| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “A fresh start in a new year” Our Bible verse for today: “You must not eat any detestable thing.” Deuteronomy 14:3 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Bugs, bats, and bearded vultures” In my opinion, of all the books in the Bible, Leviticus is by far the most boring and tedious. Twenty-seven chapters of list after list of rules, regulations, and endless dos and don’ts. Boorrrriinngg ….! Especially the dietary laws. Who wants to eat a bug anyway? Worse, Moses then goes on to repeat much of it in his closing sermon to the Jews found in Deuteronomy. Chapter fourteen is “Forbidden Practices,” and it was lifted right out of Leviticus – including reminders not to eat bugs, bats, and bearded vultures. As I was reading, I found myself wondering, “Why are we being given more of this?” But then I came across this little gem of an editorial note in the Experiencing God Study Bible regarding these dietary laws, “God cares about his people’ physical as well as their spiritual well-being. What is God saying to you about your physical health.?” Ah. Okay. I get it. It’s in my own best interest to not eat bugs, bats, and bearded vultures. They’re not good for me. God cares about our physical health. He wants us to take care of our body. Is God speaking to you about your physical health? We’ve been over this. Your body is a walking, talking, mobile temple of the Holy Spirit. On the cross Jesus paid the price for your immortal soul but also for your physical body (read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “You were bought at a price, therefore honor God with your body.” You must take proper care of your body so Jesus can use it to accomplish His ministry purposes here on earth. It’s a sad thing to watch friends and loved ones suffer from life-style induced health problems that they probably would not have had if they had taken better care of themselves. Whatever lifestyle health problem you are suffering from right now, it was probably brought on over many years of neglect. And whatever lifestyle health problems you suffer in the future, will probably be caused by the habits you have now. If you don’t take care of yourself now, you will pay for it later. Bugs, bats, and bearded vultures. Stay away from them. They’re not good for you. God knows what He’s talking about. And that of course goes for all the other junk we ingest as well. It’s not good for us so we should stay away from it, or at least exercise moderation. Likewise, as we’ve discussed multiple times throughout this series, our body needs to be exercised, every day. Please take care of yourself so you can stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Be smart about what you eat and get some exercise every day. We need you to stay healthy and God wants you to take care of yourself. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
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Ok, it might be difficult, but I will try my best to refrain from bugs, bats, and bearded vultures. 😆 🤣
All kidding aside, I am sure in some parts of the world, they may still be a delicatessen.
God bless you 🙏