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).

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 along—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 became for us WISDOM from GOD. (See 1Cor. 1:30)
  4. Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor because HE not only understands our predicament, but HE judges the heart (not our status, our finances, our clothing, nor our material things).
  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 prays for us; HE is our High Priest and can intervene on our behalf before THE FATHER.
  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.

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]

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.

Parsnips – Parsnips is a root vegetable related to the carrot, only lighter in color, and similar 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.

Beets -- A good source of folic acid. According to www.organicfacts.net, “Beet is good for pregnant women since it is a source of B vitamin folate which helps in the development of an infant’s spinal column. Deficiency of folate could lead to the condition called neural tube defect.” Pregnant women should always check with their own doctors about such claims.

Ginger – Is known for eliminating gastrointestinal distress, for preventing motion sickness and seasickness and for its relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger also help to relieve the muscular discomfort and pain of and rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.

Lab studies have shown that ginger’s benefits come from several different compounds, including gingerols and shogaols. These compounds have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In addition to arthritis, ginger is also beneficial for treating digestive or heart conditions—even cancer.

The anti-inflammatory properties seem to help relieve pain and improve function for all types of arthritis. The compounds in ginger can function as a COX-2 inhibitor, the same way as common medications for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.

These benefits extend to those with osteoarthritis too. One review of 5 studies found that those with osteoarthritis who took ginger had a 30% decrease in pain and a 22% reduction in disability, compared with control groups.

See, “Add Ginger to Help Arthritis Pain, by Carrie DeVries, updated 7/21/2016, https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/add-ginger-help-arthritis-pain. Ginger can be eaten fresh, dried, pickled. Or, powdered ginger can be added to food. Or, ginger can be eaten in soups, or fresh or powdered ginger can be brewed as a tea. Id.

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. There are also a number of teas made from roots including (ginger root tea, ginseng root tea, beet root tea, etc.)

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.

Some celebrate Christmas on December 25th. Some believe the Christmas season begins on December 24th and ends on January 6th. Some celebrate “the 12 days of Christmas” beginning on December 25th. For others Christmas begins when the decorations appear in the department stores and ends a few days after the last “big” sale in January; when merchandise receive the final “mark down;” or when the Christmas tree is finally dragged out to the curb for pick up; or when all the decorations are boxed and stored away.

But, for Christians, celebrating CHRIST THE MESSIAH is not a one day celebration or an event measured in days or a particular month. Being a Christian and celebrating CHRIST THE MESSIAH is a lifestyle. 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.

So, REJOICE, stay ROOTED and BE BLESSED!