Not a "Nut" to Overlook

Dec 15, 20244 min read

Looking for a way to improve your health without drugs?...

And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. Numbers 17:8

Israel consumes more almonds than any other country worldwide! This is surprising since 82% of the world's almonds are grown in California, USA. Perhaps it is because two-thirds of its almonds are grown locally; therefore, they may be more cost-effective. Is it because Israel's almonds are larger, tastier, and contain 10% more calcium? Whatever the reason, they are gobbling up those almonds as if they are a limited-edition crop.

Can you blame them? Almonds are delicious and versatile, nutrient-dense, and packed with protein! The food-venturous have probably tried almond milk, almond flour, and maybe almond-laced desserts like Almond Joy. Okay, that was decades ago when I was pro-chocolate until I found something so much better: carob. Absolutely yum!

Today, the almond is a superstar though some people try to say that it is not so sustainable. They tout that it requires lots of water for growth and maturity. I wonder if they complain as much about how much water it takes to grow "feed" for the cattle and poultry industry, not to mention the extra water to quench their thirst.

Speaking of thirst, nuts are generally very thirsty trees and are not afraid to devour water needed for their optimal performance. The almond is no different. We can take a page from their book and adopt the best practice of drinking at least 6-8 cups of water for detox and organ hydration.

Yet if the truth be told, every drop spent on growing almonds is not wasted.

every drop of Water COUNTS FOR SOMETHING GOOD!

Almonds:

are loaded with antioxidants that repair cell damage.
affect weight loss by decreasing hunger because of their high fiber content.
can lower bad cholesterol levels, thereby promoting heart health.
can assist with blood sugar control and diabetes.
are high in vitamins which promote anti-aging and decrease inflammation.
help control blood pressure.
are an excellent plant-based protein.

AND SO MUCH MORE...

It is a premium protein essential for growth, repair, and maintenance:

to build muscle, connective tissue, bone health produce essential enzymes and antibodies, hair and nail growth, skin health calories, etc.,
hemoglobin (carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues is a protein).
6 soaked almonds boost brain power and also aid in mineral absorption.
Eating a handful after exercise boosts muscle recovery.

YET NOT too MUCH...

20-23 almonds (1-1.5 oz) equals 6 grams of protein

too much protein tends to strain the intestines, liver, and kidneys.
Stay away from almonds if you have nut allergies.

Biblical Perspective...

Freed from Mental Shackles...Freed from Sin. John 8:32

" And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones." Mark 5: 1-5.

We know the story well. Read Mark 5: 6-19, Luke 8:26-39. The man was possessed by many demons, about 2,000 to be exact. He was a "nut", completely out of his mind, yet there was hope for him. Jesus heard his cry for deliverance. When Jesus healed the demoniac, he sent the evil spirits into the unclean pigs feeding on the cliffside. The pigs maddened by the possession ran over the cliffside into the sea and drowned. But the demoniac was now clean and clothed in his right mind. The pig-owners were upset that their livelihood was gone and sent Jesus away. The healed man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to stay back and spread the gospel. "Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Vs. 19, 20.

This new convert was not a "nut" to overlook. Everywhere he went, he shared his testimony about how Jesus gave him back his "lost" mind. His story was such a mighty witness that many people were converted by the powerful display of God's love and power.

Prayer: Lord, thank you. You continue to work in my life so that my mind, body, and soul are free from all devilish shackles and fetters. Many people are still enslaved by Satan, the enemy of souls. They are crying out for deliverance, but still hold on to darling sins and habits. Yet like the demoniac at Gadara, how you long to make them whole, even when modern drugs and our own solutions have failed. Heal us, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.