SALUTATIONS: I hope that everyone had a great week. I apologize for not getting the SOW out on Sunday, I needed to get home before noon but didn’t, then I had technical difficulties once I got started, and those issues didn’t resolve until nearly midnight, and I had to call it a night to get some rest before work. On another note, does anyone have an experience to share regarding our past two act of kindness challenges or a suggestion for a new challenge? Also, I would like to ask everyone to check out the Announcements regarding the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program to enroll your member number or phone number to help FMBS Inc. raise funds for our cause. Thanks in advance; Announcements, Healthy Living Tips, and other information is detailed following Reflections and Power in Prayer; after our fellowship, at your leisure, please take a moment to review them. Always SHARE GOD’s GOSPEL and feel free to share the Scripture of the Week with the #SOW. Enjoy your week!
PRAISE REPORTS: According to the Central Intelligence Agency, nearly 2 people die EVERY SECOND. Therefore, I think it’s safe to say we are blessed that we’ve made it another 168 hours; that’s something to be thankful for. 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: This week, let’s pray for military service members and their families. 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: “As you think so shall you become” (Bruce Lee). 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.
FEATURED SONGS OF PRAISE: "The Benediction" by Anthony Brown and group therAPy, you can listen to it here (https://goo.gl/6R2Mii) “Sweet Victory (feat. Dimitri McDowell and Leah Smith)" by Trip Lee, you can listen to it here (https://goo.gl/rLZGUv). I also would like to recommend the Classical for Studying Radio on Pandora to better facilitate your meditation on the Word as you study, you can listen here https://www.pandora.com/station/play/2639311889517434029.
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) – ROMANS 12:2: ”And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of 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**
**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: Has anyone ever heard of a “spiritual fortress?” I hadn’t until yesterday, and when I saw it, my mind thought immediately of something pleasantly connecting us to the Lord. WRONG! A “spiritual fortress” of an enemy can be anything that resonates in your mind more than the Lord and hinders your growth and abundance – anyone or anything that demolishes, kills or kidnaps your focus or self-control, such as anger, addiction, negative thoughts, or anything that impedes a fruitful life as a believer. The key to defeating this type of warfare of the mind is to remember that the battle is already won (refer to John 16:33 here https://goo.gl/oid2rC); our fight is FROM victory NOT for it (refer to 2 Chronicles 20:17 here https://goo.gl/23ubKE).
Imagine a “spiritual fortress” as a monopoly board full of desired properties. Satan’s plan is to buy up as many of those properties as possible, and addon houses and hotels in your mind until he completely dominates the board [your mind] and forces its player [you] to pay rent that is no longer affordable [captivity]. So, how do we counteract such an attack on the mind? BE PROACTIVE! Put on the FULL armor of God: righteousness, readiness, truth, faith, salvation, and the Spirit (read Ephesians 6:10-18 here https://goo.gl/ybGrWN); the “shield of faith” and “the sword of the Spirit” being most significant. Our faith leads us to trust in God’s Word and truth, and with that belief, we’re covered with the Spirit – “shielded” with a defense weapon more powerful than any physical warfare weapon. After all, how much power can a physical weapon (nuclear missiles, atomic bombs, dynamite, etc.) have in a battle of the mind? Hence, the importance of safeguarding our minds with the symbolic sword.
Romans 12:2 tells us to “be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of the mind”; if our spiritual weapons for the conflict underway in our minds, is the Word (read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, NIV, here https://goo.gl/4UFCPC), then we ought take caution as to what we allow to enter in; it’s necessary for us to keep our minds FIXED on positive things, truthful things, and things that ADD to our lives (self-help) NOT take away from. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
When we are governed by spiritual law, we develop a steadfast mind that desires things of the Spirit and discerns spiritual things. However, the law of Satan wages war in our minds, leading us into the spiral downfall of sin (see Romans 7:23 here https://goo.gl/DnYeZ5). To truly conquer the enemy, TRANSFORMATION and RENEWAL must occur; Einstein said it best, and I may be paraphrasing, if you keep doing the same thing over and over with the expectation of different results, consider yourself crazy. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) tells us to “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Change is inevitable when you’re actively seeking ways to improve, especially in your spiritual walk; we gradually reshape our desires, thought processes, character, and behaviors as we begin to fill our minds with life nurturing words, media, literature, people, etc. Yet, this is a continuous procedure that requires an ACTIVE EFFORT to SEEK conversion DAILY.
“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4, NLT); the adversary clouds our minds with so many things [lies] until we’re no longer able to discern God’s truth, hear His voice, or maintain trust in His promise. But I urge you to be reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” The Lord “will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in” Him (Isaiah 26:3, NIV).
Satan attacks the mind FIRST because he knows that is where the Lord communicates and reveals our purpose and His will for our lives. PROTECT YOUR MIND! If the enemy can pry its way in and plant its seed into your inner self [your spirit], then what’s rooted into your faith are lies, deception, and a desire for sin that holds the Spirit captive. The ONLY way to release your spirit from a “spiritual fortress” is to suit up in the figurative defensive pieces of armor (the belt, shield, breastplate, shoes, and helmet) which helps to guard us against evil attacks. However, the most consequential and single offensive weapon of them all is the “sword of the Spirit” – God’s Word; meditating on the Word not only strengthens your relationship with the Lord, it builds your trust, provides spiritual discernment, and is a direct assault to prevail over the devil to repossess your mind and self-control.
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. We ask that you will be with all the military servicemen and servicewomen, as well as their families; provide them with physical, mental, and emotional protection and strength when they need it most. Please change our thought patterns and help us recognize, reject and replace thoughts that are not pleasing to You. 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. 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 skills and capabilities needed to balance our personal, professional, and spiritual lives. 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… If you’re a smoker, including e-smokers, my tip for you this week is, STOP! Many people switched over from regular cigarettes and cigars to e-cigarettes and vaping machines. Contrary to popular belief, those devices can prove just as harmful as smoking traditional tobacco sources. I mean sure, it smells better and its fumes aren’t as annoying to non-smokers, but if it’s still potentially contributing to lung disease, then it’s still an unhealthy alternative. Here are some facts:
Smoking Traditional Tobacco Products
- · Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. This is nearly one in five deaths.
- · Smoking causes more deaths each year than the following causes combined: HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm injuries.
- · More than 10 times as many U.S. citizens have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all the wars fought by the United States.
- · Smoking causes about 90% (or 9 out of 10) of all lung cancer deaths.
- · Smoking causes about 80% (or 8 out of 10) of all deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- · Smoking causes stroke and coronary heart disease, which are among the leading causes of death in the United States.
- · Smoking damages blood vessels and can make them thicken and grow narrower. This makes your heart beat faster and your blood pressure go up. Clots can also form.
- · If you have asthma, tobacco smoke can trigger an attack or make an attack worse.
- · Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body, harms nearly every organ of the body and affects a person’s overall health.
· For more facts about the adverse effects of smoking, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm.
Smoking E-Cigarettes | Vaping Devices
· Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.
· No matter how it's delivered, nicotine is harmful to youth and young adults. Risks include nicotine addiction, mood disorders, permanent lowering of impulse control, and harming the parts of the brain that control attention and learning.
· Another risk to consider involves defective e-cigarette batteries that have been known to cause fires and explosions.
· For more information about the risks of smoking e-cigarettes and vaping machines, visit the U.S. Surgeon General’s website at https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/.
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
· 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)
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