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“The devil doesn’t like any of God’s holy days, but the Day of Atonement is particularly onerous to him. How should Christians today view this day?
When I was young and just learning to celebrate God’s annual holy days, the Day of Atonement was difficult for me to appreciate. While all of God’s commanded assemblies are collectively termed “feasts” (Leviticus 23:2, 4), the one observed on the 10th day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar—the Day of Atonement—had no feasting at all!
Instead of enjoying nice food and drink as our family did on the other holy days, this day was a day of afflicting our souls by fasting. This meant we were not to eat food or drink liquids for a full 24 hours (Leviticus 23:32; Esther 4:16).
While I recall a minister teaching that this holy day was a time for feasting on spiritual food, that explanation didn’t help my empty stomach. As a tall, skinny youngster with a rapid metabolism, going without food and drink for this length of time was … well, unpleasant to put it mildly. My soul truly was afflicted—which was and is the intent of fasting.
When the seemingly extra-long day finally came to an end and my spirit revived as I ravenously partook of food and drink, I can remember feeling relieved that it would be a whole year before we would observe this day again.” More at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/day-of-atonement/holy-day-satan-hates/
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Day of Atonement
“Nine days after the Feast of Trumpets, we celebrate the Day of Atonement. This day in God’s plan for mankind pictures the removal of Satan as ruler of the earth, ridding humanity of its greatest barrier to reconciliation with God. Revelation describes Satan as being bound and imprisoned for 1,000 years, no longer able to influence the world and encourage rebellion against God and His law.”
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.”
REVELATION 20:1-2
“The Day of Atonement also differs from the other festivals because God commands His people to fast (not eat or drink) on this day to draw close to Him. All the other festivals involve enjoying food and drink.
Removing food and drink on this day reminds us that man cannot live by food and water alone, but needs God, who is the creator and sustainer of all things. Atonement also pictures the reconciliation of mankind to God, made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.” From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/gods-holy-days-3/
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The Day of Atonement and Fasting
Leviticus 23:27
“Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.”
The Day of Atonement is a unique holy day. It is the only holy day on which God commands His people to “afflict” their souls. This means His people are to fast (go without food and drink) for the entire 24 hours of this day.
Fasting is a spiritual tool that is designed to help us draw closer to God by developing humility and reliance on God and by realizing our absolute dependence on Him. Read our article on fasting to learn more about the spiritual benefits of fasting.
Over the next few days, we will be covering scriptures that explain the meaning of the Day of Atonement. This is a day to solemnly seek reconciliation with God and to focus on the portion of His plan that will lead to reconciliation between God and all of mankind. This can only happen through the binding of Satan the devil.
To read more about the part that this day has in God’s plan, read “Day of Atonement: Removing the Enemy, Reconciling All to God.”
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Processed Foods and Obesity
Key Takeaways
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The dramatic increase in the number of calories available in the food supply since the 1970s is closely linked to the rise of obesity in the United States and other developed countries. This surplus of calories far exceeds what individuals need for their daily energy requirements.
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The decline in hard manual labor over the twentieth century led to decreased energy needs among the population, resulting in a drop in calorie consumption. However, the societal shift towards less physical activity and increased calorie intake marked a turning point, leading to the “eat more, gain weight” phase observed today.
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The 1970s saw a significant transformation in the food industry, with technological advancements enabling mass production and distribution of processed foods. This revolution, akin to the Industrial Revolution, made highly processed, ready-to-consume foods readily available and affordable.
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Processed foods, such as Twinkies and frozen french fries, became ubiquitous due to their convenience and affordability. The centralized production and distribution of these foods made them easily accessible, contributing to increased consumption and caloric intake.
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Similar to the mass production and marketing of cigarettes, the widespread availability and accessibility of processed foods contributed to their increased consumption. While the addictive nature of tobacco remained constant, easy access and affordability drove a significant rise in consumption. Similarly, the appeal of processed foods has always existed, but their accessibility surged with technological innovations in food production.”
Full article at: https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/processed-foods-and-obesity/?
