Scripture of the Week (SOW) formerly known as the Scripture of the Day (SOD): May 2019

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Don't be a wise fool (5/22/2019)

SALUTATIONS: I hope that everyone had a great week. As a child and a mother, I cannot stress enough the importance of educating and disciplining your children early. For one, if you allow your child authority over your relationship at an early age, you can be sure that you will not gain control once they're older. Discipline falls into that category as well - lack thereof is a disservice to everyone. The Bible tells us, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them" (Proverbs 13:24, NIV). The mention of "educating" your children isn't restricted to academics. No! Talk to your kids about EVERYTHING (God, academics, abuse, sex, drugs, peer pressure, bullying, etc.), and encourage them so that they're comfortable enough to confide in you at any given time, about anything. They may not appreciate your discussions, lectures, or discipline at that moment, especially while they're too young to fully comprehend the lesson in it all. However, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). As your child grows, if you have sown good seed, he/she will produce good fruit; when the opportunity presents itself, your child(ren) will recall and apply the lessons that you've taught them. From the womb to puberty, it's never too early to talk to, teach, and regulate your child, but waiting until adolescence or adulthood could prove too late. Don't take for granted the opportunities you have now to rear your child(ren), it may mean the difference between their rights and wrongs. Also, don't forget to check out the announcements featuring information such as 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. Thanks in advance. You may check out the Announcements, Healthy Living Tips, and other information 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: My son is improving with his potty training, and although I do agree that consistency in our training technique has contributed to that, I praise God because this mission was not tackled without prayer. The fact that you’re reading this message means that you’ve been blessed 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: As many of you know, it has been an ongoing battle on my mission to consistency, organization, and energy; fatigue was my excuse for unproductiveness, lack of organization and time management previously limited my efficiency, and trying to maintain routines got boring which hindered my effectiveness. I want to be a better steward, a better example, and more present overall, especially with my son; pray over my drastic improvement in those 3 three areas, please. Also, 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: “Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes off the goal” (Hannah More). 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: "I Smile" by Kirk Franklin, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8SPwT3nQZ8) "I believe (feat. Shawn McLemore & Zacardi Cortez)" by James Fortune & FIYA, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DYrqOUKLtA). 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) – JAMES 3:17-18: "17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

**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: WISDOM from GOD produces ACTION that is ROOTED in LOVE and sown in PEACE. Many people associate being wise with having wisdom, yet, it is possible for someone to be wise and yet be a fool. Wisdom applies to the individual who gains knowledge and applies that which he/she has learned; someone who has a great business idea is wise while the person with wisdom pursues that idea. A wise fool obtains valuable - useful information, yet, does nothing to facilitate growth in that area of expertise. For example, a married couple attends marriage counseling to determine the root of the break in their marital bond: They learn key skills to repair communication, restore trust, and rebuild intimacy, yet, they continue along the path that led them to therapy in the first place - they are wise in the sense that they are knowledgeable about the topic of reestablishing a strong relationship, yet, they are fools because they've failed to use good judgment in the application of the tools they were handed in counseling.

Once something has been used to its capacity, you don't patch the old with new, you replace it; when your tires have been worn to the thread, you don't slather on more layers of rubber, you buy new tires. "16 ... Who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. 17 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved" (Matthew 9:16-17, NLT). Jesus came to deliver a new message of hope - the new covenant - NOT to revamp the old. "In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away" (Hebrews 8:13).

We all possess a void that we've been trying to fill with everything but Christ, some of us ignorant to the fact that ONLY HE can fill that void, so we continue the search for something to quench a thirst that's begging for "Living Water" (refer to John 4:14 here https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+4%3A14&version=KJV). Over time, we grow dissatisfied by the emptiness that rears its ugly face when our means to pacify the vacancy in our hearts is no longer enough. Fore our quests to seek solace in things that aren't rooted by God, provide momentary satisfaction that fades away with time. As wise fools we fail to learn from the mistakes of others or more significantly, we refuse to accept the lessons to be learned from our own. Thus, we continue to make poor decisions going against Psalm 118:8 which warns us to place our trust in the Lord rather than man. In wisdom, we'd be able to identify and acknowledge our need for God's hand in our lives, and we'd be ready to accept guidance that leads us into the direction necessary to nurture that need - RELATIONSHIP with the Lord.

Many Christians are wise fools: We're like the blind leading the blind - we claim to know Jesus, yet, few of us show any resemblance of Him; we easily ignore our own plight to criticize, judge, and reject others rather than ministering to ALL in LOVE. Our struggle with empathy lies in the selfishness that causes us to ignore the plank in our own eye, to point out the speck in someone else's. Despite all the wisdom detailed in the Bible, we FAIL to study the Word for ourselves (2 Timothy 2:15) and allow influences from individuals who share their opinion of the Word, to impact our lifestyle choices. After all, what's the point of living righteously when the unrighteous seem to be more blessed than us, right? WRONG! This life, this body is TEMPORARY and all the material things we covet.

In a sermon entitled "The Prince of Wisdom" by Pastor Michael Kelly II, we learned the three questions a wise person should ask themselves in their decision-making process:

1. Why am I doing this - what is the REAL reason?

2. What is the story I want to be told - the story told about your life as it relates to that decision?

3. How does this decision honor God?

Pastor Kelly said, and I'm paraphrasing, "the wise have those 3 questions, but you exercise your wisdom when you use them." Like Moses, we may not live this life to see the promised land, but we can rest assured that exercising wisdom will secure our space in Heaven. A wise fool will continue to read information like this with no further study or application; a person with wisdom continues his/her studies and applies all the knowledge they've accumulated. Don't be a wise fool!

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. For the many unspoken requests of our souls, Father, read our hearts, supply that which we are in deepest need of according to your will. 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. Father we thank you for removing the hinderances that block us from efficiency, productivity, effectiveness, energy, love, and forgiveness; Lord reverse any ailments that attack our health, or attack our strength, and revive us so that we are energized, motivated, organized, prepared, and willing to tackle all that you present us with. Help us to love without condition, to be removed from self so that we may minister to everyone, despite of. Create in us new hearts that sincerely trust in and act upon your will. Help us to turn away from sin and to serve others, in a manner that displays an appropriate example of Christ-like behavior, demonstrates love, encouragement, edification, and strength so that others may experience your grace through us. 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 wisdom, 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, 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... "Sunshine helps lower cholesterol, boosting the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It is also antibacterial, antifungal, and an anti-viral agent. Sunshine naturally lowers blood pressure and stimulates the thyroid gland, normalizing metabolism" (Hill, R., & Thurmon, J. (n.d.). Healthy self: 10 habits of the longest living Americans. Pan De Viva Productions. Sanare Life Restoration Via Education). Sunshine is the best natural form of vitamin D. Try combining exercise with sun exposure - go for a 20-30-minute walk or a hike, during the peak hours for sun exposure, 10am and 3pm.

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

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

ACT in Trust (5/14/2019)

SALUTATIONS: I hope that everyone had a great week. And for all those who are and/or were mothers or guardians in that role, I hope that you had a pleasant Mother's Day. Don’t forget to check out the announcements featuring information such as 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. Thanks in advance. You may check out the Announcements, Healthy Living Tips, and other information 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: My 2 1/2-year-old son can spell at least 6 words, if not more. The fact that you’re reading this message means that you’ve been blessed 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: Losing a loved one is very difficult and emotional, and with each loss, there is different grief attached. We cannot pretend to know how someone else is affected by a loss. So, let's pray for all those who have lost a mother and/or child(ren), or anyone significantly close to them. Let's also pray for those who are dealing with a terminal illness and/or other debilitating health conditions. 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: “... It is through our actions, words, and thoughts that we have a choice” (Sogyal Rinpoche). 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: "I Trust You" by James Fortune & FIYA, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRwQy2eQbJM) "I Am" by James Fortune, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p55rehoWQp8). 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) – ROMANS 4:20-22 (NLT): "20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous."

**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: Are you moving in false hope? Society's definition of the word hope is closely linked to that of one's wish for a certain outcome. Conversely, a more accurate biblical account of hope is to have a confident expectation. There is a difference. To hope for something according to society's standards would suggest that one wishes for something to happen while holding tightly to the possibility that it won't so that when it doesn't occur, they won't be disappointed. On the other hand, to hope, in the spirit of biblical principle, is to be certain (convinced) that the thing in question WILL transpire.

The Word says that faith without action behind it is useless (refer to James 2:17 here https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+2%3A17&version=KJV); to accept the belief that God can, isn't enough, for it is a false hope that ultimately suggests that we merely hope (societal definition) that He can. Even the devil and his demons believe (refer to James 2:19 here https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+2%3A19&version=KJV), but that doesn't exactly equate to trust - obviously. In contrast, trust in that belief would elicit an action that causes us to walk and move in a hope that is governed by biblical fundamentals. What that means is that along with a profession of our belief in God, our actions would also support our claims - it's the difference between saying "I think" vs. "I am," "I will," and "I know"; if we're always making claims of God's ability without ever having TRUSTED in Him ourselves, we haven't yet proved true hope - TRUST - in His Authority and Power to do what He has promised.

If your movements convey self-reliance and your thoughts express deep worry and fear, then you're experiencing a hope imposed on you by social customs. Otherwise, biblical hope - trust - delivers peace of mind regarding the thing that you've entrusted to the Lord. Anxiety, depression, worry, and restlessness demonstrate that although we may believe in the Lord, we lack confidence in His ability. Thus, we run ourselves ragged, trying to deal with situations ourselves. How many times have you boasted about how blessed you are, or how awesome our Father in Heaven is, only to turn around and scramble your brain trying to determine what YOU could do to alter your own circumstances? How many times have you prayed to God with public claims of your trust in His victory, yet, every chance you got thereafter, you were expressing your worry through tears, anger, alcohol, drugs, or sex?

Let me be clear, I am not saying that you should avoid submitting job applications and just kick back and relax waiting for the Lord to provide employment just because you said a little prayer to Him. No! What I am saying is this: once you've petitioned your concerns to the Lord, TRUST that HE WILL respond. Here's our issue, we pray about it, claim that "God's got it," but then we're off looking for a get rich quick scheme to settle our financial crisis; we seek God for counsel, then immediately seek answers from Google or one of our trusted BFFs; we submit a plea at the alter but return to our lives as if we never uttered a prayer at all. What is the point of praying if you don't even trust AND believe that God WILL work things out for your good (refer to Romans 8:28 here https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=KJV)? He never promised to make things smooth and easy, nor did He promise to package things up all nice and pretty. His promise is to supply all of our NEEDS (refer to Philippians 4:19 here https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil+4%3A19&version=KJV), NOT the desires. Although, if we exercised a biblical hope, and trusted the Lord enough for Him to strengthen our relationship in Him, our shallow, selfish, materialistic coveting would gradually decrease as our character is transformed into one that increasingly looks like His.

I often make reference to my favorite scripture, Psalm 118:8, which reminds us that "it is better to TRUST in the Lord than to put confidence in man"; once we truly believe and trust in God over ALL of our affairs, it'll be evident in our actions - we'll stop serving others with ulterior motives, and we'll ACT upon the Lord's direction. But bear in mind, lack of faith and trust produce conflicting responses - deficient faith and abundant trust both influence our actions, but ONLY sincere faith can move a mountain [game-changing outcomes]; genuine faith will cause us to ACT in TRUST upon the promise that God will, whereas, false hope sways us to act out of fear that He won't.

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. For the many unspoken requests of our souls, Father, read them, then deliver us according to your will. 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. Father, we thank you for your provisions of healing, comfort, strength, and peace that surpasses our carnal understanding. We thank you for reversing our ailments and mending our grief. Create in us new hearts that sincerely trust in and act upon your will. Help us to turn away from our selfish nature and to utilize and share our talents with others, in a manner that displays an appropriate example of Christ-like behavior, demonstrates love, encouragement, edification, and strength so that others may experience your grace through us. 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, 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... I used to wonder why it was that I could sleep some days for 9 or more hours yet still feel just as exhausted as when I've only gotten a measly 4 hours of sleep. While participating in the New Life Challenge (refer to https://www.GetTheNewLife.com), I found out that both prolonged sleep and deprived sleep increase our risk of developing heart disease (refer to the article Sleep Is Good for Your Heart at https://www.getthenewlife.com/blog/sleep-is-good-for-your-heart/). "Refreshing rest is going to bed in harmony with your circadian rhythm, the sleep/wake cycle determined by day and night, which allows the release of hormones that promote deep sleep. Experiencing deep sleep is what allows you to wake up completely refreshed" (Hill, R., & Thurmon, J. (n.d.). Healthy self: 10 habits of the longest living Americans. Pan De Viva Productions. Sanare Life Restoration Via Education). Chances are, if you're not getting enough sleep, or, you're getting way too much sleep, you're depriving yourself of true rest.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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/.
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

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Missing Miracles (5/7/2019)

SALUTATIONS: I hope that everyone had a great week. I've had a busy week and this week will probably be just as eventful. I've added another challenge to my 40-day NO Negativity Fast on Sunday; I added The New Life Challenge, which is a 10-week program focused on developing healthier lifestyle choices geared to facilitate overall health and wellbeing. If you'd like to know more, feel free to ask, or you can check out the corresponding site to the program at www.GetTheNewLife.com. If you haven’t already done so, please make sure to whitelist this email address to prevent future correspondence from being marked as spam. Also, don’t forget to check out the announcements featuring information such as 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. Thanks in advance. You may check out the Announcements, Healthy Living Tips, and other information 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 just want to acknowledge the fact that despite the many things that the Lord has allowed me to endure, be it a consequence for my own decisions, or a trial meant to develop my testimony, the Lord has delivered me and covered me from so much. Being honest, the good always outweighs the bad when it comes to God. How so? Because that which we endure, we can share with others to give them new hope that may have been lost or never recognized until they heard your story of perseverance. The fact that you’re reading this message means that you’ve been blessed 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: We prayed for Michelle last week, but her condition may be a little more severe than we'd thought, so let's pray that the Lord cover her through her next doctor's visit. In reviewing the stats for the SOW, I recognize that only a handful of you are even opening it, it's safe to assume that the vast majority of our fellow members are probably having this correspondence sent straight to spam. Doing some research, I found that once an email has been hacked, the sender is more likely to have his/her emails flagged as spam in the future; my prayer is for those who truly want to receive and/or those who truly need to experience fellowship with us, that the SOW find its way out of the junk mail and into their inboxes so that they can read this weekly message and whitelist this email address to avoid the SOW being sent to their spam box in the future. 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: “Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start” (Nido Qubein). 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: "Overcome" by Tye Tribbett, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3-wDP3pacc) "There's Hope" by India Arie, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtm4lAu7_ng). 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 10:6-7 (NIV): "6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."

**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: Where are all the miracles they saw in biblical times, today? That is an inquiry of the carnal mind; spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). Today, we fail to STUDY the Word to analyze the visible differences between those days and now. No, I'm NOT talking about how they dressed, how they spoke, or what was and wasn't acceptable during those times. Rather, I am talking about the vast difference in the character reflected by missionaries back then vs. many American missionaries today.

First off, let's remember that the Word tells us that NO one is without fault (Ecclesiastes 7:20), so even the closest individual resembling the character of Christ is flawed. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's take a look at the major distinction of missionaries from those days: they committed themselves to "put on the new self" and lead lives that mirrored Jesus (Ephesians 4:24); they willingly accepted the discomfort that challenged their pursuit of Christ, leaving behind family and treasured lifestyles for an uncomfortably foreign life; they relinquished any rights to their temporal materials of that time and the future; they weren't bent on trying to conform to the masses nor were they trying to adopt the latest trends - they did NOT "fit in" and they were ok with that - they were either considered too holy or, bizarre in their decision to follow the "Prophet" that declared Himself the Son of God; they made a DAILY sacrifice of solitude - in the sense that they were uninhibited by their normal distractions - without the familiar support system to encourage them along the way; they placed their FAITH IN GOD to meet ALL of their needs.

Conversely, today, many of our missionaries aren't distinguishable from anyone else. They immerse themselves in a crooked lifestyle when they think no one is looking as they don a mask that conceals their true self to the public; they are the "holier than thou" crowd - the "hypocrites" that point out the "speck" in someone else's eye whilst they totally ignore the "plank" in their own (Matthew 7:5). How can God use us to change the world if we look just like it? What's the point of miracles or miraculous signs if we haven't accepted any of the previous (Luke 11:16)? The people of those times were provided with certain revelations to bear witness to the generation after and so forth. Our purpose is to share the knowledge they passed, through a blind trust, and it is through that faith that we are blessed (John 20:29) and open the door for God's power to move through us; the Lord cannot do His work through us until we are souled out to Him.

Each of us has a gift, it may be the gift of gab, writing, singing, dancing, ministering - whatever your gift looks like, there are some strings attached; as good "stewards," (1 Corinthians 4:1-2), we are tasked with using our gifts to "serve others" (1 Timothy 6:18) and convey God's grace through its various forms (1 Peter 4:10). It's like getting a gift from someone with instructions to share it with someone else. For instance, "Enjoy this new keyboard as you use it at the convalescent hospital to minister to the patients through your music.” The Word says, "freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8); our gifts were provided with a set of instructions to be a living gift offering - a conduit of service through love, to EVERYONE. As we practice service, we gradually melt away our self-centeredness so that God can freely use us as vessels of His grace. What sets us apart from others should be our ability - our decision - to exercise INTEGRITY when we're challenged with opportunities to do what we know is right, especially when no one is looking (1 Corinthians 4:2).

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. For the many unspoken requests of our souls, Father, read them then deliver us according to your will. 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. Father, we thank you for the healing you've already bestowed upon our sister Michelle; Lord, help her to embrace and receive her blessing. Lord, we pray that whatever thing that is hindering our brothers and sisters from experiencing fellowship in the form of the SOW, that you will remove, so that those who want to receive, and those who need to receive this fellowship will be able to without delay. Create in us new hearts that are grateful and faithful to your will. Help us to turn away from our selfish nature and to utilize and share our talents with others, in a manner that displays an appropriate example of Christ-like behavior, demonstrates love, encouragement, edification, and strength so that others may experience your grace through us. 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, 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... When we eat food, we're feeding our cells. If we want our cells to be nourished properly, we need to feed our bodies good food - whole foods, fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and water over juice. Good food means good blood. Good blood leads to good circulation. Good circulation equals good health. Conversely, bad food - junk food, processed food, artificial ingredients in our foods, produce tainted blood, which leads to poor circulation, and ultimately poor health. Make subtle changes today and increase them weekly. For example, avoid eating pork this week and then add red meat the next. Or, avoid drinking soda this week, then add Kool-Aid the next. You should also try to get in at least 10 minutes of activity (exercise or walking) this week and increase your time and/or intensity the next. Don't be discouraged if you don't do so well on a particular day. Just because you messed up today doesn't mean you just give up altogether and put it off another day. Tomorrow isn't promised, and everyone falls short, so, immediately pick up where you left off and keep moving forward. Your journey to change begins when you take the 1st step; each step you take is a journey in itself, so take one step at a time until you reach your goal.

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