Health Care Reform is now the new buzz in the news. As the President and Congress try to hash out a health care proposal for the country to get those 47 million uninsured Americans covered, part of the savings in the health care costs is supposed to come from decreased utilization of services due to increased health. Health and wellness is supposed to be a big part of the new health care initiative, as healthy people do not use health care services that much. I myself am a good example of that. I only go to the doctor for check ups: Physicals, mamograms, and Pap smears. I do suffer from some minor chronic ailments such as acne, which I controll naturally with diet, good hygiene, facials, and plant-based topicals. I am a big believer in the natural healing arts, and I do believe that if the natural healing arts are allowed to flourish under the new health care initiative, then the country will definitely see huge health care savings.
In theory, health care costs WILL BE REDUCED if people follow preventative care. The question however is: Will people do what it takes to remain healthy? From my experience of dealing with sick people, I find that many are not willing to make the sacrifice needed for good health. Some become motivated to get healthy after a major life-threatening illness, but many still continue with their old bad habits even after they have been educated. It seems like it takes more than sheer will power for some to change their health habits. I know for myself, that it was VERY HARD for me to change some of my bad eating habits, and it is still a work in progress, although with excellent progress. I do not think I could have done it without the help of God.
The health and wellness program that I adhere to is found within the pages of the Bible. I think this is the BEST health prevention program ever. I am a follower of the health principles from the Bible as taught by Jordan Rubin in his book The Maker's Diet (http://www.jordanrubin.com/). As a Physical Therapist, I am a professional health care specialist in the science of movement, body functionality, and exercise. I am also a Spiritual teacher with a prophetic edge. I am able to take Biblical teachings and make current day applications for the present time, while laying a foundation for future time (this is classically what prophets do). Many times I post entries on this blog, and then I hear them talking about the same things on the news a few days later. Even some of the things I have written in my book I hear them talking about those very same things in the media and over the airwaves, as if they were new ideas. Coincidence? Or prophetic insight? You be the judge.
Health care reform is definitely needed in this country to increase access to good health care. My prayer is that alternative practitioners as myself will be allowed to practice the healing arts, that have worked for thousands of years.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Devotional of the Week July 26-August 1
Psalm 142 (King James Version)
1I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
2I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
4I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
5I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
6Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
7Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
1I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
2I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
4I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
5I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
6Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
7Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Devotional of the Week July 19-25
Matthew 18:21-35 (King James Version)
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Christian love and charity calls upon us to not only forgive others of the wrongs they have done to us, but also to forgive others of monies owed to us in debt. This is not a call to let people use you and abuse you, but a call for mercy. Many times people owe us money which they had all intention of repaying, but unexpected mishaps occur, such as loss of a job, or loss of the family breadwinner, or major illness, that renders the person incapable of repaying their debt. In situations like these we ought to show brotherly love, and not add any more stress to someone who is already under great duress.
When we think of all that Christ has done for us, the things He has given freely to us, why can we not show love and mercy to others who may be worse off than we are? Life is more than about amassing great wealth for ourselves. It is about living a life that is pleasing to God, and living in love with our fellow man. Hey, you don't have to be a rich person to forgive debts. Forgiving debts has nothing to do with how much you have. It is all about how much you are willing to give. Let us show some brotherly love in a practical way, and help out a brother in need.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Our Health, The Economy, and the End Times
People sometimes wonder why is it that I post so much about health. What has health got to do with salvation anyhow? God came to save our souls, not our bodies, right? In this post, I am going to look at the impact of our health in the end times and how that is going to affect our faithfulness to God. It is not as far-fetched as you think.
Revelation 13 speaks of a time when people will not be allowed to buy or sell unless they receive the mark of the Beast.
"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name" (Revelation 13:16-17, NIV).
What this means is that NO BUSINESS TRANSACTION will be allowed to take place unless one has the mark of the Beast. You will not be able to buy groceries, pay your mortgage, buy a car, buy gas, ride on public transportation, purchase or use your cell phone, pay your utility bills, take vacations, receive a pay check, or pay for medical care, and so on. At that time Christians will be required to put their full trust in God to make it through, trusting Him to keep and provide for them. Christians who are suffering from illnesses requiring medication might be tempted to take the mark of the Beast in order to purchase their drugs or to receive medical care. If they are weak in faith, they might choose to take the mark of the Beast rather than suffer or die of their illnesses. They might be hesitant about trusting God to keep them healthy or alive. People who have learned NOW how to put their health in God's hand by following His health principles, and trusting in Him in situations when doctors have no cure, WILL be able to endure the health test during the time of trouble. We know from scriptures that if we do not receive a full cure here, God will restore our health in His eternal kingdom. In Isaiah 35:3-6 (NIV) it says:
"Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you." Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. "
Here is the thing: ALL Christians will be under extreme duress during that time, whether ill or healthy. It will be a time when we will have to make a conscious choice between being faithful to God or taking the mark of the Beast, to avoid being killed by the Beast. Some of us are depending upon the rapture to avoid facing this situation, but there is no evidence that Christians will be raptured away before this event takes place. As a matter of fact, Christians will be around during that time. The "saints" referred here in this passage are regular Christians and not some special canonized saints. Speaking of the Beast:
"He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. He who has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints" (Revelation 13:7-10).
My friends, do not be alarmed. If you are trusting in God now, and have learned how to trust Him, then when the time of testing comes, you will be strong. If you have never learned how to trust Him, then when the time of testing comes you will fail. In the book of James it says, "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1: 2-3). He also said, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him" (James 1:12).
The everyday trials we face in everyday life are not pleasant by any means, but it is God's purpose that we use those trials as opportunities for getting stronger in the faith. Nothing feels better than having victory over trials and temptations. The trials and tribulations of today, will strengthen our faith for tomorrow.
By the way, the time of the mark of the Beast is not here yet. When that time comes you will know, without a shadow of a doubt (and I will warn you too ahead of time). For now, we just got to keep trusting and living for God, and allow Him to strengthen our faith day by day.
Revelation 13 speaks of a time when people will not be allowed to buy or sell unless they receive the mark of the Beast.
"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name" (Revelation 13:16-17, NIV).
What this means is that NO BUSINESS TRANSACTION will be allowed to take place unless one has the mark of the Beast. You will not be able to buy groceries, pay your mortgage, buy a car, buy gas, ride on public transportation, purchase or use your cell phone, pay your utility bills, take vacations, receive a pay check, or pay for medical care, and so on. At that time Christians will be required to put their full trust in God to make it through, trusting Him to keep and provide for them. Christians who are suffering from illnesses requiring medication might be tempted to take the mark of the Beast in order to purchase their drugs or to receive medical care. If they are weak in faith, they might choose to take the mark of the Beast rather than suffer or die of their illnesses. They might be hesitant about trusting God to keep them healthy or alive. People who have learned NOW how to put their health in God's hand by following His health principles, and trusting in Him in situations when doctors have no cure, WILL be able to endure the health test during the time of trouble. We know from scriptures that if we do not receive a full cure here, God will restore our health in His eternal kingdom. In Isaiah 35:3-6 (NIV) it says:
"Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you." Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. "
Here is the thing: ALL Christians will be under extreme duress during that time, whether ill or healthy. It will be a time when we will have to make a conscious choice between being faithful to God or taking the mark of the Beast, to avoid being killed by the Beast. Some of us are depending upon the rapture to avoid facing this situation, but there is no evidence that Christians will be raptured away before this event takes place. As a matter of fact, Christians will be around during that time. The "saints" referred here in this passage are regular Christians and not some special canonized saints. Speaking of the Beast:
"He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. He who has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints" (Revelation 13:7-10).
My friends, do not be alarmed. If you are trusting in God now, and have learned how to trust Him, then when the time of testing comes, you will be strong. If you have never learned how to trust Him, then when the time of testing comes you will fail. In the book of James it says, "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1: 2-3). He also said, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him" (James 1:12).
The everyday trials we face in everyday life are not pleasant by any means, but it is God's purpose that we use those trials as opportunities for getting stronger in the faith. Nothing feels better than having victory over trials and temptations. The trials and tribulations of today, will strengthen our faith for tomorrow.
By the way, the time of the mark of the Beast is not here yet. When that time comes you will know, without a shadow of a doubt (and I will warn you too ahead of time). For now, we just got to keep trusting and living for God, and allow Him to strengthen our faith day by day.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Don't Fall Victim to the Health Care Scam
Are you a victim of the health care scam? Many of us are victims and do not even know it. In light of the recent Michael Jackson death, much has been made in the news about the abuse of prescription medication/drugs and surgery. Unfortunately, medical abuse runs rampant in this country, and as a Physical Therapist myself, I have seen firsthand the ravaging effects of overutilization of medical care. Many people, instead of opting for a natural alternative to deal with their health problems such as lifestyle change, diet, simple herbs, and limited use of prescription medication/surgery, have instead chosen to use medical management as the primary means of managing illness. You see, they have bought into the lie, "Live any way you want we can fix you." That is the same lie we have heard when referring to our spiritual life as well, "Live any way you want as long as you believe in Jesus you will be saved." Both these sayings, by the way, are lies from the pit of hell, and many people are deceived thereby.
The medical culture has been to take a pill for everything, and if the pill does not work, try surgery or medical procedures. Prevention and healthy living are way down on the totem pole in standard health care. Healthy living is not really seen as medical care, and is sometimes treated as an adjunct at best, or as a curiousity that does no harm at worst. It is now full time for us to make healthy living the PRIMARY, and first line of defense for treating all diseases. I will give a simple example. Diabetes is a common medical illness affecting millions of people. Standard medical care for diabetes include diet modification and medication mangement. To be honest with you, the medical management aspect is emphasized more than the dietary changes, and many patients are told they can eat anything they want, as long as they take their pills or insulin. Consequently, because of dietary neglect, many diabetics who had controlled their diabetes with only pills, eventually find themselves on insulin due to worsening of their diabetes. If they had adhered to some healthy eating and exercise guidelines, then they probably would have delayed or even avoided the future need for insulin.
As a Biblical Health Coach, I have yet to see any disease that cannot be helped by following the principles of healthy living as outlined in the Bible. ALL DISEASES can be brought under some level of control if health guidlelines are followed - even diseases which require medical management. Therefore, if you have lung cancer - stop smoking. If you have high cholesterol - stop eating sugary and fatty foods. If you are obese - start exercising. Depending on some medical procedure to cure you and not making the lifestyle changes can make the difference between being cured or not being cured. For myself, when I found myself with a recurring case of fibroids, which recurred after the first surgery, I beat the odds by making lifestyle changes and then having the surgery again to remove them. They never recurred again. The lifestyle change made the difference between being cured or having recurrent fibroids for the rest of my life.
Don't become a victim of the health care scam. By following the principles of healthy living, we can regain control of our health.
The medical culture has been to take a pill for everything, and if the pill does not work, try surgery or medical procedures. Prevention and healthy living are way down on the totem pole in standard health care. Healthy living is not really seen as medical care, and is sometimes treated as an adjunct at best, or as a curiousity that does no harm at worst. It is now full time for us to make healthy living the PRIMARY, and first line of defense for treating all diseases. I will give a simple example. Diabetes is a common medical illness affecting millions of people. Standard medical care for diabetes include diet modification and medication mangement. To be honest with you, the medical management aspect is emphasized more than the dietary changes, and many patients are told they can eat anything they want, as long as they take their pills or insulin. Consequently, because of dietary neglect, many diabetics who had controlled their diabetes with only pills, eventually find themselves on insulin due to worsening of their diabetes. If they had adhered to some healthy eating and exercise guidelines, then they probably would have delayed or even avoided the future need for insulin.
As a Biblical Health Coach, I have yet to see any disease that cannot be helped by following the principles of healthy living as outlined in the Bible. ALL DISEASES can be brought under some level of control if health guidlelines are followed - even diseases which require medical management. Therefore, if you have lung cancer - stop smoking. If you have high cholesterol - stop eating sugary and fatty foods. If you are obese - start exercising. Depending on some medical procedure to cure you and not making the lifestyle changes can make the difference between being cured or not being cured. For myself, when I found myself with a recurring case of fibroids, which recurred after the first surgery, I beat the odds by making lifestyle changes and then having the surgery again to remove them. They never recurred again. The lifestyle change made the difference between being cured or having recurrent fibroids for the rest of my life.
Don't become a victim of the health care scam. By following the principles of healthy living, we can regain control of our health.
Devotional of the Week July 12-18
Romans 11:22-12:2 (New King James Version)
"Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “ For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
"The gifts and the callling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29). When God makes a promise to us, He does not go back on His word. He will carry it through. We can always trust Him to do as He says. Like Israel of old who trusted God to send a deliverer to save them from their sins, so do we now trust Him to save us from our sins. Therefore, the most reasonable thing we can do is to give our lives over to Him. We need to present our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, set apart for holiness. In the same way that we trust Him with His promises, we can trust Him with our lives. Let us therefore not be quick to conform to the standards of this world, which by the way, cares nothing for us, but let us rather conform ourselves to the will of God.
"Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “ For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
"The gifts and the callling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29). When God makes a promise to us, He does not go back on His word. He will carry it through. We can always trust Him to do as He says. Like Israel of old who trusted God to send a deliverer to save them from their sins, so do we now trust Him to save us from our sins. Therefore, the most reasonable thing we can do is to give our lives over to Him. We need to present our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, set apart for holiness. In the same way that we trust Him with His promises, we can trust Him with our lives. Let us therefore not be quick to conform to the standards of this world, which by the way, cares nothing for us, but let us rather conform ourselves to the will of God.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Devotional of the Week July 5-11
1 Corinthians 1:4-8
"I thank God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Many Christians I'm afraid are too satisfied with a "easy believin" mentality where they think all they have to do is believe in Jesus and they will be saved. Many do not realize however that once they are saved, God seeks to enrich their lives with spiritual gifts that will build them up and church. Many are unwilling to exercise their spiritual gifts because they are afraid of been seen as weird or fanatical, but God is reaching out to us to enrich our lives with special gifts from heaven. He gives us these gifts so that we can be strong to face life challenges, and to grow to be more like Him. Let us therefore not refuse these gifts but embrace them, because God has given them for our good.
"I thank God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Many Christians I'm afraid are too satisfied with a "easy believin" mentality where they think all they have to do is believe in Jesus and they will be saved. Many do not realize however that once they are saved, God seeks to enrich their lives with spiritual gifts that will build them up and church. Many are unwilling to exercise their spiritual gifts because they are afraid of been seen as weird or fanatical, but God is reaching out to us to enrich our lives with special gifts from heaven. He gives us these gifts so that we can be strong to face life challenges, and to grow to be more like Him. Let us therefore not refuse these gifts but embrace them, because God has given them for our good.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The New Life Span of Man
In the recent news we have heard of the untimely deaths of famous persons such as Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays, and others. Death is the expected outcome for everyone, but it is especially tragic when people die before they had lived out their full life span. In the news also, commentators are also debating whether Michael made a good decision to leave custody of his children to his 79 year-old mother, since her age would be a limiting factor as to how much time she would have left on earth, before she dies. They also question his decision to choose Diana Ross as the secondary guardian of his children, in case his mother dies, as Diana Ross is 65 years old, and thus has an age-limited life expectancy. In light of all the news about untimely deaths and life expectancy, I would like to speak Biblically about the God-ordained life span of man and how it has changed over the centuries.
We have all heard on the news that people are living longer, and that the life expectancy of man has increased. Many people now live well into their 90's, and with the aging of the baby-boomers, that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The reason for the longer life expectancy is usually credited to better health care and the availability of pharmaceuticals and surgery to treat chronic, otherwise life-threatening diseases. Many have hailed these modern "miracle cures" as the reason why man is living longer: But is this really so? Is it really possible for man to extend his life through medical intervention? What I am going to say next may be controversial to some, but my whole purpose of writing this piece is to put everything in its proper perspective, so that we can truly understand what is, and who is truly at work here.
Let me first say, that no amount surgery, drugs, or medical intervention is able to extend the life span of man. The life span of man is a fixed age-related time, determined by God, and is out of our control. On the other hand, we do have some control over our life expectancy, which is an individual's expectation of how long he/she should live, based upon one's health, lifestyle, and access to medical care. What many people fail to understand however is that medical care and healthy living DOES NOT increase our life span; instead, medical care and healthy living PREVENTS US FROM DYING before we live out our life span. Let's say for example that the life span of man is 70 years, and one suffers a heart attack at age 35. Without medical care, one might die at age 35 from the heart attack. With medical care and healthy living however, one can survive a heart attack and live on for a long time after that, even up to the full 70 years. You see, medical care and healthy living allows someone to fulfill his/her years and not die before that time. If we however neglect to take care of our health and seek proper medical care for illness, then we can be sure that our life expectancy will be much less than if we take care our selves; therefore, we do have some control over our life expectancy.
As was said before, we do have some control over our life expectancy, but little to no control over our life span. Our life span is a God-ordained age-fixed time for the human life. Just as how God ordained that flies should live only for a few days, or pets for a few years, so He has ordained how long man should live. In the Old Testament, we see that pre-flood man lived to just under 1,000 years old. Methuselah was the oldest man in recorded history and he lived to be 969 years old (Genesis 5:27). No one has ever lived past that age since then, and after the flood, the life span of man began to gradually diminish over the years, as God had ordained that man should live to be no more than 120 years old (Genesis 6:3). We see the fulfillment of that in the life of Moses, as he lived to be 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7). Curiously though, Moses prophesied that the life span of man would be reduced yet again to 70 years, and "if by reason of strength" 80 years (Psalm 90:10). This we have seen over the years. Even the social security system, which when it was set up, assumed a life span of no more than 70 years. Well things have changed now, and the elderly are living way past 70. As a matter of fact, age 70 is the beginning of new life for many people, as we find many 70 year-olds to be active adults, well engaged in living and enjoying life. Go to many of these "Adult communities" and see how active and vibrant our grandmas and grandpas are. They have great social lives, and have much more fun than many young people at times. Age 70 is the new 60, and many expect to live decades, and yes I mean decades, after that.
All this has not gone by unnoticed by insurance companies, the medical community, and the government. Insurance companies are now offering policies that will cover a person up to age 100, and new medical procedures make it safe for persons over age 70 to have major surgery. Even the government is scratching its head trying to come up with a solution to keep Medicare and Social Security solvent for the exploding aging population. What therefore is the real cause in the increased number of very elderly people? The answer is an increase in the life span of man. The Bible predicted a coming time when people would live to be 100 years old. In the book of Isaiah we read:
"Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed" (Isaiah 65:20, NIV).
In the above verse, what is being described is a coming time when even 100 year-old people will still have vigor and life. Recently on TV, on CNN, only a few weeks ago, they feature a 100 year-old man who still played tennis, and who was extremely healthy. He was on no medications, and toured the world with other seniors playing in tennis tournaments!
We are definitely living in a time when man's life span is extended, but we should not be satisfied with a mere extension. We should reach instead for the abundant life of eternity, which is promised to all believers. In eternity, we will not see death, and life will never cease.
We have all heard on the news that people are living longer, and that the life expectancy of man has increased. Many people now live well into their 90's, and with the aging of the baby-boomers, that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The reason for the longer life expectancy is usually credited to better health care and the availability of pharmaceuticals and surgery to treat chronic, otherwise life-threatening diseases. Many have hailed these modern "miracle cures" as the reason why man is living longer: But is this really so? Is it really possible for man to extend his life through medical intervention? What I am going to say next may be controversial to some, but my whole purpose of writing this piece is to put everything in its proper perspective, so that we can truly understand what is, and who is truly at work here.
Let me first say, that no amount surgery, drugs, or medical intervention is able to extend the life span of man. The life span of man is a fixed age-related time, determined by God, and is out of our control. On the other hand, we do have some control over our life expectancy, which is an individual's expectation of how long he/she should live, based upon one's health, lifestyle, and access to medical care. What many people fail to understand however is that medical care and healthy living DOES NOT increase our life span; instead, medical care and healthy living PREVENTS US FROM DYING before we live out our life span. Let's say for example that the life span of man is 70 years, and one suffers a heart attack at age 35. Without medical care, one might die at age 35 from the heart attack. With medical care and healthy living however, one can survive a heart attack and live on for a long time after that, even up to the full 70 years. You see, medical care and healthy living allows someone to fulfill his/her years and not die before that time. If we however neglect to take care of our health and seek proper medical care for illness, then we can be sure that our life expectancy will be much less than if we take care our selves; therefore, we do have some control over our life expectancy.
As was said before, we do have some control over our life expectancy, but little to no control over our life span. Our life span is a God-ordained age-fixed time for the human life. Just as how God ordained that flies should live only for a few days, or pets for a few years, so He has ordained how long man should live. In the Old Testament, we see that pre-flood man lived to just under 1,000 years old. Methuselah was the oldest man in recorded history and he lived to be 969 years old (Genesis 5:27). No one has ever lived past that age since then, and after the flood, the life span of man began to gradually diminish over the years, as God had ordained that man should live to be no more than 120 years old (Genesis 6:3). We see the fulfillment of that in the life of Moses, as he lived to be 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7). Curiously though, Moses prophesied that the life span of man would be reduced yet again to 70 years, and "if by reason of strength" 80 years (Psalm 90:10). This we have seen over the years. Even the social security system, which when it was set up, assumed a life span of no more than 70 years. Well things have changed now, and the elderly are living way past 70. As a matter of fact, age 70 is the beginning of new life for many people, as we find many 70 year-olds to be active adults, well engaged in living and enjoying life. Go to many of these "Adult communities" and see how active and vibrant our grandmas and grandpas are. They have great social lives, and have much more fun than many young people at times. Age 70 is the new 60, and many expect to live decades, and yes I mean decades, after that.
All this has not gone by unnoticed by insurance companies, the medical community, and the government. Insurance companies are now offering policies that will cover a person up to age 100, and new medical procedures make it safe for persons over age 70 to have major surgery. Even the government is scratching its head trying to come up with a solution to keep Medicare and Social Security solvent for the exploding aging population. What therefore is the real cause in the increased number of very elderly people? The answer is an increase in the life span of man. The Bible predicted a coming time when people would live to be 100 years old. In the book of Isaiah we read:
"Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed" (Isaiah 65:20, NIV).
In the above verse, what is being described is a coming time when even 100 year-old people will still have vigor and life. Recently on TV, on CNN, only a few weeks ago, they feature a 100 year-old man who still played tennis, and who was extremely healthy. He was on no medications, and toured the world with other seniors playing in tennis tournaments!
We are definitely living in a time when man's life span is extended, but we should not be satisfied with a mere extension. We should reach instead for the abundant life of eternity, which is promised to all believers. In eternity, we will not see death, and life will never cease.
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