Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts: 2016

Sunday, September 18, 2016

LIFE: Aspects

Life has many aspects to it- love, family, friends, relationships, losses, successes, joys and miseries. All of these go hand in hand in one’s life. If any aspect is missing it makes the person incomplete. If one only desires happiness in his/her life, s/he would not be able to fully enjoy it until s/he has been sad. To fully enjoy a success, one has to have suffered a loss because its only then that success tastes even sweeter.
People can live on their own their whole lives, but the luxury of having friends and family to go back to in hard times is then missing. If one has family and friends, then disappointments and heartbreaks come along with it. One can choose the way to live, and with that they choose the hardships and the comfort they want, therefore, one should choose wisely.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

HEALTH: Diet

God created us and as our Creator, it makes sense that He knows what is good for us physically. In the Old Testament, God made laws concerning the body and food and commanded the Israelites to follow them. God knew that by abiding by His laws, His people would live in optimal health.
God laid out a diet for his people in the Old Testament. He instructed them to eat such things as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. (Genesis 1:29, 2:16, 3:18)

Doctors affirm that this type of diet is beneficial to our health and many diseases are attributed to poor eating habits. Make the effort to introduce these healthy foods into your diet. Look up recipes with these ingredients and try out various meals. You will learn to love eating healthy and feel better physically and mentally.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

HEALTH: Faith 2

Faith plays an important role in healing and walking in divine health. Many doctors admit that their patient’s faith plays an important role in their recoveries. Those with great faith usually recover faster and have a better attitude than those with little or no faith.

In the New Testament we read about a woman who suffered from a health problem for 12 years. She heard about Jesus and his desire to heal people and she believed that if she simply touched him, she would be healed. She pressed through the crowd and as she touched his robe, she felt healing power surge through her. Jesus looked at her and said, “Your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8)
Where is your faith today? God wants you well. Between faith in God and the various medicines available today, you can be live in divine health.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

HEALTH: Jesus Heals

Jesus was an extraordinary man. He spent a great deal of his time going from city to city not only teaching people about God, but also praying and healing people. There are many references in the New Testament of healings and miracles taking place. In Matthew 8:16-17 it speaks of Jesus driving out demons from people that were brought to him and healing all that were sick. Matthew 11:5 states that the blind could see, those who were lame could walk, and the deaf could hear.

If God’s son, Jesus, was so concerned about healing all the sick, then it’s safe to say that God wants us healed and whole also. God wants us in optimal health. God laid out a diet plan in the Bible and if we heed God’s instructions, we will be able to walk in better health to enjoy this awesome life we’ve been blessed with.

Sunday, July 31, 2016

LIFE: Influence

You choose the company you keep, and no matter how much people deny it, they are influenced in some way or the other by the people around them. Usually it is the norms of Society that decide what is right or wrong for the person. There will always be a spark of individuality in everyone, but to some extent, the morals of the person are determined by the company he keeps.

To spread awareness of this phenomenon, in Psalms 1:1 it says “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers”. The more you stay away from people, who indulge in sin, the more likely you are to keep on the path of righteousness.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

HEALTH: Being tired

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.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

LIFE: Circle of life

The disasters and happenings over the course of the past century, whether man made or cosmic, have shaken and shattered the belief of man in himself, his being, the creator, convincing him firmly of the frailty of human life, and the ultimate futility of human endeavor.

Yet, we go on. In the words of the Ecclesiastes: ‘One generation passeth away, and another cometh; but the earth abideth forever…and the sun also rises’, reflecting upon the ever abiding nature of this life: despite our unshakeable belief in the fragility of our existence, the consequential dogma of living in the present moment, and the death of life as we know it, life carries on, the same as before.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

HEALTH: Stress

Stress affects such a high population of America that the U.S. Public Health Service has made decreasing stress a high priority. Stress has a tremendous impact on our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Disorders such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes are at higher risk for those whose stress levels are high.

There are various ways to reduce and manage stress. Doctors recommend various techniques such as exercising, eating healthier, getting plenty of sleep, prayer, and meditation to alleviate symptoms of stress. God does not us walking around all stressed out. In Matthew 6:34 we find the writer admonishing his readers to trust God and stop being anxious about the future. Worrying about things does not help matters. Live one day at a time and allow God to take care of your needs just for today.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

MARRIAGE: Partners

You and your spouse are partners and you are called to join together to fulfill the purposes that God has laid out for you. As God told us in his word, when two people are married they are no longer two, but become one flesh.

Two individuals unite to love, honor, and cherish God and each other. Marriage is a partnership that involves husband and wife fulfilling their duties inside the home as well as outside the home. Balance is essential. The next time you feel alone, know that God has given you a partner to face life with and journey together through the good and the bad, relying on God for strength and wisdom.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

LIFE: Telling the truth

Telling the truth has become important to me. I value the truth and I want to be a positive example to others. Lies corrupt, deceive, and hurt. The truth can hurt as well, but I would rather hurt someone telling them the truth than deceiving them.

It's easier to lie, let me assure you. I do not like confrontation so the temptation to lie is great when asked a question that telling the truth could land me in such. I remember a day last summer when I lied to avoid confrontation. It weighed heavy on me for about an hour and then I went ahead and told this person I had lied and apologized. It was very hard to do! I do not want the weight of lies and I do not want to hurt people!

Read this quote by Charles Edward Montague: "A lie will easily get you out of a scrape, and yet, strangely and beautifully, rapture possesses you when you have taken the scrape and left out the lie."
Did you get that? Rapture, or joy, possesses you when you tell the truth instead of lying? It's called honesty and integrity. Doing the right thing and feeling GOOD about it! It is not going with the status quo and not doing it because "everyone else does it".

I challenge you to make a decision to tell the truth. Live a life of honesty and integrity and let others know it's not alright to lie and deceive.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

MARRIAGE: Don’t stop dating

Remember when you first met your spouse and all the dates you went on? Remember how you would take your time in getting ready, making sure your appearance and clothing were just right? I’m sure you have wonderful and warm memories of your dates.

Don’t let the dates stop just because you are married. Dates are a time where you and your spouse can spend quality time together and simply delight in each other. There are many date ideas you can choose from. Go to the movies. Go out to dinner. Pack a lunch or dinner and go to a peaceful place to eat. Go roller or ice skating. Go out on the town and stay at a hotel for the night. Take a dance class together. Be creative and have some fun and watch your marriage soar to new heights.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

MARRIAGE: Staying strong

There will be times in your marriage when you will get weary and perhaps think that you don’t feel the same way about your spouse as you used to. I encourage you to take this to God as he will teach you how to deal with this struggle.

Just as those crossing a strong river will get tired, yet will persevere and indeed get to the other side, so can you get through weariness, disappointment, boredom, or whatever else comes against your marriage. Be strong for their will be progress and success.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

HEALTH: Your body is your temple

Some churches are taking serious the Bible’s directive to treat our bodies as God’s temple and are merging faith and fitness together. Churches have begun to teach healthy living principles from the pulpit as well as offer fitness groups, weight loss classes, and Bible study groups on fitness topics.

There are even some that are adding gyms onto their buildings so that members of their community can come and play sports and exercise. This provides people with a great opportunity to learn about how to live a healthy life as well as partner with others in their endeavors. Accountability and partnering together make it easier to make the necessary changes toward a healthier lifestyle.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

WORK: Weeds

It is time that you began weeding out the things that hold you back in life. Just as weeds will overtake a garden, negativity and things that stifle you will overtake your dreams. Be sure to get to the root of what holds you back and make a plan to move forward.

Be strong and rely on your inner source. God will help you and orchestrate all that needs to happen. Fight against the urge to give up or slow down. Day by day, see your dreams fulfilled in your mind and feel the excitement. Don’t allow the weeds to rule you any longer. (I ching reading)

Sunday, May 1, 2016

MARRIAGE: Making Choices

Have your ever thought that perhaps marriage is an institution that helps us to become more like God? We can learn about things like unconditional love, forgiveness, character defects, growth, servant hood, humility, strength, and so much more. By serving our spouse, no matter what, we learn to be more like God.
You are not responsible for your spouse’s actions, but you certainly are responsible for your own. Make choices that please God and bring honor to him. Your marriage can shine bright and radiate the love of God if you will simply follow God’s plan laid out in his word.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

LIFE: Practice meditation/enjoy nature

God sure did create an amazingly beautiful earth. I encourage you to get out into nature and enjoy the beauty and serenity found in creation. Breathe deeply and enjoy a time of rest from everything. Learn the art of meditation and prayer. Life can get so busy and our minds seem to always be churning with a hundred thoughts at once.

It is important to take time daily, even if just for a few moments, to go to a quiet location and quiet yourself. Take a walk in the woods or sit outside on your deck. Take a vacation to the beach or wherever you can find peace and nature. Meditation, silence and prayer are all ways to refresh your spirit and to become a more pleasant, positive person.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

HEALTH: Sickness

When battling sickness or disease it is important to have faith and positive expectations. Here are some simple prayers and affirmations to confess as often as you’d like to aid in your recovery.
“God, I ask you to fill me with your healing power right now healing every cell, organ, and system in my body. I thank you that I can walk in divine health and peace and joy. Strengthen me and cause me to walk in wholeness today. I have faith in you and I know your will is that I be well physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Thank you. I receive healing now.”

Thursday, April 7, 2016

LIFE: Realize tough times and pain can help us to grow.

I like the quote, “The pain passes, but the beauty remains” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. He tells us that the pain that we encounter in life does not have to be a lost cause. No one likes to go through tough, painful times but it is inevitable along our journeys. As painful as certain seasons or situations in life can be, we tend to gain some invaluable insights, lessons, strength, and humility during those times.
Think back to a tough time in your life and remember the lessons you learned while persevering through it. Take note of the positive traits, lessons, or relationships that came as a result.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

HEALTH: Don't Worry

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Worried sick”? Worry is a type of stress that has negative affects on our minds and bodies, and can in fact, make us sick. Worry robs people of peace and joy. It is a bondage that holds them in darkness and not only affects them, but those around them.

Jesus told his disciples not to worry. He asks them, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. (Matthew 6:27-29 NLT)

A lot of time can be wasted worrying and nothing much gets accomplished. If you continue to worry, you are not trusting God. Take your problems to God in prayer and ask him to help you be at peace and give you possible solutions.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

LIFE: Get inspired.

As creatures of habit, we can get trapped in a “think/belief rut” as I like to call it. What this means is that we can get in the habit of allowing negative thinking to dominate us and as a result, we sink lower and lower into disappointment and frustration.

One way to replace the negative with positive is to read and/or listen to encouraging literature. Our nation has multitudes of self-help, inspirational, and motivational books, videos, and audios so finding resources is easy. I assure you that listening to positive information over and over can help you change your thinking from negative to positive and give you hope. I like to find a variety of inspiring quotes, print them out, post them around my house, and memorize them. This helps me to redefine my mind and not allow negativity to camp out.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

HEALTH: Depression

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 9% of Americans are currently diagnosed as clinically depressed. That is over 20 million people who are having a hard time functioning daily because they are so depressed.

Though there are many effective treatments available for those suffering from depression, there is one treatment that I believe is overlooked: God’s word.

God tells us that we are to base our life on the truth of his word, not our feelings. (Philippians 4:1) He also tells us to consider it all joy when we find ourselves in trials. (James 1:2) Trust what God says and not your feelings. Ask God to help you get to the underlying cause of your depression and ask for solutions. Perhaps you are not seeing your life from God’s perspective or are consumed by self and not God’s will for your life. Fight the good fight of faith and don’t allow depression to control you.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

LIFE: Make a gratitude list

I’ve heard that what we focus on, we empower and enlarge so if we find ourselves being negative, we actually invite more things in our lives that will attract negative thoughts and feelings. Negativity tends to distort our reality and oftentimes we find ourselves thinking irrationally. I mean, really, how many times have we told ourselves, “This is so terrible and I can’t handle it!” but in reality, we could and did handle it and it wasn’t “so bad” after all”.

Reality tells us that life isn’t normally quite as terrible as we think. To become more positive, I encourage you to sit down and make a gratitude list. List the things you are grateful for in your life whether it be attributes, people, relationships, material things, etc. Everyone has at least one thing to be grateful for. Making a gratitude list and looking at it frequently will help you to focus on the positive things in your life.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

HEALTH: Success

God wants us to be successful spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Our bodies are God’s temple and it is important for us to take care of our bodies. We find in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God dwells in us, and we are therefore to honor God with our bodies.
How do we do that? By first, finding out what God requires of us regarding physical health. God’s word is a roadmap to health and if we want optimal health, it is important to read and follow God’s instructions. God is willing to help us honor him with our physical body. All we need to do is ask and put forth effort at following his guidelines for optimal health and happiness.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

LIFE: Be humble

Humility is an important virtue that oftentimes gets overlooked. Humility means putting others ahead of you. It means having a lower opinion of yourself and willingly submitting to God and others.
In a world where selfishness seems to prevail, humility is necessary for peace to prevail in our society. Jesus thought humility very important as he states in the book of Matthew, “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)

Are you putting others before you or are you looking out for number one? Ask God to show you how humble you really are and make a decision to walk humbly before God and others.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

HEALTH: We think, We are

Proverbs 23:7 states that as we think, we are. The thoughts that we think about ourselves are exactly who we are. Who we are today is a product of the thoughts we’ve thought of all the years before today.
How do you see yourself physically? Strong, healthy, vibrant? Sick, tired, and apathetic? Your thoughts and perspective can help you or hurt you. If you struggle with negative thinking patterns, it’s time to change that. It’s time to begin thinking positive thoughts about you and everything about you. I encourage you to envision yourself healthy, strong, happy, and vibrant. No matter what your situation is or how you are feeling, visualize you at optimum level. Also, use positive affirmations such as, “I am strong. I am healthy. I eat healthy. I am confident, successful, and happy. I can do anything through Christ, who strengthens me.”
Before long, you will notice that you will change the way you feel and see yourself. You are not your thoughts, but your thoughts greatly influence your perception of yourself.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

LIFE: Take control of your thoughts

Refuse to let negative thoughts rule your life. Our thought life controls us more than we’d like to admit, and if you are allowing negative thoughts to rule, then you will struggle with low self-esteem and living a life of disappointment and frustration.

God wants our minds to be at peace and full of good, positive, confident thoughts. God wants our thoughts to be full of faith and love and he tells us to take control of our thoughts. He tells us in the bible to renew our minds with the word of God and take every negative thought captive and make it obedient to what God has to say. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

HEALTH: Diets

Our physical health can affect other areas of our lives such as career and family. If we are not feeling well or are battling sickness and disease, it affects not only us, but those around us.

God has given us the best diet plan in the Bible. If you will read Leviticus and Deuteronomy, you will find a diet blueprint that will help you walk in optimal health. Walking in good health requires discipline and commitment. You might not feel like eating fruits and vegetables over cookies and hotdogs, but the rewards of feeling energized and fully alive are well worth the effort. Educate yourself on how you can live a healthier lifestyle and share your good news with others.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

LIFE: Love

When asked the famous question, “What is love?” I always refer to what Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 13. If everyone could live according to these admonitions, the world would be such a loving and joyful place.
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”

In a world where we see more than we’d like of selfishness and hatred, we need to strive to walk in love daily and be an example of God’s character. Love really does make a difference.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

HEALTH: Learn the art of meditation

Various cultures and religions have used meditation for healing for thousands of years. Studies have revealed that mediation can help those who suffer from stress, pain, depression, and high blood pressure, as well as an assortment of other ailments.

Meditation calms the mind and allows individuals to learn to take back control of their lives. There are various meditation techniques used throughout the world. The bible explains that if one meditates and follows God’s word continually, then he/she will have success. Take some time to learn about mediation and commit to spending time each day in prayerful meditation.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

LIFE: Habits

In order to create a good habit it has been said that you need to do it for 21 days straight and those who take the time to develop good habits state that it is worth the time and effort. Good habits such as eating healthy, creating goals, being on time, doing chores, and so on seem to make life go smoother and increase self-esteem.

Bad habits can be procrastinating, nail-biting, being late, over-spending, yelling at your children, and so on. If you find yourself stuck in bad habits, sit down and write down what they are. Then create a plan to change the negative habit into a positive one. For example, if you are continually getting to work ten minutes late, set your alarm to go off fifteen minutes earlier and consistently make the extra effort to get there on time. The more you do this the easier it will become.

Take the time to invest in good habits. Feodor Dostoevski speaks volumes when he said, “The second half of a man’s life is made up of nothing but the habits he has acquired during the first half.”

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

HEALTH: His Plan

God has a divine plan for optimal physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Through Scripture, prayer, good nutrition, and modern medicine, we can walk in health, strength, and joy.

The Bible says God made all of our delicate, inner parts of our body and knit us together in our mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) God created our bodies with organs and systems that work in perfect order. Ask God to help you live a healthy lifestyle and understand the healing power of God.