THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT

BIBLE HEALTH SERIES

 THE  FORBIDDEN  FRUIT

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Bible -Genesis 2:16,17 

The "NATURAL MEN" not only dislikes any restrictions, the tendency is to want to have and do the opposite. The desire to covet and want, that which be forbidden.

Have you noticed how little children become very restless under any form of control? Even at a young age, they begin to struggle against parental authority and seek to push the limits. That is human nature! Wise parents will not give in but will rather set limits and house rules. Home government insures the safety and happiness of its inmates. Children are far happier under some form of restraint, rather than no restraint at all. Where there are no rules there will be anarchy.

WHAT WAS IT?

The "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" - The tree not just the fruit, must of looked very fair and inviting. Perhaps the fruit had an enticing smell. Have you noticed that we tend to be drawn by the smell of food more so than the looks of it? The brain retain the smell and the taste of food so much so that even at a distance we are either drawn to the food or repelled by the smell of it.

The forbidden fruit must have been very delicious to the taste as well.  How many food articles do you know that smell good and taste delicious but do not agree with you? They may give you stomachaches, Headaches, or worse?  I am specially referring to: Cakes, candies, some pastry and deserts of all sorts.  It often amazes me how children want those things even more so than their favorite dish.  Wise Mother will make a food manual and select the healthiest and best meals for the family.

Things to avoid:

§         Excessive condiment, some spices are literally not healthy.

§         Sugar, should never be the first ingredient - best if organic or brown sugar. White sugar leads to teeth cavity and weakening of the immune system.

§         Salt, a little salt is necessary for taste and health - sea salt is best in very small portions.

§         Junk food such as chips, candy and treats, are usually loaded with salt, sugar, or both, artificial coloring and artificial preservatives. Worse yet, junk food has excito - toxins to enhance flavor. Polysaturated fat - leads to cholesterol build up and skin cancer.

§         Candy Bars, primary ingredients is usually sugar and milk - the combination is poisonous to our body. Preservatives, artificial coloring and flavor, unhealthy chocolate, caffeine and food enhancers.

§         Cakes and Pastries, most if not all are made of processed and refined flower - poor nutrition. Baking powder, triglycerides, liquor or vinegar - unnatural and unhealthy.

§         Ice Cream, very few brand are healthy. Milk with excessive fat and sugar - produces alcohol during digestion. Preservatives and coloring, other unhealthy ingredients. Always read ingredients before buying.

§         Soft Drinks, even fruit juices when consumed in excess will lead to hypoglycemic disorder. Soft drinks have carbonated water- proven to be cancer producing. Other ingredients usually are: White sugar, coloring, preservatives, caffeine - nerve irritant and addictive, other addictive substances.

§         Hard liquor, even root beer have small dozes of alcohol, Beer is unhealthy to your intestines and contain plenty of alcohol. Alcohol destroys your liver-cirrhosis, your pancreas- diabetes, and you brain cells!

§         Smoking and drugs, becoming addicted to these vices is easy. Breaking the addition is very difficult and in some cases not possible unless there is external help - Divine intervention!

Much more could be said about  "the forbidden fruit" most people agree and common sense would conclude that we could do without these harmful products.

"Through the intemperance begun at home, the digestive organs first become weakened, and soon ordinary food does not satisfy the appetite. Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving for more stimulating food. Tea and coffee produce an immediate effect. Under the influence of these poisons the nervous system is excited, and in some cases, for the time being, the intellect seems to be invigorated, the imagination more vivid. Because these stimulants produce such agreeable results, many conclude that they really need them; but there is always a reaction. The nervous system has borrowed power from its future resources for present use, and all this temporary invigoration is followed by a corresponding depression. The suddenness of the relief obtained from tea and coffee, is evidence that what seems to be strength is only nervous excitement, and consequently must be an injury to the system." E.G.White - Counsels to Better Health 31.2

 

      "Many who would hesitate to place liquor to a neighbor's lips, will engage in the raising of hops, and thus lend their influence against the temperance cause. I cannot see how, in the light of the law of God, Christians can conscientiously engage in the raising of hops or in the manufacture of wine and cider for the market."  IBID, 32.2

     "I have often heard people say, "Oh! This is only sweet cider. It is perfectly harmless, and even healthful." Several quarts, perhaps gallons, are carried home. For a few days it is sweet; then fermentation begins. The sharp taste makes it all the more acceptable to many palates, and the lover of sweet wine and cider is loath to admit that his favorite beverage ever becomes hard and sour.  IBID, 32.3

     Intoxication is just as really produced by wine and cider as by stronger drinks, and it is the worst kind of inebriation. The passions are more perverse; the transformation of character is greater, more determined and obstinate. A few quarts of cider or wine may awaken a taste for stronger drinks, and in many cases those who have become confirmed drunkards have thus laid the foundation of the drinking habit.  IBID, 32.4

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?    If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."  1Corinthians 6:16,17

To you health!

Article by: EMVentureHealth

HEALTHY REST

Bible Health - In genesis (1st. Book in the Bible), 1:31 says:"And God saw every thing that he had made, and

behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." This is the record of the last

day of creation. After the Lord had finished his creative work, he beheld all that had accomplished and

was satisfied. He was very pleased indeed with his work. Do you ever feel that way too? It is a God given

pleasure to have worthy goals and to work hard and persevering at it (Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it

with thy might...- Ecclesiastes 9:10). I particularly enjoy looking back at a well done job - weather it be

something visible like a well cared for Garden or any other project. Even a situation that I helped a friend with

and feel pleased with it. I must confess, the outcome is not always what I expected. Nevertheless, I always do my best!

The Biblical record follows: "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Genesis 2:1,2

No matter how busy or stressful your situation may be, it is very important to your health, to take a break. To rest as God did after creating all things. Unlike some people who will work almost day and night to accomplish something without any break-that is one of the worst things you can do for your health, not giving your body proper rest. We should respect the weekly cycle and rest 1 day in 7 just like God rested and commended us to do!

Besides physical rest, we need rest from worries and stress.

"Tenderly He bade the toiling people, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:29. Ministry of Healing 71.2

In these words, Christ was speaking to every human being. Whether they know it or not, all are weary and heavy-laden. All are weighed down with burdens that only Christ can remove. The heaviest burden that we bear is the burden of sin. If we were left to bear this burden, it would crush us. But the Sinless One has taken our place. "The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6. IBID 71.3

He has borne the burden of our guilt. He will take the load from our weary shoulders. He will give us rest. The burden of care and sorrow also He will bear. He invites us to cast all our care upon Him; for He carries us upon His heart."  IBID 71.4.     M. Dumitry

NATURE

Spiritual Health

BIBLE-HEALTH

Does the Bible have anything to say about Health?

You will be amazed to find out:

Genesis 2:5 "And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and [there was] not a man to till the ground." On verse 4 of the same chapter, we are told that the Lord God created all things, which would necessarily include the creating of trees and plants of all kinds. In the North American west, we have plenty of wilderness regions of very arid climate. Depending on the elevation and yearly precipitation, there may not be any trees and if the wind is frequent, the vegetation will consist mostly of bushes, thistles and grasslands. Sage brush-the symbol of the American West is the predominant vegetation in the Snake River plain. Did you know, although not eatable, Sagebrush has cosmetic and medicinal values? I have learned to enjoy the quiet and vastness of the plains but having grown up in the Atlantic coast, I sure miss the lush vegetation.

Genesis 2:6 " But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground." Why is it mentioned that it did not rain? It is because there was no need of it! This mist created a green house effect and having enough moister and warmth in the air makes it an ideal growing condition! There was no need for rain, irrigation, or reservoirs.

Tilling the soil was not a necessity either. Although, as Farmers and as Gardeners we enjoy working at the ground, we are greatly thankful for farming equipment. I wish though that the soil remained soft and workable throughout the year. Don’t you? Are you a gardener? Gardening even in a very small area or just growing plain flowers, is so rewarding, both physically and spiritually.

Article by E. Dumitry

GOOD OR FORBIDDEN

"And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.  And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." Genesis 2:8,9

I don't know about you but at our home we get cabin fever. Although we like to go for walks, weather permitting, comes end of winter we find our selves anxious and even excited about the idea of Spring being right around the corner!
We usually start planning for our vegetable garden and other out of doors projects and adventures. Don't take me wrong we need and enjoy winter rest. Not to mention work, rather than sedentary activities, we much more enjoy being active in the garden, in the yard, nature walks, sports or mountain adventures. Don't you?

Before creating man, God planted a most wonderful garden in Eden. I can only imagine what the Garden of Eden must been like! Lofty trees and luxuriant vegetation of all kinds and colors! There he placed man whom he created. Why did the Lord God place man there? Not to sit around and just watch animals and birds play and the wonderful scenery. Yes some of that I am sure they did daily, and that in it self is a wonderful healing and therapeutic treat for any one and any age. But the Lord God had a higher and holier purpose in it. This was to be man's school, occupation and home. We were created to dwell in a garden not in a city where the sound of traffic and machinery disturb the peace and quietness. Where the sites are of man's magnificent high risers and artificial lights and colors. O no, those are even unhealthy.

"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the "Garden of Eden" to dress it and to keep it."  Genesis 2:15

What was then the purpose of placing man in such a wonderful environment? "To dress it and to keep it" To be a Gardner! What good is there in that? To be learning from nature and serving all living things. We would do well in spend a good portion of the day doing so, even if it were just in the summer time.

Now let us take a minute to understand the meaning of the latter portion of the 9^th verse: The Garden of Eden had not just beautiful sites but contained trees that produced delicious fruit. Fruit that is healthy and good foe eating at any day. We were created to subsist largely of raw and fresh fruit and vegetables! Even if they are not available to us fresh year around, we would do well in preserving them in their most natural form and if we expect to enjoy good health, we would do well in consuming much more of it than the average person does.

Here are the basic reasons:

1.      He who created us knows what is best for us!

2.      Fruit has the enzymes and organic minerals we need and besides that, they have glucose a natural energy source.

3.      Fruit contains organic vitamin water.

4.      Fruit have anti-oxidant properties.

The tree of life is no longer available to us in our state of sinfulness. Adam and Eve chose to partake of the forbidden fruit from that "tree of Knowledge of good and evil. Therefore, we live under the curse of sin and death.

What than? What good is there in caring for our health when we shall die any ways? Although we have no access to the fruit of the tree of life - can not live forever in sin and misery, we continue to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil- when we choose to please our degenerate appetite and eat things that we know are unhealthy and even harmful to us. Thus we are prolonging the curse and misery that humanity is in and injuring our health and contributing to miserable life and an early death!

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?    If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."  1Corinthians 6:16,17