Deuteronomy 30:7-9 If you return to the LORD and obey all the commandments that I command you today, the LORD your GOD will take HIS curses and turn them against your enemies—against those who hate you and persecute you. [Living Bible]
The LORD your GOD will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your cattle, and in the fruit of your ground; for the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as HE took delight in your fathers, if you obey the voice of the LORD your GOD, to keep HIS commandments and HIS statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul. [Revised Standard]
Summary
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Christian Bible and also the fifth book of the Jewish Torah/Pentateuch. Pentateuch refers to the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). The word "Pentateuch" comes from two Greek words---"pente" which means five. "Penta" is the Greek prefix. "Teuchus" means books of volumes. Generally, the Pentateuch refers to "The Five Books of Moses," which according to Jewish traditions constitutes Judaism's legal and ethical religious text. See, www.wikipedia.org. "Deuteronomy" is a Latin derivation of a Greek word meaning "second law." Deuteronomy is a second statement by Moses of GOD's law. It is a restatement or a recounting of the law. In Deuteronomy the people renewed their covenant contract with GOD. It is a reminder how much GOD has done for HIS people and a promise of that HE will continue to do for them if they returned to GOD with all their heart and soul. They just had to remember HIS GOODNESS.
GOOD FRUIT
According to WebMD, the heart shape silhouette of the strawberry should be a reminder of how good these pieces of fruit are for the heart. Strawberries protect the heart, increase good (HDL) cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help guard against cancer, because of their vitamins, fiber and high antioxidants. Antioxidants are micronutrients that help protect tissue in the body and healthy cells against oxidation, which can lead to damage or death of cells. See, "Nutritional Benefits of the Strawberry," by Andrea Gabrick, reviewed by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RN, LD. www.webmd.com.
The strawberry was mentioned in Ancient Roman literature with regard to it medicinal use. Garden strawberries were later grown in France in the 18th century. Strawberries are full of vitamins (including B, C, E and K). They are cholesterol-free, sodium-free and fat-free. "Just one serving—about eight strawberries---provides more vitamin C than an orange. See, "Nutritional Benefits of the Strawberry," Id. If you want to freeze strawberries, wash them gently, let them dry and remove the caps. Then, place them on a cookie sheet and freeze. Then place them in a zip lock bag, removing all the air. See, "10 Super Health Benefits of Strawberries," by Diana Herrington, July 24, 2013, www.care2,com.
Some of the cited health benefits of the strawberry include:
10 Health Benefits of Strawberries
- Helps burn stored fat -The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)
- Boost short term memory -The anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 per-cent in eight weeks. (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)
- Low in Calories – High in Fiber - One cup contains only 54 calories.
- Ease Inflammation-Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP. (Harvard School of Public Health.)
- Lower cardiovascular disease - Flavonoids — which are responsible for the color and flavor of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease.
- Promote bone health - Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magne-sium which are important for bone health.
- Prevent esophageal cancer - Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human esophageal cancer.
- Anti-aging properties - Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging.
- Good for weight loss - The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.
- Promote eye health - Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss. (Archives of Ophthalmology)
See, "10 Super Health Benefits of Strawberries," by Diana Herrington, July 24, 2013, www.care2,com. Herrington recommends only buying organic, because nearly 60 different pesticides have been found on strawberries and it is on the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen Foods" list of foods with high concentrations of pesticides relative to other foods. See, www.ewg.org. She also notes: "Strawberries are the most chemically intensive crop in California." Id.
Renew/Restate/Remind/Remember
How often have you found yourself eating a food on your "bad foods list" or failed to follow through on a healthier (spiritual or physical) plan of action? Today, we begin again! Let us renew our commitment to GOD to treat our bodies (and our minds) as temples of GOD's HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 6:19). Let's restate our goals to strive for greater physical and spiritual fitness. Let us remind ourselves that "nothing is impossible with GOD" (Luke 1:37). We are all in this together (with GOD) and each other.
With heart and soul, be renewed and BE BLESSED!
