Relinquish Control (1/6/2022)

SALUTATIONS: Happy New Year! I remember back in 1999, I just knew in my heart of hearts that Y2K was going to be the end of the world. Don't judge me. LOL. But here I am 22 years later and still working on spiritual improvement. I'm starting to embrace my process. I'm not where I think I should be, based on societal influence; however, I am one step closer than I was yesterday, and for that, I am grateful. Hopefully, your holidays since our last fellowship were relaxing and filled with love. On another note, I'm proud to announce that I have an illustrator working on the art for my 2nd children's book, which will I self-publish this time. I'm also making good progress with the 1st installment of my books for teens and adults to assist their spiritual and emotional healing process. 

Yall know I'ma keep it 100 with yall. Over our break, I discovered that I like to be in control of mostly everything. Some of yall probably agree with the thought that if I want it done right, I better do it myself. But naw, this is different. Like, I realized that I have been resisting total surrender to God because I'm scared of what it will look like to completely let go, abandon myself, and let God have His way. I mean, what if He designates me as the new Job? That thought has been pressing me, and I now recognize that the fear has held me back from my breakthrough. Take a moment to reflect on your spiritual status right now. How tight are you with God? If you're being honest with yourself and recognize your need to let go and trust God, join me on a journey to learn the secrets of surrendering all to God. Trying to control everything only sets us up for unrealistic expectations, stress, and unhappiness. It's time to relinquish control and allow Abba to take the wheel. Let's get into it. 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: We survived another year during a chaotic and stressful pandemic. We praise you for being the calm in our storms, Father. 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 referencing your name unless anonymity is specified**

 

PRAYER REQUESTS: I ask that you pray for my complete surrender to God as well as total trust in His will and timing. I am believing God to completely transform my mind so that I will willingly relinquish control to Him, where it begins and ends. Let's pray for our world leaders and our spiritual leaders. Let's pray that we steward our time and talents acceptably and pleasingly to God. Let's continue to pray for one another and thank Yahweh for the victory. Refrain 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 referencing your name and need unless anonymity is specified**

BE ENCOURAGED: NEVER lose sight of God amidst adversity… Ponder this: "Put yourself totally in [God's] hands. I promise, there is no safer place to be" (Laura Phelps). I'm no theological scholar. 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: "Withholding Nothing" by William McDowell (you can listen to it here https://rb.gy/goxtcz) and "I Surrender All" by Anthem Lights (you can listen to it here https://rb.gy/qw4weq). I would also recommend Classical for Studying Radio on Pandora to facilitate your meditation on the Word better 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 your presence through the Holy Spirit to see as we look, to listen as we hear, and to come into alignment with your word and your will. Help us to receive, believe in, 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) – JAMES 4:7: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 

 

**Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations originate from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible and were retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage regardless of the translation quoted. Copyright © by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.**
 

REFLECTIONS: I'm going to make a bold statement here by suggesting that it is impossible to resist sinful temptation without fully submitting to God. Think about it, how many moments of weakness were you able to escape on your own? I think of every time the Lord highlighted a red flag that I chose to ignore. With every poor decision made, He even provided an out - an escape; yet, more often than not, I still chose my way, which led to disappointing consequences, to say the least. In our key verse, the term "submit" precedes "resist," which conveys a need to do the first to accomplish the latter. 

 

Let's take a brief intermission to define some key terms for this lesson:

• surrender - cease resistance
• relinquish - voluntarily give up
• control - the power to influence or exercise restraint
• restraint - holding back

Now back to our regularly scheduled program... As we mull over our definitions, let's consider rephrasing why we're here. Our objective tonight is to come to understand our need to stop resisting God's call to action in our lives. We're here to learn why it is imperative to voluntarily give up expectations and restraints to allow God to influence our thoughts, words, and actions. Tonight, we'll discover why it's time to quit holding back and hand the wheel over to the Lord.

 

In the context of faith, we must stop resisting God because without Him, we are powerless; John 15:5 (NIV) says, "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." But we "can do all things through Christ which strengthens" (Philippians 4:13). In our own strength we are weak, but in our weakness He is strong (read II Corinthians 12:9 here https://rb.gy/klguho). 

 

Moses, a man with a speech impediment, was chosen to represent the Israelites. He was hesitant when God asked him to throw down his staff (read Exodus 4:2-3, NIV, here http:// https://rb.gy/ylb0ky). What's the significance of that statement? Well, Moses' staff represented who he was - a shepherd; much like Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men (read Matthew 4:19 here https://rb.gy/3k3j3p) God was calling Moses to shepherd His people to the promised land. Like many of us, Moses disqualified himself from taking on such an assignment probably because he had compared himself to his presumptions of what it takes to be an effective leader. Who am I to lead a crowd? I can't even speak clearly. How am I supposed to convince the Pharaoh when he presides over all Egypt, and I'm merely a coward shephard who fled Egypt after murdering someone? 

 

While God saw beyond Moses' past, Moses was still dwelling on his mistakes. As Moses chose faith over fear, God was able to show him that alone he was nothing, but with God, Moses was more than the eye could see; with his obedience to God's calling, Moses activated the Lord's power when he threw down his staff. It's sometimes challenging to step into a new position or to walk in an unfamiliar direction that God has revealed to us. But the Word assures us that even when we're met with obstacles along the way, when we choose Him first, we've made the right decision to choose God's way. When Martha was trippin' because Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet while she was working around the crib, Jesus pointed out that Martha was worried about the trivial things of life. Mary had chosen the better path by seeking the eternal things of God (read Luke 10:41-42, NIV, here https://rb.gy/nz0whg). When Jesus asked a man to follow Him, he was wit' it, but he wanted to pay his respects to his dead pops. Another dude wanted to say "farewell" to his peeps before signing out, but Jesus was like, Yo! Either you're with me, or you're not. Pack your stuff, matter of fact, leave err'thang and let's bounce (read Luke 9:59-62 here https://rb.gy/q5pun2).  

According to Jesus, all of them folks were worried about the wrong stuff; He said, "25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:25-28, 31-33, NIV). 

 

What "staff" are you holding? Is it your status? Are you holding onto your influence? Is your "staff" toxic relationships? Or, are you like a large number of us whose "staff" is maintaining control? Jesus has presented us with this call to action: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it" (Luke 23-24, NIV). We're hesitant because we want the road to be easy and the package to be wrapped pretty. But He never promised a path free of struggle (read Matthew 7:13-14, NIV, here https://rb.gy/hmtuup). However, He did promise us help, rest, power, love, sound mind, direction, and deliverance (read Hebrews 4:16; Matthew 11:28; II Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; & Psalm 50:15 here https://rb.gy/dmr4o6). 

 

It's time to stop thinking you don't need anyone. It's time to let go of the fallacy that I got here all by myself. It's time to jump ALL in. If your approach to life has been failed attempts at scheduling, routines, timelines, and resolutions you only go hard on for a few months before settling back into your old ways, then the time has come to relinquish total control and TRUST the Lord to lead. #SOW

 

POWER IN PRAYER: POWER IN PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for activating and accelerating in us a renewed mind rooted in your word. We thank you for being the strength in our weakness that we might relinquish total control by surrendering all to you. As we lay our burdens at your alter, Abba, help us to trust your will and timing wholeheartedly. We touch and agree on your total transformation of Tylesha and every recipient and reader of this message. Father, we pray over our world leaders, this nation as a whole, and our spiritual leaders; provide an encounter that elicits a spiritual conversion that can only be attributed to you. Abba, Father, we invite you into our lives to mold us into great stewards of the time and talents you have graciously bestowed upon us; may we steward our blessings acceptably and pleasingly to you. May we be wise in our dealings, knowledgeable in your word, discerning in our decisions, and full of your understanding. Tame the words we speak and the thoughts we meditate on, so our focus is always good, kind, necessary, and edifying. As your angels and Holy Spirit do your bidding on Earth and in Heaven, protect them and us 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 and thank you for, in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!

 

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS: Change begins within... Let's discuss pain for a minute. Everyone experiences forms of pain, be it physical, mental, or emotional. But today, let's discuss a popular technique used in Chinese medicine to combat pain - acupuncture.

I've dealt with a great deal of tension pain over the past few years; today was like any other day, except I chose to try an acupuncturist. I won't lie, it was slightly uncomfortable, but it wasn't bad. I went in with anxiety at like an 8/10 and came out relaxed and tension relieved.

What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach to treating various conditions by triggering specific points on the body with needles. The needles produce little to no discomfort, yet it's enough to signal the body so that it knows it needs to respond. According to Dr. Ling and the information posted around the office at Ling's Acupuncture & Herbs in Gardena, who serviced me today, acupuncture helps to stimulate the immune system, promotes circulation to the area, wound healing, and pain management.

According to various sources I've interviewed and literature that I've reviewed, acupuncture can help with various ailments ranging from but not limited to chronic pain, blurred vision, diabetes, sciatica, fatigue, and anxiety. Your acupuncturist should recommend a treatment or follow-up plan, but if not, don't be afraid to ask. Costs vary from location to location. You can ask someone for a referral or do what I did - Google and read the reviews for your local facilities. Be sure to compare the rating to the number of reviews as well. If a place has five stars but only one review, I'd keep searching around. 

If you just can't get jiggy with the needle pricks, try an acupressure massage instead. It's much like acupuncture, except the masseuse focuses on the same specific pressure points as in acupuncture, but instead of using needles, they use applied pressure via massage.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. My 2nd children's book, How to be like Jesus, is in its final stages of illustration revisions. After the illustrations are finalized, I will format and self-publish through Amazon. This book has more content and inviting illustrations. 
2. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse or needs general support, I invite you to join my virtual support group, The Curse is Broken, via Zoom; we meet every 3rd Sunday at 2:30 pm PST | 3:30 pm MDT | 4:30 CST | 5:30 pm EST. Just text "heal" to (323) 800-8616 to be added to our text notifications/reminders. Join us this month on January 16th. #thecurseisbroken 
3. Your mental health is detrimental to your quality of life. If you need to connect with people or groups that can help facilitate your healing, access https://www.mentalhelp.net/mental-health/hotline/ or call their 24 hr mental health hotline at (866) 299-4557. 
4. If you're looking for a writing journal or two, check out the Resilient-R-Thee Brand I created through Amazon. They're compact and can easily fit into a purse, messenger bag, or backpack. They're 110 pages to write about anything that tickles your fancy. Some of my designs are for regular journaling, and some are for sermon/bible study, note-taking, prayers, and journaling. Get your copy(ies) here https://rb.gy/fz6azc.
5. In these uncertain times, many of us are looking for ways to walk boldly in our faith. One way to represent is the Lord is by wearing your favorite Christian novelty t-shirt or novelty accessory. Check out the Resilient-R-Thee merch available for purchase here https://rb.gy/ojt3av. Use PROMO CODE "RRT5" at checkout for a 5% discount.
6. Please take a moment to register your Ralph's, Food 4 Less, or Kroger Rewards cards to enroll your member number/phone number for the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program. You will be helping Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) raise funds to give back to the community. For every purchase you make, a small % is donated 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 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.
7. Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) helps make an impact in surrounding at-risk and underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. Part of our mission is to help supply the homeless and needy families with food and hygiene bags throughout the year and especially during the holidays and serve as mentors and advocates for at-risk youth and victims of abuse. But we've been on hiatus due to a lack of support from volunteers and board members. Please help me get FMBS Inc. back active in the community, yall! I have tons of ideas yet, little know-how. However, I'm willing to learn; if you have any helpful information or affordable training opportunities please share, and 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 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. We are always in need of monetary donations and 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 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 or by encouraging others to join our cause!
 
For more information about our organization contact fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com. 

 

Respectfully,

Tylesha "Tye" Allen    Life Coach | Mobile Notary | Author | Founder of FMBS Inc.   ·Mobile: (951) 790-2127   ·Address: Los Angeles, CA  ·Website: http://www.ready411.weebly.com | http://sodbytye.blogspot.com     ·Email: tyeallen99@yahoo.com    ·Change begins within; work on becoming a better You, now not later.   ·"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)