Our Daily Bread #9

To edify us in living

NEWS ROOM MIX-UP READ: 1 Kings 22:1-8 Please inquire for the words of the Lord today. - 1 Kings 22:5 A Congolese man went the BBC's News 24 for a job interview. But a time-conscious producer mistook the man for a scheduled guest authority. He led the baffled but compliant applicant into the newsroom studio and fitted him with a microphone. When the "on air' signal was given, the interviewer missed the look of panic on the man's face, and the flustered job-seeker awkwardly bluffed his way through the questions. When the mistake itself became news, the network apologized for the error. That hapless man wasn't pretending to be an authority--he was mistaken for one. In contrast, Ahab, the king of Israel, chose to ignore the truth by seeking answers from false prophets who were posing as religious authorities. Ahab didn't want to inquire of the Lord through the godly prophet Micaiah "because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil" (l Kings 22:8). The king had an aversion to the truth. Sometimes we would rather hear the comfort of a lie than words of truth. But we need to get our counsel from advisers who believe that "all Scripture ... is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim.3:16). We can't afford to let our desires cause us to exchange God's truth for a lie. - Mart R. Haan When sin entices and allures Its lies must be ignored; - Sper BETTER TO HEAR THE TRUTH THAN A SOFT LIE. A FIRE TO BE KINDLED Read: Luke 24:13-32 Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us? - Luke 24:32 In Acts 17, Paul went to Mars Hill to declare the truth of the. Many listeners gathered there were not spiritual seekers. Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, records that they spent their days simply wanting to discuss the latest new ideas, with little interest in acting on what they learned (v.21). Too much information can he dangerous. All the ideas can blur together and become incoherent, leaving us unchanged by what we know. Centuries ago, the historian Plutarch warned of the danger of living on a purely informational level. He wisely said, "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." The Christ-followers on the road to Emmaus would have agreed (Luke 24). As they grieved the death of Jesus, the risen Christ Himself joined them but hid His identity. He began instructing them on the ancient prophecies of those events found throughout the Old Testament. Later that day, Christ revealed Himself to them and then departed. After Jesus departure, they marvelled at what they had heard. The things He taught were not sterile facts but a fire that kindled their hearts with devotion for Him. May we likewise trust the Shepherd of our souls to kindle our hearts as we grow in His Word. - Bill Crowder As we walk along the road of life, We can sense that Jesus is there too; As we read His Word and hear His voice We will find He kindles fire anew. - Hess YOU CANNOT START A FIRE IN ANOTHER'S HEART TILL IT IS BURNING IN SPACE JUNK Read: 2 Samuel 12:1-3 Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. - Galatians 6:7 Orbiting our planet at speeds more than 4.5 miles per second is a growing collection of space junk. Nuts, bolts, and other discarded debris from space flights are presenting a real hazard to future spacecraft. Their sheer speed makes the tiniest object strike with the impact of a bullet. During one of the shuttle missions, a speck of paint created a pit a quarter inch wide in a window of the craft. One study revealed that there are 110,000 objects larger than one centimeter in orbit. Their combined weight is 4 million pounds! To avoid a space junk disaster, the US Space Command monitors orbiting debris for NASA. Sinful choices create their own kind of junk--unintended consequences. When Achan stole and hid forbidden booty, it cost him his life (Josh.7). After King David committed adultery and murder, family discord followed (2 Sam.15-18). Do you have any "junk" in your life? Sin's consequences have a way of accumulating. When we confess our sins to God, He promises to forgive and cleanse as (1 John 1:9). For those we have hurt, we can seek ways of righting wrongs through restitution (Luke 19:1-8). The God of grace will give us wisdom in dealing with bad decisions from our past and help us to make good ones in the future. - Dennis Fisher What shame can overwhelm the soul Because we've chosen paths of sin! But if we humbly call on God, He'll grant anew His peace within. - D. De Haan THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING HAS NEVER BEEN REPEALED. TRAMPLING TEMPTATION Read: Matthew 4:1-11 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:4 Ardent baseball fans will remember Kirby Puckett, who died suddenly in 2006. He had led the Minnesota Twins to championship victories in 1987 and 1991. Even though he was offered larger contracts by other teams, he stayed with the Twins for his entire career. When Puckett was diagnosed with glaucoma in 1996, his career ended abruptly. During Puckett's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, he recalled the difficulties he had faced when growing up. His passion to become a professional baseball player was subject to temptation many times. Thug dealers and gang members repeatedly invited him to join in their destructive lifestyle. But whenever temptation enticed him, Kirby remembered that he had a higher calling - baseball. Though we are urged to "walk worthy of the calling with which [we] were called" (Eph.4:1), we live in a world where we face distracting enticements. Maybe we're offered a job that pays well but requires that we compromise biblical principles. Our calling is always to do God's will. When we are confronted with a temptation to stray from God's way for our life, we must remember that we have a higher calling as servants of Jesus. - Vernon Grounds When the powers of darkness come in like a flood, The battle belongs to the Lord! He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood, The battle belongs to the Lard! - Owen-Collins TO CONQUER SIN, NIP IT IN THE BUD OF TEMPTATION. JESUS CRIED Read: John 11:21-35 Jesus wept. - John 11:35 A friend whose young daughter was killed in a car accident in May 2005 told me: "I cried easily before Natalie's accident. Now I am always crying. Sometimes the tears just slip out." Anyone who has suffered such intense personal tragedy understands what she is talking about. Is there anything wrong with crying? Or do we have biblical evidence to suggest that it's okay to cry? Jesus gives us the answer. Lazarus, a close friend of His, had died. When Jesus arrived at the home of Lazarus' sisters, they were surrounded by friends who had come to console them. Jesus saw Mary and Martha and their friends mourning, and He too was overcome. Sorrowing with them, "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). Sadness, tears, and mourning are familiar territory for everyone on this earth--even for Jesus. His tears tell us that it's okay if tears "just slip out." And they remind us that the reason tears of sorrow will be extinct in eternity is that "there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain" (Rev.21:4). When God wipes out the effects of sin, He will wipe out the need for tears - one more reason to look forward to eternity. - Dave Branson God shall wipe away all tears; There's no death, no pain, nor fears, And they count not time by years, For there is no night there. - Clements HEAVEN ON EARTH - NO PAIN, NO NIGHT, NO DEATH, NO TEARS. NO LONGER YOUNG Read: Psalm 37:23-31 The Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints, they are preserved forever. - Psalm 37:28 Recently, as I left a shop, I overheard the man who had served me whisper in disappointment, "He called me `uncle,' when he's definitely older than I am." Since childhood, my Chinese culture has taught me it is polite to say, "Thank you, Uncle!" for help received. This gesture has served me well, but now I have to think twice before using it. Taking a good look in the minor, my eyes confirm that I am no longer the person my mind remembers. Being young has many advantages, but with age comes the joy of reflecting on God's faithfulness. David reminds us in Psalm 37: "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken" (v.25). Now that I'm in my fifties, I reflect and wonder how I ever could have thought that God had forsaken me. Yes, He has permitted me to face what seemed like insurmountable difficulties, but now I know it was only to shape me. God has always preserved me, and when I stumble I know it is "the LORD [who] upholds me with His hand" (v.24). We are growing older all the time, but we can also grow more thankful for God's many mercies. Above all, we are grateful that He puts the love of His law in our hearts and keeps our steps from sliding (v.31). - Abert Lee God's faithfulness we've known throughout the years, His oneness with us in our joys and tears; So many times the Lord has helped us through, Has answered prayer and given strength anew. - P Hess AS THE YEARS ADD UP, GOD'S FAITHFULNESS MULTIPLES. SLOW DOWN Read: Genesis 2:1-3 God ... rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. - Genesis 2:2 We live in an action-oriented world, and it seems that simplifying our lives has never been more complicated! Doesn't it seem that there's always work to do and no time for rest? Answer the following questions as honestly as you can to determine if you need to rest: Do I feel stressed when functioning in my normal day-to-day activities? Is it difficult to find joy? Do I get the kind of rest my body needs? Do I wake up tired? In creation, God established a patter of work and rest, which is a model for believers. For 6 days God worked to bring order to our world. But on the seventh day, after He had finished all His creative activity, He rested. God demonstrated that rest is appropriate and right. Jesus showed us the importance of rest when He sat wearily beside a well after a long walk (John 4:6) and when He slept in the back of a boat with His head on a pillow (Mark 4:38). He also rested when He and His disciples got away from the crowds (Mark 6:31-32). If the Lord rested from the work of creation and from His earthly ministry, we need to rest from our work as well. Our times of rest refresh us for times of service. Schedule some "slow down" time this week. - Marvin Williams If our body, soul, and spirit Are to function at their best Time is needed for renewal - Time for leisure, time far rest. - D.De Haan ALL WORK AND NO PLAY WILL TAKE THE JOY OF LIFE AWAY.

DANIEL 12 PROPHECY

 The Prophecy of Daniel 12

by Brooks Alden

From "Thy Kingdom Come" - February 2014 - a publication of the Association of Covenant People, Burnaby, B.C., Canada

The Apostle Paul describes the time of the end very concisely in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3. "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first" Very few of us will deny that the signs of the deepening apostasy are all around us and most Christians believe that very shortly we will be standing in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, when the year 2000 came and passed without event, huge numbers of lukewarm Christians fell by the wayside in their belief of His Coming, as if somehow God had let them down. Interesting isn't it, that we somehow think God should follow our interpretation of His Prophecy. It just proves that His Word is wrapped up in such an intricately woven veil that truly, only the seasons seem clear to us. 

PEOPLE  FALL  AWAY  FOR  DIFFERENT  REASONS, BUT  ONE  IS  FROM  LOOKING  TO  THE  "SETTING  DATES"  -  A  DAY  OR  YEAR.  AND  THERE  SURE  HAS  BEEN  LOTS  OF  THAT  GOING  ON  FOR  THE  LAST  50  YEARS  OR  MORE  - Keith Hunt

Still, one wonders! After all, He caused His Prophet Amos to declare "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Amos 3: 7). And Jesus Himself said, "Behold, I have told you before" (Matthew 24: 25). So perhaps it should be obvious that God wants us to read the signs and study the prophecies, to become familiar with His Magnificent Plan. The fact that it is interwoven amongst all the Books of the Bible makes it a most demanding task but through continual study, secrets will emerge. 

IT  IS  NOT  GIVEN  BUT  TO  THE  VERY  FEW  TO  UNDERSTAND  BIBLE  PROPHECY;  FOR  IN  EPH. 4  WE  STILL  FIND  GOD  HAS  IN  HIS  CHURCH "PROPHETS"  AS  WELL  AS  OTHER  FUNCTIONING  OFFICES  -  Keith Hunt

Fortunately, today's students have the benefit of the tremendous studies of such scholars as Howard Rand, Ivan Panin, Bishop Usher, Frank Dowsett and many others. 

JUST  NOT  SO  AT  ALL.  THE  ABOVE  NAMED  HAD  NOT  A  CLUE  ABOUT  BIBLE  PROPHECY,  AND  TODAY  99.9  PERCENT  OF  THOSE  WRITING  ON  PROPHECY,  HAVE  NO  CLUE  EITHER  -  Keith Hunt

Daniel 12 is one of the most overwhelming prophecies in the entire Bible. Certainly, it should give hope to all those who endeavour to walk with Jesus Christ and pause to those who have yet to be drawn to Him. Of course, Daniel 12 ties in with numerous other prophecies throughout the Holy Scriptures but space permits mention of only a few. It is the last of Daniel's prophecies and relates to the time of great trouble for the descendants of Jacob Israel. In fact, Verse 1 foretells that at this time of unequalled trouble for true Israel, Jesus will return to deliver them......Then Daniel is told (Verse 4), "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." This is a very significant verse in that it refers to a period at the end of the age when travel and increasing knowledge will become very commonplace. A well-known scholar pointed out to me that the word knowledge used in this verse also has the inference of "knowledge of evil" (Strongs' Concordance #1847). Certainly, we recognize that we are in the "Time of the End" but the question begging an answer is "When did this period begin?" Some suggest the words tie Daniel to Revelation in that John is told in Revelation 1: 3 that "The time is at hand"; meaning that what was sealed with Daniel is now being revealed with John. It's hard to disagree with this line of thought but perhaps there is another connection that should be explored. .

DANIEL 12  ACTUALLY  STANDS  ON  ITS  OWN.  IT  DOES  NOT  NEED  THE  BOOK  OF  REVELATION.  DANIEL  12  STANDS  WITH  DANIEL  11:40-45.  FROM  DANIEL  11:40  IT  IS  ONE  CONTINUOUS  PROPHECY  -  Keith Hunt

Verse 5 & 6, Daniel sees two persons standing on each side of a river. One said to the other, who was now upon the waters, "How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?" So now we are faced with a second time reference, the first being a period known as the "time of the end" and then "the end of these wonders," that is, the pinnacle of the "Time of Trouble and the Resurrection." In reply, (Verse7) the man clothed in linen, believed by a growing number of Bible students as the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, lifts both arms, presumably pointing to the past and future, and refers to a time, times and half of times. Perhaps the quickest way to place "time, times and half a time" into perspective is to refer to Revelation 12: 14 in relation to Revelation 12: 6. Verse 12: 14 gives the time factor as "time, times and half of time" whereas 12: 6 describes the exact same event as a thousand two hundred and threescore days, meaning of course that the two expressions relate to an equivalent time period, i.e. 1,260 days......

WHICH  IN  CONTEXT  CAN  MEAN  1,260  LITERAL  DAYS,  OR  CAN  MEAN  1,260  YEARS,  USING  A  DAY  FOR  A  YEAR,  USING  EZEKIEL 4:6  -  Keith Hunt

In Verses 8 & 9, Daniel said he doesn't understand so again he asks what shall be the end of these things. And again he is told to go his way because the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. In Verse 10, the time of the end is described in the sense that many will be purified, that the wicked shall do wickedly, that the wicked won't understand, but the wise (Bible students) will understand. 

THE  BIBLE  INTERPRETS  ITSELF.  THE  WISE = PSALM 111:10. ALSO  VERSES  7-9  IN  CONTEXT.  IF  YOU  ARE  NOT  OBSERVING  THE  4TH  COMMANDMENT  OF  THE  GREAT  TEN,  AND  THAT  MEANS  THE  7TH  DAY  OF  THE  WEEK,  NOT  THE  1ST,  YOU  WILL  NEVER  UNDERSTAND  BIBLE  PROPHECY.  AND  THEN  AS  STATED  BEFORE  ONLY  A  FEW  7TH  DAY  OBSERVERS  WILL  BE  "PROPHETS"  IN  GOD'S  CHURCH  -  Keith Hunt

In Verse 13 Daniel is told to go and wait for the end, that he will rest (in the grave) and will be in the Resurrection. Verse 11 is exceptionally important, "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." 

THE  WORD  "SACRIFICE"  IS  NOT  IN  THE  HEBREW.  AND  SO  MOST  WHO  TRY  THEIR  HAND  AT  PROPHECY,  FALL  HEAD-OVER-HEELS  RIGHT  HERE.  I  GIVE  YOU  THE  ANSWER  IN  OTHER  SECTIONS  UNDER  "PROPHECY"  ON  MY  WEBSITE  -  Keith Hunt

I agree with many of those Bible students who interpret this as 30 days (prophetically 30 years) beyond the 1,260 years that ended in 1917/18, bringing us to 1947/48. The agreement for the Jews to return to Jerusalem was signed in 1947 and the modern Israeli nation was born in 1948. 

THIS  VERSE  HAS  NOTHING  AT  ALL  TO  DO  WITH  1947/48....NOTHING  AT  ALL,  HENCE  MANY  ARE  OFF  THE  TRACKS  AND  INTO  THE  DITCH  RIGHT  HERE,  ON  UNDERSTANDING  DANIEL  12  -  Keith Hunt

We have to remember that not all Jews are Israelite. Also that they have brought a religion based on the tradition of the elders to the Holy Land rather than on the Laws of God and the foundation of Jesus Christ. Consequently, to many scholars, the year 1948 marks the establishment of the abomination of desolation. 

ONCE  MORE  THE  ESTABLISHMENT  OF  THE  "ABOMINATION THAT MAKES  DESOLATE"  OR  "ABOMINATION  OF  DESOLATION"  HAS  NOTHING  TO  DO  WITH  1948.  HENCE  MORE  ARE  OFF  THE  TRACKS  AND  INTO  THE  DITCH.  ALL  FULLY  EXPLAINED  ON  MY  WEBSITE  -  Keith Hunt

I must confess that I am at a loss to understand Verse 12, "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days." Perhaps one of you, dear readers, will be able to throw more light upon the verse. Please write us.......

..........

I  HAVE  AND  I  WILL,  BUT  I  DOUBT  THEY  WILL   TAKE  ANY  NOTICE  OR  SPEND  THE  TIME  TO  STUDY  ALL  THAT  I  HAVE  WRITTEN  ON  BIBLE  PROPHECY.  IT  WILL  TAKE  MANY  MONTHS  IF  NOT  A  FEW  YEARS,  TO  STUDY  ALL  I  HAVE  WRITTEN  ON  BIBLE  PROPHECY.  MOST  WILL  NOT  HAVE  THE  FORTITUDE  TO READ  AND  FOLLOW  IN  THEIR  BIBLES  ALL  I  HAVE  WRITTEN  ON  PROPHECY,  AND  ALL  THE  REPLIES  I  HAVE  GIVEN  TO  MANY  SO-CALLED  "PROPHETS"  OF  TODAY.

THIS  AUTHOR  GOES  ON  TO  USE  "LUNAR  YEARS"  "SOLAR  YEARS"  AND  THE  FALSE  IDEA  OF  GENESIS  ONE  BEING  ABOUT  6,000  YEARS  AGO.  HE  FOLLOWS  THE  FALSE  IDEA  OF  GOD  WORKING  ON  SOME  KIND  OF  6,000  YEAR  PLAN.  HE  TIES   THIS  DATE  WITH  THAT  DATE,  AND  PULLS  OUT  OF  THE  HAT,  THE  BUNNY  OF  HEZEKIAH'S  15  YEARS  EXTRA  LIFE  GRANTED  HIM,  TO  PUT  IT  ALL  TOGETHER  AS  2001  PLUS  15  =  2016.  HE  DOES  PUT  A  ?  AFTER  2016.  HE'S  BRIGHT  ENOUGH  TO  KNOW  HE  AND  HIS  GROUP  AND  ALL  HIS  DEAD  "PROPHETS"  OF  HIS  YESTERDAY  ORGANIZATION,  WERE  WRONG  ON  THEIR  PROPHETIC  DATE  SETTINGS  FOR  THE  END  OF  THIS  AGE,  AND  THE  RETURN  OF  JESUS  CHRIST.

OKAY  I'LL  GIVE  YOU  A  PROPHECY:  2016  WILL  COME  AND  GO,  AND  NOTHING  WILL  HAPPEN  BY  THEN  TO  BRING  THE  SIGNS  OF  THE  END  OF  THIS  AGE.

OH   YES  THERE  ARE  SIGNS  TO  WATCH  FOR  THAT  WILL  CLEARLY  TELL  YOU  WE  ARE  CLOSER  TO  THE  END  OF  THIS  AGE.

I  HAVE  GIVEN  YOU  THOSE  SIGNS  AND  HAVE  ANSWERED  ALL  THE  POPULAR  PROPHETS  IN  CHRISTENDOM  TODAY.  I  HAVE  SHOWN  YOU  THEIR  ERRORS,  AND  HAVE  GIVEN  YOU  THE  TRUTH  OF  DANIEL  12.  IT'S  ALL  ON  MY  WEBSITE  UNDER  "PROPHECY."

MY SERVER WENT DOWN WHEN COVID CAME; AND LOOKS  LIKE  GONE  FOREVER.

FORTUNATELY WAYBACK MACHINE CAME ALONG--- MY WEBSITE IS PRESERVED BY IT.

GO TO:    WAYBACK MACHINE

TYPE IN   keithhunt.com

CHOOSE EITHER 2015 OR 2017 YEAR

CLICK ON DOT IN A MONTH

CLICK ON WHAT COMES UP

YOU SHOULD HAVE MY WEBSITE

Keith Hunt

 

Our Daily Bread #8

To help us Endure to the end

THE PEACE-OF-MIND GAME Read: Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. - Psalm 23:1 In her down-to-earth book "More Than Sparrows," Mary Welch tells of her discussion about worry with a group of teenagers. Although they were Christians, they were worried as unbelievers about the common things of life. As she lovingly listened to them, an unusual idea came to her for a game they could play. It went like this: Instead of saying; "I'm worried," stop and say, "The Lord is my Shepherd." Then add, "So I'm worried to death!" The students laughed at the absurdity of the idea, but they all promised to play this new "peace-of-mind" game. Later, Mary received a phone call from a young woman who had been paralyzed by worry over an exam she had been dreading to take. She said, "I must tell you how the game helped me trust God today. As I froze with worry, I remembered to say, 'The Lord is my Shepherd ... so I'm afraid I'll fail!' Suddenly I felt the strangest peace of mind. I laughed at myself, then I took the exam - and I passed!" Saying "The Lord is my Shepherd, and I am worried to death" is more than a mind game to point out the absurdity of worry. God can use this contradiction to bring us to a fuller trust in Him. - Joanie Yoder Why worry when you can pray? Trust Jesus, He'll be your stay: Don't be a "doubting Thomas," rest fully on His promise. Why worry when you can pray? - Peterson WORRY IS THE INTEREST YOU PAY ON BORROWED TROUBLES. PATIENCE NEEDED Read: 1 Corinthians 13 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself; is not puffed up. - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Our flight to Singapore was delayed because of mechanical problems. The 15-minute delay turned into 30 minutes, then 60 - and then 3 hours. The ground staff was scrambling to calm the crowd, but people were fired and soon became angry. As the night stretched on, the crowd began to turn into a mob-screaming at the staff with harsh language. The pilot even came to offer encouragement, but the crowd turned on him as well. As I watched the scene unfold a Singaporean man standing beside me softly said, "Patience will be a much needed virtue tonight" Life can be frustrating, even exasperating. Yet, many times impatience is just a reflection of our own self-centeredness in response to life's disappointments. Real love is pictured in the Bible as self-sacrifice (John 15:13), and one demonstration of that love is patience toward others. "Love suffers long and is kind; love ... does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked" (l Cor.13:45). It sets aside our personal agenda and seeks to model Christ. Sound impossible? It is, if we attempt it in our own strength. But as we pray for help, God provides us with patience that reflects His love - even during frustrating circumstances. Bill Crowder When irritated and upset Do you complain and gripe and fret? Or is your life controlled inside, Because in Jesus you confide? - Branon WHEN TEMPTED TO LOSE PATIENCE WITH OTHERS, REMEMBER GOD'S PATIENCE WITH YOU. SUNSET BOULEVARD Read: Deuteronomy 34 (Moses') eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished. - deuteronomy 34:7 Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Sunset Boulevard" tells the story of Norma Desmond, a former silent film star. When the talking movies came into fashion, she lost her audience. As an older woman, she longed for the glory of her past. In her mind, silent facial expressions alone made a good movie - not dialogue. In the song "With One Look' - Norma sings: With one look I can break your heart; With one look I play every part ... With one look I'll ignite a blaze; I'll return to my glory days. Because Norma lived in the past, life ended in tragedy. It's been said that each life is like a book, lived one chapter at a time. If you think your most fruitful years are behind you, remember you're writing a new chapter now. Learn to live each day with contentment in the present. Near the end of Moses' life, God showed him the promised Land. Clearly, he had accomplished his mission in life. But he didn't long for the miracles of his "glory days." Instead, Moses was content to obey God in the present. In his sunset years, he mentored Joshua to be his successor (Dent. 31:1-8). Living contentedly in the present has a way of making us productive for a lifetime - for God's glory. - Dennis Fisher I give my life to You, O Lord, And live for You each day; Grant me contentment as I strive, To follow and obey. - Sper LIVING IN THE PAST PARALYZES THE PRESENT AND BANKRUPTS THE FUTURE. THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE CROSS Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. - 2 Corinthians 1:9 In J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional "The Lord of the Rings," a simple, goodhearted hobbit by the name of Frodo Baggins is entrusted with a dangerous mission. Together with a group called the Fellowship of the Ring, he must defeat the forces of evil by returning a magic gold ring to the fires of Mount Doom from which it was forged. Along the way, evil stalks Frodo. Battles are lost. Friends die. Reflecting on such tragedies, Frodo confides in his wise friend Gandalf, "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish that this had never happened:" Gandalf replies, "So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All you must decide is how to use the time that is given to you.." In the "fellowship of the cross," a servant of Christ is also tested. Like Paul, we may feel crushed under the weight of circumstances (2 Cor.1:3-11). The path seems too steep to climb. We wonder if there is a dawn beyond the darkness. Though we may not choose our circumstances, we do choose whether to trust God (2 Cor.1:9). Through the fellowship of the Son and the enablement of the Spirit, we can carry out our mission for God (1 Cor.1:9; John 16:13). Trust Him to guide you along the way. He offers wise counsel. - Mart De Haan Then in fellowship sweet, we will sit at His feet, Or we'll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, where He sends we will go, Never fear, only trust and obey. - Sammis YOU CAN TRUST GOD IN THE DARK AS WELL AS IN THE LIGHT. THE GIVING KING Read: Ruth 2:14-20 Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead. - Ruth 2:20 At one end of the truck terminal where H. H. Lee worked years ago was a coal company. Nearby was a railroad, and each day several freight trains passed by. Lee often noticed that the owner of the company, who was a Christian, threw chunks of coal over the fence at various places along the track. One day he asked the man why he did this. The man replied, "An elderly woman lives across the street, and I know that her pension is inadequate to buy enough coal. After the trains goes by, she walks along and picks up the pieces she thinks have fallen from the coal car behind the engine. She doesn't realize that diesels have replaced steam locomotives. I don't want to disappoint her, so I just throw some pieces over the fence." That's Christianity in action! The book of Ruth vividly portrays this principle of giving. When Boaz saw Ruth gathering grain behind the reapers in his held, he commanded them to leave some handfuls of grain for her. To her, this was a blessing from the Lord In the same way, the people whose lives we touch need to experience God's love through our compassion and generosity. That's why we should ask God to make us aware of opportunities to show kindness. - Henry Bosch Do a deed of simple kindness: Though its end you may not see, It will reach like widening ripples, Down a long eternity. - Anon. KINDNESS IS THE OIL THAT TAKES THE FRICTION OUT OF LIFE. CARE OF THE HEART Read: Proverbs 24:30-34 When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction. - Proverbs 24:32 My father-in-law took a rocky, barren hilltop in Texas and transformed it into a beautiful homesite with a shaded green lawn. After removing thousands of rocks, he added topsoil, planted trees and grass, and kept it watered. Since his death, it has lacked his consistent care. Today when I visit and work around that house, battling the invading thistles, thorns, and weeds, I ponder the state of my own heart. Am I like that neglected yard, or perhaps the field and vineyard described in Proverbs 24 - overgrown with thorns, covered with nettles, its stone wall broken down? (v.31). The owner is lazy and lacks understanding (v.30), perhaps putting off today's tasks for a more convenient time. Along with the practical instruction about diligence in work, I find an application for the care of my soul. The thistles of self-interest grow naturally within me, while the fruit that pleases God requires constant weeding and watering through prayer, confession, and obedience to the Lord. Without these, the soil of my heart will become choked with the thorns of trivial pursuits and greed. "Keep your heart with all diligence;" Solomon wrote, "for out of it spring the issues of life" (Prov.4:23). That requires constant Care. - David McCasland One little sin, what harm can it do? Give it free reign and soon there are two. Then sinful deeds and habits ensue - Guard well your thoughts, lest they control you. - DJD THE GARDEN OF OUR HEART NEEDS CONSTANT WEEDING AND CARE. THE QUARTER IN YOUR POCKET Read: James 5:13-18 The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. - James 5:16 Some things are irresistible. For me, it's bubble-gum machines. I can hardly resist the urge to watch one of those colorful gumballs roll down the tunnel so I can pop it into my mouth. But without a quarter, those gumballs are locked up inside. You can be sure that as long as I have the right coin, I won't pass up an opportunity to enjoy the mouth-watering treat. Prayer is the quarter in your pocket when it comes to releasing the vast resources of God's character and blessings in your life. The "muchness" of God stands in sharp contrast to the leanness of our souls. and without prayer we cannot begin to tap into the reservoir of all that He is waiting to bestow on us. When we long for a satisfying taste of His resources, prayer is essential. James makes it clear that our prayer needs to be "fervent" and "effective" (5:16). God is not into ritual but reality. He wants us to avoid formulaic prayers in exchange for a persistent passion. We are to approach His throne of grace with a keen awareness of our need for Him. As James stated earlier in his book, "You do not have because you do not ask" (4:2). The more we pray, the more we receive, and before long our lives will demonstrate the life-changing reality of the muchness of God. - Joe Stowell The more we go to God in prayer, intent to seek His face, The more we'll want to be with Him, Before His throne of grace - Sper MUCH PRAYER, MUCH POWER; LITTLE PRAYER, LITTLE POWER; NO PRAYER, NO POWER! .................

MINERALS--- MY HEALTH ALBERTA

MY HEALTH ALBERTA

Minerals: Their Functions and Sources

Topic Overview

The body needs many minerals; these are called essential minerals. Essential minerals are sometimes divided up into major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). These two groups of minerals are equally important, but trace minerals are needed in smaller amounts than major minerals. The amounts needed in the body are not an indication of their importance.

A balanced diet usually provides all of the essential minerals. The two tables below list minerals, what they do in the body (their functions), and their sources in food.

Macrominerals

Major minerals

Mineral	Function	Sources
Sodium	Needed for proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction	Table salt, soy sauce; large amounts in processed foods; small amounts in milk, breads, vegetables, and unprocessed meats
Chloride	Needed for proper fluid balance, stomach acid	Table salt, soy sauce; large amounts in processed foods; small amounts in milk, meats, breads, and vegetables
Potassium	Needed for proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction	Meats, milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes
Calcium	Important for healthy bones and teeth; helps muscles relax and contract; important in nerve functioning, blood clotting, blood pressure regulation, immune system health	Milk and milk products; canned fish with bones (salmon, sardines); fortified tofu and fortified soy beverage; greens (broccoli, mustard greens); legumes
Phosphorus	Important for healthy bones and teeth; found in every cell; part of the system that maintains acid-base balance	Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, processed foods (including soda pop)
Magnesium	Found in bones; needed for making protein, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, immune system health	Nuts and seeds; legumes; leafy, green vegetables; seafood; chocolate; artichokes; "hard" drinking water
Sulfur	Found in protein molecules	Occurs in foods as part of protein: meats, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, legumes, nuts

Trace minerals (microminerals)

The body needs trace minerals in very small amounts. Note that iron is considered to be a trace mineral, although the amount needed is somewhat more than for other microminerals.

Trace minerals

Mineral	Function	Sources
Iron	Part of a molecule (hemoglobin) found in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the body; needed for energy metabolism	Organ meats; red meats; fish; poultry; shellfish (especially clams); egg yolks; legumes; dried fruits; dark, leafy greens; iron-enriched breads and cereals; and fortified cereals
Zinc	Part of many enzymes; needed for making protein and genetic material; has a function in taste perception, wound healing, normal fetal development, production of sperm, normal growth and sexual maturation, immune system health	Meats, fish, poultry, leavened whole grains, vegetables
Iodine	Found in thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth, development, and metabolism	Seafood, foods grown in iodine-rich soil, iodized salt, bread, dairy products
Selenium	Antioxidant	Meats, seafood, grains
Copper	Part of many enzymes; needed for iron metabolism	Legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, organ meats, drinking water
Manganese	Part of many enzymes	Widespread in foods, especially plant foods
Fluoride	Involved in formation of bones and teeth; helps prevent tooth decay	Drinking water (either fluoridated or naturally containing fluoride), fish, and most teas
Chromium	Works closely with insulin to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels	Unrefined foods, especially liver, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, cheeses
Molybdenum	Part of some enzymes	Legumes; breads and grains; leafy greens; leafy, green vegetables; milk; liver

Other trace nutrients known to be essential in tiny amounts include nickel, silicon, vanadium, and cobalt.

Current as of: September 8, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator & Colleen O'Connor PhD, RD - Registered Dietitian