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, asHE 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). “Deuteronomy” is a Latin derivation of a Greek word meaning “second law.” Deuteronomy is the 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 is 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:
- HEART DISEASE – A Harvard study found that regular consumption of anthocyanins, found in berries, reduced the risk of heart attack by 32% in young and middle age women. Other studies showed that consumption reduced the amino acid associated with damage to the lining of arteries.
- STROKE - Antioxidants in strawberries have been shown to reduce the formation of harmful blood clots. Also, the high potassium intake has been linked to reduced stroke risk.
- CANCER- Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. Also, powerful antioxidants tend to reduce free radicals, thus reducing the risk of tumor growth.
- BLOOD PRESSURE - Because of their high potassium, strawberries tend to reduce the negative effects of sodium. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2% of adult Americans meet the daily potassium recommendation.
- BONE HEALTH - Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health.
- 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 and “ Strawberries: Health Benefits, Nutritional Breakdown,” by Megan Ware, RDN, LN, July 4, 2016, Reviewed by the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Medicine. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271285.
Because strawberries are on the list of the fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, eating organic is recommended. Also be sure to gently wash them. However, some researchers consider eating non-organic, conventional strawberries still beneficial and outweighs the risk of not eating the produce at all.
Renew/Restate/Remind/Remember
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!
