God did not make everything to be eaten.
The leaves of some plants are poisonous, as are some fish, and etc.
I have been greatly influenced by the diet God commanded for the nation of Israel. Because of Lev 11 and Deut 14 i have avoided as far as possible things like shellfish, pork, etc. The priesthood also consumed a lot of meat.
This was reinforced by reading some years ago, that in some of the plagues of old the Jews were unaffected. (They were then of course blamed and persecuted)
A few of the things in Lelord Kordel's "Eat And Grow Younger" (about 1963) i have followed.
One's diet is a purely personal matter, and is not a doctrine of the New Testament.
Recently it has been reported that red wine is excellent for combating cholesterol, it containing three powerful agents. Paul gave advice to Timothy along the lines -
1 Tim 5:23
Stop drinking only water, and use a little [emphases mine] wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
(from New International Version)
The greedy and the drunken will not be a part of the Kingdom. That is doctrine.
Running
Many schoolboys will train for sports and i was no different.
Then "The Golden Mile" by Herb Elliot had a massive effect on me about 1961, and i became a most enthusiastic runner. Over the years this has become "jogger"; nowadays, "shuffler". I can just about overtake a lady with a pram, as the crows circle overhead.
They say that running is good for you. Paul said that exercise had benefits in this present life.
1 Tim 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but . . .
(from New International Version)
Paul's fitness paid off when he had to fight wild beasts in Ephesus (1Cor 15.32), probably in the arena. "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die" sounds like something the gladiators would say.
Exercise
After so much running outdoors i could not face the thought of a daily exercise routine indoors, it seemed so boring.
This all changed on reading the book on 5BX (Canadian Air Force) in 1967.
I think that this has helped me to avoid back trouble over the years.
The bones are living organisms, and without stress and strain they lose mass. I say this on the authority of the NASA space program. I fear to cease all exercise because i want to avoid brittle frail bones.
Cold Showers
Up until November 1967 i seemed to get the 'flu fairly regularly, about once a year.
It may have been a magazine article, but for some reason i began to take cold baths and showers summer and winter, no matter what country i was in. Since that day coughs and colds have not been a big part of my life.
Avoiding Injury
On leaving high school i played one game for the Old Boys and got flattened. After that the only violent encounters were on the soccer field.
It was in a "friendly" in 1991 that my jaw got broken. I could not eat. I am of the opinion that except for the skill of a dental surgeon in Billericay (Essex) i would not be writing this today.
Spiritual Journey
Our spiritual condition is the real foundation of good health. You can be doing all the other things, but if you are losing it spiritually your health will suffer.
Thousands of people nowadays suffer from sleeplessness, burning sensations in the chest and stomach, fast heartbeat, irritability, overeating, headaches. God's Way is the way of peace and health.
Prov 3:7-8
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
(from New International Version)
The church in Corinth were neglecting Jesus and it was causing them health problems, even death.
1 Cor 11:30
That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
(from New International Version)
David knew only too well the reasons for the pains he suffered.
Ps 38:3-7
3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
my bones have no soundness because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear.
5 My wounds fester and are loathsome
because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low;
all day long I go about mourning.
7 My back is filled with searing pain;
(from New International Version)
Do It The Rest Of Your Life
We don't just do a "course" in weight loss, or the Bible.
If we are following a weight control program, we don't just follow it for a month or two, we follow it for the rest of our lives.
If we are seeking the Family of God, to serve the nations for a thousand years, we don't just read the Bible once, we read it for the rest of our lives.
John 15:7
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
(from New International Version)
created 8jul07