The Real Christmas Spirit - Jesus did it!

This advert came out last Christmas. I liked it and would like to share it with you as I did not get a chance last year...

This little boy thought of others, not himself... just like Jesus thought of us.

ENJOY!

What a child really wants

Parents have a tough time now more than ever. Though I do not have children myself, I have listened and seen the personal accounts from parents on what they have to go through in order make sure their kids are safe and well.

Growing up, of course there were things my mum worried about, nothing like today however.
I could go out and play around my block without being worried about being abducted. I was not scared of getting into a fight let alone being knifed or abused by children my age.
My worry was running to the kitchen window and shouting up to my mum to throw down some money before the ice cream van drove off.
Her concern was that I did not go on the main road on my skate board in. I broke that rule many times.

Havn't times changed so much now! Paedophiles, the internet, teenage gangs, drugs in its various form, teenage pregnancies, etc., etc. These are the dangers that every parent dreads will not affect their child, no matter their ethnic background, social status or religion.

There is one danger that I would like to address in this post. Something that is closer to home than many think. It affects children well into their adulthood and have follow-on effects on their children.
The perpetrators of this crime are never caught, arrested, put on trial and sentenced for their crime. It is usually hidden, almost invisible. Some recognise it when it too late if not at all.

And who are the perpetrators?

PARENTS!

This crime is neglect. I'm not talking about not feeding your child, not cleaning them, allowing them to live in unclean conditions while parents 'escape' and party over weekends leaving their children to fend for themselves. The neglect I'm talking about is not giving your child the attention they need in their formative as well as their teenage years.

This not only affects children of wealthy parents who throw money and give their child whatever they ask for, but also children living in poverty.

WHAT DOES A CHILD REALLY WANT?

I'll tell you what a child does not want. When they ask for or accept anything from sweets and money to the latest tablet or smartphone, they ask for or accept these things from their parents because that is what their parents are used to doing to 'sweeten' them up. They think material possessions will compensate for the things a parent should be giving to their child.

I have never seen or known a neglected child now in adulthood continue to say that they still want money, toys or the latest upgrade of that tablet or games console they received as a child.
What we all see is traumatised adults who are affected in their health, their personality or in their relationships with people. They are angry today not because they were spoilt with gifts but because of the lack of attention they so desperately needed.

"There is no toy, money or gadget that will EVER replace the time, the affection, the attention or the love of a parent." Even though no child will say no to these things, what they really want is the above. 

So my advice to parents reading this post.

It does not matter how busy you are, how tired you are, how down you are. You brought your children into this world. Give them the attention they need. Don't have your head buried in the sand thinking everything is rosy.

For some, the damage has been done. However you can still do something about it while there is time. Your children may be parents themselves, but deep down inside they still want mummy or daddy's attention.

If you find yourself being guilty of this neglect, do everything you can to change now.

Your actions can affect an entire generation and those that come after. Think about it!

Use the force

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force" – Matthew 11:12

If we look back, we will see that in order to receive the kingdom of heaven, (health, prosperity, family, relationships, salvation, etc.), it had to be done aggressively.

Here are a few examples of where 'violent faith' was used both in a negative and positive way:

• Lucifer had no mercy when influencing one third of the angels of heaven to rebel against God. Those fallen angels are demons today.

•  Saul ordered Stephen to be stoned to death because of his 'no nonsense' preaching.

•  Elijah, the only living prophet of the Lord, put his life on the line facing all 450 prophets of baal. They were all executed.

•  David faced Goliath who defied the armies of the Living God. Goliath's head was cut off.

•  Jesus went down to hell to take back the keys that satan had in his possession for so long.

And the same principle still applies today. Not physically, of course! But in order to receive and hold on to all the blessings of God, you MUST use all the force you have—VIOLENTLY.

Doesn't this go against Bible teachings?

No it doesn't!  Here are some examples of how you can be 'violent' against negativity in your love life. You must be violent:

•  To resist and rebuke the tempting thoughts to watch pornography or anything else not fitting to watch.

•  To get rid of the grudges held against those who hurt or abused you in the past.

•  To say "No" to your own sexual desires when your ex-partner, or that person you are dating, seeming to be the right one for you, says or insinuates to sleep with them as you'll both be together anyway.

•  To reject those negative comments sown in your mind by people who only want you to remain single.

Notice that prayer alone, or being soft with these problems will not solve them. You need to be brutal, aggressive, rough, tough with yourself and firm with others around you, otherwise the thoughts, feelings or comments will only be a step closer to your fall.

By doing this, you are protecting yourself from YOURSELF—the deceit of your heart.

Don't let the devil steal from you your right to the kingdom of heaven.

Use the force!

Getting drunk for love?

No I'm not talking about Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon or Semillon. I am referring to one of two wines; either God's wine or the world's wine.

How do I know if I am drinking worldly wine

You are if you are so desperate to find someone for your love life that you resort to anything to get an answer. It can involve one or all of the following:

1. Signing up to internet dating sites in the hope you will find a match.

2. Reading trashy books, magazines and articles on love, dating, sex and marriage.

3. Placing your hopes on 'your' horoscope believing what it says. For e.g.

"With the alignment of Venus and Mars, you might find that this month holds a significant breakthrough for your love life. Look out for someone wearing red."
4. Being influenced by family, friends or colleagues to look for love at nightclubs, parties, and wine bars.

5. Following family and friends wrong advice.

6. Watching, believing and following the countless daytime talk shows titled "I'm sleeping with your sister... and your mum."

7. Believing that it's natural or healthy to masturbate, watch pornography, sleep with as many people as possible or to enjoy your life because you are free to do whatever you want to do.

If you have done or are still doing any of the above, you have drunk or are still drinking the wine of this world. It's no wonder you are not happy or satisfied! You have become drunk on the spirits of this world that have influenced many to do the same things, not realising that the after-effects are more damaging that a simple hangover. These include always meeting the wrong types, feeling guilty, unwanted pregnancies, contracting STD's, depression, quickie divorces, feeling suicidal and more.

As the verses below says, don't judge the world's wine by its quick solutions, but instead by the after-effects that you have witnessed in other peoples lives as well as your own. And then after being disappointed, you repeat the same thing again thinking this time all will be different.

"Who are the people who are always crying the blues? Who do you know who reeks of self-pity? Who keeps getting beat up for no reason at all? Whose eyes are bleary and bloodshot? It's those who spend the night with a bottle, for whom drinking is serious business. Don't judge wine by its label, or its bouquet, or its full-bodied flavor. Judge it rather by the hangover it leaves you with-the splitting headache, the

queasy stomach. Do you really prefer seeing double, with your speech all slurred, Reeling and seasick, drunk as a sailor? "They hit me," you'll say, "but it didn't hurt; they beat on me, but I didn't feel a thing. When I'm sober enough to manage it, bring me another drink!" Proverbs 23:29-35 The Message

Be 'drunk' on God's wine

That is, His Spirit. This involves His Word, and patience, persistence, trust and more importantly being revolted at having been deceived all this time and don't allow yourself to drink the cheap wine that this world offers you again. You will be sober, not confused or blinded by others. And should you make wrong decisions you will remain standing, able to learn from mistakes and move on instead of repeating more of the same destructive actions.

Quench the thirst in your love life by following God's direction every Saturday 7pm, Sunday 9.30am and also Wednesday 7.30pm.

Unfaithful without realising it

Have you realised how little the topic of 'faithfulness' is mentioned in the media nowadays?

What gets the most attention in the 'lads mags', news articles, story-lines in the soaps, even the topic of conversation in the playground is about getting as many partners as possible, without any commitment. It's about pleasing the self as much as possible and not caring who gets hurt in the process. And many are following this path of destruction.

This is what is happening 'outside.' But what about what's happening within the 4 walls of the church? I mean in a Christian's life—YOU!

How faithful are you?  I'm not just talking about faithfulness to a past or present partner. More, have YOU been faithful to yourself—in your words and your deeds? What you say and what you do say a lot about who you are and how faithful you will be in any relationship.

Do you consider little white lies as something innocent to save you from getting into trouble? These little white lies eventually turn into the big lies that you thought you would never say.

Have people stopped relying on you as they can no longer trust a word you say. "I'll meet you at six", but even you know your six means eight, or even later. Not even your pastor can depend on your word anymore!

You do not stick to the promises you make to yourself. If you are not faithful and admit that you don't carry out what you said you would, then how will anyone else believe in you? "I will be a better listener," "I'm going to stop flirting," "I'm going to start attending Love Therapy and be faithful in my attendance" "I'm not going to put myself down anymore." These are just some of the empty wishes that roll off the tongue without any change accompanying them.

Faithfulness requires controlling the things you see and your thoughts so that they do not lead you to sin. Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

So, are you faithful? The answer to this is not just towards a partner, or amongst friends or colleagues, but in your obedient behaviour towards The Invisible God. If you are honourable, sincere and faithful to His teachings, you will be the same towards others—especially your spouse.

"Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." Colossians 3:22-23

PROMO - Faking Your Way to a Happy Relationship & Small Things That Make...

Partners4life PROMO

Faking Your Way to a Happy Relationship

Tues 27th March, 2012 - 7.30am & 00.30am

Consideration: Small Things That Make a Big Difference

SKY Channel 219 - 'Partners4Life'

PROMO - Partners4life.tv

Partners4life PROMO

Modern Day Vs Olden Day Relationships

Tues 6th March, 2012 - 7.30am & 00.30am

Love Yourself first
Thurs 8th March, 2012 - 7.30am & 00.30am

SKY Channel 219 - 'Partners4Life'

"I get so emotional baby..."





Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence

On 17 September 2000, Paula Yates, 41, was found dead at her home in London of an accidental heroin overdose. The coroner ruled that it was not a suicide, but a result of "foolish and incautious" behaviour.

Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil.

A coroner's inquest reached a verdict of misadventure. The report released on 26 October 2011 stated that Winehouse's blood alcohol content was more than five times the legal drink-drive limit. According to the coroner, "The unintended consequences of such potentially fatal levels resulted in her sudden death."

Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown
On February 11, 2012, Houston was found dead in a suite at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California, submerged in the bathtub. Local police said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent."

What did Paula Yates, Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston all have in common?

Not only did they die in tragic circumstances, which you wouldn't think possible for such famous celebrities in their field, but the question you need to ask yourself is who introduced those things into their lives?

On the surface you could quickly reply that it was the pressure of fame which other celebrities have faced, but a closer look reveals that their partners had a very big role to play in their demise.

Paula Yates died after a heroin overdose. Amy Winehouse died of blood poisoning, and Whitney from a cocktail of alcohol and prescription drugs. These deaths did not happen after one fatal drug or alcohol binge. Their deaths were a result of months, even years of abuse—Why?

Because they made the wrong choice of dating known "bad boys" - men who had inner demons of their own but could not overcome them.

I'm positive that these women knew the addiction their men had, but battling their own inner demons, they either thought this man understands the problems I'm facing or was introduced to drugs and alcohol when it was too late—when their hearts said "I'm hooked to him". Therefore there would be no going back from the steep downward spiral culminating in their deaths.

If you think you can change someone you just met with addictions or a past that continues to haunt them, you will be on your own on that narrow lonely road. And the chances are: 

1.    You will accept the person as they are and continue in that relationship (knowing full well you will suffer for the rest of the time you are together, and even beyond)

2.    You will end up doing the same they do.

You need to take a step back and let that person find help in God. The real truth is that they, nor you are not ready for a relationship.

However, when you have God's Spirit in you, you firstly know what's right and what is wrong for you and you will have the strength to carry out the right decision—with no emotions attached. When you do not have His character, you are indecisive and will end up eventually saying yes to all that is wrong. Once you jump in at the deep end, it will be hard to save yourself.

And finally I recently heard one of Whitney's songs. I would strongly advise you not to follow these lyrics. However,  how many did and still do today:
"I get so emotional baby, every time I think of you..."

P4L PROMO

Valentines Day Special  - Tues 14th Feb, 2012 - 7.30am & 00.30am

Insecurities in a relationship - Thurs 16th Feb, 2012 - 7.30am & 00.30am

SKY Channel 219 - 'Partners4Life'

Another one bites the dust!

Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher - R.I.P.Married 6 years, divorced 2011

Can you still afford to miss Love Therapy?

Saturdays - 7pm



Do you really know Me?

In the past, one of my favourite artists was Michael Jackson. Like every fan, you sing his songs, try to dance like him, buy his albums and even go to his concerts. But how well did I really know him?

Well, I would either buy or get copies of his music from friends. When his exclusive videos would premiere on TV, I would be there to watch or record them. If there were special documentaries on his life and music, then I would tune in and would read anything in the papers about him. But to say I was a real fan, I wasn’t.

Can I say I knew the “King of Pop” just by listening to his music or watching music videos, etc?

I would have liked to go to one of his concerts, though I never got the opportunity to.

Let’s imagine I got my hands on a ticket and I was right at the front of Wembley Stadium, being pressed by the crowds. I’m within touching distance of him, and as he sings “Billie Jean is not my lover” while moonwalking in front of me, he stops, looks in my direction and then holds out his diamond encrusted white glove. I then touch his hand and hang on until he drags himself away to carry on with his routine. That experience is a lot better than just staying at home playing his music all the time, don’t you think?

However, can I now say I know the “King of Pop”?

Let’s take it a step further!

Imagine I win a competition to spend a day with Michael Jackson. I am chauffeur–driven to his hotel where we have breakfast. I meet his children. He gives me a signed autograph of his latest album. I spend the day shopping with him while he’s on tour in London. I get to ask all the questions about his personal life, music and family. He tells me things he hasn’t even told the media. And, finally, I go to his concert where I receive V.I.P. treatment and a backstage pass.

Can I now say I know the “King of Pop” after this experience?

From this simple example, you should be able to understand if you are born of God or not. Do you, only owning his “albums” (a Bible) and “knowing all the lyrics” (praying and singing hymns), think that you know the real God?

Or, do you think you know Jesus just because you are a faithful member having your life touched by His finger (the diamond encrusted glove) in the form of a blessing or a miracle? Is this enough to say you know God?

Not only should I say Jesus is my Lord with my words, I have to live out those words through my practising of them. This means taking some of my valued time to spend with Him – in prayer, in meditation, evaluating my thoughts, actions, words and changing accordingly, when my mistakes are “revealed” to me.

I can only do this when I make the time to seek the “Spirit of Love”. When I separate this time – not only for God, but more for me – to search and receive the new birth, then I will be able to know the “Real King”, His will for my love life and for my dreams to be made possible.

Have you met the “Real King” of love yet? Every Saturday, 7pm, at the Rainbow.

Pastor­ Michael­ Boodram
Email me:­ love@uckg.org



The Signs

When people pray for a sign from God, they usually say something along the lines of “God show me a sign, anything…”

This sign may be to show them whether God exists, whether a decision is the right one or not, or even if they are dating the right person. When someone asks for “this” sign, many expect for something spectacular or miraculous to happen.

I remember as a young boy I did this exact thing when I prayed for God to give me a sign. I would ask, “God, if You are really there, then make this object I’m looking at move or let the light flicker on and off.” How silly!
Many Christians still think that God speaks to them through dreams or visions they have, and even try to justify them today by quoting certain Bible verses. But what are the signs that God reveals to those who want to know whether they are heading in the right direction in their love life?

For example, you planned a day trip to the seaside; and so on the day you step out of your house to the car, would you immediately see a sign saying, “Seaside – front pier this way,” with an arrow pointing in the right direction? Of course you wouldn’t!
You would first need to know what direction to head in, what motorway to join and also what junction to get off at.
But as you follow the signs and head closer towards your destination, you will eventually see signs indicating the particular seaside you set out for.

The lesson to learn here is that you had to do some research first before you eventually found signs confirming that you are on the right track – right? With God, don’t expect signs to appear in front of you without some effort or action on your part.

If you have been thinking that God will guide you without any input from your side, then you are mistaken. God will show you “signs” whether you are on the right track or not when you step out and head towards your goal.

During your journey, you may take “wrong turns” or even “get lost” temporarily, but with your goal in mind, courage to move in more-or-less the right direction, and above all, faith, God, being your “satnav”, will guide you to your destination.

After all, if man has made a small navigation system that points you in the right direction, turn-by-turn and even warns you to do a U-turn if you have gone the wrong way, then don’t you think God Himself will point you back on track and in the right way too?

One way God wants to show you signs whether you are heading in the right direction or not is through the “Love Therapy” sessions.

See these sessions as the “theory test” you need to know before the “practical”. Along the way, there will be hazards and warning signs, but above all, slow down if you’re going too fast. Keep going “ahead only”, “no right or left turns”.

And remember:“No stopping!” Read and follow the signs!

Pastor­ Michael­ Boodram
Email me:­ love@uckg.org

Don’t repeat their mistakes

Here are a few well-known people you just might have heard of; people we listened to, watched, supported them in some way, or admired. They reached the top in their field at one point. They earned the money, lived in houses, drove cars, some still have the looks many dream of having, yet many could not even hold down a relationship or marriage for long. Are they examples you should be looking up to?

Did they really find out whether their partners were the right ones for them? Some did, but look at the statistics below and judge for yourself.

- Arnold Schwarzenegger & Maria Shriver, married 1986 – 25 years

- Harrison Ford & Melissa Mathison, married 1983 – 21 years

- Lionel Ritchie & Brenda Harvey, married 1975 – 17 years

- Kevin Costner & Cindy Silva, married 1978– 16years

- Donald & Ivana Trump, married 1977 – 15 years

- Mick Jagger & Jerry Hall, married 1990 – 9 years

- Madonna & Guy Ritchie, married 2000 – 8 years

- Paul McCartney & Heather Mills, married 2002 – 6 years

- Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren, married 2004 – 6 years

- Steven Spielberg & Amy Irving, married 1985 – 4 years

- James Cameron & Linda Hamilton, married 1997 – 17 months

- Jim Carey & Lauren Holly, married 1996 – 9 months

- Drew Barrymore & Tom Green, married 2001 – 6 months

- Pamela Anderson & Kid Rock, married 2006 – 5 months

- Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley, married 2002 – 5 months

- Colin Farrell & Amelia Warner, married 2001 – 4 months

- Renee Zellweger & Kenny Chesney, married 2005 – 4 months

- Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries, married 2011 – 72 days

- Carmen Electra & Dennis Rodman, married 1998 – 9 days

- Dennis Hopper & Michelle Phillips, married 1970 – 7 days

- Britney Spears & Jason Allen Alexander, married 2004 – 55 hours

- Zsa Zsa Gabor & Felipe De Alba, married 1982 – 1 day.

And the list goes on… not to mention the others who never married, but are in and out of countless relationships. 

Don’t repeat their mistakes!

We are continuing with the “10 Reasons Why He/She Might Not Be The One.”
Make sure you get it right, whether it’s your first relationship or not.

Can you afford to miss Love Therapy? – This Saturday, 7pm at the Rainbow Theatre.

Love - R.I.P.



Over the last month I attended 2 funeral services of faithful elderly members of the church. And as usual, we prayed for the family, relatives and friends of the deceased, instead of the soul of the dead, according to the Bible.

While waiting for family and friends to arrive at one house, I was thinking how people react according who has died.

Have you noticed when a young person has died, whether through an illness, a fatal incident or something else, the mourners cry bitterly asking 'why was a talented young life cut so short?' It seems that life touched everyone, especially their peers.

But have you also noticed that when an elderly person passes away, the reaction is not the same? Of course, there will always be very close family and friends who will mourn but I asked myself 'why does this happen?'

The conclusion I came up with is that everyone knows that the elderly person is nearing their time, whether through old age or a long-term sickness. We mentally prepare ourselves expecting that their death is just around the corner.

And unfortunately, that's how the older generation sometimes react towards their love life. Have you confined your love life to the morgue? Maybe you have convinced yourself that years of being single, because you are getting on in life, the idea that there is 'no one' out there for you, one failed relationship after another, all of this and more, contribute to the 'illness' or 'fatal sickness' that ends all hopes of ever having a successful love life.

If you are guilty of any of the above, then you yourself are nailing your coffin shut, erecting a tombstone on it with your epitaph saying 'Love - R.I.P.'

Have you been mourning the death of your love life though there is still time to not only focus on yourself, but to find someone and still enjoy many years of a happy marriage?

And the younger ones, take heed too as you may have already written yourself off though you have years ahead of you.

Whatever your age, there's a promise for you too which I would like you to have in the forefront of your mind whenever you feel down about your love life. You should repeat the following words to yourself:

"For with God nothing will be impossible." Luke 1:37

If you have a history of being with partners that were not right for you and now consider your love life dead because you have always ended up with the wrong type of person, then the Love Therapy meetings are for you. We will be revealing "10 reasons why he/she might not be the one".

Learning about these important points will help you to avoid even starting a relationship with someone who is not right for you, whether you have been married and divorced or if you are single and want to prepare yourself for a relationship.

Don't forget to pick up your Love Therapy card and start learning all 10 reasons this Saturday, 7pm - at The Rainbow.



The forward thinker

I recently got over a very bad flu that hit me unexpectedly. I hardly get the flu, but when it does happen, it hits me hard. Thank God I have my wife to look after me when I get like this.

Thinking back, I realise there were a few things that I could and should have done to avoid, or at least limit the chances of catching the flu.

Firstly, I could have avoided being close to that colleague of mine whom I suspected had the flu too. While working near me, he coughed unintentionally next to my face. Had I have known, things would have been different. I wouldn't have stayed as close to him when he was talking.

Secondly, I could have eaten more healthily, strengthening my immune system. I noticed that I hadn't been eating as many fruits and vegetables as I normally do. Also I hadn't been did drinking enough water, or orange juice, something that I personally know I need to drink.

Thirdly, I could have been more active, doing some sort of physical exercise to help strengthen my immune system also.

The thing is, we do not know when we will fall ill. If we did, we would do everything possible to avoid becoming sick. As the saying goes, prevention is better than a cure. Had I been more forward thinking and done all the things mentioned, I could have avoided becoming sick.

Why do people also do this when it comes to relationships?

Why is it that that a woman falls for the same type of man having had the 'x' number of previous relationships end because she could not see, or chose to believe that this time 'he' was different?

Why is it that although he is many years older than you are, you still end up in a relationship with him knowing like the others, he will eventually treat you like his child and not respect you or value your opinions?

Why is it that all women you are interested in or have been with in the past say the same thing about you - You are "stubborn", "proud", "arrogant", "mean", "jealous".

Is every woman you have been with wrong, including the Holy Spirit who says the same thing to you in the service?

Never think 'this time it will be different' when you have not thought, said, reacted to or done anything differently in relation to what you went through in your past. It doesn't work like that.

How can you end this repetition of failure that now makes you believe in your head it's everyone else's fault - even God's?

Firstly, learn from your mistakes! Listen to your gut instinct!

Learn from what you have heard in the church - the use of your faith with intelligence.

Be a forward thinker! Stop your feelings from guiding you to yet another disastrous relationship or even marriage.

By the way, have you been attending the Love Therapy on Saturdays? If not, what are you waiting for? Come and receive the Spirit of love.

If you have understood this message and are willing to attend or you are already attending, then you have caught the forward thinking spirit.

Flexing your muscles

Remember last week’s message? If not, here’s a quick recap on how to boost your spiritual metabolism:

1. Start your day by seeking the Holy Spirit. Start yours off by presenting it and all your plans to God before you do anything else. It’s the spiritual food for your soul.

2. Don’t starve yourself. You need to feed your body with spiritual food to keep you going during the day, e.g. Read a few verses in the morning and continue to meditate on them throughout the day.

3. Do more resistance training. Train yourself to resist negative thoughts.

4. Increase aerobic activity. Be alert to people, places and situations that will tempt you to sin, and if you find yourself in a tempting situation, run, run, run, so as to avoid sin and maintain a clean conscience.

5. Take supplements. Make sure you attend the Wednesday meetings, not just Sundays alone. It’s the extra boost you need to keep you going.

6. Build more muscle. Faith is this muscle, therefore the more you use it, the stronger you will become, burning away every doubt lurking in your mind.

7. Avoid burnout. Do not rush into doing everything at once; otherwise, you will lose interest quickly. It’s not a quick fix to look good for others, it’s not a 1, 6 or 12-month plan. It is for the rest of your life.

At the end, I asked this question: “What has this got to do with your love life?” Well, the spiritual metabolism refers to your faith. It is faith that is needed to receive God’s blessings for your love life. If you are constantly put down because your love life is “dead”, it will not change for the better, unless you use your spiritual muscle – your faith.

Let’s look at two examples in Hebrews:

“By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11: 11)

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” (Hebrews 11: 24, 25)

Sarah through her own faith believed that she could give birth at 90, therefore received strength to conceive, carry and give birth to Isaac.

She believed God would come through for her in the end. It was Sarah’s faith that enabled her 90-year-old body to endure the back pain, irritability, mood swings, vomiting and all the other symptoms experienced in pregnancy.

How many women past forty years of age write themselves off as being “useless” or “past the age?”

Likewise, Moses chose to be a slave amongst his own people rather than live a lavish lifestyle, denying himself of the temporary sinful pleasures that would be offered to him on a plate by Pharaoh. He knew these pleasures were short-lived, believing that he would receive greater eternal blessings.

Moses’ faith enabled him to endure the headache of dealing with up to 3 million potential problems, sleep in a tent in the hot desert, living like a gypsy; moving from place to place, seeing his own people die in the desert, due to their stubbornness.

They both endured mockings, self-doubt, various trials and persecutions. They, and others like them, used FAITH. How much have you endured because of your faith?

Do you complain at every little problem, thought or unanswered prayer?

Stop whining at where your love life is taking you. Instead, start flexing and using your muscles (your faith) to drive your love life in the direction where you want it to go.

And this is only the beginning. You have to continue until you give birth to your blessing.

If you have not done any of the seven things above in this past week (at the very least), then your faith has been empty, dead and useless.

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26)

Pastor ­Michael­ Boodram
Email ­me: ­love@uckg.org
www.partners4life.tv
michaelboodram.blogspot.com

7 Ways to Boost your Spiritual Metabolism



Everyone wants to lose, or at least maintain their weight at some point in their lives. However the key to achieving your goal involves something called 'Metabolism'.

Think of it as an engine that that has not been started for some time. It may take time to start up, but once it has warmed up, it will go where you want it to.

When overweight, our body does not feel like exercising. But once you push yourself you start losing fat and gaining more muscle, and that's when your metabolism starts working. The more muscle you gain, the higher your metabolic rate, therefore the more calories you will burn. And the good thing is that it doesn't only work when you are in the gym but even while sleeping your metabolism is working for you burning off those calories.

Our faith is like our body's metabolism. If it is not started then you will never reach where you want to go. But once you start putting your faith to good use, you've started something in you that God was waiting for, in order to answers your prayers.

It's the kick-start that is needed in order for God to work with those who want their faith to achieve big results in their lives - to lose the excess weight that most of the time puts you down, makes you sluggish and that brings doubts that you will not overcome difficult circumstances in life.

Get it going and it's all that God needs to jbe with you, even answering your prayers while you sleep.

Below are the '7 Ways to Boost your Spiritual Metabolism'.

1.    Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Before your bacon, eggs, toast and tea, start your day by seeking the Holy Spirit. Present your day and all your plans to God before you do anything else. It's the spiritual food for your soul.

2.    Don't starve yourself. You need to feed your body with spiritual food to keep you going during the day, e.g. Read a few verses in the morning and continue to meditate on them throughout the day.

3.    Do more resistance training. Whenever a negative thought pops into your mind, reject it immediately, rather than allowing it to take up residence in your subconscious, only to resurface later on. Train yourself to resist negative thoughts.

4.    Increase aerobic activity. Be alert to people, places and situations that will tempt you to sin and if you find yourself in a tempting situation - run, run, run. This will also keep your mind and heart clean and healthy by avoiding sin and maintaining a clean conscience.

5.    Take added supplements. Make sure you attend the Wednesday meetings, not just Sundays alone. It's the extra boost you need to keep you going, especially during those more hectic weeks.

6.    Build more muscle. The more muscle you have, the more unwanted calories you will burn. Faith is this muscle, therefore the more you use it, the stronger you will become, burning away every doubt lurking in your mind.

7.    Avoid burnout. Do not rush into doing everything at once, otherwise you will lose interest quickly. The key is to not lose focus in what you are setting out to achieve. It's not a quick-fix to look good for others, it's not a 1, 6 or 12 month plan. It is for the rest of your life. If you get it right early-on, the sooner you will enjoy the benefits of your spiritual investment.

Spiritual Health Warning:  If you have a bad reaction to change or you have an allergy to other forms of medication (using faith) or, if during treatment you experience bad side effects e.g. Doubts, thoughts of giving up, etc. then seek immediate advice from your Pastor.

Find out what this has to do with your love life next week.