WEEK 8. Cleaning our pantry

 

Monday The conviction of Our health

Write in your journal the following verses:

1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

 

 

The first thing we need to know is that we need conviction "faith" of why our health is important. If our perspective does not have the right value that God wants it to have, it would be very difficult to have long-lasting results.

 

Let's look at what the word of God says about our food as well as fasting. 

Let’s Read: Daniel 1. 

Personal evaluation

1. Do you think your food is healthy? If yes or no, describe why.

2. Write the foods you consume the most with your family and put a number from 1 to 7. Seven is the most frequent (one number per day). This is not quantity per serving, but how many times a week.

Example

vegetables ....... 3 days a week

meats ............... 3 days a week

grains .............. 5 days

pasta ............... 1 day

nuts .................. 3 days

pan ............... 7 days

seafood .......... 0 days

fast food ......... 2 days

dairy products ... 7 days

Sweets (candy, chocolates, ice cream, cookies, sodas, desserts, etc.) ... 3 days

Other products processed with high fat or for fast consumption. (chips, things high in salt, bread, etc.) ... 2 days.

 

Based on what you write which foods are most frequent in your home and which of them are the most nutritious. From what they eat, which of them you think are bad for your health and why.

 

Tips: If you are not sure how your weekly food is, we suggest that for a week you write down all the food you are consuming so you can have a clearer idea.

Action Steps

In this part, we read that Nebuchadnezzar was a strong influence for that reign.

What influences the way you serve your food? (culture, customs, tastes, economy, time).

How is that influence affecting your health and that of your family (for good or bad)?

Is there something you need to change? Write, and think what action steps I should take to improve my food at home.

If you are not sure if it is right or wrong, look for information either with your doctor or with a nutritionist to help you understand it better.

 

Tuesday: little by little Daniel 1: 8-21

Write in your journal the following verses:

  1 Daniel 1: 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 

1. • Look for the word defile and write its meaning.

   • Find the word "propose" and write its meaning.

   • Why do you think Daniel had the conviction to say no to the king's diet?

   • What was the result you had when you proposed to eat differently and how would you apply that to your home

 

Action Steps

What things can you determine in your heart to be able to eat healthier and it can also involve your family?

What foods do you think you should eliminate?

This involves taking some time to check your pantry. Dispose of at least 3 things that you know are not healthy. Examples (sodas, cookies, sweetened cereals, sweets, etc.) Start with the one you are most consuming.

Extra: Daniel tested his food for 10 days. We motivate you to eat food for 10 days that you know is nutritious and not part of your regular diet (if you don't get veggie try some). Also eliminates foods that you know have been part of a bad choice in your daily diet.

 

Wednesday: Jeremiah 15:15 Eating with Joy

Write in your journal the following verses:

Jer. 15: 15 Your words were found, and I ate them,

And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;

For I am called by Your name,

O Lord God of hosts.

 

Although we have been seeing food for the body, nothing can surpass the quality of spiritual nourishment we receive when we seek his word. The physical, as well as the spiritual food, must be pleasant and its purpose is to nourish. The fact that you are reading his word today implies a benefit not only for this moment but for the long term. In the same way, proposing to eat better brings benefits not only today but for your future.

Why do you think Jeremiah looked at the word as food?

With what attitude did Jeremiah receive his Word.

Why do you think it says "God of hosts?

 

Action Steps

We need to know who is on our side. Jeremiah looked at his word as food but also acknowledged God's authority over his life. This means that he helps us overcome any situation that may be causing a problem.

If you have not yet checked your pantry, write and put the date when you will do it. If you do not feel joy do it. Examine yourself, evaluate your intention and give it to God.

 

Thursday: I am the Temple and dwelling place of God 1 Corinthians 6: 12-20

Write in your journal the following verses:

  1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

Who does your body belong to?

If your body is a temple for God, how do you think you can take care of it?

 

Action Steps

We have been working with our natural pantry. However, there is also a spiritual pantry that we must examine.

Is there something that you should give to Him?

What is the blessing for your life if you obey what God is asking of you?

 

Friday: Don't give up!

Write in your journal the following verses:

Pro 31:14-17 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.

 

What does "night" mean in this verse for you?

 

The night is usually for rest but here we see a woman who gets up at night. It may be that it is not yet clear why you should make changes in your food but in due time the diligence will produce fruit. Just like Daniel, there was a fruit of his discipline. The change begins in our heart and the way we think.

 

Action Steps

 

If it seems almost impossible to make changes because this implies changing certain tastes, do not try to convince everyone. Start with yourself

1. Evaluate your pantry. (What is your influence?)

2. What is your conviction of why you eat the way you do?

3. The food must be pleasant both spiritually and physically. 

4. You are the Temple of God and you belong to Him. What are you doing to take care of Him?

5. Do not give up, do good and persist in it.