Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts

Thursday, March 20, 2014

MARRIAGE: Little things matter most

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a relationship soar to a blissful state. Life gets busy with work and kids and oftentimes our relationship gets neglected. It doesn’t require a lot of time to put some romance and fun back into a relationship, but it does take commitment and a little creativity.

Here are some ideas that are sure to show your spouse that you not only love him/her, but that he/she is on your mind throughout the day.

Make your spouse a cup of coffee in the morning and bring it to him/her in the bed.

Slip a love note into his/her car at night so they will see it in the morning.

Book a night away for just the two of you, for a romantic evening. Buy a little gift and set it on the bed.

Write positive qualities about your spouse and give it to them.

Rent a movie for just the two of you to watch.

Cook his/her favorite dinner.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

WORK: Ants are wise

Don’t be surprised if you go to God asking for wisdom regarding fiancés and productivity and he tells you to learn about ants. In Proverbs 6 God states, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."

Laziness can become a habit but it is a habit that can be broken. You have been given gifts and talents but those are not going to amount to anything unless you develop and act upon them. If you need help, ask around to see if someone will sit down with you and help you formulate a plan for success. It will take hard work and diligence, but it will be worth it.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

MARRIAGE: Putting children in their place

When a married couple has children, things change. Life sometimes becomes more about taking care of the baby than taking care of each other. It’s more difficult to find quality time to spend together and if you are not careful, conflict can arise. Wives need to especially be sensitive here because if your life becomes totally consumed with the children and you neglect your husband, you may notice changes in him.

When a wife puts her children ahead of her husband, it tends to make him feel neglected, lonely, disrespected, unloved, and even resentful. It is understandable that children require a lot of time and energy, especially when they are young, but to completely neglect your husband or relationship is not God’s will. The key here is balance.

Remember to take time to invest in your marriage. Hire a babysitter sometimes and go out on a date, or take the children to a friend’s house and have a nice, romantic evening at home with your spouse. Leave him little love notes or buy him little tokens of appreciation. Be open and communicate with your husband about this. Come up with various ways to keep the romance alive despite the extra time spent raising the children.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

WORK: Do your best

No matter what your occupation is, it is important to perform it with a great attitude and do your very best. Even if you don’t like our job, your co-workers, or your boss, your attitude reflects what is inside you. Are love, peace, and joy inside you? Or grumbling, anger, and hate?

I’ve had jobs where most of my co-workers simply complain the whole shift. If you are not careful you may find yourself beginning to join them. Be strong and ask God to be a light in your workplace. Ecclesiastes 9:10 admonishes us to do our work with all of our might and Colossians 3:23 states that we should work hard and cheerfully at all we do, just as we were working for God and not simply our bosses.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

MARRIAGE: Forgiveness

I assure you that you will have conflict in your marriage. It is inevitable. The keys to resolving conflict are humility and forgiveness. Humility means thinking of yourself as lower than others. It is the opposite of being prideful. God says he gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud.

Forgiveness means forgiving another no matter what they did or how many times they’ve done it. God forgave us of our many sins and will continue to do so because of his unconditional love for us. We all need to forgive and ask others to forgive us when we hurt them.

If you want a successful marriage, commit to walking in humility and forgiveness. Be quick to forgive your spouse and ask for forgiveness when necessary. Don’t bring up past offenses as this will only cause further conflict. Walk close to God as he will help you and your spouse to reflect God’s love in your marriage.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

WORK: Work doesn’t always bring monetary income

In order for God to be glorified, one does not have to work in a sacred profession. God can be glorified whether you are a plumber, clerk, or CEO. Jesus was a carpenter. He used his talents to build things for people. Jesus was also a prophet. He had a secular and sacred profession and he glorified God in both.
In John 17:4-5 he told god that he had glorified him and finished all the work that he had given him. Jesus was concerned about doing what his father wanted him to do. He delighted in pleasing his father, whether it be building a table or teaching in the Synagogue.

We can learn from Jesus. God has laid out a plan for us and it is up to us to fulfill it. As we do, we glorify him and he is pleased. How do we know what his plan is? Pray and ask him. Be led by his spirit. Take time to get to know God’s voice.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

MARRIAGE: Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a precious thing and necessary for a beautiful relationship. In a day and age where vulnerability may be viewed as being “weak”, it is important to learn the value of being vulnerable in your relationship.

Vulnerability means letting your guard down and letting your spouse into the depths of who you are. It means giving them complete access to your heart, even if you fear getting hurt.

Listen to this quote by Joyce Brothers: “Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable.” Open your heart and let your spouse in. As you do, your level of intimacy will increase and your marriage will bear greater fruit and bear greater witness to God’s love.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

WORK: Rest from your work

God created the earth and all its inhabitants in six days. History tells us that on the seventh day he rested from all his work. (Genesis 2:3) Work is important, but rest is also important. In our busy culture, it is easy to get in the “rat race” and spend enormous amounts of time working, taking care of the kids and the house. Stress and burn out is becoming more and more common.

What does God say about this? Rest. Take some time and simply relax and be refreshed. God rested on the seventh day and he commanded the Israelites to do the same. Jesus told those who were weary to come to him and he would give them rest. Take a day off, take a vacation, go to the spa, or do something that you find relaxing. You will find yourself not only renewed but also closer to your creator.

©2010-2014 Oracle Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

MARRIAGE: Purity

God thinks it very important to have a pure heart and to keep your marriage pure. In Hebrews 13:4 it states that, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” God does not even want a hint of sexual immorality. (Ephesians 5:3)
What does it mean to be pure in your marriage? Be faithful to God first as well as your spouse. Don’t entertain impure thoughts. Refuse the temptation to daydream about intimacy with others, look at pornography, or let your eyes wander. If you keep your eyes on God and live according to his word, you can remain pure. (Psalm 119:9)

It’s not easy, but anything of great value is not easy. We live in a society that bombards sensuality and lust as a commodity, but you do not have to allow it in your mind or home. Honor God. Honor your spouse. Be strong and courageous and go against the status quo, for it is the pure in heart that shall please God.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

WORK: Who is our boss?

Not many people like to have a boss. In fact, the majority of those employed would probably much rather work for themselves and have no boss at all. Whether you have a boss or not, remember that as Christians, God is our ultimate boss. It is God we are to be serving moment by moment, day by day. Whether it be work or play, our ultimate calling is to be servants of God, keeping heavenly things in the forefront of our minds and not earthly things.

Take time each morning to connect with God and get your instructions for the day. Throughout your day be sure to spend moments in fellowship with God. If you ignored your boss at work I’m sure it would not go over well. By not taking time to connect with God, you are basically ignoring him and that makes it difficult to know what he would like for you to spend your time doing.