Galatians 5:22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives HE will produce this kind of fruit in
us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. [Living Bible]
Summary
Last week, we discussed the SUPERFRUIT: LOVE. This week, we focus on the SUPERFRUIT: JOY.
If Paul were alive today and we were to ask him to explain the meaning of JOY, he might instruct us to read Philippians, an epistle which some have called "The Book of Joy." See Wil Pounds, Introduction to Philippians, "Philippians: Paul's Joy in Christ;" Rev. Bruce Goettsche, Philippians: The Blueprint For Joyful Living: "The Prerequisite for Joy;" John L. Kachelman, Jr. "Philippians—A Book Full Of Joy!" and others. The word "rejoice" or "joy" appear in the verses of Philippians over and over again.
There are a number of lessons we can learn from Philippians with a careful reading and prayerful study. One thing that we can learn from Paul in this book is that if we are to be joyful, we cannot allow circumstances to control us.
It is clear that Paul did not allow his own personal circumstances to rob him of JOY. The book was written to the church in Philippi, one of the earliest Christian churches. Paul wrote Philippians during a time when he was in chains, imprisoned in a Roman jail. It is doubtful that Paul was happy, but he never lost his joy.
Under the circumstances, Paul could have made a long list of all the negative things about his "jail experience." He could have written about the awful food, the cold winters, the summer heat or any of a number of things that would have made most of us unhappy with life. But, instead, Paul, through the aid of the HOLY SPIRIT, claimed JOY. Instead of living "under the circumstances," Paul found joy in "whatever the circumstances." In Philippians 4:10-13, Paul proclaims:
I rejoice greatly in the Lord....for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances...I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength.
SUPERFOODS
Mangos are often referred to as the "king of fruits." It is one of the most popular fruits worldwide.
Health Benefits
One half of a mango contains approximately 70 calories and provides about 40% of a person recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin A and 15% of vitamin C. An average sized mango also contains about 40% of the RDA for fiber and are also high in potassium. See, www.Webmd.com. Mangos are also a good source of Vitamin E and magnesium.
According to www.elements4health.com, some of the other reasons health benefits derived from eating mangos include the following:
Mangoes for Cancer Prevention
In a study conducted at the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, mango juice and methanol extracts were tested for antioxidant and anticancer activity. The results demonstrated that mango juice and methanol extracts of mango juice inhibits the growth cycle of cancer cells....
Mangoes for Digestion
Mangoes contain digestive enzymes that help break down proteins and aid digestion.
Mangoes for Kidney Stones
Studies have found lupeol from mangoes and other fruit to be effective in reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
Mangoes as an Anti-Inflammatory
The Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology in Germany has found that compounds extracted from mango peels have potent anti-flammatory capabilities.
Although there are other studies that discuss whether mangos are beneficial or harmful to those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, it is always best to discuss food choices with your own personal physician if you have been diagnosed with a condition that requires you to monitor your diet.
BE JOYFUL
Joy is not beyond our reach. Greater physical and spiritual fitness are also attainable goals. As Paul teaches in Philippians, sometimes we need to just look "beyond our present circumstance." If we focus on what we don't have, what we haven't become, how others treat us or compare our circumstances with that of others, we may always be unhappy. Instead, Paul instructs that if we focus on Christ, pray that HE shows us the victory in every situation, look for ways to spread the GOOD NEWS in whatever predicament we find ourselves, and to strive to "look and act more like HIM," then, according to Paul, we will find JOY.
So today, have a mango! Enjoy the king of fruits for the body, but rejoice in the KING OF KINGS for the soul! Be joyful and be blessed!
