SALUTATIONS: I hope that everyone had a great week. Reminder: announcements and other helpful information will be detailed following the Reflections and Prayer; after our fellowship, at your leisure, please take a moment to review them. This week I encourage everyone to extend yourself or service to someone other than family or friend. Always SHARE GOD’s GOSPEL and feel free to share the Scripture of the Week with the #SOW. Enjoy your week!
PRAISE REPORTS: We made it another week yall! Therefore, you have something to be thankful for. Rejoice! As for me, yesterday, I gave my 1st sermon during our Children's Church service, and as nervous as I was, God got me through it. If you have a specific praise report, please share because we “overcame him [the adversary] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of [our] testimony” (Revelation 12:11). **NOTE: All praise reports are shared with reference to your name unless anonymity is specified**
PRAYER REQUESTS: I'd like everyone to pray for me to be more fluid in future sermon deliveries, as well as more engaging with the children. Although I felt that I did ok with verbiage, due to my nerves, I had to read some from my notes. At some points, I felt more like I was delivering a speech as opposed to a Children's Church sermon. So, as God's vessel, pray for my future appeal to His little children. 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; you can purchase your copy here https://goo.gl/qf4rxB). If you or someone you know needs prayer let me know and your request it will be added to the following SOW. **NOTE: All prayer requests are shared with reference to your name and need unless anonymity is specified**
BE ENCOURAGED: NEVER lose sight of God in amidst of adversity… Ponder this: “Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts” (Buddha). 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, rather than later. Have a blessed rest of the week.
FEATURED SONGS OF PRAISE: "I Got That" by Anthony Brown & group therAPy, you can listen to it here (https://goo.gl/NgV9VY); “Victory Belongs to Jesus" by Todd Dulaney, you can listen to it here (https://goo.gl/QRDZ4i).
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(S) – EPHESIANS 6:12-13: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
**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: Many people like to attribute their struggles with sin to a battle between the flesh and the Spirit, or even to other individuals. First off, unless someone is placing a gun to your head or literally pressuring you in some other forceful fashion to engage in a certain act, then, playing the blame game for your own actions is completely unjustified. Secondly, as we read in Ephesians 6:12-13, the battle is really against the evil powers, rulers, and authorities in other realms; there are demonic forces pulling at the strings of our human nature, which in turn influences ungodly decisions. Sometimes we’re left in a state of confusion like, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (Romans 7:15-16, 18-19, NLT).
We tend to reason with ourselves about why we do what we do, which may bring a certain person or group of individuals to mind. True, those certain individuals and/or groups may very well be a bad influence on you, but they are NOT the ones forcing YOU to engage in a specific act. Yet, the CHOICE to do or not to do something can be impacted by the environment we surround ourselves in; be it the company we maintain, the places we frequent, the things we feed ourselves with (social media, books, TV, etc.), we are making a conscious decision that helps mold our character whether we like it or not.
When we surround ourselves with people who maintain bad habits and negative attitudes, people who consistently make poor choices, and when we are persistently enthralled in gossip, entertainment that doesn’t add to our lives, and behaviors that we have no recollection of due to forms of intoxication (drugs, alcohol, lust), we dig a hole for ourselves; eventually, you’ll fall in. Psalm 7:15-16 (NIV) says, “Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.” “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them” (Proverbs 26:27, NIV).
The sinful things that we cherish in this world trap us – the catalyst to chronic backsliding. We tend to use backsliding and slip-up interchangeably, however, the act has a more critical definition attached to it; backsliding is a CONTINUED ABANDONMENT of God’s will. Then when you fall into that hole you dug out for yourself, you forget about the consequences and instead blame your “misfortunes” on the Lord. You smoked too much weed, popped positive on your drug test, then got passed up for employment. You called out sick one too many times with no doctor’s excuse, then lost your job. You smoked a lil crack and became an addict. You pursued or entered a relationship that you had no business in, then you got played. Suddenly, you’ve got amnesia, “Lord, why are you allowing this happen to me?” Did you ever take a moment to ask yourself, “What was my role in all of this?” or, “What decision(s) did I make to get myself here?” Jeremiah 2:19 says, “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts.” That verse clearly warns us that it is by our OWN actions that we are disciplined [face consequences]; depending on our actions, we reap what we sow (refer to Proverbs 1:31 here https://goo.gl/LQRjuu).
Continued sin hardens the heart, weakens your willpower and your authority over transgression. It also hinders your spiritual understanding; the more we indulge in ways the Spirit tries to warn us against, the more control we give to Satan to establish dominion over our faithfulness to Christ, rather, our lack thereof. Gradually, we’ll become complacent with a position as a follower of worldly things, continuously blaming the consequences of our wrongdoing on a non-existent god, and comfortable with the idea of remaining the same; spiritual change and transformation become obsolete [undesirable]. Our sinful pleasures strengthen our rebellion against God and therefore fosters habitual backsliding. PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD TO WITHSTAND EVIL (refer to Ephesians 6:12-18 here https://goo.gl/nVWYnU).
- · the BELT of Truth
- · the BREASTPLATE of Righteousness
- · the SHOES of Readiness
- · the SHIELD of Faith [EXTINGUISHES ALL]
- · the HELMET of Salvation
- · the SWORD of the Spirit [the Word]
POWER IN PRAYER: Yahweh, we thank you for redemption, and the freedom to choose life over death by way of our faith. We thank you for allowing us to live yet another week. Father help us to choose things and people to surround ourselves with that add value to our lives rather than take away from. We ask to be transformed spiritually, so that we never lose sight of the purpose you’ve called us into; if that purpose is not yet clear, please remove the things or people from our lives influencing backsliding tendencies. Place your full armor within us so that no matter our circumstances, we will remain steadfast in our relationship with you. Bless Tylesha in whatever capacity necessary to be an effective and efficient vessel for your little children, as well as your grown ones. 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 firmly adhere to your commands, and to turn away from our selfish nature. Baptize us daily with your indwelling Spirit and use us as vessels to share your light with the world. 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. 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, clarity and understanding 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!
HEALTHY LIVING TIPS: Change begins within… This week’s tip focuses on beauty and can also be a penny saver. I’m talking about DIY beauty hacks:
1. Face Toner: Add Witch Hazel and distilled water (at your preferred ratio), about a capful of RAW apple cider vinegar (too much can create a strong scent that’s lasting), and about 5 drops of tea tree and/or peppermint essential oil into a bottle. Use this as a toner after you wash your face; apply using a cotton ball or cotton facial pad.
2. Blemish/Teeth Brightener: For face brightening, cut a piece of lemon and rub it on your face, let it sit for 10-15 minutes then rinse and follow with your normal face cleaning and moisturizing routine. For your teeth, mix lemon juice and baking soda until it’s paste-like, then brush your teeth using the mixture.
3. Hair/Skin Moisturizer: You can use raw shea butter, raw cocoa butter, raw coconut oil, virgin olive oil (not blend), jojoba oil, almond oil, and many others, as a mixture or standalone, to moisturize your hair, face, body, and even your cuticles.
The health benefit of using DIY products is that you have control of the type and ratio of ingredients used, you can choose organic or non-organic and either way, you avoid contact with chemicals that are potentially harmful. The bonus is that you save money; the same amount of money you spend to buy one bottle of lotion or toner, you can buy the ingredients above, you may even already have them at home, and you can make twice as many batches. For more DIY ideas check out 23 DIY Natural Beauty Tips on BuzzFeed here https://goo.gl/euho2o.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: I’m ready to relaunch Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) and I NEED volunteers and serious board members; **NOTE: it’s a business NOT a hobby** FMBS Inc. has a mission to help supply the needy with food and hygiene bags. Our recipients are selected by referral, and/or by canvassing the streets for deserving families and individuals throughout Southern California. You may also arrange any monetary donations or item contributions at any time via email at fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com or by making a donation using the Donate button on the upper right of our Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance/. 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 rewards cards. 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, lip balm, etc.), mini bibles, reading books, and so forth.; 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? Eventually, when we have met our need for volunteers and board members, we will extend our services to assist/mentor at-risk youth, and to address some of the needs of veterans and their family members. 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,
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Tylesha "Tye" Allen
Behavioral Interventionist | Mobile Notary | CEO/Founder of FMBS Inc.
· Mobile: (951) 790-2127
· Address: Los Angeles, 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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