Saturday, November 27, 2010

Quote of the Day

Blessed is the man who recognizes that there is only one God and stops applying for the position. - Max Lucado

Saturday, November 13, 2010

After the licensing…..2 years later

Sub Title: Steps to Self-evaluation

By: Roline Thomas
November 13, 2010
In November 2008 and for the first time in the history of my church St. Mark BC, nine women preached during the Annual Associate Ministers Revival. All nine were licensed on the culminating night, November 12, 2008, as ministers of the Gospel. That faithful night, I identified the women as my “line sisters” and named the group “The St. Mark Nine”, which was inspired by Little Rock’s history making Little Rock Nine.



After receiving a “Happy Anniversary” email from one of my line sisters, I began to ponder my own call, reflecting on the past, present, and future.

Looking back over the past 2 years, I asked the question, “Have I lived up to the call?”
  • Have I been devoted to God speaking to Him in prayer and allowing Him to speak to me through His Word?
  • Did I do all God wanted me to do?
  • Did I faithfully and consistently serve in the ministry of my local church body? What exactly have I done to help build God’s Kingdom?
  • Did I serve in excellence by being prepared and dependable, showing up on time, not having a personal agenda, not seeking to be in the spot light but seeking to shine the spotlight on the Savior?
  • Was I a minister of integrity by keeping my word and doing that which I said I would do?
  • Was I a good minister to my husband and children?
  • Did I keep priorities in order---God, Family, church, and then other stuff?
  • Did I give unselfishly and sacrificially of my time, my talents and my treasures?
Reflecting on the present I asked myself, “Am I where God wants me to be?”

  • Do I consistently spend time with God in prayer and in His Word?
  • Based on my conduct today, would people be shocked if I were to tell them I was a minister?
  • Has anything (people, places, organizations, or habits) interfered with the development and/or furtherance of my call?
  • Am I wasting time and energy doing what God really doesn’t want me to do?
  • Am I really called by God? Am I sure about it? Am I afraid to admit I possibly went in the wrong direction?
  • Am I a blessing to anyone around me?
  • Do people come to me for help (prayer, counsel, etc.)? Am I approachable?
  • Are my gifts making room for me? Do I get opportunity to exercise my call? If God has called me to preach there should be someone for me to preach to.
  • Am I prepared to minister at any given time?
  • Can my family depend on me? Can my church depend on me? Can my job depend on me?
  • Am I in the right church? Am I involved in the right ministries?

In regards to the future, I wondered, “What will I do to be a better steward of the call and a better servant of the Most High?”

  • Have I set goals for my life and ministry?
  • Where do I see God taking me?
  • What areas of my life do I need to change?
  • What should I do differently that I am doing now?

 Gleaning from what I preached on Wednesday night (11/10/10) --- If someone were to accuse me of being a "Minister of the Gospel" would there be any incriminating evidence? Hmmmmm……

Earnest and Roline Ministries: Thoughts About My Licensing Sermon

Earnest and Roline Ministries: Thoughts About My Licensing Sermon: "Commemorating the 2nd year anniversary of my licensing service, I thought I'd repost my thoughts from that day: Originally written: Novembe..."

Friday, November 12, 2010

Where art thou Godly Gal?

The chains has been broken!

We’re back….well somewhat back. When I started this ministry, I was almost immediately issued a test. I believe the test was not only for me but for the sisters of Godly Gals. The bible says obedience is better than sacrifice. There may be times in our lives that we are asked to do something that doesn’t make sense. Those who have authority over us may ask us to do something that we are not in agreement with. If such a request is made, and if the request is not immoral or causes you to sin, it becomes our responsibility to submit our leader.

 In obedience, I ceased all activity of this ministry. I along with the Godly Gals at the time did not understand why such a request was being made. However, I have learned a few things.
  • God is in control! Let Him deal with adversity. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
  • Others are watching. As a mentor, role model, minister of the Gospel, & leader remember others are watching your witness. To be effective and impactful in another person’s life, you must walk what you talk. 
  • When God calls you to carry out a specific task, in spite adversity, you WILL be able to do that which He asks. Although this ministry has been inactive, the ministry still continued. Almost all of the Godly Gals continued to receive mentoring from me, not in the group setting but one on one. When I reflected over the last few months, I realized that the Godly Gals were still contacting me for advice, guidance, critique, and girl talk. The ministry was and is still in action.
I don’t know if and when we will ever meet again, but I will continue to post what I have learned that may be beneficial to someone else. It’s all about this Godly Gal helping other Godly Gals. Love you all!