Faith Gets You Salvation NOT Works (7/28/2017)

SALUTATIONS: Hello everyone, happy Sabbath! I hope that you all had a wonderful week. Remember that everyone is encouraged to share prayer requests and especially praise reports; it is through our testimonies that we are able to better minister to others. How much more relatable is information delivered by the individual who personally experienced it, rather than the one randomly telling the story? 
 

PRAYER REQUESTS: Unfortunately, the enemy has been attacking my household. I've been riddled with stress and anxiety about a lot of things. However, I started The New Life Challenge (http://getthenewlife.com/) last Sunday, so I have been trying my hardest to "trust more and stress less," as the corresponding book, Healthy Self: 10 Habits of the Longest Living Americans by Rico Hill and Jared Thurmon, encourages (buy it here https://www.thebeehives.org/product/healthy-self/). It has been a struggle, to say the least. That being said, keep us in prayer and continue praying for one another, thanking Yahweh for the victory while refraining from confessing the problem caused by the enemy; ALWAYS pray for your desired result, NOT the unfavorable outcome (refer to the book The Tongue – A Creative Force, by Charles Capps; buy it here https://goo.gl/NWEf7i). 

PRAISE REPORTS: Although I haven't even cracked the surface of my personal GoFundMe campaign goal, your support has gotten me $400 closer to publishing my two children's books and opening my e-commerce store. Additionally, our Bonfire t-shirt campaign is one sale closer to our goal of 100 t-shirts/hoodies sold, to raise funds for the non-profit organization FMBS Inc. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: If you are in the giving spirit and have been searching for a cause to donate to, here’s a way you can give back to the community –  SHARE this link https://www.bonfire.com/campaigning-4-jesus/ on ALL of your social media networks, and if you’re able, make a purchase of a Christian-based t-shirt or hoodie in support of Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.); ALL proceeds go towards supplying the needy with food, water, and hygiene items; recipients are selected by referral, and by canvassing the streets for deserving families and individuals throughout LA County and the I.E. You may also arrange any monetary donations or item contributions at any time via email at fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com. Another way FMBS Inc. raises funds is through the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program; you must go to their website here http://www.friendsindeedpas.org/get-involved/ralphs-community-contribution-program/ and link your rewards cards or telephone numbers ("Alt ID") to our organization each year, and we will earn money for every purchase made under your linked rewards. Don't forget my personal campaign which in a nutshell, is raising funds to help illustrate and publish my two inspirational/educational children's books, and to open an e-commerce store so that I can remain a stay-at-home mother and home school my son; you can make your donation here https://www.gofundme.com/josiaskhari. And remember, even if you cannot make a contribution/donation yourself, SHARE these links and info with EVERYONE, and on ALL of your social media outlets because sharing is caring 😊. Your continued support is always appreciated. Please keep spreading the word. #SOW

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS:

Change begins within… From personal experience, we should all be able to relate to the power of scents; they can trigger our memories, salivation, gag reflexes and more relevant, relaxation and calm. In an age where doctors are quick to prescribe medications, we turn to our anti-depression and anti-anxiety medications with the misconception that there aren't any effective natural approaches. However, on the contrary, using essential oils such as lavender, rose, and patchouli can help reduce stress by 40%. This holistic approach is versatile too; you can use essential oils in your DIY bath, body and hair products, to burn to disperse throughout a living/work space, to soak, to inhale, and when done properly, to cook with. Try lavender or eucalyptus in your bath to help relax and calm your body. Check out this link http://www.getthenewlife.com/blog/essential-oils-and-their-effect-on-your-stress/ for more about the research regarding Essential Oils and Their Effects on Your Stress.

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, seasonal items (gloves, scarves, blankets, umbrellas, sunglasses, sunscreen), mini Bibles, reading books, etc.; our YEAR-ROUND mission is to serve homeless and/or needy individuals and families in underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. We also need DEDICATED volunteers and members – is this your calling? 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 contact fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com, as our website is currently under construction. Feel free to LIKE our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance/ and follow us on Twitter @FMBSInc.

BE ENCOURAGED: NEVER lose sight of God in the midst of adversity… Ponder this: “Believe you can and you're halfway there” (Theodore Roosevelt). I'm no theological scholar, and even if I were a pastor or an expert on God's word, I would still advise you NEVER to take someone else's word as solid truth; "Study to show thyself approved" (II Timothy 2:15), and CHALLENGE EVERYTHING by comparing it to the Word of God. If what you see, hear or read does NOT fall in line with the Word of God, then it is NOT true... 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.) so that you can start anew and become a better you NOW, not later. Have a blessed rest of the week.

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, Amen!

PASSAGE – EPHESIANS 2:8-10: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

**Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible; retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage**

REFLECTIONS: 

Growing up in Sunday churches introduced me to a lot of traditions and concepts that became questionable after I began studying the Word for myself, to verify that which was being taught, as the Bible tells us to do in II Timothy 2:15. For instance, when our loved ones die, many church leaders and family say things like "they're in Heaven watching down on you," "they're your guardian angel now," despite the Bible clearly stating that after death we rest and rise at the 2nd Coming of Christ (refer to Psalm 115:17, Ecclesiastes 9:5, Revelation 14:13, I Thessalonians 4:16 and Daniel 12:13 here https://goo.gl/VK1aEe). Or, they dispute that the Sabbath (7th day of the week) isn't Saturday (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset), even though everyone knows that the resurrection of Jesus occurred on a Sunday, which the Bible refers to as the 1st day of the week (refer to Mark 16:9 here https://goo.gl/A6Ecvk); take a look at your calendar for validation. But that's neither here nor there. One of the most widely taught erroneous principles is that we go to Heaven based on what we do rather than by God's grace.

Let's break down our passage: Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) says, "God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." "And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace" (Romans 11:6, NIV). So what is the definition of grace? Grace is the FREE, yet undeserved favor of God. All throughout the Book of Romans, you see references of salvation by grace through faith - the Bible defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). 

Galatians 2:16 (NIV) says, "know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ." So why then do so many Christian leaders teach salvation by works? Here's the thing, I am NOT saying that we should have faith and abandon good works, they work hand-in-hand. Once we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, it is our faith in Him that transforms who we were; we become "reborn" (refer to I Peter 1:23 here https://goo.gl/fY291d) and are advised to do away with our old ways (refer to Ephesians 4:20-24 here https://goo.gl/33YFZX) which will be converted gradually as we are changed and grow in the Word. II Corinthians 3:18 says, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." So, if the Lord is compassionate, giving, forgiving, merciful, and the epitome of love, and abiding in Him means that He dwells within us, then our acceptance and faith in Him will mold us into an image that reveals to others who we serve. Thus, as a result of our transformation in Christ - our acceptance of His mercy and salvation - "good works" would become a natural part of our character; good works would is the result of our salvation, NOT the determining factor. 

POWER IN PRAYER:

Yahweh, we thank you for redemption, and salvation through our faith. As we grow in you, help us to discern that which we need to improve or change; give us the strength and courage to let go of things and people that hinder our spiritual change. Help our lives be a reflection of your love and influence in our lives. Cause us to love you and to seek you more intimately, to turn away from our selfish ways, and to apply your principles of life, daily. Baptize us with your indwelling Spirit, and cause us take heed to His promptings. Give us the strength and desire to forgive those who have wronged us, and to forgive ourselves. As you close doors that need to be shut in our lives, we ask that you open up supernatural doors of opportunity that we never knew existed, but give us discernment to recognize those opportunities and to take heed. Keep us humble, focused, disciplined, and driven as we work to become everything you have called us to be. Bless each of us individually, providing that which is needed to balance our personal, professional, and spiritual lives. As you deliver us from our strongholds, transform and convert us 100% according to your will. Achieve in us the ability to pray game-changing prayers – prayers that change people, change outcomes, and help your will to manifest. This is our trusted prayer, we submit to you in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!

Very Respectfully,

Tylesha "Tye" Allen    Owner | CEO, T.Y.E. Childcare | Mobile Notary | FMBS Inc. ·         Mobile: (951) 790-2127 ·         Address: Moreno Valley, CA ·         Website: http://www.ready411.weebly.com | http://sodbytye.blogspot.com   ·         Email: professional1_99@hotmail.com ·         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) ·         Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance ·         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tylesha-"tye"-allen/a4/599/875 ·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyeDreamsBig

Pride (7/21/2017)

SALUTATIONS: Happy Sabbath! I hope that yall had a wonderful week, and may yall have an ever better weekend. For everyone new to the SOW, there are some things that appear unchanged; however, there are always some variances. I realize that we all have lives and priorities. So, if you’re pressed for time, I encourage you at the least, to always read this lesson starting at the “Be Encouraged” section through to the prayer. Even if you don’t care for the prayer listed, take time to say a prayer of your own. And remember this, the next time you don’t feel like reading a long Word from God, He never looks at the huge mess we call our lives and think, ‘this is just too much, I don’t feel like listening to their prayers, I don’t feel like helping,’ nope, He looked at all of our chaos before it was even created, and He implemented a plan to correct it. The real issue is, are you patient enough to wait on His response?

In last week’s SOW, I believe I posted the wrong link to my personal campaign; it’s actually https://www.gofundme.com/josiaskhari. Even if you are unable to make a contribution yourself, please SHARE this link on ALL of your social media outlets. For those who are disinterested in reading my campaign story, in a nutshell, I’m raising funds to publish my two children’s books, and to open an e-commerce store so that I can make a steady income while homeschooling my son. Your support is greatly appreciated.

PRAYER REQUESTS: Keep praying for one another, thanking Yahweh for the victory while refraining from confessing the problem caused by the enemy; ALWAYS pray for your desired result, NOT the unfavorable outcome (refer to the book The Tongue – A Creative Force, by Charles Capps). 

PRAISE REPORTS: Unfortunately, I have been pretty much unemployed since my sister’s passing a year ago. Even before that, my income was inconsistent and inadequate for living comfortably. Yet, GOD has sustained my household through means of programs, loved ones, and unexpected financial blessings. For example, I received a random check a little under $300 from a Class Action Lawsuit against Herbalife, and I received a check a little under $200 as a refund due to an overpayment of some sort. Each of those instances, I was wondering how I was going to come up with the funds for something – “BUT GOD”... It may not be how I had hoped or prayed for, but it was NOT me, it was GOD.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: If you’re not really feeling my personal campaign, but you have a giving heart, then here’s a way you can give back to the community –  SHARE this link https://www.bonfire.com/campaigning-4-jesus/ on ALL of your social media networks, and if you’re able, make a purchase of a Christian-based t-shirt or hoodie to support Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.); ALL proceeds go towards supplying the needy with food and hygiene bags; recipients are selected by referral, and by canvassing the streets for deserving families and individuals throughout LA County and the I.E. You may also arrange any monetary donations or item contributions at any time via email at fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com. Another way FMBS Inc. raises funds is through the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program; you must go to their website and link your rewards cards or telephone numbers to our organization each year, and we will earn money for every purchase made under your rewards cards (details available upon request). Your continued support is always appreciated. Please keep spreading the word. #SOW

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS:

Change begins within… Start a journal jotting down what your short-term and long-term health goals are. Then establish some daily goals; decide on what you want to accomplish each day, and then determine how you will be able to execute your daily objectives. If possible, find an accountability partner, and discuss how he/she can help you meet your goals. And when you feel like you’re overwhelmed or ready to give up, take a BREAK, PRAY, and REGROUP. Change is a process, it won’t happen overnight, but it also won’t happen if you’re not willing to take the 1^st step and continue to take steps until you’ve reached your goals.

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, seasonal items (gloves, scarves, blankets, umbrellas, sunglasses, sunscreen), mini bibles, reading books, etc.; our YEAR-ROUND mission is to serve homeless and/or needy individuals and families in underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. We also need DEDICATED volunteers and members – is this your calling? 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 contact fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com, as our website is currently under construction. Feel free to LIKE our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance/ and follow us on Twitter @FMBSInc.

BE ENCOURAGED: NEVER lose sight of God in the midst of adversity… Ponder this: “Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm” (Winston Churchill). I'm no theological scholar, and even if I were a pastor or an expert on God's word, I would still advise you NEVER to take someone else's word as solid truth; "Study to show thyself approved" (II Timothy 2:15), and CHALLENGE EVERYTHING by comparing it to the Word of God. If what you see, hear or read does NOT fall in line with the Word of God, then it is NOT true... 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.) so that YOU can start anew and become a better you NOW, not later. Have a blessed rest of the week.

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, Amen!

PASSAGE – PROVERBS 11:2, 16:18, and 21:4: “² When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom”; “¹⁸ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall”; “⁴ An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.”

**Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible; retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage**

REFLECTIONS:

How many of yall realized that sin began with Lucifer in Heaven? His head grew so big with conceit from his splendor and how magnificent he was made, that he developed a god-complex; Lucifer didn’t just want to be more like God as most Christians desire, no, he wanted to exceed God’s glory and to be exalted even before the Most High. He said, “… I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13). Ezekiel 28: 15-16, NIV says, “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned.” His jealousy, his conceit, his pride led to the corruption of his mindset – a sin before God.”

Once Lucifer was cast out of Heaven and took on the monikers “Satan” and the “devil,” he then introduced sin into this world by way of Eve (refer to Genesis 3). Having been deceived by the devil, Eve convinced Adam to follow suit in her sin against God. In turn, one man introduced sin to mankind – Adam; through his sin, all mankind is doomed to suffering and death. However, it is also through one man, Jesus, that we are all redeemed. “For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive” (I Corinthians 15:21-22, NASB).

In Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, and 21:4, pride is depicted as a sinful act that leads to “disgrace” and “destruction.” Thus, as a result of his pride, Satan chose his own demise. Before pride, Lucifer’s character was described as “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty,” and “perfect in thy ways” (refer to Ezekiel 28:12 & 15). However, after pride consumed his identity, he was transformed into the ruler over sin. When you evaluate your own character, do your attributes reflect a reverence to God or to Satan? Are your desires selfish or selfless? Do you pride yourself in your accomplishments and possessions, or do you use your successes and blessings to help others? Are you a natural born giver or taker? If there is anything or anyone that you value more than God – anything or anyone that you place 1^st in your life besides the Lord, then your homage is to the devil not to Christ. Don’t let pride lead you into a life of destruction. SHOW REVERENCE TO THE LORD BEFORE ALL ELSE and people will be able to see the God you serve even without a word of utterance.

POWER IN PRAYER:

Yahweh, we thank you for redemption, and the freedom to choose life over death by way of our faith. Create in us new hearts that are grateful and faithful to your will. Cause us to love you and to seek you more intimately, to adhere to your commands, and to turn away from our selfish nature. Baptize us daily with your indwelling Spirit, and cause us take heed to His promptings. Give us the strength and desire to forgive those who have wronged us, and to forgive ourselves; cause us to let go of the past that haunts us, and release us from any binds and attachments that may hinder our spiritual and personal growth. As you close doors that need to be shut in our lives, we ask that you open up supernatural doors of opportunity that we never knew existed. Keep us humble, focused, disciplined, and driven as we work to become everything you have called us to be. Bless each of us individually, providing the strength, courage, organization, commitment, motivation, and discernment to balance our personal, professional, and spiritual lives, daily. Bless our loved ones and even our enemies; provide revelations and awareness as you deliver us from our strongholds. Transform and convert us 100% according to your will, and achieve in us the ability to pray game-changing prayers – prayers that change people, change outcomes, and help your will to manifest. This is our trusted prayer, we submit to you in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!

Very Respectfully,

Tylesha "Tye" Allen    Owner | CEO, T.Y.E. Childcare | Mobile Notary | FMBS Inc. ·         Mobile: (951) 790-2127 ·         Address: Moreno Valley, CA ·         Website: www.ready411.weebly.com | http://sodbytye.blogspot.com   ·         Email: tyeallen99@outlook.com ·         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) ·         Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance ·         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tylesha-"tye"-allen/a4/599/875 ·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyeDreamsBig

Passion (7/14/2017)

Happy Sabbath! I hope that yall had a wonderful week, and may yall have an ever better weekend. I actually thought today was Thursday for some reason. I got extremely caught up in my research today and it just slipped my mind that today was Friday, and then I remembered while I was reciting my affirmations. Anyway, last week I mentioned one of my goals which is to start an e-commerce store online, but I also wanted to share the fact that I hand wrote two children’s books early this year or late last year, time flies by so fast that I don’t really recall the dates. But one is spiritual in nature, teaching a moral, while the other is a learning book. I was hoping to do my own illustrations but haven’t quite gotten to that yet, my sketching is rusty and it’s going to take time unless I find an illustrator… Soliciting help from others is difficult for most people, I am no exception. But it is pride that interferes with people getting the break they need, and with all entrepreneurial endeavors, start-up capital is needed, which is why I created a GoFundMe Campaign to help raise the monies to facilitate my aspirations. Please review my campaign page here https://www.gofundme.com/josiaskhari and then SHARE it with everyone. Also, feel free to check out my blog at http://ready411.weebly.com/ which will be updated with new content weekly. PRAYER REQUESTS: Keep praying for one another, thanking Yahweh for the victory while refraining from confessing the problem caused by 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: In addition to my personal campaign, I also started one for my non-profit organization, Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated, it’s a t-shirt campaign; you purchase a t-shirt, hoodie, or other Christian apparel here https://www.bonfire.com/dashboard/details/campaigning-4-jesus/ and we will receive a part of the proceeds which will go towards supplying holidays meals or grocery store gift cards to deserving families this Thanksgiving, which is in a few months. You may arrange any donations or contributions with me at any time via email, phone and/or through the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program (details available upon request). Don't forget that you may also give back by joining my team of volunteers and members for a permanent role or for specific events; we are always in need of NEW and DEDICATED members and volunteers, as well as material contributions and/or monetary donations to assist in our day-to-day operations (for more info, contact me). Although I have not yet finished the website for FMBS Inc. where donations were activated through the business’ PayPal, rest assured that I handle my business finances separate from my own; financial records are public record, so you can always hold me to that. Your continued support is always appreciated. Please keep spreading the word. #SOW

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS:

Change begins within… Eat more raw fruits and vegetables and cut out sodas and juice for a few weeks, replacing the sugary drinks with water. I read once that eating an apple provides more energy than a cup of coffee in the morning. I don’t know how true that is, because coffee has never provided me with energy anyway, but it beats drinking a cup of sugar laced with caffeine. What did help me with my lack of energy when I forgot my lunch one day when I was working at the prison, I bought a package of tropical trail mix out of the vending machine and after I ate it, I definitely felt a boost of energy. The trail mix contained dried fruit (pineapple, coconut, papaya, raisins) and peanuts. I hated trail mix before then, but the options were limited. However, my research on healthy snacks revealed that trail mix of that nature is high in sugar and actually unhealthy despite being marked as a “smart choice.” Instead, visit a whole foods store and make your own trail mix, choosing a variety of dried fruits and nuts that are not overly loaded with sugar and salt.

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, and blankets), mini bibles, reading books, 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 contact me directly, as our website is currently under construction. However, feel free to LIKE our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance/ 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… Ponder this: "The dying Jesus is the evidence of God’s anger toward sin; but the living Jesus is the proof of God’s love and forgiveness" (Lorenz Eifert). I'm no theological scholar, and even if I were a pastor or an expert on God's word, I would still advise you NEVER to take someone else's word as solid truth; "Study to show thyself approved" (II Timothy 2:15), and CHALLENGE EVERYTHING by comparing it to the Word of God. If what you see, hear or read does NOT fall in line with the Word of God, then it is NOT true... 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.) so that YOU can start anew and become a better you NOW, not later. Have a blessed rest of the week.

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, Amen!

PASSAGE – II SAMUEL 22:2-8: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because He was wroth.”

**Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible; retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage**

REFLECTIONS:

How many of you can say with honesty that you have the same amount of passion that you have for your job, your desires, and/or your family, as you do for God? In II Samuel, you will notice that King David’s passion for work and God were integrated.  It is because of that integration that King David was able to consistently defeat the Philistines (refer to II Samuel 5:17-25). I have always wanted to have a job that I actually loved doing, and when I was about 15 years old, after volunteering with my church on the streets of the Downtown Mission, I realized that my passion is in helping others… Scratch that, I take that back, I was about 8 years old when I saw this infomercial about the starving kids in Ethiopia. I didn’t quite understand what was going on, but I understood that they were kids like me, and that they were hungry. I remember the flies landing on them and seeing their rib cages. I recall saying “when I get rich, I am going to help feed them.” That stuck with me and has formed several ambitions that revolved around helping others, from becoming a Pediatrician, to an OBGYN, to a General Practitioner. But my aspirations changed because so many others had the same, so I kept changing my dreams until I felt like I was amongst a few. However, after being a Corpsman in the Navy, I realized that although being a doctor is rewarding, I didn’t want to isolate myself from my loved ones to dedicate to residency. Plus, being a specialized doctor limits how far my help can extend, that’s when I reevaluated what my passion truly is, and it’s to help people who are actually in need of help – hospitality, community service, time… these are things that we all have that we can give to others. Does this rake in the big bucks? Nope. Does it integrate our passion to walk in the Lord? Yes. And from that understanding, I turned my pastime into a non-profit organization dedicated to helping others with overall sustenance, including prayer and ministry.  

So what exactly is passion? Remember “The Passion of Christ” movie? Why did they use the term passion? Passion can be defined as a state of strong emotion or something that arouses enthusiasm. That being said, Christ was put here with a “passion” to die and save. How noble and selfless was that? Yet, we have to think twice and three times even, just to give God a few measly minutes out of our day to give Him praise. That’s a shame. PASSION! I genuinely would love to help the less fortunate all the days of my life, and that has yet to pay my bills. Does that mean I should let go of that passion, or separate my adoration for God? Heck naw. I would be lying if I denied that this has been a very trying and frustrating journey that I have been working to grow and improve on. But without an affinity for Christ, our enthusiasm for everything else would be completely lost. It is critical for us to recognize as King David did, that “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.  He trains my hands for battle; He strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.  You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping” (Psalm 18:30-36, NLT).

Honestly, I don’t think that someone can integrate a devotion to God with one that is personal, unless it is driven by the Spirit in the first place. Therefore, WHEN GOD is rightfully placed FIRST in our lives, then naturally, every other aspiration will be one that establishes the Godhead as its foundation. Can you find passion in other things outside of God? Sure. I’m just saying that IF the intensity you put into that something else or someone else isn’t as strong as that which you devote to God, then you cannot truthfully say that you possess a “passion” for the Holy Trinity – the Father God, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit at all.

POWER IN PRAYER:

Yahweh, we thank you for our goings and our comings. Create in us new hearts that are grateful and faithful to your will. Cause us to love you more, to desire to seek you more intimately, to adhere to your statutes and to turn away from selfish gain. Baptize us daily with your indwelling Spirit, and cause us take heed to His promptings. Help us to forgive others as well as ourselves, the same way that you have so graciously forgiven us all. Ultimately, give us the desire and strength to turn away from our sin, and to let go of the past that binds us; lift any veils that hold us captive to the adversary or hinders our growth. Close doors that need to be shut in our lives, as you open up new doors of opportunity; help us to integrate our passion for you with our drive to pursue new opportunities. Keep us focused and disciplined as we work to achieve that which you desire of us. Bless each of us individually, providing the strength, courage, discipline, organization, commitment, motivation, and discernment to balance our personal, professional, and spiritual lives, daily. Also, bless our loved ones and even our enemies; provide revelations and awareness as you deliver us from our strongholds. Transform and convert us 100% according to your will, and achieve in us the ability to pray game-changing prayers – prayers that change people, change outcomes, and help your will to manifest. This is our trusted prayer, we submit to you in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!

Very Respectfully,

Tylesha "Tye" Allen    Owner | CEO, T.Y.E. Childcare | Mobile Notary | FMBS Inc. ·         Mobile: (951) 790-2127 ·         Address: Moreno Valley, CA ·         Website: www.fmbs-inc-bytye.org | http://sodbytye.blogspot.com   ·         Email: tyeallen99@outlook.com ·         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) ·         Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance ·         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tylesha-"tye"-allen/a4/599/875 ·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyeDreamsBig