SALUTATIONS: Hello everyone, happy Sabbath! I hope that yall had a wonderful week. Starting today, I will be switching the order of the SOW a bit, so don't be alarmed. Be safe and responsible this weekend, and try to relax, stress less, and trust God more.
PRAYER REQUESTS: Someone dear to me, who wishes to remain anonymous, found out that she has stage 4 breast cancer that has spread throughout her body. Please pray for her spirit, her comfort, and her family, especially her young children. Also, three other individuals who shall remain unnamed: one was a victim of domestic violence (female), one was attacked by a neighbor and suffered some moderate injuries (male), and the other is trying to reach a happy medium in her household. As we pray for them in the Spirit, let's also 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; you can buy it here https://goo.gl/NWEf7i).
PRAISE REPORTS: GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
BE ENCOURAGED: NEVER lose sight of God in the midst of adversity… Ponder this: “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another” (William James). 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.
OPENING PRAYER: 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 – PSALM 37:34: "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."
**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:
I don't believe that there is one individual who can say that they have never had their patience tested. Whether it was dealing with unruly children, belligerent customers, pessimistic loved ones, inconsiderate drivers, or incompetent co-workers, we have all had our share of our patience being tested. How did you do? Pass or Fail? Me, I almost always fail. The ironic part is, I typically am tested right after a good Word, Bible study or some other positive moment in life. The Bible is supposed to be a guideline of life where God reveals a message and sits back observing our failure in practical application of the things that we just learned. But did we even grasp the lesson at all? Probably not. In school when you failed a test, you were sometimes given the opportunity for redemption, right? Why do you think that was? Because you failed to efficiently absorb and retain the information you studied the 1st time, so your instructor provided a 2nd chance to study and get it right. And if you still failed, you repeated the class until you passed. Well, God does the same with us; Jesus was sent to teach us by example, and the Bible became our main resource for study. As we receive information, we are held responsible for applying what we've learned to our daily lives (refer to Luke 12:47 here https://goo.gl/nUxVuE), and patience is probably one of the bigger tasks next to love.
Almost all of my shortcomings are a direct result of my lack of patience; I have made so many hasty decisions in life without consideration of where God wanted me to be, that I have constantly landed myself in unfavorable circumstances, wondering why God had forsaken me, when it was me who forsook Him. Are you in a situation where you are reasoning with God and can't understand His silence? Have you taken the time to assess the events leading up to your current circumstance? Did you seek God FIRST before you took a step? If you said "yes," then did you WAIT until He provided direction before you made your next move? Either way, the Word says to "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." When we are discouraged due to our lack of understanding, even though the Word advises us not to lean unto our own understanding (refer to Proverbs 3:4-6 here https://goo.gl/yKLeAi), we forget that God works according to His own time. Habakkuk 2:3 says, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to be diligent in our patience. Here are some scriptures that address patience and trusting God's timing:
- Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
- Ecclesiastes 8:6, 3:1 "Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him." "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
- Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
- Psalm 37:3-4 "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
- Lamentations 3:25-26 "The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."
Jesus explained in John 13:7 that we may not understand God's will now, but will in due time (read it here https://goo.gl/9phMd6). We are further admonished in Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT), which is where I will end this lesson, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,' says the Lord. 'I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.'" As yall know, my favorite Bible passage warns us that "it is better to TRUST IN THE LORD, than to put confidence in man" (Psalm 118:8), which includes ourselves. So remember to wait on the Lord and trust ONLY HIM with your life.
POWER IN PRAYER:
Yahweh, we thank you for the fact that when man says "no," you can still say "yes." We thank you for healing and comfort over our sister in Christ; bless her and her family with the peace that passes all understanding, so that in the midst of cancer, they may remain positive and hopeful in you. Bless their souls, may they find you in this storm and still see the many reasons to give you honor and glory. For our brother and sister in Christ who were physically attacked by people they know, we ask for an extra hedge of protection over them, to keep them safe from future attacks against them or anyone else in their circles. And for our other sister in Christ, Father, we ask that you bring peace and resolve in her household so that there is effective communication and efforts made by everyone to cooperate with one another and to build a solid unit. Our patience seems to be constantly tested; we aren't always willing to ask for an increase in our faith and patience , nor courageous enough to ask that your will be done, but as we grow in you, we ask that those desires increase within us. Help us to discern that which we need to improve or change; give us the strength and will to let go of the things and people that hinder our spiritual growth. Help our lives be a reflection of your love and influence, causing us 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. Keep us humble, focused, disciplined, and driven as we work to become everything you have called us to be. Provide each of us, and those we stand in intercessory prayer for, the skill to balance our personal, professional, and spiritual lives as guided by you. 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!
HEALTHY LIVING TIPS:
Change begins within… When we sleep, some of the things our bodies begin to do are: repair, detox, restore, convert fat into fuel, and build up our immune systems. Therefore, adequate sleep is very important. Studies suggest that optimal sleep is between 6-8 hours daily. Both sleep deprivation and sleep overload can increase your risks for heart disease. So, if you aren't resting due to insomnia or overworking yourself, you are putting yourself at a higher risk of developing conditions such as hypertension, and coronary heart disease. Lack of sleep and over sleeping are often attributed to stress, and the best way of dealing with stress is to find a healthy way to manage it; try exercising, deep breathing techniques, trusting God more, and practicing good sleep habits. Herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, and passionflower can help calm the nervous system and facilitate a good night's sleep.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: If you are in the giving spirit and have been searching for a cause to donate to, here’s a way that 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. I also have a 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 a 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
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.
Very Respectfully,
Tylesha "Tye" Allen
Owner | CEO, T.Y.E. Childcare | Mobile Notary | FMBS Inc.
· Mobile: (951) 790-2127
· Address: Moreno Valley, CA
· 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
· Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyeDreamsBig
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