FAITHFULNESS AND TRUSTWORTHINESS-THE DIFFERENCE

The apostle Paul often includes notes of thanksgiving in all of his epistles. They concluded his thanksgiving letter to the city of Corinth with these words: “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord”

During this instance Paul Glorifies God for spiritual blessings and gifts bestowed upon the church of Corinth- as he affirms his trust in God to uphold them steadfastly. In this context, Paul’s trust stems from God’s faithfulness, the solid foundation for all believers. Faithful is a Greek word derived from, ‘pistos’, which also conveys the concept of being ‘trustworthy’. 

Therefore, as scripture declares that God is faithful, it suggests and/or signifies His ‘trustworthiness. Simply meaning that when God makes a promise, it is unwavering. You can rest assured that God’s trustworthiness hinges on His attributes; specifically His, justice, and holiness. He will not break His promise. 

He fulfilled His promise to Abraham by giving him Isaac {Gen 12:3} And through Isaac came Jacob, the forefather of the Israelites, through whom the Messiah came, bringing the blessing of salvation to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles (Gal 3:6-9} God’s faithfulness continues in His covenant with King David: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever”{2 Samuel 7:16}.

Albeit the Davidic covenant appeared endangered due to Solomon’s ‘unfaithfulness’. Also by Athaliah’s murderous rampage, God was faithful. Such examples as these prove God’s trustworthiness, even when things seem unlikely. We can fathom from these situations a clear understanding of God’s faithfulness more as we grasp the totality of His character. Paul always boldly proclaimed God’s faithfulness, especially regarding our belief in salvation.

Paul goes on to express a similar sentiment: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the presence nor the future, nor any powers, neither heights, nor depth , nor anything else in all of creation , will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Jesus The Christ Our Lord {Romans 8:38-39}

In Conclusion: 

• God’s faithfulness will accomplish His promises given to us in confidence

• It allows us to connect to Jude’s Doxology:

• “To Him who can keep us from stumbling

• And to be present before Him in Glorious presence and persona

• As we appear without fault and with great Joy!

• To the only God our Savior, The Glory! Majesty! Power and Authority

• Give through the Father in the Name of Jesus.

• Before all ages, now and forever more and everlasting and Forever...Amen, and Amen...

Steve Braxton, CEO/Founder National Clergy Fellowship Outreach Initiative, div of Marketplace Ministries, Inc., Executive Life Coach, Author of Non-Fiction books, memoirs, and poetic stanza sbrax57@gmail.com/http://sbrax-on-point.blogspot.com

 

 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS “BORN IN A MANGER”

The strong creator God and El Elyon-God most high promised the savior’s ‘virgin birth’ immediately after the first Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. {Genesis 3:15}. And centuries later the prophet Micah foretold the birth of Jesus, in the small town of Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from the ancient times” {Micah 5:2}

This is the fulfilling prophecy of Jesus’s earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. As the news began to spread, it caused many people to came to Bethlehem. So many came and there was no room at the Inn for Mary and Joseph to stay. 

Such fact led some to believe that Jesus may not have been born in a stable or a barn, but in a house with a lower flooring like a basement that served as a nighttime shelter for the family’s animals. If such were the case it would have been known as a manager in ancient times.

After Jesus’ birth His earthly mother, Mary wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a food trough-a manger. The night shepherds from  nearby found him just as the angels told them they would {Luke 2:10-12}

Questions to ponder:

• Why was the savior who would be king of Kings born in a place where animals were kept

• Why was he laid in an animal ‘food trough’

• Surely, God’s own Son deserved a much higher profile place of an elegant birth and kingly surroundings

• Why did God Choose the lowest of circumstances for his Son to be born?

The mindful thought of consciousness of Almighty God was one to portray ‘humble beginnings’ This serve to set in motion the cognitive of an amazing message of creation. A message that beheld the vicissitudes of a transcendent God. The Father’s thoughts were condescended to come as a revelation to us as human beings. Coming in full force with the essence and ingredients that revealed to all mankind with the utterances and proclamations, as follows:

• He is approachable

• He is accessible

• He is available 

• No palace gates shall bar the way to him 

• No ring of guards prevents our approach to Him

Let It Be Known That The King of Kings came humbly, and His first bed was the ‘Humble Beginnings of a “Manger” Amen

Steve Braxton, CEO/Founder, Marketplace Outreach Ministries, Inc., and National Clergy Fellowship, Also Bishop {Ret} The Light of Illinois Diocese affiliate of The International Church Of God In Christ.Executive Life Coach, and Author of Non-Fiction Books, Memoirs, and poetic verse stanza/ sbrax57@gmail.com/ http://sbrax-on-point.blogspot.com 

 Past History To Live and Realize Dreams of The Future

The past is keen wisdom unto ultimate sufficient knowledge, that creates the pathways to serve as stepping stones to overcome roadblocks encounters in the bygone era.

We dare not remain stuck in the past because it may ruin any chance we have at the present and disavow what glad tidings the future may hold

That being said, it is both prudent and wise to recognize the lessons that it teaches us about the insights and intel of what is needed to go forth seeking the ‘spirit of boldness’ courage, and determination. As well as, to reflect on healing and forgiveness In order, to become the best to better serve self and all others

As we endeavor to discover the advent and happenings that the ‘stepping stones’ bring forth. Thus it makes amends and uses those mistakes as lessons taught, learned, and internalized. Such experimental encounters are formidable lessons that become gifts, which allow the levels of the learning process, truly leading ways to progress and evolve

It is good for us to be sensitive and prayerful to reflect on the dissident voices that ‘cry out’ for healing in the revelation in the book of Mark’s gospel. The people seeking healing from Christ Jesus have to cross boundaries, in order, for the sick to be made well and whole and returned to full health.

While these stories are individual healings, they also remind us that we each have a part to play in restoring the marginalized and bringing, restoring, and healing to society, country, nation, and indeed the world. Especially, considering the migrant situation and circumstances in America, and the war-torn conditions in Ukraine and Gaza

Steve Braxton, Founder/CEO of National Clergy Fellowship Outreach initiative, an Affiliate of Marketplace Ministries, Inc., Bishop Light of Illinois Diocese, an affiliate of GOGIC, International, Former Senior Pastor, United Church of Hyde Park, Il, and Former Associate Pastor, Progressive Community Center The People’s Church, Collaborative Member, The International Council Of Community Centers and Churches {ICCC} sbrax57@gmail.com

 HOW HEALTHY IS SOURDOUGH BREAD?

What Does Science Say?

According to the recent popularity of artisanal reports about whole healthy food loaves of bread, Sourdough has become one of the most popular.

What is an exact description of Sourdough Bread?

• It has a tangy sour taste and a thick chewy crust

• Contains such ingredients as Wheat, Flour, Herbs, and Spices 

• The taste tends to be more savory and/or slightly nutty in texture. Three main ingredients are flour, water, and salt

• Prepared with a ‘starter’, which is a fermented culture process made of yeast, and lactic acid that aid in better digestion, as it serves to nourish the gut 

• According to recent research data by Eating Well Magazine, sourdough taste and flavor.

• More acetic and lactic  acid is added to slow down and sourdough is rated in the top three tier category of best nutritious bread { Sourdough, Sprouted 7grain, and Whole Wheat}

Additional research has shown that sourdough bread possesses an enormity of ‘Good Bacteria’, that helps and aids in healthier digestion. Also, it cites the forms to have the best choice for gut health. Not only because of the ‘Good Bacteria’-but do to the top levels of fiber forms contained in sourdough bread.

This bodes well for people who have intestinal system issues, such as :

• Irritable bowel syndrome-gas or bloating condition

• Sourdough bread makes it easier within the gut

The essential nutrients found in sourdough are:

• Healthy carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and iron

• Good Nutritional vitamin supplementation  An abundance more than other types of bread

REMARKS:

It is very important to read and take note of the ingredients of the packaging of the bread to ascertain the authentic ingredients that the bread is made of. Therefore, if you happen to have a celiac or a gluten allergy condition, Then, it will be wise to avoid sourdough bread made with wheat or rye particulates 

In Finality 

Sourdough Bread’s Healthiness is due to its primary fermentation process. Which creates the bread and destroys the acid that’s found in other types of bread.

 In addition, sourdough bread contains more magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants than other breads.

Moreover, Sourdough bread does not cause a spike in blood sugar as other breads do. This is a plus and an added dimension because such makes it easier on the gut and the digestion system. Inherent in the fact of the matter, that the sourdough bread containment of the ‘Good Bacteria’

Steve Braxton, sbrax57@gmail.com, http://sbrax-on-point.blogspot.com

Founder and Coordinator of The Daniel Fast Lifestyle  Change for Fasting, Meditation, Prayer, and selected reading of biblical scripture passages

 INFLAMMATION REDUCTION IS CRUCIAL FOR A HEALTHY BODY

Inflammation is rising to an epidemic proportion and  chronic levels across America and abroad

However, some ways can be put into practice to alleviate the situation and shall serve to reduce the ‘Chronic inflammation’ situation 

Here are a few suggestions to help stay on track to keep the Body stable  ‘on-point’ and  Be Healthy:

• 1. Get Enough Sleep, This is vital for reducing ‘stress’. Sleep deprivation is one of the main culprits for increasing inflammation levels. It shall be both wise and prudent to get, at least, 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Nine hours when necessary is even better. In addition, It is vital to have a consistent daily going to sleep and wake-up time. Also, practice a ‘wind down’ routine. This shall bode well to help alleviate heart disease or stroke.

• 2. De-stress is a key link to reducing inflammation. A daily routine of practicing mindfulness is very vital. Such can be done through meditation, exercise, proper nutrition, and having a hobby of sorts helps to relax the cognitive

• 3. Discover moments to connect to Joy, search for Hope, find ways to Cope, and give and receive forgiveness, a key component to Connect to the Joy of Healing. Such will serve to increase feelings and emotions of Peace and Contentment unto the Kindred Spirit of deep Inner Peace

• 4. Proper Nutrition consumption: Always strive to follow an anti-inflammation food-eating approach. The focus at all times should be toward ‘right foods’ i.e. Fruits, Vegetables, fiber, Plant-based, whole foods, nuts, fibers, lean meats, prepared with olive oils and herbs seasonings 

In Conclusion, research has shown that finding moments of joy can increase feelings of calm and help to De-stress. Opportunities may also be found elsewhere like listening to music and certain songs, observing the leaves changing colors, or the nice smell of spices and herbs of the meals you may love to prepare and cook. During the De-stress time, you might take 15 to 20 minutes to do deep breathing exercises, and practice gratitude which helps to create calmness and increase mindful levels of Joy, and Happiness unto the mindful thought of consciousness.  

Steve Braxton, Lifestyle Change Practitioner, Coordinator, The Daniel Fast 40 Days of Fasting, Prayer, Meditation, and Biblical scripture reading, as well as, a routine regiment of body movement and exercises. Life Coach, Blogger, and author of non-fiction books, memoirs, and poetic stanza verse sbrax57@g mail.com/, http://sbrax-on-point.blogspot.com

 CHLOSTEROL MANAGEMENT

Meds VS  Foods and Alternative Supplements

Which is Better? ..Answer>.Foods Stuff & Alternative Supplements

HEALTHY FOODSTUFF

~Soluble Fiber#

• Rasberry-Blackberry-Rolled Oats

• Flaxseeds-Chia Seeds

• Lentil Soup- & Lentil Beans

• #1 Food Item> Oat Brain Hot Cereal  {best hi fiber}

OTHERS FOODS

• Pinto Beans-Black Eye Peas-Black beans

• Baked Salmon Burgers w/tartar sauce

• Sauteed Salmon or Baked Salmon Steaks 

• Three Beans Salad

• Dreamy Fruit & Nutty Salad w/salad dressing 

  Salad content: Roman lettuce, cucumbers, red onions, Bell peppers, wedged apple pieces, and sliced peaches

Sample Ingredients for the salad dressing 

Olive Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Unfiltered Raw Honey

Dijon Mustard

W/Herbal seasonings {celery salt, garlic & rosemary, accent, creole seasoning to taste 

Supplements:*

~Red Yeast Rice Extract 900mg-Throne Choleast Capsules

~Benecol Chocolate-Soft Chew-Plant Based for Total & LDL Cholesterol

*Amazon Web page

#Soluble Fiber: It quickly dissolves in water to form a gel in the stomach-slows down the passage of foods-it is also good digestion for diarrhea-Example Oats & bran, toast {wheat or sourdough bread}

Edited/Written by: Steve Braxton, Coordinator for The 40-Day Daniel Fast Lifestyle Change, annual  Health, Fitness & Exercise Expedition Routine. {Jan 1-Feb 10, yearly program} sbrax57@gmail.com