Be EXTRAORDINARY

Overcome the notion to be ORDINARY.

It robs you of the chance to be

EXTRAORDINARY.

I'm living an EXTRAORDINARY LIFE! 

You should JOIN ME!

INFLUENCE

Do you want your child to grow up and be just like you? If not, why continue to live your life in a destructive manner? Allow the power of Christ to transform you. You have great influence over your children—whether good or bad.  Be responsible with the influence you have! I’ve volunteered a total of 10 years in several prisons. I’ve learned that many inmates are just like their parents. Again, I ask, do you want your child to grow up and be just like you?

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.

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…..

Quote of the Day

As I prepare to go to my second rehab session for a recent knee surgery, I realize there's a life's lesson in the making. I am not looking forward to the session because the previous sessions left my knees and legs feeling very stiff and sore. In the session, I had to push my knee against weights of resistance.  This strategy is for the purpose of strengthening the knee. When adversity come our way and "go against" us, those very things can be used to strengthen our faith in God and draw us closer to God. So here's my LIFE LESSON & the quote of the day:

You may have to GO THROUGH discomfort and pain TO GET TO your healing & blessings. It may not feel good, but it’s all working for your good

Real talk - not looking forward to today’s rehab session. LOL!

Happy Resurrection Day

Stale Potato Chips

A few days ago I opened a bag of potato chips. At first bite, I discovered the chips were stale. I then noticed that the freshness date had expired 2 months ago. I am so glad the Jesus’ blood has no expiration date. The same blood that saved us 2000 years ago is still able to save today. The same blood that cleansed 2000 years ago is able to cleanse today. The blood of Jesus will never lose it’s power.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Pastor T

Last Night I Played Scrabble

Last night, 4/22/2011, I played Scramble with my 14 year old, Camille. She won with a score of 238 to my 208. My time with her reminded me of this inspirational thought I wrote. When I found it, i discovered it was nearly 4 years to the date that it was written. WOW!! So in honor of last night's came and the 4 year anniversary of this peice, I give you "Last Night I Played Scrabble." Enjoy!

Last Night I Played Scrabble
By Roline Thomas
4/20/2007

Last Night I played Scrabble with my youngest daughter Camille. I was working on a project and noticed, once again, she was in her room, alone watching television. Her sister, had gone out with her friends...Camille having no neighborhood friends was alone.

So I went to her and said, "Want to play a game of Scrabble and watch a horror movie with me?" She and I both love horror movies. We criticize everything they do. She was excited about spending time with me.

We enjoyed our board game, and we enjoyed telling the actors what to do by yelling at the TV. Last night, it was just the two of us, sprawled out in my bedroom, playing Scrabble and watching a movie on TV.

I tried to let her win the game, but I won anyway. Camille said in her mind she believed that she won the game. I laughed! Last night, I played Scrabble with Camille.


Now, I'm behind with my studies. I have a Marriage Couples group to teach tonight and a Marriage Conference at another church that my husband and I will be speaking in tomorrow. I should have been studying, but last night I played Scrabble with Camille.


It was worth it, because she told me "I know you love me because you stopped what you were doing just to spend time with me." I'm glad I played Scrabble with Camille last night.


Camille taught me a lesson:
Don't get so caught up and preoccupied with finishing projects, meeting deadlines, ministry, etc. that you fail to see an opportunity to spend meaningful time with your kids. They are kids only once in their lifetime. We give kids many tangible gifts, but what they really want and need most is a balance of quality and quantity time with us.

Sometimes I think out loud. Right now is one of those days. I wanted others to hear what I was thinking because to God I am so very grateful for speaking to me and reminding me not to let the opportunity pass me by. I am feeling a sense of fulfillment, peace and joy all because last night I played Scrabble with Camille.

 

What Do You Have a Taste For?

By Roline Thomas

Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled

You know how it is when you got to have a certain food. You want it so bad that you do whatever it takes to get it. In the movie “Life” with Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, the character Claude Banks is serving a life sentence in a Mississippi prison. When Claude first arrives, the head officer tells the inmates they will be shot if they ever cross over the “gun line”, which is the boundary of the prison. In a scene, Claude is standing at the gun line, craving a fresh baked pie that is cooling on the window ledge of the warden’s house located several yards beyond the prison boundary. Claude has a strong desire for the pie and risks his life and looking ridiculous to get what he craves.

When you come to a place of desperation nothing or no one will stop you from getting what you need. The Christian must be desperate for righteousness and willing to take risks to get what is needed; risk being ridiculed, risk being ostracized, risk being persecuted. Jesus understands these risks because He went through all of the same for you.

The word “hunger” in this passage is not speaking of a desire for just anything. When you settle for anything, you take in the toxins and filth of this world. “Hunger” speaks of a focused hunger. Anything just won’t do. A spiritual hunger is focused on what God has to dish out. A spiritual hunger craves to sit at the table of Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness.

What are you consuming? Are you the picture of a healthy Christian or a malnourished Christian? Glorifying God, having healthy relationships, living right, talking right and walking right can only come from a healthy spiritual diet. Reading and studying God’s Word, praying to God, listening to God, and living according to God’s Word are all a part of a healthy spiritual diet plan. Make sure you feed yourself daily. Just as force feeding and rush eating can be detrimental to one’s physical life, the same can be detrimental to one’s spiritual life. It’s not always the diet that cause you to starve, it’s how you digest.

O, taste and see that the Lord is good! Pull up to the table of the Most High God.

Nobody can satisfy you like God can. Matthew 5: 6 in the Message Bible reads “You are blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” What do you have a taste for?

Mr. President, Are We Bias?

Originally posted on former blog 11/6/2008

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

I stopped and prayed for the newly elected president Barak Obama last night. The fact that he’s the 1st Black president brings a reality—the brother & his family will be marked for assassination, whether physically or morally.

I started thinking about all the people who like me will begin praying for this great man on the regular. And then I thought about our current president. Did we ever stop and pray for him—you know, on the regular? Why are we making a big deal out of praying for Barak Obama when praying for the president should have been routine?

1 Timothy 2:1-3 says “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”

After mulling over 2 Chronicles 7:14 and I Timothy 2:1-3, I wondered, what shape would this country be in today if Christians would have prayed for Bush and his predecessors regularly. Instead of just talking about what a bad job Bush was doing, and solely blaming him for the state of the economy maybe we should have humbled ourselves and sought the Lord. I wonder….if Christians had done their part would the land be healed? Would this country be in better shape?

The current president, George Bush, has 3 months left in office. He is still the President of the U.S.A. Don’t wait for “our man” to take office, start praying now for those in authority.

Ugly People

By Roline Thomas

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. —Psalms 13:13-14 (NIV)

Recently, I was watching the television broadcast of a popular evangelist. During the delivery of his message, the man of God commented and poked fun at the physical looks of two well known entertainers. Focusing attention to their facial looks, the evangelist casted a plethora of adjectives describing the entertainers in a very unfavorable manner. At first, I thought the lesson was for me as a preacher— never make fun of people while preaching. You’ll never know who is listening and who you will offend. That was a pretty good visual lesson for me as a preacher, but then I realize there was a deeper lesson that the Holy Spirit would teach me.

I don’t know if the mentioned entertainers are saved, but as a casual observer, I view their lifestyles as worldly. Excessive drinking, fornicating, drugs, foul language has been publically displayed by both. However, as I watched the insensitive preacher and his audience burst out in laughter I was convicted of my own wrong doings. I have made fun of the very same individuals. In casual conversation with friends, I have poked fun of their looks. Regardless of how they live and regardless of how they look, these entertainers were created by God.

I began to ponder as I watched the preacher on television. I wondered how would the entertainers feel if they were watching the show— were they encouraged or offended? I wondered if seeing the man of God making a mockery of their outer beauty would influence them to want to serve the loving God he was preaching about. Then, I wondered how was God feeling about the preacher making fun of His creative work. Finally, I wondered how does God feel when I label some his creative work as “ugly”.

An old proverb states, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Unfortunately man defines beauty by the world’s superficial standards. If we are to view God’s creative work as beautiful, we must realize that “Beauty is in the eye of the Creator.” God as Creator set the standard for beauty. When it comes to critiquing a person’s physical unique features, remember it is God’s creative work and He does all things well. Every individual is a work of art— fearfully and wonderfully made. So what is ugly?— The act of speaking ill of God’s handiwork.

Misleading Advertisement

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.—Like 15:15

While ministering in Nairobi, Kenya mission team had the opportunity to rest and relax at a resort in Naivasha, Kenya. From the brochure, the resort looked very inviting. The ad boasted of horseback riding, restaurants, computer, shops, and other activities. The rooms would be an upgrade from the Nairobi facility which we were residing.

The drive to Naivasha started out pleasant, but, as we neared the resort the road to the resort became horrible. Our van’s driver maneuvered through giant rocks, dirt, bumps, and potholes which covered 15 to 20 miles of the route leading to the resort’s entrance. As we traveled onward, the dust and dirt from the road crept into the slightly cracked windows of our van. When we arrived at the resort, staff members were kind enough to supply each of us with moist towels to wash off the layers of dirt that settled on our faces, and arms.

Eleven of us shared a nice five bedroom, five bathroom unit. Only one of the showers produced hot water. For a greater part of a day, we were without electricity and water.

My husband and I walked to the resort’s clubhouse only to discover that it was nearly deserted. The shops were closed. The restaurant was closed. The pool was closed. There were no other guests on the grounds. The computer was down and WHERE’S the HORSEBACK RIDING?! Unfulfilled promises! I was feeling like a castaway on a beautifully landscaped deserted island. I remember returning to our room, looking again at the advertising brochure, and becoming overwhelmed with a great sense of disappointment. I wanted to go back to our living quarters in Nairobi. I was better off in Nairobi.

Like the prodigal son, many of us have been lured by the advertising of the far country. I’ve journeyed to the far country. The Trickster advertised it as easy living. My days consisted of drinking, clubbing, making a dishonest living, and doing much of what I would later regret. When I came to myself, I discovered that I’d been living like a filthy pig. I was homesick and couldn’t believe I left Kingdom living for this!

The world says “Have It Your Way” and “Just Do It”. No matter how good the other side looks, it’s better to stay in the father’s house than to go out into the world. You’ll end up losing so much more than money. You’ll lose your joy, peace, dignity, moral values and possibly your good reputation. The grass may look greener on the other side but when you get there you’ll discover it is artificial turf. The world can only offer a cheap worthless imitation of abundant living. As with the resort’s brochure, the world issues misleading advertisements resulting in unfulfilled promises. What the world has is not real.

Preparation for Powerful Preaching

Are you guilty of studying…
1) to prepare for what’s next (your next assignment)?
2) in case you get called on in a Bible Study class?
3) to meet the requirements of a class/group (Seminary, Master’s Life, Ministry School)?

In a class a teacher said, "The first casualty in a busy preacher’s life is his devotional time."

A look at the preacher: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

Ezra…1) Studied the Word so he could……2) Live the Word which qualified him to….3) Teach the Word.

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.

Look at Matthew 17:14-21 (also see Mark 9:14-29). 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.You can have authority but no power

• Power is not self-manufactured but divinely imparted through the Word of God.
• The Holy Spirit is with you imparting power into you. This comes from studying the Word of God.
• So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. —Romans 10:17

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.

Develop a time of personal devotion:
1) Set a time - and be consistent. Clear your calendar & turn off the cell phone.
2) Decide on a place - atmosphere is important. Don't set yourself up in a dark, depressing setting.
3) Have a plan - decide what you will read.

Pray to God so that He will hear you. Read His Word so that you will hear from him.

Don’t Hate the Haters

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you.-Matthew 5:44

In John 8:1-11, we find the story of the woman caught in adultery. She was used as a pawn in the religious leaders, who hated Jesus, attempt to discredit Jesus’ ministry.

The nameless woman was caught in the very act of adultery. While Jesus was teaching to a large crowd in the temple, a group of men, scribes and Pharisees, pushed their way through the crowd and sat the woman in the midst of the people. The men did not desire to bring justice upon this woman, but to accuse Jesus. Their plan failed, and Jesus extended grace and mercy to the woman.

Here’s the irony; the enemies of Jesus were the ones who brought the woman to where she needed to be. This woman needed to be in the presence of the One who could deliver her. She needed to be in the presence of the One who could heal her. She needed to be in the presence of the One who could save her. It was the haters who carried the woman to where she needed to be!

Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you”. If it wasn’t for your enemies, maybe you would not have turned to God. If it wasn’t for opposition, maybe you wouldn’t pray to God. Your enemies have a way of running you to God. Enemies have a way of pushing you towards God.

God makes our enemies our footstool (Psalm 110:1). Footstools helps us to reach high places. Footstools helps us to obtain things that were out of our reach. Footstools takes us up. Footstools are under our feet! Footstools are useful. Enemies are useful!

It was the enemies that got the woman off her back and placed her on her feet. It was the enemies who pushed the woman through the crowd to the Blessor. The enemies were up to no good by pretending to do good, but ended up doing a good deed for this woman. The woman who felt worthless discovered her worth. The woman who felt guilty is now counted as not guilty.

Don’t hate your haters. They are working for your good. Instead of hating them, send them a thank you card appreciating their effortless work of getting you closer to God.

It’s in the Presentation

By Roline Thomas


I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.—Romans 12:1

I enjoyed watching the 80”s sitcom, “The Cosby Show.” My all time favorite episode is “With This Ring.” In this episode, the patriarch of the family, Dr. Cliff Huxtable, was just told by his daughter that the boyfriend she just brought home was really her fiancé. He was disappointed in the way the news was broken. Dr. Huxtable goes to great lengths to describe a mouth-watering steak dinner with the trimmings. He raises the thought, “and I give it to you on a garbage can lid……not to appetizing is it?” This analogy brings home the reason why the fiancé is not readily liked by the family. Dr. Huxtable concludes, “It’s in the presentation, that’s the way she brought you here, on a garbage can lid.”

Presenting your bodies a living sacrifice is placing our own selves on the altar. God desires that we give ourselves completely to Him so that we can be used by Him. Worship is about our lifestyle. The way we live each day is our presentation to God. The way we speak to others, the way we help or don’t help others, the way we give is all a presentation to God. Everything we do must be done for the glory of God.

God is not impressed with fancy prayers, acrobatic singing, or eloquent speaking. He’s not moved by your shouting, tongue speaking, or your saying “glory to God” within each statement you make. God wants you totally. He wants you mind, body and soul. God said, “Be holy for I am holy.” Our lifestyle and inward man must measure up to our outward expressions of worship. To give God anything less than the best is to give God a presentation that is unattractive and disgusting. Remember, it’s all in the presentation. Are you bringing yourself to God on a garbage can lid?


Be blessed,

Big Kid in a Child's Seat

A great storyteller, Pastor Earnest Thomas delivers a captivating and impactful message titled "Arrested Development", Scripture basis - 1 Corn 3:1. Here he tells a story of a child who is developmentally challenged.

Who's Your Guide?

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.—Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

Five months into my daughter’s lengthy illness, I had to make a telephone call to my parents who lived in another state. It was difficult to tell them that their precious granddaughter’s surgery did not go well, and she was about to have a third surgery, all within one month’s time. Hearing the urgency and uncertainty in my voice, they immediately traveled to visit her. It was late in the evening when they arrived at my home, and upon their insistence, I loaded them up in my car, carefully leading my mother, who is blind. We were off to the hospital.

My parents waited in the hospital’s lobby while I parked the car. Once I entered the hospital I grabbed my mother by the hand to lead her to the elevator. Immediately, my dad grabbed my mom and said it was his job to lead her. So, we got into the elevator headed to my daughter’s floor. While riding in the elevator, I began to warn my parent’s of my daughter’s appearance. Her body was very weak and she had lost a great deal of weight. The news was very unsettling for my father and caused him to become even more anxious to see his granddaughter.

When the elevator door opened, I exited followed by my father. As I turned to remind my father to get my mother, the elevator doors began to close. In the excitement, my dad had forgotten about leading my mom. We did manage to retrieve my mom, who was a little shaken up by the whole ordeal. After all, she was in an unfamiliar place. My mom trusted my Dad to lead her safely to her destination. My mom failed to realize that Daddy could not lead her in a place that he had never been, and his emotional state made him even more unreliable.

Faith in God requires dependency on the One who has seen your destination. Only God can guide you to a place you’ve never been. Whether it’s a new business venture, teaching a Bible Study, or purchasing a new home, God wants you to trust in and depend on Him. God wants you to become his dependent child. In other words, don’t place your faith in man’s leading (as in mom’s case, who would leave you alone in an elevator), but totally lean to God for direction. God is a reliable guide. Sometimes we may not understand the route God is taking us on, but remember, we must walk by faith and not by sight. In other words, we are blind and can’t see the pathway to our destination, but, with God as our reliable guide, He will lead us if we allow him to order our every step.

Be On Your Best Behavior

By Roline Thomas

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. – 1 Peter 2:11

My 9-year old niece Kayla spent two weeks of her summer vacation with our family. Two days into her stay, she told me “I don’t think I can stay here another day because it doesn’t feel like home!” After regaining my composure, I said “It doesn’t feel like home because it is not your home. But, while you are here, be on your best behavior.”

In I Peter 2:11, Christians are likened to aliens and strangers in the world. Simply put, this world is not a Christian’s home. Christians are also urged to abstain from and deny ourselves of sinful desires, our own self-indulgent urges. Jesus said that he was in this world, but not of the world. (John 17). He showed us that we don’t have to adapt to, or embrace worldly methods.

Does the world look at you as though you come from another planet? Do you stand out in the crowd? Does the world look at you strange because your beliefs, morals, and values do not mirror theirs?

Peter reminds us of the clarion call of God, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Carrying a Holy Bible does not make you holy. To be holy is to be set apart by God for God. Holiness is living a lifestyle pleasing to God. Our daily behavior- the things we do, say and think- must glorify God.

As Christians, we are not to allow ourselves to be comfortable in this world, for it is not our home. But while we are here, let’s be on our best behavior.

What Do I Say?

By Roline Thomas

In an episode of the TV sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond”, the rambunctious Frank Barone is caught by the store manager sampling trail mix. While Frank’s son Ray and granddaughter Ally look on, a heated argument ensues between the store manager and Frank. As a result, Ally becomes frightened by her grandfather’s public display. When the three returned home, Ray speaks to his father about the negative impact his behavior had on Ally. Initially Frank defends his actions, but later he decides to talk to Ally. Frank asks Ray, “What do I say?”

Frank doesn’t know what to say to Ally because he never talked to her before. He admitted to reading stories and singing songs to her, but he never had a real conversation with her. As I listened to Frank Barone’s confession, I thought about a time in my life when I did not know how to talk to God. Indeed, I was saved, attended church services, read my Bible, and sang songs to Him, but I really did not know how to talk to God. I listened to people whom I labeled “prayer warriors” pray in a powerful and confident manner. I didn’t know anything about sending up timbers and expecting a blessing. Being a city girl, I did not understand the meaning of being mindful that “my bed was not my cooling board and my blanket was not my winding sheet.”

Prayer is our lifeline to God. Prayer unleashes God’s power so that he is able to work in our lives. God is waiting for you to talk to him. He is waiting for you to acknowledge him, think about him, and show him love, honor and respect.

Matthew 6:7 says. “When praying, do not say the same thing over and over again, just as the heathens do, for they think that they shall be heard for their use of many words.” When you talk to God he doesn’t want to hear the same prayer over and over. Prayers prayed in that manner lose their meaning and becomes insincere.

God deserves more than memorized prayers. He deserves to hear your own heartfelt words. Acknowledge who God is in prayer. He is our Father in heaven. Confess your sins. Thank Him for all he has done, is doing and will do in your life. Talk to him in detail about your needs, hopes, dreams, joys,and everything else that is having any kind of importance or effect on your life.
Consistency is a key in prayer. If you don’t talk often to God, you will find yourself not knowing what to say, much like Frank Barone.

Be Blessed!