I weighed about 300 pounds or more back then. I was a food addict, as Dr. Brown pointed out. If I had continued eating the way I was, I wouldn’t be alive today. My cholesterol was 240, blood pressure was 149 over 103, and I had sleep apnea, which required me to use a machine. At 59, I decided I couldn’t continue living that way.
Life Now
After making what seemed like “radical” changes, I can truthfully say I’m thriving. I’m full of life, and it’s amazing. After addressing my health, I’ve not only lost weight, but I also haven’t had a headache for 9 and a half years, and my lower back pain is gone. My blood pressure is now 100 over 65, my cholesterol is around 135, and I no longer need a breathing machine to sleep.
While I understand that this is not the case for everyone, for me, health is ultimately about stewardship. I believe I have a mission from God, and I want to be able to serve, give, and run until it’s time for me to go home. The same should be true for every believer.
What Scripture Says About Our Bodies
What does 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which addresses sexual immorality, have to do with how we eat? While it speaks about purity, the verse concludes with the important words, “You were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.” These words are just as true when it comes to our health.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul speaks of discipline in all things, comparing our Christian walk to an athlete’s strict training. Athletes deny themselves to be in optimal health for an earthly crown, but we should strive for spiritual discipline, aiming for a heavenly crown.
Eight Things We Need to Break:
1. Overeating is sin – Understand that overeating is the sin of gluttony and goes against God’s design for us.
2. Fat does not define you – Your value is in Christ, not in your body size.
3. You are an overcomer in Christ – Jesus is greater than any struggle you face, including food addiction.
4. Grace empowers you to live above sin – With God’s grace, you can overcome temptation and live healthfully.
5. Freedom through obedience is a choice – Obeying God leads to freedom, even in matters of health.
6. Spiritual warfare over food is real – Struggles with food may be part of a deeper spiritual battle.
7. With God, all things are possible – Through God’s strength, you can overcome any obstacle, including addiction.
8. Healthy eating is cooperation with the Lord – Choosing to eat healthily is an act of obedience and stewardship.
Ten Key Points for Health Transformation:
1. Don’t diet—get a lifestyle change – Sustainable health comes from permanent lifestyle changes, not temporary diets.
2. Don’t cut back, cut bad foods out entirely – Remove harmful foods instead of just reducing their intake.
3. Recognise food addiction is real and deadly – Understand that addiction to food can harm your body and soul.
4. Learn the difference between toxic hunger and true hunger – Know when your body is truly hungry versus when you are just craving comfort.
5. Don’t snack between meals – Develop discipline by eating only during meals.
6. Recognize unhealthy eating is sin to you – Acknowledge that unhealthy eating habits can be spiritually harmful.
7. Identify the main psychological reasons you eat – Address the emotional triggers behind overeating.
8. Understand food is the fuel of your life, not the reward for your life – View food as nourishment, not a reward for accomplishments.
9. Exercise is not a substitute for healthy eating – Healthy eating is foundational, and exercise supports it, but it cannot replace it.
10. Resolve to change today; tomorrow never comes – Make the decision to change now, because procrastination leads to more harm.
Conclusion
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the bodies God has entrusted to us. Our health is not just about us—it’s about fulfilling the purpose God has for us in this life. By practicing discipline in eating, we honor God by caring for our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The journey to health is not just physical but deeply spiritual, as we align our choices with God’s will, trusting that with Him, we can overcome any challenge, including food addiction. Ultimately, healthy living is an act of worship, demonstrating our gratitude for the life and strength He provides.
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*** Article by Vladimir Savchuk Ministries: Interview with Dr Michael Brown / Photo by Cottonbro at Pexels
There was a time when I didn’t think twice about the movies and shows I watched. I laughed at what everyone else laughed at, cried when the story tugged at my emotions, and admired characters without questioning what they stood for. But everything changed after I came to faith in Christ.
Not long ago, I rewatched a romantic comedy I had once loved. It was a film I held dear—charming, funny, nostalgic. I remembered how much I had enjoyed it years ago, but this time, something was different. This time, I watched it with the eyes of someone who had encountered the truth, someone who now walks with a different awareness. And what I saw left me shaken.
Nearly every other sentence used the Lord’s name as a curse word. What once seemed harmless banter now rang out like blasphemy—frequent, casual, and cruel. The main character—beautiful, talented, and successful—was once a woman I admired, but she was now entangled in a lifestyle of lies, manipulation, and adultery. She disrespected her husband, deceived those around her, and used charm to justify selfish choices. Her mother was portrayed as discontented with her own life and subtly pushed her married daughter toward dissatisfaction with a simpler lifestyle, ridiculing the values of motherhood, humility, and faithfulness. She encouraged her to leave their ‘smallville’ town in search of the bright lights and the big city—not as a path of growth, but as an escape from commitment, accountability and responsibility. The underlying strategic message was clear: the “good life” was somewhere else, in ambition, indulgence, and reinvention, not in commitment, family values, or truth. The film subtly redefined the concept of success and fulfillment, positioning personal freedom, indulgence in desires, and career achievement as the ultimate goals, while traditional values like loyalty, sacrifice, and the stability of family were dismissed as limiting or oppressive.
What struck me was not just the flawed character arcs, but the intentional rewriting of cultural values—an attempt to normalize what was once taboo. The entertainment industry, as a whole, has been shaped and influenced by the enemy, whose agenda is to distort the truth and lead people astray, especially young, impressionable minds. It’s no coincidence that so much darkness and evil is perpetuated within this realm; the battle for our hearts, minds, and souls is at play, and the media is one of the most powerful tools in the enemy’s arsenal. What once might have been seen as morally questionable is now portrayed as aspirational.
As I reflected on the film, I realized that this wasn’t simply an attempt at entertainment—it was a carefully crafted message, one that sought to shift cultural norms and redefine what was considered a fulfilling and “good life.” The scriptwriters, perhaps unknowingly or knowingly, were helping to push the enemy’s agenda, one that celebrates selfishness, rebellion, immorality and indulgence, while undermining the virtues of faith, family, and integrity. In fact, years later, these ideas have not only become mainstream but are now the norm. What was once taboo is now accepted as truth, revealing how deeply media and entertainment shape societal values, often with consequences far more destructive than we realize.
What made it even more striking was the setting of the story—deep in the American South, in a region often referred to as the Bible Belt. A place long associated with faith, family, tradition, and moral grounding. And yet, it was there, in the symbolic heart of American values, that the storyline unraveled everything sacred. This wasn’t just storytelling—it was commentary. A deliberate effort to show that even the strongholds of faith and stability could be swayed, mocked, and redefined under the glow of entertainment.
That experience opened my eyes wider than ever before. It wasn’t just that one film. I started noticing how pervasive the pattern was across all media. Themes of lust, greed, selfishness, rebellion, and deceit aren’t just present—they’re celebrated. Traditional values are often portrayed as outdated or oppressive, while sin is rebranded as empowerment and “freedom.” The sacred is desecrated, and the profane is glorified. Whether in subtle suggestions or overt messaging, media is teaching people—especially the young—what to think, how to live, and what to desire.
It’s no secret that the average young person spends over eight hours a day consuming media. Compare that to the three to six minutes of meaningful conversation many families have per day, and it becomes obvious who is doing the most shaping. Media has become the new pulpit, the storyteller, the educator, and in many ways, the god of modern culture. And make no mistake—it is not neutral.
This realization hit me deeply—not just as a viewer, but as someone who once contributed to this. Out of ignorance, I took part in projects I now regret. Back then, I didn’t fully understand how even small storytelling choices—across any medium—could shape hearts and minds. But now I do.
Media has the power to shape hearts, dreams, and minds. That’s why it’s so important that those of us who believe in truth, in beauty, in holiness—those of us who follow Christ—step up and use our creative gifts with intention. It’s not enough to avoid the bad; we must create the good. We must tell stories that elevate rather than tear down, that build up rather than mock, that honor God rather than offend Him.
Media will continue to shape the minds of future generations. The question is: who will be behind the stories they consume? Will it be those who care nothing for what is right, or will it be those who understand the power of every frame, every line, and every song to either bless or poison the soul? This isn’t just a cultural issue—it’s a spiritual one. The battle for our hearts, minds, and souls is real, and that’s why we must be mindful not only of what we consume but also of what we create and support. Every post, script, song, and image we contribute has an impact. We are either adding to the noise or offering clarity, either echoing darkness or shining light.
So how do we counteract the flood of harmful media messages? Through faith, discernment, and courage. We must:
Be selective with media: Choose what you consume carefully, ensuring it aligns with your values and faith. Is it promoting virtues that honor God or embracing ideas that undermine truth?
Set boundaries: Create limits around your media consumption, such as avoiding certain genres or shows, restricting screen time, or setting dedicated times for media use to avoid mindless scrolling.
Create media with purpose: If you’re a creator, remember that what you produce has an impact on others. Use your talents to tell stories that uplift, encourage, and promote integrity, love, and truth.
Engage in dialogue: Discuss the media you consume with others—family, friends, or fellow believers. This helps reinforce your values and discern the truth from deception.
Immerse yourself in God’s Word: Regular time in Scripture equips you to recognize what conflicts with God’s truth. Prayer and the Word help you filter out messages that do not align with God’s will.
Pray for discernment: Ask God for wisdom in choosing what to consume and understanding the messages behind what you watch or hear.
As we guard our hearts and minds, we actively shape the culture around us, reflecting the truth that strengthens and nourishes. The battle for our hearts is constant, and it starts with being aware of what we allow in. We must choose carefully—not just what we watch, but also how we engage with the world, knowing that every choice has an impact.
Let us be the generation that doesn’t just consume culture—but transforms it.
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” — Jeremiah 17:5
When Spiritual Leaders Fall: How to Stay Strong
A lot of Christians face moments when a spiritual hero falls. This could be a father, coach, mentor, pastor, or leader—someone you admire, whose books you read or whose ministry you follow. The awareness that they’ve fallen can deeply shake any believer’s faith. Here are a few ways to recover and remain strong when faced with instances like this.
Understand This to Remain Unmovable
1. Miracles Are a Sign That God Is Good, Not a Confirmation of a Minister’s Integrity
When you discover that a minister you follow has had a moral failing, scandals surface, and your faith might get shaken. Many become distrustful, skeptical, and afraid, closing their hearts to new leaders.
I experienced this at 16 or 17 when a gentleman, whom God used in another country, fell. I had followed him closely—buying every book he had, listening to every sermon, and trying to pray and fast like he did. But when I found out about his immoral behavior, it shook me. You go from admiring them to suddenly distrusting all leaders. This skepticism can settle in your heart, making it difficult to trust again.
It’s important to understand that while miracles are a sign that God is good, they do not always confirm that the minister is good. When people are used by God for miracles like prophesying, healing, or deliverance, we often assume it’s because of their holiness. However, this view is incomplete and inaccurate.
2. It’s the Devil’s Goal to Allow the Minister to Rise as High as Possible Before a Big Fall
I believe that sometimes the devil allows a minister to live in secret sin for a long time, allowing them to rise to prominence. When they eventually fall, the damage is much greater. The more well-known the minister, the greater the harm within the body of Christ.
The devil knows this and waits for the right moment to cause the most damage. When a leader with influence falls, it can create widespread distrust and pain among believers.
3. God Is the One Who Brings Hidden Things to Light
Luke 8:17 says, “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.”
God reveals both good and bad things done in secret. He is patient, wanting everyone to come to repentance, but when leaders refuse to repent, God eventually exposes their sin to prevent further harm.
4. When We Notice Unrepentant Sin in Our Leaders, We Can’t Ignore It
Don’t ignore unrepentant sin in your leaders. Address issues like sexual immorality, dishonesty, denial of core doctrines, abuse of power, or lack of self-control in a respectful manner. If leaders isolate followers and demand absolute loyalty, it’s a sign of a cult.
When leaders control aspects of their followers’ lives—associations, living arrangements, finances—and manipulate them through fear, they are leading through a demonic trap of control and witchcraft.
5. You Can Receive a Blessing from a Ministry Without It Being Contaminated
Even if a ministry later falls into scandal, the blessings you received from it are still from God. For example, if Judas gave a gift from Jesus’s ministry fund before his betrayal, the gift was still valid. Similarly, if you were blessed by a ministry that later faced moral failure, those blessings came from God, not the fallen leader, and therefore, they are not contaminated.
How to Heal
Grieve, Don’t Gloat
When leaders fall, it’s painful. Grieve for them instead of gloating. We see in the Bible that Samuel grieved for Saul (1 Samuel 16), and we should do the same for fallen leaders.
Heal with Time
Healing takes time, but with Jesus, it is possible. Spend time in His presence and allow Him to guide you through the process. Don’t let betrayal turn into bitterness. Release unforgiveness and trust that God has a better future for you. Remember, just because one leader fell doesn’t mean all will. God has still raised up good leaders.
Trust Slowly
Forgiveness doesn’t mean instant trust. Trust must be earned over time. It’s important to forgive fallen leaders, but trust is something they need to rebuild.
Be Hopeful
Despite some ministers falling, many others remain strong and faithful. Focus on leaders who demonstrate godly character and consistent good fruit, rather than those who are merely famous. Trust that God can restore what has been lost and bring healing and hope for the future.
Bible Verses to Reflect On
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. — Psalm 118:8-9
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. — Proverbs 3:5-6
There is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. — Romans 3:23
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:8-10
“I am the Lord! That is My name! I will not share My glory with anyone else, or the praise due Me with idols.” — Isaiah 42:8
CitizenGO – started this petition to The UK Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE – 2024/09/05
The UN (United Nations) is on the brink of legalising something unimaginable that will effect children around the world.
Right now, it’s pushing a horrifying treaty that could make it acceptable to create and possess explicit materials involving children—as long as it’s deemed “private” or “consensual”.
The UN’s latest treaty on cybercrime could allow predators to exploit children under the guise of “consensual” or “private” use of sexual content – child rape material.
Imagine AI-generated images of children in disturbing scenarios or real minors (children) being manipulated and / or coerced into creating their own exploitation—all potentially decriminalised. This is beyond comprehension—it’s a direct threat to the safety of every child.
If this treaty is signed, it could pave the way for the normalisation of the most horrific forms of child exploitation and even elements of paedophilia around the world.
And the UN isn’t just allowing this—they’re endorsing it.
By decriminalising “consensual” child pornography i.e child rape material, they’re opening the floodgates for paedophiles and predators. And make no mistake—if we let this happen, it’s only a matter of time before they push for even more: lowering the age of consent and defending the “rights” of those who prey on our children.
This is a nightmare in the making, and we cannot afford to wake up too late. We are standing at the edge of a cliff, and if we don’t act now, the protections that keep our children safe will be eroded.
What will be left? A world where the law protects predators, and our ability to safeguard our children will be stripped away.
We must rise up and make our voices heard. Add your name today to demand that the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward block this outrageous treaty.
The time to protect our children from this madness is now—before it’s too late.
Urgent: Opposition to Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
Dear The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP and Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the new UN treaty on cybercrime. What should be a positive step toward global safety has instead raised significant alarm.
Among the most distressing aspects of this proposed treaty is the inclusion of language that would decriminalize certain forms of child pornography.
According to Article 14 of the treaty, countries may choose to decriminalize the production, distribution, and possession of content depicting children that are sexually exposed so long as the material does not represent an “existing person” or does not visually depict actual “child sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation.”
This proposal is not only deeply unethical but also poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our society—our children.
It opens the door to depictions of paedophilia and legalizes some forms of child pornography, long considered illegal.
It is deeply troubling that the UN, which should prioritize the protection of all citizens, especially children, is considering provisions that could improve the social perception of paedophiles and protect those who possess and consume such vile material.
We must keep these dangerous individuals far away from our children and ensure that their abhorrent behaviour is not legitimised through international treaties.
In light of this, I urge you to take a stand against this treaty when it comes before the United Nations General Assembly this month. Please abstain from endorsing any agreement that would undermine the protection of our children and compromise the safety of our society.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
[Your Name]
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It’s important. Will you sign it too? Here’s the link:
Human trafficking is closer than you think, the film ‘Sound of Freedom’ opens the pandora’s box by raising awareness to the general public of a dark, underground $150 billion dollar industry. This incredible true story is about federal agent Tim Ballard, played by Jim Caviezel, who quit his job and put his life on the line to rescue trafficked children from sexual exploitation, this has been tastefully done and brings light to this heinous activity. Seeing the film is the first step in spreading awareness about child trafficking, see the trailer above and more information can be found here: Visit angel.com/blog/sound-of-freedom to read more abouthow you can join the fight to end child trafficking. Please support the movement, the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men stand by and do nothing, be the voice of those who have none.
“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” ~ Luke 17:2
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a nefarious practice that many thought had been abolished years ago. However, slavery is alive and kicking in the 21st century and is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world, it is big business worth $150 billion dollars! It covers an array of ways to exploit another human being for profit, whether it be slave labor, sex slavery, organ harvesting or drug trafficking, the list goes on and gets darker.
There are 27 million enslaved, 7 million of them children and increasing. So many of us aren’t aware of how wide spread this issue is, because it’s not at the forefront of the media, and we think it doesn’t happen where we live. But this is the closet crime that is exploding and rising all around us at astronomical rates. There are more people enslaved today than any time in history, even when it was legal!
Where is this taking place?
The subject matter is too dark for polite conversation, but burying your head in the sand won’t make it go away. This evil is prevalent worldwide and according to the charity organization ‘save the children’ statistics, children make up 27% of all human trafficking victims worldwide, and two out of every three identified child victims are girls. The United States is the largest consumer of child rape videos and one of the largest producers worldwide.
MYTH: Traffickers target victims they don’t know
FACT: Even though this is true, a majority of the time, victims are trafficked by someone they know, such as a friend, family member, family friend, a person esteemed in the local community or a romantic partner.
MYTH: Only girls and women are victims of human trafficking
FACT: Boys and men are just as likely to be victims of human trafficking as girls and women. However, they are less likely to be identified and reported. Girls and boys are often subject to different types of trafficking, for instance, girls may be trafficked for forced marriage and sexual exploitation, boys for sexual exploitation also, but more likely to be trafficked for forced labor or recruitment into armed groups.
MYTH: All human trafficking involves sex or prostitution
FACT: Human trafficking can include forced labor, domestic servitude, organ trafficking, debt bondage, recruitment of children as child soldiers, and/or sex trafficking and forced prostitution.
MYTH: Trafficking involves traveling, transporting or moving a person across borders
FACT: Human trafficking is not the same thing as smuggling, which are two terms that are commonly confused. Trafficking does not always require movement across borders. In fact, in some cases, a child could be trafficked and exploited from their own home or community. In the U.S., trafficking most frequently occurs at hotels, motels, truck stops and online.
MYTH: People being trafficked are physically unable to leave or held against their will
FACT: Trafficking can involve force, but people can also be trafficked through threats, coercion, or deception. People in trafficking situations can be controlled through drug addiction, violent relationships, manipulation, lack of financial independence, or isolation from family or friends, in addition to physical restraint or harm.
MYTH: Trafficking primarily occurs in developing countries
FACT: Trafficking occurs all over the world, though the most common forms of trafficking can differ by country. The United States is one of the most active sex trafficking countries in the world, where exploitation of trafficking victims occurs in cities, suburban and rural areas. Labor trafficking occurs in the U.S., but at lower rates than most developing countries.
DO YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE IS BEING TRAFFICKED?
Spot The Signs
Identifying trafficking is the first step to stopping it. Understanding the signs to look out for could help the most vulnerable people within your community.
Significant Signs
Stop the traffic organisation Stop the traffic states, that there are a number of signs that are common across all types of exploitation. Including, if a person:
acts as if instructed by another, as though they are forced or coerced to carry out specific activities
demonstrates signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as lacking self esteem, seeming anxious, bruising or untreated medical conditions
seems to be bonded by debt or has money deducted from their salary
has little or no contact with family or loved ones
is distrustful of authorities
has threats made against themselves or family members
is not in possession of their own legal documents
SAVE THE CHILDREN: If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-800-373-7888. The confidential hotline is open 24 hours a day, every day, and helps identify, protect and serve victims of trafficking.
Identifying trafficking is the first step to stopping it. Understanding the signs to look out for could help the most vulnerable people within your community.
Specific Signs
Many of the main types of exploitation have significant signs that are specific to them.
Children who are trafficked are intentionally hidden and isolated from the services and communities who can identify and protect them. If you’re worried about a child, you can take steps to keep them safe.
If you think a child or young person is in danger, contact the police on 999.
Contact your local child protection services. You can find their contact details on the website for the local authority the child lives in.
Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline to get help, report a suspicion or seek advice. Call 0800 012 1700 or fill in their online form.
Living in the end times
We live in a fallen world with entitled individuals who think they have a right to do what they want, when they want and to whomever they want without accountability. There has been a major attack on our children from every side because they are the new generation that is supposed to be an arrow in the bow for God’s Kingdom and this attack starts in the womb. (I will do a separate article on this important subject). It’s easy to become discouraged when we focus on the news today, but there is goodness and hope in a broken world, look to God’s promises and don’t be mere hearers, but doers of the Word. There are many brave heroic individuals who have been doing just that, and one walking in their calling is a man called Victor Marx, a victim of abuse himself, on the frontline defending and being the voice of those who cannot defend themselves, shares what we need to know about child trafficking. He’s an abolitionist, NGO specialist, activist and philanthropist, and is the founder and president of ‘All Things Possible’ that rescues children from child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation and has assisted in the arrested of thousands of predators.
Quotes
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” -Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Here are a few ideas on how to be a light in your sphere of influence:
Start and end your day reading the Word of God.
Memorize God’s promises.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Love your neighbor.
Pray for people in your life.
Pray for the world. Pray for our leaders.
Pray for people who are oppressed.
Share God’s love with others.
Give to those in need.
Get involved in meeting a need.
Show acts of kindness.
Encourage those who are discouraged.
Give the gift of love, peace, gentleness, patience, grace, kindness. (navigators.org)
How to get involved?
Please start by watching and supporting the film the sound of Freedom, there are numerous ways to support the individuals on the front line, but to get a flavor of what’s going on, I urge you to watch sound of freedom, it’s a dark subject matter that has been tastefully done, but punches you right in your stomach and at the end of the film, you can either choose to bury your head in the sand or stand up and do something about it.
Support the non-profit organisations fighting human trafficking:
The Sisterhood Hub 