Text: Genesis 1:26-31
Memory text:
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31 NKJV
Some people believe that a good and healthy life has nothing to do with what you do or eat but only on prayer. To understand any concept of a subject matter in the Bible, it’s always ideal to refer to its beginning, rather than building only on what came in along the way. When the Pharisees came to Jesus to seek His take on marriage and divorce issues, He referred them to the beginning (Matthew 19: 8)
Now, to know God’s thoughts about our eating and health, let’s also take a journey back to the beginning. “Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” (Gen 1:29 NIV). This tells us that, God’s original plan for our food is to eat natural, plant-based foods instead of processed foods or animal-based foods. Scientific evidence today supports this Bible principle. Plant-based diets improve health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Nutrition experts recommend diets that are heavy on fruits and vegetables and restrict consumption of red meat. Thus, less animal foods and processed foods and more plant-based foods will promote a healthy and long life.
In Daniel 1:12-15, this principle is also established. We see how Daniel and his friends became healthier physically and mentally when they chose a plant-based diet instead of the delicacies of the king. The delicacies contained luxurious wine, stews with meats like pork, poultry, beef, fish, and mutton and others.
Healthy eating also involves eating moderately and living a fasted life.
“Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!” (Prov 25:16 NLT). You see, it’s not just about honey but what you enjoy eating.
Fasting has both spiritual and physical benefits. Intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat, that is, during a specific time. Researchers at John Hopkins show that fasting for a certain number of hours each day or eating just one meal a couple of days a week can have health benefits. This supports the Bible. “Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, And your princes feast in the morning!” (Ecc 10:16). This king has no break, eating all night and in the morning! Allowing your stomach to rest in the morning without stuffing it with food will help detoxification and eventually promote health.
Friends, start developing a healthy eating habit from now.
Prayer points
1. Father, I receive wisdom to choose good eating habits and discipline to keep my resolve in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, open my eyes to the poor eating habits that have been causing me trouble and help me to make changes in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I choose good eating habits, making my food my medicine and my medicine my food.
2. To eat anyhow and to claim being under grace is to tempt God.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng