May 12, 2011Read: Hebrews 12

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus; the author and finisher of our faith." --Hebrews 12:2

The...End. Not something you expect to read at the start of a devotion, but it was something I witnessed on my plane today. The lady across the isle was reading a book that made "War and Peace" look like a leaflet. Seriously, at one point on the flight, I saw her begin Chapter 153.

As we began our descent, I saw her turn to the last page of the final chapter. You expect to see someone start a book on a flight, but to witness the finish, that's rare. The bold capped words, THE END, hung below a short paragraph that covered only half the page. Her focus and reaction to her story was my focus, and I reacted.

"So how was it?" I just had to ask. A rare moment is tough for me to ignore. "It was great!" she responded. "Lots of twists and turns but I love the author, and the end was better than expected."

Glancing up to the roof of the airplane  as if to catch the grin of someone nobody could see, I mumbled to myself, "Good one, Lord." You know, if I enjoyed watching some stranger finish her story, how much do you think God enjoys watching us live ours? To Him, we're page-turners, so let's really live! After all, she was right; lots of twists and turns, but if you love the Author, the end will be better than expected.

--J.P.

RED...ALWAYS RED The benefits of red wine just got...sweeter

If you must drink wine, make it red. Numerous studies have touted the benefits of a key ingredient, resveratrol, that is found in your favorite class of cabernet. Resveratrol, an antioxidant, has been shown to aid in everything from heart health to energy enhancement. But the latest study on the compound shows a new, unexpected benefit.

According to researchers, daily consumption of resveratrol may reduce body fat levels by preventing the formation of fat tissue. In the study, two groups of lab animals were fed a high-fat diet but one supplemented with resveratrol. The resveratrol group had less body fat than non-supplemented animals, despite both groups having similar body weights, report researchers from the University of País Vasco.

Researchers admit that more research needs to be done to determine the exact mechanisms but until then, when you're pouring your next glass of vino, make sure it's red.

To read the full report, click here.

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