Health & Freedom Abundant Life Newsletter
Abundant Life Newsletter - Vol 2.1
Three Men Saved from Stress
In Babylon, during a spectacular celebration sponsored by King Nebudchadnezzar in honor of the unveiling of his unique statue in the plain of Dura, three Hebrews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were thrown, bound, into the town furnace, after angering the King.
People in the crowd reported that the three had refused to bow down and worship the image which the King had set up. The order from the King, “Read my lips, bow or burn!” was so urgent that the soldiers who threw the men in the furnace were themselves slain by the fire. But after the men were thrown in they could be seen walking around. Some even claimed they saw four men. The King called for them to come out. When they emerged there was no sign of injury and they did not even smell like smoke.
The King loudly proclaimed the glory of the Hebrew God, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their won God.”
All three men agreed that it was their daily prayer that gave them strength during that stressful confrontation with the King. For more examples of the power of God in the lives of these believers, see the book of Daniel.
The Kingdom Chronicle
Bad Germs Can't Beat Good Habits
Since this issue is focusing on stress, we will examine the effect that stress on an individual has on his response to germs. The germs which are found with common ailments are around us all the time, in the air and on our skin and in our gut. Most germs do nothing in the bodies of healthy people. And others are beneficial to us. In correct numbers they maintain the acid base balance necessary for the body’s chemical reactions to take place. But the germs are kept in check by each other and our immune system. An article on this topic, “Stress and the Immune System”, Harris Dienstfrey cites the following:
- Right after splashdown, one of the most difficult phases of space flight, NASA doctors found significant changes in the Apollo astronaut’s immune systems.
- Six weeks after their husbands died, a group of Australian women still showed the traces of grief in their blood. They had an abnormally low level of the white blood cells that help fight infection and cancer.
- When psychiatric residents in Canada were preparing for a critical exam, their white cells capacity to multiply was lower than normal.
These observations suggest that stress diminishes our immune system’s ability to fight disease. And logically the alleviation of stress will help our immune system. Furthermore, I believe that fervent prayer will invigorate your immune system.
A Psalm of Asaph
Look to others, you will be disappointed. Look within, you will be discouraged. But if you look to God, then you will find peace.
PSALM 73
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death; but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they are more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakes, thou shalt despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Mother Hubbard's Herb Cupboard
Goldenseal
This herb is so useful, always keep a few ounces of the powdered root in your cupboard. It is specifically healing to the mucous membranes, all the moist surfaces like eyes, ears, nose, throat and digestive tract. It may be used internally or externally, as a douche or enema also. For this reason almost all the common ailments in families are alleviated by goldenseal.
To make a decoction place ½ tsp. powdered root in a jar and cover with 1 cup boiling water. Let this steep until room temperature. Then save the yellow liquid and dispose of the sediment. Adults take one tablespoon every hour until symptoms are gone and one tablespoon a day for several days after that. Small children need doses of one teaspoon instead. The liquid may be kept for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
*IMPORTANT*
It is a bitter herb and must be tasted in order for your body to respond to it. It is almost useless in capsule form.
If used as an eyewash: Strain liquid through a coffee filter. Heat it to boiling to sterilize it. Then let it cool to prevent burning.
This herb decreases your body’s absorption of B vitamins when use over long periods. Therefore, you may need to increase your consumption of fresh colorful vegetables and use goldenseal for short periods.
Lastly, this herb is not recommended in large doses during pregnancy because it can stimulate contractions of the uterus.
Parts used: rhizome (root)
Systems affected: all
Properties: alterative (blood cleansing), antibiotic, tonic, anti-septic, stomachic, em-menagogue, laxative.