Peace and Prosperity

Psalm 122: 6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.”

As Christians, we have an interesting heritage and lots of homes. Like the Jews we have roots in Jerusalem as our home because we have been adopted into the family of Abraham. So, through our adoptive family, our roots lead back to Jerusalem. At some level, Jerusalem is our ancestral home. We also look forward to the new Jerusalem in which we have a part. Our current home is as much, one might argue more, in heaven in the New Jerusalem as it is here.

The most important thing to realize is that we are tied to the health and well-being of Jerusalem. We ought to pray for the peace of Jerusalem because, if for no other reason, our own wellbeing and prosperity are tied to her. All who love and honor her are blessed with prosperity in all aspects of life. This applies to us as individuals and as a nation. It goes well with us as it goes well with Jerusalem.

I have heard some beautiful prayers for Jerusalem, and you may count this psalm among them for that is what it is, a prayer for Jerusalem and those who love her. As Christians we may feel that Jerusalem is remote from our experiences, but she is part of our heritage and lineage. We do well to pray for Jerusalem and for the peace of that holy city for in her security lies our own. It is the land of Jesus, the very streets he walked and because of that our hearts are tied to her as well. Peace for Israel, peace for Jerusalem and peace for each of us. I do believe that to be a good prayer.

Immune Boost

Proverb 4: 20-23

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their whole body.

I know I said I wasn’t going to send out the Word of the Day this week but there is something that is really nagging me. There are a couple of things which seem to be missing from the national dialogue. One of those is that there are things you can do to boost your immunity. This is not an exhaustive list. To the point, you may think of other things you would add, including anything which increases inflammation in the body. This is a good starting point, however.  I consulted my friend, Ann Musico https://www.threedimensionalvitality.com, on what we can do to boost our immune systems. Here is our collaboration.

• Drink lots water: of course, purified, filtered water is best. Alternatives to water are unsweetened tea and unsweetened coffee. If you must have a sweetener, use stevia. We make our iced tea with decaffeinated green tea and love it. No sugar at all and it’s still good to this southerner.

• Dr. Don Colbert advises drinking hot fluids.

• Use probiotics: they build gut health where most of your immune system resides.

• Take a good multi-vitamin: that means not man-made but derived from natural sources.

• Vitamin C – Ann says she takes 5-6,000 mg on a regular basis and more when fighting something off. Check with your doctor on dosage amounts.

• Get good sleep: It is best to sleep during the nighttime hours and get 8 hours of sleep.

• Eat wholesome food: meaning whole real food. If it is a box, it’s not a real food. I think of it this way, eat it like God made it. An apple should still look like an apple.

• Do not stress or panic: stress, worry, anxiety and panic suppress the immune system. Pray and get your believer level up.

• Avoid sugar: it suppresses the immune system.

• Get regular exercise: just move your body. There are lots of ways you can move. Sit in a chair, but just as your bum touches, stand back up. Clean the house, clean the garage, walk around the exterior of your house. You get the idea. Don’t make this difficult. Just get off the couch at least every hour.

• Add zinc to your diet.

• Also, check out Dr. Axe online: He has additional suggestions.

The short and long of it is that you do not have to be a sitting duck. You can defend yourself and your family. Need I say, pray. That is your first line of defense but additionally, do the things Yahweh has taught us in order to support and strengthen your immune system. Drink lots of water, it bears repeating. When God gives us wisdom it is Him protecting us. Apply His medicinal wisdom and be whole.