SALUTATIONS: What up, what up, what up yall? So, as someone who's struggled with depression and anxiety for many years, I know what it feels like to feel alone. That loneliness often times leads us to find comfort in people or things that we have no business seeking, when all the while, the One we should've been focused on was Jesus. That's what we're going to be chewing on tonight yall... getting intimate with the Lord. It's a new year, a new day, a new hour, a new minute, a new second - a new moment to try something we probably haven't done before, and that's courting God. So, let's get into it. As always, I encourage you to consider taking a moment to review ALL of the Announcements, Healthy Living Tips, and other information detailed below, following the Reflections and Power in Prayer, whenever time permits. Your continued support is always appreciated. Keep spreading 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: Aye yall, I am grateful that my coughing is gone and I'm breathing a little better this week. Whether big or small, err'body has a lil' sumthin' to shout "HALLELUJAH" about. So, let's give our Lord some glory yall! Father, we praise you through our struggles, we thank you for our past trials, our current obstacles, and our future triumphs. Hallelujah! If you have a specific praise report, please share, because we “overcame [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: First, I want to just thank you for your petitions on behalf of myself and others mentioned in these requests. Know that as you pray for me, I have already been praying for you. Continue to lift me up for a complete and speedy recovery; that my lungs are restored to full capacity and that the Lord find favor over my spiritual walk and daily lifestyle. Continue praying for one another and 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 download your FREE copy here https://rb.gy/niy4go). 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 amidst adversity… Ponder this: "Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day." (Alice Morse Earle). 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. If you need someone to help you get there, or you're looking for an accountability partner, you've come to the right place. Here I am.
FEATURED SONGS OF PRAISE: "My Life is in Your Hands" by Kirk Franklin/God's Property (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIPMllUV12o) and "Victory Belongs to Jesus (Reprise)" by Todd Dulaney (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V015fBczVuI). 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://rb.gy/wtbmva.
OPENING PRAYER: Yahweh, please let your presence set the tone for how this lesson will flow and how we will grow from it. Clear our minds and open our eyes, ears, and hearts so that we may be decreased in self and increased in you. Fill us with the Holy Spirit to see as we look, to listen as we hear, to come into alignment with your word and your will, to receive, believe, and apply your truth, that we may be transformed by your intended message from this fellowship and become better as a result of it. In the name of Yeshua, Amen!
PASSAGE(S) – COLOSSIANS 3:1-17 (MSG): "1-2 So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective. 3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ. 5-8 And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It’s because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn’t long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk. 9-11 Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with His label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ. 12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. 15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way" (read the KJV here https://rb.gy/tguj6d).
**Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage**
REFLECTIONS: In a recent message I listened to by Dr. Charles Stanley, entitled "Hearing God's Voice" (watch it here https://rb.gy/ikweec) I realized that I have been praying for years for God to send me a word outside of His Word that was specific to me; I went from reading the Bible like a random story and lacking understanding in my youth, to studying in the Spirit without looking for what He was saying to me as an adult. Over the years I've read and studied God's Gospel, understanding its meaning, applying certain principles to current times, yet, failing to submit myself and circumstance for consideration as He unfolds His direction. Basically, when I study the lessons in the Bible, I read and understand them but do not relate them specifically to my life. Now don't get me wrong, certain stories do resonate with me, but until about two days ago, I hadn't imagined myself in the shoes of the characters on display. For instance, I was reading the book of Job last week, and it's always been tough for me to comprehend these texts because Job is God's trusted servant. Job goes to bat in God's defense even after losing all of his riches and all of his children in the same day. I couldn't understand if he had lost faith as he gave his winded complaints to his friends, all the while extending his recognition that God is the Almighty and all powerful, or, if he was just ranting with no purpose in mind. So, I decided to read Job in The Message translation, which helped. However, it was Dr. Stanley's message that helped me to submit myself for consideration in those texts.
Yall know I'm pretty transparent in our discussions, this here ain't no different. If you're anything like me, you may spend minutes, hours, days, or even years complaining about how something in your life just ain't fair. You might even be so bold as to consider your handful of good deeds and efforts as a reason to validate how an unfortunate situation is unwarranted, and even more so, question God about it. When I was younger, I blamed God for everything that was going wrong in my life. But in my mid-twenties, which is when I had transitioned from reading the Word to studying it, the Lord had revealed that majority of my unfortunate circumstances were a result of poor decisions I had made without His blessing. I was living my life the way I wanted - walking to the beat of my own drum, and had the gall to question Mr. Almighty Himself as to why any of it was happening. Don't we all do that from time to time? We start working a job we know we had no business taking in the first place, and wonder why we're miserable there. We do something just shy of illegal and wonder how we got caught or why it didn't go off without a hitch. We choose a mate out of lust or infatuation rather than God's ordination, then wonder how we ended up heartbroken or just plain ol' broken in the end. It all has to do with a lack of relationship; we lack an intimate relationship with ourselves - often times we don't truly know who we really are, the reflection that we see is a facade made up of the picture we think we should see, based off societal influence. To get to know and love ourselves though, we've gotta come to terms with the necessity for developing an intimate relationship with God.
My mother and I discussed this topic a day or so ago, how the passage Romans 4:17 "speak those things that be not as though they were" is often times taught maybe not so much out of context as it is without context. Granted, we are responsible to study for ourselves as 2 Timothy warns (read 2 Timothy 2:15 here https://rb.gy/2itrdd), however, we as vessels of Christ bear some responsibility to teach accurately as well (read 1 Corinthians 8 here https://rb.gy/vm1seq). The teaching of that passage without context will have those who aren't well-versed in the Word believing they can claim anything they want and manifest it just like that. However, as you get to KNOW the Lord through intimate time with Him... now definitions may vary in how one defines intimacy, but what I believe that means is uninterrupted time - time that is dedicated and focused on the Lord with a willing heart to receive His direction... you will begin to see and feel a transformation; your appetite changes.
Everyone's transformation is different, for me, the type of music I enjoy has changed, the crowds I am comfortable in are different, and the desires of my heart are changing. You see, when we are self-centered and "speak those things that be not as though they were," our wish list may look a lil' sumthin' like this: "I am going to be a millionaire," "I will be the most famous athlete of my time," "I will be one of the highest paid celebrity influencers," or, "I will own a Bentley and a Maserati." I mean, yeah, that may be a little far fetched for some, but I have heard some affirmations/declarations that were out there. On the contrary, when we're being led by the Holy Spirit, what we're speaking into existence and affirming is what the Lord reveals in His Word. How do we know if what we're confessing is in alignment with the Lord? By studying His Word; as we study God's Word - the Bible, we are getting intimate with Him - learning who He is - getting our PhD in Jesus. So when we make our affirmations, they sound a lil' sumthin' like this: "I AM the body of Christ and Satan hath no power over me because I have overcome evil with good" (read 1 Corinthians 12:27 and Romans 12:21 here https://rb.gy/iqg635), "God has supplied all my needs according to His riches in glory, therefore I confess I have abundance, there is no lack" (read Philippians 4:19 here https://rb.gy/48n9ss), or, "I deny the right of the enemy to exist in my life because God gave me that authority" (read Romans 12:3 here https://rb.gy/zgiirt).
Yall know I'm pretty transparent in our discussions, this here ain't no different. If you're anything like me, you may spend minutes, hours, days, or even years complaining about how something in your life just ain't fair. You might even be so bold as to consider your handful of good deeds and efforts as a reason to validate how an unfortunate situation is unwarranted, and even more so, question God about it. When I was younger, I blamed God for everything that was going wrong in my life. But in my mid-twenties, which is when I had transitioned from reading the Word to studying it, the Lord had revealed that majority of my unfortunate circumstances were a result of poor decisions I had made without His blessing. I was living my life the way I wanted - walking to the beat of my own drum, and had the gall to question Mr. Almighty Himself as to why any of it was happening. Don't we all do that from time to time? We start working a job we know we had no business taking in the first place, and wonder why we're miserable there. We do something just shy of illegal and wonder how we got caught or why it didn't go off without a hitch. We choose a mate out of lust or infatuation rather than God's ordination, then wonder how we ended up heartbroken or just plain ol' broken in the end. It all has to do with a lack of relationship; we lack an intimate relationship with ourselves - often times we don't truly know who we really are, the reflection that we see is a facade made up of the picture we think we should see, based off societal influence. To get to know and love ourselves though, we've gotta come to terms with the necessity for developing an intimate relationship with God.
My mother and I discussed this topic a day or so ago, how the passage Romans 4:17 "speak those things that be not as though they were" is often times taught maybe not so much out of context as it is without context. Granted, we are responsible to study for ourselves as 2 Timothy warns (read 2 Timothy 2:15 here https://rb.gy/2itrdd), however, we as vessels of Christ bear some responsibility to teach accurately as well (read 1 Corinthians 8 here https://rb.gy/vm1seq). The teaching of that passage without context will have those who aren't well-versed in the Word believing they can claim anything they want and manifest it just like that. However, as you get to KNOW the Lord through intimate time with Him... now definitions may vary in how one defines intimacy, but what I believe that means is uninterrupted time - time that is dedicated and focused on the Lord with a willing heart to receive His direction... you will begin to see and feel a transformation; your appetite changes.
Everyone's transformation is different, for me, the type of music I enjoy has changed, the crowds I am comfortable in are different, and the desires of my heart are changing. You see, when we are self-centered and "speak those things that be not as though they were," our wish list may look a lil' sumthin' like this: "I am going to be a millionaire," "I will be the most famous athlete of my time," "I will be one of the highest paid celebrity influencers," or, "I will own a Bentley and a Maserati." I mean, yeah, that may be a little far fetched for some, but I have heard some affirmations/declarations that were out there. On the contrary, when we're being led by the Holy Spirit, what we're speaking into existence and affirming is what the Lord reveals in His Word. How do we know if what we're confessing is in alignment with the Lord? By studying His Word; as we study God's Word - the Bible, we are getting intimate with Him - learning who He is - getting our PhD in Jesus. So when we make our affirmations, they sound a lil' sumthin' like this: "I AM the body of Christ and Satan hath no power over me because I have overcome evil with good" (read 1 Corinthians 12:27 and Romans 12:21 here https://rb.gy/iqg635), "God has supplied all my needs according to His riches in glory, therefore I confess I have abundance, there is no lack" (read Philippians 4:19 here https://rb.gy/48n9ss), or, "I deny the right of the enemy to exist in my life because God gave me that authority" (read Romans 12:3 here https://rb.gy/zgiirt).
Yall see the difference in those things we call into existence when we're led by the flesh vs the Holy Spirit? In the flesh we're worried bout' the wrong stuff, stuff that society says will bring us fame, status, riches, and what we mistakenly assume will lead to less problems and happiness. Reality is, happiness is a mindset, some of the happiest individuals I've encountered were poor and/or terminally ill, and some of them hadn't yet made it to see the age 30. Those who find that peace when society says they should be at their wits end, have found their peace in God, which surpasses human understanding (read Philippians 4:7 here https://rb.gy/3sxx1b). True serenity comes with courting God. Unfortunately, many of us have never courted someone, because society tells us we've gotta shack up with folks and get sexually involved with them before we can determine if they are marriage material. What tradition fails to warn us about are the consequences and baggage we carry for a lifetime when we try before be buy; courting is taking TIME to get to KNOW someone BETTER with the intention to some day marry them. A wife respects and submits to her husband while a husband loves and clings to his wife (read Ephesians 5: 21-22, 28-31, 33, NIV, here https://rb.gy/j8qvye); this is the type of relationship we need with the Lord. As we court Him we get to know Him, and once we know Him we're ready to marry Him, then once we marry Him, He clings to us, then we are forever changed in Him.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and ALL these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33, NIV). "4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 'As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:4-11, NIV). "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready" (Revelation 19:7, NIV). Can yall visualize that? Com'mon fellas, don't be like I was and read this literally; don't read this message like it's targeting women, put your feet in these shoes and make this message relevant to you... you see it now? The Lord been ready, He's just waiting on us to knock on that door so He can open it. Yall ready to court Jesus? KNOCK! KNOCK! #SOW
POWER IN PRAYER: POWER IN PRAYER: Yahweh, our Lord, our redeemer, our savior, our provider, our friend. We are grateful for your grace, your mercy, your love, and your acceptance. Thankful for your example, your direction, and your revelations. We praise you for every moment of life, for provisions, clarity, wisdom, healing, and strength. Help us on this journey to court you; show us who you are, the secret meanings of your Word and revelations, and grow us spiritually. Father, activate and accelerate our individual desire to seek you first in our lives, grant us a double portion of your favor, and develop our discernment so that we may see, hear, feel, and recognize your presence. Give us divine wisdom and insight so that we may recognize and turn away from everything that is not inspired by you. Help us to be sensitive to the calling you have on our lives and give us the strength to step into it. Make anointing and grace our atmosphere so that fear, anxiety, addiction, depression, and self-hate are dissolved. May your will be done in our lives, and may our trust in you be strong enough that we are genuine in that request. As your angels and Holy Spirit do your bidding on Earth and in Heaven, protect us and them with your recourse as you bind, loose, and cast out the demonic spirits of distraction, destruction, retaliation, revenge, and backlash. All these things we ask in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!
HEALTHY LIVING TIPS: Change begins within... As survivor of Covid-19 and an asthmatic whose asthma is exercise and weather-induced, I thought I should share with yall some tips for improving lung capacity after Covid. Here's what I found:
- Pursed-lip breathing: this is especially helpful for people like me who suffer from lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis or COVID-19. It's designed to improve lung function and breathing simultaneously, to help you breathe more efficiently. It is encouraged to be practiced until it becomes second nature and is proven to be most effective when you’re focused and/or relaxed. First, sit up straight or lie down with your shoulders relaxed as much as possible. Then, without a mask, inhale through your nose for two seconds, filling your abdomen with air instead of just your lungs. Last, purse your lips like you’re about to blow out a candle and exhale slowly, taking twice as long to exhale as you took to breathe in. Then repeat. Over time, you should also increase the counts from two to four (or more).
- Box breathing: without a mask, inhale/hold your breath and exhale/hold your breath for equal counts. Now I'm gonna keep it 100, I don't even know what that means. So, the simpler version is to inhale and exhale for equal counts (without a mask), which also serves as a good technique for relaxation.
- Spirometer device: this is one I know a lot about. This device varies in appearance. The ones I am familiar with are cylindrical in shape, they are clear with a colored plastic tip for breathing through, and an opened colored end for the air to be released through. They have numbers ranging from 60-800, with a metal pole that is filled with small pellets and has a colored attachment that rises as you blow into it; the number at which the attachment rests helps your pulmonologist measure how deeply you can breathe in, and helps encourage taking slow, deep breaths to increase lung capacity. This tool can also help prevent subsidiary lung problems, such as pneumonia.
As always, stay safe and blessed!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- I have been rallying interested volunteers for a neighborhood clean-up in Los Angeles. If you're interested in physically joining this crusade, donating supplies, and/or know of resources or contacts that can assist in this venture, hit me up.
- If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, I invite you to join my virtual support group via Zoom; we meet every 3rd Sunday at 2:30 PST. Just text "heal" to (323) 800-8616 to be added to our text notifications/reminders.
- Help me get FMBS Inc. back active in the community yall! I'd like to start regular community beautification projects, homeless outreach, and live workshops that will provide guidance, mentorship, resources, and helpful information for at-risk youth. Here's the thing, I don't know how to do any of this. I'm not tech-savvy or knowledgeable of what and/or whom might assist in the execution of these ideas, but if you have any helpful information, please share.
- Please take a moment to register your Ralph's, Food 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. To enroll, you must go to their website here http://www.friendsindeedpas.org/get-involved/ralphs-community-contribution-program/ and link your rewards cards and/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.
- Update on my 1st children's book, Color Isn't Who I AM © 2019: Coming soon... to a bookshelf near you.
- Be on the lookout for the relaunch of my non-profit organization, Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.). Although I am willing to carryout my plans solo, I would be remiss if I didn't extend an invitation to ALL willing volunteers to help me serve our communities by accepting a significant role as a committed and trusted board member, or a contributor of time (physical volunteer work), monies, supplies, and/or resources. My appreciation is extended to anyone that can help facilitate making an impact in surrounding at-risk and underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. Part of our mission is to help supply the homeless as well as needy families with food and hygiene bags throughout the year and especially during the holidays, and to serve as mentors and/or advocates for at-risk youth and victims of abuse. Reach out to me regarding your interest in service or to arrange another form of contribution; contact me via email at fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com, or leave a voicemail and/or text at (951) 790-2127.
For more information about our organization contact fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com.
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) |
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