tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73997654175402688062024-03-05T05:31:32.188-06:00Godly GALSEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-54069347376213658912011-07-12T14:08:00.000-05:002011-07-12T14:08:15.496-05:00GODLY GALS FELLOWSHIP!<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Godly Gals</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">G</span>rowing <span style="color: black;">A</span>nointed <span style="color: black;">L</span>ady <span style="color: black;">S</span>ervants</span></strong></div><br />
<div></div>Greetings ladies,<br />
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EXPANSION has occurred….want to know more? Be at the Godly Gals Mentoring Ministry’s MEET & GREET FELLOWSHIP on Thursday, July 21st, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Come and find out the vision and goals of this ministry. You would not be getting this invite if the ministry was not something that would be beneficial to you. If you are serious about maturing in your God given purpose, GODLY GALS IS FOR YOU! This is NOT the regular meeting night, so if the date conflict with your schedule but you are still interested in the ministry, just let me know. Hope to see you there. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED. Directions are at the end of this email. <br />
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So that I may prepare for you (materials and food), if you haven't already, please RSVP by Monday, July 18th for the July 21st fellowship. <br />
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Here’s a sneek peek of what the Godly Gals is all about, but I encourage you to come out to get ALL the info…..<br />
<ul><li><em>Godly Gals (Growing Anointed Lady Servants) is designed to provide mentoring to women for the work of ministry. We seek to help women to reach her God-given potential through Biblical teaching, training, real talk discussions, support, accountability, and fellowship. Godly GALS seeks to encourage, empower, enlighten and equip women who are serious about building the Kingdom of God.</em></li>
</ul>Godly Gals will help you with your personal discovery & development of God’s purpose for you. You will learn how to execute and deliver your God given assignments in more effective and impactful ways. Godly Gals are afforded opportunities for gift development. <br />
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<div></div>Hope to see you on the 21st!<br />
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<div></div>Be blessed,<br />
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<div>Roline Thomas</div><br />
<div></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-52953970382435835342011-07-12T12:20:00.002-05:002011-07-12T12:22:08.964-05:00Celebrating A Godly Wedding!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Congratulations to The former Franchesca James who entered into marital bliss on Saturday, July 9th. In spite of 100 degree temperatures, the outdoor wedding was beautiful and Franchesca was certainly a lovely glowing bride. Be in prayer for this new era our sisters life. Introducing Mrs. Jamel Starks..........</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-16791582622525001692011-07-04T14:09:00.000-05:002011-07-04T14:09:48.167-05:00Godly Gals SERVING<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Sonya & Roline volunteered to serve with The Impact Zone (TIZ) Ministry for their first ever "FREEDOM FEAST." Partnering with the Salvation Army, TIZ served grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, Roline's baked beans, chips, and punch to the homeless. So many people came through the doors looking for a meal. We had a blast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;">GALS - GROWING ANOINTED LADY <strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">SERVANTS</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Roline and Sonya break to pose for a pic:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzbsmAPwB_q5mmFMIKyUm3_PxZnv0r5R7Ghwx7wx6DGm9KNC8LdEYM-nxinvjPlz-nyD4Ols2Xv9WJIUs5rSQRxTEpCa54bLb2QGciakReiKwXCr5gRTgIPNfswn0HcwuHLvF19d0tXs/s1600/e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzbsmAPwB_q5mmFMIKyUm3_PxZnv0r5R7Ghwx7wx6DGm9KNC8LdEYM-nxinvjPlz-nyD4Ols2Xv9WJIUs5rSQRxTEpCa54bLb2QGciakReiKwXCr5gRTgIPNfswn0HcwuHLvF19d0tXs/s400/e.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-26700479184599106072011-06-25T19:16:00.001-05:002011-06-25T19:17:41.947-05:00Quote of the Day<span style="font-size: large;">Leaders have used the word visitation when describing an encounter with God’s presence, whether it was on a corporate basis, or an individual basis. The Lord desire is not a VISITATION; rather, He seeks a HABITATION.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ A Heart Ablaze, John Bevere</span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-16903532032919020252011-06-18T08:22:00.001-05:002011-06-18T08:25:57.969-05:00Quote of the DayAn important ingredient to ministering...allow yourself to be ministered by the Word, songs, testimonies you bring forth. What you share is not only for "their" deliverance, but also for "your" deliverance.Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-91736581234835665362011-06-12T17:10:00.001-05:002011-06-12T17:10:51.004-05:00Quote of the Day<span style="font-size: large;">If you have LIMITED VISION , God can only use you in a LIMITED WAY .</span>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-9654015093446173882011-06-08T19:04:00.002-05:002011-06-08T19:04:56.290-05:00Quote of the DayTo combat gossip remember this - <strong><em>Carnal questions deserve spiritual answers</em></strong> - that'll shut them up! ` Earnest and RolineEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-46587695564181558022011-06-03T11:06:00.001-05:002011-06-03T11:06:55.153-05:00Earnest and Roline Ministries: Quote of the Day<a href="http://earnestandroline.blogspot.com/2011/06/quote-of-day.html?spref=bl">Quote of the Day</a>: "Haters are INTIMIDATED by your ANOINTING. If you have NO HATERS, you have NO ANOITNING. Don't hate your haters---they keep you in close contact with the Lord! ~Roline ThomasEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-26052504800386316062011-06-02T22:23:00.001-05:002011-06-02T22:30:47.288-05:00Unrealistic Expectations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpljyoko-CI-E49H0vdwHVTNKzVNoshWioNM_8mlWVv38kZUPCVdr645tBY74w8FtARCfBjvTlyo36vkpGHKTbs3qr3FnMKnsFLdGmr_Mk4uFgHkv26aqg_AHTuL08rdVtHAOf2ShDsQ8/s1600/expectation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpljyoko-CI-E49H0vdwHVTNKzVNoshWioNM_8mlWVv38kZUPCVdr645tBY74w8FtARCfBjvTlyo36vkpGHKTbs3qr3FnMKnsFLdGmr_Mk4uFgHkv26aqg_AHTuL08rdVtHAOf2ShDsQ8/s200/expectation.jpg" t8="true" width="200px" /></a></div>By Roline Thomas <br />
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6/2/2011<br />
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In the church there are those who act as if a minister, teacher, or leader in the church should have more Bible knowledge than Jesus. The leader should pray a certain way, look a certain way, talk a certain way, and/or dress a certain way. The "know what you should be doing" person has a plan for your role in the church. You should sing, you should play the piano, you should work with the kids, you should wear a hat! When did God leave the Throne and give these people the authority to tell you what to do?! Expectations of church members are often too high for ministers, preacher’s wives, evangelist, etc. Actually they are usually <strong><em>UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. </em></strong><br />
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For a few years I stopped attending the midweek Bible Study. I also did not show up for EVERY program, meeting or event at the church. {GASP} My children's homework and "at home time" was more important. Since dad is required to be at church, I stayed behind with the kids. I KNOW my kids benefited greatly from my move. However, I had to listen to the "sly remarks" from several members about my absence. <strong><em>UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.</em></strong> <br />
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We are to please God and God alone. Since God doesn’t place unrealistic expectations on you, why try to meet another’s? Besides, as much as you try to do what others expect for you to do, they'll still render their grievances and complaints. Ministry workers who fall into the trap of allowing others to determine your ministry-that is what you are to do in the church-do not know their God given purpose. You must not allow outside people to influence you. No one has the authority to tell you your purpose. You must seek God for direction in ministry, otherwise you will find yourself trying to meet <strong><em>UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS</em></strong>.Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-77244298079919352942011-05-28T14:58:00.001-05:002011-05-28T15:00:54.155-05:00Thoughts from Pastor T's Wife: Creating Balance Between Home and Ministry<a href="http://pastorswife2011.blogspot.com/2011/05/creating-balance-between-home-and.html?spref=bl">Creating Balance Between Home and Ministry</a>: "A women's primary role is to her home. The home is a great task alone. However, many women today are called to the ministry. Whether it is teaching, preaching, ministering music, etc., many women are called to areas within the ministry that requires much preparation. There is an old saying, "There aren't enough hours in a day!" God knew what he was doing when he gave man 24 hours per day and created our bodies to rest at least 8 hours of that day. That means we have 16 hours of wake hours. If you daily feel overwhelmed, not rested, and stressed by all the assignments you have taken on, then perhaps you are doing more than what God has intended for you to do..." <strong><em><span style="color: red;">To read more click on this article's title above. </span></em></strong>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-50538795838588604762011-05-28T00:16:00.002-05:002011-06-01T20:02:02.826-05:00The Look of Unoriginality<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Leave those internet sermons on the internet!</span></strong><br />
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I know, I know, the Bible says. “There is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9). But that doesn’t mean we are to be copycats, plagiarist, or plain old lazy in our preparation to minister the gospel.<br />
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Internet sermons can be useful tools in our preparation. They can inspire, offer illustrations, and enlighten. But they should not replace our first and foremost Source, the Holy Spirit. When preparing sermons, never, never, never research internet sermons first. Get into the habit of NOT DEPENDING or NEEDING them. You will stunt your development as a preacher if you choose to preach sermons prepared by others.<br />
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One problem I’ve witnessed is that of preachers allowing research assistants to prepare their sermons instead of just researching the scripture, big idea, or theme. Some of us sitting in the congregation are studious and not stupid. We know you didn’t prepare your sermon. As a matter of fact, we can pretty much figure out which of your sermon writers prepared the message! And here’s a tip to you who choose to continue in this venue—your sermon writers can’t hold water! In other words they will tell someone, who will tell another, who will tell another the truth about your “preparation time.”<br />
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The problem of preachers relying on sermons from the internet is growing in the church. I was in a small church setting and heard a guy preaching a message that just didn’t match his personality. I jotted down a few quotes from his message, googled, and WAH-LA—there it was in its entirety on the internet. I was in a larger church setting, and the same happened---same title, same introduction, same body---could this be a coincidence? I think not!<br />
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Here me out, I know sometimes you can get into a bind. But don’t fall into the trap of taking shortcuts in your preparation. Internet sermons are shortcuts. They can be a help—especially when seeking out illustrations. HOWEVER, internet sermons are NOT to be the only tool of research.<br />
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Recently Beyonce performed on the Billboard awards. I did not see the show, but I saw a clip of her performance that had been posted on Facebook by a friend. Beyonce had been accused of copying the routine of another artist. For proof, the video showed the performances by both artists side by side simultaneously. I must admit, I was shocked by the similarities. Also, I was a little disappointed that the choreographer of Beyonce’s routine could have possibly been a copycat. Beyoncé's team admitted the routine was initially inspired by a similar performance by Italian singer Lorella Cuccarini. Once I viewed Beyonce’s video and the original video, I began thinking that someone has misrepresented themselves. A copycat, internet sermon preacher is misrepresenting the call God placed on you. <br />
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Check out the Beyonce video:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FPnmOATzxmY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-61665327848501547162011-05-10T18:23:00.002-05:002011-05-10T18:23:19.305-05:00Quote of th DayHumility does not imply that we are to have an inferior view of ourselves, but a healthy one. ~Ted EngstromEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-82229192707201877312011-04-26T18:00:00.001-05:002011-04-26T18:19:23.484-05:00Do You Have A Buisness Card?I GOT IT!! Took a while but I finally got it!! <br />
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My husband has been getting on me about ordering business cards for our ministry. After speaking recently at an event I finally understood why I needed business cards. It seems like every time I speak, someone invites me to speak at their event and/or asks for a business card. Whomever assists me would scramble in search for a piece of paper to scribble the number onto. HOW UNPROFESSIONAL!!! I can't believe I waited this long to get a card.<br />
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It was really easy ordering the cards. I went to Office Depot's website and was able to design a card and place an order. I paid about $25 for 200 business cards. It took 3 business days for me to receive them. Whether a Senior Pastor or associate minister, e<strong>very person in ministry should have business cards</strong>. It's more professional to issue a card, than to scribble on a piece of paper. The recipient is more likely to keep and locate your business card verses a torn paper.<br />
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Here's my card with the phone numbers scratched out in a very unprofessional manner (LOL!):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMHdLen8rY9sy2uBYux3aMDmxfyzaPekwFTAPjNhD-fFJmhYZTvretVGIpR_JGLEPKy6C00Z1c-Po66lyhSdivz9pfnIGu5FLqnybeoutI3mkQpbgx3jpJFVogdFUHIVWbGSj10BNl3U/s1600/ERMCard0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMHdLen8rY9sy2uBYux3aMDmxfyzaPekwFTAPjNhD-fFJmhYZTvretVGIpR_JGLEPKy6C00Z1c-Po66lyhSdivz9pfnIGu5FLqnybeoutI3mkQpbgx3jpJFVogdFUHIVWbGSj10BNl3U/s400/ERMCard0001.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-45614627739814294222011-01-11T22:16:00.000-06:002011-01-11T22:16:33.684-06:00Feeling Discouraged? Little or No Preaching Opportunities<strong>That last post was a mess. i don't know what happened to it, but some how the formatting was disoriented. here's a re-post</strong><br />
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<div> </div>By Roline Thomas <br />
12/22/10<br />
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What God has for me it is for me? Let a good preacher tune up and whoop out that phrase. Watch what happens. Observe the people shouting, running, jumping, naming and claiming. In the moment, it sounds good and feels good. The listener receives and believes the declaration. Yet, FOR SOME who are not being used in ministry, who begin to wonder when will he or she have a chance to operate in the call, “what God has for me is for me” is not very comforting. Sometimes, the slogan has been far removed from their memory bank.<br />
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Ever had these thoughts: <br />
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<div><em><em>When will I be licensed? When will I get an opportunity to preach? I feel an overwhelming sense of unfairness when others are used often, I am not given a chance. There are some in leadership who are holding me back from what God has called me to do because they don’t like me and/or show favoritism to others.</em></em> </div><br />
If you ever had these thoughts what happens to “what God has for me it is for me?” Do you really believe because you don’t get opportunity that other people have hindered your call? Stop blaming others for your lack of progress. Talk to God. But beware, he’ll give you an answer, perhaps one that you weren’t expecting.<br />
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With God all things are possible. He is able to bring you to, get you through and finish whatever work be has begun in you. So why are you in this stagnant place? Why haven’t you been licensed? Why don’t you get opportunities to preach? I don’t know, but what I do advise is this “DON’T BE DISCOURAGED.” Why? Because all things are working for the good of those who 1) LOVE GOD and 2) are called according to HIS PURPOSE. Here are a few things to ponder:<br />
<ol><li>Do I really live like I love God. Maybe, God can’t trust me with opportunity because I haven’t placed Him first. How’s my devotion to God?</li>
<li>Am I walking in His purpose? If God called you to preach he has an audience for you. Are you really called to preach? What makes you sure?</li>
<li>Am I ready? Preaching isn’t easy. Do you really think you can deliver a sound message in such a way that people will be transformed by the love of God. Maybe you are in a “gift development” season. Use this time to learn how to study and prepare.</li>
<li>Am I serving? Ministering is so much more than preaching. Many called preachers make the mistake of seeking opportunity to preach while missing opportunities to serve. </li>
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<div>One final thought. My husband has often asked this question in minister’s training class. If you were driving in the wrong direction, how long would you continue before turning around. If you are going in the right direction, keep moving forward. But if you discover you were not called to preach, turn around before you hurt yourself or someone else.</div><br />
<div> </div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-84868638127630998832011-01-02T21:01:00.001-06:002011-01-02T21:01:09.151-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA45yv-bA9eV1i9Te8xr50WXTno8QIo2cylnFmgbFmUEvFZ5n8yCGkSZfzOQGrEK0q3xdfTINgpdHAUDpq1gECluEbY2NRALryb8cdCg0TefP1pmb21GNrrEDxnvsw8fxz4Dq4gGyC24/s1600/Arkadelphia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA45yv-bA9eV1i9Te8xr50WXTno8QIo2cylnFmgbFmUEvFZ5n8yCGkSZfzOQGrEK0q3xdfTINgpdHAUDpq1gECluEbY2NRALryb8cdCg0TefP1pmb21GNrrEDxnvsw8fxz4Dq4gGyC24/s640/Arkadelphia2.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-48408237552618050842010-11-27T11:54:00.000-06:002010-11-27T11:54:40.597-06:00Quote of the Day<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Blessed is the man who recognizes that there is only one God and stops applying for the position. -</em></span> Max LucadoEarnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-11208514889201008882010-11-26T10:27:00.003-06:002010-11-26T10:28:37.993-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVfHkaqcTf6ljy-Dnr2dVwuEhDYWGPF4SvYfATsfaBPDo1EjY3hVAvD-IqtKfk0Q2xmPrhKWb70ChtEcf-mtFjyjbDYjsNcoRC_CkRlSmJfE5ori1eXFqOjswGLPhrsdTufby1TxV96U/s1600/10+service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVfHkaqcTf6ljy-Dnr2dVwuEhDYWGPF4SvYfATsfaBPDo1EjY3hVAvD-IqtKfk0Q2xmPrhKWb70ChtEcf-mtFjyjbDYjsNcoRC_CkRlSmJfE5ori1eXFqOjswGLPhrsdTufby1TxV96U/s640/10+service.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-48052936798131110642010-11-18T14:02:00.000-06:002010-11-18T14:02:13.809-06:00Faith Conference in Dallas<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Featuring Earnest and Roline</em></strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB9rWerpxj1jUc7NBgnLy1ciPAT8o5oEEntWf_fRQL75iCK0nyPF3SANn8gekGb4CVfrFHt5akYObEmYEBj-RIg5N2BehkOVSJHPQzAiGxbSL6hah8bVDTjpKjkPR6STXm0Vcxqccuy0/s1600/Faith+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB9rWerpxj1jUc7NBgnLy1ciPAT8o5oEEntWf_fRQL75iCK0nyPF3SANn8gekGb4CVfrFHt5akYObEmYEBj-RIg5N2BehkOVSJHPQzAiGxbSL6hah8bVDTjpKjkPR6STXm0Vcxqccuy0/s640/Faith+Final.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-35126711279991654662010-11-13T11:01:00.001-06:002010-11-13T11:06:06.949-06:00After the licensing…..2 years laterSub Title: <strong><em><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Steps to Self-evaluation</span></em></strong><br />
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By: Roline Thomas<br />
November 13, 2010<br />
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<em> “line sisters”</em> and named the group <em>“The St. Mark Nine”,</em> which was inspired by Little Rock’s history making Little Rock Nine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c6HkFovBthdFIWse6rJ7tzrZnksiLfoaBvWsVVvCJJme1TDuuBlWw2alNYR5Zlm8VLTklP4tLApF4saXRoCD4nddmtkVQVEugc_OfqQSFZo66TyDRgzgG1IAOqHhDXsjhIO9OyRZXZw/s1600/Smark9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c6HkFovBthdFIWse6rJ7tzrZnksiLfoaBvWsVVvCJJme1TDuuBlWw2alNYR5Zlm8VLTklP4tLApF4saXRoCD4nddmtkVQVEugc_OfqQSFZo66TyDRgzgG1IAOqHhDXsjhIO9OyRZXZw/s400/Smark9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div></div>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.<br />
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Looking back over the past 2 years, I asked the question, <strong><em>“Have I lived up to the call?”</em></strong> <br />
<ul><li>Have I been devoted to God speaking to Him in prayer and allowing Him to speak to me through His Word?</li>
<li>Did I do all God wanted me to do? </li>
<li>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?</li>
<li>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? </li>
<li>Was I a minister of integrity by keeping my word and doing that which I said I would do? </li>
<li>Was I a good minister to my husband and children? </li>
<li>Did I keep priorities in order---God, Family, church, and then other stuff?</li>
<li>Did I give unselfishly and sacrificially of my time, my talents and my treasures?</li>
</ul>Reflecting on the present I asked myself,<strong> “Am I where God wants me to be?”</strong><br />
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<ul><li>Do I consistently spend time with God in prayer and in His Word?</li>
<li>Based on my conduct today, would people be shocked if I were to tell them I was a minister?</li>
<li>Has anything (people, places, organizations, or habits) interfered with the development and/or furtherance of my call?</li>
<li>Am I wasting time and energy doing what God really doesn’t want me to do?</li>
<li>Am I really called by God? Am I sure about it? Am I afraid to admit I possibly went in the wrong direction?</li>
<li>Am I a blessing to anyone around me?</li>
<li>Do people come to me for help (prayer, counsel, etc.)? Am I approachable?</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Am I prepared to minister at any given time?</li>
<li>Can my family depend on me? Can my church depend on me? Can my job depend on me?</li>
<li>Am I in the right church? Am I involved in the right ministries?</li>
</ul><br />
<div>In regards to the future, I wondered, <em>“What will I do to be a better steward of the call and a better servant of the Most High?”</em></div><br />
<ul><li>Have I set goals for my life and ministry?</li>
<li>Where do I see God taking me?</li>
<li>What areas of my life do I need to change?</li>
<li>What should I do differently that I am doing now?</li>
</ul><br />
<div> Gleaning from what I preached on Wednesday night (11/10/10) --- <strong><em>If someone were to accuse me of being a "Minister of the Gospel" would there be any incriminating evidence?</em></strong> Hmmmmm……</div><br />
<div></div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-63017295259588196592010-11-13T03:58:00.000-06:002010-11-13T03:58:30.012-06:00Earnest and Roline Ministries: Thoughts About My Licensing Sermon<a href="http://earnestandroline.blogspot.com/2010/11/thoughts-about-my-licensing-sermon.html?spref=bl">Earnest and Roline Ministries: Thoughts About My Licensing Sermon</a>: "Commemorating the 2nd year anniversary of my licensing service, I thought I'd repost my thoughts from that day: Originally written: Novembe..."Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-48022513813066556762010-11-12T19:44:00.007-06:002010-11-12T20:05:44.024-06:00Where art thou Godly Gal?<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d;"><em>The chains has been broken!</em></span></strong><br />
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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.<br />
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<div> 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.</div><ul><li><strong>God is in control!</strong> Let Him deal with adversity. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.</li>
<li><strong>Others are watching.</strong> 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. </li>
<li><strong>When God calls you to carry out a specific task, in spite adversity, you WILL be able to do that which He asks</strong>. 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.</li>
</ul><div>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!</div>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-37333437179589224202010-07-11T22:15:00.002-05:002010-07-12T11:17:35.325-05:00July 2010 Godly GALS MeetingThe July 2010 meeting was awesome!! Godly GALS got off to a great start. Here are the highlights:<br /><br />The agenda for all meetings will follow the following format:<br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">G</span></strong>od First – Prayer<br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">A</span></strong>nnouncements/Events/Information<br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">L</span></strong>earning Time<br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">S</span></strong>haring Time<br /><br />The meeting was opened with prayer by a GG. Each GG read their written expectations of the Godly GALS ministry and then placed them all in a treasure box. Roline then prayed over the box asking for God to help each woman realize their expectations and asking God to guide and direct her as leader of the ministry. Roline has committed to continually praying for the needs of the Godly Gals.<br /><br />GGs were encouraged to begin building their library of resource books. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>There will be a sale at the main library next weekend, Fri., July 16- Sun., July 18, 2010</em></span></strong> at the Downtown main library. Books are .50 for soft cover and $1 for hard cover. The 200 section is the religious books. There are great books available at a low cost.<br /><br />Also, 4 books were randomly gifted to women in attendance. 3 were devotional books and the 4th was an excellent commentary on the Sermon on the Mount by John Butler (a must have for your library).Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-65258091506794406142010-07-11T21:54:00.000-05:002010-07-11T22:18:04.954-05:00July 2010 Preaching TipsAfter attending a GG’s preaching engagement, the following observations were made that may be helpful for us all:<br /><br />1. If you are a person who moves a lot when speaking, make sure you grab hold of the mic when first standing to preach. The congregation cannot hear you if you step away from the mic. Don’t ever assume that you speak loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. Most of the time, people in the rear can’t hear.<br /><br /><p>2. When preaching, only ask rhetorical questions. When teaching, you can solicit answers to questions, but not when preaching.<br /><br />3. Be careful of giving too much information and very little revelation. Your audience needs to hear application.<br /><br />4. Be specific when using application. People can relate better when you are specific. For example:<br /><em>Good</em>: There was a time when I did not depend on God. I tried to do things on my own without Him.<br /><em>More Impactful</em>: There was a time that I depended on the money I made instead of God. I had a good job making great pay and thought I was secure because I had extra money in the bank.<br /></p><p>5. Preach for results, not reaction. Don’t be discourage because people aren’t shouting and/or “talking back” (encouraging) you. The results of the Word proclaimed manifests in transforms lives. Anyone can produce a reaction (shouts, “amens”, etc.). </p>Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-19705482832291186632010-07-11T21:40:00.002-05:002010-07-12T08:45:37.794-05:00July 2010 Lesson - Preparation for Powerful Preaching<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Preparation for Powerful Preaching</strong></span><br /></span></span><br /><br /><strong>Are you guilty of studying…</strong><br />1) to prepare for what’s next (your next assignment)?<br />2) in case you get called on in a Bible Study class?<br />3) to meet the requirements of a class/group (Seminary, Master’s Life, Ministry School)?<br /><br />In a class a teacher said, "The first casualty in a busy preacher’s life is his devotional time."<br /><br /><em>A look at the preacher:</em><br />For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. —Ezra 7:10<br /><br />Ezra…<br />1) Studied the Word so he could……2) Live the Word which qualified him to….3) Teach the Word<br /><br />As preachers we must pray to God and study God's Word so that we can live according to His Word. We can't stand before the people to effectively proclaim his Word if we don't spend regular consistent time with God.<br /><br />Look at Matthew 17:14-21 (also see Mark 9:14-29)<br />Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Why could not we cast him out?” In this passage the disciples failed. They could not cast out a spirit which Jesus gave them authority over. In Luke 9 Jesus gives the disciples authority and power to heal diseases and cast out demons. Yet, in the passage, the disciples were powerless.<br /><br />You can have authority but no power.<br />· Power is not self-manufactured but divinely imparted through the Word of God.<br />· The Holy Spirit is with you imparting power into you. This comes from studying the Word of God.<br />· So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. —Romans 10:17<br /><br />The disciples "hung out" with Jesus, yet they had no power. As ministers of the Word, beware of just hanging out with Jesus. How is this done?--- Hanging out at church services, ministry meetings, musicals, revivals, feeding the homeless. Beware of being absorbed with doing the work of the Lord that you don't spent quality time with the Lord of the work.<br /><br />Develop a time of personal devotion:<br /><br />1) <em>Set a time</em> - and be consistent. Clear your calendar & turn off the cell phone.<br />2) <em>Decide on a place</em> - atmosphere is important. Don't set yourself up in a dark, depressing setting.<br />3) <em>Have a plan</em> - decide what you will read. Pray to God so that He will hear you. Read His Word so that you will hear from him.Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399765417540268806.post-14465971672637384222010-07-11T20:56:00.000-05:002010-07-11T21:35:41.993-05:00Fact Finding Meeting - June 15, 2010Godly Gals held it's introductory meeting Tuesday, June 15th in the home of Minister Roline Thomas. In order to keep the seeting intimate and comfortable, invitations to the meeting was limited to 12 ladies. 11 of the 12 ladies committed to the ministry. PRASIE GOD!!<br /><br />Ministry ojectives and guidelines were issued to each of the ladies in attendance. This includes:<br /><br /><strong>Scripture</strong><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.-Ecclesiastes 4:9<br /><br /><strong>Description of the Mentor</strong><br />· A mentor is a wise woman who is mature in faith and consistent in godly conduct.<br />· A mentor willing to listen, share skills, and provide a positive perspective for life experiences.<br />· A mentor provides wisdom and offers a spiritually sound, safe and fun friendship.<br />· A mentor leads simply because she is experienced and has travelled the path<br /><br /><strong>Seasons of the Godly Gals Life to be addressed<br /></strong>Seed - Nurture, Love, Touch, Affirm, Bless, Come Alongside<br />Feed – Teach, Tend, Mend, Build Relationships, Strengthen<br />Weed – Prune, Build Discipline, Build Character, Pray, Worship<br />Lead – Equip to Lead, Minister, Release<br /><br />Homemade cream cheese cookie cake was served to those in attendance. If you want the recipe, go to "Cooking with Roline & Camille" at <a href="http://thomasdivascook.blogspot.com/">http://thomasdivascook.blogspot.com/</a> .Earnest and Rolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10574269390027707521noreply@blogger.com0