Meditations on Healthy Living

Isaiah 11:1-2 The royal line of David will be cut off, chopped down like a tree; but from the stump will grow a Shoot [CHRIST, the Messiah]—yes, a new Branch from the old root. And the SPIRIT of the LORD shall rest upon HIM, the SPIRIT of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might; the SPIRIT of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. HIS delight will be obedience to the LORD. [Living Bible translation]

Definition: the word “Messiah” is a term used in Judaism, Christianity and Islam to reference the redeemer who will come. Christians believe that JESUS CHRIST is THE MESSIAH (i.e. GOD’s ANOINTED ONE).

Summary

The prophet Isaiah lived over 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, yet this Old Testament prophet foretells the mission and life of Jesus Christ. As Isaiah foretold:

  1. JESUS came from the lineage of King David—from David’s “stump.” This royal line had been laid dormant for at least 600 years before JESUS (our KING) came long—thus, JESUS was like a new green “Branch” rising out of an old dormant “root.”
  2. John the Baptist gave his testimony as a witness to JESUS the MESSIAH when John in Luke 1:32 said: “I saw the SPIRIT descending from heaven like a dove, and IT abode upon him,” –thus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophesy that “The SPIRIT of the LORD shall rest upon HIM.”
  3. JESUS was the SPIRIT of Wisdom, in HIS early ministry –in being wise in all things (the way HE taught, the way HE answered questions, the way HE counseled. HE was a source of life and wisdom from GOD. (See, 1Cor. 1:30)
  4. JESUS is a Wonderful Counselor because HE not only understands our predicament, but HE sees and judges the heart (not our status, our finances, our clothing, nor our material things). HE sees beyond what we see.
  5. JESUS has the love and might to help us. HE can calm the stormy winds and seas of life; HE can feed us; HE has power over death; HE is our High Priest and intervenes on our behalf before THE FATHER. (See, Hebrews 4:14)
  6. JESUS was totally obedient to HIS FATHER---unlike the rest of humanity (including each of us), HE passed the obedience test—HE never sinned. HE was never disobedient. HE delighted in doing the FATHER’s will. Even when it was hard, JESUS allowed the FATHER’s will to be done. HE was obedient unto death, even death on the cross.

So, that at the name of JESUS, every knee shall bow… and every tongue shall confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. [Isaiah 45:23-24; Philippians 2:9-11] No wonder heaven and earth (e.g., the angels, the wise men, the women (Mary and Elizabeth) and the shepherds) rejoiced!

Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are a great way to help your body maintain strength and fight fatigue. Root vegetables generally refer to any underground part of a plant. Root vegetables include the following:

Because roots help support and nourish the plant, root vegetables are generally high in vitamins and minerals. They also tend to have low calories and high fiber. Some of the most popular root vegetables include:

Carrots –Helps fight free radicals; a rich source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Beta carotene protects vision, including night vision. Carrots are good for the heart and also help to regulate blood sugar. The vitamin A in carrots also promotes healthy lungs. See www.whfoods.com. According to WHfoods.com, “If you or someone you love smokes, or if your work necessitates exposure to second hand smoke, protect yourself by making sure the World's Healthiest Foods rich in vitamin A (carrot's beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A) are a daily part of your healthy way of eating.”

Parsnips – Parsnips is a root vegetable related to the carrot, only lighter in color, and to celery and parsley. It is considered good for healthy bowel movement because of the large amount of fiber. Because they can have a pungent flavor, it may be better to eat the younger, smaller parsnips raw in salads than the older more woody parsnips.

Sweet Potato – According to www.everynutrient.com sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B, dietary fiber, manganese, beta-carotene (An antioxidant, a substance that protects cells against oxidation damage which, it is thought, can lead to cancer. Beta carotene is converted, as needed, to vitamin A) cooper and biotin. “Studies have shown that unlike many other starchy vegetables, sweet potatoes are an "antidiabetic" food. See, www.everynutrient.com. They are also rich in iron, potassium. In “What Diabetes Can Do To Your Body, 12 Steps to Avoid Diabetic Complications,” WebMD, lists sweet potatoes as a “super food.” However if you are diabetic, your doctor or dietician will be able to give you personalized advice. See, www.diabetes.webmd.com.

Beets – The green leafy tops of beet roots are a good source of Vitamin K, which according to WebMD, is linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. In addition the ruby red beet is a good source of nitrates, which is good for blood pressure. In addition, beets are a good source of fiber. Beets can be wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked at 350 degrees until tender or grated and added to slaws or grated and added in salads or as a topping to sandwiches. Beets are one of the vegetables that WebMD includes on its “Powerhouse” list of vegetables. http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-powerhouse-vegetables.

Ginger – Is known for eliminating gastrointestinal distress, for preventing motion sickness and sea sickness and for its relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. See, www.whfoods.com. According to WHfoods.com, “Unlike antivomiting drugs, which can cause severe birth defects, ginger is extremely safe, and only a small dose is required.” The anti-inflamatory properties of ginger also help to relieve the muscular discomfort and pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis-related problems with your aging knees? Regularly spicing up your meals with fresh ginger may help, suggests a study published in a recent issue of Osteoarthritis Cartilage

See, www.whfoods.com.

Because root vegetables are in the ground or close to the ground, it is best to eat organic to avoid the risk of pesticides. The moisture in root vegetables will depend on a number of variables, including the size of the vegetable, the age, where it is grown and when it is harvested. Root vegetables can be grated, thinly sliced into small pieces and even juiced.

Root Teas

There are also a number of teas made from roots including: ginger root tea, ginseng root tea, beet root tea, licorice root tea, marshmallow root tea, sarsaparilla root tea, yellowdock root tea, dandelion root tea, etc.) Be sure to read the information about your root tea carefully before ingesting, since some teas are not recommended for everyone. For example, valerian root tea is not recommended for pregnant woman, nursing mothers or persons with liver disease and may interact with medication.

ROOTED IN CHRIST

The Greek word for “Messiah” (anointed one) is “Christos.” Thus, the name “Jesus Christ” joins a name and a title referring to JESUS the Messiah. When we pray in the name of “JESUS CHRIST,” we affirm that HE is Our Messiah—Our Wonderful Counselor, Our Wisdom, Our Might, Our High Priest. It is an affirmation of HIS being GOD’s “ANOINTED ONE”—of GOD’s love for us and JESUS’ love and sacrifice for us.

Being a Christian and celebrating CHRIST THE MESSIAH is a lifetime and a lifestyle celebration. We are rooted in Christ. Every time we pray “In the name of JESUS CHRIST, Amen,” we celebrate JESUS THE CHRIST! Every prayer is an affirmation of HIS birth, HIS resurrection, HIS Love and OUR dependence on HIM. Christians celebrate CHRIST every time we pray.

CHRIST is as rudimentary as prayer.

So, in the days ahead, remember, “CHRISTIANS are always ready for CHRISTMAS.” We celebrate HIM every time we pray.

So, relax, stay grounded, REJOICE and BE BLESSED!