Thanks Giving | November 2015

Lilies in the City - November 2015 - Issue 11

lilies city

Thanksgiving 101 Raw Apple Pie Cheesecake Cold & Flu Remedies

A Life That Speaks

Thanks giving to god Massaged Kale Salad

Believe it's not Fried-less Chicken

Thanks Giving

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10 12

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lilies city Practical Lily Lily Eats

6 Thanksgiving 101 24 Cold & Flu Remedies 10 Raw Apple Pie Cheesecake 14

Massaged Kale Salad

19 Believe it's not Fried-less Chicken

Social Lily Lily Lifestyle

16 Thanksgiving To God

12 A Life That Speaks

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are taken from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Version)

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Ask Give to

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very good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the father of lights."

James 1:17 Everything God has created, receives to give. As I watch the remnant green leaves blowing in the fall wind, I am reminded how leaves use photosynthesis to illustrate this point. Carbon dioxide is pulled from the air and with the help of the sun is converted into glucose, on the leaf’s surface. Oxygen, the major bi-product of this process, is released back into the air for the benefit of animals and humans.

Plants receive carbon dioxide to give oxygen.

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In Luke 11, Christ illustrates in a parable, this principle of asking to give. At midnight, a man has an unexpected visitor and goes to ask of his friend some bread to set before the visitor (vs 5,6).

His friend is resistant to leave his bed, but the man is persistent in his request (vs 7). At last the man receives some bread to give to his visitor (vs 8). Christ contrasts the selfish heart of the resistant friend with the deep, loving heart of our heavenly Father. He asks, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (vs 13)

“Back to Being Thankful” is this month’s focus and prayer is the daily Christian rudiment. Prayer is heaven’s chosen method for us to communicate with the Father. Through prayer we can ask for good gifts and give thanks.

So, what is then a true sign of thankfulness? Unselfishness. All created things ask and receive to give, let’s keep the theme of our prayers and lives in line with the rest of creation.

Administrative STAFF Almarie Hill Almarie is the Editor-in-Chief at Lilies in the City (LIC). Of things seen on this earth, she loves only sweet potatoes and bananas more than words, writing and editing. Almarie lives for ministry and has a passion for Christ's wholistic method of healing - naturally. Wholly Whole is her personal ministry, reflecting her journey to completeness in Christ.

Akilah Ballard As the Financial Manager at LIC, the Lord has blessed Akilah with a knack for organization and attention to detail: two skills fundamental to finance and accounting. When not analyzing numbers, she loves to admire God through His created works: gardening has become one of her favorite interests.

She suspects that the same excitement she has watching seeds grow is the same that God has in watching His Word bear fruit in our hearts.

Sarah Victor Sarah is LIC’s Account Manager and she has made it her personal goal to make the service of God the most attractive thing in the world. Whether she is sharing tasty, healthful recipes, sharing object lessons while gardening, or while making her all natural hair and body butters for Jane's Butters, there is always one goal: to show that there is great peace, safety, and most of all joy in the service of our loving God!

Rochelle Mekowulu Rochelle, the Business Manager, provides strategic guidance to ministries in their marketing and development efforts. She has always had a passion for ministry and the furtherance of the gospel. When not working on various projects, she can be found in nature, doing a bible study or writing.

Jaleesa Almarales Jaleesa, the Marketing Manager, believes that Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching people. Therefore counseling and teaching combined with a few other talents are tools that God has given her to prepare people, especially an army of youth, to meet our God. In her spare time, she can be found working on a DIY project, painting or trying to learn to play the piano.

Photo Credits: Gladstone Brown Have Any Questions For The Lilies Staff?

Contact us: admin@liliesinthecity.org

cover, pgs 2, 16 & 17 Layout & Design: Abiola Osinjolu

Associate Editor: Delnita McDavid

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Thanksgiving

101 – Delnita McDavid

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other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:3, 4). “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” (Heb. 10:24, 25).

a cashier suddenly appears out of nowhere and opens a checkout, remember this: It is better to wait and please God by putting someone else first than to gain an extra minute to please yourself. Practice patience and goodness.

• Isolate yourself. God created us to be social. So, mingle.

• Spend time bickering even if another person makes it difficult not to. Choose to be like longsuffering Christ and “provoke unto love,”not strife.

URKEYS everywhere are on guard. They are currently practicing their scattering and ‘fake-a-leg-injury’ technique, fearful that this may be the last autumn they will gather together on quaint farms and in flowery fields and hearty woods. DO: Although not all are gobblers and • Contemplate the humanity only a few are sixty pounds at the of the individuals surrounding checkout, they share a common you. Everyone is struggling with something, everyone has someenemy—The North American**. where to be, and no one is perStep 3: With self-control North Americans everywhere are fect. No argument over the last salivating in anticipation. They can of cranberries is worth los- “And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite” are making lists and sending out ing your crown over. digital invites, fearful the turkey • Seek to improve your hospital- (Prov. 23:2).

DO: will be too dry, the Tofurkey taste- ity skills and the quality of life of less, and the lines at the grocers another person. Be a witness of • Be temperate and make clear decisions. One does not need too long. Although composed of God’s inability to forget anyone to taste everything being served different sizes, shapes, colors, and his ability to love everyone (yes, even at a potluck). Aim for accents, and dispositions, they (see Is. 49:15, Matt. 10:29-31). satisfied and not half-asleep and share a common enemy— over- • Spend the day getting to know your friends and family better— bloated or in pain. Choose wisefed and overstressed. ly and without a clouded mind, While vastly different species, respecting your temple (1 Cor. at this time of year, these two 6:19); this will prevent food waste groups share a single thought: and regret later.

How to survive Thanksgiving.

• Express gentleness (or kindness). Let the ladies and children Step 1: By faith go first. Additionally remember “Be careful for nothing; but in as you (yes, ladies) serve your every thing by prayer and suppliportions, that there are others in cation with thanksgiving let your line behind you who would also requests be known to God” (Phil. like to eat.

4:6).

DO: DON’T: Pray. Keep a heart open to God. • Indulge to the point of being Allow the Spirit to work so that all sick and/or having to set weight your actions, struggles and suc- below the surface. As difficult cesses, and blessings give glory and time consuming as it may be, try to learn something new to and testify of God. and meaningful about the peoDON’T: Meltdown over something un- ple in your life. It may just draw expected happening and give you closer together. way to your inclination to curse and doubt. Do the above and re- DON’T: member that He has already an- • Rudely cut off another person as you make a beeline for the swered. cash register. As you begrudgingly view long lines, possibly Step 2: By love and meekness “Let nothing be done through strife holding onto a single item, when or vain glory…let each esteem

"Contemplate the humanity of the individuals surrounding you"

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"Be Thankful and rejoice for what God has given you" loss goals. If you cannot control yourself, pray for strength and temperance to avoid whatever delectable dish is calling out to you.

• Pile food onto the plate so high, the person sitting across from you needs to lean to the side to see your face.

Stick to a single layer first and wait 5-10 minutes before going back for seconds. If you are still famished, then go for it! However, be careful to note if your portions are in alignment with your stomach or your eyes.

Step 4: With joy and peace “Rejoice evermore…In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:16, 18). “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Is. 26:3).

on Christ’s life and the cross. In all things, bad and good, He never once complained.

Oftentimes, amongst the busyness and stress of Thanksgiving, one falls easily into sin by sweating the small things (see Step 2). Don’t allow sin to overwhelm you. Instead, actively pray that God will help you bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and temperance (see Gal. 5:22-25)—in your life. Turkeys may not have the greatest holiday season, but you certainly can.

Happy Gobble Day! **The North American is often observed in any habitat they can reach by foot, animal, car, boat, train, or aircraft. They are noted for many different things, but are more widely known for their love of food and all things seasonal.

DO: • Be thankful and rejoice for what God has given you. Joy comes when we praise. How can one be unhappy when reflecting on God’s provisions and faithfulness? Moreover, how can one not be at peace when reflecting on everything He has done?

DON’T: Begrudge God His praise by complaining the entire day. “The turkey is too dry. There is no more cranberry sauce. I did not get any pumpkin pie.

Why was this person invited? What type of human being serves veggie meat for a Thanksgiving meal?” If you feel the need to murmur, reflect

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Crust

1 cup chopped raw walnuts About 1 cup chopped pitted dates 1/3 cup raw flaked coconut Pinch of sea salt

Filling

2 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked overnight or for 3 hours & drained) 2/3 cup raw honey (or maple syrup) 1/3 cup extra virgin coconut oil 1/3 cup coconut milk 2 TB fresh lemon juice 2 tsp alcohol free vanilla extract or 2 vanilla beans scraped

Topping

3 medium organic apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 1 cup pitted medjool dates (soaked in water for 15 minutes, then drained) ¾-1 cup coconut milk 1 tsp alcohol free vanilla extract 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon substitute (2 parts coriander to 1 part cardamom) 1⁄2 tsp sea salt

In a food processor mix together all of the ingredients for the crust until well incorporated. Set aside.

In a blender, mix all of the ingredients for the filling until a smooth and creamy mixture is formed. Set aside Blend all of the ingredients for the topping in a blender until smooth and thick (but pourable).

In a bowl, add the apples and pour date mixture over the top of it. Stir to combine.

In a pie pan (or a springform pan) begin to assemble the pie: crust first, then add the filling, and lastly pour the topping over the filling.

Freeze for at least 3 hours.

Serve and Enjoy! Share with family and friends and watch them smile! :)

as it is digested and metabolized as does foods of animal origin. Quite the opposite; its diuretic effect facilitates the elimination of wastes and blood impurities such as uric acid.”1 Fruit is the primary source of antioxidants in our diet, and by simply eating them, you will regulate your intestines and lower the risk of heart disease and many cancers (particularly of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary organs). Want better health?

Include fresh organic fruits into your daily diet and you will receive these benefits and so much more!

1. Encyclopedia of foods and their healing power, (Vol. 1, p. 39).

Hagerstown, Maryland: Review and Herald Pub. Assn.

Why is this recipe raw? Well, no other type of food has as many preventative and healing properties as does fresh fruit. This food group “does not generate toxic residuals

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OVEMBER is the season of Thanksgiving. It’s a time when we reflect on the many blessings that we have received. Even if things may not be going the way we would like them to in our lives, we all have something for which we can be thankful. God truly has been faithful, and he is deserving of our thankfulness.

But true thankfulness to God is more than simply saying “thank you.” Like David in Psalms

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116:12, the cry of our heart should be, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?”

The story of the demoniac, found in Luke 8:26-39, is a wonderful example of what true thankfulness leads to. Jesus passing through the town of Gadarenes delivers a man from demonic possession; the man is grateful to Christ for his deliverance and determines that he will travel with Him. However, Jesus sends him away, and tells him to “return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee.” In other words,

Jesus was saying if you really want to express your thankfulness to me, then go and be my witness.

As I meditate on this story, my mind is taken to Isaiah 43:12, “ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.” The Christian is an ambassador in this dark world, bearing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:16 describe the gospel as the “power of God unto salvation.” So there is power in

the gospel to save and deliver.

The inquiring mind should ask, power to save and deliver from what? Matthew 1:21 gives us an answer: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

The gospel then is the good news about the power of God to save his people from their sins rather than in their sins. It is this fact that God is calling us as Christians to be witnesses of.

But true thankfulness to God is more than simply saying “thank you” For thousands of years, people have beheld the brokenness of sin while held in slavery to sinful habits and practices. Many, looking for something better have wanted to be saved from these habits. They turn to the church but often find that Christians are in no better position than they are. They see, amongst other things, the same selfishness, pride, and fornication in Christians as in the world.

The gospel seems weak; it’s able to save from the penalty of sin, but it’s not able to deliver from the power of it. It’s not able to keep them from falling, and worse still, professed Christians themselves don’t believe in God’s power to keep them from falling into sin.

What the world needs now is a practical demonstration of the gospel. They need to see lives that have been totally transformed and not simply modified by the gospel. Matthew 5:16 tell us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” But what is that light? John 1:4 tell us that the light is our life. Our lives give power to our words.

The greatest sermon that is ever preached is the one that is lived. Not that our words are unimportant, but it’s a fact that actions speak louder than words.

There’s no need to be discouraged if we are failing at experiencing the power of the gospel in our lives. The same Jesus that calls us to such a high and noble standard is the same one that works within us to reach it (Philippians 2:13). Jesus wants to help us make the same demonstration that He made when He walked this earth over 2,000 years ago; His life was an active illustration of the power of the gospel. It is this life that he seeks to impart to you and I. How is this to happen? I’m glad you asked! 2 Corinthians 3:18 tell us that by beholding we become changed. We must spend time beholding Christ through his Word and prayer. I encourage you to spend an hour each day meditating on the life of Christ by reading through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Allow your mind to take it point by point, asking God to reveal Jesus to you as you

"The gospel then is the good news about the power of God to save his people from their sins rather than in their sins."

read. As you spend time in communion with Christ, imperceptibly you will be transformed into his likeness. I also recommend to you the book Desire of Ages, it is the best book on the life of Christ I have ever read. It deepened by walk with Christ and it will do the same for you.

– Rochelle Mekowulu

It is a great honor to represent God to a world in darkness. We have the antidote to the sin virus, and millions are still waiting to receive it. Many are counting on us, but even more importantly God is counting on us (See Heb. 11:39,40).

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Massaged Kale Salad – Dorothee Louis

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rich in iron, calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and protein

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ALE is considered one of the "super foods" of the planet. It's a part of the cruciferous family and thus helps fight cancer. It's rich in iron, calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and protein. Eat your kale!!!

The beautiful green leaves of this massaged kale salad are guaranteed to not only add elegance to your Thanksgiving table but also health and much pleasure to the taste buds of your guests and family.

Ingredients 2-6 kale leaves thoroughly washed and cut into small pieces 2 TB of freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice 1 & 1/5 to 2 TB of pure, raw honey 1 TB of cold-pressed olive oil ½ tsp of onion powder ¼ tsp of garlic powder Sea salt to taste A handful of cherry tomatoes, whole, or sliced in half Purple onions sliced “à la Julienne” for decoration Black olives for garnish (optional)

Instructions 1. Place kale in a bowl.

2. Add olive oil, lime/lemon juice, honey, salt, onion, and garlic powder.

3. Massage kale with clean hands to incorporate all the seasoning evenly and to soften the leaves; the massaging of the leaves is key! As you massage the leaves with the lemon, salt and oil, they will become tender as though they were cooked.

4. Once the leaves are tender, toss in cherry tomatoes and slices of purple onion. Mix well.

5. Pour onto a clear serving plate.

6. Garnish with purple onions and/or olives...and enjoy!

To read more on Kale: Szalay, J. (2015). Kale: health benefits and nutrition facts.

Retrieved from http://www.livescience. com/50818-kale-nutrition.html

This recipe yields one serving.

Watch this recipe stepby-step on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0cxLWjABjJE

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Diet and spirituality part 2:

Thanks giving god to

– harold sykes

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now ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves...Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name" (Ps. 100:3-4).

As we discussed the role of diet and appetite in mankind's fall in our previous article, it would be criminal to allow "Thanksgiving" to pass without praising God for His special provision of food in connection with our restoration and redemption. In that first conversation our Heavenly Father had with Adam after eating that which was forbidden, we find mingled among the various consequences, a command from God for His weakened children to eat their vegetables: "...thou shalt eat the herb of the field (Gen. 3:18). Though many among the human family young and old might consider this to be a part of the curse, this addition to the original diet of fruit, nuts, grains, and seeds (Gen. 1:29), is a blessing worthy of giving thanks to God. Also, the fact that this provision was enjoined immediately after forbidden food led to man's spiritual fall and its physical side effects should impress us with the importance of food in our restoration; both physically and spiritually.

Through sin, not only was our spiritual connection to God severed but also our connection to the unlimited supply of vitality, which sustains physical life without interruption. Our original diet prior to

sin, which consisted mostly of fruits, was the perfect diet for cleaning and maintaining the human machine when it was not subject to decay. However, after the entrance of sin, God knowing the cells which compose this living machine would decay increasingly more rapidly, immediately prescribed vegetables, which have great restorative qualities.

It appears to the discerning mind, that God created everything with foreknowledge of the unfortunate circumstances sin would create and provided the solutions far in advance of the problem being manifested; God supplied an abundance of vegetables prior to the situation which made their use necessary. He also established our bodies with an immune system capable of fighting off disease, before there was ever a pathogen present.

Should we not stop and give God thanks when the magnitude of these realities capture the attention of our minds?

Shouldn't we, who know that the bodies we possess were prepared for us by He— who is called the Most High God— give thanks? Should we not say like David, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139:14)?

Food was a part of the equation which resulted in mankind's fall and food was a part of the equation when God began to work out the solution

These incredible bodies we have been entrusted with bear testimony to the wisdom and power of the omnipotent Being who created them.

They have been designed not only with the ability to en17

both the physical and spiritual realms.

Food was a part of the equation which resulted in mankind's fall and food (the herb of the field/ vegetables) was a part of the equation when God began to work out the solution. Strangely flesh foods such as stuffed turkey were introduced into the diet of mankind much later.

These foods, which brought with them a decline in lifespan and in some cases immediate plague (Num. 11:33), are considered by many to be worthy of thanks. Whereas the vegetables God provided to extend our life expectancy, though acknowledged as beneficial, are looked down on. I write this as one guilty of wearing that frown for most of my life prior to age thirty, but I now give God thanks for the restorative properties of the living foods His hands provided as well as the plan for my redemption reflected therein. dure dramatic changes but also the capability of achieving stunning transformations for better or worse depending on the choices we make. The two most obvious factors which have the greatest visible impact upon our body's health and appearance are diet and exercise. Our choice of diet will greatly determine the amount of energy we have for exercise.

In turn, exercise will greatly influence how the nutrients we take in are utilized in the reconstruction of the body. A person may have the perfect physique at one point in their life and lose that perfection through neglect. Likewise a person can be visibly out of shape 18

and yet, through observing the laws which govern the physical body, be totally transformed into the perfect physical specimen.

Needless to say this design is not by chance. The wisdom of God which foresaw mankind's digression from spiritual perfection to the deformity of the sin, as well as formulated the plan to convert him from spiritual deformity to perfection of character, designed our physical bodies to serve as an expression of this reality. Although many may ignore or disbelieve it, diet and food has a pivotal role in

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elieve it's not Fried-less

Chicken

– Lawrence Rykard Jr

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he Wedge Tofu is prepared using three simple ingredients: Non-GMO soybeans, calcium sulfate (mineral salt), and water. We use a special yet simple process that creates a wonderfully textured soy product, which we call Wedge Tofu. It is best served as a meatsubstitute because a very large quantity of the original soybean molecules (especially high quality complete proteins) remains intact.

This allows Wedge Tofu to be an excellent source of the major nutrient protein and minor nutrients calcium and manganese. It is also a source of the minerals iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and selenium. Fantastically, it is also cholesterol free and very low in saturated fats and sodium.1 One of the most controversial subjects surrounding tofu is the fact that it has isoflavones, which are chemically similar to estrogen. Some have directly associ-

ated this to an increased risk of developing cancer just because there is evidence of a link between free estrogen in the blood and hormonal related cancers in women, such as breast cancer.2 However, through scientific evidence, the isoflavones in tofu have not been shown to be a cause of cancer. Rather more evidence suggests that isoflavones have anti-estrogen,3antioxidant4 and anti-inflammatory5 properties or cancer preventing properties. Hence, all these attributes are also mixed into the “little” controversy. Although, we have discovered that tofu generally is a wholesome food, we also know that there are some people who would do best to avoid eating tofu; but these latter are not the criteria for all because some thrive on it. In the end, we simply encourage people to study and decide

what is best for themselves and their families. And remember to “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Phil. 4:5).

Believe It’s Not Friedless Chicken Ingredients: 4 cups (5 blocks) Wedge Tofu™ ¼ cup “Save Some” Seasoning™ ¼ cup high-heat oil (sunflower, safflower, coconut etc.) ¼ cup whole wheat flour Instructions: 1. Prepare Wedge Tofu™ by boiling it directly from its/a frozen state. Be sure to use 19

enough water so that the tofu blocks are completely submerged in the water. Once the tofu is completely thawed the boiling process is complete. It takes approximately 7 minutes for 4 blocks of tofu to thaw via boiling.

Bake! Enjoy Friends!

cyte-endothelial cell interactions [Epub

Want to purchase the WedgeTofu? Visit: hastingHISharvest.com for your ready to order package.

1. SelfNutritionData. Retrieved from http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-andlegume-

2. Cool tofu down with cold water to ensure safe handling for the next steps of seasoning.

products/4468/2 2. Eliassen, A.H. & Hankinson, S.E. (2008, October). Endogenous hormone levels and risk of

3. Preheat oven to 350° F.

breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers: Prospective

4. Slice or break the boiled tofu blocks into halves or quarters in preparation for seasoning.

studies. Adv Exp Med Biol, 630,148-65.

3. Douglas C.C., Johnson, S.A., & Arjmandi, B.H. (2013). Soy and its isoflavones: The truth

5. Mix the 4 cups of Wedge Tofu™, ¼ cup of “Save Some” Seasoning™, ¼ cup of oil & ¼ cup of whole wheat flour together in a mixing bowl and then spread evenly on an oiled or parchment paper-lined sheet pan for baking.

behind the science in breast cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 13(8), 1178-87.

4. Rüfer C.E.& Kulling, S.E. (2006, April 19).

Antioxidant activity of isoflavones and their major metabolites using different in vitro assays. J Agric Food Chem, 54(8), 2926-31.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 15 - 25 minutes or until crispy and with a texture similar fried chicken.

7. Remember, We Don’t Fry We 20

isoflavones by flow: Modulation of leuko-

5. Chacko, B.K., Chandler, R.T., Mundhekar, A., Khoo, N., Pruitt, H.M., Kucik, D.F., Parks, D.A., Kevil, C.G., Barnes, S., & Patel, R.P. (2005, August).

Revealing anti-inflammatory mechanisms of soy

April 2005]. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 289(2), H908-15.

Missionary A MEDICAL

– Nigele McCoy

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"IF EVEN ONE PART OF MAN SUFFERS THE OTHER PARTS ARE ALSO AFFECTED."

What is a medical missionary?

Medical missionary work is healing completely: physically, mentally, and spiritually, on God’s Program. A medical missionary then is someone who engages in this work. The Bible says “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” (Ps. 103:2-3). The Lord is the one who heals our diseases, therefore medical missionary work comes from the Lord. So, if we really want to learn about medical missionary work, we must go to the Lord.

Who is the Lord? “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made 22

that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). The Lord is Jesus, a medical missionary.

Jesus came from heaven as the greatest and most perfect example of a medical missionary; he came to a sick and quarantined planet called Earth.

We see it noted in scripture: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matt. 4:23).

Jesus came to give men and women power to live and show them how to live; His work was to restore health. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have

life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10).

Jesus wants all to have an abundant life and every medical missionary should have the same desire. Let’s look at one encounter that Jesus had and used to teach us the principles and program of medical missionary work, it’s found in John 5:5-9, 13, 14.

This story of the impotent man is a story that establishes sin as the root cause of certain maladies. In verse 5 we see how long this man has had the infirmity. In verse 6 Jesus asks, “Wilt thou be made whole?” This question suggests that the ailing man had some part to play in his sickness and restoration. In verse 7 the man gives a reason why he couldn’t be healed-“I have no man to help me into the pool,” showing that he thought a man could change his condition.

In verse 8 Jesus doesn’t sym-

pathize or begin to reason with the man but gives a command.

In verse 9 we see that the man was healed mentally and then physically. We know this because the man obeyed God’s word. Although, as we see in verse 13, that he didn’t know who healed him, the fruit of his obedience is seen by his physical action.

The impotent man would have never known that he was healed had he never rose up and walked. Jesus, through this encounter, restored the impotent man’s faith. In verse 14 we also see what caused the man’s infirmity and what would keep him from further infirmities: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”

We see that sin was the heart of his issue.

What is Sin? “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 Jn. 3:4). Sin is the breaking or violation of the law. Sin is a decision; meaning that you must choose to break the law or not.

If you don’t know the law then you are in ignorance, at which the Bible states, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at…” (Acts 17:30). Although God winks at ignorance, what you don’t know may still hurt you. Jesus was telling the man that he must cease from sin to remain in health. So, how does sin and health relate to each other?

Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul ab-

horreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Ps. 107:17-20)

"MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK IS HEALING COMPLETELY: PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY, ON GOD’S PROGRAM."

see that true health is being without sin. A false health plan would prescribe to keep sinning and use other things to maintain health.

Contrarily, Jesus, on His medical missionary program, heals every aspect of man.

The first great reason why Jesus heals every aspect of man is because He is a complete and perfect God: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Th. 5:23).

The second great reason Jesus does this is that He understands that if even one part of man suffers the other parts are also affected.

We see the principle here in scripture: “For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:” (1 Cor. 12:24).

“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” (vs. 26). With this background information, part 2 will move into the resolution of health problems.

Read part 2 in the next issue.

We see from these texts that affliction comes from transgression and that healing comes from the word of God. The Bible says that “For the wages of sin is death;…”

(Rom. 6:23). Sin brings physical and eternal death. Jesus’ primary focus in showing us how to live was to save us from the greatest enemy known to man: sin (see Matt. 1:21). We 23

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Remedies

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t’s cold and flu season! The best way to avoid getting sick is to keep your immune system strong.

“Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house” (Mt. 12:29).

Prevention is much better than cure.

Some natural immune boosters that keep your ‘strong man’ protected are exercising daily, proper & regular rest, drinking plenty of water, and washing your hands regularly after contact with others. Be generous with raw garlic, turmeric and fruits that are naturally high in vitamin C. But, if you do get sick, below are some natural ways combined with prayer and trusting in God that will help to bring you back to full health.

Nature’s flu shot Juice of 6 fresh lemons 4-6 cloves of garlic, peeled 2 tsp ginger powder 3 cups pineapple juice 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper Blend and store in fridge. Take 1 cup, 4 times a day as needed.

Nature’s Penicillin 1 grapefruit 1 orange 2 lemons 3 cloves of garlic, peeled ½ large onion, peeled 3 drops of peppermint essential oil

Interested in getting God's Farmacy? Visit www.meetministry.org

Place all ingredients (including the peels) in high power blender. Add a little water if necessary and blend until smooth. Store in fridge.

This is a very potent and strong mix and should only be taken by the spoonful as needed. *Recipes adapted from MEET Ministry’s God’s Farmacy. Used with permission.

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