Faith In Action

Faith In Action

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17

Do you have true faith in God that beams from every corner of your heart, where the world can see Jesus living through you? Or are you deceived, leaning on faith without action- an excuse for laziness, pride, and fear?

Many have faith that rests only upon God’s miraculous capabilities. As a result, the Lord is not served by us because we don’t serve our neighbors nor strangers. We don’t pray for the hurting, nor evangelize to the lost (Matthew 25:37-46). God will do as He wants anyway with or without us, right?

Let’s say the Holy Spirit puts it on your heart to approach a stranger, to speak to him about his faith journey and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. But you disobey, saying to yourself:

“This is not what I do. It’s for the more extreme Christians. Plus, this isn’t the time nor place. Besides, what would I say? God will have His purpose and plans fulfilled without me. Someone more qualified will come along. I have great faith that God will work this out for His glory.” 

At this point, your heart can still hear the Holy Spirit. It’s truly a beautiful gift from Christ- His Spirit living within us. However, there’s a rejection of this gift by shutting down the Holy Spirit’s many daily promptings to you. In time, His voice will no longer be heard from within the walls you’ve built against Him.

Faith Without Action Is No Faith At All 

This type of faith can lead us into acting in our own strength and knowledge. It can lead us into the belief that God is not our miracle worker at all times and in the least of things, except when we want a miracle from Him. It can lead us to reject seeking His plans and purpose, as we build our own based off our family expectations, our education, our skills and talents and interests, and the world around us.

Most importantly, faith without action dismisses the Lord’s desire for you to become more like His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Sure, we want to become more like Jesus, but on our terms. It’s a lack of faith in the words of Jesus who stands in the gap between us and God the Father.

While a great faith believes that nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37, Matthew 19:26, Jeremiah 32:17) and that He does as He pleases (Psalm 115:3, Psalm 135:6), we shouldn’t confuse faith in His capabilities and His sovereignty with a lazy mindset of not actively taking up our cross and following Jesus Christ.

In Mark 10:17-31, Jesus told a rich young ruler: “Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The young man was grieved and went away.

The Lord Wants You Involved In His Plans

It’s important to God to use you in accomplishing His plans. It’s true that the success of those plans will come with or without you, but it’s a loving invitation that will produce fruit in your sanctification.

Sanctification is your spiritual walk that continues until you take your last breath on earth. It’s how you live out your life. It’s a reflection of what Jesus means to you in fully surrendering to Him, following Him, and allowing yourself to be transformed into His likeness.

What hungry man is invited to a dinner feast, and yet he won’t sit with the host, refusing to eat or drink?

A body builder does not spend hours in the gym each day, having faith that he can grow bigger and stronger without action. He dedicates his time to lifting heavy weights to increase his muscle size. Like the body builder, if you step out and do the uncomfortable, working those faith muscles, you grow into being more like Christ. Otherwise, you remain spiritually and emotionally stagnant. You’ll miss the amazing and miraculous blessings of experiencing a more intimate relationship with the Lord, and from developing the fruit of the Spirit.  

The Holy Spirit has incredible experiences for us, beyond our wildest dreams. But they can’t happen when we don’t surrender all that we are and have to Christ. Did you know that you don’t become who God purposed you to be, the reason He created you, when you don’t live with the intention to become more like Jesus? 

If you’re not changed enough to surrender your life to Jesus each day, is it possible that the Holy Spirit is not living inside you? You may have so much of the world living within, with no room for the Holy Spirit. And without the Holy Spirit’s all-encompassing knowledge of all things past, present, and future, what is guiding you? Where do you draw your wisdom, discernment, joy, and peace?

And if this speaks to your heart, will you pray over this today? 

Lord Jesus, I come to you in a posture of total surrender to you. I repent and ask for Your forgiveness for any disobedience. Lord, I want to step out in faith, to do your work and will as a result of my faith in you. No matter the cost or inconvenience. Today I make room for you to live your life in me and through me. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Health

Eliminating Parasites In the Body: What You Need to Know

The discussion of parasites isn’t the most attractive of health topics, but parasites in the body are more common than you might think. The following is for educational purposes only, and not intended as a treatment without the consultation of a licensed medical or naturopathic doctor. Your doctor can make an official diagnosis and help with a plan of treatment.

Parasites affect millions of people throughout the entire world. Many people may not notice they have an infection because they have few symptoms. Others may have serious illnesses. Treatment depends on the kind of parasite you have but may include a naturopathic approach or prescription medications.

What Are the Common Symptoms?

Symptoms may include one or more of the following, and depends on the type of parasite you may have:

• Digestive issues

• Fatigue/low energy

• Muscle aches

• Sugar cravings

• Skin rashes

• Neurological problems

• Headaches

• Teeth grinding

• Weight issues

• Nutrient deficiences

• Sleep disturbances

Do Parasites Go Away On Their Own?

Some parasites go away on their own, especially if you have a healthy immune system and maintain a balanced diet. However, talk to a licensed medical doctor or naturopathic doctor if you have signs of a parasitic infection.  

Dietary Changes

Diet alone may not be enough to solve the problem of pathogenic parasites, but it’s important to a treatment strategy:

• Increase fiber intake: Eating high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can promote bowel regularity, which helps expel intestinal worms.

• Avoid certain foods: Parasites thrive on sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods. Limiting these foods can make it difficult for parasites to survive and support your immune system. Avoid undercooked pork and sushi.

• Eat probiotic foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can promote gut health by replenishing beneficial gut bacteria, strengthening your immune response against parasitic infections. Nurturing gut flora restoration with specific probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus acidophilus as well as fermented foods can support the reduction of inflammation following a parasitic infestation, and make the host less susceptible to reinfection.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush your system and supports waste removal.

Antiparasitic Foods and Herbs

Along with prescribed medications, strengthening your immune system through diet and supplements may help your body get rid of parasites faster. Before trying any alternative therapies, check with a healthcare provider. These may affect other medications you take. While more large-scale human research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these natural remedies, smaller studies and traditional uses suggest the following:

• Garlic: Known for its antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. Consuming raw garlic may help fight infections.

• Barberry: Barberry contains the plant alkaloid berberine, which has been shown to have broad antimicrobial effects against parasites.

• Pumpkin seeds: The compound cucurbitacin in pumpkin seeds can help paralyze intestinal worms, making them easier to expel. You can eat the seeds raw or roasted.

• Papaya seeds: Studies show that air-dried papaya seeds have proven effectiveness against certain intestinal parasites.

• Turmeric: The active compound curcumin has antimicrobial properties that may help eliminate intestinal worms.

• Clove: Contains powerful antiparasitic and antibacterial properties and may be effective at killing worm eggs.

• Coconut: Coconut is another superstar food with antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory antifungal, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties.

• Pomegranate: Pomegranate has been used since ancient times to treat tapeworms and other parasites.

• Wormwood: Some studies show wormwood can be effective against certain parasites, but it can be toxic in high doses. It’s effective at killing some parasites in the development stages.

The following foods and supplements may also help clear parasites from your digestive tract or prevent them from growing:

• Beets

• Carrots

• Pure honey

• Digestive enzymes

• Vitamin C

• Zinc: Vitamin A supplementation paired with zinc supplementation has proven effective in the fight against Giardia.

Risks and Precautions

Proceed with caution, especially when considering herbal supplements, as they are not regulated for quality or dosage by the FDA. As mentioned, consult with a licensed medical doctor or naturopathic doctor.

• Potential toxicity: High doses of certain herbs like wormwood and black walnut hull can be toxic to the liver and nervous system.

• Medication interactions: Herbs can interact with prescription medications, leading to dangerous health outcomes.

• Gut disruption: Some potent antimicrobial herbs can kill off beneficial gut bacteria, potentially worsening digestive problems.

• Misdiagnosis: Self-treating can delay proper diagnosis of a potentially serious underlying condition that may be mistaken for a parasitic infection.

Parasitic infections can be complicated, and working with a doctor is important to help make sure you’re approaching the problem safely and effectively.

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_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}