Ruth 2:23 - So she stayed close by the maids of Boaz in
order to glean until the end of the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. And
she lived with her mother-in-law. NASB
Wheat and barley.
Grains grown for breads—although you’ll find wheat flour in lots of other
foods. Barley isn’t as commonly used as wheat, but it has a great nutritional
value. Both grains are good sprouted and the barley or wheat water are also
high in vitamins and proteins. Both wheat grass and barley grass, from the
sprouted seeds, are high in B vitamins, even the anti-cancer B17 vitamin. Wheat
and barley are good for improving the immune system, stimulating the production
of new red blood cells, helps with digestive disorders, strengthens the brain
and heart, and overall boosting the energy of the body. Sounds like miracle
foods. God made these grains special—and they can be used in such a wide
variety of ways. Whole grains retain the most nutrients for the body, so the
less processing the better.
Try sprouting some
grain—but it must be purchased specifically for sprouting. Grains that have
been irradiated are good for grinding, but will not sprout. They soften up when
soaked, but don’t sprout. Are we like that? Do we soften up a bit when soaked
in water or kind words, but we don’t “sprout” and give others good
encouragement? Think about when you’ve been soaked in kindness from others—do you
then share more kindness with those around you? Are you gleaning wisdom from
others, sort of like Ruth gleaned the barley and wheat from Boaz’ fields, and
then are you sharing that wisdom—or just hiding it away waiting for a rainy day?
Do you forget it as soon as you turn away? Let your light shine. That is what
Jesus taught on the hillside near the Sea of Galilee—in what we know as the
Sermon on the Mount. You are the light of
the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp
and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who
are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
NASB
Lord, we want to let our light shine for You.
Help us to sprout with enthusiasm and give us words of encouragement to share
with others.
Sprouting Grain
Inspect and
sort about 1/3 to 2/3 cups of grain to be sure that it is free of rocks or
field debris. Rinse the grain several
times until the water is clear. Then cover the grain with cool water. Let sit
for about an hour, drain. Then cover with a couple of cups of cool water and
let soak for 24 hours, away from direct sunlight. Strain this water off the
grain and save for drinking. It is full of vitamins and minerals so serve one
glass for an adult and a half glass for children over five a couple of times a
week. Younger children can have a smaller portion of grain water mixed with
juice. It can also be used to water your plants.
Place the rinsed soaked
grain in a sprouting tray or in a wide mouth glass jar. Lay the jar on its side
at an angle, and cover the mouth of the jar with an open weave cloth to allow
for plenty of air flow. Let the seeds sit for 24 hours, use if sprouted, or
rinse and allow another 24 hour period. Continue rinsing at least once or twice
a day until the sprouts are the desired length. The moisture and warmth of the
kitchen will encourage mold growth, so grow only the amount of sprouts that can
be used within a couple of days. Refrigerate any unused sprouts. They are tasty
in salads or breads.
© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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