.com and www.wikipedia.org.

In this passage, the writer, believed to be the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples, the brother of the apostle James and one of the sons of Zebedee (a fisherman), describes one of his encounters with JESUS after JESUS’ resurrection. John states that this was the third time JESUS had appeared to “us” [one or more of the twelve disciples] since HIS return from the dead.

In John 20:1-18, John describes JESUS’ appearance to Mary Magdalene. In John 20:19, John describes JESUS’ appearances “behind locked doors” to a meeting of some of the disciples. After greeting them, JESUS showed them HIS hands and side. Thomas (frequently dubbed “Doubting Thomas” and “The Twin”), who was also one of the twelve disciples JESUS chose, was not present during this appearance to the gathering of disciples. When the other disciples told Thomas about their meeting with JESUS, Thomas (a man who had to see it for himself) told the others that he “won’t believe it” unless he puts his fingers on the nails wounds in HIS hands and puts his hand into HIS side.”

Eight days later, when the disciples are gathered again, behind locked doors, JESUS once again suddenly appears. But this time Thomas is with them. JESUS ask Thomas not to be faithless and invites Thomas to put his finger into his JESUS’ hands (where HE was nailed to the cross) and put his hand into HIS side (where HE was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our inequities, Isaiah 53:5), so that Thomas would believe. By believing, JESUS promised believers everywhere life. See, John 20:31.

BREAKFAST

Studies have shown that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day--- for everyone, but especially for children and adolescents. Breakfast has been likened to weight control and to improved performance. Serving a healthy breakfast has a number of benefits, including helping give you:

A more nutritionally complete diet, higher in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Improved concentration and performance in the classroom or the boardroom.
More strength and endurance to engage in physical activity.
Lower cholesterol levels.

See, “The Many Benefits of Breakfast” by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, WedMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature, www.WebMD.com .

According to the American Dietetic Association:

[C]hildren who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom and on the playground, with better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye-hand coordination.

See, “The Many Benefits of Breakfast” by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD.

In addition, studies involving adults and children have also shown a strong correlation between eating breakfast and weight loss. In “Believe in Breakfast And weight loss will be your reward,” Zelman notes that after a good night’s rest, the body’s blood sugar or glucose is low. So, skipping breakfast allows the body to stay in a hibernation like state, burning few calories. But, by eating breakfast, the body’s metabolism gets “revved” up, burning more calories and bringing the body’s glucose level to a level consistent with the body’s metabolism. See, https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/believe-in-breakfast#1.

SERVING BREAKFAST

October is Black Panther Party History Month. This year is particularly momentous because it marks the 50 ^th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party Free Breakfast program! The Free Breakfast program for school-age children was a community service program run by the Black Panther Party as part of the Black Panther Party social mission for the community. The program included: sourcing from farmer’s markets, including local farmers of color, providing free produce stands, establishing youth gardens, and community supported agricultural programs and workshops. See, https://calhum.org/event/oakland%E2%80%95neighbor-connections-black-panther-party-free-breakfast-50th-anniversary/ .

The Oakland Black Panther Free Breakfast program began in January, 1969 at an Episcopal church. Within weeks it went from feeding a handful to hundreds. From 1969 to the early 1970’s it is estimated the program feed tens of thousands of children. Many believe widespread free breakfast programs began in public schools because of the action of the Black Panther Party. See, “How the Black Panthers’ Breakfast Program Both Inspired and Threatened the Government,” by Erin Blakemore, https://www.history.com/news/free-school-breakfast-black-panther-party.

Children around the world, and in American, are still in need of a good breakfast. People are still in need of spiritual food and physical food. GOD is still looking for people who will serve.

Pray and work for good physical and spiritual health for everyone. And, BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 509 10-16-2019

SMALL BEGINNINGS

Zechariah 4:10 Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the LORD rejoice to see the work begin….

[Living Bible translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

Zechariah was a Hebrew prophet who prophesied to the Jewish people during the reign of King Darius, one of the famous Persian kings. Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai. Zechariah was GOD’s spokesman delivering GOD’s messages. After the people had returned from exile in Babylon, one of GOD’s messages was for a man named Zerubbabel.

Zerubbabel was part of the first wave of Jewish captives who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. After returning to Jerusalem, which was now under Persian rule, King Darius appointed Zerubbabel governor of Judah. After his appointment, Zerubbabel began to rebuild The Temple.

The original temple had been built by King Solomon. It was THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, and it had been magnificent. It was a symbol of the greatness of the Jewish people during the height of their power as a nation. When Solomon built the original temple, he had used only the best. Gold and other precious metals were used liberally during the construction. King Solomon had the power and wealth to enlist an army of skilled craftsman and carpenters throughout the land. Solomon had built the temple when the people were many, great and strong. Now a broken people, literally former slaves, had returned. They were just a remnant. They were few and they were weak. The head of the “building committee” was not a king, but only Zerubbabel, a mere governor, who had been appointed by a Persian King.

Some of those who returned were “stuck in the past,” remembering “the way things used to be,” probably did not participate or participated “half-heartedly” in the building. They likely spread negativity, too fixated on what the builders didn’t have. Those who constantly complained about the current state of affairs under Persian rule probably stayed away also. Perhaps they thought Zerubbabel was just a Persian “puppet.” Others may have been too busy building their own homes and couldn’t find the time to build GOD’s house. Rumor may have spread that this was a “losing” project causing others to “find something better to do.” So, when Zerubbabel began to rebuild the temple just a “few” showed up.

GOD, however, sent an encouraging WORD, by way of Zechariah to Zerubbabel, that: “ Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts—you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.” GOD told Zechariah to tell Zerubbabel (and the people): “ Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin.…”

Small Steps Toward A Healthy Diet

Some have been struggling with their diets for years. Their bodies may be weak, out of shape and suffering, but instead of “rebuilding” they may be “stuck in the past” trying to eat the same “high carb,” “high cholesterol” “sugar laced” meals they have been eating since their younger years when their bodies burned more calories. Others who talk about rebuilding their bodies and changing their diet may only be “participating half-heartedly” -- eating a “healthy” meal one day or just a few days out of the month but mainly being indulgent, ignoring their physician’s advice or ignoring what they know they should do the majority of the time.

In “10 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy Without Thinking, Backed by Science,” James Clear provides a number of small, simple steps a person can use to reconstruct their physical environment to eat healthy without thinking. A few of his suggestions include the following:

Use smaller plates – A person with a bigger plate will tend to give themselves bigger food portions;
Display Healthy Foods- Place bowls of fruit or nuts in prominent places and within reach so you will likely grab these items when you are hungry. [For example, prepare snack size packages of nuts, for house snacking or for lunches];
Wrap unhealthy foods in tin foil instead of plastic (so they are out of sight) or place them in smaller containers. [For example, if you buy “chips” or “cookies” or “crackers” redistribute them to smaller portion bags or foil containers so you are unlikely to eat “an entire” bag in one sitting” and place them out of sight, so they are not the first thing you grab when hungry]

See, “10 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy Without Thinking, Backed by Science,” by James Clear, https://jamesclear.com/eat-healthy-without-thinking.

Do A Simple Assessment

One way to start an exercise program is to first determine where you are. You can start by doing a simple assessment. In “Your Personal Fitness Schedule,” WebMD suggests starting by printing out a simple chart to get a sense of your current fitness level. See, “Your Personal Fitness Schedule” attached to this email. The chart records aerobic and muscle building exercises. At the end of the day, record the number of minutes you spent in aerobic and muscle building activities. At the end of the week, see how your numbers compare with the CDC recommendations.

See, https://www.webmd.com/women/personal-fitness-schedule. This is not starting a new exercise fitness program; this is just recording what you are doing now ( Print the attached chart).

Once you have completed your chart, you can use it to:

Consult with a physician regarding your exercise chart;
Consult with a trainer;
Determine where you need to improve or make changes (e.g. buy exercise equipment, create an at home exercise routine, find an exercise program, partner with another person for fitness, etc..)

If you have a medical condition, always consult with your personal physician before starting a new exercise program.

Whether you are taking small dietary steps or doing an assessment, remember don’t get discouraged. Instead, every time you grab a small plate, or make an entry into your chart just smile and remember, the Lord rejoices seeing the work begin!

Small Beginnings

Today instead of looking back, let’s just look up and look forward, praying that GOD guide our steps, energize our heart to do good and to be everything HE wants us to be. Let’s rejoice, knowing that with GOD and because of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT we can succeed!

Remember GOD’s WORD, do not despise small beginnings!

Have faith, keep building your temple and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 508 10-09-2019

PRAYER and MEDITATION

PSALMS 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer [King James translation]

Prayer: Communicating with GOD.

Meditation: A profound and continuous contemplation, reflection or musing on a subject; a devotional act or exercise leading to contemplation and prayer.

Summary : The Psalms are actually songs of praise and prayer songs to GOD. Out of the 150 Psalms in the Book of Psalms, Psalms 19 is considered by many to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Psalm ever written. The British theologian, C. S. Lewis, who wrote The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which has been made into a major motion picture film series, called Psalm 19 “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.” See, C. S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, p. 63.

David, the second King of Israel, wrote Psalms 19. It is no accident that before David became King and leader of the people of Israel, David was a shepherd. The life of a shepherd was not only excellent training for David to become GOD’s under shepherd to GOD’s people, it was also a lifestyle that allowed David to meditate and communicate with GOD.

The lifestyle of the shepherd was a lifestyle of thankless service. During Biblical times, most people considered shepherds near or at the bottom of the social order. In the Old Testament family, the youngest son (the least significant in the family hierarchy) or a hired servant was usually the one assigned the task of shepherding the sheep. The duties of the shepherd were many. The shepherd constantly watched over the sheep, cared for the sheep, fed and watered the sheep, slept with and monitored the sheep, risked his life to protect the sheep from predatory animals and was responsible for training the sheep (with the staff) so that they would not stray away or fall into danger. If a sheep went too far or wandered out of the circle of protection, the good shepherd would catch the stray sheep’s hind legs with the shepherd staff and bring it back (sometimes dragging) into the fold where it belonged. The good shepherd knew the name and character of each sheep. The sheep had the shepherd’s brand (from the branding rod) so there was no question “whose” the sheep was. The “rod” and “the staff” were to there to “comfort” the sheep and the good shepherd used his tools wisely.

In his early years of training for service, there were also many days and nights that David could meditate on, sing about, think about, muse about, and communicate with GOD. Much like a person in a courtship, David spent countless hours thinking about GOD---he thought about how GOD was allowing him to witness GOD’s personal handiwork-- the heavens, the earth, the stars, the suns. (Psalms 19:1-6). David marveled at GOD’s consistency, as evidenced by the rotating seasons, and by the rising and setting of the sun. (Psalms 19:6). David thought about GOD’s commandments, HIS guidance, HIS justice and HIS DIVINE concern for HIS people. He thought about GOD’s ability to understand who we really are (even when we try to hide our sins). David reflected on GOD’s ability to transform us and clean us up when we go astray. (Psalms 19:7-13.) In Psalm 19, David marvels at his SHEPHERD---GOD. After meditating on all these things David ends his meditations in a prayer, asking GOD to let the words of his song and all the meditations of his heart “be acceptable.” And, in final praise, reverence and awe of God, David, acknowledges GOD as his personal strength and redeemer. In Psalms 19, David lovingly praises God. In Psalms 19, David acknowledges “ WHOSE” he is.

PRAYER and MEDITATION TODAY

Anyone grow up in a household where a mother, grandmother or other relative was constantly humming a hymn or singing a worship song?

Anyone ever heard deacons in the early Black church lead a congregation in a meditational Dr. Watt’s song? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BBpjjWiHTY

Anyone ever attend a prayer service where members spontaneously prayed for hours?

It has been said that prayer is to the soul what breath is to the body.

So, today, amid all the rapid tweets, concerns about shootings, fires, earthquakes, rumors of wars, governmental upheavals and declines, power outages, “breaking news reports,” and other world calamities, continue to strive for social, political and economic justice and continue to communicate with GOD.

Remember GOD is still in control. GOD is still our STRENGTH and REDEEMER

Pray and meditate on GOD’s WORD and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 507 10-2-2019

LESSONS OF THE HEART

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. [New International translation]

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. [New International translation]

Summary:

The Book of Proverbs has been called “the wise sayings of King Solomon.” Solomon, the son of King David, received his wisdom from GOD. 1 Kings 4:29 states that GOD gave Solomon wisdom and understanding that exceeded the wisdom of all those in the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. He was the wisest man of his time. (1 Kings 4:31) Solomon’s wisdom was as “measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29) He wrote 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs. (1Kings 4:32).

Some might say Solomon great wisdom and understanding was a “gift” and a “responsibility.” It was not for self-gratification or self-aggrandizement. Solomon’s wisdom was for service. Knowing that he would one day become King, Solomon asked GOD (in a dream) for the wisdom to be a good leader and a good teacher to GOD’s people. And because Solomon loved GOD and had a heart for service, GOD answered Solomon’s prayer. 1 Kings 3:12.

And so Solomon began to study. Solomon “applied himself “and searched for understanding about “everything in the universe.” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-15) He was passionate about learning. He put “his heart” into the task. It wasn’t magical. It was hard work. After great effort and study, Solomon wrote what he had learned. Much of what he learned is contained in his proverbs.

The lessons of Proverbs 3:5; Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 23:15 are “lessons of the heart.” Mindful of human nature, and the tendency of students or children to think “they know it all,” “to ignore the instruction of a teacher,” “to not listen” or “to let their passions lead them in the wrong direction,” Solomon basically reminds the children of Israel and all humanity to “guard the heart.” Don’t fall in love with things or the sound of your own voice. According to Solomon, listening and trusting GOD is like drinking water for life. GOD’s WORD is a fountain of knowledge. It is a wellspring. GOD’s WORD is a recipe for a good life.

According to Solomon, when we love GOD (i.e., when we get the heart right), then everything else falls in place. As our ancestor’s put it: “Give GOD your best (your heart and hands; and be willing to serve) and HE will do the rest.” We just need to have a heart for GOD.

HEART DISEASE IN AMERICA

Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in the United States. Heart disease refers to a number of cardiovascular conditions: coronary artery disease; stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease are some of the most common. All races and all ages can get heart disease.

According to the CDC (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention), about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States. That’s about 1 in every 4 deaths. Coronary heart disease is the most common, killing about 370,000 people annually. According to the CDC, every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these about 525,000 will have a heart attack for the first time; 210,000 will have already had one heart attack. See, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm.

Most people will recognize chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack. However only 27% of survey respondents were aware that all the major symptoms of a heart attack and knew to call 9-1-1 immediately, when someone is having a heart attack. The signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:

Chest pain or discomfort.
Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats.

According to the CDC, some of the risk factors for heart disease include:

High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Smoking

Medical conditions and lifestyle choices that put people at higher risk for heart disease include:

Diabetes
Overweight and Obesity
Poor diet
Physical Inactivity
Excessive Alcohol Use

Id. Improving one’s diet, increasing exercise, decreasing sedentary activities, like watching TV, are some of the ways often cited for improving one’s heart health. However, you should speak with your personal physician during your annual physical or during a physician appointment regarding what specifically you should do.

Some of the food that are often cited as “Super Heart foods” include:

Blueberries and Strawberries – “According to one recent study, women aged 25 through 42 who ate more than three servings of blueberries and strawberries a week had a 32% lower risk of heart attack compared with those who ate less. The authors of the study attributed the benefit to compounds known as anthocyanins, flavonoids (which are antioxidants) that may decrease blood pressureand dilate blood vessels. Anthocyanins give plants their red and blue colors.”

Citrus Fruits – “Women who consume high amounts of the flavonoids found in oranges and grapefruits have a 19% lower risk of ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) than women who don't get as much of these compounds, a recent study found. Citrus fruits are also high in vitamin C, which has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Beware of citrus juices that contain added sugar. And, be aware that grapefruit productsmay interfere with the action of the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins.”

Soy Products– (e.g. edamame beans) “Soy products, including tofu and soy milk, are a good way to add protein to your diet without unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Soy products contain high levels of polyunsaturated fats (good for your health), fiber, vitamins, and minerals. What's more, soy may reduce blood pressurein people who eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates. And compared with milk or other proteins, soy protein can actually decrease LDL or "bad" cholesterol.”

Tomatoes – “Tomato consumption in the U.S. has been rising and that's a good thing. Like potatoes, tomatoes are high in heart-healthy potassium. Plus, they're a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that may help get rid of "bad" cholesterol, keep blood vessels open, and lower heart attack risk. And because they're low in calories and low in sugar, they don't detract from an already-healthy diet. "They're excellent for the body in a number of ways," says Graf.”

Nuts – “This includes almonds, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts and macadamia nuts, all of which contain good-for-your-heart fiber. They also contain vitamin E, which helps lower bad cholesterol. And some, like walnuts, are high in omega-3 fatty acids…Look for varieties that don’t have a lot of added salt.”

See, “18 Superfoods For Your Heart,” by Amanda Gardner, https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20720182,00.html.

GUARD YOUR HEART AND OTHER’S TOO

It’s school time! Children, teens, young adults, older adults and teachers have returned to school. If you have a niece, nephew, son, daughter, relative, or know anyone else starting or returning to school, please pray for them. During the school year, please encourage them. Tell them how proud you are that they have a passion for learning. Send them notes, cards, letters, text messages and e-mails. Encourage them to study, to listen to their teachers and apply themselves. Sprinkle words of praise during the school year. Encourage students also to study the word of GOD. It’s never too late for anyone of any age group to learn.

If you are around students set a good example and encourage friends and family (including church and temple family members) to set a good example too. Prepare healthy snacks and eat healthy snacks around them. Let them see you read and study. Encourage them to exercise and let them see you exercise too. Eat right together. Exercise together. Study scripture together. Guard their heart as you would guard your own.

Give GOD your heart, your best and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 506 09-25-2019

SEASONS

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…. [Revised Standard translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

There are a number of books in the Bible that some have labeled “wisdom literature.” These books include the Book of Job, Psalms, the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The word “Ecclesiastes” is a Latin transliteration* of the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Koheleth.” “Koheleth” means “Gatherer” but is traditionally translated as “Teacher” or “Preacher.” See, www.wikipedia.com.

In Ecclesiastes 1:1, the Kohleleth or Preacher/Teacher identifies himself as the son of David, Solomon. The “words” of the text are in the form of an autobiographical narrative. The subject matter appears to be “the meaning of life.”

According to The Teacher/The Koheleth, everything has a season or a time.

And, after considering the seasons and many other things about human life (birth, death, the search for wisdom, the desire for advancement, the vanity of wealth and honor, the attempts to please our appetite for things, the search for virtue and wisdom), and after much study, teaching, the Teacher gives us his conclusions about “the whole matter.” The Wise Teacher concludes that we should:

Fear GOD, and keep HIS commandments….

Ecclesiastes 1:13. Why? Because only GOD remains the same. We can find comfort and hope in knowing that HE is the same—yesterday, today and tomorrow and that HE is in control in every season.

*A transliteration is a conversion of a word or text from one script to the alphabet of another script.

SEASONS

Many people reference four seasons: Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. People often reference the season based on the astronomical position of the earth to the sun. In 2019, the astronomical dates for the seasons are as follows:

Spring- Wednesday, March 20, 2019– when day and night are approximately 12 hours long with the sun crossing the celestial equator going northward
Summer- Friday, June 21, 2019—when we enjoy the most daylight of the calendar year. After this date the amount of sunlight begins to decrease.
Autumn or Fall - Monday, September 23, 2019 –day and night are each approximately 12 hours long with the sun crossing the celestial equator going southward.
Winter- Saturday, December 21, 2019 – the shortest day of the year, meaning the least amount of sunlight. After this date, the amount of sunlight begins to increase.

Many chefs grow their own foods at nearby gardens where the foods can be easily harvested. One reason some of the “best” restaurants have seasonal foods is because fresh foods (seasonal foods) just taste better. Eating a fresh fruit or vegetable is also more nutritious. There is less shipping, less packaging, less processing and storage.

When we eat seasonally, we also support our local economy (and local farmers) and reduce our environmental “footprint” since less (transportation) fuels are used in the shipping process.

You can also find that you can stretch your dollar shopping at a local farmer’s market, especially when the market is about to close and the merchants are eager to bargain so that they don’t have to transport produce back home.

If you go to https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/ and click on your state, you can find a list of fruits and vegetables in season in your state each month of the year.

For example, if you live in California, some of the produce available in the state in late September include:

Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Asian Pears, Avocados, Beets, Blackberries, Bok

Choy, Broccoli, Brussels, Sprouts, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Cauliflower,

Celery, Chard, Citrus, Collard Greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Dates, Edamame,

Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Ginger, Grapefruit, Grapes, Green Beans, Green Onions,

Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lemons, Lettuce, Melons, Mushrooms, Nectarines, Okra,

Olives, Oranges, Parsley, Peaches, Pears, Peas, Pecans, Peppers, Persimmons,

Plums, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radishes, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Shell Beans, Snap Peas, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips,Watermelon, Winter Squash

See: https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/california/late-september.

Or, instead of consulting a chart, attend a farmer’s market in your area and discover what fresh fruits and vegetables are available in your region.

VARIOUS SEASONS

In life we experience a lot of seasons. “hurricane season,” “earthquake season,” “fire season” “election season” “flooding season” “rainy season” “baseball season” “basketball season” “football season” “vacation season” “tax season.” Soon, there will be the “holiday seasons.”

Pray about whatever “season” or “seasons” you find yourself: “a season of growth,” “a season of celebration,” “a season of adjustment,” “a season of learning,” “ a season of trials,” “a season of grief,” “a season of praise,” “a season of encouragement,” “a season of renewal,” “ a season of waiting,” “a season of moderation,” “a season of giving” “ a season of change” “a season of joy” “a season of re-birth,” “a season of refuge and strength.”

Read scripture. Pray. Ask God to provide clarity and define your “season” or the “season of your family” (including your congregational family where you worship). Meditate on scripture.

Psalms 46 reminds us:

GOD is our refuge and our strength; [Psalms 46:1];
[T]hough the earth should change...mountains shake…oceans roar and foam…GOD is [still there] in the midst; [Psalms 46:2-5]
Even if nations rant and rave...THE LORD ALMIGHTY is with us. Psalms 46:6-7]

Remember, GOD IS….in season and out of season.

Today, continue to pray one for another--- for our brothers in sisters all over the world.

Let us eat seasonally. And, let us pray joyfully, during all seasons

Be assured that GOD IS and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 505 09-18-2019

WHO ARE YOU?

Genesis 1:26-27 And GOD said, Let US make man [humanity] in OUR image, after OUR likeness…[King James Translation] So GOD created man [humanity] like HIS MAKER, Like GOD did GOD make man; Man and maid did HE make them. [Living Bible Translation]

Genesis 2:7 And THE LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. [King James Translation]

Summary

Most of us have heard the creation story thousands of time. Many of us grew up with children Bible books and pictures depicting stars, the sun and the moon, water, animals, fish and eventually the man and finally the woman depicted as molded figures from clay. But this is “the children’s” version of creation. What the Bible tells us is that humanity was created in two stages:

Genesis Chapter 1

The first chapter of Genesis discusses GOD creating the spiritual nature of humanity. The Bible says humanity was created like HIS MAKER, GOD. John 4:24 states:

GOD is Spirit, and HIS worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. [New International translation]

We too are spiritual beings. Our “spirit” is often associated with the “deepest nature” of “who we really are.” Spirit is associated with our ability to connect with our Maker, GOD. GOD “sees” our deepest thoughts, our intentions and our motives. HE knows our spirit. We interact with GOD spiritually—through prayer and in faith.

There is a part of humanity that is beyond what we see or touch with the physical human eye. Our spirit defines our connection with GOD in ways that the physical (i.e., how we act and appear) cannot. While we may deceive others with what we may do or say, we cannot deceive GOD. HE knows our spirit.

Genesis Chapter 2

The second part of the creation of humanity involved the “physical” creation of humanity. This physical creation was not from earthly clay, but from “dust.” Humans are not potted plants—formed from the soil or rich earth. We can’t sit in the sun, do nothing and be healthy and grow. Nor are we molded from clay, as many of our children’s books suggest. GOD created physical man from “dust.” Genesis 3:19 states “you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Both the physical and the spiritual parts of who we are require proper maintenance.

BODILY MAINTENANCE

Familydoctor.org suggests a number of ways to maintain your and your family’s health. A number of those things involves being proactive in order to decrease the risk of developing certain medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and injuries. Some suggestions include to:

Eat Healthy: What you eat is closely linked to your physical health. Eating balanced meals and making healthy food choices can help prevent or even treat certain medical conditions. By eating a healthy diet, you can maintain a proper weight and maintain proper levels of blood pressure and cholesterol. For example, if you are over 50 you may need to eat more mindfully. This means thinking about your meals, your meal times and your snacks. It also means trying to get the right nutrients in each meal. Good nutrients include making sure you get enough calcium, fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin

A few tips for the over 50 include:

Including meals with healthy servings of fruit, vegetables, proteins and whole grains;
Avoiding unhealthy calories like cakes, cookies, soda and alcohol;
Watching your serving portions sizes. For example, it is ok to eat a few chips once in a while, but avoid mindlessly eating a big bag in front of the TV. Measure out an appropriate amount and put the bag away.
Learn to read labels. Look at the label for the total fat, salt, cholesterol, carbohydrates and protein per serving;
Add spices to your food if your tastes have changed, but avoid salt;
Choose foods low in fat and cholesterol. Avoid saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats are animal-based (red meat and animal dairy); trans fats are found in processed (packaged baked goods).

A few tips for helping children improve their eating health include:

Being a good example by filling your own plate with health items;
Avoid mealtime distractions like TV, cell phones and other electronic devices;

iii. Invite your child to help prepare the meal. Young children can tear lettuce, pour ingredients and stir;

Eat together as a family. Talk with each other. Avoid just talking about “picky eaters” or making dinner an unpleasant experience for the “picky eater.”
Make meals colorful- e.g. beets, yellow squash, red apples, sweet potatoes, broccoli, etc.;
Offer options. (e.g. Don’t just ask the child if he or she wants cauliflower. Ask if he or she would like cauliflower or broccoli.)

See:https://familydoctor.org/what-you-can-do-to-maintain-your-health/; https://familydoctor.org/prevention-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition/healthy-food-choices/;

and https://familydoctor.org/avoiding-food-hassles-kids/.

Exercise and Fitness: Exercise and working out are important for physical and mental health. According to Familydoctor, org:

Endless studies have shown that working out on a regular basis can reduce, delay, and maybe even prevent the onset of certain diseases. Diabetes, cancer, and dementia are some of the most common medical conditions positively affected by exercise.

See: https://familydoctor.org/getting-motivated-work/. Exercise is also good for weight management and provides opportunities to spend time with family and friends and getting you laughing, which is important to mental health. Select exercises that are safe and right for you. Ask your physician if you need help or a recommendation based on your age and condition. If you cannot afford a gym membership, look for a safe park, a safe bike path or community recreation centers.

Exercise and Children: It is important for children to be active. Children 6 years or older need to be active at least 60 minutes or more each day. This can occur during various parts of the day and not all at once. Like adults, children need three kinds of exercise: 1) a mix of aerobic exercises; 2) muscle strengthening exercise and 3) bone strengthening exercise. Some activities count as more than one type of exercise. Examples of aerobic exercise include: running, hiking, dancing, dancing, skating, bicycling; swimming. Examples of strengthening exercises include: climbing, gymnastics, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups. Examples of bone strengthening exercises include: running, skipping, jumping rope, basketball, tennis, volleyball.

See: https://familydoctor.org/keeping-your-child-active/;https://familydoctor.org/prevention-and-wellness/exercise-and-fitness/exercise-basics/

REASONABLE SERVICE

In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul pleads that we offer our bodies to GOD as a living, holy sacrifice, the kind HE can accept. Paul says this is our “reasonable service.”

So, let us try to be our best for GOD, physically and spiritually. Let us try to help our children, our family and community too by modeling good health. Let’s help others be their best too!

Today, remember who you are and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 504 09-11-2019

PLAY

Zechariah 8:4-5 The LORD of HOSTS declares that Jerusalem will have peace and prosperity so long that there will once again be aged men and women hobbling through her streets on canes, and the streets will be filled with boys and girls at play.

[Living Bible Translation]

Summary

Zechariah was a prophet and a Levite (a descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose members became one of the tribes of Israel and who during the time of Moses were given priestly and religious duties regarding the care of the Tabernacle and Temple). See, Deuteronomy 18:1. Zechariah was the son of Berekiah and the grandson of Iddo, the priest and prophet. Zechariah was born in Babylon, in exile. He was a contemporary of Haggai, the prophet and Zerubbabel, the governor.

Jerusalem fell to the armies of Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. and most of the Jerusalem inhabitants were deported to Babylon, where they stayed for about 70 years (as prophesized by the Prophet Jeremiah). See, Jeremiah 25:12. When the Babylonian Empire fell to the Persian Empire in about 529 B.C., Cyrus the Great allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple. See, Ezra 1:2-4. Only a small group of those deported returned, including Haggai and Zechariah. See Ezra 5:1 and Ezra 6:14. Zechariah encouraged the people to rebuild the temple and encouraged them to greater spiritual renewal.

In Zechariah Ch. 1, Zechariah delivers a message from the LORD calling for national repentance.

The message of repentance continues in Ch 7, where Zechariah tells the people that the LORD ALMIGHTY wants the people to “show mercy and compassions” (verse 9), to stop oppressing widows and orphans and foreigners (i.e. immigrants) and poor people, and to stop plotting evil against each other (verse 9 and 10). There is a warning that they not be disobedient as the previous generation, which turned their backs, plugged their ears and hardened their hearts like stone (verses 11 and 12) to GOD.

In Zechariah Ch 8 GOD gives Zechariah a message for the people which includes a prophetic vision of what a restored Jerusalem will look like. Zechariah vision of Jerusalem is one of peace. So peaceful that elderly people (i.e., senior citizens) will be secure and safe and walk the streets with their canes. Likewise, children (boys and girls) will be able to safely play. The Jerusalem streets will be filled with playing children.

Just as Martin Luther King had a prophetic dream that one day in Alabama, “little black boys and little black girls will hold hands with little white girls and boys,” Zechariah prophesized there will be a time when Jerusalem will be safe for even the most vulnerable, its senior citizens and children. Peace will truly prevail in Jerusalem when children can play. Zechariah tells the people to keep working, keep building, continue to lay strong foundations, because the LORD is “sowing peace and prosperity” for them and their children. Zechariah 8:12.

CHILDREN NEED TO PLAY

Scientists have noted that just as animals play (e.g. cats, and dogs play; squirrels playfully chase each other and other mammals engage in social play) children need to play too. In fact, “Scientist Say Child’s Play Helps Build A Better Brain.” See, https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/08/06/336361277/scientists-say-childs-play-helps-build-a-better-brain, by Jon Hamilton 8.6.2014.

According to “Why Kids Need To Play,” by Heather Gilmore, MSW, BCBA, play is important because:

Play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children;
Play is important to a child’s neurological development;
The United Nations High Commission on Human Rights recognizes play as a right of every child;
When children are allowed to play, without being told specifically what they have to do, they become more focused, have greater attention spans and improve their academic performance;
Overscheduled family lifestyles often lead to less quality parent-child interaction and child-driven play;
Children learn to be assertive, resolve conflicts, share, make decisions, work in groups through unstructured play;
Play allows children to express, identify and learn about feelings;
Children can often make sense of their life experience through unstructured play;
Parents can help children who have experienced difficulties by learning to play with them in specific ways using selected toys. Some of the difficulties may include divorce, speech problems, social difficulties, chronic illness, disability, hyperactivity, learning difficulties, etc.;
Parents can significantly improve their relationship with their child by playing with them.

See: https://pro.psychcentral.com/child-therapist/2014/08/why-kids-need-to-play/.

ADULTS NEED TO PLAY

Adults need to play too. It’s not all about work. Playing with pets, children, friends, partners and others is important too. Play is important for relaxation and stimulation. Play can relieve stress, stimulate learning, connect you with the world and can sometimes make work more productive. Play can stimulate a person’s imagination, increase their problem-solving ability and sometimes result in forming new business relationship. Sometimes play can even improve teamwork.

Play can benefit people of all ages. Being able to play with children at their level (e.g. getting on the floor with a baby, or rolling around or playing “peek a boo” or stimulating a child’s imagination with make-believe or playing a board game with an older child, or an age appropriate sport can be important relationship building activity for the child and the adult. It can be a parent-child bonding experience.

See, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm#targetText=You'll%20learn%20a%20new,trust%2C%20and%20intimacy%20with%20others.

Sometimes it is important to turn off the TV, give a child, friend or family member your undivided attention and just play. There is no need to force or prolong play, sometimes it is best to let the child take the lead.

Also, stay in shape so you can play.

CREATING PLAY ENVIRONMENTS

We need to create safe environments where children can play. We need to create cities where seniors can walk the streets and where children can play.

We need to roll up our sleeves, rebuild trust in our communities, have compassion and remember that children and adults need to play!

Pray for children and adults in difficult situations. Pray for the children and parents held in detention camps. Pray for children and adults who have lost everything because of hurricanes, fires, war, conflict and strife. Pray for children and adults who spend so much time “trying to make a living” they have forgotten how to play. Pray for less gun violence, less addiction, less homelessness, less indifference, less brutality and more fairness, justice and compassion. Pray for world repentance. Pray we allow GOD to sow seeds of peace and prosperity in our hearts.

PRAY, play and BE BLESSED.

Prayer Day # 503 09-04-2019

OUT OF JOINT

Genesis 32:24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel….” [New International translation]

Biblical Comment

If anyone knew what it was like to struggle, Jacob did. Even before birth, his mother Rebekah, could feel her twin sons, Jacob and Esau, struggling within her womb. (Genesis 25:22) At birth Jacob was already jockeying for position in life-- trying to get ahead, trying to position himself for wealth and authority, grasping at his brother Esau’s heel. (Genesis 25:26). Jacob’s, individual struggles, turned into family struggles, as he pushed and cajoled his way through life, deceiving his father Isaac, conspiring with his mother, scheming and struggling. Even, when Jacob got what he thought he wanted, the first born blessing, Jacob’s struggles continued as he was forced to leave home because he was fearful of what Esau might do to him (Genesis 27:44).

Jacob’s struggles continued at Laban’s house. There Jacob experienced first-hand what it was like to be tricked and cheated by another family member, Laban, his father-in-law. Jacob struggled with dealing with other people’s attitude toward him, when Laban’s sons grumbled that Jacob was taking what was theirs and Laban looked at Jacob suspiciously (Genesis 31:1-2). Jacob’s struggles continued when once again he had to pack up and leave Laban’s house. Jacob even struggled keeping his little household together, as evidenced by his wife Rachel stealing from Laban, without Jacob’s knowledge (Genesis 31:19).

Jacob constantly struggled with his own fears. Jacob was fearful Laban might take his wives away. (Genesis31:31). Jacob was especially fearful of his brother Esau. And to make matters worse, it seemed that there was no way to avoid an encounter with Esau, because to get where he needed to go, Jacob had to first deal with Esau.

However, just when we think we know all about this fearful, struggling Jacob, we come to Genesis 32:24, what some would call Jacob’s encounter with GOD. This story and the verses of this scripture are worth reading again and again. A few things stand out:

First: Jacob thought he was alone, but he was not, GOD was there;

Second: Unlike many other “sports” and “activities” wrestling involves strength and hanging on. In other words, when you cling to GOD with all your strength and all your might, you will find that GOD will “cling” to you. Wrestling also involves grappling. Often, we have to grapple with the WORD of GOD. In fact, GOD wants to us “wrestle,” “grapple” and “struggle” with the WORD---to have a close encounter---so we deepen our understanding of HIM and HIS WORD.

Third: Even though GOD was with Jacob, there were still periods, as when Jacob’s hip was “out of joint,” when things didn’t look or feel good. Nevertheless, Jacob clung to GOD and GOD clung to Jacob. And, in the end, Jacob was blessed, because “JOY comes in the morning.” Just have faith, persevere, cling to GOD, and pray for HIS blessings. Jacob named the place where he wrestled “Peniel” (“The Face of GOD”).

KEEP MOVING

It ironic that many people with arthritis pain and stiffness often avoid exercise and moving, because many experts believe that exercise is crucial for people with arthritis. According to a Mayo Clinic article, “Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness,” exercise can:

Strengthen the muscles around your joints
Help you maintain bone strength
Give you more energy to get through the day
Make it easier to get a good night's sleep
Help you control your weight
Enhance your quality of life

Id. According to this Mayo Clinic article, although some believe that exercise will aggravate their condition, lack of exercise may actually make an arthritic condition worse. As always, it is best to check with your personal physician if you have concerns, start an exercise program or want to determine what exercise program would be right for you and your condition.

According to the article, you don’t have to run a marathon or become an Olympic swimmer. No one expects that. In fact, the article recommends low-impact, mild to moderate exercise , beginning with strength building exercises, going slowly, moving gently, and in general, not over doing it. According to the article if you have rheumatoid arthritis, check with your doctor to ask your doctor whether or not you should work out during local or general arthritic flare-ups.

Any movement may be helpful with arthritis. For example, walking, raking leaves, mowing the lawn, sweeping, gardening, morning stretching, bending the fingers in and out, squeezing a stress ball, rolling the shoulders, spreading the fingers wide on a table, lifting the arms, moving the forearms arms in and out, or the elbows in and out, etc. The Arthritis Foundation, also has exercise videos, articles, resources and other information on their website including a directory of local offices. The Foundation conducts exercise programs for people with arthritis in many parts of the U.S. See, https://www.arthritis.org/local-offices/ and https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/. Again, speak with your physician about other resources and information.

OUT OF JOINT or STRUGGLING?

Feeling “out of joint” or struggling. It can happen to anyone. It does happen, to various degrees, to everyone.

Whatever we are struggling with, it is important to remember, we are not alone. GOD is with us. GOD is our Emmanuel (meaning “GOD with us”). If you’re struggling and grappling, GOD knows.

Speak to someone, if you need help. Again, speak with your physician or ask for a referral to someone who may help you deal with your particular situation. Also, many leaders of faith have been trained to help to answer questions you may have.

If you are looking for other grapplers, other life-issue “wrestlers,” many places of worship also have study groups, prayer groups, fellowships, children and teen activities groups and programs, young adult groups, eagerly seeking new members.

Have faith, keep moving, and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 502 08-28-2019

OVERCOMING FEAR & DOUBT

Matthew 14:22-27 Immediately, JESUS made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of HIM on the other side, while HE dismissed the crowd. After HE had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by HIMSELF to pray. When evening came, HE was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night JESUS went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw HIM walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost.” They said, and cried out in fear.

But JESUS immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

LORD, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” HE said… Then Peter got down out of the boat, walking on the water and came toward JESUS. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, beginning to sink, cried out, LORD, save me!”

Immediately JESUS reached out HIS hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” HE said, “why did you doubt?” [See New International translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

A great deal of JESUS’ interactions with the disciples had to do with JESUS teaching them how to overcome their fears and doubts. This is an example.

“Immediately” before these events, they had all been at a mountainside gathering with about 5,000 people. JESUS was performing miracles, healing the sick. But, when it became late, the disciples approached JESUS and suggested HE tell all the people leave and go buy food, fearing a hungry crowd would become unmanageable. But instead, JESUS calmly turned to the disciples and said: “That won’t be necessary, you feed them.”

Astonished, and probably looking at JESUS as if HE had “lost HIS mind,” the disciples proceeded to give JESUS what they thought was a simple lesson in mathematics. You could almost hear them saying in their minds: “Listen JESUS, there are 12 of us; 5,000 of them, 5 loaves and 2 fish.” But they just said: “We have exactly five small loaves of bread and two fish.” [Living Bible translation.]

JESUS response was just as straightforward. “Come to me with everything you have.”

Then JESUS performed a miracle—feeding everyone---with food to spare.

Despite having this mountain top miracle experience, the disciple would soon again have to confront their fears and doubts.

Matthew 14:22-27 states that “immediately” afterward, JESUS told the disciples to get in a boat. Some of the disciples were fishermen or many lived near the water, so getting into a boat was probably nothing to them. However, it started to get windy and then they saw JESUS do something HE had never done before--walking on water. This was a new type of miracle that the disciples had not witnessed before. Then JESUS had Peter do something Peter had never done before, namely, walk on water with him. However

even while the miracle was happening, Peter let his fears and doubt begin to pull him down. But JESUS saved Peter! Even, in the midst of Peter’s fears and doubts, JESUS saved Peter from himself.

FITNESS FEARS

Unfortunately, many people have fitness fears. They know they need to exercise but they often don’t want to work out “because of the way they look” or because of the way “other people look” or because of the way they think other people “will look at them.”

Interestingly enough, these are often the same kinds of concerns and fears that prevent people (e.g., who dress differently, are of a different faith, are a different race, are homeless, or feel they may “stand out” for some reason) may give for not visiting a church, temple or mosque. These are the judgmental fears or fears they “don’t belong.”. However, contrary to what they think, most places of worship, and most gyms want new members!

Other fitness fears, that sometimes keep people from exercising include thinking:

They won’t know how to use the equipment;
They won’t have time to exercise before or after work;
They can’t afford to go to a gym or a health club;
They won’t be able to keep up with the class;
They are too old, or it is too late to start.

Many gyms have trainers who can teach the inexperienced how to use gym equipment, how to lift weights or what exercises and equipment would be best for your fitness goals. Sometimes people partner up with more experienced equipment users. Remember safety is a big concern for every gym, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Some gyms are open 24 hours and on weekends. And, if you can’t go to the gym, find an exercise program that works for you at home. Get your own exercise equipment and start exercising at home. Remember, you don’t have to pay to exercise.

Many gyms have a variety of classes. Try a few and see which ones you like. Having fun is more important than “keeping up!” With regard to age, unless your physician tells you otherwise, it’s never too late to start an exercise program! For other tips, See: “Conquer Your Fitness Fears,” https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/hate-exercise#3.

Remember, the idea is to have fun and exercise! Try something new. If you are concerned whether you will be able to keep up, ask the class instructor to recommend a class appropriate to your fitness level. Don’t let your fears keep you from your best health!

GOD IS OUR OURCOMER

GOD still understand our needs.

GOD still wants us to come to HIM.

GOD can overcome our fears and doubts.

GOD is still performing miracles. Don’t be afraid to try something new with GOD.

Exercise fearlessly, trust GOD, have faith and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 501 08-21-2019

CLEAN TEETH

Amos 4:6 “I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me,” says the LORD.

AMOS

Amos was a native of Tekoa in Judah (the Southern Kingdom). He was called to be GOD’s prophet. While he lived in the South, he did a great deal of his preaching to the people living in the North (the Northern Kingdom of Israel sometimes called “Ephraim” because the first King of the Northern Kingdom, Jeroboam came from the tribe of Ephraim, 1Kings11:26, or sometimes the Northern Kingdom is called “Israel”).

Amos was by occupation a herdsman (i.e., shepherd) or a “dresser of sycamore trees” (Amos 7:14). He did not have “the pedigree” for being a prophet. He did not come from a family of prophets. He never went to prophet school. He just thought of himself as a herdsman and fruit picker. BUT, GOD choose him. GOD told the man from the South to prophesy to the North. Amos answered GOD’s call.

Some of Amos’ major themes were social justice, divine justice and the omnipotence of GOD. Amos is known for his rich images, metaphors and language, such as:

“But let Judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” (Amos 5:24) –used by Martin Luther King (“let justice roll down like waters”) in Martin’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Amos’ chapter 4:6 “clean teeth” is another rich verse. In Amos 4:6, GOD, through his prophet Amos, points out that even through adversity, brought on by their own sinful behavior again GOD, the people still refuse to return to HIM. Even though the people have no bread or food---so there is no food particles to pick from their teeth, as they might at the end of a full meal—and so their teeth are clean, Israel still will not repent and return to GOD.

Even with nothing to eat, no place to go, suffering blight and mildew, failed crops and their children killed in war, the Israelites still will not obey and return to GOD.

Healthy Teeth

According to “Nutrition and Healthy Teeth,” experts agree that certain foods are good for your teeth and some foods are not. Foods containing too many carbohydrates and sugars (e.g. cake, cookies, candy) or too many starches (e.g. potatoes chips, pretzels) are not good for teeth.

The writers of the article suggest that if you are going to serve children sweets or deserts, serve them immediately following a meal rather than as a snack:

There's usually an increased amount of saliva in the mouth around mealtime, making it easier to wash food away from teeth. The mealtime beverage also helps to wash away food particles on teeth.

The writers suggest that you should avoid sugary foods that linger on the teeth, like hard candy, cough drops, and mints or sticky foods like caramel, granola bars, jelly beans, syrups or raisins or dried figs. If these foods are eaten as snacks, the writers suggest that you brush your teeth immediately afterwards. See, “Nutrition and Healthy Teeth,” www.webmd.com/oral-health/nutrition-and-healthy-teeth.

In “What to do for healthy teeth and gums,” Jennifer Berry (reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS) provides some of the following tips:

Brush- Brush regularly (at least twice a day) to remove plaque and bacteria and to help keep your teeth clean. Brush using a circular motion, making sure you brush the top of each tooth, the back and the front. Avoid “sawing back-and-forth motions.” Also, avoid brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush, since this can damage tooth enamel.
Floss - Floss every day in order to remove plaque and bacteria between the teeth. Flossing can also go in areas whether a toothbrush may fail to reach. Flossing can also prevent bad breath by removing debris and food caught in the teeth. Gently hug the side of the tooth as you floss. Avoid, snapping the floss up and down between the teeth. If you don’t know how to flow, ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you how.
Regular Dental Visits- Many experts suggest seeing a dentist about every 6 months. This will allow for cleaning, check-ups and examination of teeth and gums to prevent cavities or other oral health problems. Children should see a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth or 1 year of age, whichever comes first.
Do Not Smoke – Smoking harms the body’s immune system, which makes it difficult for tissue to heal, including tissue in the mouth.
Drink Water or Unsweetened Tea – Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks (e.g. soda, juices or any other drink with added sugar)
Babies – There are a number of useful practices for helping keeping gums healthy, including wiping a baby’s gums with a warm, wet, washcloth every day to remove sugars from the gums and help “the baby become familiar with cleaning” their teeth.

See, “What to do for healthy teeth and gums,” Jennifer Berry, March 14, 2019, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324708.php.

Pray For A GODLY Return

GOD still wants HIS children to return to HIM. HE still wants nations and people to repent when we do wrong.

Just like the Northern Kingdom during the times of Amos, our world is still in disarray. People are stranded on ships at ports that refuse them entry. People are stranded in detention facilities. People are stranded in prisons. The homeless are stranded on the streets. There are protests in Russia, China, Great Britain, Africa and elsewhere.

Today, please pray for all the world leaders. Pray for a global return to GOD.

Pray we remember the “Clean Teeth” lessons of Amos.

Pray for GOD’s BLESSINGS! And, BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 500 08-14-2019

HUNGRY

Genesis 25:27-34 As the boys grew, Esau became a skillful hunter, while Jacob was a quiet sort who liked to stay at home. Isaac’s favorite was Esau, because of the venison he brought home, and Rebekah’s favorite was Jacob. One day Jacob was cooking stew when Esau arrived home exhausted from the hunt.

Esau: “Boy, am I starved! Give me a bite of that red stuff there!” ….

Jacob: “All right, trade me your birthright for it”

Esau: “When a man is dying of starvation, what good is his birthright?” …

And Esau vowed, thereby selling all his eldest-son rights to his younger brother. Then Jacob gave Esau bread, peas, and stew; so he ate and drank and went about his business, indifferent to the loss of the rights he had thrown away. [Living Bible translation]

Scripture

The history of the nation of Israel, from Abraham, to Isaac, to his sons, Jacob and Esau and to the generations that followed is a fascinating account. Each of these Biblical characters is instructive. There is the drama of family dynamics involving Isaac, his wife Rebekah and the two sons Jacob and Esau. There is the relationship between the brothers, who were twins. There are the individual personalities of Esau and Jacob--one a skillful hunter and the other a homebody. There are the decisions that were made. And the opportunities that were lost. Esau, who did not value his birthright and, in a “moment of weakness,” exchanged his inheritance rights for a bowl of stew, some bread, some peas and a drink. Esau even swore (i.e., to GOD) sealing the deal. See, Genesis 29:33.

Esau’s relationship to food, drink and his hunger for the wrong things changed his life forever.

Esau’s story is a tale of physical hunger and poor spiritual insight. Esau’s poor spiritual insight appears to continue past his interaction with his brother Jacob.

When their father Isaac one day proclaimed that he was ready to bless Esau before he died, and Esau later ran to his father saying “I am your son, “your first born Esau,” (Gen 27:32), it appears that Esau was ready to accept the blessing of the first born, despite the fact that Esau had already given his birthright away to Jacob? In other words, Esau was prepared to disguise himself as the one entitled to the first-born birthright blessings, when he was not.
Esau has no spiritual insight into his own behavior. When Esau learned of Jacob’s deception, Esau never once accepts any personal responsibility for what has occurred. Esau blames everything on his cheating brother, claiming Jacob took away his birthright (which in fact, Esau gave away) and took his (first born/birthright) blessings (which in fact, Esau was no longer entitled), having given away those rights to Jacob.
Esau has poor spiritual insight or compassion regarding his brother, Jacob. Esau was always his father’s favorite. Ironically, Isaac loved Esau because Isaac loved eating the savory meals from Esau’s hunting trips. (Genesis 25:28; Genesis 27:4). Even, when Isaac was ready to bless “his son” before he died, Isaac basically gave all his blessing to “the birthright” child. Nothing was left for “the other son.” So, when Esau cries out after learning of Jacob’s deception, “Oh, haven’t you saved even one blessing for me?” Isaac says nothing. In his own self-pity, Esau fails to discern that this is exactly the situation Jacob would have been in, had Esau been blessed first. But Esau has no spiritual insight, no empathy, no compassion nor concern for anyone other than himself.

Why You May Be Hungry

Hunger is generally the body’s cue that you need to eat. But that is not always the case, especially in those who ask “Why am I always hungry?” “Polyphagia” is the medical term for excessive or extreme hunger and may be a sign you need to speak to your physician, especially if eating won’t make your hunger go away, even after eating more. Some of the factors that can affect hunger include:

Insufficient Protein – A good source of protein is important in preventing hunger. Some plant-based proteins include broccoli, corn, potatoes, edamame, lentils, green peas, asparagus, Brussel Sprouts, Avocado, mushrooms, artichokes, nuts, seeds,
Lack of Sleep – If you don’t get enough sleep it can affect the hormones in your body. You may also find you crave high-fat, high-caloric foods when tired.
Stress and Anxiety – If you are anxious of tense the body releases hormones which can cause the feeling of being hungry. Again, people who feel stress may crave sugar and fats.
Eating Unhealthy Carbs- Pastries, white bread, many packaged foods and fast foods are often high in fats and unhealthy carbs and can leave a person feeling hungry, often causing people to eat more than they should
Not Drinking Enough Water – Hydration is important to overall health. Water is filling and has the potential to reduce appetite before meals.
Lack of Fiber – High fiber foods take longer to digest and decrease the feelings of hunger. Oatmeal, flaxseed, citrus (e.g. oranges), apples, sweet potatoes, strawberries and Brussel Sprouts are examples of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber easily dissolves in water and is broken down into a gel-like substance in the part of the gut called the colon.
Eating While distracted – While it may seem efficient to multi-task, it turns out that eating while distracted may reduce your awareness of fullness. Less distraction allows you to taste your food and recognize when you are full.
Drinking Too Much – Consuming alcohol can cause a person to consume more calories throughout the day. Alcohol can also impair the brain’s ability to exercise good judgement and self-control.
Medications – Some medications can stimulate appetite. If you are concerned about and side-effects from any medication you are taking, speak with your physician.
Pregnancy- It is very normal for most women to feel hungry during pregnancy. Most women gain 4 to 6 pounds during the first trimester and then 1 pound a week during the second and third trimesters.
Exercising A Lot- Exercising frequently can cause a person to require more calories. This usually applies to high intensity workouts or exercising on a high frequency basis.

See, “14 Reasons Why You’re Always Hungry,” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/14-reasons-always-hungry#section1; “Why Am I Always Hungry?” https://www.webmd.com/diet/reasons-always-hungry#1.

Examine What Makes You Hungry

Being mindful of when and why we are physically hungry and for what, can be important. Being mindful of our spiritual wants and needs is even more important. Let us all pray for self-examination, spiritual insight and discernment. Pray we consider whether we have “undervalued” the spiritual aspects in our lives, our community and our country. Are we lacking in compassion, quick to point the finger at others, or slow to forgive? Can we ever “see” ourselves in someone else’s shoes? Pray that we hunger and thirst after the right things and have a right spirit.

Pray one for another and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 499 08-07-2019

FOOD, DRINK & FAITH

DANIEL 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. [King James translation]

Daniel 1:11 Daniel talked it over with the steward who was appointed by the superintendent to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Misha-el, and Azariah, and suggested a ten-day diet of only vegetables and water: then, at the end of this trial period the steward could see how they looked in comparison with the other fellows who ate the king’s rich food, and decide whether or not to let them continue their diet. [Living Bible translation]

Summary

The king of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem with his armies, because GOD allowed him victory, and many of the Israelites were taken to Babylon as captives. The king thinking into the future, decided to bring some of the captured youth into the Babylonian culture, by training them for three years and then taking “the cream of the crop” to become his counselors. Among the chosen youth were three young men from the tribe of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Misha-el and Azariah. The king assigned all of these captives the best food and drink from his own kitchen. (Daniel 1:5)

One of these young men, Daniel, “made up his mind” (the King James translation states “purposed in his heart”) not to eat the king’s food and wine. Much speculation has been given why Daniel was so resolute about rejecting the King’s food and drink and instead proposing a simple diet of vegetables and water. Some believe that the refusal was based on “not defiling himself” it was a matter of Daniel not wanting to go against his faith or the WORD of GOD. Some believe that King’s meat probably included meats that under the law of Moses, were unclean animals. For example, the law forbade eating camel, hare, pigs (i.e., swine), vulture, ravine, owl, swan, pelican, hawk, eagle, the cuckoo, heron, bat, stork and water creatures without fins or scales. (See, Leviticus 11:12-19).

Some believe that following Proverbs 23:1, Daniel did not want to eat with a ruler or desire his delicacies, knowing that the food was just a trap and step toward Babylonian indoctrination and the worship of Babylonian gods instead of worship of the one true GOD.

Some believe that Daniel was familiar with Proverbs 23:20-21, which warned young men [which wisdom today extends to everyone] about the dangers of becoming a drunkard and which describes excessive alcohol use as a path to poverty. Proverbs 23:29-35 describes a number of problems of drinking too much, including: bloodshot eyes, delirious tremors, hallucinations, the tendency to fight and quarrel, saying foolish things or silly thing that would embarrass a person if he (or she) were sober, staggering about and not even knowing when he (or she) is hurt or beaten; instead, just looking to find another drink. (See Proverbs 23:20-21, 29-35; Living Bible translation).

One old testament scholar, Robert Dick Wilson, speculates that the Babylonians may have been fond of drinking blood with wine, a practice which Daniel would have also again considered defiling. See, Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 3:17. See, Robert Dick Wilson, Studies in the Book of Daniel, one vol. ed. (n.p.: By the author, 1917; repr., Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1979), 2:251.

Others have speculated that Daniel’s rejection of the king’s food and drink was because it was first offered to idol gods.

Some might suggest the Daniel test as to whether to eat or drink included the following:

Is eating or drinking this consistent with scripture (e.g., is it consistent with scripture that I treat my body as a temple of GOD’s Holy Spirit (See, 1 Cor 6:19);
Are my motives and the giver’s motives pure? (e.g. Am I drinking too much because everyone else is drinking too much? Am I trying “to look” or act like someone else I envy? Does someone else have an un-pure motive in trying to influence me to eat or drink this?
Would eating or drinking this do harm to me or others? (e.g., Will I likely do something that will be embarrassing after drinking or eating this? Am I role-modeling the right behavior?)

When presented with his food or drink test, Daniel chose his faith and won.

Inflammation and Foods

Inflammation is a part of the body’s immune system. It can be both good and bad. For example, when there is an infection or bacteria or virus, the body’s white cells and the substances they produce recognize damaged cells, an irritant or pathogen and begin the healing process. So inflammation is part of the body’s repair system. However, sometimes the body’s own protective immune system causes damage to the body itself. In other words, the body responds to normal tissue as if it were infected or abnormal. Sometimes certain diseases are associated with inflammation, such as some types of arthritis, (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, allergy and others. See, “What is Inflammation,” by https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation#1-2 .

Some foods are also considered anti-inflammatory and some foods are considered inflammatory foods. Some experts will suggest that if you have a medical condition or disease that causes inflammation, in addition to medication that your personal physician may prescribe, an anti-inflammatory diet may help too. See, “Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Road to Good Health?” https://www.webmd.com/diet/anti-inflammatory-diet-road-to-good-health#1. However, you should always consult your own personal physician regarding your own condition and what is best for you.

Anti-inflammatory Foods

Some anti-inflammatory foods include: lots of fruits and vegetables (e.g. leafy greens like kale and spinach, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, pineapple, tomatoes and beans), broccoli, avocado, grapes, nuts and whole grains.

See, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-anti-inflammatory-foods#section9/.

Inflammatory Foods

Some foods that can cause inflammation include cakes, cookies, soda, sweet drinks, high fat and processed meats (like hot dogs, sausage, bacon, smoked meats, beef jerky), butter, whole milk, cheese. However, low fat dairy products are not considered inflammatory.

Again. consult your physician for what’s right for you.

Have Faith

Sometimes what to eat or drink is not simple. In fact, sometimes, food and drink decision-making can be really difficult, especially when the decision seems to be going against the tidal wave of popular culture or against the cultural flow. But, like Daniel, sometimes we, whether young or old, simply have to refuse to submit and have faith, especially when there are better physically and spiritually healthy alternatives.

Today, consider all of your food and drink alternatives. Pray about them. Make an appointment with your personal physician if you have questions or concerns. Learn how you can improve your food and drink choices to improve your health.

Have faith. Be resolute and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 498 07-31-2019

FIGS

Genesis: 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. [New International Translation]

Summary

After Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD, after the “Fall from Grace,” they immediately felt naked. Although they were experiencing a spiritual separation from GOD, because of their disobedience, they thought they could solve this spiritual problem in a physical way---namely by making clothes (i.e., covering their bodies). They began sewing fig leaves together in order to make coverings for themselves.

FIGS

A Biblical Fruit

Figs were a common and popular fruit during biblical times. Figs were eaten fresh, dried, like raisins and they were also fermented. There are a number of references to figs in the bible besides the reference in Genesis 3:7. For example, Abigail, the wise wife of Nabal (whose name means “fool” or “folly”), baked 200 fig cakes as a peace offering for David. See, 1Samuel 25:4-38. Zacchaeus, who was short in stature and who desired to see JESUS, climbed a sycamore fig tree. See, Luke 19:4. JESUS saw Nathanael under the fig tree before Nathanael encountered JESUS. See, John 1:48.

Fig trees and grapevines were common household plants. Micah 4:4 states: “Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree.” In times of war, armies often destroyed homes, vineyards and fig trees. So, to be able to sit under one’s own vine and fig tree represented a time of peace and prosperity. In Isaiah 36:16, the King of Assyria uses this same imagery of the fig tree symbolizing “the good life.” In Isaiah, the King of Assyria’s emissaries persuasively promise that each Israelite soldier would have his own fig tree and drink from his own cistern if each of these soldiers came over to the King of Assyria’s side and joined the Assyrian army and abandoned King Hezekiah.

JESUS also used the fig tree in a number of his teaching parables. In Luke 13:6-9, there is the parable of the barren fig tree and in Mark 13:28-29, there is the parable of the budding fig tree. In Matthew 21:18-20 and Mark 11, there is the withered fig tree. While a fruitful fig tree is a symbol of joy, peace and prosperity, a leafy but barren fig tree, like a showy religion, may “look good,” like many of the synagogue religious leaders, because it bore no fruit, it was really of no value. Again, using a fig tree parable in Luke 13:6-9, JESUS warns of the dangers of spiritual fruitlessness.

Health Benefit of Eating Figs

Figs are one of the riches plant sources of vitamins and minerals. Figs include:

Vitamin A – important for normal vision, the immune system and organ function
Vitamin C – important for growth, development and repair of body tissue
B Vitamins – help to prevent infection and promote cell growth
Vitamin K – important for blood clotting
Potassium -helps to control blood pressure
Calcium – important for bone and teeth;
Copper – works with iron to help the body form red blood cells
Selenium – important to metabolism and thyroid function
Magnesium – helps to control blood pressure
Manganese - a mineral that supports bone density and better metabolism
Iron – an essential element in blood production
Zinc – important for sense of taste and smell and the body’s immune system

See, “The Healthy Benefits of Figs,” https://www.healthline.com/health/figs; “One-Food Wonder: Figs,” https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/video/video-one-food-wonder-figs; https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/09089.

Varieties of Figs

Figs come in a variety of colors, from purplish black to almost white. Some of the common ones include: a) Mission Figs: purplish-black in color with reddish, moist taste; b) Brown Turkey Figs: brownish skin sometimes with maroon tones on the skin c) Adriatic Figs: rich golden or yellow-green or even white in color; and d) Calimyrna Figs: golden-brown in color.

Figs can be eaten fresh, mixed with salad, added to fruit salads and eaten dried or made into a paste. There are a lot of choices.

Figs may have a laxative effect and have been used to treat constipation. So, eating too many at one time may cause loose stool.

Figs: A Physical and Spiritually Useful Fruit:

All of the biblical references to figs are thought provoking. In fact, you may want to set aside time to read each one---the account in Genesis; the story of Abigail, David and Nabal; the King of Assyria’s attempt to persuade Hezekiah’s army to switch sides; JESUS’ encounter with Nathanael; JESUS’ parables; and the story of Zacchaeus. Each fig account is spiritually useful.

Each day we decide what to eat spiritually and what to eat physically. Each day we must decide whether we will just “string a few fig leaves together,” pretending that everything is “fine” or whether we will go to GOD in prayer and be real.

And, each day we must decide whether to choose healthy foods (like nutritious figs, fruits and vegetables) and drink water or unhealthy foods and drinks.

Each day we must decide to exercise or not.

Today, let us read GOD’s WORD, meditate, and pray to make the right decisions.

Let each of us strive for greater spiritual and physical health.

Pray one for another and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 497 07-24-2019

FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

EZEKIEL 47: 9-12 The stream will make the water of the Dead Sea fresh, and wherever it flows, it will bring life…there will be as many different kinds of fish there as there are in the Mediterranean Sea…On each bank of the stream all kinds of trees will grow to provide food. Their leaves will never wither, and they will never stop bearing fruit. They will have fresh fruit every month, because they are watered by the stream that flows from the Temple. The trees will provide food, and their leaves will be used for healing people. [Good New translation]

Summary

Ezekiel was an Old Testament priest. His calling/job was to speak the Word of GOD to a people that were in rebellion against GOD, a most difficult task indeed. But, GOD prepared Ezekiel for the job Ezekiel had to perform. Ezekiel’s preparation involved experiencing the SPIRIT of GOD through a number of visions. Ezekiel chapters 40 to 48 contain a description of the millennial temple—the temple of the future; a temple like no other. In Ezekiel chapters 43-46, Ezekiel describes his vision of the worship. In Ezekiel 47 and 48, Ezekiel describes his prophetic vision of the land during the millennial Kingdom time. In verse 47:12, Ezekiel describes the trees, whose leaves will not wither and that bear fresh fruit every month.

Some commentaries* suggest the “many trees” and the fruit describe “our lives.” The “water” represents THE HOLY SPIRIT, bringing forth life, growth and fullness. Some of these commentaries note that “THE TEMPLE” is not a physical building, but GOD HIMSELF. See, Revelation, chapters 20 and 21.

Ezekiel ends his description of the New Millennial (i.e., THE TEMPLE, the land, the city in Chapter 48 on a high note, proclaiming: “THE LORD IS THERE.”

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

In 2013, Beth Hoffman made the following bold statement in an article in Forbes Magazine. “One Way to Be Healthier: Don’t Eat Like The Average American.”

According to Hoffman, the average American continued to overspend on sweets, fats, convenience foods and refined grains, and underspend on fruits vegetables, and whole grains. See, “One Way to Be Healthier: Don’t Eat Like The Average American,” by Beth Hoffman, March 18, 2013, www.forbes.com. Hoffman noted that according to a report released by the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

Regardless of race, income or educational levels, the average American spends only .5 percent of their food budget on green leafy vegetables while the USDA recommends more than 15 times that amount.

Emphasis added. See, “One Way to Be Healthier: Don’t Eat Like The Average American,” by Beth Hoffman, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bethhoffman/2013/03/18/one-way-to-be-healthier-dont-eat-like-the-average-american/#1ebced012bd6.

Hoffman also noted that most Americans spend close to 14% of their food budget on sweets, when they should be spending less than 1%.

So, Hoffman suggests: Don’t eat and buy like the average American. Instead, eat and buy more fresh fruits and vegetable. And, eat and buy fewer sweets.

In 2017, Jaime Ducharme reported in a Time magazine article: “About 90% of Americans Don’t Eat Enough Fruits and Vegetables” based on data from a 2017 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just 12.2% of adult Americans were meeting the standards for fruit consumption and about 9.3% of adult Americans were meeting the standards for vegetable consumption.

On average Americans were eating fruit once per day and vegetables 1.7 times per day, with numbers varying state by state. It was important to get the numbers up because plant heavy diets have been shown to reduce the risk of a number of diseases, from type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. See, “About 90% of Americans Don’t Eat Enough Fruits and Vegetables, by Jaime Ducharme, https://time.com/5029164/fruit-vegetable-diet/.

In 2018, the CDC reported that despite the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, Americans still were not consuming enough of them in their daily diet. Only 1 in 10 adult Americans ate the recommended amount of fruit or vegetables per day. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 1.5-2 cups of fruit per day and 2-3 cups of vegetables per day. American youth consumption was also low. Only 9% of high school students met the fruit recommendation and only 2% met the vegetable recommendation.

It was noted that educating Americans was important but access and affordability were equally important. Fruits and vegetables must be accessible and affordable in places where children and family spend their time—for example, at work sites, schools, neighborhood, hospitals and, we should add, their places of worship. See, https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/downloads/fruits-vegetables/2018/2018-fruit-vegetable-report-508.pdf .

Time for a Change: Envision Your Future

Ezekiel lived many years ago, around 595 B.C. But in a prophetic vision, he saw the future. He envisioned a new temple, a New Jerusalem, a new land, a different order. He envisioned a city, where THE LORD is there.

Today think about your last food shopping cart. What percentage of the items in your last food cart were sweet foods? What percentage of your bill or the items in your shopping cart were fresh fruits and vegetables?

If you have been eating like “the average American” or even worse, then close your eyes and envision yourself making a change! Envision your next grocery shopping cart or grocery bags filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Say a prayer. Invite the HOLY SPIRIT to wash away all unhealthy physical and spiritual desires. And, thank GOD for answering prayer. Then, the next time you go shopping, pack a lunch, cook, plan an outing, plan a church meal or snack, remember to set an example—especially for our youth. Cut down on purchasing sweets. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Claim the vision of your healthier self!

Today, pray GOD plant the right vision in every one of us. Remember, we are GOD’s temples. (1 Corinthians 6:19.) So glorify GOD in your body! (1 Corinthians 6:20.)

THE LORD IS THERE!

Envision a healthier you and BE BLESSED!

______

*See for example, Thru The Bible Commentary Series, The Prophets, Ezekiel by J. Vernon McGee.

Prayer Day # 496 07-17-2019

CONNECTING THE MIND

1 CORINTHIANS 14:13-15 Therefore, he who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? [Revised Standard translation]

Discussion

The significance of Paul’s comments in 1 Corinthians 13-15 provides much mental food for thought.

Some consider these verses as Paul’s desire to provide some “guidelines” regarding the use of the Spiritual gift of tongues. There is the suggestion that those who possessed this unusual spiritual gift were so caught up in their own ability to speak “in another tongue” they lost sight of the reason for the gift, which was to “serve.” To Paul, while the tongues speaker may gain a lot of “charisma” in having the gift, unless it actually “benefits” “the church body or someone in the church,” it served no purpose. And, in order to benefit someone, including the speaker, someone needed to interpret. Therefore, Paul suggests that the gift of speaking in tongues and the gift of the interpretation of tongue should go hand in hand. Without both, there is no mental understanding.

Others view this passage as a reminder to emphasize the importance of all spiritual gifts and a reminder to us that spiritual gifts are not our “personal property.” Gifts are given to individuals to glorify GOD or given to benefit the church, which glorifies GOD.

Others may see 1 Corinthians 14: 13-15 as Paul making a connection between prayer, spirit and mind. Sometimes people try to segregate their spiritual experience from their thinking. For example sometimes people see work as more of a “mind” arena rather than a “spiritual” arena. Such people may come to church to pray and to have a “spiritual experience” but if asked if they ever pray at work or had a spiritual experience at work, they might say no. Sometimes people have the spiritual experience when they sing or pray often not thinking of the implications of what they are saying because they have “disengaged their minds.” For example, when we pray or sing, “LORD, I’m Available To YOU,” do the words reach the mind or are we just “caught up” in the spirit? Do we think about what it would mean to “bear a cross” for GOD or to put aside your desires for GOD’s work and plans.

Some believe 1 Corinthians 14: 13-15 reminds us that prayer and communion with GOD requires connecting the mind and the spirit, when we pray.

Connecting Exercise and Mind

Although many understand the physical connection between exercise and the body, people often forget about the positive impact that exercise can have on the mind.

“Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills,” according to Heidi Godman, Executive Editor of Harvard Health Letter. She reported on a study done at the University of British Columbia, that showed that regular aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart rate up and your sweat glands pumping, also improves the size of the hippocampus, the area of the brain that has to do with verbal memory and thinking skills. See, http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110. According to Godman, this is exciting news since one new case of dementia is detected every four seconds globally. There are estimates that by the year 2050, there may be at least 115 million people with dementia worldwide. Id.

According to the study, some of the direct benefits of exercise include:

Reduction of insulin resistance;
Reduced inflammation;
The stimulation of the growth of new blood vessels in the brain; and
The abundance and survival of new brain cells.

Studies have also shown that when people exercised, there was a greater density of neuronal activity in the areas of the brain controlling thinking and memory than in people who did not exercise.

Some of the indirect benefits of exercise on the mind included:

Improved mood;
Improved sleep;
Reduction in stress; and
Reduction in anxiety.

Godman suggests that if you don’t believe that exercise can improve your mind, put it to the test. Start exercising (e.g., 1 hour, twice a week) for about 120 minutes, track your results and see what results you get. If you are not used to exercising, you may have to start slowly until you reach your goal. Just as a person might get in the habit of taking prescription medication to survive, Godman suggests thinking of exercise as “medicine” and make it a habit too.

Additional studies have suggested that exercise may lower a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease and even slow brain aging by at least 10 years. See, “The Simple Reason Exercise Enhances The Brain,” by Alexander Sifferlin, April 26, 2017. See, http://time.com/4752846/exercise-brain-health/.

If you have a disability or other medical problems, speak to your physician about what kind of exercise program would work for you.

Prepare Your Mind

The bible encourages each of us to prepare our minds.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action….

See: 1 Peter 1:13 [New International translation]

It is time to make the mind connection.

Think about it. Pray about it. Use all your spiritual gifts. And, BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 495 07-10-2019

EARTHQUAKES

Exodus 19:18 All Mt. Sinai was covered with smoke because JEHOVAH descended upon it in the form of fire; the smoke billowed into the sky as from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. [Living Bible]

1 Kings 19:11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain; it was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind, there was an earthquake, but LORD was not in the earthquake….[Living Bible]

Matthew 27:50-51 Then JESUS shouted out again, dismissed HIS SPIRIT, and died. And look! The curtain secluding the Holiest Place in the Temple was split apart from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and rocks broke….[Living Bible]

Matthew 28:1-2 EARLY on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the LORD came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone….[Living Bible]

Acts: 4:31: After this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook and they were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and boldly preached GOD’s message. [Living Bible]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

If you ask people in America what state they associate with earthquakes, many people will immediately think about California, especially given recent events. They will mention the 6.4 and 7.1 magnitude earthquakes that occurred over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Some will reach back in the annals of California history to mention the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the 1994 Northridge earthquake, 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the 2010 Baja California earthquake or others. Yet, few people associate earthquakes with the bible. But some of the “GREATEST” earthquakes are referenced in the HOLY WORD.

The bible is filled with wondrous, miraculous, incredible earthquakes. In fact these are some of the greatest earthquakes of all time. Some believe when GOD established the foundations of the earth during creation, there was an earthquake. See Genesis1:10-11; Psalms 104. GOD moved waters, mountains, and set the earth on its foundations. When Moses met the LORD on Mt. Sinai before receiving The Ten Commandments, there was an earthquake (Exodus 19:18). Right before Elijah had an encounter with GOD, there was an earthquake. A great quake occurred in the city of Jerusalem when JESUS died on a cross at Golgotha or Calvary, a site immediately outside the Jerusalem walls. Matthew records that the earth shook, rocks broke, tombs opened up their contents.

Then early on Sunday morning, after the crucifixion, another earthquake occurred, marking the opening of one of the greatest tombs in history. This earthquake marked the resurrection of JESUS.

Another earthquake occurred the day after The Day of Pentecost. This quake marked the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, the power of prayer and the power of the emerging church and those who boldly witness and preach GOD’s WORD (Acts: 4:41).

We have heard and read about the jail earthquake that occurred when Paul and Silas were imprisoned and the jailer became a believer. (Acts 16:26). In addition, the Bible foretells of difficult times on earth, when there will be great earthquakes, famines (e.g., food shortages), pestilences (e.g., diseases, superbugs, etc.) wars and persecutions. Luke 21:11 warns us these will be “signs of the end.” During these times we are told to “stand firm” (Luke 21:19).

Revelations 6:12 also speaks of “a great earthquake,” when the sun turns lack like sackcloth and the moon blood red. And, there is the great Armageddon earthquake, before JESUS returns (Revelation 16:16-18).

For more references to biblical great earthquakes, see, “Greatest Earthquakes of the Bible,” by Steven A Austin, Ph.D. October 1, 2010, https://www.icr.org/article/greatest-earthquakes-bible/.

SHAKING UP YOUR DIET

Certain things you just need. For example, Calcium is one of those important minerals you need.

Calcium helps your body with:

Building strong bones and teeth
Clotting blood
Sending and receiving nerve signals
Squeezing and relaxing muscles
Releasing hormones and other chemicals
Keeping a normal heartbeat

Calcium makes up 920 to 1200 grams of adult body weight. It is 96% of the human body. Ninety-nine per cent of calcium is contained in bones and teeth. Almost every cell in the body needs calcium. If you don’t get enough calcium, as you age the body will take calcium from your bones, which can sometimes lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become porous and fragile. Sometimes a person will experience no symptoms until the first fracture. According to WebMD about 2million fracture occur each year due to osteoporosis. See, https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/understanding-osteoporosis-basicsTo prevent this from occurring, it is important to examine what you’re eating and “shake up your diet” to prevent calcium deficiency.

Some vegetable high in calcium include: Spinach, Collar Greens, Turnip Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens, Beet Greens, Bok Choy, Okra, Broccoli, Podded Peas (e.g. sugar snaps), Butternut Squash, Parsley, Brussels Sprouts, Soybean Sprouts, Green Beans.

If you are concerned whether you are getting enough calcium, speak with your personal physician.

PREPARE FOR THE BIG ONE

Many people today talk about earthquake preparedness. There is no doubt that everyone needs a plan. There are a number of websites to review to prepare: For example:

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

https://www.calacademy.org/explore-science/how-to-prepare-for-an-earthquake

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html

https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

Although some of these sites may not mention it, remember within every plan and every emergency kit, be sure to include:

THE WORD OF GOD

Like calcium, GOD’s WORD is essential to our everyday survival and existence.

Avoid a fractured life, include THE WORD.

Some of the greatest earthquakes will still occur. It is not a matter of IF, but WHEN. And, it won’t just be in California. These great earthquakes will occur in all the earth!

Everyone will be shakened. Some are already feeling the spiritual tremors.

So, prepare! Pray! And, pray one for another.

Prepare, stand FIRM and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 494 07-03-2019

FIND STRENGTH

Judges 16:28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD JEHOVAH, remember me again—please strengthen me one more time….” [Living Bible translation]

Isaiah 40:29 HE gives strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. [New International translation]

Psalms 138:3 When I pray, YOU answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need. [Living Bible translation]

Philippian 4:13 I can do all things in HIM who strengthens me. [Revised Standard translation]

Biblical Comment

Sometimes it takes a lot of strength and energy to make it through the day. It would be nice if every day in life was “walk in the park,” but that simply is not the case. Some days are challenging “mountain climbing” days. Everyone has them. Some days it just takes a lot more strength and energy to make it.

Lack of strength and energy can occur from stress, depression, uncertainty, aging, muscle weakness, feeling overwhelmed, illness, diseases and many of life’s challenges.

Samson was born with supernatural GOD-given abilities. But, along life’s way he lost his strength. He was captured by his enemies, blinded, bound with chains and forced to labor in prison. His enemies laughed at him and ridiculed him. His enemies thought it was over. They thought they had won. But, Samson still had the “strength” to pray. Samson could not see a change in his situation. Nothing he heard led him to believe that it would change. He was still bound up, but instead of relying on his own strength, he relied on GOD. In Judges 16:19, Samson, in what seemed like a hopeless situation, prayed that GOD give him strength “one more time.” GOD answered Samson’s prayer.

There are a number of Bible verses about the strong relationship between prayer and finding strength.

STRENGTH TRAINING

So often people think that strength training can only occur by lifting heavy weightings or “power lifting.” In their mind’s “eye” they envision huge, muscular men and women, like those they see on TV competing in the Olympics, bench pressing large barbells and wearing huge leather support belts as they deadlift bars loaded with huge weights over their heads. Because it “doesn’t look easy” or they think that kind of exercise is not for them, many simply cross “strength training” off their list.

But, power lifting is not the only way to strength train.

Body Weight Strength Training

People often forget that their own body is a good tool for building strength. No fancy equipment, no additional cost, just your own body. Body exercises allow you to build strength (e.g. your arms, shoulders, legs, core, etc.) by the resistance created by the weight of your own body.

Negative Push-Ups

Negative push-ups build strength just like regular push-ups. Unlike a regular push-up, a negative push-up starts at the top. With your palms down, and your legs and feet straight back or your knees bent, you want to slowly lower down, with your elbows close to your sides. Instead of pushing yourself back-up (regular push-up style), start at the top again, repeating another entire negative. Remember, go down slowly, keeping your form and balance. Start with a few in the beginning until you build up your strength. For an extra challenge stop and count to 5 when you are about one inch from the floor. This type of push can also be performed with the elbows pointing outward; however, keeping the elbows close to your sides as you lower your body will be more challenging. Negative push-ups can also be performed against a wall. You may want to avoid this exercise (or speak with your person physician) if you have wrist or hand problems or other concerns.

Resistance Bands

Another way to strength train is to use resistance bands. Resistance bands are made of very strong thick rubber. They come in different sizes and strengths. Sometimes they come with handles. People get a strength workout by stretching them. Generally, the harder they are to stretch the greater the workout.

One of the advantages of resistance bands are they are lightweight, they can generally be used anywhere (at home, at work during breaks, and can be easily packed for travel). At home, they can be used during commercial TV breaks or even while you watch TV or listen to music.

Resistance Band Training Has Benefits for Diabetics

Studies have shown that resistance band training is beneficial to diabetics. Resistance training helps the body use insulin better, lowers glucose levels and helps to burn more calories. The American Diabetes Association recommends resistance band training at least twice a week along with 150 minutes of aerobic exercise (like walking, biking, jogging, etc.). See, “Resistance Band Training for Diabetics,” www.webmd.com/diabetes/resistance-band-exercises#1. Like all exercises, practice, discipline, sticking to it, determination and prayer help. It may seem a little awkward when you begin, but it will get better if you “keep at it.” If you need instruction, speak to your personal physician about physical therapy sessions or what particular exercise would be most appropriate for you. You can also hire a qualified personal trainer for a few lessons. If you search the internet or You Tube for exercise tips or routines, it may still be wise to check with your personal physician about the appropriateness of the exercises for you.

Hand Grip Strengtheners

Hand grip strengtheners are hand held devices that you squeeze open and close that help increase finger, hand, wrist, forearm and flexibility. They come in various sizes to fit large and small hands. They are often advertised as useful to athletes, musicians, people with arthritis and others.

In Addition

Many gyms have a number of strength training classes (e.g. Body Pump); and strength building machines. Most gyms are eager to provide information and some even provide free day passes.

Many gyms also have a number of strength training exercises specifically for seniors. Some Medicare health supplemental health plans for seniors (e.g. Medigap) even come with free memberships! Many gyms have “silver sneakers” programs that seniors can often take for free. For more information about Medicare and supplemental plans go to: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/fitness-programs.html.

There are a lot of ways of finding strength. There is usually “no excuse” for not doing “something.”

KEEP PRAYING AND TRAINING FOR STRENGTH

GOD knows. HE knows when we are weary. HE knows when we are burdened. HE knows when we are weak and when we need strength. GOD still hears our prayers.

Like Samson, often we just need to ask GOD in prayer “one more time” and have faith. Prayer is a “muscle” we have to constantly exercise too. And please don’t forget to “lift” up prayers for others too and to ask and encourage others to “lift” up prayers for you. Like Samson, just because a person is in a “difficult situation” doesn’t mean they can’t get a prayer through. Those for whom you may be praying need to know that you need prayer too. All “stand in the need of prayer.”

So, keep praying and keep training! Or, as the elders used to say: “Keep on Keeping On.”

Today and every day: Find strength, and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 493 06-26-2019

EXTEND YOURSELF

Luke 6:10 On another Sabbath HE went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisee and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse JESUS, so they watched HIM closely to see if HE would heal on the Sabbath. But JESUS knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. Then JESUS said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or destroy it?” HE looked around at them all, then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.

[New International Bible Translation]

Summary

In the Old Testament, there are a number of verses where GOD commanded someone to stretch. In Exodus 7:19 GOD instructed Moses to tell Aaron: “Take your staff andstretchout your hand over the waters of Egypt…and they will turn to blood.” In Exodus 8:5, the LORD told Moses to tell Aaron to “Stretchout your hand with your staff over the streams and channels and ponds, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.” In Exodus 14:15, the LORD tells Moses to “Quit praying” and “get the people moving”---“Raise your staff andstretchout your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.”

In each of these situations, something miraculous occurred when Moses and Aaron obeyed GOD’s command to stretch.

In Luke 6:10 we have another situation where GOD wanted someone to stretch. The Pharisee and the teachers of the law were known for their rigidness and “set in their ways” attitudes and rules. GOD often referred to such people as “stiff necked” “heart hardened” people. See, Exodus 32:9; Acts 7:51. They were so bent on “getting what they wanted” that they often did not

notice the suffering of others. Even, when JESUS asked the man, “who needed a hand,” to stand up in front of everyone---so that they couldn’t “miss him”, no one made a move to help him. Not a single person extended himself. Even when the MASTER PREACHER/TEACHER reminded those around HIM of the WORD of GOD, and looked around at them, still no one helped. Their focus was on something entirely different.

They were too narrow-minded. They were too short-sighted. Their hearts were too hardened to care about the man or JESUS. Instead of extending themselves to JESUS and the man, they missed out. Only the man, who the religious leaders ignored, stretched out his hand an extended himself to JESUS and was healed.

Stretching Out

Stretching helps to improve flexibility and your range of motion. As a result, stretching tends to improve a person’s physical performance and decreases a person’s risk for injury. There are stretching exercises that kids and adults can perform. For example, the following upper body stretches can be performed by both:

If you are a wheelchair user, consider some of the stretches and suggestions at the following website: https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/wheelstretch.pdf

As always, if you have a medical condition or you have concerns for your safety performing any stretch or exercise, consult your personal physician first before beginning any new exercise program or activity.

Extending Yourself

There are people in need all around us. People in need are visible on the streets---within blocks of our many of our churches and temples and sometimes within our own families. There are men and women in prisons and in mental health facilities in every state. Many need someone to visit them in care facilities. In some countries people are going without food and medicine. Youth are still dropping out of schools or unable to attend school. There are children living in deplorable conditions. Some caught up in the evils of this world still need help.

If we become stiff, accusatory, short-sighted or we forget the teaching and preaching of JESUS, we too may miss the miracle.

Stretch, extend yourself, get moving---and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 492 06-19-2019

EATING FRESH

Exodus 16:15-16 When the people of Israel saw it they asked each other, “What is it?” And Moses told them,
It is the food Jehovah has given you to eat. Jehovah has said for everyone to gather as much as is needed for his household---about three quarts for each person in his home.” [Living Bible translation]

Exodus 16:19-20: And Moses told them, “don’t leave it overnight.” But of course some of them wouldn’t listen, and left it until morning: and when they looked, it was full of maggots and had a terrible odor; and Moses was very angry with them. [Living Bible translation]

Summary

In Exodus 16, the people complained about not having enough to eat. Although GOD had performed miracle after miracle and brought them out of Egyptian oppression, the people still lacked faith. They moaned, groaned, complained and were often bitter about their circumstances. They were never satisfied. Instead of thanking GOD, and giving glory to GOD for what HE had already done for them, there was always something else they wanted.

But once again, GOD answered their prayers. HE provided food. In fact, HE provided DIVINE food---fresh food that descended from heaven. When the food appeared the people asked each other “What is it.” Moses told them it was “manna.” [Manna in Hebrew means “What is it.”] * Moses instructed the people to gather only what they needed, enough for each person and no more. Nothing was to be left over. They were specifically told: “Don’t leave it overnight.” In other words, they were not to try to store it, hoard it or be greedy. This was an exercise in faith and trust, in believing that GOD would supply their daily needs.

But, some of the people failed the test. They disobeyed. Instead of glorifying GOD, with their obedience, they focused on themselves and what they wanted. Maybe some of them thought that once they gathered it, took it home and put it on their plate, it was “theirs.” Perhaps some saw the food as “hidden treasure.”

They just couldn’t “see.” They couldn’t “see” that the “true gold” was not the food, but the WORD of GOD. They couldn’t “see” or trust the loving hand of THE PROVIDER.

* The great hymn “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” calls manna “bread of heaven.”

BENEFITS OF EATING FRESH

Fresh Foods Taste Better

Fresh foods generally taste better. Some of the best restaurants tend to have chefs use fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables from nearby gardens. Freshly picked ripe tomatoes generally taste better than tomatoes that have been picked, boxed, trucked across county or harvested in another country. It is one reason why many grocery stores try to buy locally grown fruit and vegetables, whenever possible.

AVOID CANS

Another reason why eating fresh is better than eating canned foods is because some canned food liners contain BPA. Bisphenol A [often called BPA] is a chemical found in some hard plastics and the coatings of some food and drink cans. BPA can also be found in many products, including some water bottles, some baby bottles and other food and commercial products. Often people are eating microplastics without even realizing it. Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than 5 mm long.

REASONS TO EAT REAL FOOD

Healthline cites a number of reasons why we should eat real food as opposed to processed foods:

Unprocessed foods provide the vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health;
Real food tends to be lower in sugar than processed foods;
Real food, because it has antioxidants and nutrients, tend to be more heart healthy;
Eating real food tends to be better for the environment (e.g., reducing the amount of energy used and the amount of non-biodegradable waste in landfills);
Real food tends to be higher in fiber and increases the feeling of fullness;
Real foods tend to help protect the skin (e.g. studies show that the eating more vegetables, olive oil, beans, etc. helps to reduce wrinkles, loss of elasticity and other age-related skin changes and help prevent or reduce acne);
Real foods are high in healthy fats (e.g. healthy fats include avocados, nuts and seeds)
Real food is good for your gut (e.g. your gut contains bacteria in your digestive tract)
Real food is good for your dental health (e.g. green tee has been shown to protect tooth enamel; processed sugar and refined carbs promote tooth decay)
High intake of processed foods and fast foods has been linked to overeating.

See, “21 Reasons to Eat Real Food,” healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/21-reasons-to-eat-real-food#section7.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Some might ask: How long will we ask GOD to provide before we “see” that morning by morning GOD already provides? How many times (or how many years) does GOD have to bless a people, before they “see” they can rely on GOD – GOD’s ability to provide what we need, when we need it?

When will we “see” that we can put away our prayer list of “wants,” our anxieties, our dreads and trust GOD to know what we need?

When will we reach that state of eating GOD’s “bread of heaven” til we want [or ask for] nothing more.

Let us ask for a fresh relationship to food, especially GOD’s Word.

Eat fresh daily and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 491 06-12-2019

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 humanity’s quality of life before the fall (before Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD) and afterwards. Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in GOD’s garden. Eden was a GODly place. It was a beautiful space, created and designed by GOD. GOD made all sorts of trees grow out the ground. And, the trees produced the choicest of fruit. Rivers flowed out of Eden so that everything was naturally watered.

Eden was a place of peace and comfort. It was an easy life. Most importantly, it was a place where humanity could be with THE CREATOR. In Eden, Adam could commune with his creator, talk with GOD, walk with GOD and do the work GOD designed specifically for him. It was ideal.

But paradise was soon lost. As a result of disobedience, and generations of male and female acts of disobediences thereafter, humanity separated itself from GOD. One of the consequences of disobedience was that humans would no longer be able to eat from GOD’s special garden. Adam and Eve would have to plant their own garden. Adam and Eve would have to sweat. They would have plant fields. And, it would not be easy. Adam would face obstacles. Instead of the beautiful trees and the 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 GOD’s presence would be hard. It would be frustrating.

Yet, one of the greatest lessons of the Bible, is that the story did not end with “the fall.” Because of GOD’s MERCY and GRACE, GOD continued to provide:

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 and his wife. It seemed like everything he had already worked and sweated for just disappeared overnight. Job’s sweat was also the sweat of illness. Job’s circumstances seemed so discouraging and futile that Job even started to question his own existence, because, in his suffering mind, death seemed better than life. But, in the midst of his despair, GOD found Job, talked to him and reminded him 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 mankind. 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 rose, with all authority.

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. (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.” Whether Poe actually said this or not, when it comes to exercise, the subject of sweat or being sweaty, can be complicated and sometimes misleading.

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. Excessive 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. Lewis G. Maharam, MD, a New York based sports medicine expert offers the following tips for dealing with hydration and exercising in heat:

Prep yourself for the heat. Take 10 days to two weeks to gradually get used to exercising in hot weather. Build up workout intensity and duration gradually.
If you are not running a race, “the rule of thumb is to drink 8 ounces of a sports drink or water possibly every 20 minutes.” No more, no less.
If you exercise less than 40 minutes, water is fine. If you exercise over 40 minutes, you may want a sports drink with salt of sugar in it. This will help increase the fluids that go into your body.

When choosing a sports drink, you may also want to consider a vitamin-infused beverage. They are useful for recovery and post-event soreness, but generally not for hydration on the day of the event.
It is important to replace the fluids you lose during exercise. Weigh yourself before your workout and afterwards. For every pound loss, drink 8 ounces of fluid.

See, “Hydration: The Key to Exercise Success, Quench your thirst safely this summer and avoid dehydration,” by Denise Mann, www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/hydration-key-to-exercise-success#2.

Many exercise experts also suggest avoiding alcoholic beverages before and after exercise. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means alcohol causes your kidneys will produce more urine. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration or make dehydration worse.

If you want to “sweat more” when you exercise or are seeking exercises that make you sweat, speak to a trainer or your physician for exercises that are right for you, especially if you are a beginner, have health problems, or have a goal, such as weight loss.

Remember it never hurts to ask an expert or to seek the advice of a good authority.

SWEAT, LIFE AND THE BIBLE

Life often has its thorns and thistles. Sometimes just “eking out a living” seems to take up all one’s time and energy. Those living on the streets are often hungry, tired and may not have a plan for getting their next meal. There is no doubt, life can make you sweat. As the elders might say, if you haven’t ever sweated, just keep living. Like Job, many feel beat up, or just need answers.

The good news is that GOD still IS. GOD still hears our prayers. The HOLY SPIRIT still hears our every groan. GOD still speaks to us through HIS WORD.

There are still Bible lessons to learn. The Bible is still a source of spiritual hydration and strength.

So, drink up. Read and pray. Pray and read. Continue to run and continue to seek GOD’s AMAZING GRACE.

Stay Biblically hydrated and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 490 06-05-2019

LIVING IN HIM/PARTNERING WITH OTHERS

Exodus 3:14: And GOD said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and HE said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. [King James translation]

John 6:32, 35: JESUS said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my FATHER who gives you the true bread from heaven.…”Then JESUS declared, “I am the bread of life….” [New International translation]

John 14:1, 6: “Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting GOD, now trust in me…. I am the Way---yes, and the Truth and the Life. No man can get to the FATHER except by means of ME….” [Living Bible translation]

1 Corinthians 6:19 Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the HOLY SPIRIT GOD gave you, and that HE lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. [Living Bible translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

GOD seeks relationship with you and me.

In Exodus 3:14, GOD doesn’t just state that “I AM,” but HE specifically instructs Moses to tell the children of Israel, “I AM hath sent me unto you.”

In the “I AM” sayings of JESUS in the book of John, JESUS also describes who HE is in terms of HIS relationship to you and me. For example, in John, chapter 6, JESUS explains that: “I AM [your] true bread from heaven.” In John 14, HE is saying: “I AM [your] WAY, [your] TRUTH and [your] LIFE.” In John 10:14, HE is saying: “I AM [your] gate for I AM the Gate.”

David understood the idea of living “in relationship,” in GOD, when David states, “THE LORD is my SHEPHERD.” See, Psalms 23.

This idea of living in relationship in GOD is further emphasized in the other “I AM” sayings of JESUS as wells as 1 Corinthians 6:19. All of these verses remind us that GOD seeks relationship with you and with me.

PARTNERING FOR HEALTH

Whatever our fitness goals might be, none of us need go it alone. We can all partner for health. For example, there are a wide variety of group fitness classes offered at many gyms, community centers and other fitness outlets. Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Cycling, Swimming, Jazzercise, Strength Training, HIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), and others.

But, if you don’t have a gym membership, are on a tight budget or just want to “ease” into an exercise program, or have other restrictions, be creative. Remember, walking is always a free exercise. Places you might consider walking with a friend, children, nieces, nephews, elderly relatives, neighbors or other “partners” included the following places:

Your local zoo or botanical garden;
An indoor shopping mall (If you are there to exercise, stay focused);
Your neighborhood park;
Your local large city markets;
Museums;
Your city’s historical places and sights;
An animal shelter;
Fruit picking farms (which can involve walking, stretching and lifting);
Your city library;
Your city’s colleges or universities (Most children should not have to be close to high school graduation to go on their college tour. Take the children in your life to college early. Remember, introducing a young child to a college campus could be a life altering experience.);
An aquarium;
Your city’s civic center (Many city civic centers have events, talks, exhibits and other events.);
A city walking tour (Many cities have tour guides for walking tours.);
Going on a downtown walk; or
Going on a public art walk. (Many cities have statutes, murals, plaques and other street art. Go on an art “treasure hunt” in your city.)

Remember, to bring water, so you stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. If you are step counter, this can also be another way of getting your quota of steps for the day/week/ or month. Remember, the idea is to partner up, have fun and exercise!

PARTNERING FOR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH

This Wednesday fellowship is also a partnership ---a prayer, information and activities partnership. Every prayer counts. So, please keep praying—one for another! Every effort you make to improve your physical and spiritual health strengthens someone else---your family, your church and others. You also strengthen your body, the home of the HOLY SPIRIT. So even when you walk “alone,” you are never really alone.

And, if we allow HIM to live in us, and we follow HIM, and take care of those things we should steward, one day HE will say: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” See, Matthew 25:23.

So, be a good, faithful and vigilant partner! And, BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 488 05-29-2019

SUFFER THE CHILDREN

Luke 18:15-16 Now they were bringing even infants to HIM that HE might touch them: and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But JESUS called them to HIM, saying: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of GOD.…” [Revised Standard translation]

Matthew 19: 13-14 Little children were brought for JESUS to lay HIS hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them. “Don’t bother him,” they said. But JESUS said, “Let the little children come to me, and don’t prevent them. [Living Bible translation]

Biblical Comment

The story of JESUS “laying hands on” or blessing the little children is in several of the gospels. (See also Mark 10:14) It is recorded that people started bringing babies and little children to JESUS so HE would touch them and bless them. Matthew specifically mentions he touched them and prayed. The crowd must have been large because the disciples stepped in and started to redirect them away. But JESUS stopped the disciples saying, “suffer the children” or don’t prevent them from coming to me, because the Kingdom of GOD belong to such as these.

Many believe the King James translations using the word “suffer”comes from the old English translation of the word which means “permit” or “allow” or “do not forbid it.”

Some believe that this scripture was to show that no one is too old or too young to be brought to JESUS. Others believe that this scripture points out that children are humble, trusting, and unpretentious—and that this is how JESUS wants us to come to GOD.

Still others believe that the very nature of children is dependency (they need someone to feed them, provide clothing and shelter and make sure their needs are met) and that if we approach GOD seeking HIS provision, and recognize GOD as our GREAT PROVIDER, we are acknowledging our relationship to GOD and HIS to us. We are acknowledging that we simply need HIM for everything.

There are others who believe that this is just part of JESUS’ teachings about children and his teachings about “greatness.” Like today and all times in history, “greatness” has always been a human “obsession.” People often want to know who is the greatest basketball player, the greatest baseball player, the greatest actor, the greatest president, the greatest entertainer, the greatest world leader, greatest businessperson, greatest preacher, greatest “whatever.” Whatever the sport, the title, the office, someone will always want to be at the top or greater than someone else. The disciples were not immune from the desire to try to want to be or know who was “the greatest.” When they asked JESUS who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, JESUS just grabbed a little child and set the child in the midst of them. (Mathew 18:1)

JESUS left no doubt that HE cared about children and that children should not be overlooked. Instead of being focused on human greatness, JESUS hopes that we would realize our position as “all of GOD’s children” and focus on GOD’s GREATNESS instead of our own.

Finally, like so many of JESUS’ teachings and Bible stories, we should always turn within and ask: “LORD, Is it I?” Despite how close we think we may be to JESUS, despite our “best intentions,” each of us can ask, “Am I preventing someone from getting closer to JESUS?” Am I praying, like JESUS, for the infants, children, youth, young adults and other vulnerable individuals in society?” What am I doing to encourage the children?

FOCUSING ON CHILDREN

Here are some of the statistics published by the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition:

Physical Activity

Only one in three children are physically active every day.
Children now spend more than seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen (e.g., TV, videogames, computer).

Only 6 states (Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York and Vermont) require physical education in every grade, K-12.
Nearly one-third of high school students play video or computer games for 3 or more hours on an average school day.

Nutrition

More than 23 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, live in food deserts – areas that are more than a mile away from a supermarket.
Empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of total daily calories for 2–18 year olds and half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk.

Obesity – Then and Now

Prevalence of obesity for children ages 2 to 5 years – doubled

Early 1970s: 5%

2007-08: 10%

Prevalence of obesity for children ages 6 to 11 years – quadrupled

Early 1970s: 4%

2007-08: 20%

Prevalence of obesity for children ages 12 to 19 years – tripled

Early 1970s: 6%

2007-08: 18%

Nearly 45% of children living in poverty are overweight or obese compared with 22% of children living in households with incomes four times the poverty level.
Almost 40% of Black and Latino youth ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese compared with only 29% of White youth.

Obesity is also a growing threat to national security – a surprising 27% of young Americans are too overweight to serve in our military. Approximately 15,000 potential recruits fail their physicals every year because they are unfit.
The medical care costs of obesity in the United States are staggering. In 2008 dollars, these costs totaled about $147 billion.

See: https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/index.html

Parents, schools, churches, youth organizations, temples, community organizations should all refocus on the children, asking are we doing enough to give them what they need---spiritually and in terms of exercise, fitness and nutrition.

Suffer the Children or Let the Children Suffer

Just as children and youth gain a greater understanding of their bibles by seeing their parents read the bible, they can also gain a greater understanding of exercise and fitness by seeing their parents, relatives and others exercising and striving for physical fitness too. We can all contribute to the health of our children and youth.

Our healthy choices, our concern for exercise programs in schools, in our communities, in our places of worship could allow the children and our youth to grow to become healthy adults. On the other hand, our indifference to our own diets, physical level of fitness may be setting the stage not only for our own physical decline but providing a pattern for the children and youth around us. Pray that we pay attention to ourselves and our children and youth.

Pray GOD’s blessings on all our children and youth. Pray for their teachers, their community teachers, their parental teachers and their places of worship teachers. Pray for children in detention. Pray for children not only in America but everywhere.

Pray for all of GOD’s children and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 487 05-22-2019

CHOOSE

1 Kings 18:21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is GOD, follow HIM; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. [New International translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

Elijah was a great prophet reformer in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. When Ahab, Jezebel and their prophets promoted Baal worship, Elijah sought to re-awaken Israel to the real truth— JEHOVAH, HE alone is GOD. Baal worship was everywhere, all around him, but Elijah refused to succumb. Ignoring what was going on around him, Elijah challenged the status quo. He was confrontational. He was direct. Even Elijah’s name, which meant “YAHWEH ¹ is my GOD,” left no doubt where Elijah stood.

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah, called the “troubler of Israel” (1Kings 18:16), takes a stand against all the false Baal prophets around him. Elijah lets the people know that their “waver” between GOD and Baal worship had to stop. The people had to choose. Elijah proposed a test---a “showdown.” Elijah, GOD’s prophet vs. the 450 prophets of Baal. ²

PROCESSED FOODS vs. REAL FOOD

In this modern age, the difference between “real food” and “processed foods” is being blurred. In fact, many people (especially children) may not even know the difference between real food and processed food.

Processed Foods

Generally, processed foods are any food that has been changed or altered from its raw or natural state. If a food has been altered by chemicals, flavors, enhancers, colors, fillers, preservatives, additives then it is a processed food. If the food is labeled with “other ingredients” (which generally you may not be able to pronounce or even know what they are) such as: mono and diglycerides, exthoxylated mono and diglycerides, dough conditioners (sodium stearoyl lactylate, calcium iodate, calcium dioxide), datem, calcium sulfate, yeast nutrient (ammonium sulfate), dicalcium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, calcium propionate (to retain freshness)---then it is a processed food.

Most canned, boxed, jarred, frozen, packaged foods are processed foods. Most quick service and fast food outlets serve processed foods. Generally foods with trans fats, which are fried, baked, hydrogenated and that come out of food vending machines are processed foods. Processed foods tend to contain a lot of salt, high fructose corn syrup and MSG (monosodium glutamate).

Often chemicals preservatives are added to food to:

Prevent the food from rotting;
Make the food look more appealing by adding color;
Give the food a certain texture; or
To give the food a particular taste or flavor.

For example processed foods tend to contain high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fats. People often become addicted to processed foods because the intense dopamine release that occurs when people eat these foods. In fact, many researchers have noted that the same area of the brain that is activated when someone is addicted to sugar is the same area of the brain activated when someone abuses cocaine. Some researchers have suggested that sugar “is actually more addictive than even cocaine” and is “probably the most consumed addictive substance around the world.” See, “Is Sugar the New Cocaine?” https://www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/addictions/67513

Another recent study found that participants ate about 500 calories more per day when they consumed an ultra-processed diet compared to when eating a diet of unprocessed foods. In addition to addiction, the study stated that a crucial clue to the excessive calorie consumption was the speed that the ultra-processed meals were eaten. They found that these meals were eaten faster and resulted in the participants consuming more calories per minutes. These meals were eaten faster because ultra-processed meals contained little fiber. For example, fiber in an orange requires us to chew more and the whole orange takes longer to digest than just drinking a glass of sweetened orange juice. Eating slower and eating foods with fiber that slows consumption also allows the body’s satiety mechanism to activate before a person eats too much. See, “New Study Shows What Eating ‘Ultra-Processed’ Foods for Two Weeks Does to Your Body by Richard Hoffman, May 19, 2019; https://www.sciencealert.com/there-s-firm-evidence-that-ultra-processed-food-causes-weight-gain-at-last.

One suggestion for breaking a processed food addiction or reduce your eating is to substitute a fruit or vegetable for those times when you would normally eat or drink a processed food.

Some common processed foods include: cake mixes, pie crust mix, bread, anything with white flour, macaroni, cookies, French fries, pizza, energy bars, breakfast cereal, canned meat, cured meat, bacon, luncheon meats, sausage, gelatins, refined oils, boxed rice mixes, salad dressing, stick margarine, diet shakes, protein bars, BBQ sauce, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, soft drinks, pretzels, instant breakfast drinks, white sugar, sugar substitutes, soft candies, pudding, dessert mixes, ice cream, snack chips, crackers, whipped cream, chocolate, marshmallows, shredded coconut, frozen desserts, frozen dinners.

Diets that contained a lot of processed foods have also been linked to obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Natural/Non-Processed/Real Foods

Non-processed foods are raw foods. These include raw fruits, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables and whole grains.

WE MUST CHOOSE

Every Wednesday, a group of believers, striving for greater spiritual and physical health and fellowship choose to eat raw. Every Wednesday, they choose.

Having an active prayer life, studying GOD’s WORD, serving GOD, deciding to follow CHRIST, allowing GOD to direct your path also involves choosing. The words of Elijah still ring true: “How long will you waiver between two opinions?” That is the question each of us must answer every day. Like the people of Israel, “doing nothing” or “saying nothing” is simply not an option.

Choosing can be difficult. But let us pray that we submit our will to GOD’s WILL---that we surrender our will to HIM.

Let’s make HIM our choice and BE BLESSED.

_______________________________________

¹ A name of the Hebrew God, represented in Hebrew by the tetragrammaton ("four letters") יהוה (Yod Heh Vav Heh), transliterated into Roman script Y H W H. Because it was considered blasphemous to utter the name of God it was only written and never spoken. This resulted in the original pronunciation being lost. The name may have originally been derived from the old Semitic root הוה (hawah) meaning "to be" or "to become. Other variants include Jehovah, See, www.behindthename.com

² Elijah also challenged the 400 prophets of Asherah (another false god), who were loyal to Jezebel to the “showdown” too. See 1Kings 18:19

Prayer Day # 486 05-15-2019

BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

I Samuel 16: 6- 7, 10-12 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the man the Lord has chosen!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by a man’s face or height, for this is not the one. I don’t make decisions the way you do! Men judge by outward appearances, but I look at a man’s thoughts and intentions.” [The King James translation states: “but the Lord looketh on the heart.”]…..“The Lord has not chosen any of them,” Samuel told Jesse. “Are these all there are?” “Well, there is the youngest, Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said, “for we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” So Jesse sent for him. He was a fine-looking boy, ruddy-faced, and with pleasant eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” [Living Bible translation]

Summary: Although GOD had led the people of Israel by speaking through prophets such as Samuel, the people did not want GOD’s leadership. Wanting to be like all the other nations around them, the Israelites told Samuel they wanted a king. So, Saul became the first king of Israel.

However, when Saul disobeyed GOD, GOD told Samuel to pick a new king. Samuel was instructed to go to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse, where Samuel was told to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king. Jesse had eight sons. When Samuel entered Jesse’s house, he took one look at Eliab, who was manly and tall, and Samuel thought to himself that surely ‘this one’ was the one GOD will want me to anoint. To Samuel, Eliab looked like a king. But, Eliab was not the one.

Jesse then paraded his other six sons before Samuel, but GOD did not instruct Samuel to anoint any of these others either. When Samuel asked Jesse if he had any more sons, Jesse said there was one more, (who wasn’t even significant enough to Jesse to warrant Jesse bringing him in the house), who was watching the sheep. As the youngest, probably the smallest, and the one everyone thought the “least significant,” no one thought much of this boy. But, David was the one---he was GOD’s chosen!

GOD does not think the way that humans think. GOD is not concerned with height, or weight, or human standards of beauty or color. Nor does HE “see things the way other people see things.” In GOD’s eyes, “bigger is not always better.” GOD does not look at outward appearances.” GOD looks at the “heart.”

Fruits and Vegetable

According to Sarah Burns in “Nutritional Value of Fruits, Veggies is Dwindling,” bigger is not always better when it comes to selecting fruits and vegetables. In her article, Burns notes that an English researcher, Dr. Anne-Marie Mayer looked at 20 UK-based crops from 1930 to the 1980’s and reported more than 10 years ago that fruits and vegetables were declining in nutritional value.

When a similar study was performed at the University of Texas, analyzing 43 fruits and vegetables from 1950 to 1999, the researchers there also found that there was a decline in vitamins, minerals, and protein in crops. For example, in 1950, broccoli had 130 mg of calcium but today, researchers reported that the number was only 43mg. The researches at the University of Texas believe the decline of the nutritional value of some fruits and vegetables is due to “the farming industry’s desire to grow bigger vegetables faster.”

The very things that speed growth---selective breeding and synthetic fertilizers—

decrease produce’s ability to synthesize nutrients or absorb them from the soil.

See, “Nutritional Value of Fruits, Veggies is Dwindling—Chemicals that speed growth may impair ability to absorb soil’s nutrients,” by Sarah Burns, Prevention, July 9, 2010.

Burns reports that while “conventional” fruits and vegetables may be losing their nutritional value because of industry’s desire to grow bigger vegetables faster, this is not the case with “organic” produce. According to Burns, “by avoiding synthetic fertilizers, organic farmers put more stress on plants, which cause the plants to protect themselves thus, producing more phytochemicals,” which make the plants healthier and more nutritious foods to eat. Phytochemicals are chemical substances found in plants that may possible help prevent diseases (e.g. cancer) and cell damage.

You may also find that fruits and vegetables will not only differ in nutritional value, depending on whether they are “conventional” or “organic,” but that the size of vegetables may also affect their taste. For example, large carrots may have a different taste compared to small, slimmer early picked carrots. New potatoes (those early small potatoes) are different than older, thicker skinned potatoes. You may enjoy thin asparagus but dislike bulky asparagus.

Researcher have also commented on the higher nutritional value of microgreens to their mature counterparts. Microgreens are young vegetable plants about 1-3 inches tall. Unlike sprouts, microgreens have leaves. They have a longer growing time than sprouts but a shorter growing time than baby leafy vegetables. Microgreens are usually harvested 2-3 weeks after germination. Researcher found that microgreens like red cabbage, cilantro and radish contained about 40 times higher levels of vital nutrients than their bigger more mature counterparts. The flavors and textures of these greens were also good. See, “Tiny Microgreens Packed With Nutrients,” by Jennifer Warner, www.webmd.com/diet/news/20120831/tiny-microgreens-packed-nutrients#1.

So, when selecting fruits and vegetable, you may want to give some of the fruits and vegetables that you previously put on your “no” list a “second chance.” You may not have eaten the right size vegetable or you may want to try the “organic” instead of the “conventional” variety. Whatever your selection, remember: “bigger is not always better.”

A SERVANT’s PRAYER or A BIGGER PRAYER

Act 13:22 states:

After removing Saul, HE [GOD] made David their king. HE testified concerning him [David]: ‘I had found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’

In other words David wanted a heart “like GOD’s.” David wanted his heart to “mirror” the HEART OF GOD. He wanted GOD to make him in HIS OWN IMAGE [the way GOD intended man to be.] So, young David prayed that that GOD create within him a “clean heart” and a “right spirit,” (See Psalms 51:10).

Years later, David’s son, Solomon, prayed a similar prayer—asking for “an understanding heart.” (1Kings 3:9). And because Solomon did not ask for great riches (or “to be bigger” than other people or to be “Mr. Big Stuff”) GOD blessed Solomon with great wisdom and more. Solomon just wanted to be “better” --- a better servant to GOD’s people.

Today, reflect on your requests to GOD or the goals you have set for yourself. In fact, make a list. Then perform a “heart” examination. Conduct your own “MRI.” Ask yourself if your list “mirrors” the heart of GOD. Are your goals and requests sacrificial? Are they about service to others or self-serving?

Today, pray one for another. Pray GOD “fix” our minds, our heart and our goals. Pray that we not want the “bigger” things but the “better servant” things.

Eat better, be better and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 485 05-08-2019

PLAN, PRAY AND PLANT GARDENS

JEREMIAH 29:4-5 Thus say the Lord of hosts, the GOD of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. [Revised Standard translation]

Summary

Jeremiah 29 is a letter to the exiles. It is a letter that tells a people how to survive in captivity, under a government not to their liking. It is a letter written to a people during an administration that believed in deportations—for many were carried away during various periods from Jerusalem to Babylon. Many sons, daughters, elders, priests and prophets were deported. The sudden régime change, political shift and movement were unsettling to the Jewish people. The people were unnerved. It looked like time had gone backward to Egyptian times, during the time of Moses, because the people found themselves in slavery once again. The people felt abandoned, afraid and lost. So, Jeremiah pens a letter from GOD outlining a recipe for survival.

First, Jeremiah tells the people upfront that they simply have to face facts. Their stay in Babylon will not be short. The administration confronting them will not go away---not in 100 days, not in a year. Their administrative captivity would last at least 70 years! So, the people had to stop looking back and start dealing with their new reality. They had to stop their useless complaining and start thinking strategically.

Second, the letter tells the Jewish people that to survive they must build, plan, be productive and re-establish their relationship to GOD. They are to build homes, plant gardens and eat their produce, marry, multiply, stay healthy, increase and not decrease. They people must pray and work for peace (verse 7). They must pray and seek the welfare of the city in which they were now living because its welfare is now tied to theirs. (Verse 7) Jeremiah tells the captives that GOD still has a plan for them (verse 11), but the people would have need to seek and wait on the LORD.

Third, Jeremiah cautions the people not to listen to false prophets or lies (i.e., fake news.) Jeremiah tells them: Don’t be deceived! Instead, they are to turn to “the word of the LORD” (verse 20). They must work hard and have faith in GOD. Jeremiah tells the people that if they seek the LORD in earnest, HE will find and deliver them.

Plant Gardens

Now is the perfect time to think about planting a garden. Gardening has a number of benefits, including the following:

Gardening provides healthier, more nutritious, fresh food;
Gardening teaches lessons about food and nutrition;
Gardening promotes physical and mental health and is another way to exercise;
Gardening can be a way of giving back to the community; and
Gardening can be fun and relaxing.

Fresh Food

One of the problems that many grocery stores and supermarkets face today is how to get the food from the field to the homes of consumers, without the food losing its nutritional value. Growing your own foods (e.g. tomatoes, beans, potatoes, strawberries, blueberries, salad greens, etc.) solves this problem. It also encourages you and your family to eat more fruits and vegetables because you are literally enjoying “the fruits (and vegetables) of your own labor.”

A study published in the Journal of American Dietetic Association found that preschool children who were almost always served homegrown produce were more than twice as likely to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day (and like what they were eating) than kids who never or rarely ate homegrown fruits and vegetables. So, gardening fosters healthy eating and diet.

Gardening For Education

A garden is also wonderful “classroom” for learning. Believe it or not, many children have no real understanding about how foods are grown. While many 8-year olds can send an e-mail or operate a computer, and operate the controls on a phone, big screen or I-Pad faster than many adults, many children have no real comprehension of the source of foods. When it comes to identifying where their food comes from, many of them don’t have a clue, especially if they did not grow up on a farm or around gardens.

According to one British study, thousands of 8 year olds thought cows lay eggs. Some children (and even some adults) cannot name some of the vegetables they see in stores. For example, how many children could identify a turnip or tell the difference between collard greens, kale, or spinach?

Gardening For Health

Gardening is a great way to get a good family workout. According to www.webmd.com, gardening provides three kinds of exercise: endurance, strength and flexibility. If you haven’t pulled weeds or turned over the soil in a garden in a while, do it for an hour or two and see how many unused muscles you feel the next day.

Gardening is also a great family “sport.” Everyone can participate. Competitions regarding whose tomatoes or strawberries are the largest can easily be arranged. Gardening is a great way to strengthen the family. Grandparents who grew up in homes where there were family gardens are also a great source of wisdom and knowledge.

Garden Giving

Giving the extra produce from a garden is also wonderful way to “give back” to a community. Seniors, many of whom have downsized or reside in senior facilities or no longer garden, would not only enjoy the visit, but would welcome the extra fruits and vegetables. There are countless people living in make shift sidewalk and under freeway “structures” or sleeping bags, who would welcome some fresh fruit. If your office is not already in the habit of garden sharing, why not start the trend of encouraging everyone to bring in their extra garden and fruit tree produce. Instead of bowls of unhealthy snacks, why not have bowls of fruits and vegetables from gardens in the office.

Start Small

You don’t need a lot of land, space or time to garden, container gardening may be for you. Many fruits and vegetables (e.g. tomatoes, herbs, and strawberries) can be grown in pots, pails, buckets, wooden boxes or even plastic bags (e.g. potatoes). Your container should have holes in the bottom for drainage. You can use regular soil, but potting mixtures or vegetable fertilizers will feed your plants and produce healthier plants and a bigger harvest. Be sure to select a sunny location and check every day to make sure your plants get enough water. Your local nursery or hardware store (with nurseries) may also offer free gardening classes, consultants or gardening advice.

THE BIBLE ---Still Has A Good Word For Surviving In Tough Times

People all over the world are trying to survive “difficult times,” often under “difficult administrations.”

Jeremiah’s letter from GOD and instructions on how to survive under strange, foreign or hostile administrations during times of displacement is still as relevant now as it was during the Babylonian Captivity in 597 BC.

Some hardships simply do not end quickly. No matter how much you wish otherwise, you may have to go through some things. Social Security is still generally not enough to live on in retirement. The cost of education is still rising. Many still experience financial obstacles when it comes to housing, everyday living expenses and healthcare. Family members, church members, neighborhoods still need each other to thrive, grow and prosper. Planning, building, sharing, praying and faith in GOD are still necessary to survive.

As Jeremiah prophesied: For those who earnestly seek HIM, they will find HIM!

Plan, build, plant gardens, pray and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 484 05-01-2019

BE STILL

Psalms 46: Be still, and know that I am GOD.

Summary

The psalms are a collection of lyrical poems or sacred songs in praise of GOD. Usually when people think of Biblical musicians or songs they immediately think of the various books of psalms. David frequently comes to mind as musician and psalm writer. However, David was not the first musician nor he is the writer of all the psalms or songs in the Bible.

According to Genesis 4:21 the first musician was Jubal. The Living Bible refers to Jubal as the “inventor of the harp and flute.” The King James translation calls Jubal the “father of all such as handle the harp and organ.” The reference to “organ” probably refers to “pipe or wind instruments,” and certainly should not be confused with the modern day electrical organs in many churches today.

And there are other references to musicians and singers before David. Exodus 15 records the song that Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord and the song of that Miriam, Moses and Aaron’s sister, sang with timbrels (or tambourine) in her hand, and danced with the women to the LORD. In Judges 11, we are told that Jephthah’s daughter came out to meet him, after his great victory against the Ammonites with timbrels and dances.

Psalms 46 is one of the great psalms of GOD’s people. According to Wikipedia, Psalms 46 is often recited as part of Jewish, Catholic, Anglican and Protestant liturgical services. Many worshippers may not remember the psalm number, but many recall hearing “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” many, many, many times throughout their worship years. According to Wikipedia, parts of Psalm 46 is used or referenced in several Jewish prayers. In the Catholic church Psalms 46 is often included or recited as part of the matins or “morning prayers” or “early cockcrow prayer,” originally celebrated by monastic monks, in the first two hours after midnight. In many Protestant churches, including Baptist, Church of GOD, First A&M, Methodist and other church denominations, it would not be uncommon to hear a preacher mount a pulpit speaking these words, or hear a deacon or church “prayer warrior” include these words in a prayer or testimony in praise of the GOODNESS of GOD.

It is said that Martin Luther used Psalm 46 verse 1 as inspiration for his famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” And, shortly after observing a moment of silence, President Obama on the 10^th anniversary of the World Trade Center 9/11 attack read the famous words: “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” See, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/psalm-46-obamas-911-speech_n_958954. However, not much is said about Psalms 46:10, “Be still…”

Some believe that Psalms 46:10 is a message to the enemies of GOD. They point to the next verse which states: “I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. They believe that this verse is a warning to heathen nations or the enemies of GOD that they should “put down their arms” “cease fighting” and just “stop” because, they can’t win against GOD, so it is useless to fight GOD’s people. The verse is a warning to the heathens to “Be Still” or be crushed!

Others believe that Psalms 46:10 is a message to GOD’s people. This is a message for those “fixer” or “problem solver” believers. These are the ones who are used to fixing problems and “figuring out things” for so long that when the “impossible” and the “unfixable” comes along, they spend hours looking for solutions. They experience a great deal of frustration when all their human efforts fail. To them GOD says, “BE STILL” and wait on THE LORD; some things are just beyond what humans are capable of fixing.

Psalms 46:10 is also a message for those “worriers” and “wondering” believers.” They can’t understand why GOD “isn’t doing something right now (because they would if they could!). And sometimes, if the truth be told, they are “wondering if GOD is going to show up at all” or “wonder how GOD is going to fix it.” They worry. They are anxious. To them, GOD says “BE STILL.”

Psalms 46:10 is also a message to those who think the battle is already lost---since “Lazarus (or their loved one) is already dead.” [See John 11] They already lost their house in the fire/earthquake, flood. Everything “is a mess” even though they thought they were doing everything they were supposed to do. The enemy has wreaked havoc within their lives--with their families, their property and even their bodies. These are the “JOB believers.” To them, the message is “BE STILL and know that I am GOD.” And, remember “I will be exalted in the earth.” These are the believers that will “never know” why? These are the believers that may never understand why they seem to be the targets of spiritual warfare or figure out many of the other mysteries of the universe. (See Job 39) They just have to “gird up” (tighten their spiritual core) and “BE STILL,” reminding themselves and standing firm on the knowledge and faith that “GOD IS our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” even when physical sight, physical pain, and present circumstances suggest otherwise.

“BE STILL” is surrendering everything to GOD.

“BE STILL” is a spiritually core exercise of faith in GOD.

Be Still and Exercise

To many the idea of that one can “be still” and “exercise” seems like an oxymoron—a kind of self-contradiction. Most people think of exercise as being constant movement or action. It may be what many people dislike about exercise, the fact that they have to “move so much.”

Some exercise, called Isometric exercises, still provide a workout. Here are just a few:

Find a wall. Place you forearms flat against the wall (with your elbows pointed toward the floor) about shoulder width apart and make fist with your hands. Assume a lunge position with one foot forward (knee slightly bent) and one foot back, with your heels on the ground. Now push against the wall and hold still for a count of ten. Then switch feet.
Stand up straight. Put your hands in a prayer position with your elbows pointed in the opposite directions.

Breathe deeply as you press your hand together, maintaining and holding still your posture.

Find a wall. With your back against the wall (put a pillow on the floor under you, if necessary), place your feet about a foot from the wall. Now slowly slide down the wall a few inches at a time, keeping your low back in contact with the wall. As you slide down, hold still at intervals and count up to 10 before going down further. If you can, get into a “sitting in an imaginary” chair position, next make a fist with your left hand and cover that fist with your right hand in your sitting chair position and relax and hold still, counting to 10. Slide back up and repeat the process down again.

According to Mayo Clinic, isometric exercises help maintain strength. Because they are done in one position, “without movement,” they improve strength in one position. They often help with stability and core. See, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/isometric-exercises/faq-20058186 . Mayo Clinic states that some studies have shown that isometric exercises may help lower blood pressure; however, they still suggests that if you have high blood pressure (or any medical problem, including heart problems) you first consult your physician about your doing an isometric exercise program. According to the above-reference Mayo Clinic article, holding your breath or straining during weight isometric training can sometimes cause blood pressure to spike.

Core Building

When we “Be Still” as the Word of GOD instructs us and we have faith that “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, GOD strengthens our spiritual core. Not for our glory, but for HIS.

Exercise comes in many forms. Isometric exercises are just another way to build strength and improve our physical core.

Pray one for another. Pray that we all gain greater physical and spiritual health in what we eat and do. Pray we learn to be discerning eaters. Pray we “eat” the WORD.

“BE STILL” and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 483 04-24-2019

ACTION

Acts 3:2-6;7-8 As they approached the Temple, they saw a man lame from birth carried along the street and laid beside the Temple gate—the one called The Beautiful Gate, as was his custom every day. As Peter and John were passing by, he asked them for some money. They looked at him intently, and then Peter said, “Look here!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, “We don’t have any money for you! But I’ll give you something else! ….Then Peter took the lame man by the hand and pulled him to his feet. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankle-bones were healed and strengthened so that he came up with a leap, stood there a moment and began walking! Then, walking, leaping, and praising GOD, he went into the Temple with them.

DISCUSSION

The Gospel of Luke, the third gospel regarding the life and ministry of JESUS is ascribed to have been written by “the beloved physician” (see Colossians 4:14) Luke. Luke wrote the Gospel According to Luke and the very next book after the gospels, the book of Acts. In fact the very first verse in Acts makes it clear that Acts is a continuation of “the story” or explanation of what this new church/temple movement is all about. See Acts 1:1

The continuation of the story is an important lesson in itself. If the death and resurrection of JESUS were “the end of the story,”Luke could have just stopped at the angel’s announcement: “HE is not here, but is risen,” (Luke 24:6). But that was not the end of the story.

Luke goes on in Chapter 24 to describe the fact that when the women went to the apostles to repeat what they were told, the others didn’t believe the women. Luke describes how JESUS appeared to the doubting disciples and even Peter, who had denied him three times, showing how JESUS reached out to them. And Jesus is willing to reach out to all of us, even in our “brokenness” and “troubled states.”

Other gospel writers also do not end with just the resurrection but even describe how “these very human” disciples faltered in other ways. John describes how a group of these disciples, led by Peter, may have started thinking about returning to their “former lives” as fishermen, because Peter convinced a group of them all of a sudden go fishing for fish. See John 21. Perhaps Peter forgot this was what “he left” to follow JESUS, when JESUS promised to make Peter and his brother Andrew, “fishers of men.” Perhaps this post-resurrection story was an important reminder that it is important to keep our eyes on what GOD wants us to do and not what we used to do—or to reinforce the importance of “feeding the sheep” or helping the least among us, rather than going on “fishing expeditions for our own gain.”

Luke’s writing the book of Acts and describing the actions of the apostles, after they received the HOLY SPIRIT, is additional evidence that the resurrection was not the end of the story. The interaction between Peter and the lame man described in Acts 3 is evidence that Peter “was listening” and acted on JESUS’ instructions to “fish for men.” The man who was laid by the temple gate was literally “outside” the church/temple. Others temple members probably passed him by every day on their way to the house of GOD. No one was interested in “connecting” with this man, praying with this man, fellowshipping with this man, or bringing him into the “church” fold. Some may have even seen him as an “eye sore” marring the beauty of their temple gate. Likewise, the man wasn’t thinking about entering the temple either. The man seemingly just saw the people coming and going as a way to make money to live. All of that changed when the man met Peter and John.

The actions of Peter and John are instructive. One of the first things that Peter and John did was to not treat the man as if he were “invisible.” They looked intently at the man and “saw him.” It is easier than most of us think to ignore the suffering of those around us—the “invisible poor,” or other we “don’t see,” such as those in jails, in detention facilities, in juvenile facilities, those in mental facilities or children and seniors who go without meals. Just look indifferently. Just look swiftly. Or, just look away, or just focus on oneself.

However, when Peter and John looked intently, they saw a man who needed to be in “the fold.” Then Peter took action: Peter talked to the man, went to GOD on behalf of the man, offered the man another way, reached out to the man, gave him a helping hand, and then entered the temple with him, as their equal. These were the acts of these apostles. This is how these disciples became “fisher of men.” This is part of their post-resurrection story. This is why Luke had to tell the rest of the story and wrote Acts.

DOING NOTHING IS NOT HEALTHY

Although people tend to think that exercise is enough, it turns out that exercise and sitting are entirely separate factors and that each one should to be taken into consideration separately for good health. For example, walking has generally been found to be good for all ages. According to Dr. James Levine:

“Getting out there and taking a walk is what it's all about," says James Levine, M.D., Ph.D., and a Mayo Clinic expert on obesity. "You don't have to join a gym; you don't have to check your pulse. You just have to switch off the TV, get off the sofa and go for a walk.”

See, “When It Comes To Walking, It’s All Good, Mayo Clinic Research,” at www.mayoclinic.com.

On the other hand, prolonged sitting is generally not good for a healthy lifestyle:

"Sitting is bad for cholesterol, it's bad for your back and muscles," Dr. Levine says. "It's such a terrible thing for our bodies to do and the less of it you do, the better.

Id. In an article entitled, “Why Your Desk Job is Slowly Killing You,” Maria Masters, Men’s Health, quotes Marc Hamilton, Ph.D., a physiologist and professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, notes that whether a person exercises or whether he/she is a “couch potato” may be two separate things. According to Masters:

Hamilton's take, which is supported by a growing body of research, is that the amount of time you exercise and the amount of time you spend on your butt are completely separate factors for heart-disease risk. New evidence suggests, in fact, that the more hours a day you sit, the greater your likelihood of dying an earlier death regardless of how much you exercise or how lean you are. That's right: Even a sculpted six-pack can't protect you from your chair.

But it's not just your heart that's at risk from too much sitting; your hips, spine, and shoulders could also suffer. In fact, it's not a leap to say that a chair-potato lifestyle can ruin you from head to toe.

[Emphasis added.] “Why Your Desk Job is Slowly Killing You,” Maria Masters, Men’s Heath. Masters further notes that:

A 2010 study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that when healthy men limited their number of footsteps by 85 percent for 2 weeks, they experienced a 17 percent decrease in insulin sensitivity, raising their diabetes risk;
According to Peter Katzmarzyk, Ph.D., Hamilton’s colleague at Pennington, the nation’s leading obesity research center, a person can hit the gym every day, but if he’s sitting a good deal of the rest of the time, he’s probably not leading an overall active life.
A “standing” worker—say, a sales clerk at a Banana Republic store---burns about 1,500 calories while on the job and a person behind a desk might expend roughly 1000 calories. That goes a long way in explaining why people gain 16 pounds, on average, within 8 months of starting sedentary office work, according to a study from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington;
In 2009, Katzmarzyk studied the lifestyle habits of more than 17,000 men and women and found that the people who sat for almost the entire day were 54 percent more likely to end up clutching their chests than those who sat almost none of the time. “The evidence that sitting is associated with heart disease is very strong.”
“Humans sit too much, so you have to treat the problem specifically,” says Hamilton. “The cure for too much sitting isn’t more exercise. Exercise is good, of course, but the average person could never do enough to counteract the effects of hours and hours of chair time.”
“Your body adapts to what you do most often.” says Bill Hartman, PT, C.S.C.S., a Men’s Health advisor. “So if you sit in a chair all day, you’ll essentially become better adapted to sitting in a chair.”

“Older folks have a harder time moving around than younger people do,” says Hartman. “That’s not simply because of age; it’s because what you do consistently from day to day manifests itself over time, for both good and bad.” If you sit all day at a desk, you’re courting muscle stiffness, poor balance and mobility, lower-back, neck and hip pain.”

Hamilton suggests standing more rather than sitting, and
Continue to exercise.

See, “Why Your Desk Job is Slowly Killing You,” Maria Masters, Men’s Heath.

One Mayo Clinic researcher has called sitting, “the New Smoking,” suggesting that sitting like smoking is that harmful to your health.

WHAT IS GOD’s ACTION PLAN FOR YOU?

Celebrating Easter/Resurrection Sunday/Passover is and was a wonderful thing! But the story should not end there.

But we don’t celebrate one of two days out of the year only to wait another year for the next celebration. After hearing the resurrection story and given the “Great Commission” instructions, we don’t have the option of just returning to just things we want to do. We don’t have the option of letting the story end on resurrection Sunday. Sitting or doing nothing is not an option.

Look around. See anyone outside the folds of GOD’s house? If not, look intently around? Look under most city bridges, look in some of the parked cars where some sleep or look in some of the homeless tent cities, where many are living. What do you think GOD is calling you or others to do? Pray about it! Pray for a post-resurrection Sunday story for your life and where you worship!

Pray for a Post-Resurrection physical and spiritual action plan and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 482 04-17-2019

TELL THE STORY

Matthew 26:18 HE replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘THE TEACHER says: MY appointed time is near, I am going to celebrate the Passover with MY disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as JESUS had directed them and prepared the Passover. (See also Luke 22:10-11; Mark 14:13-14) [New International Translation]

Matthew 28:5-7 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be frightened!” he said. “I know you are looking for JESUS, who was crucified, but HE isn’t here! For HE has come back to life again, just as HE said HE would. Come in and see where HIS body was lying….And, now, go quickly and tell HIS disciples that HE has risen from the dead, and HE is going to Galilee to meet them there. This is my message to them.” [Living Bible Translation]

Summary

Passover 2019 will begin at sundown on Friday, April 19^th. The Passover Seder is the Jewish feast or meal that marks the beginning of the Passover holiday, which many will celebrate for eight days. In Matthew 26:18, JESUS describes his intent to celebrate the Passover meal with his disciples—the members of his close community. The Seder is a community and often multigenerational meal. It is a meal of instruction. Is it a meal that describes survival, overcoming and about how GOD intervened into the lives of HIS people. The LORD instructed Moses:

And you shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’

Exodus 13:8. Passover tells the story. A story can be told in a number of ways---through song, prayer, through the reading of scripture, recitation and by means of food or the dishes served. The Passover plate tells a story. The plate contains “symbolic foods” that are arranged to tell the story of slavery and Divine Intervention. The six items on the plate include:

Marorand Chazeret: Two types of bitter herbs, symbolizing the bitterness and harshness of the Jewish slavery in Ancient Egypt. For maror, many people use horseradish or horseradish root. Chazeret is typically romaine lettuce, whose roots are bitter-tasting.
Charoset: A is a sweet, brown, paste of fruits and nuts, symbolic of the mortar the Jewish slaves used during their years of forced labor in Egypt.
Karpas: A is typically a vegetable other than bitter herbs, usually parsley but sometimes celeryor cooked potato, which is dipped into salt water or vinegar often at the beginning of the Seder.
Zeroa: A roasted lamb or goat bone, symbolizes sacrifice. The roasted lamb was eaten as part of the meal on Seder night.
Beitzah: A hard-boiled egg, symbolizing the korban chagigah(festival sacrifice) that was offered in the Temple in Jerusalem and was then eaten as part of the meal on Seder night. Some view the hard-boiled egg as symbolic of mourning.

See, www.wikipedia.org and www,chabad.org.

The plate tells the story.

On Friday, April 19^th, the same day that Passover begins, many Christians around the world will also commemorate and observe “Good Friday” or “Holy Friday.” In many Christian churches, seven preachers will mount a pulpit and preach about JESUS’ crucifixion death on Calvary. They will preach what is known as “The Seven Last Words of CHRIST,” seven recorded statements found in the scripture that JESUS spoke before HIS death on the cross. They will tell the story…of JESUS and HIS sacrificial LOVE for humanity.

On the Sunday after “Good Friday,” on Resurrection Sunday, another story will be told. Some churches may have children’s plays or programs. Some churches will have sunrise services. Some Sunday school teachers and church preachers and speakers will review the events of the resurrection found in Matthew 28, when the angel spoke to the women at the entrance of a burial site, where a stone was rolled away and the women shown an empty tomb, so they could see the body was not there. The women were told HE had risen from the dead and instructed to tell others---to tell the story.

Later when JESUS appeared to the disciples, they too would be told to “tell the story”---the story of salvation and victory.

As people of faith our job is to “Tell the Story.” Many will celebrate the own survival, the survival of their families, including their church families. Many will celebrate the GOODNESS OF GOD, including GOD’s sacrifice, love and mercy toward us. Many will celebrate just being “in the number” of gatherers “one more time.” Some will just be grateful and able to “Tell the Story,” as a living witness and recipient of GOD’s love. One writer listed a number of reasons for telling the Christian story, including the following:[i]

I love to tell the story;                                            I love to tell the story;
’Twill be my theme in glory                                    For some have never heard
To tell the old, old story                                         The message of salvation
of Jesus and His love.                                           From God’s own holy Word.

I love to tell the story;
It did so much for me;
And that is just the reason

I tell it now to thee.

MY PLATE.GOV

The Dietary Guidelines for American, 2015-2020, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published The Dietary Guidelines for Americans every five years, since 1980. USDA publishes guidelines because half of all Americans have one or more chronic diseases, usually related to poor diet. The Guidelines and the USDA’s symbolic representation of a healthy meal by the “My Plate.gov” picture tries to convey the message that every meal that American’s eat, every food choice we make and everything we eat and drink over time matters.

Half of the items on the plate are fruits and vegetables. The message the plate conveys is the importance of vegetables, fruit and grains. The plate suggests avoiding eating sweets and desserts.

The next time you fix a plate at home examine what your plate looks like. What story does your plate tell about you and your future?

TELL YOUR STORY

Just as a plate can tell a story so can a life. Part of the life we live includes the numerous plates we create/fix each and every day. Part of the life includes whether we exercise or don’t. Part of the life we live includes whether we care for the least among us, how we respond to injustice, whether we care for children, how welcoming we are to others, or even whether to see the church as a mere brick, mortar, wooden or stone building, or the church as GOD’s people.

So, tell your story too. Speak the WORD. Live the WORD. Pray and strive for greater spiritual and physical health. Pray that our lives become “acceptable” examples of GOD’s living WORD in our homes, our communities, in our physical places of worship and in the world.

So, tell the story. Live it. And BE BLESSED!

[i] From, “I Love To Tell The Story,” lyrics by Katherine Hankey (1834-1911)

Prayer Day # 481 04-10-2019

PREPARATION & REFLECTION

Matthew 21:1-4; 8-9 As JESUS and the disciples approached Jerusalem, and were near the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, JESUS sent two of them into the village ahead. “Just as you enter,” HE said, “you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them here. If anyone asks you what you are doing, just say, ‘The Master needs them,’ and there will be no trouble.” This was done to fulfill the ancient prophecy, “Tell Jerusalem her king is coming to her, riding humbly on a donkey’s colt!”

Mathew 21:8-9: And some of the crowd threw down their coats along the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them out before him. Then the crowds surged on ahead and pressed along behind, shouting, “GOD bless King David’s Son!” …“GOD’s Man is here!...Bless, HIM, LORD!”… “Praise GOD in highest heaven!” [Living Bible Translation]

Biblical Comment

This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is one week before Easter or Resurrection Sunday.

The name “Palm Sunday” is not mentioned in the Bible. Rather, Palm Sunday is a Sunday that commemorates Matthew’s record in Matthew Chapter 21 of JESUS’ entry into Jerusalem. It is like the starting line of a number of rapid events that will eventually unfold. Palm Sunday is a time of preparation and reflection for the events that will occur ahead.

According to Matthew:

As JESUS and his disciples approach Jerusalem, JESUS instructs two of his disciples to go into a village and bring back a donkey’s colt. We later learn that JESUS will ride this colt into Jerusalem. Matthew, who we are told wrote to and for Jewish readers so they would understand that JESUS was the MESSIAH, explains that this event was fulfilling ancient scripture. Zechariah 9:9 states: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey.” JESUS is doing exactly what Zechariah said HE would do. In addition, there is a lot of significance to a king riding on a donkey’s colt. Unlike the brazen, Romans, who liked to show off their military power by riding great military war horses and driving chariots, here was a king just riding a donkey. This image goes back to King Solomon, who when he became king, rode through the city on his father David’s personal mule. See 1Kings1:33. When a king rode a mule, it was a sign of peace. In times of peace and tranquility it wasn’t necessary “to show” military might.
The crowds of people acted as if JESUS was their Messiah and their King. They threw down their coats, as was the tradition when a mighty king entered a city. They also cut down branches, believed to be palm leaves, and spread them on the ground before JESUS’ path. Some commentators have noted that during these Roman times, waving a palm leaf was a sign of victory and public approval. For example, this practice may have been used during times of Roman coliseum games or when heroes and leaders came back from war. Some believe that when the people were yelling Hosanna [“Save, I pray.”] the people were actually looking for a “military” leader that would immediately overthrow the Roman government. Others have noted that palm leaves were carried by the Egyptians in funeral processions, to signify victory over death or as a sign of immortality. To the Egyptians a palm leaf was a sign of spiritual immortality over death.

Even while JESUS rode the colt on what looked like a “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem, JESUS knew that the entry into Jerusalem was actually the beginning of a road to crucifixion and resurrection. JESUS also knew that some of the same people who were shouting praise and “Bless him,” would later shout “Crucify him” [See, Matthew 27:22]. JESUS knew that HE would be betrayed. JESUS knew HE would be mocked, scourged and crucified because Matthew discusses how JESUS explains this to the disciples before JESUS entered Jerusalem.

See, Matthew 20:17-19. JESUS knew the “triumph” would not come from these people, but the triumph would be the resurrection, through the cross, what the people, including HIS own disciples, least expected or wanted.

So, what is Palm Sunday today? What does it mean? For some, it is a time when someone (e.g. a Sunday School teacher or preacher or speaker) will discuss the verses of Matthew Ch. 21. For some, it will be a time when they receive a symbolic palm branch. It will be a reminder of the days to come.

Others may see it as a time of preparation and reflection. Like the short interval period during the communion service, they may see it as a time of “personal examination.” Some may ask: “LORD, is it I?” Am I like some of Jerusalem palm-wavers celebrating you for what I want from you or expect to do for me? Do I want victory without a cross? If so, some may pray: “LORD, will you prepare my heart and mind so I can appreciate your death, the cross, and your resurrection until you come.”

Some may even pray, LORD please also help me to appreciate my cross and my salvation until you come!

PREPARATION and REFLECTIONS

Like many holidays, many families will gather together for a holiday meal and celebration.

As you prepare, I hope you remember the homeless, which include many college students and perhaps people in your own neighborhood or your church community. I hope you remember church members in nursing homes, care facilities or those physically unable to attend a place of worship. I hope you remember those still recovering from natural disasters---floods, fires, hurricanes, tsunami, and tornadoes. Please pray for those whose churches have burned and those who have suffering from discrimination, gun violence and war.

I hope you remember to eat wisely. I hope you will not allow holiday preparation to cause you stress or stress those around you.

I also hope and pray you continue to exercise mind and body.

I hope you have time for reflection and prayer.

And, I hope you BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 480 04-3-2019

PARABLES

Matthew 7:16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? [Revised Standard translation]

Luke 6:43-44 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers….” [New International translation]

Summary

JESUS spoke and taught in parables. He used simple stories to illustrate a spiritual or moral lesson.

Parables cause one to use our “inner” nature. For example, parables generally evoke a visual picture “in our mind’s eye.” There is usually a story, with characters or familiar objects that we can visualize. Like snowflakes, no two visual pictures are the same. Each of us brings our own life experience visualizing the parable. Our past experiences serve as a backdrop to what we “see” or “do not see.” One person’s “fruit” tree may be different from another’s; one may “see” Concord grapes while another may envision green ones. What each of us brings to the parable, in terms of our “physical” and “spiritual” experiences, will vary as well.

Second, there are usually “layers” to a parable. They cause the hearer to think and ask questions. Some of the questions a hearer might ask include the following: 1) Why did JESUS tell this parable? 2) What lesson or message is JESUS conveying with this story? 3) Is HE talking to me or is HE talking to someone else? 4) Is HE talking about me or someone else? 5) Is the parable a warning? 6) To who is the warning directed? 7) What is the warning? 8) What is the solution? 9) What does JESUS want me to do? 10) What do I need to do or stop doing to avoid the bad fate in the parable? 11) Did I really get the “full meaning” of the lesson JESUS wants me to learn?

Third, parables often make hearers feel uncomfortable and exposed. They often cause the hearer to start to conduct an internal examination, trying to determine which “side” of the parable they fit---the “good side” or the “bad side.” For example, in the above parable, the hearer may ask: 1) Am I bearing good fruit or bad fruit? 2) Am I an unproductive tree or a productive one? 3) Is my “fruit” the “right kind of fruit” or just thistles or thorns? 4) If I am not a good tree or bearing good fruit, what will happen to me? Will JESUS “chop” me down? Will I get “tossed” in “the fire” like wood kindle? 4) What spiritual implications does this parable have for me?

The impact of a parable may vary. Like a puzzle, some hearers may find their hearts, minds and souls fervently grappling with the parable, searching for its inner meaning, like a person struggling to solve a cross word puzzle, going over and over the clues in the mind. Some hearers will just ignore the parable and continue on with life as if JESUS never said anything. Others may be “convicted” and pray that the MASTER TEACHER show them the way, the truth and the light.

PARABLE OF THE PEAR TREE

The “Parable of the Pear Tree” does not appear in the Bible but it also conveys an important lesson. The story goes something like this:

A father wanted to teach his sons the lesson of not judging something or someone too quickly, and so he called them together and said "I have a task for you. I want you, my eldest son to go out into our fields and take a look at the pear tree and come back and tell me what your evaluation is of its condition."

So the eldest went out and saw the pear tree. But it was winter, and the son saw the tree on a harsh winter day and reported back and said to his father. "I see nothing of promise about the tree. It appears old, gnarled and has no blooms on it at all. I doubt it will survive the winter."

Three months later the father sent the next eldest son out in the spring to evaluate the pear tree. The son came back saying "The tree is very beautiful, with white blooms, but it seems purely ornamental. It has no fruit, nor any sign of ever bearing any. I doubt it will be of much practical use to us."

Three months later the father sent the third son out in the summer. The son went out to see the tree and came back reporting: "the tree seems to be growing and doing well, and it is full of leaves. But I could see some fruit, so I picked one and tasted it, but it was bitter, not fit for human consumption. I doubt it will prove of much use to us."

Finally three months later the father sent his youngest son out to see the tree once more. This time the tree was full of ripe beautiful golden and red pears. The son tried one and came back with the glowing report "Father we must come quickly for the harvest is upon the tree, and it is heavy laden and needs us to pick the pears for they are ripe and delicious now."

The father called his four sons back together, and said, "You see each of you have observed well the condition of a the tree at a particular season of the year, but your judgment of the tree was only partial, and made too quickly based on what you saw on only the one occasion. See to it that you never judge human beings this way. Never evaluate them too quickly, for it is unfair and unwise. Indeed all living things should only be evaluated over the course of time and after repeated careful inspection, for who knows but the ugliest and most unproductive of living things might someday turn into the most beautiful and fruitful."

Wisdom is Gender Neutral.

Another version of this parable references a father and his four daughters, lovely reminding them at the end that you can’t judge a tree, or a person, by only one season. Other versions could easily reference a mother teaching her four sons or four daughters the same life lesson. If you have children or wish to pass on the wisdom of this parable, you decide which gender to use.

Pear Season

Pears are one of the healthiest of fruits. One medium pear weighing approximately 178 grams contains:

101 calories
0 g of fat
27 g of carbohydrate, including 17 g of sugar
1 g of protein

One medium pear contains a number of minerals including: calcium, iron, magnesium, Zinc and Phosphorus. The vitamin in pears include: Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin K.

See, USDA, National Nutrient Database.

Food For Thought and Prayer

Sometimes, we need to be kind to ourselves. Often we need to be kind to others.

Pray we learn to leave the judging to GOD.

Study the parables of JESUS. Pray for discernment.

Enjoy the various seasons of your life

And, BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 479 03-27-2019

PLAN AHEAD AND STAY ACTIVE

Biblical Comment

The Bible encourages all of us to plan ahead, to carefully think about the what we need to accomplish, to consider our strengths and weaknesses, to evaluate our present situation and, in general, to consider the “costs” in implementing and completing our goals. Two examples are given.

The second example given in Luke 14 is that of a king going to war. This example suggests that the stakes are high. During Biblical times losing a war, not only meant the end of the king’s reign but the destruction of a whole nation. Men were killed, women were widowed, children were orphaned and, once defeated, survivors were taken into captive as slaves. Property, possessions and even religious freedoms were lost in times of war. Entering into war required careful consideration, counsel and planning, because “everything” was at stake. For this reason the king sought wise counsel from military experts, prophets, wise men and from GOD.

Planning for Health

Just as a person might plan financially for retirement, it is equally important to plan for health in retirement. Physical activity should be part of any plan.

Physical Activities:

Instead of just thinking about various physical activities that a person “might” do, think about your own body. Are there areas what you would like to improve (e.g., stronger core, greater cardio endurance, increased bone density, etc.) Instead of thinking about the outward things that we often think about when we think about our bodies (e.g., less fat in various area, different physical shape or appearance), think inwardly.

Remember the best physical exercises will tend to be the ones you enjoy most, because those will be the exercises you are likely to continue. So, if you don’t like one particular exercise, seek another.

In “Get Fit for Life,” WebMD list a number of reasons why exercise matter. The following are some of the by-products of exercise, thus helping a person live a longer, healthier life:

Keep your bones, muscles, and joints healthy
Make you less likely to have things like diabetes, colon cancer, and osteoporosis
Lower your blood pressure
Manage stress and improve your mood
Ease symptoms of anxiety and depression
Lower your chances of heart disease
Manage chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes by helping with things like stamina, joint swelling, pain, and muscle strength
Help with your balance, so you're less likely to fall and break bones

Exercise can be a planned activity with others (group classes, gym membership classes, working with a trainer), or you can exercise in less formal ways.

Popular Group Exercises:

Some popular group exercises suitable for almost any ages include;

Swimming – because of the minimal stress on bones and joints
Yoga – because you are building strength, coordination, balance, stamina, mobility and flexibility
Pilates – because it tends to be low impact, focusing on core, stamina, strength and stability
Bodyweight Training – because it helps to reduce muscle loss, build bone density, and increases body strength
Tai Chi – because it helps to increase flexibility, balance and coordination
Aerobic Training – many gyms have “Silver Sneaker” and various level classes for Zumba, U-Jam, cycling and other aerobic exercises that increase the heart rate, tone the body and increase coordination

See, “9 Best Types of Exercise for Older Adults,” by Aleisha K. Fetters, August 27, 2017, www.silversneakers.com/blog/best-exercise-older-adults/.

Less Formal Ways to Exercise

Remember, exercise doesn’t have to involve formal classes, a gym membership or special equipment. There are a number of less formal ways to get a good workout.

Garden – Put on some old clothes and rake a few leaves, mow the lawn, weed, or sweep outside
Take a brisk walk or jog – If you ride to work, get off the bus before your usual stop, take a walk around your neighborhood, or include a Sunday “constitutional” walk as part of your Sunday after dinner activities.
Walk up and down the stairs- Start taking the stairs whenever you can, at home, at work, or visit some nearby building with stairs.
Sweep or Dust or Clean – start “Spring Cleaning” early. Take it one room at a time- getting rid of books, stored items you haven’t used or seen for years, clean under everything.
Go to a park or a library and just walk around-Make it a point to briskly walk at least once a week. Many parks and libraries have a number of weekly activities. Check out your area parks, libraries or historical buildings.
Do 1-5 push-ups (e.g., full hand, bent knee, wall push-ups, elbows in, elbows out, feet out, feet in, etc.) every morning and every night. For example, before and after saying your prayers to start and end your day. Set a target for 30 days, then set a new target. Be sure to keep a calendar.

Start Planning

What is your vision for your retirement? Do you envision a strong, healthy body and mind? Is your goal to present your body a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to GOD? (Romans 12:1)? If so, plan ahead!

Treat your health like a detailed battle plan –creating ways to fight the “enemy”---procrastination, self-doubt, excuses and other things impeding our progress.

Consult GOD about everything. Pray GOD move in your life---move you to move you.

Start building your “strong tower.” Plan ahead and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 478 03-20-2019

BALANCE

Proverbs 11:1 A FALSE balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is HIS delight. [King James translation]

Summary:

Proverbs is a collection of the wise sayings of Solomon, the son of David and the third King of Israel. Many associate the name “Solomon” with wisdom because Solomon was renowned for his great wisdom. However, the name Solomon was actually given to him by his father David. According to 2 Samuel 12: 24:

And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay

with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the

LORD loved him.

The name Solomon (Shelomoh) comes from the Hebrew word for peace (Shalom). The Aramaic form of the word peace is “Shlomo.” The Arabic name “Suleiman” or “Sulaymon” also means peace.

Although his parents named him peaceful, GOD re-named him Jedidiah:

The LORD loved him; and because the LORD loved him, HE sent word

through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.

The name Jedidiah means “loved by the LORD” or “beloved of the LORD.” Some believe that the name derives from the Hebrew name “Yedidyah,” which means “Friend of GOD.”

There has been a great deal of speculation among scholars, historians and commentaries as to why his parents called the child “peaceful” and why GOD re-named the child “beloved.” Some speculate that the old soldier David, who had fought many past battles, was looking forward to a time of peace.

Others compare Solomon’s name change by GOD to the other times in Old Testament Biblical history when GOD made a “name change” ----as when GOD changed the name of Abram’s to “Abraham,” Sarai’s name to “Sarah” and Jacob’s name to “Israel.” Some speculate that each name change was to be a constant reminder of GOD’s true intention for that person’s life. It was a reminder of each person’s GOD-given identify for them. Some even speculate Solomon’s failure to use the name GOD gave him cause Solomon to forget his love of GOD and to turn to idolatry. They conclude that when Solomon married many women for the sake of peace he failed to understand that the “so called” peace and bargains the world “offers” is never a substitute for GOD’s love.

BALANCE (Without Movement)

Isometric exercises are a type of strength training where the muscles and joint angles do not change during contraction. They are generally done in a static position. There is generally not a great range of movement. Often the muscles are working against themselves or against an immoveable object. For example, in some isometric exercises the body is resisting its own weight.

For example a simple isometric exercise is to press the palms together (with the fingers tips pointing up to the ceiling in a prayer position and the elbows at opposite angles and just pressing the palms together for a count of 6 and then relaxing and repeating two or three times.

A simple plank (either on elbows or hand) is another type of isometric exercise. This can be done knees down or knees up. Doing a plank once or twice a day will strengthen the core.

A “stand-up” plank can be performed by pushing against a wall surface and holding for a few seconds and then repeating the movement.

The “superman” or “superwoman” pose, where a person lies on their stomach (e.g. on a mat) and raises their hands straight forward and feet straight behind, as if flying in the air and balancing upward, looking straight ahead, is another isometric exercise. This exercise can be modified by either raising one hand or foot at a time.

You can also perform isometric exercises by holding a free weight in a certain position. If you are not familiar with isometric free weight exercises, seek a certified trainer or someone who has some expertise and can provide proper instruction.

Yoga is also known for its isometric exercises. As always if you are concerned about what isometric exercises might be right for you consult your personal physician. Mayo Clinic also suggests checking with your physician if you have high blood pressure or heart problem before doing any isometric exercise.

BELOVED OF GOD

GOD has a purpose for your life. GOD is still changing names. Amid all the confusion of the world, negotiations, world deal, wars and suffering, it is important to not lose sight of GOD’s LOVE or that HE still wants us to be in “the Beloved.” See, Ephesians 1:6 and Thessalonians 1:4.

So, remember, GOD’s LOVE still prevails.

Be a Friend of GOD and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 477 03-13-2019

SONGS AND APPLES

Song of Solomon 2:5 Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. [New International translation]

Summary

There are many songs referenced in the Bible. In Exodus 15:1, Moses and the people of Israel sang a song to the LORD, when GOD “made a way out of no way” allowing Moses and the people to cross the Red Sea. After the LORD grants her petition and gave her a son, Samuel, Hannah dedicates the child to the LORD and sang a song of praise to the LORD. She basically sings there is NONE like HIM (See, 1Samuel 2:2). In Judges 5:1, Deborah and Barak sing praises to GOD for their victory over their enemies.

Despite the many other songs mentioned, the Song of Solomon is called “the Song of Songs” or the most excellent of all songs. (See, Song of Solomon 1:1). It is song about love. It is a song about commitment. It is a song about union. Although the verses speak of the deep passionate love of a bridegroom for his bride and the equally passionate love for the bride for her bridegroom, the “larger” interpretation of the “Song of Songs,” is that the verses are an allegory for the deep loving and joyful communion that THE SON, JESUS CHRIST, has for HIS bride, the church.

It is a song about the wonders of marital love and HOLY LOVE.

Benefits of Eating Apples

Approximately 250 years ago in Poor Richard’s Almanac, Benjamin Franklin, coined the phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Benjamin Franklin, American statesman, inventor and publisher, published Poor Richard’s Almanac from approximately 1732 to 1758. It was a popular journal during its time. The journal included weather forecasts, practical household hints, games and puzzles and home remedies. See, www.wikipedia.com. Over the years researchers have confirmed the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin’s advice about the health benefits of eating apples.

“5 Health Benefits of Apples,” www.medicaldaily.com cites 5 reasons why apples are beneficial to good health:

Better Oral Hygiene
Apples are considered an Alkaline food. [Eating high Alkaline foods means that you are eating foods that help prevent your blood from becoming too acidic, promoting health. The body’s has a pH balance, which basically measures the acidity in the blood. The ideal pH for blood is around 7.35, which is neutral. Most fruits and vegetables are alkaline, providing more energy and preventing the blood from becoming too acidic.] Apples also increase the production of saliva, which helps to eliminate bacteria and food particles. This also helps reduce bad breath.
Boost for the Brain

Apples are a source of the antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin is a chemical found naturally in many plants and foods, such as berries, green tea, onions and apples. A medium apple may contain up to 10 milligrams of quercetin, which is considered a significant dose. According to research from Cornell University, quercetin is believed to have a protective effect on brain cells. A 2015 study suggested a link between apple juice and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is better to consume the whole apple because most the quercetin comes from the apple skin.

Healthier Weight

Apples are a good food to help fight obesity. They are high in fiber and generally good for the gut, promoting good gut bacteria. This helps to prevent metabolic disorders associated with obesity and chronic inflammation which can lead to diabetes.

Good for the Heart

Researchers found that apples could reduce a number of heart disease risk factors. They help maintain lower cholesterol levels and help in lowering blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

High Bone Density

Apples have a beneficial effect on bone density and bone strength. This can help protect against osteoporosis, which can cause deterioration of the bone, resulting in an increased risk of fractures.

See, “5 Health Benefits of Apples,” September 4, 2018, www.medicaldaily.com/5-health-benefits-eating-apples-427297.

FOOD and SONGS

In the 1990’s a Gospel singing group called The Winans wrote “Everything You Touch Is A Song.” Today, what foods will you touch? What lives will you touch? What songs will you create? How has GOD touched you? What song can you sing to the LORD?

Today, pray for GOD’s HOLY LOVE.

Pray, eat wisely and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 476 03-06-2019

STEWARDSHIP and PARTNERSHIP

Genesis: 1:26 And GOD said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the cattle, over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth over the earth. [King James translation]

1 Corinthians 6:19 Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the HOLY SPIRIT GOD gave you, and that HE lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. [Living Bible]

Definition: Steward: One who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs.

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

The book of Genesis, a book about beginnings, describes the creation of everything---the Earth, the stars, the sun, the moon, light, land, vegetation, animals and humans. Genesis 1:1 states, “GOD created...” All that was created was created by HIM and belonged to HIM and for HIS purpose. Our human relationship to what GOD created is that of stewardship. We steward what HE created on earth.

One of the first acts of stewardship occurred when mankind was given “dominion” over “the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moved on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26 and1:28). Later, GOD gave “them” dominion over “the garden of Eden,” with the responsibility to “tend and care for it.” (Genesis 2:15)

Stewardship is not an individual activity. Genesis notes that GOD gave “them” dominion. Two were placed in the garden. One could help the other. Partnership was to produce greater stewardship.

We are even stewards of our own bodies as well as each other. Just as a singer views his or her voice as a fine musical instrument, we too are “instruments,” “tools,” “lamps,” on earth for GOD. Everyone collectively is responsible for the maintenance of all the “tools”. Everyone is responsible for making sure all the lamps shine brightly. We are all responsible for the “health” of the body. That is why we cannot ignore anyone’s physical or spiritual health. We are partners and stewards---as “one body” in Christ. (See Romans 12:5)

We also partner with GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT. So, whatever physical or spiritual battles each of us confronts, we are not alone.

PARTNERING FOR HEALTH

We can all partner for health. There are partners everywhere! For example, there are a number of organizations providing useful information about food safety.

Every year, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes an annual “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce” report listing fruit and vegetables that are likely to contain the highest level of pesticide residue.

EWG’s “Dirty Dozen List for 2018” include the following:

Strawberries – One strawberry sample contained 22 pesticide residues. One-third of all conventional samples contained 10 or more pesticides.
Spinach – 97% of conventional spinach samples contained pesticide residues.
Nectarines – 94% of nectarines samples contained 15 pesticide residues.
Apples - 90% of conventional apples had detectable pesticide residues.
Grapes – Grapes contain an average of 5 pesticide residues. 96% of grapes tested positive.
Peaches - 97% of peaches had detectable pesticide residues. An average of 4 pesticides were found.
Cherries – An average of 5 pesticides were found in cherries. 30% of cherries contained a pesticide that is not allowed in Europe and that may cause cancer.
Pears – Pears contained several pesticides in relatively high concentrations, including insecticides and fungicides. More than 50% of pears contained 5 or more pesticide residuals.
Tomatoes – Nearly four pesticides on average were found in conventional tomatoes. However, one sample of conventional tomatoes contained 15 pesticide and residues.
Celery – More than 95% of conventional celery tested positive for pesticides. A maximum of 13 pesticides was detected on a conventional sample.
Potatoes – Conventional potatoes had more pesticides by weight than any other crop.
Sweet Bell Peppers – Almost 90% of conventional sweet bell pepper samples contained residual pesticides. It was noted that sweet bell peppers may contain fewer pesticides on average; the pesticides they do contain tend to be more toxic to human health.

See, “EWG’s 2018 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce,” www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.php.

EWG suggests it is probably best to buy organic items on the above list to reduce/avoid pesticide exposure. This is particularly important if you are pregnant or have small children. Babies, infants and young children may be especially vulnerable.

EWG also has a 2018 “Clean List” of fruits and vegetables—conventional produce that are less likely to contain pesticides. Some of the items on the 2018 “Clean List” include: Avocados, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Sweet Corn, Pineapples, Kiwi, Mangoes, Broccoli, and Cauliflower. See, www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/ewg-dirty-dozen-and-clean-fifteenlists-2018.

But, whether you buy organic or conventional, it is always best to reduce contamination of fresh food by pesticide or bacteria by: Always washing fresh produce thoroughly.

You can also find other partners for physical health at a gym (including trainers); at neighborhood community centers, at your church (e.g. church exercise programs); and you can be a partner in your own home, your neighbor or for your family—just by being a good example.

PARTNER FOR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH

Our church fellowship is also a partnership ---a prayer, information and activities partnership. Every prayer counts! Every word of encouragement helps. So, please keep praying! Every effort you make to improve your physical and spiritual health strengthens us all. Keep studying. Your struggles are our struggles. Your victories are our victories! We are all in this together!

As Pastor Emeritus J. Alfred Smith, Sr. often says, “Don’t be weary in well-doing!”

So, be a good steward! Be faithful, be vigilant, and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 475 02-27-2019

RIGHT RELATIONSHIP

Genesis 4:8-9 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Able and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel? “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” [New International translation]

Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul…. [New International translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

Cain and Abel were the children of Adam and Eve, the first family. We can learn a number of valuable spiritual lessons studying the various relationships within the first family (husband and wife; relationship of siblings) and studying each member’s relationship with GOD. In Genesis verse 4:8-9 we are able to glean a glimpse of Cain’s relationship to his brother Able and Cain’s relationship to GOD. The verse indicates that Cain devised an evil plan. In today’s legal terminology, this is known as “premeditation.” Premeditation is the “planning,” “plotting” or “deliberating” about an action before committing the action; thus evidencing “intent” to commit the crime. In other words, Cain could not say he “accidentally” killed his brother because Cain “intended” to do his brother harm. Cain devised the plan in his mind before following through with the act. Cain intended “to do evil by his brother.”

The second thing Cain’s conversation with GOD indicates is not only his willingness to easily “lie” to GOD, but Cain utter “lack of reverence and respect toward GOD.” When GOD asked Cain about his brother Abel, Cain used a disrespectful “tone” with GOD and responded as if GOD and he were on “equal footing.” Cain retorted: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain’s was basically asking GOD: “Am I Abel’s warden?” “Is it my responsibility to follow Abel’s everywhere?” In essence: “Am I his babysitter?”

This response not only shows that Cain had no “brotherly love” for Able but also that Cain has no love or respect for GOD. Imagine the nerve and irreverence of asking GOD, WHO IS ALL KNOWING, whether HE needs a warden or keeper to determine someone’s whereabouts! Cain’s retort is not only a direct challenge to the authority of GOD, but a direct challenge to WHO GOD IS. [Much like Satan’s questioning temptation of JESUS in the wilderness---See, Luke 4.]

Conversely, when one reads Psalm 23, we can hear and feel the love, reverence and awe that David, the boy shepherd, has for an ALL LOVING, ALL POWERFUL, ALL KNOWING GOD and MERCIFUL GOD. David marvels at how GOD cares for HIS sheep (i.e. us). David praises GOD for HIS protection, goodness and love. He thanks GOD for feeding him and physically nourishing him (i.e., finding “green” pastures and “still waters”). David thanks GOD for his external well-being and David thanks and praises GOD for his “internal well-being,” acknowledging that GOD is able to abolish his fears (even his fear of death—verse 4). David also acknowledges that even when he sins, GOD is able to find him and restore his soul. [It is as if the boy David could see how the adult King David would sin against GOD, and still has the assurance of knowing that despite all his human shortcomings, like a sheep gone astray, GOD still cares and shows mercy.] David thanks GOD that for being his GOOD SHEPHERD!

Unlike Cain’s relationship with GOD, David’s relationship with GOD is one of praise, gratitude, reverence, and love.

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP TO FOOD

Although food is necessary for living, people often have “complicated” and sometimes unhealthy relationships with food, often thinking of food as “a way to relieve stress” or

something “to be avoided.” Sometimes people have a yoyo or up and down relationship with food---alternating between binging and avoidance.

In “How to Have a Healthy Relationship With Food,” WebMD suggests a number of ways to have a more positive relationship with the food. Here are some suggestions:

Don’t Diet -- many people who try to put themselves on a diet don’t realize that cutting calories or not eating certain kind of foods may trigger overeating. Sometimes people caught in the cycle of binging and avoidance can find it difficult to break the cycle. If you need to lose weight, speak to your physician about when and what you should eat..

Make Regular Meals a Habit – Try not to skip meals. In other words, put yourself on an eating schedule. Being very hungry can cause overeating. Skipping meals also increases the likelihood of eating foods “high in fat and sugar.” If you work, you may want to bring “breakfast” or “lunch” with you so you decrease the chance of eating inappropriate foods or not having the nutritious food when you need to eat. Prepare healthy snacks if you need to eat between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, tea and water are often great healthy choices.

Keep Cravings Out of Sight –Don’t stockpile your kitchen or pantry with unhealthy “sugar and fat” foods or other unhealthy “treats.” Don’t buy or, just get rid of them. Remember, out of sight is also out of reach!

Get Support ---Try not to eat alone. Eat around other people who are eating healthy too. Web MD suggests avoid people eating around people who are likely to make negative comments about your eating or your weight. Try to make eating an enjoyable, relaxing experience.

Find Healthy Ways to Relieve Stress – Exercise, meditate, pray, call a friend if you find yourself overeating or binging. Or, seek medical help.

See, www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/binge-relationship-food#2.

RIGHT RELATIONSHIP

Every day we make choices. Every day we can strive for “right relationships.” In Psalms 139:23 David prayed: “Search me, O GOD, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Pray for right relationship and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 474 02-20-2019

TIME TO REST

Mark 6:31 Then JESUS suggested, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” For so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat. So they left by boat for a quieter spot. [Living Bible]

Summary

The sixth chapter of the book of Mark is filled with activity and events.

At the beginning of the chapter JESUS receives a stunning rejection from HIS own, the towns people of Nazareth, where HE grew up. JESUS returned to Nazareth with the disciples ready to teach, ready to work and ready to help. But the people of Nazareth could not accept A SAVIOR from Nazareth. Perhaps the people of Nazareth had been brow beaten so many times that even they thought “Nothing good comes from Nazareth” [John1:46]. Or, perhaps after years of disappointment, their “spiritual vision” was just impaired. When JESUS performed miracles, instead of “seeing” something “wonderful,” they were “offended,” stating to themselves, how could this person, who is “no better than we are” do great things! [Mark 6:3]. They saw JESUS as just “Mary’s boy”, “just a carpenter’s kid.” To them, HE was just part of a “bottom of barrel hood,” called Nazareth.

Even JESUS “marveled” at these people’s lack of faith. The evidence and the miracles were staring them right in the face, but they “wouldn’t believe.” [Mark 6:6].

After leaving Nazareth, JESUS’ evangelistic ministry “hits the streets running.” JESUS gave the disciples their “charge” and gave them “power.” [Mark 6:7]. Sending them out in pairs, they were to heal, teach and stay focused--being totally unconcerned about their own comforts and needs. They were given no food, no clothes, no money, no extra shoes, no change of clothes and no knapsack. They were to carry a staff, but nothing more. Perhaps the staff was a reminder that they were representing THE GOOD SHEPARD of the sheep. [John 10:11].

It was a grueling mission of heavy village-by-village ministry. It was also a dangerous mission because in Mark chapter six we learn of the beheading of John the Baptist and also learned that John’s group of disciples had to bury John’s body. John had performed miracles and healed too. So, it must have been pretty clear to everyone that being “a disciple” was certainly not without its risks.

After all the prior events, after traveling, without food, money, clothing or even anything to carry anything in, JESUS’ disciples returned. Their first tour of duty was now over. They must have been a sight. They were ready to tell JESUS everything that they had done and taught.

We are not told what JESUS did while the disciples traveled. Perhaps JESUS was praying night and day for HIS flock, much like a parent prays for a teenage child late at night awaiting the child’s return, or when that child goes off to school, travels to a foreign place, or enters the dangerous world alone for the first time. Perhaps JESUS was fasting too. Perhaps healing power went out of JESUS every time the disciples healed in HIS name. [See Luke 8:46]. We just don’t know….

What we do know is that JESUS looked at the returning disciples and said, let’s get away for a while and rest.

Exercise Rests

Rests are important to exercise workouts.

People who do strength training or who work on one or two muscle groups per session usually incorporate a day or two of rest before their next session. Some people, for example, work on upper body one part of the week and lower body during another part of the week. A great deal will depend on the intensity of your workout and your body. It is important to listen to your body.

Although it is called “rest” what this term may actually be a misnomer when we are talking about the need for “recovery time.” According to Jess Novak, “When your body rests, it’s actually being super productive.” The body is trying to reload its glucose stores or trying to lay down more muscle. Michele Olson, Ph.D., a professor of sports at Huntingdon College, describes the physiology for rest and recovery this way:

During a training session, your muscle tissues break down, your muscles' energy stores get depleted, and you lose fluids. "[During strength training] your muscles experience micro-tears"…. Those micro-tears have to heal and require more protein so that they can come back stronger, she adds. When muscles experience these tiny tears, they send a signal that they are injured and in response, special cells that are involved in growing and regenerating muscle cells come to the rescue. This process ultimately increases the muscles' size and strength.

See, “Here’s How Much Rest You Need Between Strength Workouts, June14, 2017, by Jess Novak, www.self.com/story/rest-strength-workouts.

It is also important to take water “breaks” before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. Muscle tissue contains about 79% water. When you work out, sweat and become dehydrated, the muscles fatigue and you can lose coordination. Drinking water is another way to try to restore the body and prevent exercise decline. Taking a short rest to grab a drink of water is important during Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, or any exercise involving your muscles. Water rest breaks are important whenever you exercise.

Resting before exercise may also mean getting a good night’s sleep or have time for stillness. If you are sick or injured you may also need rest. If you suffer an injury speak with your personal physician about the right time to return to exercise and the right amount of exercises for you.

REST

JESUS said:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Just believe.

Pray. Rest and BE BLESSED.

Prayer Day # 473 02-13-2019

I AM

Exodus: 3: 13-14: Moses said to GOD, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The GOD of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, ‘What is his name? Then what shall I tell them?” GOD said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.” [New International translation]

Summary

The Israelite people lived under Egyptian bondage for at least 400 years. GOD told Abraham that this would happen. (Genesis 14:4). Generation after generation of Israelites was born in Egypt and lived a subservient lifestyle to a people, who worshipped idol gods, and who thought themselves superior. The Egyptian gods were numerous. Each one had a name. There was Ra (the Egyptian sun god); Yah (the Egyptian moon god), Baal (the Egyptian god of thunder) and others. After 400 years of living in an idol worshipping society, not only had the Israelites forgotten who they were but they had also forgotten who GOD was.

Moses, the child of an Israelite mother, raised by a pharaoh’s daughter, also had “identity” issues. Was he Hebrew, a prince, a criminal, a second class citizen like the other Israelites, privileged because he was raised in the house of Pharaoh, a foreigner living in Jethro’s (his father-in-law) house, or just a shepherd tending Jethro’s flocks? Moses didn’t know who he was either.

When Moses encounters GOD, on the edge of a desert near Mt. Horeb, called the mountain of GOD (Ex. 3:1), and received a “mission assignment” from GOD to go back to Egypt, and give the Israelites a message, it was not unusual that Moses, who had been raised Egyptian his adult life, would ask GOD for “HIS name.” That was Moses’ “frame of reference.” Just like Ra (the Egyptian sun god) and Yah (the Egyptian moon god) had names, Moses wanted to know GOD’s name. You can almost imagine the next question Moses might have asked. The next question probably would have been, “what do you look like?” because then Moses and the Israelites could make an idol, just like the Egyptians did , and then worship the idol. In asking GOD’s name, Moses hoped to “fit GOD” into his and the Israelite’s “frame of reference.”

However, GOD is a SPIRIT. HE does not “fit” within humanity’s “frame of reference.” GOD answer to Moses was this: You just tell them “I AM” or “I AM WHAT I AM” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.”

GOD was trying to create a “GOD frame of reference” for Moses and the Israelites. GOD could have said:

- “I AM the bread (the manna) you will eat in the wilderness for survival;”

- I AM the light of the world because before the beginning of time and there was no light, I WAS there. And I just said “Let there be light,” and it was so;”

- “I AM the way out of danger and harm and just as I rescued Noah, Joseph, and many of your forefathers, I WILL rescue you and MY people;”

- “I AM will be your gate and your strong tower. Just like a city is fortified against by a strong gate and a watch tower, so I will be for you; “or

- “I AM….and so much more than you could ever think or imagine.”

Instead of saying everything GOD is, could be, and would be for the Israelites (and to each of us), GOD just said “I AM.”

OUR EATTING FRAME OF REFERENCE

There is an old expression that says: “You are what you eat.” An important “frame of reference,” in satisfying nutritional needs is to eat what you need instead of what you want.

So often people give little thought to what their nutritional needs are. Most people just eat what they want. When addressing what a person’s nutritional needs are, a number of variables may be considered. Some of those variables include the person’s: age, level of physical activity, physical health (e.g., whether a doctor has diagnosed a disease or condition), and the person’s emotional health.

The nutritional needs of an active teenager will be quite different from the nutritional needs of a sedentary adult watching television 3-4 hours or more a day. Similarly, the nutritional needs of adults change over time. A person who was more physically active in their 20’s and 30’s and much less active in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond may not be paying attention to their nutritional needs, if they are still eating the same way throughout all their adult years, despite the fact that their level of physical activity has markedly decreased. Most people have to adapt their diets as they age.

Diane Rodriguez, in “Meeting Your Nutritional Needs As You Age,” reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD at www.everydayhealth.com, gives some “tips” for boosting nutritional health. According to Dr. Rodriguez:

“Rough up” your diet. Include a variety of high-fiber foods every day, such as raw fruits and vegetables and whole grains. These foods help cut down on constipation; provide the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and nutrients that you need for healthy aging; help maintain your weight; and reduce your risk of heart problems. If you’re not sure you’re getting enough fiber, talk to your doctor

Emphasis added. Id. If you don’t know what your nutritional needs are for your age, weight, level of activity and physical and emotional health, consult your physician.

PRAY FOR A GODLY FRAME OF REFERENCE

Sometimes we just need to change our “frame of reference.” Instead of “eating what we want,” perhaps we should shop and “eat what we need.” Instead of praying for what “what we want,” perhaps we should pray that GOD “provide what we need.” Instead of “trying to tell GOD,” perhaps we should study HIS WORD and allow HIM to “reveal HIMSELF to us.”

Let Wednesday (or every day) be a day of study, prayer and reflection.

May GOD, THE GREAT “I AM” direct your path and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 472 02--06-2019

LOVE IN ACTION

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 trusts, 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 various 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.”

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,¹begin the discourse with “Charity [or Love] ispatient.”

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), and love and patience. Despite humanity’s failure to “do the right thing” over and over again, right up to the present, CHRISTstillgave 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 torushHIM--- keep HIM from taking time to talk with a woman no one else would have talked with,²or keep HIM from spending time with children,³or dealing with people outside his borders,⁴or 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.

HIS giving of HIMSELF was love in action.

LOVE YOURSELF INTO ACTION

In “What Happens To Your Brain When You Learn a New Skill,” Christa Sterling states that learning something new at any age has a powerful impact on your brain. She states that scientists have shown:

Each and every time we learn something new our brain forms new connections and neurons and makes existing neural pathways stronger or weaker. Some experts call these changes “plasticity” in the brain.

According to scientists:

Your brain will continue changing right up until the end of your life, and the more you learn along the way, the more your brain will change and the more “plastic” it will be.

It is equally interesting that studies have shown that “being bored” (which can occur when you do not learn new things very often) can bedangerousto your health. A British research study showed that people who reported being bored over a long period of time had heart disease rates that were twice as high as those who did not report boredom or little learning.

According to studies, not having new experiences and learning new things slows the brain down and makes the brain less responsive. Furthermore there have been a number of reports that learning is good for your health and that adult learning can slow the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia. See,https://ccsuconed.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-learn-a-new-skill.

What does this mean for most of us? Here are just a few things to consider:

Winter is not the just hibernate and “do nothing.” Everyone needs to still maintain some physical and mental level of activity.
If you exercise, remember to switch it up. Try a cross-training workout or try a class in something you have never tried before. Because if you do the exact same workout every single time, your brain and your body will become “bored.”
Overcoming the fear that may come from being adventurous and trying something new is definitely worth it, if you end up with a sharper, better you!

See, “The Many Health Benefits of Trying New Things,” by Lauren Mazzo, September 17, 2017;https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/benefits-of-trying-new-things.

When you start a new workout, the improvements you see in the first four to six weeks are actually mainly neurological. Your brain is learning how to most efficiently recruit your muscles to complete the moves….

Id. Pushing yourself to exercise, to learn new things, will build your courage, your body and your brain. You are more capable than you may think!

BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF, BUT DON’T PROCRASTINATE

JESUS was patient with the disciples (as HE is with us), but that did not stop HIM from his mission, or from loving others. Often the disciples didn’t understand what JESUS was doing, but eventually, the disciples learned to think and act like JESUS and love too. We can do the same. The more we learn about JESUS, the more we learn to act like JESUS, we will gain greater spiritual strength and love more too.

Likewise, learning new things may take time. At times it may be frustrating. Be patient with yourself. Give your brain time to learn and gain greater plasticity. Soon your new routine will become your “old routine,” and you can move on to other new things and more learning. Remember, the mission: Greater Spiritual and Physical Health! Pray and have faith!

LOVEandLEARNandBE BLESSED!

________________________

¹Sosthenes 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).

²See, John 4: 27, which notes that even the disciples were surprised when they found JESUS talking with a woman.

³See 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.

⁴See 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, despite the incredulity of the disciples. JESUS stopped, sought her out and found her.

⁵See Luke 19:1-10. Despite being a Roman tax collector,” and despised and so 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 him.

Prayer Day # 471 01-30-2019

EAT FRESH

1 Corinthians 10:31: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of GOD.”

[New International translation]

Summary

If you were to make a list of your day’s activities, the list would be extensive. Eating and drinking would probably appear many times. 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs us that whether you prepare your “List of Things To Do Today” before or prepare your “List of Things I Did Today” after, each and every item on the list should be done “for the glory of GOD.” The 16^th chapter of Exodus is a clear example of how food was used reflected the people of Israel’s relationship to GOD.

During their time in the desert the people of Israel had to learn how to develop a relationship of faith and hence obedience to GOD. They had to learn WHO GOD WAS---that HE was ALL POWERFUL, ALL KNOWING, ALL LOVING, and HE could provide for their every need. Their obedience to HIM demonstrated to the other nations, and was living proof of their love for GOD. Hence, their simple act of obedience glorified GOD. However, while GOD continued to provide for the people of Israel, the people had a hard time obeying and glorifying GOD.

In Exodus 16, the people complained about not having enough to eat. Although GOD had performed numerous miracles and brought them out of Egyptian oppression, the people still lacked faith. They moaned, groaned, complained, and they were often bitter. They were never satisfied. Instead of thanking GOD, and giving glory to GOD for what HE had already done for them, what they already had was never enough. There was always something else they wanted.

But once again, GOD answered their prayer. GOD provided food. In fact, HE provided DIVINE food---fresh food descended from heaven. When the food appeared the people asked each other “What is it.” Moses called the heavenly food “manna.” [Manna in Hebrew means “What is it.”] Moses instructed the people to gather only what they needed, enough for each person. They were to gather just enough and no more. Nothing was to be left over. They were specifically told: “Don’t leave it overnight.” In other words, they were not to try to store it, hoard it, or be greedy. This was an exercise in faith and trust, in believing that GOD would supply their needs daily.

But, some of the people wouldn’t listen. Some failed the test and disobeyed. Instead of doing what would glorify GOD, with their obedience, they tried to make the food “their hidden treasure,” trying to store it like gold. What they failed to realize was that the “true gold” was not the food but learning to have faith in GOD.

EAT FRESH

In “The Benefits of Eating Fresh,” by Bethaney Wallace, lists a number of reasons fresh foods are better and why packaged goods should be avoided. Some of the reasons for avoiding packaged or canned foods include the following:

Foods that have been canned, bagged, frozen, etc. have been enriched with chemicals known as preservatives in order to prolong their shelf life.
These types of foods often contain other additives such as hormones, dyes, artificial flavors and sugars, etc.
Consuming these additives makes it harder for a digestive system to do its job. Chemicals that are unknown to the body prolong the digestive process and keep actual nutrients from being digested. (That is also why people get hungrier faster after eating a healthy meal.)
Bottom line, if it’s full of chemicals, it’s not good for you.

See, https://29secrets.com/wellness/benefits-eating-fresh/. Wallace notes that “A consistent diet that includes fresh foods will provide a person with more energy, both physically and emotionally, and a healthier lifestyle overall.” Id.

In “Processed Foods: 5 Reasons to Avoid Them,” Chandra Johnson-Greene notes that there are a number of reasons to avoid processed foods, where ingredients have been added to enhance flavor, texture or stability:

#1. Processed foods may raise your cancer risk. Foods that are ultra-processed and contain artificial colors and flavors, additives, and emulsifiers have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

#2. They’re loaded with added sugar, sodium, and fat. Often processed food have too much added sugar, sodium or fat, which can lead to serious health issue, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer .

#3. Processed foods are designed to make you overeat and become addicted them. Studies show that the reward system” in our brain can sometimes allow us to consume more or certain kinds of foods than our body actually needs. Certain ingredients, such as sugar, salt and fat, make certain foods “highly rewarding” to us, thus causing us to overeat and buy more.

#4. They contain lots of artificial ingredients. If you read the label on the box or can, you will generally find that your favorite cookies or packaged “junk food” probably contains a lot of artificial preservatives, colorants, flavoring, which can negatively affect your health.

#5. Processed foods are high in carbs and low in nutrients and fiber. Many processed foods are high in refined carbs, which can cause your blood sugar to spike too quickly.

See, “Processed Foods: 5 Reasons to Avoid Them,” by Chandra Johnson-Greene, June 4, 2018, https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/processed-foods-five-reasons-avoid.

All of the above reasons are why we should eat fresh every day.

GLORIFY GOD

Whatever your relationship to food and whatever you do, glorify GOD. If you think about food as “treasure,” food as a “reward,” or food as “comfort,” pray that you remember that each of our bodies is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT, meant to glorify GOD. Pray we eat and live to give GOD the GLORY.

Let us pray to be better stewards. Pray we thank GOD daily for giving us access to physical and spiritual fresh food. Pray we read HIS WORD and avoid junk.

Pray we be faithful and obedient and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 470 01-23-2019

HAPPINESS

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when HE saw the crowds, HE went up on a mountainside and sat down…and HE began to teach them saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see GOD.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of GOD

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me….because great is your reward in heaven… [New International translation]

Definition: The word “Beatitude” is from the Latin “beatus” meaning both “blessed” and “happy.” It is a description of Supreme happiness or Supreme blessedness.

SCRIPTURE DISCUSSION

The verses of Matthew chapter 5:1-12 are often referred to as Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” or “The Beatitudes.” Like Moses’ receiving the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, Jesus’ teaching of the eight beatitudes is a message, instruction or proclamation from GOD. The message of the beatitudes is about humility, charity, and spiritual love.

The message of the beatitudes tells us how it means to live like Christ, who sacrificed Himself out of love for all humanity. The beatitudes are a spiritual guide for the “spiritual” or “inner person.”

HAPPINESS RESEARCH

There has been a great deal of research concerning happiness. A number of those studies link happiness with exercise. According to research published about good moods and physical activity it was noted that “people who work out even once a week or for as little as 10 minutes a day tend to be more cheerful than those who never exercise. And any type of exercise may be helpful.” See, “Even A Little Exercise Might Make Us Happier,” by Gretchen Reynolds, www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/well/move/even-a-little-exercise-might-make-us-happier.html.

Researchers at the University of Michigan in The Journal of Happiness Studies, decided to aggregate and review studies on working out and happiness. They looked at about 23 studies which together involved more than 500,000 people “ranging in age from adolescents to the very old” from a broad range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The researchers found that there was a strong link between exercise and happiness. Id.

The researchers found that the type of exercise didn’t matter. Some happy people walked and some jogged, some did yoga-type exercises or stretching. Those who exercised once or twice a week said they were happier than those who did not work out at all. They found that even 10 minutes of exercise was linked to “buoyant moods.” In general, it seemed that more exercise tended to contribute to greater happiness. According to the research:

If people exercised for at least 30 minutes on most days, which is the standard

American and European recommendation for good health, Dr. Chen says, they

were about 30 percent more likely to consider themselves happy than people

who did not meet the guidelines.

Id. The researchers noted that there were indications that social factors may play a role in the reports of happiness. For example, the social interaction that occurs from joining others in a gym or joining an exercise class or taking a trip to the gym might be one of the factors that elevate a person’s mood.

It was noted that exercise tends to improve health and that the feeling of being healthier tends to create happiness. It was also noted that exercise might remodel the brain, “by prompting the creation of new brain cells or creating a change in the chemistry of the brain in ways that contribute to the happiness emotion. Id.

The report on this research did not overlook the possibility that happiness and exercise may just happen “to occur” together rather than the exercise component causing the happiness component. In other words, it may just be that happier people may tend to take up exercise or continue to exercise more than people who are sad. Or, that happier people make great exercisers. Id.

Obviously, much more work, analysis and research needs to be done. But, if exercise can help you live a happier life, why not give exercise a chance! Test it out for yourself! See if you also reach the same conclusion as the researcher---that people who exercise are probably going to be happier than people who don’t. Id.

BE BLESSED AND HAPPY

Just about three weeks ago “Happy New Year!” was being proclaimed everywhere. Everyone was joyfully saying it. But, perhaps very little thought was given to exactly what having a happy new year or what happiness meant or what actions or effort each of us would have to take to try to achieve our own happiness. Little thought also may have been given to JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount, “The Beatitudes.”

Today, we can all meditate and study Matthew 5:1-12. We can all open our minds and our hearts to JESUS’ sermon about happiness. Today, take a verse, pray and ask GOD to show you how you can be blessed and happy.

Just as we might research buying a new car, a new appliance in our home, a new computer or phone, today we can determine if putting in effort into exercise (once a week or as little as 10 minutes per day) to “upgrading” our mood or level of emotional happiness is “worth it.”

Today, we can all make a sincere commitment and re-commitment to greater spiritual and physical health.

We can all say “Happy New Year to ourselves!”

In 2019, BE HAPPY and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 469 01-16-2019

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.]

Psalms 119:105 THY WORD is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. [Revised Standard translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

The greatest weapon against STRESS is the word of God.

THE GREATEST WEAPON AGAINST stress IS THE WORD OF GOD.

THE GREATEST WEAPON IS THE WORD OF GOD.

FOCUS on GOD and GOD’s WORD

If we are not careful, stressful events can seem “bigger than life.” And, it we are not really careful, stress can take over a person’s life, and sometimes even shorten life. This is especially so, when we are constantly caught in the grip of anxiety, fear, insecurity, doubt, depression or worry---often caused by numerous stressful events.

Constantly hearing talk about stressful world events, (e.g., shutdowns, racism, shootings, terrorist attacks, fires, bankruptcies, war, nuclear threats, hunger, hurricanes, earthquakes, riots, hatred, crime, bullying, difficult workplaces, difficult school settings, homelessness, injustices in numerous settings and dissension in homes, churches, government, and unease in so many people’s minds “about the future”), it is easy to lose “perspective.”

Reading the WORD OF GOD and meditating on scriptures like those listed above help us put things back in their proper “spiritual perspective” because stress and stressful events are not and never will be bigger than GOD.

So, think about GOD and less about stress. Talk about GOD and less about stress. Let the WORD handle it.

If you find yourself falling into the “old trap” of stressful thinking, negative thinking or entertaining those energy- sapping twins “fear” or “worry,” just repeat one of the scriptures above or sit down and write one of the scriptures on a small index card and keep it nearby, so you can occasionally look at it during the day. Don’t let stress become your “best friend.” Make it very clear that the “relationship” is over! And then, you move on! Refuse to continue to talk about, think about, or be held mentally captive by your “ex” mental “roommate” stress.

If you need further help, thinking about what GOD did for others or what GOD has already done. Read and study about how GOD transformed some of those biblical “warriors” who also battled stress and won. Study Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Job, Esther, Ruth, Joseph, Rahab and Deborah. Read about the life and ministry of JESUS.

THE WORD OF GOD, is a transformative, portable, living, dynamic, healing, SPIRIT-filled WORD. Let the WORD deal with your stress.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

There are a number of ways to manage stress. Sometimes it may be as simple as “getting out of your own head” for a while. Sometimes reading about the life of others can be helpful. Most libraries have biography sections, filled with books about the life of other people, who want to share their story.

Exercise is another way many learn to manage stress or leave it behind. According to the Mayo Clinic in “Exercise and Stress: Get moving to manage stress,” exercise in almost any form can help to manage stress. When you exercise it pumps up your endorphins. Endorphins are released from the pituitary gland of the brain and are associated with feelings of pleasure, pain relief, motivation, pleasure or euphoria. They are released during times of strenuous or a rousing exercise.

Focusing on an exercise task, can often make you more energized and more optimistic.

Some breathing type exercises that reduce stress and muscle tension for relaxation include: Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Qong and Pilates.

More high energy type activities may include: Martial Arts, basketball, racketball, tennis, running, dancing, spinning or other aerobic exercises.

If you don’t want a formal exercise program, just getting moving will help. For example, gardening, walking around the block, taking a stroll through the park, taking the stairs during your lunch break, performing a few stretching exercises (like head rolls, shoulder shrugs, raising your hands above your head, trying to clasp your fingers behind your back, making circles with your arms and hands, even while sitting in a chair) can help.

If you have a medical condition, speak with your personal physician to determine what exercises are right for you or about your mental and physical health.

DON’T BE TROUBLED

JESUS said:

Let not your heart be troubled; believe in GOD, believe also in ME. (John 14:1)

The WORD of GOD assures us and reminds us that we don’t have to be troubled. We don’t have to succumb to stress.

So trust GOD. Move and let GOD move in you.

And, BE BLESSED.

Prayer Day # 468 01-09-2019

ACCEPTING THE YEAR OF THE LORD

Luke 4:16-19, 21 And HE came to Nazareth, where HE had been brought up; and HE went to the synagogue, as HIS custom was, on the Sabbath day. And HE stood up to read: and there was given to HIM the book of the prophet Isaiah. HE opened the book and found the place where it was written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

Because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives

and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

. . . .

And HE began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”[Revised Standard translation.]

Summary

Jesus, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, began HIS ministry in Nazareth, the city where He had lived growing up with Mary and Joseph. HE had been baptized, HE had been tempted in the wilderness and now, HE was returning to Nazareth to proclaim the year of the LORD. HE was GOD’s son. HE, THE FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT were one. HE was the Messiah. HE was ready to spread the good news, but the people of Nazareth were not ready. They couldn’t see.

Nazareth was just a small village. The people lived under Roman rule. Rome had an occupying army. The Romans collected taxes. Rome was in charge. To the Nazarenes, Rome had all the power. The Roman influence was so great and the people were so lacking in vision that the people during the time often “saw” their years, and in essence their lives, as being synonymous and controlled by the people who ruled them. After years of living in exile, and talking about returning to power, it still had not happened, and the people just couldn’t “see” it occurring. The people read the WORD of GOD, but the WORD no longer had meaning for them. They couldn’t see the “life” in the WORD, even when it was standing right in front of them.

Years and periods of time were characterized as “the years and days of Herod Antipas (Herod the Tetrarch),” ruler of Galilee, or the “years and days of Augustus Caesar.” So when Jesus proclaimed that GOD was still in control, that GOD’s ministry of liberation, justice and mercy was still going forward, the people of Nazareth couldn’t “see.” All they could see was “Joseph’s son.” (Verse 22) This was not what they wanted to hear. So, they pushed Jesus out—out of the temple and out of the city and out of their lives.

So Jesus moved on to Capernaum, a city which was also in Galilee, where the people accepted the authority of GOD’s WORD.

THE YEAR OF THE LORD

The month of January is often a time when people re-group, make resolutions and set goals. It is a time when people look back, in thanks for their many blessings and in gratitude to GOD for “how they made it over” as well as a time when people look forward in faith and hope, trusting GOD.

January is a time for making individual goals, such as the following:

FOOD/DRINK GOALS

I will eat raw at least one or two days or more per week;
I will forgo salt or reduce my sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams of per day*;
I will forgo using processed white sugar on my food or give up sugary drinks;
I will not eat any canned foods, frozen food or any foods with preservatives or chemicals;
I will eat servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
I will eat mindfully and not just eat mindlessly.

PHYSICAL FITNESS GOALS

I will walk, jog or run around my block or around some designated area 3 to 5 days a week or
I will perform at least 3-5 chair exercise 3 to 5 days a week;
I will perform at least 4 to5 stretching exercises at least 3 to 5 days a week;
I will take a Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, U-Jam, weights, or other exercise class(es) or engage regularly in other exercise programs that involves aerobics or stretching.
I will stop making excuses and DO some form of exercise 3 days a week.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS GOALS
I will read at least one book of the Bible (e.g. 1 Samuel, Matthew, Mark, Luke John, Acts, and Romans) over the month of January.
I will work on memorizing scripture so that I can recite scripture from memory so that if I didn’t have my Bible with me or in a position where I needed to encourage someone else, I would know what to say.
I will attend a Bible study, commit to Sunday School, start a home Bible study, or attend church or a GODly worship service regularly.
I will find and join a ministry (e.g. choir, usher, Homeless Ministry, Prison Ministry, Evangelistic Ministry, Sunday School, Street Trafficking Ministries, Prayer Ministries, Save The Children Ministries and efforts), volunteer to assist the poor, visit the sick, help with new membership, volunteer at a hospital, at places for the elderly, in community schools, or give of my time and talents regularly in other ways consistent with GOD’s WORD.

January is also a time to remember that while others may focus on earthly leadership, earthly shut-outs and shut-downs, we must still proclaim that this is still “the acceptable year of the LORD.” In doing so, we take responsiblility for preaching the good news to the poor; helping those who are oppressed; proclaiming good physical and spiritual health news; and striving for justice and mercy, without regard to race, nationality or religion.

We still have to be or become GOD’s representatives in our communities, our cities and around the world.

The possibilities of spreading GOOD NEW and being GOD’s living WORD are endless.

“See” THE WORD

One of the lessons of Luke 4 is that it is easy to read scripture. It is another to “see” THE WORD so that we believe THE WORD, live THE WORD, and have the faith to proclaim to others that this is still the year of the LORD.

So, proclaim 2019 as the LORD’s year in your life!

As we strive this year for greater physical and spiritual growth for ourselves, our families, our communities, our cities, America and the world, have faith, and please continue to pray---one for another.

Believe, see “THE WORD” and BE BLESSED!

________________________

*The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that Americans consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day as part of a healthy eating pattern. Most Americans consume more than 3,400 mg per day.

Prayer Day # 467 01-02-2019

MAINTENANCE – PART 2

1 Cor. 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are GOD’s temple and that GOD’s SPIRIT lives in you? If anyone destroys GOD’s temple, GOD will destroy him; for GOD temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from GOD? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor GOD with your body.

[New International translations]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

One of the most extraordinary events in human history is the indwelling of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT within our bodies. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 3:16 that our bodies are human “churches” or “temples.” Because it is so important that we “get it,” Paul repeats this important point again in 1 Cor. 6:19-20.

Yes, each one of us is not only a temple, but GOD’s temple. These “temples” are of extraordinary value to GOD because JESUS sacrificed HIMSELF so that we might have life----life here on earth and everlasting spiritual life hereafter. We are physical and spiritual temples.

Like any temple, a certain amount of regular and ongoing maintenance is necessary!

PHYSICAL MAINTENACE -- FOR WOMEN

Core physicians, www.corephysician.org, The American Heart Association and other sources have a number of routine healthcare suggestions for women. Here are a few:

Blood Pressure Measurements---All women should have their blood pressure checked at least yearly. According to Medline Plus, this is especially important if your top blood pressure number (the systolic number) is between 120 to 139 or the bottom number (the diastolic number) is between 80 to 89. If your top number is above 140 or the bottom number greater than 90, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. See, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007462.htm. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women. Women 65 years and older are more likely than men to have high blood pressure. Although high blood pressure is not related to gender, there are episodes in a woman’s life that result in health issues (e.g., pregnancy, taking certain birth controls, menopause) that may increase a woman’s risk for high blood pressure. For example, menopausal hormonal changes can lead to weight gain and make your body more reactive to salt in your diet, which can increase high blood pressure. ¹

Breast Cancer Check-Up—Some doctors recommend you should havea clinical breast exam every one to three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40. A clinical breast exam may be recommended more frequently if you have a strong family history of breast Some doctors recommend you conduct a routine self-breast exam every month. Breastcancer.org suggests examining all the different “neighborhoods” of the breast, the upper and outer area, near the armpit, the lower half of the breast, under the nipple. You are looking for lumps, changes or irregularities, such as enlargement, suspicious lumps or nodes or prominence. If you have concerns about anything you feel, consult your personal physician as soon as possible.

Mammograms ---As often as your medical provider recommends. The American Cancer Society presently recommends the following:

Women ages 40 to 44should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
Women age 45 to 54should get mammograms every year.
Women 55 and oldershould switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.

Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer. All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening. Women should also know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away.

See, https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines. Again, speak with your personal physician about your risks and what you should do.

Bone Density Test---It is recommended that women get tested for osteoporosis, which is a disease that thins and weakens the bones to the point where they easily break. At age 65 you should be tested if your risk is normal and at age 60 if you are at high risk (for example, because you smoke or do not get regular exercise).

Pelvic Exam and Pap Test---Beginning at age 21, it is recommended that women have a pelvic exam and a pap smear to test for cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society has the following guidelines:

Women between the ages of 21 and 29should have a Pap test done every 3 years. HPV testing should not be used in this age group unless it’s needed after an abnormal Pap test result.
Women between the ages of 30 and 65should have a Pap test plus an HPV test (called “co-testing”) done every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it’s OK to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
Women over age 65who have had regular cervical cancer testing in the past 10 years with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer. Once testing is stopped, it should not be started again. Women with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 20 years after that diagnosis, even if testing goes past age 65.
A woman who has had her uterus and cervix removed (a total hysterectomy)for reasons not related to cervical cancer and who has no history of cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer should not be tested.
All women who have been vaccinated against HPVshould still follow the screening recommendations for their age groups.
Some women – because of their health history (HIV infection, organ transplant, DES exposure, etc.) – may need a different screening schedule for cervical cancer. Talk to a health care provider about your history.

Some physicians may recommend a different screening schedule depending on your medical condition or their training.

Colorectal Cancer Screening---The American Cancer Society states that for people at average risk for colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screening at age 45. Most screening occurs by one of three methods:

A fecal occult blood test to determine if there is blood in your stool;
A sigmoidoscopy exam and/or
A colonoscopy.

According to the American Cancer Society:

If you’re in good health, you should continue regular screening through age 75.
For people ages 76 through 85, talk with your health care provider about whether continuing to get screened is right for you. When deciding, take into account your own preferences, overall health, and past screening history.
People over 85should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.

Id. As always, speak to your personal physician about what is right for you.

Full Physical Annual Exam- An annual exam should include checking your blood pressure, your height, weight and your body mass index, a cholesterol check, if you are at risk for heart disease or if your physician requires it, and inquiry into exercise, alcohol and tobacco use, your emotional health and any other issues you may have or your doctor may be concerned about.

EVERYONE

Both women and men should eat right, especially sufficient fruits and vegetables, maintain good dental hygiene and see their personal physician for annual check-ups, and see your other healthcare providers for other routine tests, including eye exams, dental exams, hearing tests and bone density tests (since men also develop osteoporosis). Men and women who have quit smoking within the past 15 years may also require lung cancer screening. Exercise is important for everyone!

[Note: Last week’s message focused on Physical Maintenance for Men.]

COMMIT TO GOOD 2019 MAINTENANCE

Good maintenance, physical and spiritual, is not only good for you it is good for your family and your community. And, it will look good on you!

Honor GOD with your body. Remember, you are not your own. You belong to GOD.

Be a well-maintained Living Temple and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 465 12-19-2018

The Magi, the Gifts and JESUS

Biblical Lesson

The visit of the Magi is one of the great visual images of Christmas. Numerous children’s plays will include three young children, wrapped up in old robe-like “bed sheets” with crowns on their heads. You may remember receiving or sending numerous Christmas cards over the years of three crowned men on camels with outstretched hands holding gifts. Or, you may recall images of three men entering a stable presenting their gifts to baby JESUS, lying in the manger, with Mary and Joseph standing nearby and the baby under a huge bright shining star. These are the “Three Wise Men.” These are the images we have carried around with us for years. Many have even suggested that the reason we give each other gifts at Christmas is to remind us of these three wise men who gave gifts to Jesus. And because of their gifts, during the weeks before Christmas many journey far and near, going from store to store, and spend hours searching the internet for just the right gift to give.

However the story of the visit of the Magi actually described in the Gospel of Matthew may not be what we envisioned as children or have carried with us even into our adult years.

First, when Matthew describes the visit of the magi or wise men from the east who journeyed to Jerusalem, the number three is never mentioned. Matthew just states that there came Magi or wise men from the east. Perhaps there were three or four or many wise men that came. We often assume there were just three because of the three gifts that are mentioned: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Magi are sometimes depicted as kings. Others believe the Magi were astrologers who studied the stars. Several translations even use the word “astrologers” at Mathew 2:1, including the Living Bible, Amplified Bible, New English Bible and other translations. Some who believe the Magi were kings point to Isaiah’s reference to the Messiah in Isaiah 60:3 Messiah that: “Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” See, New International translation.

Other believe the gifts were spiritual in nature, with gold representing an earthly kingdom, frankincense (an incense which was often used in the temples during worship) representing the deity of JESUS. Myrrh, another oil, was used during embalming oil, thus representing death.

The ancient Egyptians used both frankincense and myrrh to embalm. Many believe these gifts point to JESUS’ death for us on the cross. Others believe these gifts were actually used to later anoint JESUS’ body after his crucifixion.

The visit of the Magi and all the speculation about their gifts show that it is easy to “get mixed up.” Just like today, it is easy to focus on the wrong thing.

This month and even the months ahead, there will be a lot of speculation about “gifts”--whether they will be well-received, whether they are “right,” how they should be used, if they will be used, when they should be used or even if they should or will be returned.

There may be very little focus on GOD’s sacrificial gift to all humanity, JESUS.

Stay Focused on Health and The True Meaning of the Holidays

This is the time of year where we are surrounded by candy canes, sugar and butter cookies, boxes of chocolate gifts, and lots of fast food and quick meals. Amidst all the office parties, it is easy to lose focus on the need to still eat healthy during the holidays.

Plan ahead. Prepare some snack bags full of carrots, celery, nuts, grapes, cherry tomatoes, blueberries and other healthy snacks, so you will be less tempted to eat less healthy foods, including the left over Thanksgiving candy. Carry healthy snack bags while shopping or when you drive in the car and get in stuck in traffic. Remember to drink plenty of water, tea or other non-sugary drinks.

Exercise. In fact, during the holiday, walking around the blocks of your neighborhood to admire all the light displays or walking downtown to look at all the Christmas decorations may be a good way to “get in your steps” and provide some holiday fun. If you have relatives who are less mobile, send them some photos of what the holidays look like in your area.

Sharing a walking experience may be more meaningful than just “sending a boxed gift.”

Give the gift of exercise during the holidays---yoga lessons, bar exercise lessons, ice skating lessons, ski lessons, tennis lessons, Pilates lessons, some joint training exercise or a commitment to exercise with another person so many times a week. Find a walking group or create one of your own. The possibilities are endless. Remember, giving of yourself, or exercising with a friend is a great gift! Sharing your time or giving another the “gift” of health can be much more meaningful and memorable than a “box of chocolates.”

Stay Focused-Let’s Not Forget GOD’s GIFT

It is easy to lose focus. Plan to remind yourself and others what is really important and why we celebrate. It was not the gifts of the Magi or the gifts we exchange with each other, but GOD’s gift to us ---JESUS--that is important.

So, stay focused.

Remember GOD’s LOVE and GOD’s GIFT and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 464 12-12-2018

ROOT

Isaiah 11:1-2 The royal line of David will be cut off, chopped down like a tree; but from the stump will grow a shoot [Christ, the Messiah]—yes, a new Branch from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might; the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight will be obedience to the Lord. [Living Bible translation]

Summary

The prophet Isaiah lived over 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, yet this Old Testament prophet foretells the mission and life of Jesus Christ. As Isaiah foretold:

1. Jesus came from the lineage of King David—from David’s “stump.” This royal line had been laid dormant for at least 600 years before Jesus (our KING) came along—thus, Jesus was like a new green “Branch” rising out of an old dormant “”

2. John the Baptist gave his testimony as a witness to Jesus the MESSIAH when John in Luke 1:32 said: “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him,” –thus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophesy that “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon HIM.”

3. Jesus was the Spirit of Wisdom, in his early ministry –in being wise in all things (the way HE taught, the way HE answered questions, the way HE counseled. He became for us WISDOM from GOD. (See 1Cor. 1:30)

4. Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor because HE not only understands our predicament, but HE judges the heart (not our status, our finances, our clothing, nor our material things).

5. Jesus has the love and might to help us. HE can calm the stormy winds and seas of life; HE can feed us; HE has power over death; HE prays for us; HE is our High Priest and can intervene on our behalf before THE FATHER.

6. Jesus was totally obedient to HIS FATHER---unlike the rest of humanity (including each of us), HE passed the obedience test—HE never sinned. HE was never disobedient. HE delighted in doing the FATHER’s will. Even when it was hard, Jesus allowed the FATHER’s will to be done.

So, that at the name of JESUS, every knee shall bow… and every tongue shall confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. [Isaiah 45:23-24; Philippians 2:9-11]

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are a great way to help your body maintain strength and fight fatigue. Root vegetables generally refer to any underground part of a plant. Root vegetables include the following:

· Bamboo shoot (Bambusa vulgaris and Phyllostachys edulis)

· Beet root (Beta vulgaris vulgaris)

· Carrot (Daucus carota)

· Chinese artichoke (Stachys affinis)

· Elephant Foot yam (Amorphophallus_paeoniifolius)

· Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

· Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

· Jícama (Pachyrhizus erosus)

· Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

· Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

· Prairie turnip (Psoralea esculenta)

· Radish (Raphanus sativus)

· Rutabaga (Brassica napus Napobrassica group)

· Sweet Potato or Kumara (Ipomoea batatas)

· Turnip (Brassica rapa Rapifera group)

· Wasabi (Wasabia japonica)

· Water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis)

· Yam (Dioscorea)

Because roots help support and nourish the plant, root vegetables are generally high in vitamins and minerals. They also tend to have low calories and high fiber. Some of the most popular root vegetables include:

Carrots –Helps fight free radicals; a rich source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Beta carotene protects vision, including night vision. Carrots are good for the heart and also help to regulate blood sugar. The vitamin A in carrots also promotes healthy lungs.

Parsnips – Parsnips is a root vegetable related to the carrot, only lighter in color, and similar to celery and parsley. It is considered good for healthy bowel movement because of the large amount of fiber. Because they can have a pungent flavor, it may be better to eat the younger, smaller parsnips raw in salads than the older more woody parsnips.

Sweet Potato – According to www.everynutrient.com, sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B, dietary fiber, manganese, beta-carotene (An antioxidant, a substance that protects cells against oxidation damage which, it is thought, can lead to cancer. Beta carotene is converted, as needed, to vitamin A) cooper and biotin. “Studies have shown that unlike many other starchy vegetables, sweet potatoes are an "antidiabetic" food. See, www.everynutrient.com. They are also rich in iron, potassium.

Beets -- A good source of folic acid. According to www.organicfacts.net, “Beet is good for pregnant women since it is a source of B vitamin folate which helps in the development of infant’s spinal column. Deficiency of folate could lead to the condition called neural tube defect.” Pregnant women should always check with their own doctors about such claims.

Ginger – Is known for eliminating gastrointestinal distress, for preventing motion sickness and sea sickness and for its relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The anti-inflamatory properties of ginger also help to relieve the muscular discomfort and pain of and rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.

Lab studies have shown that ginger’s benefits come from several different compounds, including gingerols and shogaols. These compounds have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In addition to arthritis, ginger is also beneficial for treating digestive or heart conditions—even cancer.

The anti-inflammatory properties seem to help relieve pain and improve function for all types of arthritis. The compounds in ginger can function as a COX-2 inhibitor, the same way as common medications for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.

These benefits extend to those with osteoarthritis too. One review of 5 studies found that those with osteoarthritis who took ginger had a 30% decrease in pain and a 22% reduction in disability, compared with control groups.

See, “Add Ginger to Help Arthritis Pain, by Carrie DeVries, updated 7/21/2016, https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/add-ginger-help-arthritis-pain. Ginger can be eaten fresh, dried, pickled. Or, powdered ginger can be added to food. Or, ginger can be eaten in soups, or fresh or powered ginger can be brewed as a tea. Id.

ROOTED IN CHRIST

The Greek word for “Messiah” (anointed one) is “Christos.” Thus, the name “Jesus Christ” joins a name and a title referring to Jesus the Messiah. When we pray in the name of “Jesus Christ,” we affirm that HE is Our Messiah—Our Wonderful Counselor, Our Wisdom, Our Might, Our High Priest. It is an affirmation of HIS being God’s “anointed one”—of GOD’s love for us and Jesus’ love and sacrifice for us.

Some celebrate Christmas on December 25^th. Some believe the Christmas season begins on December 24^th and ends on January 6^th. Some celebrate “the 12 days of Christmas” beginning on December 25^th. For others Christmas begins when the decorations appear in the department stores and ends a few days after the last “big” sale in January; when merchandise receive the final “mark down;” or when the Christmas tree is finally dragged out to the curb for pick up; or when all the decorations are boxed and stored away.

But, for Christians, celebrating CHRIST THE MESSIAH is not a one day celebration or an event measured in days or a particular month. Being a Christian and celebrating CHRIST THE MESSIAH is a lifestyle. We are rooted in Christ. Every time we pray “In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen,” we celebrate JESUS THE CHRIST! Every prayer is an affirmation of HIS birth, HIS resurrection, HIS Love and our dependence on HIM.

So, REJOICE, stay ROOTED and BE BLESSED!

Prayer Day # 463 12-05-2018

OIL

Psalm 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [King James translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

Hanukkah is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish religion. Hanukkah is the “Festival of Lights,” an eight day Jewish holiday beginning at sundown on December 2^nd, commemorating the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (around 165 BC following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks) and the miracle that occurred in the temple when the menorah stayed lit for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one day.

The Feast of Hanukkah was also called “The Feast of Dedication.” See, John10:22.

The temple menorah was a seven branch lampstick with three branches on each side. The construction of the temple menorah is described in Exodus 25:31-37. This was the menorah used in the ancient temple in Jerusalem. It is still a symbol of Judaism and the modern state of Israel.

The Hanukkah menorah is a nine branch candelabrum used to celebrate the miracle of light, the victory and survival of the Jewish people and the re-dedication of the temple. The eight lower branches, four on each side of the menorah, represent the eight days of light. The middle light is an extra light called the shamash which means “the attendant.” This ninth candle is the candle used to actually light the Hanukkah candles. The ninth candle is raised or lowered to distinguish it from the Hanukkah candles. The attendant candle is not the significant one. The other candles signify the eight day miracle.

While Christians do not celebrate Hanukkah, we do celebrate GOD’s many miracles and blessings, including the birth of our SAVIOR, JESUS. We also celebrate and acknowledge our need to constantly re-dedicate our lives to HIM.

There are also a number of Biblical verses regarding oil, including one of the most memorized scriptures in the Bible, Psalms 23. In Psalms 23, David says “thou anointest my head with oil.” J. Douglas MacMillan argues that when David talks about GOD anointing his head with oil, David is referring to a shepherd practice called “backliner.” Backliner is the pouring of medicine externally on a freshly shorn sheep to control lice or other parasites. See, J. Douglas MacMillan, The Lord Our Shepherd (Bryntirion Press, 2003) and “Psalm 23,” www.wikipedia.org. For example, the Good Samaritan poured wine and oil on the wounded man along the Jericho road. (Luke 10:34.) James 5:14 states: if anyone is sick he or she should call the elders of the church, they should pray over him/her and anoint him/her with oil in the name of the LORD. Thus, David thanks GOD for being his GOOD SHEPHERD and for blessings him in sickness and in health.

OLIVE OIL

Researchers have noted that the use of light olive oil, for example in salads or for cooking on non-eat raw days, has been linked to reduced risk of stroke. In a recent study, it was noted that:

[S]eniors who regularly used this healthy monounsaturated fat had a 41% lower risk of stroke compared to their counterparts who never used olive oil.

See, “Olive Oil Linked to Reduced Stroke Risk: More Olive Oil in Your Diet May Help Lower Risk of Stroke,” by Denise Mann, www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20110615/olive-oil-linked-to-reduced-stroke-risk#1.

In the study researchers looked at the medical records of 7,625 people aged 65 and older from three French cities. The study participants mainly chose extra virgin olive oil, which is widely available in France. Although the researchers concluded that it was too early to make any specific or broad recommendations about olive oil intake, amounts, or any definitive link about olive oil intake and stroke risk just based on the study, the researchers indicate the findings are “intriguing.” According to Suzanne Steinbarum, MD, director of women and heart disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York:

Olive oil is a healthy fat and it can reduce cholesterol and inflammation, and has been shown to help reduce the incidence of heart disease,” she says. “Now, we see it may reduce stroke risk in people older than 65."

Keeping blood pressure controlled, not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and rich in fruits and vegetables can also help reduce stroke risk…..

Emphasis added. Id.

Many of the articles discussing the health benefits of using olive oil note that it should be used in moderation. These articles also note that monounsaturated fat olive oil should be used instead of other fatty foods like butter and stick margarine, but it should not be used in addition to fatty butter and margarine.

Selection of an olive oil can be confusing. Here are some distinctions that may help:

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – is the unrefined oil that comes from first pressing of the olives in the virgin oil production. It is generally lower in acidity (no more than 0.8% acidity) and has a more delicate and superior taste. It is often used on salads and for dipping. The production of extra-virgin olive oil is higher in Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain.

Virgin Olive Oil – also comes from the pressing of olives in the oil production but has a higher acidity level. It can contain up to 2% free acidity. It generally has a good taste.

Pure Olive Oil –usually is a blend of refined and unrefined virgin olive oil. It is generally considered lower in quality because it is refined.

Olive Oil – is also a blend of virgin and unrefined oil. It generally has an acidity level of 1.5% but loses flavor because of the refined process.

Refined Olive Oil – is refined virgin olive oil using refining methods such as charcoal, or other chemical or physical filters.

The Attendants

To a Gentile or someone unfamiliar with the Hanukkah menorah, one candlestick prong or candle may just look like another prong or the whole candelabrum may have little or no spiritual significance at all.

Similarly, for those focused just of the physical celebration of “Christmas” there may be little or no spiritual celebration for the birth of THE ANOINTED ONE, JESUS CHRIST.

In all the rush and distractions it is so easy to forget or to become confused. We simply forget about all the times during day, the week, the month, the year and during our lives when GOD has been with us, in sickness and health, anointing “our heads with oil.”

So, today, take time to remember. Remember, thank GOD and pray for spiritual discernment regarding what we eat, what we say and what we do. Pray also for our leaders. Pray that they too have spiritual discernment in what they say and what they do and how they lead. The Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible teaches us that GOD deals with nations and with people.

Let us remember that we are “attendants” pointing to the LIGHT---the LIGHT OF GOD’s WORD—the LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

Remember to be thankful and BE BLESSED!