Daily Bread (2/14/2021)

SALUTATIONS: Hey yall. Happy Valentine's Day. If you're alone for this pagan celebratory occasion, SO WHAT! Celebrate waking up above ground today. Celebrate the Love that the Lord graciously shares with you every moment He provides breath to your lungs. Be content in your singleness, if that so applies to you. If not, for all those who are fortunate to have a helpmate or significant other in their lives, do not make this one "holiday" the only time you deem necessary to show your special someone that they matter in your life. Just like Christmas... wait, has anyone ever realized that it's Christ-Mas, as in Christ more (mas being the Spanish equivalent of more)? Reversed... more Christ? Just peeped that myself, anyway, just like the concept of Christ-mas should be a 365 day of the year principle, so should Valentine's Day. If you're solo, love on yourself (not speaking inappropriately, for those with minds that wander). If you have someone special, a husband, wife, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner, show them they matter throughout the year. If you can't hack that, then yeah, use this day to ensure they at least catch a glimpse of romanticism from you. Just because your V-Day didn't go as well as you'd hope, don't go bringing down someone else's. Your mind may thirst for attention and affection the same way the physical body hungers for food. However, the soul hungers for sustenance just the same. Allow the Lord to serve your soul its daily bread. Let's jump into this lesson. As always, take time 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: My personal copy of my 1st published book is scheduled to arrive in a few days. I'm super excited and thankful to be so close to becoming an official author. I wouldn't have gotten this far if the Spirit hadn't influenced my hands to write the words, and if my family and friends hadn't given me encouragement and support both verbally and monetarily. As for you, if you've fallen short of gratefulness because you cannot see the rainbow in your storm, just think of a time that you were able to relish in positivity and joy, then give God some praise for what was and what still is possible when you believe. Oh Lord, we thank you through our struggles, we praise you for our past trials, our current obstacles, and our future triumphs. Help us in our unbelief. 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: I have a special prayer request for people on the spectrum, people suffering from alcohol and substance abuse, and for people with mental health issues stemming from pain or root problems that have gone unaddressed. Let's continue to pray for one another and thank 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: "Loneliness comes when we forget the One who is ALWAYS with us." (Our Daily Bread Quote #4). 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: "Give Me You" by Shana Wilson (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40FJnljLOr0) and "Your Spirit" by Tasha Cobbs-Leonard feat. Kierra Sheard (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDXe1wvlUQ0). 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 mind and open our eyes, ears, and heart so that we may be decreased in self and increased in you. Fill us with your presence through 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!
 
KEY PASSAGE(S) – MATTHEW 6:11: "Give us this day our daily bread." 

**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: The concept of getting your daily bread revolves around getting a daily portion of only what is necessary to live. In other words, avoiding overeating and gluttony, and in some cases, preventing malnourishment. But tonight we're going to discuss its spiritual meaning. 

One of Jesus' disciples recognized something about the Lord that stood out from the rest of them, it was His tenacity and technique for prayer. It was clear to him that Jesus was doing something differently than them, so he asked the Lord to teach them how to pray. Cue "the Lord's prayer"; interestingly enough, it's not technically the Lord's prayer, it's just what we've dubbed it. In actuality, this was Jesus' way of teaching the disciples how to pray. After all, wasn't that the actual request, to be taught? 

Oh, some of yall must be scratching your heads. Well, read "the Lord's prayer" in Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV) here, https://rb.gy/qoe9jw. Now peep, this prayer starts off with the acknowledgment of our Father's holiness, and Jesus proceeds with praise. However, if you consider the words, they're generic. Matthew 6:12 simply says "forgive our debts..." Yet, the Word tells us to be specific when confessing our sin; "when anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned" (Leviticus 5:5, NIV). 

I'd be remiss if I didn't take a short detour to break down the how in this prayer. So, here it goes: Jesus teaches us to begin prayer with praise and acknowledgment of God's mercy and grace. Then, we move into accepting His authority in and over our lives, essentially turning over our worries to Him, allowing and trusting Him to work things out for our betterment. When we get to the daily bread, which I'll touch more on in a pair of seconds (s/o to Tabitha Brown), He's showing us the importance of giving the Holy Spirit permission to prepare us for the events of the day, which in turn, opens our eyes to any specific sins that still need confessing. But, He shows us that it's also necessary to forgive those who have wronged us just as God forgave us - to forgive and forget means to let go. We never really forget someone's hurtful act, we just learn to address the issue, learn from it, and move forward. Jesus then shows us the need to request guidance and protection from temptation and evil forces; we cannot conquer those things in our own strength, period. Last, we end the same way we entered, with thanksgiving.

Alright, let's get back on route. We all have a heap of things piled on our plates, but sometimes we choose these fad diets that influence us to leave the bread off of the plate. Here's the thing, Jesus used the term "daily bread" to signify that the sustenance we receive from the Lord is an everyday necessity. His bread (help, coaching, direction) is what reveals to us who we can become, and what we can do with what He's already equipped us with. But when we're looking for worldly sustenance, we're left with trying to do difficult calculations to quantify how much of something we have, how much more we think we need, or what's considered enough for us to be fulfilled. The fact of the matter is, there's a section of our plate that's empty, it's missing our daily bread.

The process of eating isn't what keeps us alive, rather, it's the process within us as the food is broken down and its nutrients are appropriately distributed throughout our bodies. Just the same, as we delve into the spiritual food - God's Word - there is a process being led by the Holy Spirit who is within us, strengthening us, transforming us, and shaping us to live, love, and serve as Jesus did. 

This isn't Tye's doctrine, this is Bible. Let's do some fact-checking. Here's what the Word says:

• "But He answered and said, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4).
• "8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain" (Proverbs 30:8-9).
• "And Jesus said unto them, 'I AM the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst'" (John 6:35).
• "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:17).
• "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20).
• "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
• "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

If you're still tryna figure out what your daily bread is, it's the Holy Spirit, it's time with God through prayer and meditation on His Word; we snack and eat throughout the day to feed ourselves and to calm the rumbles of our stomach, all the while ignoring the groaning of our spirit. If we'd spend half as much time developing a relationship with God - giving time and attention to feed our spiritual hunger - what a transformation our lives would see. For one, we'd be compelled to make an attitude adjustment, because we'd be in-tune with the Spirit and therefore able to recognize: it's not the preacher's fault we didn't get anything from the sermon, God provides everything we need we just dismiss what isn't to our liking and skip out on the Word because it's too boring or may be difficult to understand. The reason the word in the Bible is sometimes difficult to chew is that we didn't ask for our daily portion of the Spirit to cut its meat so that it's spiritually discerned. 

We are already equipped with power - it is within us, activated by the Holy Spirit (read Acts 1:8, NIV, here https://rb.gy/amvfq9). However, many of us have a form of godliness - we have an affinity to do right over wrong and/or help those in need, yet, we still reject the influence of the Spirit - our inner voice fighting to show us the path to take (read Acts 7:51 and 2 Timothy 3:5, NIV, here https://rb.gy/bxpy7r). The Word of God made clear by the Holy Spirit, and God's direction made clear also by the Spirit's influence, is our manna - our daily bread; the Lord provides in many ways, but it's not always going to be packaged the way we want it. Therefore, adjust your attitude, pick up the Word for your daily portion so that you can put on the lens of God, and begin looking at your circumstances differently. When you digest your daily bread, you're equipping yourself with the tools to find little nuggets in everything; you'll be able to take away at least one key thing from the dullest sermon, you'll see the inner beauty of an unattractive individual, you'll recognize the potential in the ugliest person (figuratively speaking), and you'll be joyful in your pain. After all, you'll be content that misfortune is only temporary and preparing you for your something better, and you'll welcome the rain because you'll finally be aware that the Sun [Son] still shines, it's [He] just temporarily hidden by the clouds. Now pick up your plate and eat this daily bread. #SOW

POWER IN PRAYER: POWER IN PRAYER: Our Father, our King, our Provider, our Daily Bread, we thank you for your mercy, grace, love without conditions, and your direction. We are grateful for the lessons in our circumstances, and the teachable moments for our children. We thank you that your provisions come both physically and spiritually, packed full of sustenance. Lord, help our unbelief so that when we seek you, we find you and when we pray, may we leave that prayer in your hands without worry or concern for the next day, trusting in confidence that you've already cleared the path that leads to our best outcome. We thank you for cutting your bread for us so that it is easily digested by way of your Holy Spirit. Father, we thank you for delivering those who are suffering from the pain of their past, those plagued by addiction and substance abuse, individuals burdened by mental illness and autism; provide a voice for those who have lost theirs, make a way for those who cannot find one, and deliver peace where hope in their hearts is empty. Thank you for choosing us to be your living, walking examples of Christ-like character. May we chew on your daily bread so that our plate will never miss a serving of you, and every negative thought and lie whispered by the devil is 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... Let's discuss food allergies for a moment. When my son was about 1 and a half years old, I was on a pescatarian diet. I was strictly breastfeeding, yet, slowly incorporating solids. My son had never reacted to my breast milk, so, I thought it was safe to give him some of the fried fish that my parents had accommodated me with when I had visited. The next day, my son was profusely throwing up, mostly my breast milk, back-to-back over 2 days. 

 

It started like every 30 minutes, then the time in-between each vomit session got longer. He'd wake up in the middle of the night, without warning, throwing up. He was signing for milk, initially, so I did feed him. But then I stopped once I realized he wasn't tolerating it. Fast forward, he did that two other times after ingesting different kinds of fish and fish that was prepared differently. Since two of the occasion involved shellfish also, I decided to avoid seafood altogether until he was old enough, by his pediatrician's standards, to run an allergy test. The blood test said he had zero allergies to food or anything else for that matter. For me, I just assumed maybe it was because he was born premature and had experienced vomiting as a baby as well when I introduced oats and grains. Doctors told me that his system would take a little longer to develop enough to handle the solids, so I held back for several more months. When I reintroduced them, he was fine. But, today, I found out that this wasn't the case for my baby boy when it came to fish.

 

He consumed some fish last night, and again, a full night of vomiting throughout. I did some research and found that children can technically have zero allergies, yet, still have a sensitivity to foods. A close friend of mine, whose parents are physician assistants, also informed me that this could be an intolerance due to GI issues. That being said, if you or your child(ren) is experiencing an intolerance such as vomiting after the consumption of a specific food such as fried fish, it's probably best to avoid all fish, and I'd even go so far as to say just eliminate seafood. If you/he/she is reacting to peanuts specifically, steer clear of all types of nuts just to be safe. Again, this is opinion-based, but it truly is better to be safe than sorry.

 

As always, be mindful of the things you allow to feed your body, both physically and figuratively. Be safe, be blessed, and choose health and fitness!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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, but I'm willing to learn; if you have any helpful information or affordable training opportunities please share.
4. 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. 
5. Update on my 1st children's book, Color Isn't Who I AM © 2019: My personal printed copy is scheduled to arrive any day now. Once I review and give the thumbs up for mass printing, it'll be on a bookshelf near you.
6. 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 carry out 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.

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)