Speaking Through Nature

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” - Matthew 6:34, ESV

Recently, the Lord spoke and revealed His mind to me with two powerful truths. It was not in the earthquake, nor in the wind, nor in the fire (1 Kings 19:11-13, NIV). Rather, it was in a whisper, heard in the least of His creation. 

Be Anxious For Nothing

Last weekend, a massive snowstorm hit the United States. With snow accumulations up to 16 inches, millions were affected across 40 states, from power outages to being snowed in for days. 

By the third day, there was “cabin fever” in my house. Spiritually and emotionalIy, I felt a sense of smallness. Greatly humbled. My heart was breaking for the things that break God’s heart.  

Led to my bedroom window, I noticed swarms of robins darting between trees and across the snow-covered yard, looking for food. Wanting to help feed them, I later learned that robins don’t eat seeds. The seeds are too hard for their beaks to break apart and eat. They prefer softer foods like meal worms, dried fruit and berries.

Several holly trees were nearby, filled with juicy red berries, to which the robins were attracted and flying to them. It dawned on me that God created holly berries bright red so they could be found in winter, especially in snow. And holly trees don’t lose their prickly leaves in winter, providing shelter and protection for birds.

The birds were not worried that I only had seeds. In fact, they weren’t worried at all. God provides, even for the birds. It points to Jesus’ words in scripture:

Like little birds, we should have confidence and peace. But we should have abundantly more, for we have the full measure of completeness in Jesus Christ. He has provided for each believer with the shedding of His sacrificial and atoning blood. As well, we have been gifted with His indwelling Spirit. He gives us His grace, His mercy, and much more.

Since Jesus is our Creator and Redeemer, Savior, and Friend, we can trust He knows all our needs. And just as we have the visual evidence of God providing for the least of His creatures, neither should we be anxious for anything. Jesus didn’t step off the throne of heaven to take on human flesh and die for angels and birds, but rather to die for us. For we are His bride. And He is our bridegroom. We are in Him, and He is in us (1 John 4:13, CSB). God’s Word says: He who loves his wife loves himself.  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of His body (Ephesians 5:28-30).

Spreading The Gospel

I saw a similarity in my desire to feed the robins with seed and how many people approach spreading the Gospel. It can be inconsiderate. It can be without care to meet someone where they are, nor, leaning in to understand them. We tend to say, “This is the Gospel!” and we heap it upon a person’s head. It’s not done in love for the person, but rather in love with the applause of being an admired or good missionary.

We can’t expect to give the hard nutrients of the Gospel to every soul alike, for their “beaks” may not be able to break open those hard seeds of biblical truth.

On the opposite end, we never should water down or soften up the Gospel. However, the Gospel may need to be broken down in simpler language. We need to remember that the language and concepts we often hear may be foreign to another person who doesn’t know Jesus, nor has spent time in God’s Word.  

In addition, sharing the Gospel is not talking at someone, for that can be regarded as self-righteous, condescending, and unloving. But rather, we should genuinely be engaged. Talk with them. Ask questions. It should be a conversation.

In my experience with the foraging birds, God provided a way to feed and care for them, as His Word promises. But humans are different. We need to leave our places of comfort, and give spiritual food to those who would otherwise never been offered this life-saving Bread of Life. If we don’t, who will help to feed them? 

And if this has resonated in your heart today, you can pray right now:

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving me. Thank you for caring for me and providing for my every need. I’ve never done without. Even in lean times, you provided an opportunity to grow in my faith, allowing me to become more like you. I want nothing to come between us. I thank you, Lord Jesus. It’s in your powerful and almighty name that I pray. Amen.

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Health

Cloves: Pain Relief, Antioxidants, & More

Cloves For Pain Relief- A Personal Story

Let’s get right into it. One morning, I had a throbbing pain shooting from a tooth. I chewed two cloves and within one minute, the pain was gone. On day two, the pain started to come back. I chewed two cloves again, and the pain relief was instant. In fact, it worked faster than taking 500 mg of Naproxen, which I had taken for my tooth weeks prior. (Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)).

How is this possible? This is due to clove containing the essential oil eugenol, which is 70-90%. This compound is responsible for the spice's antiseptic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, often used in dentistry for temporary pain relief.

But cloves offer so many more health benefits.

Cloves offer numerous health benefits due to their high content of antioxidants and the compound eugenol, which provides anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and as mentioned, analgesic properties. They are also a good source of manganese and Vitamin K.

Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Cloves are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress linked to chronic diseases. Eugenol is a primary component responsible for these effects.

• Reduced Inflammation: Eugenol can inhibit the enzymes involved in inflammation pathways, potentially easing symptoms of conditions like arthritis and supporting muscle recovery after exercise.

• Cell Protection: The antioxidants in cloves, including eugenol and flavonoids, help protect cells from damage and may lower the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and certain cancers.

Digestive & Liver Health

Cloves have been traditionally used to relieve various digestive complaints.

• Improved Digestion: Cloves can stimulate digestive enzymes, which helps improve nutrient absorption and reduce issues such as gas, bloating, and nausea.

• Stomach Ulcers: Some research suggests clove extracts can help protect the stomach lining and aid in healing peptic ulcers by increasing gastric mucus.

• Liver Support: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cloves may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and oxidative stress.

Oral & Antimicrobial Benefits

Cloves are a staple in traditional dental care and hygiene products due to their potent antimicrobial properties.

• Pain Relief: Clove oil is an established natural anesthetic (numbing agent) for easing toothaches and gum pain.

• Fights Bacteria: Compounds in cloves exhibit strong activity against various bacteria and fungi, including oral pathogens, helping to combat bad breath, plaque, and gum disease.

• Immune System Support: The rich concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antimicrobial properties helps to strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.

Other Potential Benefits

• Blood Sugar Regulation: Preliminary studies suggest that compounds in cloves may help manage blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.

• Bone Health: Cloves are an excellent source of manganese, a mineral essential for bone formation and maintaining bone density and strength.

• Respiratory Health: Chewing cloves or using clove tea may help soothe sore throats, calm coughs, and relieve congestion due to their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How To Use For Tooth Pain

• Whole Cloves: If you’re using whole cloves, simply place one or two whole cloves directly onto or near the painful area of your tooth or gum. Gently chew the cloves to release the oil, or simply leave them in place to allow the natural oils to work. This is the gentler approach.

• Clove Oil: If you prefer a more concentrated solution, clove oil is a good option. Apply a few drops of clove oil to a cotton ball or swab and gently dab it onto the painful tooth or gums. Since clove oil can cause gum irritation, mix the clove oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil.

• Clove Powder: If you don’t have access to whole cloves or clove oil, you can also use ground cloves. Simply create a paste by mixing the powder with a small amount of water or coconut oil and applying it to the affected area. 

Cloves For Digestion

• Take one whole dried clove and chew it slowly after a meal. The chewing releases oils (like eugenol) that soothe the stomach lining and can help prevent heartburn and acid reflux.

• Clove tea: Steep 2-5 whole cloves (or 1 tbsp) in hot water for 5-10 minutes, strain, and drink warm. This helps relax the gut, ease gas, and can be good after heavy meals.

Important Considerations†*

Consultation: Always speak with a healthcare provider and/or licensed nutritionist to discuss the recommended way to use cloves as a health supplement or for treating health issues.

• Use sparingly.

• High concentrations of eugenol can be toxic, and caution is advised for frequent ingestion.

• Individuals with bleeding disorders, those taking blood-thinning medications, or those who are pregnant or nursing should be cautious with clove consumption.

• Temporary Solution: It does not cure the underlying cause of pain, such as infection or deep decay.

• Clove oil is not safe for children, especially those younger than 2 years old; giving them clove oil may have serious side effects such as seizures or liver damage.

   

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*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.}