Watch & Pray (4/28/2019)

SALUTATIONS: I hope that everyone had a great week. My struggle with the NO Negativity Fast this week has been my desire to watch a few movies, especially the Avengers. However, in this fasting challenge, if it's not edifying in some form, I must avoid it. Anyone else struggle with the fast this week or any of the previous weeks? I really encourage each of you to be transparent, you can always request anonymity and I will respect your wishes. I am not here to judge you, I am here to GROW with you, hence, I am open with you about my struggles as well as my triumphs. This is a safe space where you can feel free with me to do the same... If you haven’t already done so, please make sure to whitelist this email address to prevent future correspondence from being marked as spam; please remember that I am now utilizing a 3rd party email marketing service to send the SOW and some of you may receive the message in delayed time, my apologies in advance. Also, if you want to find out more about the NO Negativity 40-Day Fasting Challenge or the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program where you can enroll your member number or phone number to help Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (aka FMBS Inc. serving communities throughout Southern Cali since 2012) raise funds for our cause, you may check them out in the Announcements, along with the Healthy Living Tips, and other information which are detailed below, 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! **Disclaimer: Production and distribution days of the SOW are subject to change without warning**

PRAISE REPORTS: I have been praying for my son and this potty training, and I am proud to boast that today as well as yesterday, as a result of his dad's coaching, he has been vocal about having to "potty," and has slept in undies free from accidents. I'm so excited. As for all of you, the fact that you’re reading this message means that you’ve been blessed as well, with another moment of life, not to mention, functioning senses. Thank you, Yeshua! 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 few people that I know, family, friend, and  acquaintances, have been enduring some ailments, conditions, and/or have undergone a recent surgery, please keep the following individuals in prayer for comfort, as well as complete and speedy recovery: Toya, Wayne, Michelle, Shaunece, Shamika, and Nichole. Additionally, my mom, Claudette, asked to be listed up to read more and for continued growth in her walk with Christ. I also have a request for myself - clarity; I am going to be publishing my 1st children's book soon and would like direction from God on that, as well as some personal matters that have been in prayer for the past few years that I need the Lord to provide direction for... Keep praying for one another, thanking Yahweh for the victory while refraining from confessing the problem caused by the enemy; ALWAYS pray for the 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: “Ponder this: “If you take each challenge one step at a time, with faith in every footstep, your strength and understanding will increase” (James Faust). 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: "Brave" by Moriah Peters, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xWBuWtC8MY) “Turning Around for Me" by Vashawn Mitchell, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzbKwcC-Xmo). 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) – MATTHEW 26:41: "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 

**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: Jesus warned His disciples to "watch and pray," which is still just as relevant in this lifetime as it was in theirs because not even Jesus was exempt from temptation (refer to Matthew 4:1 here, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=MATT+4%3A1&version=KJV). The Spirit is ready and willing but it's our flesh that can't handle the war on the battlefield, at least not without the Spirit leading the way. How do soldiers prepare for a battle, athletes a game, or students a test? They prioritize, practice, study, work hard, and make necessary sacrifices to train for their victory.

In Psalm 130:6, the psalmist sings about how he "waits for the Lord MORE than the watchmen wait for the morning." A watchman's specific duty in those days was literally to wait for the morning to come; he saw morning before everyone else and was responsible to inform the others of its arrival. That's how we need to be as Christians; the watchman wasn't hoping the morning would come, rather, he was confident, knowing that morning would come. Going back to the students, soldiers, and athletes, they're not spending their time being idle, wasting hours trolling social media, nor are they sleeping themselves into poverty. No! They are training - they're studying the guidelines or watching their opponents - preparing themselves for the challenge they know will come. Prepared individuals are the early "birds that get the worms."

I see so many posts on social media of people claiming to be "woke," yet they're still sleeping on Jesus. "Woke," yet their eyes are "wide shut" to the evidence of God's love and mercy. "Woke" in empty words, yet comatose when it comes to action. Preparation doesn't come in merely hearing, researching, and knowing what to do. As we assemble ourselves to walk  - take action - in our God-given purpose, we must "watch and pray," meaning, we need to be aware of the possible temptations we may face in any given situation, and stay spiritually equipped through the revelations that come from spending time with God through prayer and studying His word, so that we're ready to fight in the midst of vulnerability. Prayer is essential for God's strength to rack up our defenses to conquer our obstacles, to defeat  the adversary, and to proclaim our victory.

Many of us want the easiest way to achieve satisfaction - the least difficult route to reach it - so, when we're on a path that requires discipline, dedication, and much effort, we grow tired and take another route or give up altogether. In our haste to reach the finish line, we forget that with all successful achievements, including a relationship with God, there isn't an "I dream of genie" approach nor is there a ticket of freedom from obstacles. In fact, the closer we walk with Christ the harder the journey - "narrow is the way" (Matthew 7:14). The Lord never said the journey would be easy, He did however warn us to: "watch and pray" (Matthew 26:41); "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17); be cognizant of the fact that in this world we "shall have tribulation" (John 16:33). Matter-of-factly, Jesus assured "that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property - along with persecution" (Mark 10:29-30, NLT).

We must be careful not to become intoxicated by the matters and temporary pleasures of this world. We need to remain wide "awake to righteousness" (1 Corinthians 15:34) and "out of sleep ... salvation [is] nearer" (Romans 13:11). Don't get into a bad habit of not listening, else you'll be unable to "distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:11-14, NIV). To "watch and pray" prepares us so that we're "dressed [and] ready for service [with our] lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him" (Luke 12:35-36, NIV). The walk with God is long and difficult at times, but we must be willing and ready to put in work by making a DAILY DECISION to follow Him - a disciplined lifestyle that is Christ-like rather than worldly. There will be moments of weakness and weariness, but we have to prioritize, practice, study, work hard, and make necessary sacrifices to train for our victory, so that we do not fall asleep spiritually and lose sight of reality; it's like a blind man regaining sight, it's blurry at first and the light may even hurt, but eventually all will be clear and look differently.

POWER IN PRAYER: Yahweh, we thank you for redemption, and for 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. Baptize us today with your indwelling Spirit and use us as vessels to share your light with the world. Father we ask that you help Toya, Wayne, Michelle, Shaunece, Shamika, Nichole, and each of their supporting loved ones, accept the gift that you provided each of us on the cross - healing; may they believe and walk in a healed mindset, and find peace and comfort despite that which is hard to understand logically. Instead, Father, may they be spiritually discerned to find tranquility amid their adversity. For Claudette and Tylesha, Father, you know their inner most need and desire for direction, clarity, and order; guide them according to your will Lord. Forgive us for our moments of 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 remain wide awake - watching and praying appropriately so that we're prepared if/when you call us home, and for your return; make us aware of your presence so that the life we live will be one of sound wisdom, that displays an appropriate example of Christ-like behavior, demonstrates encouragement, edification, and strength so that who we were yesterday is not who we are tomorrow. 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 capabilities, discipline, and commitment 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, and as the angels and Holy Spirit do your bidding on Earth and in Heaven, protect us and them with your recourse. All these things we ask in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS: Change begins within… Even from the beginning (the Garden of Eden), raw fruit, veggies and seeds were designed to provide us with all the nourishment our bodies need. Still today, they offer probiotic fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. People who maintain a plant-based diet typically live longer, and have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity as well as other diseases. However, we also need to get adequate protein; high protein intake can boost metabolism and assists in muscle recovery from working out. Eating enough protein may even help lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

1.     I am on a quest to relaunch Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) and I NEED volunteers and serious board members; Currently, I am in need of people who have a background in business, have some knowledge of operating a non-profit, and/or have resources or connections that can help facilitate our making an impact in surrounding at-risk and underprivileged communities **NOTE: this is a business NOT a hobby** FMBS Inc. has a mission to help supply the homeless as well as needy families 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. I encourage you to reach out to me regarding your interest in service or to arrange any monetary donations or item contributions at any time via email at fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com, my voicemail or text at (951) 790-2127, or by making a donation using the Donate button on the upper right corner of our Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance/.

2.     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 ·         Website: http://www.ready411.weebly.com | http://sodbytye.blogspot.com  ·         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 ·         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tylesha-"tye"-allen/a4/599/875 ·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyeDreamsBig