Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Christian Standards (7/16/2019)

SALUTATIONS: Hello everyone, I hope that you have had a productive week thus far. As I type this week's lesson a rom-com from my childhood comes to mind, Look Who's Talking Too, specifically when Rosanne's character asks, "Can we talk?" So, can we? I want to hear from you. What are some things that you'd like us to delve into in our studiesWhat spiritual insights are you looking to explore? If you're looking for something more personal, perhaps you need someone to confide in, or, someone to pour into you with upliftment. Well, you've found your safe place to rest assured that you can talk to me about matters confidentially or openly, to help you determine the best approaches, or to simply be supportive as you make newly revealed God-driven moves. I ran into some technical difficulties this week, but we shall persevere. When you chose to make time, please take a moment to register your Ralph'sFood 4 Less, and/or Kroger Rewards cards to enroll your member number/phone number for the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program to help Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (aka FMBS Inc., serving communities throughout Southern Cali since 2012) raise funds to give back to the community; for every purchase you make, a small % is given as a donation to our non-profit organization - your rewards points are NOT affected by this enrollment. Thank you in advance, I appreciate your support. Also, at your leisure, I encourage you to check out the AnnouncementsHealthy Living Tips, and other information detailed below, following the Reflections and Power in Prayer. 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've made a conscious decision, after praying over the matter, to live a life of gratitude, abundance, wealth, and financial freedom. I've determined that abundance and wealth are mindsets that have little to do with material gain, and everything to do with your perception of life. Although this will be a journey for me, my praise precedes the victory, because I am confident it's already won. As you’re reading or hearing this message, be aware of your blessing of life, functioning senses, and access to a device to view and SHARE this message. ALL of us have reasons to SHOUT HALLELUJAH! If you have a specific praise report, please share, because we “overcame him [the adversary] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of [our] testimony” (Revelation 12:11). **NOTE: All praise reports are shared with reference to your name unless anonymity is specified**

PRAYER REQUESTS: This week, let's pray for individuals burdened by mental illness, be it depression, psychosis, dementia, retardation, suicidal ideations, or other troubling neurological issues. Let's also pray for the families and friends of those in suffering, that they may be attentive, aware, patient, and supportive. 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: “Happiness doesn't come about only due to external circumstances; it mainly derives from inner attitudes” (Dalai Lama); “Believe in your infinite potential, your ONLY limitations are those YOU set upon yourself” (Roy T. Bennett). 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: "You Are the Living Word" by Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ you can listen to it here (http://shorturl.at/rCV89) "Glory to the Lamb" by Geoffrey Golden, you can listen to it here (http://shorturl.at/bilSU). 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://shorturl.at/elqz3.  

OPENING PRAYER: Yahweh, please clear our minds and open our eyes, ears, and hearts so that we may be removed from self and moved by the Spirit, to see, hear, and receive your intended message from this fellowship. In the name of Yeshua, Amen!
 
PASSAGE(S) – 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20 (NLT): "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!'"

**Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJVof the Bible retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage**
 
REFLECTIONS: What are Christian standardsStandards, by definition, is a level of quality. Whereby making Christian standards a level of quality, Christ-like characteristics. 2 Corinthians 5:20 labels us as "ambassadors" - presbeuō in its Hebrew-Greek translation, which means a figurative preacher - meaning that we as believers are appointed as the official representatives of God's message of love and service. In Isaiah 62:10, we are tasked with the responsibility to "prepare the way of the people"; "way" or dârak, meaning the path traveled, and "people" or am, referencing a tribe or flock. In other words, our Christian standards would deem us liable for the preparation of God's people by teaching or delivering His Gospel of love, NOT prejudicially to people whom we think are more like us, rather, WITHOUT showing preference to anyone; after all, most individuals are not different or weird, it's our perception of those people that are. Think about it, we all have a set of fingerprints that are different, right? The "unique" factor of fingerprints would be two individuals who have the same patterns, whereas, by each of us having different patterns, we're the same in that respect. We have eyes, ears, a nose, a mouth, limbs, a body, etc. The "unique" or "different" person is the person born with a deformity. However, the fact that they were born from a womb and the Lord breathed life into them, makes us all the same. Therefore, it is a preconceived notion that causes us to shun others, focusing on the cliques we've established by reaching out only to people who seem to have similar interests. But if we only focus on relationships with other believers, we leave the non-believers, the confused, the lost, and the hopeless out on a limb alone. We are assigned with a greater mission, to lead an example that will help influence a tribe of people, not solely the individuals we've accepted due to an impaired percipience.

Our Christian standards should lead us to develop a wide sense of affection and compassion towards others, steering clear from self-absorbed behaviors influenced by human nature, such as boasting, epithumia (a longing esp. for that which is forbidden), arrogance, lack of empathy, or puffed up opinions that devalue others. 1 John 2:15-17 (NLT) reminds us, "15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." The KJV says, "... the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (verse 17); referencing the Hebrew-Greek translations of "will" (thelēma - special purpose), "abideth" (menō - stay, dwell), and "forever" (aiōn and eis - messianic period in the future, the point reached), we see that by conforming to God's designated purpose for our lives, we are able to remain with Him upon that point in time that things of this world have no further value, and the Lord comes to reclaim His people. 

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2NIV). These scripture verses warn us not to "conform" (suschēmatizō) - fashion ourselves in the likeness of societal norms, instead, to "be transformed" (metamorphoō) transfigured - to CHANGE into something or someone, more beautiful and elevated, which is a process that begins in the mind. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45); the things we value in the heart rely heavily on the emotional attachments we place on those things; it is through our perceptions, and thought processes that cause us to establish our sentiments. Since our words have the power to speak life or death, success or failure, happiness or hopelessness, it is imperative that we develop a healthy mindset.

The serenity (peace of mind) from the Lord exceeds all logic and intellect; it protects both our minds and hearts as we maintain a closeness - relationship - with the Lord, by meditating on things that are "true" (alēthēs - not concealing), "honest" (semnos - honorable), "just" (dikaios - fair, impartial), "pure" (hagnos - innocent), "lovely" (prosphilēs - acceptable), "of good report" (euphēmos - reputable), of "virtue" (aretē - excellence), and of "praise" (epainos - commendable thing); when we reflect on the Lord's glory and cogitate on that which helps to favorably construct our minds, we open the door for the Holy Spirit to "change" - the Hebrew-Greek translation here, again is metamorphoō - or convert us to become more like the Lord (refer to Philippians 4:7-8here http://shorturl.at/gmnsL and 2 Corinthians 3:18 here http://shorturl.at/ekACQ).

In Summary, we MUST guard our minds 24/7, contemplating on things that are encouraging, uplifting, and beneficial to our personal, spiritual, and professional livelihood, so that our mindset matures; as our attitudes are sculpted to exude positivity, we will be transfigured as we speak constructive words into our own lives and those of others, and as we lead a life of love and service to ALL of God's people. 

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. 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. Lord, we praise you for the peace and calm amidst chaos, sorrow, and mourning. We thank you for removing all strongholds that prevent us from establishing and strengthening a relationship with you. We ask you to cover and deliver individuals burdened by all forms of mental illness and neurological issues; help them to accept the healing that was already provided by the blood of Jesus. Father, we also pray for the families and friends of those suffering from said illnesses; help them to remain patient as you strengthen their attentiveness, awareness, patience, and supportiveness. Help us to exercise due diligence when studying your word and applying your decrees into our daily lives. We thank you for closing doors that are necessary for our growth while opening new windows of opportunities for transformation of a character that reflects you; keep us steadfast as we embark on the paths you've etched into our hearts, Father, so that we will remain obedient to you and continue to make choices in wisdom, not folly. 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. We give the Holy Spirit permission to dwell within 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 all the tools necessary to balance our spiritual, personal, and professional lives. Bless our loved ones and even our enemies. Provide revelations and awareness as you deliver us from our hindrances 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 your 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...  Healthy living has to do with overall wellbeing, that includes the mind, body, and soul. You should be reading materials that are encouraging, spiritually uplifting, and/or educational, at the minimum 30 minutes of positive reading daily or about 10 pages. You should be consuming a variety of foods and liquids that contain vitamins, protein, antioxidants, carbs - yes, I said carbs, but we'll get to that in a sec, as well as other nutrients. Now, back to the carbs. Obviously, with every group of food, there are always healthier alternatives, so, the BEST thing to do is consider your options. For example, if you have baked vs. fried, choose baked. Be mindful of the sodium and caloric intake, try not to exceed the recommended daily calorie intake. To be quite honest, calories are calories no matter the type of food. However, a side salad that's about 200 calories would be a better choice than a Snickers bar of about 170 calories, because the salad has nutrients that candy lacks.

I am NOT a believer in diets. To me, the term "diet" refers to a lifestyle - what foods and drinks you consume as well as their portion size and the habits associated with said foods. For instance, overeating, not eating enough, binge eating, stress eating, late-night eating, etc. You need to have a balance of ALL food benefits, as well as good habits. So, consuming an appropriate amount of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a snack in-between, are healthy habits. Additionally, portion-control, and choosing healthy fats, carbs, and proteins. Personally, I am firmly against diets that cut out carbs, or that rely heavily on one or two types of food. Why? Because people who do trendy diets usually get bored, lack consistency, and at some point, they quit altogether. Whatever weight-loss goals that were met, reverse the moment their body craves to make-up for being deprived of those foods that were cut out for a period.

Lastly, your soul needs to be fed as well. I myself am a follower of Christ, however, I do NOT force my beliefs on anyone. I encourage you to be connected spiritually to God, or whatever higher being you choose to be connected to. Spirituality is what develops our compassion and love for others, helps us maintain solace amidst chaos, and keeps us ever-evolving into maturity as exemplary human beings.

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

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