SALUTATIONS: HAPPY NEW YEAR my cyber family! It has been a long time, hasn’t it? Well, since we last fellowshipped, I sold my house, relocated to Los Angeles, started a job as a Behavioral Interventionist for children with autism, took over Children’s Church at Mt. Rubidoux, started a book club with my BFFs, and my son has turned 2. I’m not even going to fill yall with false hopes or promises; I am still trying to develop a consistent routine that includes time for ALL of my new responsibilities. This process has proved year after year to be a challenge. I’m not getting any younger, so I’m trying to put more energy into accepting the victory already proclaimed by Jesus… In sticking to the new outline established in our last lesson, 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. I look forward to establishing a solid fellowship routine sooner rather than later.
PRAISE REPORTS: So, those who aren’t in the loop, I was both underemployed and unemployed for a period of about 4 years. During that time, I ran in-home childcare in which it took 6 months before I even received one check from the County for my services, and then conceived my son. Despite my education and experience, I couldn’t find gainful employment for the life of me. So, I was forced to choose between a car note and mortgage; I chose the latter and lost my car to a repo. Eventually, my reserve funds ran out, and because of my pride, I didn’t let anyone know about my financial crisis; I almost lost my home to foreclosure. I had a defeated mindset and was prepared to lose my home, and hadn’t intended on telling anyone until I needed a place for me and my son to stay. BUT GOD! Long story short, Yahweh made a way, I got current on my mortgage and a good friend of mine helped me sell my house. That wasn’t it though before I even finalized the sale of my house, I got hired into my current position, which I have been working since the beginning of 2018. Lastly, my son… I have a very intelligent child. At 2 y/o he knows more than 12 sight words, his ABCs, numbers 1-30, animals and their sounds, shapes, colors, and more. I’m blessed and grateful. When I didn’t have hope in myself and had mentally given up, GOD sent a way that I hadn’t even prayed for. Won’t He do it! If you have a 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: 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). I’d like everyone to pray for the Lord to provide me with discernment, clarity, direction, energy, consistency, focus, and resources to do that which He has called me to do. If you or someone you know is in need of prayer let me know and your request 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 the midst of adversity… Ponder this: “He that never changes his opinions, never corrects his mistakes, and will never be wiser on the morrow than he is today” (Tryon Edwards). 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: "Say a Prayer" by Donald Lawrence feat. Faith Evans, you can listen to it here (https://goo.gl/1DShgX); "Everyone Hurts" by Kirk Franklin, you can listen to it here (https://goo.gl/mcvMNB).
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) – II CORINTHIANS 5:18-20: "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
**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: Essentially, this passage reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ; the Lord makes His appeal to others through vessels – we are His vessels. If our characters and lifestyles aren’t a reflection of His love and grace, meaning, we aren’t kind to ALL, we aren’t giving generously… let’s pause right here. You can donate 1 million dollars to a cause and NOT be generous. Generosity has to do with the intent behind the offering; when your heart isn’t cheerful (generous) you have one of the following motives driving your offering of money, time, etc.:
- You give with the intent to receive something in return
- You give with the desire of others’ praise for your “generosity,” let’s just call it attention-seeking
- You give with the expectation for that individual or those individuals to return the favor with equal or more value
To determine if you have ulterior motives in your giving, ask yourself “Why am I doing this?” “What do I want in return?” “If I the favor is not returned, am I ok with that?” If you cannot give with the expectation of NOT receiving in return, of NOT getting acknowledged for your deed, then, you’re probably NOT giving generously (cheerfully).
I know that it blows to always give of yourself and not receive anything in return, but even if you never see the fruit of your deeds in this lifetime, KNOW that your reward is promised. Noah, Jacob, Moses, and Abel died STILL believing God’s promises; their FAITH and TRUST in God allowed them to see His promise from a distance and they ACCEPTED it (read Hebrews 11:13 here https://goo.gl/CwR8VE). “You get what you give… the more we empty ourselves, the more we’re filled back up” (Be Still and Know, pg. 19). Generous people prosper and are blessed generously (read Proverbs 11:25, NLT here https://goo.gl/NJZ9d6). Generosity isn’t restricted to giving of one’s wealth, it extends to one’s time, one’s energy, one’s compassion – cheerful giving has to do with an overall giving of oneself.
The evil that drives our selfish intent can be changed; by one man [Adam], ALL were made sinners because of his sin and by one man [Jesus aka Yeshua], ALL were made righteous by ONE righteous act [the crucifixion]; Romans 5:17-19 says “For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” In order to walk in the fullness of Christ through the Spirit, as a reflection of His Light, we must understand and accept the Lord’s goodness [His sacrifice], it leads to our remorse of sin.
So, to tie it all into the original point that we are ambassadors for Christ, Yahweh made us the light for those still in the dark so that His message of salvation reaches everyone (read Isaiah 49:6 here https://goo.gl/2TynYG). When we are TRULY putting forth an EFFORT to CHANGE and DO WHAT IS RIGHT, it is the POWER OF YESHUA working in our lives to shape the Light that we’re able to shine on others. DON’T RESIST!
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 bringing us into a new year with love and support on Earth and in Heaven. Help us to throw out resolutions and commit to doing something to help facilitate new results. 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 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. If we’re at a crossroads stuck trying to figure out whether or not a door has been closed or whether we’ve simply reached an obstacle on our journey, help us to discern the appropriate path and response in your silence. 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… Our bodies are made up of about 70% water, and that percentage diminishes as we age. Thus, it is necessary for us to consume an essential amount DAILY. Water lubricates the joints, cushions your brain, flushes out toxins, helps with weight loss, and helps prevent muscle cramps and migraines. You should drink at least one 8oz. cup of water per hour. The amount of water you should drink each day is more specific to your body weight and level of daily activity; a rule of thumb is to divide your weight by 2. For example, if you weigh 140 lbs. then your water intake should be at least 70 oz. daily, and 8-24 oz. more if you live an active life.
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,
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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