Marriage Breakfast & Workshop

Earnest and Roline are the presenters for Second Baptist Church's Marriage Ministry Breakfast and Workshop on Saturday, November 10, 2012, 9 am - 12 pm, Rev. Kevin Kelly, pastor. They will be discuss topics couples usually ignore and/or are don't know how to approach.

Earnest and Roline conducting a Marriage Conference

Haiti 2012 Mission

Thankful to have been a part of my church's mission team. Testimonies and pics real soon. Stay tuned.

Speaking engagement

God can BLESS in a MESS

Below is a window on my house. The window screen on the left window is missing. A thief stole 4 screens off my windows including 2 in the back, one on the side, and one in front. What’s my point---it could have been worse. The thief could have broken into my house. The thief did not enter my house!

When you are “going through” a trial, test, storm, etc, focus on the BLESSOR and see His BLESSINGS in your life. See His protection in your storm. Remember, it could be worse. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy.  I rest in peace knowing that the adversary can’t penetrate my spirit and steal what God has placed in me---His joy, His peace & His love.

Relationship 101: Where are the Good Men?

Earnest and Roline Thomas

We’ve heard many women ask the question, “where are the good men?” In this present day, we understand the concern. There are men in prisons, men struggling with homosexuality, men with children from multiple women, men unemployed, and men choosing to remain single. Certainly there is not a shortage of men, however, there is a shortage of men who are ready to be husbands.  So where are the good men? Exploring Genesis 2:15-20, the careful observer discovers principles which good men should possess.

God created Adam a man, but He had to prepare him to be a husband. We find Adam working and managing the Garden of Eden.  Through the assignment of cultivating the Garden, God taught Adam responsibility. Every day Adam went to work. This work may have seemed mundane and tedious, but the job was very much needed. There is nothing glamorous about being responsible but it is an integral part of being a good leader. Adam proved to be a RESPONSIBLE leader before becoming a husband.  If a man does not display responsibility before marriage, don’t expect a responsible husband after saying “I do.”

Adam avoided eating from the tree of good and evil as commanded by God. With this lesson God established boundaries for Adam. The lesson was simple. If Adam would not respect God, his creator, He would not be able to respect God’s creation—his wife. A successful marriage is one where husband and wife respects the boundaries of that relationship. These boundaries include protecting your marriage from intruders which may come in the form of infidelity, interfering family members, and meddlesome friends. Adam showed RESPECT to God’s command. If a man does not display respect before marriage, don’t expect a respectful husband after saying “I do.”

Lastly, Adam models the idea that first and foremost fellowship with God brings one from being a man to a good man. Adam had a relationship with God where he heard God’s voice and responded in obedience. God then blessed him with a human relationship. Looking into the Master’s classroom we learn if our spiritual relationship with God is out of whack, our human relationships will be out of whack. After exhibiting responsibility and respect, God created in Adam a desire and need for a permanent human relationship. A “player” can be responsible and respect God, but he may not see the need for a relationship with one woman. Just because he has a good job, opens the door for you, leads in the church, studies the Bible, and pays his child support that does not make him ready for marriage. Adam willfully decided upon a one God, one woman RELATIONSHIP. If a man is not faithful to his relationship with God and you before marriage, don’t expect a faithful relationship from your husband after saying “I do.

All the development of Adam was done before he could ever lay his eyes on a woman. Adam was ready for a woman, but, Eve was not ready for the man because she hadn’t been formed yet. Proverbs 18:22 says "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." It is the man’s job to find a wife. This means a woman is shaped into a wife before a man ever finds her. And, before marriage, she sees her husband as her head and leader. She is already submissive.

Perhaps, you have not captured the eye of a "good man" because you have not become a wife. God could still be shaping you.

DON’T BELIEVE THE LIE - Arguing

Most of us were told "when you get married, you ARE going to argue.” The first year of my marriage, I endeavored to be the undefeated argument champion in my home. I didn’t seek to resolve conflict, I desired to WIN! After all, isn’t MY WAY THE WAY TO DO IT? So I thought!

A marriage is to glorify God. Marriage is to be a reflection of the relationship of Christ and the universal church. Keeping these two points in mind do you think you are glorifying God when you argue with your spouse? Do you think Christ argues with his people? Nowhere in the Bible do we see Jesus getting into an arguing match, so if Christ is our example of how to conduct ourselves, who are we patterning ourselves after when we argue in our marriage?

When a person tells you that you will argue in married, DON'T BELIEVE THAT LIE! It is a lie of the enemy. We must be careful of what we allow people to deposit in our spirit. If you believe you are going to argue you will argue, for the Bible says as a man think in his heart so is he.

The Bible does not tell us that couples are to argue. Conversely, it commands us to give respect to one another, to love one another, to be patient with one another , and to encourage one another. So why are we Christians buying into the lie?

As a couple, you both must agree to never argue again. God can give you that peace. I have been married to my husband for 19 years, with the last 18 being argument free!

The Bible says "Be angry and sin not" (Eph. 4:26). We have to learn to control our anger and not allow our anger to control us. Getting into yelling matches is losing control.

Yes, we will disagree as a couple on issues, however, a disagreement does not give cause to an argument.

Spread Love, not just on Valentine's Day

Love gives without EXPECTING anything in return! Relationships based on RECIEVING are destined for doom. When you give today to your spouse, boo, friends, loved ones, etc., give not because you expected them to give something to you or you feel obligated to give. Give just because you LOVE. Isn't that God's way? Indeed, it is! Spread REAL LOVE! Have a great day!

The Tragedy of Inner Turmoil

On this 1^st day in the month of Black History, history has been made. A man who made history through his many accomplishments decided his life should be history.

Today, an icon in the music industry died of an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound. At age 75, Don Cornelius accomplished what many people young and old seek – PMS – power, money, & social status. He was the creator and driving force of the popular dance show Soul Train. Weekly to the viewing audience, he wished LOVE, PEACE, and SOUL. However, on today this LOVE giving, SOULful man committed suicide, demonstrating to the world his life lacked PEACE. In spite of his fame, money, social status, and accomplishments, Don Cornelius was haunted by inner demons that left him feeling life was not worth living.

I’m praying Mr. Cornelius’ death will serve as a reminder to us that power, money, and status does not guarantee an inner peace. Only through Jesus Christ can one have a peace that passes all understanding. Those who believe you’d be better off if you knew the right people and/or were millionaires will find a life without the RIGHT person, Jesus Christ, will only leave you with a lingering inner pain and feelings of worthlessness. While you are yet alive I urge you to give Jesus a try. He won’t let you down.

Through Christ, you will find REAL love, peace, and soooouuuullllll…..

St. Mark's EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP

This Saturday, January 21, 2012, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, both Earnest and Roline will be teaching in St. Mark BC's EMPOWERMENT Workshop. If you are in the Little Rock area, you are invited to come. Earnest will teach the class, TOXIC FAITH: Dealing with Church Hurt", and Roline will teach "KEEPING COOL WHEN YOU'RE HOT: Strategies for Anger Management."

Also, together Earnest and Roline will teach "MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: Adultery Proofing Your Marriage."

Detailed information about this FREE WORKSHOP with FREE CHILDCARE and FREE BREAKFAST is found below the flyer. 

Date & Time: Saturday, January 21, 2010, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Location: Education Building
Attendees: This workshop is FREE and open to the public.
FREE CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED.

Agenda:
8:30 am - 9:00 am Refreshments and registration
9:00 am - 9:15 am Welcome & Opening Prayer
                              Goals
                              Instructions & Introductions
9:20 am - 10:35 am Session I Classes
10:35 am - 10:45 am Break
10:45 am - 12:00 pm Session II Classes
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Closing General Session

Class Descriptions and Instructors:

Session 1 - 9:20 am - 10:35 am

Keeping Cool When You're Hot: Strategies for Managing Anger

Min. Roline Thomas

Anger is one letter short of danger! It is not a sin to be angry. The Bible tells us to be angry and not sin in our anger. You will be taught the real purpose for this God-given emotion. Learn effective ways to minimize negative responses in heated situations.
 
Toxic Faith: Dealing with Church Hurt and False Hope

Pastor Earnest Thomas

I've done everything the preacher said. I sowed a faith seed. I named and claimed it. So why am I still broke? Why am I still sick? Why is my house in foreclosure? Is it a lack of faith? When will I get my blessing? This class will help you discover the answer to many of these questions and help you turn your faith in the right direction.


Money on My Mind: Stretching the Dollar
Bro. Alvin Rogers

The economy is crazy; unemployment numbers off the roof. If you have a job, paydays don't come fast enough, and there is never enough money at the end of the month. But there is a biblical principle of "seed time and harvest" that does work. Yes, there are professional counselors to help get your bills on track, but to find financial freedom, you must know and follow biblical principles. Find out what these biblical principles are to help you stretch your dollar.

From Victim to Victor: Help for Sexual and Domestic Abuse
Min. Teresa Collins, Joliet, Illinois

"And we know that all things work together..." this is a scripture that is often quoted when people don't know what else to say. But if you are the victim of sexual or domestic abuse, you won't agree with that script, because you can't see anything "good" coming from that abuse. However, you can become the victor. It takes courage and help from others. Come and hear the real-life testimony of a "victim-turned victor".

Session 2 - 10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Marriage Enrichment: Adultery Proof Your Marriage

Pastor Earnest & Minister Roline Thomas

Is there really a way to adultery proof my marriage? How do I make sure me or my spouse won't have an affair? Is keeping tabs on my spouse the best way to prevent an affair from occurring? This question and many more will be addressed and answered from the Word of God in this class. Yes, you can adultery proof your marriage and learn to trust God in and for everything.

Moving On, Living Again: Life After Divorce
Sis. Bonnie Richards

Despite your best efforts the marriage ended in divorce and now it feels like you cannot move forward with life. This class will give you some life skills to move ahead with your life after divorce. You will see divorce as a curve in the road and not a dead end street. Yes, you can live again!

Surviving Storms: Anchoring in Hardships and Disappointments
Min. Michael Woods

Some storms come unannounced...some are predicted...but the truth of the matter is storms do come and they cause hardships in our lives. Storms will leave us disappointed with ourselves, others, and our circumstances. The song says "my soul is anchored..." and actually the only way to survive a storm is to be anchored. This doesn't mean a ship isn't tossed around and filled with water, but the anchor will keep the ship from floating away. So this is the question . . . what are you anchored by?

From Victim to Victor: Help for Sexual and Domestic Abuse (Repeated)
Min. Teresa Collins, Joliet, Illinois

"And we know that all things work together..." this is a scripture that is often quoted when people don't know what else to say. But if you are the victim of sexual or domestic abuse, you won't agree with that script, because you can't see anything "good" coming from that abuse. However, you can become the victor. It takes courage and help from others. Come and hear the real-life testimony of a "victim-turned victor".

If You Want Your Husband to Treat You Like a Queen.......

If you want to be QUEEN of the castle, you must first crown your husband KING! The S-word, "submission", isn't a bad word.

-Queen Roline

EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP

You are invited to attend St. Mark Baptist Church’s EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP,

Saturday, January 21, 2010, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

This workshop is FREE and open to the public. FREE CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED.

Classes include Marriage Enrichment (Pastor Earnest & Roline Thomas), Stretching the Dollar ( Alvin Rogers), Anger Management (Roline Thomas), Life After Divorce (Bonnie Richardson), Surviving Storms (Michael Woods), Domestic & Sexual Abuse (Teresa Collins of Illinois), Church Hurt (Pastor Earnest Thomas)

Hope to see you there. Tell someone about this great opportunity to be EMPOWERED

Pastor Thomas teaches in Arkadelphia

Pastor Earnest Thomas was the guest teacher for a special Bible Study-Discovering and Living Your Purpose at St. Paul A.M.E. Church of Arkadelphia, Rev. Tom Scott, host pastor, on Wednesday Jan, 4, 2012, 6:30 p.m.

Memorable qoutes from his presentation includes:

• God will call you to do the very thing that will expose your weaknesses.
• It's hard to fulfill your purpose if you don't understand your calling.
• Whenever God calls you to do something expect external & internal challenges.

Roline will be teaching at St. Paul on Wednesday, January 25th at 6:30 p.m.