God’s Commands re. the Earth’s Animals Present Us with a Dilemma

Leviticus 11:1-8

The Lord spoke again to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them, ² “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘These are the creatures which you may eat from all the animals that are on the earth. ³ Whatever divides a hoof, thus making split hoofs, and chews the cud, among the animals, that you may eat. ⁴ Nevertheless, you are not to eat of these, among those which chew the cud, or among those which divide the hoof: the camel, for though it chews cud, it does not divide the hoof, it is unclean to you. ⁵ Likewise, the shaphan, for though it chews cud, it does not divide the hoof, it is unclean to you; ⁶ the rabbit also, for though it chews cud, it does not divide the hoof, it is unclean to you; ⁷ and the pig, for though it divides the hoof, thus making a split hoof, it does not chew cud, it is unclean to you. ⁸ You shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.

Thoughts on the Passage

Once again, we are faced with the dilemma of “how much of these commands apply to us today?”  The fact remains that not all of us follow these rules. We eat various foods mentioned in this passage.  Some don’t because they believe this applies to God’s people even today. Others don’t because science has said they are bad for us, at least in larger quantities.  Others just can’t stand the thought that they are eating some of them. Others won’t eat them because doing so is cruelty to animals.

So, what can we take from it all that most of us can agree with?

Chuck Smith says when we look at these practical laws, we need to be thinking of the spiritual laws that God has laid down for us. The bottom line is that if we seek to follow God’s laws we will be blessed and if we neglect to do so, we will not. And Smith has the references in Scripture that back him up. If we start with the Spiritual laws, including the law to obey God, the issue then becomes how far down the “commandments” towards the practical (read ‘food’ laws) do we need to go to still have the blessing?

Smith sees it this way. Those food laws show that God is in interested in our health and wants us to have strong bodies. If He were talking to us today about this topic, He would probably hit on ‘junk food’.  He shares the story about going “home from Bible school at night and buy ice cream and chocolate syrup and whipped cream and the whole thing. And then some guy would say, "Who's going to ask the blessing?" I said, "You can't ask God to bless this. It's no good for you, you know, it's not good for you." Eat it and take the consequences, but don't ask God to bless it.”

On the other hand, we can’t misquote I Corinthians 10:23 where Paul states, “all things are lawful for me” and claim that we can eat all the pork, ham, and bacon we want. We cannot misquote God in Acts 11:9 when He says, “Don’t call unholy what I have cleaned.”  That does not mean you can eat anything you want. Why? Because the passage is not about food – it’s about Paul taking the message to the Gentiles who were considered ‘unclean’ by the Jews up to that point.

The animals God lists here as being off limits to the Jews were animals that carried disease, especially if not cooked thoroughly. This is especially a problem in warm climates, according to Robert Jamieson. David Guzik notes that God wasn’t just coming up with new rules here about what animals were clean and what were unclean. In fact, these distinctions were known way back in the days of Noah (Genesis 7:2 and 8:20).

Matthew Henry reminds us that “God’s Will” is a manifestation of “God’s Wisdom”. So, anything He commands that we obey is ultimately the wisest decision we could make.  God was interested in teaching His people then and His people now that we are to distinguish ourselves from other people, not only by our belief in Him, but also in our practices, day to day.

We just presented the background to these verses and tied them in with some other passages in both the Old and New Testaments. It is now up to each of us to become aware of what God had commanded, and to decide what He intends for us today, and then to follow through on that decision. Here’s to your health and mine.

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

“Why My Granddaddy Can Beat Your Granddaddy At Dominoes”

The Aging Brain:

Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind

Author: Timothy R. Jennings, MD

Publisher: Baker Books Grand Rapids, MI, 2018

“Why My Granddaddy Can Beat Your Granddaddy At Dominoes”

This is Tim Jennings’ third book that I’ve read. I must admit he has another winner with this one.  His secret is his formula: explain the problem he’s addressing with science, then translate it for people like me with very understandable illustrations from everyday life, and then back it all up with solid research.

Timothy R. Jennings is a practicing board-certified psychiatrist, a psychopharmacologist, and much more. Oh, one more thing – he’s a practicing believer. At this point you might say, “okay, then, forget it; this book is not for me”.  But wait, what if it is for you and those you love.  What if a faith system does contribute to avoiding Alzheimer’s Disease and particularly, dementia? 

But don’t get me wrong, that aspect of prevention and slowing down of such a condition, is not his main focus. He’s just being totally honest and providing you all the research on what does help.

I found his writing most informative and educational. For example, he explains very clearly the role of the liver in getting intoxicated. And, the role that taking care of our teeth (yes, you got that right) plays in reducing the risk of dementia. 

Jennings looks at how “aging” has been viewed in history; what a healthy brain requires; and how genes are important, but they don’t have to be totally in control. He tackles many challenging aspects of life that contribute to our rapidly aging brain such as obesity, sugar intake, smoking, and alcohol.  And no, he doesn’t say “it’s all bad”.  

A good portion of his book is about lifestyle and aging. He starts off with the need to exercise your brain with an edict that you better “use it, or you’ll lose it”.  Doing crosswords is great, but not at the expense of exercising your body – because your healthy brain needs a healthy body. He has a wonderful section on sleep which I found most informative – simple stuff that had never been explained that clearly to me before. Every reader will find themselves somewhere in there.

There’s a section in the book on “taking a weekly vacation” – yes, you read it correctly. Exercising the body/brain must be followed by resting the mind/body and only together do those two things add up to a healthier dementia-averse brain.

One of my favorite quotes from the book (because it hit me like a ton of bricks) is Jennings’ definition of Chronic Worry (an issue he tackles very extensively in the book when he deals with stress).  He writes:

“In my experience treating thousands of patients over more than two decades, the worry with which the vast majority of people struggle is the worry about controlling something that is not theirs to control . . . how life will turn out and what others will think about them: Will my children grow up to be healthy and responsible adults? Will I get that job? Will my house sell? Will my spouse leave me? Will he or she like me? Did they think I sounded stupid?”

You will need to read the book to find out what he tells them and how he treats them.

There are other key sections in the book. Especially critical is the one on resolving our “mortality”.  That one led meto think the following:

A lot of people know they are aging, and it bothers them. Yet many of those refuse to acknowledge that they are also dying. Mortality is an outcome of aging. You cannot have one without the other. Still, people prefer to deny and not talk about coming to the end of their life. They actually fear ‘dying’.  It becomes a source of chronic stress which only brings it on faster.

Jennings makes you think and then he helps you act. The book’s last section covers Alzheimer’s Disease in considerable detail (at least what we know about it to date), what can help prevent Dementia, the risk factors and how they can be reduced, and how to care for someone with Dementia. The sections on vitamins, supplements, other things we eat or drink, and practice or feel are very extensive, complete with rationale, research, honesty on what we don’t know, and specific recommendations.

Bottom line? Jennings writes:

“Normal aging does not result in dementia. Dementia is a pathological state – an abnormal situation – a disease state that may, with healthy choices, be avoided.”

I want my grandchildren to be able to tell their friends why their grandfather can beat their grandfathers at dominoes. I’ve started following the recommendations.  A must read if you care about aging.

n Ken B. Godevenos, President, Accord Resolutions Services Inc., Toronto, Ontario, January 2, 2019, www.accordconsulting.com

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Goal of Planned Parenthood Founder: 'To Stop the Multiplication of the Unfit'

When all else is smoke and mirrors go back to the autobiography of the movement's founder. You'll see how racist an organization I believe it really is.  Then go to the bathroom and throw up. Better still, sit down and write yourself a note: "I will never, never support anything that Planned Parenthood is involved in again."  Then remember that the current president of the U.S. is a big supporter.  Remember that when you are alone with your ballot next November.

Goal of Planned Parenthood Founder: 'To Stop the Multiplication of the Unfit' | NewsBusters.org

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How Laissez-faire Governments Let Insurance Companies Get Away With Murder.

This is very sad and totally unacceptable.   I blame the government whose jurisdiction it is to oversee these matters. And I must admit, the CBC has finally done something good recently. Good for them. They should focus on more of this than their usual leftist agenda.

Retired couple billed $50,000 despite travel insurance - British Columbia - CBC News

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You Can Do Something About Osteoporosis

Because we care about your health, we're providing this link to an interesting article about osteoporosis and diet.  Take a look. 

No Bones About It: Eating Dried Plums Helps Prevent Fractures and Osteoporosis

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5 Surprising Signs of an Unhealthy Heart

This is scary and it speaks for itself.  We share because we care about your health.  We're all losing too many people to diseases whose symptoms should have been caught earlier and the resulting deaths could have been delayed or avoided.  Heart disease is one of them.  Take a look.  You will indeed be surprised.

5 Surprising Signs of an Unhealthy Heart

 

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This Settles It: I'm No Longer Slinging My Cell Phone!

This is some very important research. I may be a victim of it myself. It certainly may explain some of the aches and pains for you as well. Take a look and take action.

Cell Phone Exposure May Cause Bone Weakening, Study Suggests

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There's a Speaker Button on Your Cell Phone, Use It!

Yes, we do care about the way "you hear us", Y'a hear! Here's some new research that indicates the use of cell phones (and I venture to say -- cordless phones at home too but I'm not expert) should be avoided when held up to your ears. I've naturally preferred the "speaker on" mode of operations when using my cell phone -- I know it's not as private, but it sure helps prevent the kind of "un-natural" stain on the brain that research now says is present. Take a look and share this blog with those you love.

Environmental Health Trust Experts Warn That Cell Phone Radiation Excites the Brain of Healthy Adults

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Sticking to Your Eating Resolutions And What To Choose

If you've been following my blogs lately, you know I am passionate about certain things. One is my faith (Christianity if you haven't noticed); another is the situation in the Middle East; then there's the American Political Scene; and the rise of Islam's 'political and social' movement across the face of the earth. So, watch for those issues to be discussed here, often inter-related. But you'll also know that I am interested in the current physical health of people (mostly because I believe God created us to have good health).

You'll find this article from Newswise most helpful in that regard. They have some great advice for all of us.

How to Stick to Your Healthy Eating Resolution

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You Hungry? Munch on These Healthy Foods

We really do care about the "health shape" you're in. And so, we recommend you read the attach article from Newswise. You can take care of your hunger and your health with these 14 foods backed up by research. Take a look and enjoy.

Wholesome Nutrition: 14 Healthy Foods with Solid Research Behind Them

-- Thanks for dropping by. Sign up to receive updates. -- Ken B. Godevenos, Church & Mgmt. Consultant, bringing you relevant information from all sorts of sources. Subscribe free to Epistoli or follow us by clicking on the appropriate link in the right side bar. An don’t forget to “share” this blog with your friends by clicking the “Share” link on your Navigation Bar.

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.