1 Timothy 5:23 – No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. (NKJV)

Now, I'm not suggesting that you all go out and buy a bottle of wine; that sort of thing is between you and the Lord! But years ago, I worked in the field of medical research, and I stumbled on a research paper on a study done at the University of Toronto on the effects of wine on viruses. They actually placed today's Scripture at the top of the report, and in their introduction, they wondered if wine could be beneficial in combating stomach flu viruses.

Guess what? They found that the apostle Paul's advice to Timothy had some merit. They discovered that red wine contains phenol compounds that actually destroy viruses. The alcohol content of the wine was not found to be a factor, as red grape juice was just as effective in eliminating the viruses. Since then, other studies in the United States have substantiated the University of Toronto findings.

Since reading that article in the early nineteen-seventies, I have regularly had a glass of red grape juice. I can't remember having the stomach flu since, although I might get a mild, short-lived cold each winter. I suppose those who make grape juice should pay me for this advertising, but really, God deserves the credit. Amen?

Isn't it neat that the red wine or grape juice that we take at communion is actually a medicine? The red juice symbolizing the blood of Christ not only reminds us of His blood shed for us, but it can offer physical healing as well.

There are many other fruit juices that have healing properties, which just proves our God's concern for our health. And for those of us who will enjoy heaven and the new earth, there will be that special tree of life.

Revelation 22:2 – In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (NKJV)

Prayer: Lord, we give thanks to You for Your caring heart in creating, in the world around us, fruit for our healing. We thank You that we can call upon Your Holy Spirit to deliver and strengthen us by the blood of Jesus, when we suffer affliction. Amen.

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About the author:

Allan Smith <agwsmith6@gmail.com>
Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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