Scripture of the Week (SOW) formerly known as the Scripture of the Day (SOD): October 2014

Friday, October 10, 2014

Are You Ready for the Mark? (10/10/2014)

Hello everyone, I just want to remind you to place your trust in GOD, because He NEVER ISOLATES HIMSELF from tending to your needs; IF/WHEN YOU are feeling a void, feeling overwhelmed, and/or in need of an

unbiased shoulder to cry on, STOP EVERYTHING AND PRAY, then, SEEK GUIDANCE IN THE WORD OF GOD. Never depend on man, no matter his/her status (parent, pastor, teacher, etc.), to guide you spiritually. The Word reminds us to"study to shew thyself approved" (refer to II Timothy 2:15); the words of man can be distorted by our own interpretations rather than being led by the Spirit. Thus, God warns us to "... attend to My Words; incline thine ear unto My Sayings. Let them not depart thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh" (Proverbs 4:20-22).

Healthy living tip:

"Keep your sleep schedule: To promote better sleep, stick to a regular bedtime, even on weekends. Create a soothing ritual to help you relax before bed, such as taking a warm bath, listening to soft music or curling up with a good book" (para 3).
"Add some spring to your workout step: Listen to music while exercising to make the experience more fun. Music may also reduce your sense of exertion, based on research reviewed by the American Council on Exercise. Because you feel less fatigued, you may exercise harder, especially if the music has a fast beat" (para 2).
"Clean up a negative perspective Pessimistic thinking saps your enjoyment of life. Replace self-defeating thoughts with more realistically positive ones. For example, let's say you find yourself thinking, "This is a hopeless disaster." Think instead, "This is a problem, but I can brainstorm a solution" (para 5).

(Loma Linda University Health. (2014, August). Tips for healthy living. A Healthy Tomorrow, pp. 4)

Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated:

FMBS Inc. is on a never-ending quest to locate deserving individuals to extend our services to. Therefore we are always in need of monetary donations and/or contributions of hygiene items, sealed snacks, bottled water, winter items (gloves, scarves, blankets), mini bibles, etc.; our YEAR-ROUND mission is to serve homeless and/or needy individuals and families in underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. Speaking of "year-round," our See's Candies pre-sale fundraiser is year-round aside from holiday themed fundraisers; you may request a catalog and make a purchase at any time, all profits outside of sales cost will benefit our organization's day-to-day operations. We are a NON-profit 501(c)(3) federally exempt organization, which means that ALL donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE. NO matter how big or small your contribution or donation is, YOU are helping someone in need. We encourage YOU to participate in our ongoing campaign whenever and however you can. If you were on the receiving end and needed a helping hand, wouldn't you want someone to reach out to you? Accept this opportunity to HELP LIVES. If interested in supporting our organization in helping others, simply make a donation and/or a contribution; make all checks payable to FMBS Inc., provide one of our representatives with your cash donation/contribution, or use the PayPal link located on our website. We are successful because of YOUR continued support. Please join our cause!

For more information about our organization, visit our website at http://www.fmbs-inc-bytye.org and/or add our Facebook page Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (or Fostering Mindbodyandsoul) and Twitter @FMBSInc. On behalf of my team of volunteers, I thank you in advance. ~Tylesha "Tye" Allen, CEO/Founder, FMBS Inc. Est. 2012~

TRANSFORM your body, mind, and soul TODAY because tomorrow is NOT promised; by feeding your body healthy nutrition, and being cautious of what things you allow your eyes, ears, and spirit to be exposed to (e.g. media, books, TV, music, etc.), YOU can start anew and become a better you. CHANGE BEGINS WITHIN... Continue to keep one another in prayer, thanking God for the victory, and refraining from claiming defeat from the enemy; ALWAYS pray for your desired result, NOT the unfavorable outcome. Do NOT lose sight of God in the midst of adversity. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "be the change that you want to see in the world." Have a blessed rest of the week.

Lord please clear our minds, and open our eyes and ears so that we may see, hear, and receive your intended message from this fellowship. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Passage - Revelation 13:16-17:

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

***Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible***

We are closer to the 2nd Coming than most of us think. I opened with scripture this time because it is imperative that in these days we dwell in the Word so that God leads our Spirit. Those who fail to study for themselves and allow God to reveal His truth, will be fooled by the Antichrist in these days. The mark of the beast seems to be a controversial subject for many, both Christians and not, but if we truly knew the Word, what is there to dispute? God is NOT the author of confusion, Satan is; if you are not 100% positive of what God's word says, then I suggest you pick up the Bible for yourselves after asking God for a much needed revelation. Now let's look at the passage... it states that "ALL" people will be forced to receive the mark if they want to buy or sell. I have heard many theories of what this mark will be: a tattoo of some sort; 666 literally tattooed or branded on one's head or hand; or some form of a microchip. Me personally, I must admit that I believe the mark will be in the form of a microchip for a few reasons. One, the government has already begun its mass production of microchips to replace paper and electronic medical records (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/microchip-implant-to-link-your-health-records-credit-history-social-security/), as well as a microchip (read its terms and conditions here http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/Legal_Documents/TermsBuySale.pdf) that will soon replace all currency (a prediction for implementation as early as 2017; http://investmentwatchblog.com/nbc-predicts-all-americans-will-receive-a-microchip-implant-in-2017-per-obamacare-videos/). Two, there are already people in the active military being implanted with said chips, as well as people working for the companies that have produced them. Three, the Word says that "NO MAN might buy or sell, save he that had the mark" (Proverbs 13:17). Perhaps the mark can be any of the previously mentioned, the key however as NOT to be fooled: IF this microchip does replace all currency, which means you CANNOT "BUY" without it, then my friends, you have embarked on a decision to choose Heaven or Hell.

"Identifying this mark is NOT as important as identifying the PURPOSE of the mark. Those who accept it are showing their allegiance to Satan, their willingness to operate within the economic system he promotes, and their rebellion against God. To refuse the mark means committing oneself entirely to God, preferring death to compromising one's faith in Christ. In every generation, Christians need to maintain a healthy skepticism about society's pleasures and rewards. in our educational, economic, and civic structures, there are incentives and rewards. Cooperating Christians must always support what is good and healthy about our society, but WE MUST STAND AGAINST SIN. In some cases, such as Satan's system described here, the system or structure becomes so evil that there us no way to cooperate with it" (Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Revelation. Life Application Study Bible: King James Version: Notes 13:16, 17 (pp. 1957). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.). Revelation 14:9-11 states, "... If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." "Those who worship the beast, accept his mark, and operate according to his world economic system will ultimately face God's judgement. our world values money, power, and pleasure over God's leadership. To get what the world values, many people deny God and violate Christian principles..." "... in this life we can choose to repent [confess and turn away from sin] and restore our relationship with God... If in this life we choose to be independent of God, in the next life we will be separated from Him forever'" (Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Revelation. Life Application Study Bible: King James Version: Notes 14:9-11, 14:11 (pp. 1958-1959). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.).

Again, I urge you to pick up the Word and study for yourselves to challenge today's lesson (refer to I Thessalonians 5:21). "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (Jame 1:5). For a clear and concise understanding of passage Revelation 13:16-17, do NOT lean on your own understanding (refer to Proverbs 3:5) nor should you accept someone else's interpretation and/or opinion at face value. Instead, seek counsel from the Lord; all things that are vague will be made clear to those who truly find refuge in the Lord (refer to Hebrew 11:6). BE PREPARED not by someone else's forewarning, but by guidance that God provided in His word. I know that some of you may have missed the lesson regarding the Bible translations and how verses were completely omitted and tainted to introduce a hidden agenda, so I encourage you to check out the proceeding video and do NOT take it for face value, but follow along; if you have other versions of the Bible handy, keep all of them nearby so that you will see for yourself as God reveals His truth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1gSC6MTxGs. Be blessed!

Prayer of the Day:

Father God we thank you for life, health, and strength. We thank you for the strength we need to forgive those who have wronged us, the same way you continuously grant us forgiveness, and for placing upon those we have wronged the same desire, that we too may be forgiven by them. More so Father, we thank you for removing the guilt we once placed on self, and for removing every thought that has held us captive in our own minds. We thank you for transforming our image into one that mirrors Jesus, so that His goodness is reflected in all that we do. Thanks for blessing us with a double portion of your Spirit, and for closing every unnecessary door that is open in our lives. Thanks for opening supernatural doors in our lives that lead to peace, prosperity, clarity, contentment, and happiness. We thank you for providing each of us with the clear and concise revelations we need in order to overcome the adversary. Thanks for helping us to see, hear, and feel your presence through every trial and tribulation, and for the courage to rearrange our priorities, placing you at the top of our list. We thank you for discernment to know the difference between good and bad, right from wrong, and your will vs. our own desires. Thanks for provision, guidance, and protection from Satan’s attacks. By the authority in our words, we reverse all the negativity spoken into existence within our individual lives and the lives of our loved ones and associates. We take back everything the enemy has stolen from us, and bind every evil and malicious plot, plan, and scheme devised against us, in the matchless name of Jesus. Lord we also grant your angels permission to do our bidding on Earth without recourse. This is our affirmation of faith Father God; we submit our petition to you and thank you in advance for working it all out. All these things we claim in the name of Jesus, Amen!

Respectfully,
Tylesha "Tye" Allen, CEO/Founder

FMBS Inc. Est. 2012
Ministry Blog: http://sodbytye.blogspot.com/
Non-profit Website: http://fmbs-inc-bytye.org/

Follow FMBS Inc. on Twitter: @FMBSInc

Change begins within; work on becoming a better You
"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

While You Wait (10/7/2014)

Hello everyone, I pray all has been well. I know that it has been an extremely long gap since the last SOD, and I appreciate your patience through my extended absence. Aside from my unfortunate technical difficulties, a lot has gone on since our time apart. Perhaps another time I can go more into detail with my goings and comings. Just know that despite any of my shortcomings, I was NOT in a rut or anything, just took some time to rest my brain and get some things in order. Through it all however, I have NOT stopped praying and studying the Word. Rest assured that if you forwarded any prayer requests in my absence, I was praying for you and your concern(s). Although my breaks may continue to come unannounced and/or for an extended period, GOD NEVER ISOLATES HIMSELF from tending to your needs; IF/WHEN YOU are feeling a void, feeling overwhelmed, and/or in need of an unbiased shoulder to cry on, STOP EVERYTHING AND PRAY, then, SEEK GUIDANCE IN THE WORD OF GOD.

Healthy living tip:

"By focusing on your long term health, you will be more likely to stick to your healthy habits. Below you will find simple nutrition tips that will help you get back on track and making nutritious healthy options (para 1).

Fill up on vegetables: Vegetables are a low calorie/high volume food. This means you can eat a lot of vegetables without consuming a lot of unwanted calories and you will feel full because they take up a lot of room in your stomach... Aim for fresh or steamed vegetables when possible (para 2).
Take it easy on the fruit: While fruit is a great source of fiber and natural sugar, some people tend to go overboard and eat too much. In turn, this keeps sugar and carbohydrate intake sky high... try pairing one piece of fruit with almond butter, nuts or a source of lean protein (para 3).
Be wary of nutrition/protein bars: While the marketing on most of these products claim these bars are the healthy alternative, most of these bars are high in fat, carbohydrates and artificial preservatives (para 4).
Up the protein: If you feel like you are constantly hungry, try adding a bit more protein to your meals... Also try eating the protein portion of your meals before having the side items which are usually higher in carbohydrates and fat (para 5).
Drink more water: Water aids your body in digestion and keeps your skin looking youthful and hydrated... Drinking 12 ounces of water before your meal will also fill up your stomach and may prevent you from overeating (para 6).

"Try incorporating a few of these nutrition tips into your daily routine. Small changes can add up to great health benefits on the long run. Take care of your body now in order to prepare for a healthier future!" (para 7) (Burke, A. (2014, March 23). 5 Easy nutrition tips for healthy living [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/angeles-burke/diet-and-nutrition_b_4985346.html).

Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) is on a never-ending quest to locate deserving individuals to extend our services to. Therefore we are always in need of monetary donations and/or contributions of hygiene items, sealed snacks, bottled water, winter items (gloves, scarves, blankets), mini bibles, etc.; our YEAR-ROUND mission is to serve homeless and/or needy individuals and families in underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. Speaking of "year-round," our See's Candies pre-sale fundraiser is year-round aside from holiday themed fundraisers; you may request a catalog and make a purchase at any time, all profits outside of sales cost will benefit our organization's day-to-day operations. We are a NON-profit 501(c)(3) federally exempt organization, which means that ALL donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE. NO matter how big or small your contribution or donation is, YOU are helping someone in need. We encourage YOU to participate in our ongoing campaign whenever and however you can. If you were on the receiving end and needed a helping hand, wouldn't you want someone to reach out to you? Accept this opportunity to HELP LIVES. If interested in supporting our organization in helping others, simply make a donation and/or a contribution; make all checks payable to FMBS Inc., provide one of our representatives with your cash donation/contribution, or use the PayPal link located on our website. We are successful because of YOUR continued support. Please join our cause!

Lord please clear our minds, and open our eyes and ears so that we may see, hear, and receive your intended message from this fellowship. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Passage - Psalm 37:4:

"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

***Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible***

"When we make our requests to God, do we consider His request of us? He knows our requests before we ask, even as He knows our hearts. But He also desires that we know His heart, and that the nature of our requests will mature into something that reflects His desire for us. I may have a situation I am waiting for Him to resolve. Perhaps I need a job, or to sell a house, or something else I feel I have little control over. I make my request to God, and I ask people to pray for me that my situation be resolved quickly. But what might I be missing? Why does God wait to meet my need? There is a good chance that there is a need I have that God needs to show me that is not the need I am focused on. There is a good reason why God is not resolving my issue quickly. My prayer request, therefore, needs to mature to a level wherein I ask Him, what He needs of me. My prayer request turns from, “Lord, please fix this;” to “Lord, show me what You need from me where I am.” The Lord will indeed meet all of our needs. But what is it He desires from you while you wait? "(Chambers, R. (2014, June 3). While you wait [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://reflections.daybyday.org/).

I know this lesson hit close to home for many of you, as it did for me. We tend to pray and blame God, then question Him for "why" things are not going the way we expected Him to allow. The problem is this, human nature encourages prayers and desires based on self, which don't always fall in line with His will. Perhaps our prayers and/or desires seem feasible and maybe even for the good of someone other than ourselves. For instance, we may have a prayer for God to heal a loved one from a terminal illness, forgetting that our days are NOT promised - they are determined before we are even conceived. Thus, a prayer may not always spare a life, because it may not be in God's will for such a favorable outcome. Seems kinda harsh and insensitive at times, but ultimately it is His will that shall prevail. God's plan for our lives and the events therein is perfect. It is up to us to see and receive the blessing in the storm. Instead of us asking God "why" He's allowing misfortune to take place in our lives, we should be asking ourselves 'what aren't I doing to abide in His word - to follow His commands?' We should ponder what lesson we are to learn from our circumstances, and then apply what we've learned and allow for self-improvement and growth. If you are still waiting for God to answer your call, take a moment to reflect on your request; does your prayer fall in line with the will of God, or was it developed by selfish desires? If you find yourselves dwelling on the thought that God has forsaken you, remember that His Word promises to "never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (refer to Hebrews 13:5). Such negative assumptions are the work of the adversary, so the moment you find yourself blaming God, CHECK YOURSELF and ask the Lord for forgiveness. I have found that prayer followed by opening the Bible to a random page, brings solace; God knows our heart and will reveal the answers we seek, but it is up to us to accept the answer He provides. Perhaps what He reveals is not what we anticipated, but if He leads us there He will follow through, and with obedience shall we find our victory. The moment we allow ourselves to be distracted from God's Word and His promise, we allow ourselves to be attacked and tainted by the adversary, further disabling our ability to discern when the enemy is afoot; strive harder to know the Word, to dwell in God, to obey His commands, and to share the Gospel.

Prayer of the Day:

Respectfully,

Tylesha "Tye" Allen, CEO/Founder

FMBS Inc. Est. 2012

Ministry Blog: http://sodbytye.blogspot.com/

Non-profit Website: http://fmbs-inc-bytye.org/

Follow FMBS Inc. on Twitter: @FMBSInc

Change begins within; work on becoming a better You

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)