SALUTATIONS: I hope that everyone had a great week. Since our last fellowship, my primary email that is linked to almost everything for me was hacked; I spent that weekend doing damage control. I had previously realized that many of you weren’t receiving the SOW because it was going to spam. Unfortunately, the hackers sent more spam which will most likely blacklist me from sending bulk messages like this, which has sent me on a quest to figure out how I can send the SOW w/o it being marked as spam. I think I’ve found a solution, but I’m currently working out the kinks on that. I’d be remiss if I weren’t transparent about the absence of the SOW. Last weekend, which was also when I celebrated my birthday (March 25th), I could’ve worked on the SOW that Sunday or on my actual birthday, but I was just unproductive and mismanaged my time. My asthma flared up immediately after that, which left me lethargic and out of commission for about 5 days. This weekend, however, I also mismanaged my time. No excuses, I messed up. Apologies are all I can offer at this time. Anyway, enough of my confessions, please 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 are detailed following the 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 hashtag SOW. Enjoy your week!
**Disclaimer: Production and distribution days of the SOW are subject to change without warning**
PRAISE REPORTS: God blessed me with 38 years of life this month, which afforded me an enjoyable time with family and friends; Rlen recovered from his surgery well; my son can spell 3 words on his own; the bible study group I’m part of, Imagine LA, is growing weekly; you’re still able to read the SOW. 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: A friend of mine committed suicide about a week ago, and another friend of mine who was also a known rapper, was killed yesterday, so let’s keep their loved ones in prayer. 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 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: “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing” (Bernard Shaw). 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" (2 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: "Before I Die" by Kirk Franklin, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgHzsY9J0go) “Thankful" by Mary Mary, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6wMebCTnZc). I would also like to recommend Classical for Studying Radio on Pandora to better facilitate your meditation on the Word as you study, you can listen to that station 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) – LUKE 7:39 (NIV): “When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
**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: In Matthew 26:6 we read about “Simon the Leper” who at that time was known by his disease, the way you might refer to a pedophile as a “child molester” as opposed to his/her birth name. However, in Luke 7:37, after Simon had been delivered of his leprosy, he was then referred to as a “Pharisee” in the same way we become “a new creation” in Christ and “the old has gone” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The interesting piece of this is that Simon went from being referenced as one title to another, still not known by his name, rather, he was called by his characteristics; he was 1st identified by his disease and later associated with the character of a Pharisee, which to sum it up in one word, would be to call him a hypocrite. But aren’t we all guilty of judging others and equally guilty of hypocrisy? Pastor Kelly gave this analogy, “we are judges for everyone else but lawyers when it comes to ourselves.” In so many words, we’ll judge everyone and sentence or alienate them in accordance to their offense. Yet, when we’re put on trial, we become instant defense lawyers, defending our actions in an act of pure deception that ignores God’s truths.
Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” In this passage, we read about “the fool” which we may be inclined to associate to an atheist. However, as I studied this verse, I was intrigued by its note in my study bible which said this: “The true atheist is either foolish or wicked – foolish because he ignores the evidence that God exists or wicked because he refuses to live by God’s truths. We become atheists in practice when we rely more on ourselves than God... To speak in direct defiance to God is utterly foolish...” (Youth for Christ/USA. (1997). Psalm. The Life Application Study Bible: New International Version: Psalm 14:1-3 (p.912). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan). How would you feel if someone compared you, a self-proclaimed Christian, to an atheist? Defensive, right? But is there not some truth to that statement?
The truth of the matter is that the Bible warns us NOT to judge others (Matthew 7:1), yet we unapologetically do so almost on a daily, and for what? We are just as guilty of the same things we condemn others of. ALL sin is held of equal standing in the face of the Lord – the Lord HATES them all the same “A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16-19); Therefore, you with your white lies are just as shameful as the cho-mo exploiting innocent children. “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So, when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?” (Romans 2:1-3, NIV). We label people by their past, “she’s a hoe,” “once a cheater always a cheater,” “he’s a convict,” but consider your label... are you holier than the rest? Are you an angel without sin? Naw, you tell white lies, so you’re a liar. You see a handsome or cute face on the street and say he or she “can get it,” you’re a coveter and lustful. You took a pen from work, you’re a thief. Just because the “system” doesn’t have our best interest at heart, does getting over on the system make your actions any less scandalous?
STOP labeling people based on their old condition and LOOK at who they’re on their way to become. If you know someone’s past involved promiscuity, murder, or addiction and they’ve accepted accountability, acted, and are now in recovery, they are NO LONGER bound by that condition. Though they may be on a forever road to recovery, they have chosen deliverance – sobriety, the same way we choose God; as a Christian, we are on an everlasting journey to be Christ-like, but when we take on a role as judge to others and lawyers for ourselves, that open-door to safety that we try to convince others to walk into, is actually closed. You can say “welcome” yet be unwelcoming; if you tell me I can confide in you, but I observe you gossiping about others every chance you get, then you’ve just shut the door in my face. If we are sharing testimonies of God’s glory yet our actions present opposing statements, for instance, “the Lord is so amazing, He answers prayers,” but when a loved one passes or gets diagnosed with an incurable ailment, the walk across water leads to drowning, because we took our eyes of Jesus. Then, the testimony shifts to the result of our disbelief rather than the focus on all our other blessings.
If we remain in denial or refuse to accept accountability for who we really are, we can’t be changed. For example, if your issue is financial hardship but you’re still living beyond your means, “ballin” buying glass bottles of Coca-Cola when you’re only able to afford Shasta Cola, you’re pretending to be something you’re not. The fact that you continue in frivolous shopping when it’s outside of your financial stability, means that you haven’t come to grips with your need for help, and therefore, God cannot deliver you from hidden hardships that you have FAILED to acknowledge. The Lord sees us for who we really are, but we must be accountable and transparent with Him. Yes, HE KNOWS the need, but do you? He helps us based on our need and the decision to TRUST that need to Him. You can’t expect help from the Source if you haven’t sought it. In that same light, we must present a safe space for others to feel comfortable enough to confide in us and know that they will NOT be judged, they will NOT have their business spread about the streets, and that we are just as open about our struggles as they are.
The BEST testimony is the one we share with others as we’re being helped through it. It’s amazing that the Lord can deliver us, and we can smile when we look back on misfortunes. However, how much more inspiring is the cancer patient undergoing chemo and still able to praise God through the vomiting, hair and weight loss? How much more rewarding is it to watch someone’s story as they go through the struggle and you get to see their real emotions and reactions – you get to see how relevant God is in their lives? That is what encourages others to follow God; when people can find safety, accountability, and transparency in the Church, and are able to see through true Christian example that we are ALL guilty of sin, we are ALL going through something and can find solace amongst one another – that we TRUST God and to Him we give honor and glory in every circumstance, then we are likely to help illicit true change in the world.
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 your provisions of health and healing and for allowing us to breathe yet another week. But for the individual lives lost this month, we pray over their souls, that they were able to find peace in you before they were laid to rest. We also pray for their loved ones left to bereave; provide individual comfort and strength for the bereaved in the capacity that it’s needed. We ask that for every small group that strives to grow in relationship with and in service to you, that you will continue to develop, guide, and expand to fulfill your purpose. Forgive us for our unbelief and remove the things or people from our lives hindering us from recognizing our potential and purpose so that the spiritual things that require spiritual discerning will be clear to us. Create in us new hearts that are grateful and faithful to your will. Help us to firmly adhere to your commands, and to turn away from our selfish nature. Baptize us today 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 negatively impact our 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 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… Processed food, junk food, fast food, and sugar in the diet contribute greatly to the increased sickness and obesity today. “These foods have been engineered to be ‘hyper-rewarding,’ so they trick our brains into eating more than we need, even leading to addiction in some people. They are also low in fiber, protein and micronutrients (empty calories), but high in unhealthy ingredients like added sugar and refined grains” (K Gunnars. (2015, March 24). 27 Health and Nutrition Tips That Are Actually Evidence-Based [weblog comment]. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/27-health-and-nutrition-tips). The saying is, “all things in moderation,” which places an emphasis not necessarily on eating healthier, rather, emphasizing the importance of portion control. I myself love delicious food, and “healthy” doesn’t always equate to “tasty,” though it’s possible; when we place more effort into how much we eat, whether the choice is healthy or not, consciously choosing to consume an appropriate portion of an unhealthy food or drink does decrease some of its risks.
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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