Scripture of the Week (SOW) formerly known as the Scripture of the Day (SOD): To Believe or Not to Believe (12/12/2015)

Hello everyone, Happy Sabbath! Last week, I informed yall of a change in the production of our fellowship lessons; the Scripture of the Day (SOD) is now the Scripture of the Week (SOW). Although this limits our time in fellowship together, it frees US up to dedicate more time to OUR personal, professional and more importantly, OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH; while the structure of our lessons will remain the same, the SOW will convene only once a week (unless otherwise led), most likely on the Sabbath (Friday evening or Saturday afternoon). If this is your first time receiving this lesson and you or someone you know is interested in joining our fellowship, feel free to email me their information so that I can add them to the distribution list, or you may forward the lesson to them yourself. I suggest utilizing the "BCC" option when mass emailing, so that replies are NOT sent to everyone receiving the forward. I encourage you to always read the Power in Prayer, though typically unchanging, it effectively covers significant concerns worth praying for. PRAISE REPORTS: In the midst of pending payments from clients receiving my child care services, my vehicle was repossessed. That sucked big time and as embarrassing as it was, I was initially hoping to re-finance to lower my monthly payments. However, with my child care business, I also required a larger vehicle for transportation purposes. Because of my signs outside my home, the company actually worked with me as I searched for another vehicle. My parents also blessed me with funds that I used to purchase my replacement vehicle at an auction. It's not brand new, but I found the perfect vehicle; my SUV is in great condition, I no longer have a car note, and it's an ideal size for my business. It wasn't the package I was expecting, but HE supplied my NEED. God is awesome! PRAYER REQUESTS: Remember that prayer requests are OPEN TO EVERYONE. Simply send me your requests to be prayed for by myself and added to the following lesson, and specify whether it shall be listed as anonymous or not. Let's pray for our leaders and the grief people may be experiencing in the wake of loss. Prayer for broken relationships, friendships, marriages, and families dealing with strife and turmoil is critical in these days. We should also pray for direction and strength from God as He directs our paths and reveals His will; may we be willing and ready to allow our actions to prove our trust in God by obeying His will. Continue to pray for one another as the Spirit leads, thanking Yahweh for the victory while refraining from claiming defeat from the enemy; ALWAYS pray for your desired result, NOT the unfavorable outcome (refer to the book The Tongue – A Creative Force, by Charles Capps). ANNOUNCEMENTS: "Giving Back" does NOT mean that you have to give away your money or possessions. There are plenty or organizations such as churches and local community events that you can contribute to with your time. I know that you may be busy, we ALL are, but what if God had that mentality? What if God had said "I'm too busy to consider my earthly children's sin to help them"? We would be sentenced to eternal death and condemnation. But instead, amidst ALL the chaos in the UNIVERSE, GOD made TIME to send HIS SON to live a life that was dedicated to giving - HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US. WWJD? Jesus would NOT be too busy or restricted to HELP someone in need. MAKE a way to give back. One option to give back to the community involves material contributions or monetary donations to assist my non-profit organization, FMBS Inc., with its day-to-day operations, which can be arranged year-round with me (via email or phone) or through the PayPal link located on our website (listed below under Join Our Cause). You may also register to contribute funds per every purchase you make through Ralph's and/or Food 4 Less (this is at NO cost to you, the donation is a percentage taken from each purchase, and donated from the store on your behalf); if you would like to link your rewards card with FMBS Inc. let me know so that I may send you the information to register... ALL registrations must be updated ANNUALLY, so if your rewards card was previously enrolled, my request is that you resubmit your registration each year. Another way to give back is by joining my team of volunteers or members (for more info, contact me); your continued support is always appreciated. Please keep spreading the word.

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS:

Change begins within… Yall know that I've expressed before that I actually don't care for dieting or exercise, but I do agree that it is necessary and beneficial to our overall well being. Here is a website that offers FREE workout routines that do NOT require any equipment, meaning you can perform ALL routines from the comfort of your home using equipment you may already have such as dumbbells, or soup cans as an alternative. The site also offers FREE meal plans: HASfit.com (Heart and Soul Fitness) has its "fitness programs" and "nutrition" plans located at the top toolbar. I challenge everyone to develop a routine or select a fitness program from the aforementioned. If you feel that time is an issue, rest assured they have something for everyone, including expecting mothers. However, if you still feel discouraged, try committing to at least 100 crunches, sit-ups or a combination of both, 50-100 push-ups, 30 pull-ups, and light stretching; alternating between sets of 20 may be ideal as well as variations in types (e.g. diamond and standard push-ups, reverse and traditional crunches, etc.). Being one who needs a little extra motivation myself, I suggest the less motivated, to look for an accountability partner or a partner who will workout with you. As far as nutrition, I am a firm believer that healthy eating does NOT mean you have to compromise flavor. Rather, make healthier choices instead of dieting - CHOOSE wisely: baked instead of fried; veggies, fruit or nuts instead or sugary snacks or other junk foods (doughnuts, cupcakes, candy, chips, etc.); raw veggies and fruit throughout the day; water or a homemade fruit and veggie smoothie instead of juice or soda. Know that committing to a healthy lifestyle change CANNOT and WILL NOT happen over night, so explore and find the routine that works best for you. In the teachings of HASfit Coach Kozak, "you can either have results or you can have excuses, but you cannot have both" and "the only bad workout is the one you didn't do". When choosing your routine, I'd like to share an encouraging quote from my health (C.H.A.T) seminar instructor, Rico Hill (thebeehives.org), "the best workout is the one you can stick to."

JOIN OUR CAUSE: 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. We are successful because of YOUR continued support. Please continue to back us up through participation, and/or by encouraging others to 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 (and/or Fostering Mindbodyandsoul), and follow us on Twitter @FMBSInc. On behalf of myself and my team of volunteers, I thank you in advance. ~Tylesha "Tye" Allen, CEO/Founder, FMBS Inc. Est. 2012~

BE ENCOURAGED: NEVER lose sight of God in the midst of adversity… For those who missed one of the last SOD's that I produced, "Yahweh" is God's personal name whereas "God" is His title. For instance, our current president's name is "Barrack Obama", and his title is "president". Jesus' name in the original text is Yeshua, so when you see those name references it is NOT an indication that I have converted to Judaism or some other denomination; I am NON-DENOMINATIONAL, I simply believe in and observe the Sabbath-Day, and was led to worship in the Seventh-Day Adventist church. I do NOT profess religion, rather spirituality - a relationship with God. The true definition of Christianity is to be Christ-like, not to be Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic, Seventh-Day Adventist or any other denomination; "Know the exact truth" (Luke 1:14 - AMP), God's Word reminds us in Ephesians 4:5, that there is ONLY "ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM". Don't allow religious and theological jargon dim God's light in your life. YOU can be delivered, transformed, restored, and your mind can be renewed by simply believing in the promise of Yahweh, the death and resurrection of His Son Yeshua, and receiving (truly accepting in your heart) His Word as truth. I also would like to take this time to remind you that I am in NO way professing to be a theological scholar, pastor, or expert in God's word. I have simply been led by the Spirit to maintain an online ministry which serves as a form of fellowship to many people via email, web posts and blogs, as well as social media. DO NOT take my word, your pastor's word, or someone else's word for the truth; "Study to show thyself approved" (II Timothy 2:15), and CHALLENGE EVERYTHING by comparing it to the Word of God. If what you hear does NOT fall in line with the Word of God, then it is NOT truth... The rest of this day isn't promised, let alone tomorrow, so why not strengthen your faith TODAY? Feed your body healthy nutrition, be cautious of what things you allow your eyes, ears, and spirit to be exposed to (e.g. media, books, TV, music, etc.), and YOU can start anew and become a better you, NOW not later. Ponder this: "Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and do the impossible when necessary" (Rick Warren). Have a blessed weekend.

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

PASSAGE – COLOSSIANS 2:13-14:

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;"

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

REFLECTIONS:

Today's lesson title comes directly from my pastor, Michael "P.K." Kelly's sermon today. I try to invite people every week to join us live online at 11:00 AM on Saturdays at rubitv.tv or by viewing some of the archived sermons via Mt. Rubidoux's website mtrubidouxsda.org, it's always a life changing experience. The gist of P.K.'s sermon today was that if we fail to take the time to develop a RELATIONSHIP with God, then our ability to trust and believe will pretty much be non-existent. P.K. reminded us that we spend too much time trying to figure out "what" our issues are rather than "who" influences them; the "who" in all our struggles and triumphs revolve around God or Satan - who are you listening to? Basically, by KNOWING who God is and who His Son is, then we know that it is HE who has redeemed us from ALL our sin - the ultimate sacrifice. If we are "forgiven... ALL trespasses" this means all our indebtedness to sin has been CANCELED. Why is it so hard to trust and believe in that concept? Perhaps it's because we struggle with the guilt and resentment of the sins we've committed. Maybe it's because of our shame - our embarrassment in relation to poor decisions we've made in the past. Or, it may be because we only CLAIM to "walk by faith and not by sight", meaning we are still expecting God to show us tangible evidence that His promise is true. For me, it's a combination of all those factors and more. I've said time and time again, I AM NOT a saint, nor do I profess to be better than the next sinner. In fact, I'll probably sin after this message is sent, not necessarily out of desire, rather habit. After years of developing bad habits and making poor decisions that are contrary to the word of God, I recognize the need for CHANGE, so through the SOW we are learning and growing spiritually TOGETHER. Anyway, the pastor told the story about a man who people doubted claimed to be able to walk across Niagara Falls blind folded and pushing a wheel barrel. Yet, after he succeeded, the people gave him praise. He then asked "do you BELIEVE that I can walk across Niagara Falls blind folded and pushing a wheel barrel?" The people were confident and trusted in his ability because they had just seen with their eyes that he had done this. Then he posed this challenge, "IF you believe, then get in the wheel barrel and allow me to push you across Niagara Falls blind folded." God is asking us to blindly allow Him to lead us. The TIME we spend in our relationship with God is what proves over time its worthiness - its truth. Believing in God is what will fuel how we live our lives, but we must first develop a relationship with Him to establish the trust in His truth. Our doubt of His word and His will has NOTHING to do with the information (the Word) we've received. Rather, our refusal to accept and believe in God's promises, stems from our acceptance of the adversary's truth; if it doesn't fall in line with the Word of God then it's false. To believe in someone or something involves a form of a relationship - to rely on, to lean on. So if or when you doubt God's promise and His ability to see you through your trials, to get you to the other side of Niagara Falls, it is NOT because you don't know the truth; your inability to believe in God's authority and promise is a reflection of you leaning on (acceptance) Satan's lies. You cannot believe in the Word of God yet doubt. You can believe or not believe. Again I ask, who are you listening to? If your actions and behavior do not fall in line with the Word and Will of God, then your lifestyle is NOT a reflection of your love and trust in Him. If that is the case, as it is for me, then CHANGE must ensue. Tough cookie to swallow, but change begins within... we must seek and develop a RELATIONSHIP with God and when that occurs, we will begin to see our lifestyle and decisions transform into the true definition of Christianity, we will become more and more "Christ-like" as we SPEND TIME getting to know the Lord and following His commands.

In my Sabbath School lesson today, we covered some key elements that I believe tie into the message above. "You don't have to forgive yourself; yourself has already been forgiven" (para 1). "The sin you've tried to make up for, pay for, and find redemption for has already been made up for, paid for, and redeemed" (para 2). "When you place your faith [belief] in Christ, your sin is forgiven. Your debt is canceled... Paul said it's all been done... Forgiveness is a gift God made available to everyone. But like any gift, it must be received" (para 4) (Stanley, A. (2014). Only one person. Starting point: a conversation about faith (revised ed., pp. 78). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan). Pastor Kelly said to think of forgiveness as giving something away... you will feel FREE once you GIVE away your doubt and ACCEPT/RECEIVE the gift of forgiveness that was made available to EVERYONE for ALL sin, past, present and future. To believe or not to believe - WHO are you listening to?

POWER IN PRAYER:

Yahweh we thank you for life, health, and strength. Thank you for providing the courage and strength we need to remove the guilt we've placed on self, and for removing every negative thought that has held us captive in our own minds. Lord please place your hand upon all those who may be in mourning; bless them with peace and comfort in their time of bereavement. We ask that you will bless our relationships; strengthen and mend any broken bonds in our personal, professional and spiritual relationships, and repair any chaos within our homes and surroundings. We ask that you will bless our political, educational, authoritative and especially our spiritual leaders; allow them to work in accordance to your direction and not their own. Please bless all new and expecting parents, that they may be equipped with the skill and foundation to raise exceptional and healthy children. 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 each of 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 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. Please continue to help us see, hear, and feel your presence through every trial and tribulation, and for discernment to know the difference between your will vs. our own desires. 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. We grant your angels permission to do our bidding on earth, and thank you for protecting us from its recourse. For everyone and everything we have failed to pray for, we ask that you do not fail to address the concern. This is our affirmation of faith Yahweh, we submit our petition to you, and claim all these things in the name of Yeshua, Amen!