New IN Him (1/3/2021)

 SALUTATIONS: Happy New Year Yall! So, when I was working on the last SOW my computer kept pausing and rebooting while I was preparing the lesson. Since I use a 3rd party email service now, my content doesn't automatically save itself. Therefore, I assumed maybe I hadn't prayed enough about the topic and I just skipped production of the lesson altogether. After that, a series of health-related issues ensued in addition to some spiritual purging. The most recent was Covid-19. That's right, my entire household had it, and since I'm asthmatic, 3 weeks after the start of my 1st symptom, I am still recovering. Regardless, I take responsibility for my inconsistency. I'm praying that this year is mine to conquer self-discipline and regularity. I hope that yall had a wonderful few months during our break. When you finish biting into this meat, if you're feeling generous with your time, please take a moment to review ALL of the Announcements, Healthy Living Tips, and other information detailed below, following the Reflections and Power in Prayer; I have some exciting news to share. 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: I am grateful to have lived through 2020, and although I am not 100% back to myself, I am recovering somewhat smoothly. No matter what your circumstance, just remember that millions of people didn't make it to their tomorrow. We ALL have reasons, both small and large, to shout "HALLELUJAH!" It is time to give God some glory yall! Praise Him through your struggles! We thank you, Jesus, for our past trials, our current obstacles, and our future triumphs. 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: My aunt-in-law's, Virginia, dad is in the hospital, unfortunately I don't know his name but let's lift him up. Also, let's pray for all those affected by Covid-19 be it health related or financially impacted; I have been hit both ways, but I'm still proof that my God is a provider; I have supportive family and friends who helped me get through this virus, and if/when I am need, I have a host of individuals I can look to, to lend a helping hand. I'd like yall to remember me as the Spirit leads; this year I want to develop a stronger relationship with my Lord, truly putting Him first and prioritizing things according to His will not my own. Keep praying for one another as well, 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: "Even though your life may not be what you wanted, it's still a life that someone else isn't here to enjoy" (Sarah Jakes Roberts). 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: "Oceans" by Hillsong (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw) and "Real Love" by Blanca (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKG_3u_kdJ8). 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 let your presence set the tone for how this lesson will flow and how we should grow from it. Clear our minds and open our eyes, ears, and hearts so that we may be removed from self. Fill us and move us by 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) – II CORINTHIANS 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

**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: As with every passing year, many of us commit to new year's resolutions. Although our intentions are genuine and good, we almost always fail to maintain consistency. If I'm not a perfect example, I don't know who is. Here's the thing, it's much easier to say things than to follow through and be a man or woman of your word; the idiom is, "it's easier said than done." That rings true for so many of us because our human nature typically resists anything that requires effort. Whether it be mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual, depending on the effort required, our flesh might be predisposed to resisting. It's not always due to laziness, rather, often times it's simply because of our very fears and doubts; we're scared of the unknown and question if our efforts will be successful or purposeful. But how can we know if we never try?
 
I don't know your age, but I'll be 40 in a few months, and I am far from where I imagined or wished I would be in life. But you know what? I am changed from who I was 10 years ago. You see, all of us have a God-driven purpose to do something in this lifetime. Unfortunately, many of us remain hindered by our fears. We make comparisons of where we are in life to others who we may know, or those who may be the same age as we are, and their grass looks greener from the side we're on; our thoughts about where we are and who we should be are taking up too much of our time and energy. At the end of the day, we might find some success in pursuing things that bring us pleasure, but we'll also find that the gold at the end of that rainbow eventually fades away; our selfish desires lead to temporary satisfaction, which is why we're on a never-ending quest to find something to fill our void, when the One we should've been looking towards was in us all along. We can't, but God can!

I read something in one of Sarah Jakes Roberts' books that went something to the effect of, us needing to spend time embracing who and where we are instead of grieving over where we thought or think we were or are "supposed" to be. The moment we truly surrender ourselves to the Lord and allow Him to lead us down the "narrow road" (read Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) here https://rb.gy/ahaprs), the sooner we'll find peace and fulfillment rather than moments of pleasure. The passage states that "any man... in Christ... is a new creature"; the key word is in; That means, we must study and abide in His ways to reap transformation. If you're missing your breakthrough, falling short time and time again, the reason is because you're still after your own desires. Or you're trying to walk on both sides of the fence. There is no grey area when you're walking with God, either you are, or you aren't (read Revelation 3: 15-16here https://rb.gy/unuuj0 and Matthew 6:24 here https://rb.gy/qbqdsw).

Let me remind yall, I am only qualified to put out this content because the Holy Spirit inspired me to. Every one of Jesus' disciples were flawed just like each of you and especially me. None of us are better than the next man or woman. At the end of the day, the Lord is judging us on our individual character and how it aligns with His own; our life's purpose, simply put, is to master a relationship with Him because once we do that everything else will fall in its destined place (read Matthew 6:33here https://rb.gy/bejycx). Your newness starts with surrender. #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, your acceptance. Thankful for your example, your direction, your revelations. We praise you for another year of life, for provisions, clarity, wisdom, healing, and strength. Help us to understand what is at stake in these days. Please provide Virginia's dad and anyone suffering or affected by Covid-19, that there will be complete and speedy recovery for the ill, and financial relief for those in need. Activate and accelerate a desire in Tylesha and everyone receiving this lesson, to seek you first and prioritize everything else in accordance with your will. Help us to realize that faith isn't for a rainy day, it's for every day; help us to exercise our faith in you. Help us to break away from everyone and everything blocking us from stepping into your calling on our lives. Tame our tongues so that we may speak not from where we are or where we were but let us speak from where we are headed. May our walk be disciplined and Christ-like so that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts may be pleasing unto you Father. May who we serve, be you so that who we are is like you. Help us not to cling to that which will prevent us from moving forward. Admonish us, Father, so that we will remember that it's not what we have, rather, it's how we manage that which we have. Help us to stand steadfast knowing that there is a purpose attached to our names - that we've been praying for change, but we are the change. Saturate every area of our lives Lord. Touch the innermost core of our beings that we may tap into that which you have already equipped us with. Permeate our excuses so that every generational cycle may be broken through us. Open our eyes, giving us your perspective as you illuminate your presence in our circumstances. Bless us with a double portion of anointing and power, and the preparation and willingness to act in it, so that we may move a room and shake the world to bring honor and glory to your name. Give us divine wisdom and insight. Remove everything within us that is not inspired by you. Help us to be sensitive to what you're doing in our lives and the strength to step into it. Make anointing and grace our atmosphere so that fear, anxiety, addiction, depression, and self-hate are dissolved. Relieve us from the familiar spirits trying to maintain attachments to our lineages; release our children, their children, and their children's children from the evil forces assigned against us. May we be reminded that the doors you've closed cannot be opened and those you've opened cannot be shut. Ultimately Father, may your will be done in our lives, and may our trust in you be strong enough to mean that. 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... In lieu of this Rona' outbreak, I want to encourage you to stay hydrated, rest well, and implement teas into your daily regimen; ginger root and turmeric root teas are great for inflammation and digestive health. They also act as immune boosters. I encourage you to get your vitamin c from citrus fruits and/or supplements, and vitamin d from a supplement and/or by spending some time in direct sunlight. Some other natural alternatives that are good for boosting your immune system are elderberry, echinacea, onions, and garlic. Wear your masks, disposable gloves if you have access to them, use hand sanitizer after contact with someone or something outside of your home, and make sure to wash your hands often; don't be shy on using some moisturizer afterwards. Stay safe and blessed!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Update on my book Color Isn't Who I AM © 2019: I am thrilled to say that one of my cousins completed the digital illustrations for my book and I'm currently awaiting the hard copy of my book so that I can approve it for distribution. I am also working with a former shipmate on my next project, I'll keep yall updated with that as well. Thank you for all those who supported verbally, monetarily, and/or otherwise.
2. Whether I'm solo or have a team to back me, I will soon relaunch the community activity of my non-profit organization, Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.). I would greatly appreciate any willing volunteers to help serve our communities, and/or to play the significant role of a committed and trusted board member; my appreciation will be extended to anyone that can help facilitate making an impact in surrounding at-risk and underprivileged communities. Part of FMBS Inc's mission is to help supply the homeless as well as needy families with food and hygiene bags 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.
3. 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. 
4. I have been rallying some volunteers for a neighborhood clean-up in LA. If you're interested in joining this crusade and/or know of resources or contacts that can assist in this venture, hit me up.
5. I'm also looking to get FMBS Inc. back active in the community. I also would like to start creating video content and eventually 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, and unknowledgeable to a lot of non-profit resources that might assist in the execution of these ideas, but if you have any helpful information, please share.
6. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, more specifically, sexual abuse, I started a 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.

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 and address some of the needs of our 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. 

 
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)