Divine Direction (2/9/2022)

SALUTATIONS: Hey yall! I hope that your week has been great thus far. I have fantastic news, my 2nd children's book, How to Be Like Jesus, has been accepted and is now available for purchase exclusively on Amazon; the link will be in the Announcements.... So, the past few months have been an interesting journey for me, to say the least. Does anyone else depend on GPS, or is it just me? If you're geographically challenged like me, you understand that you cannot get to a new destination without good direction. But to get to the place God is calling you doesn't rely on Atlas, MapQuest, Waze, or Google Maps. Nope! To head down the path of an anointed appointment requires divine direction; instead of trying to map out your planned route, allow God to be your compass. 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: Aside from the breath in my lungs and functioning body parts, ya' girl is a two-time author baby! 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: Let us pray for decluttered mindsets so that we can make room for divine direction. 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: "You need God's guidance in everything you do. One of the hardest things in life is knowing which bridge to cross and which to burn" (Real Talk Kim). 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: "I Wanna Be" by J. Moss (you can listen to it here https://rb.gy/h3vizj) and "Man of Your Word" by Maverick City Music feat. Chandler Moore & KJ Scriven (you can listen to it here https://rb.gy/t8i5f3). 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, we thank you, Amen!

KEY PASSAGE(S) – PROVERBS 3:5-6: "5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." 

**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: Without hesitation, we grab our phones or select the navigation in our vehicles to enter our destination into the respective GPS and trust that it will get us there without a hitch. Despite the flaws in technology, we never really question the route the GPS has us on until we're lost or run into a glitch. Yet, the Father, who is never changing, has provided a blueprint for life that we second guess every opportunity we're given to test Him at His word. Why is that? I believe one reason is that we've grown accustomed to tangible (logical) evidence-based responses - we respond to life based on what it has already proven it will or won't do for us. For example, when I use Waze GPS I notice that sometimes it takes me around the world before getting to my destination. It starts off saying something like, "Drive 14 miles, then take exit 25 to XYZ Street." However, after about 5 miles, it reroutes and starts to take me off the original course. I followed that detour in the past only to find that Waze sent me on a maze run, only to place me back on the path I originated on. As a result, I pay attention to the distance and stick to the original route Waze provides while its glitch is continuously rerouting. Eventually, it refreshes, and we're back on the same page.

Our spiritual walk is much like using a GPS. We use instructions from Google, guidance from gurus, and direction from diviners rather than pulling out the OG compass and Atlas - the Bible and prayer. As a result, we end up at the same destination instead of the new one that GOD has ordained for us. Our key passage tells us, plain and simple, "Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take" (Proverbs 3:5, NLT). When we acknowledge and consult God in our planning process, He will provide divine direction. Divine direction, however, isn't just happenstance; we must CHOOSE to seek God's will FIRST. How do we do that? We study the Bible, we fast, we pray, and we wait for God's divine direction. Consider this: if you have been pursuing a career, a relationship, or material things but are struggling to visualize yourself deserving of that thing or enjoying that thing, it probably is a desire that sprang up from societal influence rather than divine influence. 

Since technology is flawed, it's not 100% reliable. Because an individual's moral compass can only be examined by what they reveal to the public, it's not always wise to follow similar pursuits. Information is ever-changing; therefore, what's trending today is gone tomorrow, just like our emotions. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" If we cannot even trust ourselves, how can we place trust in gurus, Google, GPS, people, and other technology yet not extend that same measure of faith to God? The Word of God is Holy Spirit inspired, so knowing the Word is knowing God's voice. The more familiar we are with His voice, the more divine our direction becomes. People often say they lack clarity, but we spend hours scrolling Facebook and Instagram instead of spending time in prayer or the Bible. We have no time for a sermon, but we find time to watch Verzuz, play video games, binge watch a TV series, or scroll through TikTok. We claim we have no time to keep up with Jesus, but we have time to keep up with the Joneses. If you're wondering why you've circled that same corner in life one season after another, it's because you're using the wrong GPS. It's time to accept that God's ways are higher than yours and His plans and path are more significant than any you could ever imagine. When we don't get what we want, that's God's protection putting us back on course to His divine direction. 

God is faithful in directing our paths. We can hear from Him and see His vision clearly when choosing Him as the compass for our lives. The Lord promised, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth... He will tell you about the future." (Psalm 32:8 and John 16:13, NLT). The Lord delights in every detail of our lives (read Psalm 37:23 here https://rb.gy/uwenw6). Still, unlike the gurus who leave us hanging if we pass on their course valued at $297, God is walking with us every step of the way (read Psalm 37:24 here https://rb.gy/dwd8st). Look at it like this "I am that I AM" (Exodus 3:14) That's a huge statement - God is IN you, so no matter what direction you walk in, He's still there to catch you when you stumble. "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps" (Proverbs 16:9, NLT). He "directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" The "Lord's purpose will prevail" (Proverbs 19:21) as we allow God's word to be the "lamp to guide" our paths (read Psalm 119:105 here https://rb.gy/dzvqzc). 

"This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow'" (Isaiah 48:17, NLT). Therefore, my good friends, I encourage you to ditch Google, ditch the gurus, and trust God to prove His word by providing you with divine direction. #SOW

POWER IN PRAYER: POWER IN PRAYER: Abba, Father, you are the great provider. Thank you for decluttering our mindsets to recognize and accept the divine direction you have made readily available through your word and prayer. Today we put aside our idols, and figurative GPS for your guidance. Forgive us for the times that we pursued our pathways over yours. We thank you for speaking to us today and for guiding our steps. We thank you for being the light to the path you've mapped out for us. Thank you for revealing your presence and helping us swiftly obey when we hear your voice. We are grateful for who you are, Abba - a great and mighty Father who helps us as we walk in faith. We thank you for your divine direction to reach our divine destinations. Forever lead, guide, and direct our paths. We thank you for being the ultimate GPS to life, showing us how and where to serve you in the capacity for which you've called us. 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... Got triceps? Most folks know about the biceps, but what about the triceps? The triceps are comprised of muscles that run down the back of your arm from your shoulders to your elbows. They are the supporting muscles that act as the bridge between your arms and upper body. Strong triceps increase your strength, stability, and range of motion. So, when you're working those biceps, don't forget the triceps. 

Here are 5 exercises you can do to work those triceps. Do 8-12 reps of each exercise at a slow, controlled pace using 8-10 lbs. weights:

1. Overhead triceps extensions: Hold a weight, dumbbell, or kettlebell clasped in your hands (if using a dumbbell, hold one in each hand) standing with your feet hip-distance apart. Extend both arms fully overhead. Keep your arms close to your head and slowly bend your elbows, lowering the weight behind your head until your arms are lower than 90 degrees.
2. Triceps kickbacks: Standing with your knees slightly bent, feet hip-distance apart, and your hips hinging forward, hold a dumbbell in each hand at the sides by your chest with your elbows bent at about 90 degrees. Fully extend your arms behind you in a straight line, parallel to your torso with your palms facing in. 
   
3. Skull crushers: Lie flat on your back with your knees bent, holding a dumbbell in each hand by your chest, then extend your arms straight up to the ceiling. Slowly lower both arms toward your head down by your ears, bending your elbows at 90 degrees.
   
4. Diamond push-ups: In a high plank position with your shoulders directly over your wrists and your body in a straight line, place your hands with your index fingers and thumbs touching to form a diamond. Slowly lower your body (your elbows should widen out to the sides), then press your arms back up into the high plank. 
   
5. Chair dips: Sit on the edge of a chair or sofa with your hands flat and your fingers facing the front. Extend your legs out in front of you with only your heels touching the floor, hip-distance apart. Bend at the elbows to lower your body towards the floor until your elbows form a 90-degree angle. Then, lift your body by pressing back up (straightening your arms).
   

For more tricep exercises or to see examples of how to execute the above moves, click this link https://rb.gy/zg2g1a to check out the 11 Best Tricep Exercises mentioned on the Prevention website.

**Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This blog is created for informational purposes only and is not to be interpreted as professional advice regarding health, fitness, or any other field. Consult a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. I do not advise anyone to disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on this blog.**

As always, be mindful of the things you feed your body, both physically and figuratively. Be safe, be blessed, and prioritize your health and wellbeing!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. My 2nd children's book, How to be like Jesus, is now available on Amazon. Click the link to get your copy here https://rb.gy/arinvu.
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 meets via Zoom 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 February 20th as we discuss proactive coping. #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 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   

Author | Mobile Notary | Founder of FMBS Inc.

   · Mobile: (951) 790-2127

   · Address: Los Angeles, CA

   · Lnk.Bio: https://lnk.bio/stronglyresilientizshe

   · 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)