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