ShalomTotal Wellness: Biblical Principles for Health & Healing

By Dr. Sheli Ricci, ND

Does God care about what we eat? How does He feel about genetic modification? Does the Bible say anything about health and wellness? Are miraculous physical healings for today?

 

Join Dr. Sheli Ricci as she broaches these questions, and more, through the lens of biblical truth.

 

Modern "healthcare" is failing. The ancient path is calling us back. What was once buried, and forgotten, is speaking once again!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. Sheli Ricci, ND
• Release date: May 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201716325

Dr. Sheli Ricci, ND

Dr. Sheli (Karen Michelle) Ricci is down to earth but Kingdom minded. She is a Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy, Biblical Wellness Counselor, and author. She is a Registered Traditional Naturopath, in good standing, with the International Association of Healthcare Practitioners (IANHP). She has contributed to several faith-based books including, The Archibald Bible Adventures series, All the Angels Stood, Candid Conversations, and Faith Talk.   Her passion is to see the Body of Messiah healed and restored- in mind, body and spirit. Her healing journey, life experiences, and unique perspective enable her to write about deep topics in a light hearted way. She lives in Texas with her husband, daughter, and a dog named Punkin. [e-mail] shalomtotalwellness.com facebook.com/ShalomTotalWellness  @dr.sheli.ricci

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COPYRIGHT

Shalom Total Wellness: Biblical Principles for Health & Healing

Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Sheli Ricci, ND

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informational storage or retrieval system without express written, dated and signed permission from the author.

Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (TLV) are taken from the Tree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.

Cover image by Mali Aroesti Photography from Pixabay. Website: www.maliaroesti.com. Used with permission.

DEDICATION

To the One who gave me life, my Abba Father. And to the love of my life, Christopher.

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

Psalm 52:8 (KJV)

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this book are my opinions. It is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or natural healthcare practitioner if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Dr. Karen Michelle (Sheli) Ricci will not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this book.

INTRODUCTION

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)

If I were to ask you what your favorite Bible story is, which one comes to mind? Perhaps the story of a young shepherd boy who stood up against a giant, a man who survived sharing the night with a den of lions, or a young woman who approached a less than cordial king in order to save a nation.

Great stories are set in the backdrop of people who persevered, and overcame, despite trial and persecution. The same is true for many of the beloved stories found in the Bible.

For it seems that God delights in stepping into the most difficult of situations, turning them into something good. It also seems that He enjoys showing off by taking the most unlikely of people, in the world's eyes, turning them into victors.

While each biblical character, and trial they faced, is unique, there are similar themes found in each of their stories.

First, there is a problem. After all, you can't have a good story without a challenge that must be faced.

Next, we see the person choosing to trust God, the Creator, despite the difficulty.

Then comes some sort of solution, or answer to the problem, followed by God’s intervention which brings about a resolution. At times, the answer seems confusing or impossible.

But the conclusion is always more wonderful than we ever could’ve imagined. Yes, of course there may be some back and forth between good and evil but, in the end, we all know who wins!

Thanks to God and these champions of old, you and I now have the benefit of learning from these stories. Strength and encouragement are gained from all they endured. Not to mention, these stories serve as a powerful reminder of how God is faithful to deliver, and save, His people, even amid insurmountable odds.

Oftentimes, we think of the people in the Bible as being much more spiritual than we are - people so unlike ourselves. While it’s true, that the characters of old went through unique experiences with God, we must remember that they were, after all, just people. Jesus, the Son of God, is the only exception.

When reading their testimonies, we see the good, the bad, and the ugly. None were perfect. But all displayed what it is to be human, perfectly. We may have more in common with them than assumed.

They would, I believe, scoff at the idea of being referred to as heroes or heroines. A heart of victory is a heart of humility. The glory belongs to God, alone.

Like them, we also have our own giants to face.

For me, one of those giants has been a life-long battle with auto-immune disease. As a child, rheumatoid arthritis ravaged my small joints. Later, in my mid-20's, an auto-immune response caused an 8-month long paralysis. Long term scarring of my spinal cord resulted.

No matter what allopathic medicine attempted to do, things got worse. With only the explanation that I had the wrong genes, no real answers were given, and horrific medical mistakes were made. Multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, injections, infusions, misdiagnosis, devastating flare ups, and years passed by as I struggled to remain hopeful for better days.

Growing up, I didn’t think I’d live to see 30. But here I was in my mid-30’s with, what felt like, a lifetime of illness behind me and more of the same in front of me.

At some point, I realized there must be a better way! My prayers for a solution were answered once I began studying to become a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.  Step by step, as I learned, I began implementing changes in my life. 

My personal relationship with Jesus caused me to naturally compare everything I studied with what the Word of God says and how the Holy Spirit led. The plumb line was in place. Anything that didn’t line up was tossed out.

Small changes built a foundation which prepared me for bigger breakthroughs, and I discovered how God truly does want us living a life of wellness in our minds, bodies and spirits.

The Bible came alive, in a new way, for me. Instructions for physical health started to leap off the pages! The Bible isn’t just a nice little storybook. It’s a book of truth to be applied to our daily lives.

God provides powerful principles for health, and healing, in His Word. As we step out, in faith, seeking these truths for ourselves, His hand lovingly guides and directs our path.

If this resonates with you, then I humbly ask you to prayerfully consider reading this book. My education didn’t end once I earned a doctorate. I’m a lifelong learner. I don't claim to have all the answers. But I know the One who does and will point you to Him, His Ways, and His shalom every time. Holy Spirit led healthcare supersedes the cogitations of man.

My prayer is that my own trials, and the things I've learned along the way, will be used for a blessing. We’re all on a healing journey. It would be my honor to walk with you. So that, one day, you will be empowered to encourage others with your own story of health and healing.

Be encouraged, friend. There IS hope! There IS a better way!

CHAPTER 1

THE CREATOR: OUR ULTIMATE CONSULTANT

Thus says Adonai: "Stand in the roads and look. Ask for the ancient paths—where the good way is—and walk in it. Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We won’t walk in it.’

Jeremiah 6:16 (TLV)

The American culture has become so fast paced. Instant gratification is the order of the day. We want it when we want it and let's face it - we want it now! This attitude is seen in relation to pretty much all things - the food we eat, how we handle relationships, our financial decisions, etc.

We often dive headfirst with lack of self-control or thoughts of long-term consequences. Feelings and the appetites of our flesh lead on a moment-to-moment basis. The social, and educational, constructs of our society encourage this. It’s the norm. We don’t know any differently.

We eat, and live, like hell every day. We carry on pushing through life, exhausted and overscheduled, rarely giving a thought to health, and well-being. We brag about how busy we are and over rely on technology. Then wonder why we’re so unhappy and out of touch.

We’re scared to death of getting sick. But true wellness is not valued. No space is given for healing. The deeper things of substance have been replaced with the lust of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life.

Not everyone lives as thoughtlessly as the description above. But regardless, of our best intentions, many simply never realize that living counterculture is an option. Few stop to question the mainstream view. Independent thinking is looked down on.

In today's drive-thru culture, there is a tendency to assume that the road to wellness is paved with 24-hour clinics and prescription medication. We've been conditioned to believe that unnatural, man-made chemically laced medicine is best. The MDs of today have replaced the priests of years gone by.

The truth that we are all priests, and kings, has been forgotten. We’ve come to rely on a nation of sick care rather than tap into the wisdom that God has readily available to us.

Introducing chemically based drugs, into our bodies, not only assaults us with unsavory ingredients, which may cause worse symptoms to appear, but it’s often overkill. Even though our bodies are made to be strong and resilient, a delicate balance exists within its different systems.

Prescription medication may quiet down symptoms, for a time, but it doesn’t address the root cause of illness. Our bodies don't need to be pummeled into submission with drugs. They need to be reminded, and redirected, to act and respond the way God originally created them to.

While I wouldn’t encourage someone to discontinue taking medication, without careful consideration, and counsel, I would encourage one to at least consider the natural things Creator God has gifted us with.

Once we understand that we were lovingly created by an Intelligent Designer, who placed within the earth what we need for health and healing - the game changes.

You are much more powerful than you have been led to believe. Embrace the fact that God has placed, within your grasp, the natural means for health and healing. The power to be well is in your hands!

What happened within the last 100 years that caused us to forget the importance of simple, considerate living? What caused us to forget the value of being connected to the Creator?

Modern health care is failing us. The ancient path is calling us back. What was once buried, and forgotten, is speaking