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. 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.”
  2. 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)
  3. 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). We can always tell Jesus all about our troubles.
  4. 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. (See Hebrews 4:14-16)
  5. 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 delighted in doing the FATHER’s will. HE was the perfect servant. HE humbled himself. Even when it was hard, Jesus allowed the FATHER’s will to be done. HE was obedient unto death, even death on the cross. (See Philippian 2:8)
  6. 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.”

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 heavenly host of angels, the wise men, the women (Mary and Elizabeth) and the shepherds) rejoiced and were glad in HIM!

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. Many root vegetables are high in Vitamin A, B, C and high in antioxidants, substances that help prevent disease and help to prevent cell damage. 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. Because carrots are rich in fiber, they improve our stomach and intestine, helping to prevent diarrhea or constipation.

Parsnips – Parsnips is a root vegetable related to the carrot, only lighter in color, and to celery and parsley. It is also 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), 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 suited to you particular needs. Be sure to wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly before eating.

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 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 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. Again, check with your own doctor.

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. On non-raw days, root vegetables make great soups.

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 because some root 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. Many of our ancestors used root teas medicinally. Traditional Chinese medicine also includes a number of roots, leaves, bark and teas.

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.”

For Christians, celebrating Christ, The Messiah, is not a one day event. It’s not a 25 day countdown. We celebrate Christ every time we pray. We are to be rooted in Christ every day. Every prayer is an affirmation of His birth, His resurrection, His Love and our dependence on Him as our High Priest and Savior.

So, in the days ahead, if whenever anyone looks at you anxiously and asks: “Are you ready for Christmas?” Just smile and say “Absolutely!

Then, say a prayer, stay grounded and BE BLESSED!