Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts: January 2011

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

MARRIAGE: Love

Saying, “I love you” is very common, but what do we really know about love? I think of the song, “I wanna know what love is,” by the band Foreigner and I’m in agreement. I want to know what love is.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy or boast, it is not proud or rude, it is not self-seeking or easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

There we have it summed up for us. This is quite challenging for sure but with God’s help, we can display this kind of self-less love toward our spouses and the rewards will be beautiful!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

HEALTH: Taking care of yourself

As we age, we tend to become more and more tired. Perhaps we are not getting enough sleep, or are overly stressed, or haven’t taken care of our bodies very well. Whatever the reason, fatigue can set in. When we find ourselves in seasons like this, it is important to first, be sure to drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Along with exercise, your physical body will be restored.

Second, ask God to restore you physically, mentally, and spiritually. In the book of Isaiah we read, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even the young grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like an eagle; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

Rest assured knowing that as you do your part by taking care of your body, God will renew your strength and restore you.

©2010-2011 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

WORK: Everyone is the same to God

Regardless of your role on this earth, whether you are a doctor, a house cleaner, stay-at-home mother, unemployed, or student, you are equally important to God. Listen to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price."

God says that he purchased us for his pleasure. The saying, “You are not what you do,” is very true and to judge people for their job status is wrong and it saddens God. Each individual is precious in God’s eyes and man-made status does not impress him. Rejoice in who you are. You are a treasure and a gift to humanity. Be proud of yourself if you work or if you don’t work, if you make lots of money or don’t make lots of money. Smile. God loves you just the way you are.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

LIFE: Giving

Most of us can relate to giving someone a gift, or blessing them with money, or assistance, and walking away with such a joyful heart! Simply giving out of a generous heart and not expecting anything in return.

We live in such a materialistic society. Greed and envy covet our hearts but we want to be givers. We oftentimes vow to be generous and have great intentions, but when extra money comes, or someone needs help, we shrink back or make excuses as to why we can’t.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” As we give, whether it be time, money, or love, we can experience joy, freedom, and a sense of purpose. God summed up the Ten Commandments into two in the New Testament. In simple terms, God said to love Him and love others. Loving others requires being generous in many areas. The closer we get to God, the more we will understand God’s grace and giving nature, and thus, imitate the same.