SALUTATIONS: Happy Sabbath Everyone! I hope that yall had a wonderful week. As usual, I encourage yall to invite someone new to your church this weekend; you are always welcome to visit my church's worship service on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church, 5320 Victoria Ave., Riverside, CA, 92506. If for some reason you cannot make it to church, you can always Google to see if your desired church offers a live stream; you may catch Mt. Rubidoux's live stream and/or their archived sermons at http://rubitv.tv. Although this is an announcement, for those who have a tendency to skip through the lesson, attached is a prayer to command the morning; a further explanation is detailed in the Announcements following our fellowship lesson. Be safe and responsible this weekend, and try to relax, stress less, and trust God more.
PRAISE REPORTS: GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
PRAYER REQUESTS: Continue to pray 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).
BE ENCOURAGED... NEVER lose sight of God in the midst of adversity: Ponder this: “Change your thoughts and you change your world” (Norman Vincent Peale). 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.
FEATURED SONGS OF PRAISE: "We Fall Down" by Donnie McClurkin you can listen here (https://goo.gl/RyR7JK); "You Are Good" by Desmond Pringle you can listen here (https://goo.gl/1bhNje).
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 – ROMANS 12:6-8: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."
**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: This week's character check focuses on "responsibility" - how do you rate yourself? I used to consider myself a very responsible individual, more especially when I was in the military. Although I am still able to prioritize important things such as considering my son's needs before my own, over the years, I compromised my responsible practices in relation to credit in order to furnish my first apartment. And from there, it pretty much went downhill. I think that being able to pinpoint when you developed a problem with being responsible, be it in parenting, work, school, ministry, finances, etc., will help you to better determine how to fix it, and where to start when trying to turn things back around.
As we see in our passage, responsibility boils down to accomplishing what you are called to do - your purpose - thoroughly and effectively. For many of us, our calling as parents is to provide for our children, that includes necessary discipline. I Timothy 5:8 says, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." This is the perfect scripture to point that individual who always seems to find him/herself seeking your assistance in bailing them out of a situation that they put themselves in. For instance, they may have blown their entire paycheck on someone they were involved with, then turned to you to help them put food on the table for their child or to pay a utility that was shut off as a result of their frivolous spending. To add insult to injury, they have the nerve to condemn you for not coming to their rescue. Next time you're in that position, direct them to Galatians 6:4-5 which says "But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden." Before I go any further, let me make something clear, I am NOT saying that you shouldn't help out someone in need. Nor am I insinuating that everyone in need is in a position of misfortune as a result of irresponsibility. Rather, I am speaking out against repeat offenders; if you know someone who is constantly tricking off their money to party, to show someone else a good time, or to buy something outside of their means, yet they do this knowing they haven't paid their bills first, haven't gone grocery shopping, or haven't taken care of home first, and then they come to you for a bailout, those individuals need to accept accountability and be corrected NOT enabled.
Personally, I have been raised to understand the importance of work in relation to money. My siblings and I were schooled on responsibility at a very young age. Our parents established chores, offered incentives to encourage good behavior and good grades (e.g. $1 for every A earned on a report card, they matched each dollar we were able to save for trips that we would take, we got a toy for being on our best behavior for the month, etc.). Thus, as adults, it was easier for us to continue practicing great responsibility. But we all fall short... after using 2 credit cards that I made a practice to only use in emergencies, to furnish my 1st apartment, I started to slip up. Depression also played a role in my lack of responsible decision-making, as I began to buy unnecessary items without balancing my checkbooks, and I started online shopping for items that I found myself giving away to charity after years of non-use. And my being unemployed resulted from a mistake I made by quitting my job of 8 years, cold turkey, without having a solid backup plan. Although that job was affecting my health a great deal, it was beyond irresponsible for me to quit without having a new job lined up. Now, I'm in distress that I never imagined I'd experience. And knowing that I was raised to be better than this, makes it hard to turn to others for help. However, sometimes asking for help is more responsible than not asking.
We are responsible for ourselves and our children until they come of the age of knowing right from wrong (God's law), and in some cases until they become 18 (man's law). We are NOT, however, responsible for other people (refer to Galatians 6:4-5 here https://goo.gl/eZSnWs). Therefore, priorities should always be fashioned in an order similar to this:
- God
- Home (husband/wife, children, bills, groceries, etc.)
- Work
- Play (everything else)
If your list is in some other funky order, such as a position where you have to "find time" for God, or work comes before your family, or play comes before your bills and your kids, then it's a fine time to readjust your priorities by level of responsibility as God so leads. We have so many duties as individuals as well as in other capacities (in relationships, as a teammate, etc.), so this week, I will end this lesson on "responsibility" with more scriptures outlining some of our spiritual responsibilities from the NLT Bible:
- Luke 12:47-48: "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."
- **Mark 16:15: "And then He told them, "'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'"**
- I John 1:9: "But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."
- **Genesis 2:24: "This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one."
- Romans 12:3: "Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us."
- **Colossians 3:23-24: "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ."**
- **Acts 2:38: "Peter replied, "'Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"**
- **Matthew 22:36-39: "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"**
- Matthew 7:1-2: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged."
- **James 4:15: "What you ought to say is, 'If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.'"**
- Romans 14:12-13: "Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall."
- Romans 14:15-16: "And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good."
- II Thessalonians 3:10: "Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "'Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.'"
- James 4:7: "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
** Points out the more significant scriptures of our focal point
POWER IN PRAYER: Yahweh, we thank you for providing protection and relief for those affected by natural disasters. We praise you for your grace and comfort delivered to those of us experiencing grief, for providing us with clear, concise, and undeniable answers and solutions to our concerns. Thank you for delivering us from: strongholds, addiction, anger, resentment, heartache, disease, illness, pain, financial debt, stress, anxiety, and depression; for breaking any chains attached to the individuals reading or reciting this prayer, and for the people that we stand in intercessory prayer for. We thank you for providing the peace and complete healing that we have been promised by the stripes of Jesus. In these end times, we appreciate your extra hedge of protection over our children, our households, our modes of transportation, and our surroundings; may we forever be fixed on Jesus, steadfast on your Word and your will, and may we develop and maintain a deep and strong relationship with you. May we be filled with the desire to transform into the individuals that you have called us to be. Achieve in us the ability to pray game-changing prayers – prayers that change people, change outcomes, and help your will to manifest. We grant your angels permission to do our bidding on earth and we 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 trusted prayer, we submit to you in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!
HEALTHY LIVING TIPS ... Change begins within: If you have been wanting to workout but keep finding yourself too busy to find the time - EXCUSES - then try starting slow. Throughout your day, take brisk 10-15 minute walks around the block, on a treadmill, at the park, wherever, just get that blood flowing. Try to stick to that goal for at least 2-3 days out of the week. As it becomes a consistent practice for you, increase your commitment days, and increase both your time a pace until you're moderately exercising at least 4-5 days a week for 30-45 minutes daily. If you're more interested in developing a workout routine, visit http://HASfit.com, the information, meal plans, and workouts are FREE!
ANNOUNCEMENTS: In an effort to try to claim victory over my days, I started attending a 5-week seminar being presented at my church (Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church); one key element of success mentioned so far is keeping God first by spending TIME in prayer FIRST THING in the morning. I didn't know what that meant exactly. Afterall, I always wake up and give God thanks and pray, but was I really spending time with Him? Not really. So, upon doing some research, I put together a "Command Your Morning Prayer" (see the attached) by using a compilation of good prayers that I've come across. This prayer is lengthy, as it is meant to give the Lord your first moments of the day to spend time in your relationship with Him - to claim your victory and set the tone for how the rest of the day will be. Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) is in dire need of at least 15 people to purchase a Christian based t-shirt or hoodie via our Bonfire fundraising campaign to even process and begin production on the first order. This fundraiser is one way for us to raise money to give back to the community – ALL proceeds go towards supplying those in need with food, water, and hygiene items. Recipients are selected by referral, and by canvassing the streets of LA County and the I.E. for deserving families and individuals with a need. Help us reach our goal by SHARING this link https://www.bonfire.com/campaigning-4-jesus/ on ALL of your social media networks, and if you’re able, by making a purchase on the preceding link as well; 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. As far as my personal campaign, it's been extremely slow, but I think it's a worthy cause. So far, I have hand-written 6 children's books that are simply waiting to be illustrated and published. My GoFundMe campaign will help to fund illustrations and publishing of at least two of my inspirational/educational children's books, and help me to start-up an e-commerce store so that I can remain a stay-at-home mother and homeschool my son; If you haven't already, you can make a donation here https://www.gofundme.com/josiaskhari, but 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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Appreciate you. Will do.
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