These were more noble
than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of
mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts
17:11
A friend of mine was
selling flowers and herbs at the flea market this week. She happened to have
one of my favorite herbs, bee balm. Bee balm is a member of the mint family. It
has a beautiful showy flower head and a wonderful smell that attracts bees. The
leaves, flowers, and stems can be used for teas, medicines, and potpourri.
Naturally, I had to purchase some for my garden. As soon as it flowers I want
to cut some stems to dry. I’ve never tried using bee balm. I just grow it for
its beauty. Balm is a word for soothing, like an ointment on a wound. I wonder if I have been missing out on some of
God’s natural soothing.
In Jerimiah 8:22 the
question is asked, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why
then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” Jerimiah wasn’t
talking about physical sickness. He was referring to the spiritual sickness of
God’s people. The priest lived in Gilead. They were responsible for giving the
Word to the people. But the priests and the people of God were in moral decay
(Hosea 6:8-10). Sound familiar?
Decay is the forerunner of
death. A tree that has decayed wood will soon die. People with tooth decay can
die from abscessed teeth, if not treated. Toes, fingers, legs, and arms can
become infected. Sometimes they have to be removed because the health of the
person is not good enough to allow healing. When we don’t eat properly our
health will decline. The same is true of our spiritual health.
Our nation’s families,
even many Christian families, are in spiritual decay. We have become a nation
of excuses to do what is right in our own eyes. The truth is, God’s Word is
truth (John 17:17). When we fail to abide in the truth, spiritual decay begins
to set in. But there is a balm. There is a remedy for our sickness. When we are
sick we need to take medicine on a daily basis if we plan on regaining our
health. The medicine can’t just be in the medicine cabinet. We have to take it.
We need God’s Word on a daily basis to regain our spiritual health. Not only do
we need to read it, we need to receive it with all readiness of mind. In other
words, we have to be willing to do what it says if we intend to have a strong a
Christian family, church, community and nation. Sometimes we don't like the taste of medicine but it is better than being sick.
Father, please make us aware of
our sins, forgive us, and cleanse us, that healing might come to our homes, our churches,
and our land. In Jesus name, Amen.
Perhaps you would want to
come up with a plan for daily study of God’s Word. We would love for you to
share your favorite time for Bible study. It may be an encouragement to others.
The best time for me is during breakfast when
there is no TV or radio.
Hey Kids!
Bee balm tea was a staple
in American homes after the Boston Tea Party when the colonist dumped all the
British Tea in the Boston Harbor.
You may want to try some
yourselves.
Clip stems of bee balm
with leaves and flowers.
Bundle them upside down
with a rubber band.
Place inside a paper
lunch bag for a few weeks.
When the stems are dry,
crumble 1 tsp of bee balm into a cup
Have an adult add 1 cup
of boiling water.
Allow the tea to steep 10
minutes, then sweeten to taste.
I’m thinking if our
ancestors wanted to sweeten their tea, they would use honey. J
Information on teas was
obtained from www.Gardensablaze.com
Please note warnings for
allergies and other conditions.
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