The Price of Greatness

The price of greatness is responsibility- Winston Churchill

As I continue reflecting over this year, I recognize the areas in my life where I didn't excell. There were many areas that I only did what was required of me. This happens to the best of us. Not always, do we short change our ablity to work in the spirit of excellence because we are just simply lazy. However,  in most cases that is the main reason. Sometimes, situations arise that kill our zeal and excitement for doing our best.  Today I want to encourage you to continue strong.

I was just laying in my bed thinking about a conversation my husband and I were having in regards to a situation that had arised in our lives and a few things came to mind.

As believers, we are to believe that we can do all things through Christ basically because He is working on the inside of us. This means to me that being average is not my only choice I have. I can be great at everything I put my hands to and I can also be attributed greatness by the people I come in contact with. How? Im glad you asked!  As I sat and pondered who I considered to be great, I found one common thing in each individual.  They all went over and beyond what was required of them in some area of their life.

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"Let us consider the nature of true greatness in men. The people that can catch hold of men's minds and feelings and inspire them to do things bigger than themselves are the people who remembered in history... those who stir feelings and imaginations and make men struggle towards perfection."

 -Henry Erying-

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After thorougly examining who I thought could be attributed greatness, I realized that the spirit of excellence was also at work in them. The spirit of excellence is never just concerned with the big picture or the end results. However, the spirit of excellence is detailed- oriented. The spirit of excellence is concerned about every little step that makes up the journey of the big picture. The spirit of excellence doesn't rest at just doing the job, but it effortlessly works at doing the job right and in order. More importantly, the spirit of excellence works at its best and never just at what is good. The spirit of excellence isn't just working in just one area of someone's life or an organization, but its seeps through every facet of who or what possesses it. This is because the spirit of excellence becomes a habit. It's something that is work at to be obtained. Once it is obtain, it becomes second nature to always work in it. 

Let me give you examples of greatness and the spirit of excellence! 

Harriet Tubman, was a lady who was burdened by the weight of slavery amongst African- American people. She really didn't have to help others get free from slavery, but the greatness in her called for her to think of others before herself. The spirit of excellence called for her to work the vision in such a way that 300 slaves was able to obtain freedom. 

Dr. James Naismith, was the inventor of the sport basketball in 1891. He wrote the first basketball rulebook. He also founded the University of Kansans first basketball program. Dr. Naismith is attributed with releasing an idea that has impacted men and women across our world. Today basketball is a billion dollar industry. The spirit of excellence in him gave way to not only manifesting a vision but teaching others about his vision. This has enable thousands of people to dream and obtain careers in the basket ball industry. 

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Great minds discuss idea, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people

-Hyman Rickover-

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Being attributed greatness, nor working in the spirit of excelles, will prevent you from making bad decisions or mistakes. These are apart of life and vital to our growth. However, being attributed greatness and the spirit of excellence will cause one to go over and above what is required to rectify any mistake or bad decisions made.  This is called being responsible. No one who has ever been atrributed greatness or the spirit of excellence, has not ever been a responsible individual, or organization. 

Today I admonsish you, to work on your legacy of greatness by always working in a spirit of excellence. Rather it be in school, ministry, family life, friendships, or careers; work to be the best and to do it with class. People never really remember what you have said or what you have done, but they alway remember how you made them feel. In your journey towards being great, set your heights towards doing things that will leave a legacy for others to follow behind in your footsteps. Set a standard for yourself and always make sure you keep your word, and esteem others higher than yourself. We will come in contact with many wonderful people in our lifetime, but the ones who go beyond themselves to impact others and make the lives of others easier are always who will be remembered. 

Merry Christmas Everyone, Make 2012 the year you set the foundation for a Great Legacy!

Rofasho

Character, Integrity, & Reputation

Today's blog is about three important words! At some point in our adult lives we should have a working understanding about. Those three words are  Character, Integrity and Reputation. The three words are very important and vital to each individual human being. However we need to know what is our responsibility on grooming and protecting the three.

Character- The combination of qualities or features that distinguishes on person, group, or thing from another

A person with character, has certain qualities that stand out to others. These qualities generally attribute to this person of being, reputable, trustworthy, responsible, loving, and law-abiding.  These attributes are things that a person has worked hard at obtaining. Therefore these things are in their control and no one else's. More than likely the person who has these attributes has been raise to respect and value character. The positive thing about having character, is that once you have obtained it can not be taken away. You can relinquish your character, but no one actually has the power to take it away.  

Integrity-  adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honest

Integrity is basically, meaning what you say and saying what you mean. A person is attributed integrity when their moral beliefs matches up with their daily activities and speech.  Again, this is in the control of the individual who wishes to obtain integrity. Much like character, integrity can not be taken away from a person unless the person relinquishes it. This is simply done by not keeping your word, speaking without intentions, doing the opposite of what you profess to believe is rights or having no moral values at all. 

Reputation-  the estimation in which a person or thing is held, especially by the community, or the public generally; repute

Reputation is important but not nearly as character and integrity. Character and integrity is worked on by the person who wishes to have it. However, reputation is the gathered image of what people think/feel about who you are. A reputation can be true or false! You can have a fantastic reputation and have no character at all. How is this possible? I am glad you ask! You could do something nice for one person and the one person tells everyone they know about what you did for them. Now everyone believes this is what you do all the time. Or you can have terrible reputation, and actually have great character. You could have made a bad decision once and the wrong person found out about; and exposed it. Ultimately, leading everyone to believe that the one bad decision is who you are and what you do all the time. 

Unfortunately, our society is reputation driven. Its so much easier and takes less time to just take the word of someone else about another person, rather than getting to know someone for ourselves. Learning some one's character is not an overnight process. The great thing about people with character, they have no problem with taking that time to find out the truth about a person. People with character will protect their character and integrity at all cost, so they do not immediately attach themselves to everyone. Again we live in a reputation driven society, so you don't see to many people with character and good reputations hanging around people with terrible reputations and no character at all. 

Although reputations is carried by others by word of mouth; character and integrity isn't. If you want character and integrity it comes with responsibility of your own actions.  As I have stated before we hear of people getting there character slandered and defamed; however, that isn't actually possible to be done. Yes people can lie on you, but a lie with out proof for a person with character and track record of doing the right thing doesn't really have chance to stand up in court. Your character and integrity can only be slandered and defamed if you yourself actually compromise it. What do I mean? I'm glad you asked. Bill Clinton for the most part had a great rapport with the United States until he compromised it with Monica Lewinsky. No one actually slandered President Clinton, he simply compromised his integrity and character for oral sex. The only thing that happen was someone exposed what he compromised to. As you can see that Bill Clinton was in control of being slandered or not, by simply taking a moment to think things through. Now his reputation is known for receiving oral sex while holding the presidential office. This doesn't take away from the fact that while holding office our economy was at its best that we have seen in a 20 year span.  However, because of one bad decision, his reputation is overshadowed by his character  and integrity as probably one of the best Presidents the United States has ever had. 

So if you are having an issue of people always "slandering" you, take look at what have you compromised and allowed someone to expose. There are times when people have nothing on you and simply just like to talk about you, however that isn't slandering, that's what I call negative admiration.  Protect your character and integrity ladies and gentlemen, by thinking about the effects of your actions before you execute them. In most cases you can prevent people from damaging your reputation by not giving them something to use against you. Remember just because you think no one knows doesn't mean that the truth will not get out. If you happen to make a mistake or a bad decision, maintain your integrity and admit that you were wrong or at fault.  Always be truthful when there is a breech in your moral beliefs and your daily activities. No matter what don't stop building character and integrity because no matter how people view you, God always knows who you really are and the condition of your heart. People will always have something to say if you make a bad decision, but remember even if they don't forgive you, God always does. Keep striving to make God pleased with you!

Be honest, Be respectful, Be caring, Be loving, Respect Authority, Mean what you say and say what you mean!

God Bless and Grow in Grace

Rofasho

2011 Reflection- Accepting the Call

At the end of every year, most people spend time reflecting on their triumphs and defeats, their accomplishments, and unsuccessfull attempts. As 2011 is swiftly coming to an end, I am following suit with the old traditions of yearly reflection.


I usually learn at least one new trade or pick up one new hobbie every year. I'm kind of one of those people who likes to be a jack of all trades. However this year as I reflect I didn't do any of that. In fact, I stepped a way from the things that I had previously picked up. In 2010, I started learning how to properly apply make-up and doing youtube tutorial videos. This year was nothing like any other year.

I didn't pick up any new hobbies, no new trades, didn't take on new adventures, or a new vacation spots.  However, I  did embark upon facilitating a University Expereience for my church home. This was a vision given to me to assist my Pastor in materializing his vision for his church to come to pass. So far it has been a success. It doesn't have full participation yet, but those who do participate are very dedicated. I am anxiously awaiting what was shown to me by God to completely materialize.

I did also take some steps to walk in to the my calling. For many of you who know me, I have said a million times, that many have always said that I would end up a "preacher's wife" and also an Evangelist. For years, I didn't really believe it or shall I say recieve it; however it didn't matter what I believed or recieved. My husband, has been actively working in his calling for ministry since April of this year. It was like one day he wasn't a preacher and the next day he was on the grind, teaching all the time. It was only a matter of time before the rest of the prophecy would  come to pass.

In the summer of 2010, I had ask God to clarify if He was calling me into ministry. I did it with the hopes of hearing nothing. I asked for God to reveal it through my husband. My husband had told me already that he knew I was being called to teach God's word. I ask for my husband to be the one to confirm it because he isn't a man that repeats the obvious. And the joke was on me. I ask God on a Saturday. That following Monday out of the blue my husband calls me while he is at work, crying. He called to tell me that God has so much in store for me and that I was great woman of God and that the ministry in me had to go forth. Of course he says "I don't know why I'm telling you this, but I had to call you"! I just cried the whole day and humbly accepted the confirmation of the call.

This year my church family embarked upon a Daniel's Fast and this is where the clarity came into play. I really began to seek God on what He was calling me to do specifically. In a previous blog, I explained that God gave me the word "Discipleship". But that still wasn't enough. In the second  quarter of the year, Prophet after Prophet began to prophesy the exact same things. Even people without titles kept pulling me to the side telling me the same thing the Prophets where telling. Over and over I heard "Ministry must go forth this year"! And its finally clear, after much running, praying and more running, that I am to teach the Word of God. Other things were prophesied about the ministry God has called me to,  that I have not yet been able to wrap my mind around nor do I see the capacity for. However if its the Word of the Lord, I will just put it on shelf and wait for God to manifest His will for me. In the third quarter of the 2011, I gave my pastor my first sermon to critique and go over. I stop running, because clearly there is no where to run to when you are running from God. I'm learning to just get into obedience and just wait for God to do what only He can. This one I  am not really all that anxious about. When the times comes, the door will open and I will walk into it. In the meantime Im just preparing myself. Furthermore I'm am a firm believer, that the greatest message I could ever preach to someone is the example that I live. Being called to the pulpit is great, but its also nullified if the life I live outside of the pulpit is contrary to being in it.

As you can see my mind has been fixed on God, ministry and the will He has for my life. Other than those three, I have just been preoccupied with making sure my family is built on solid foundation and that God is leading us. As much as I would like to say that this year I was unproductive because I didn't do what I normally did. I was indeed more productive than I have ever been. Finding out my purpose in life and what I am called to do is productivity at its best. I now know what I do and don't have time for in life. More importantly, I no longer have to blindly find my way to God's will for me. Trying everything to see what feels right.

This was by far the worst year I have every lived and the hardest. There were days that I really would have just rather been dead. Yet even with all of the oppostion, I can still say that this year wasn't a total lost. In even though it was the worst year I had ever seen, it was the most important year of my life. This was my year of transitioning me towards my tranformation.

Rofasho.

Keep Pressing

 As we grow in grace and the love of Christ, there are many challenges that will present themselves to us. One of the most important challenge is of course, conforming to the image of the Son (Romans 12:2; Romans 8:29). This is the first priority of any Christian, rather we preach, teach, or prophesy. No one is exempt from this one task.  Conforming to the image of the Son is work, but it doesn't come without its own opposition.

As we learn more about who our Lord and Savior is and His character; we are able to measure ourselves up to our example of what we as Christians should be. The process in which we go through to be come more like Him, has its greatest results in the form of test, trials and tribulations. It seems like through testing we produce an overwhelming show of the fruit of the Spirit versus just reading the Word of God alone. Change is usallly the result of a crisis. Though many will resisit it change at first, its  inevitable if you are in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). As if this isn't hard enough to do, the opposition of change; is dealing with the people you love who will not accept it.

The way we were and what we want to become are  two different things. Many times we would like to just forget the old us. Yet, there is always one person or two who will have no problem with reminding us who we were. I want to encourage you today to not give up on conforming into the image of the Son, no matter who isn't able to recognize your  progress of change.

Did you know that Mary Magdelene, the woman that basically financed Jesus's ministry was possessed with seven demons; this was the complex illness that Jesus healed her of. I'm sure that the people that knew Marry Magdelene while she was possessed never imagined her as a follower of the Messiah. Or did they think she would become a vitally important and beloved disciple to our Lord and Savior. I am confident that they would have never thought that Son of God would choose her to be the first person to see Jesus after resurrecting from the dead. To top it all off, its been suggested that Mary Magdelene may have also been a prostitute before joining the ministry of Jesus Christ.  This lady was kinda jacked up don't you think, yet her ending was so honorable!

Today, I want to assure you no matter what you have done, or who you may have been in the past; its not beyond Jesus' ability to redeem you to the Kingdom. No matter what people see, God always sees you as what your are purposed to be (Jeremiah 29:11). People will remind you of what you have done, and said; but don't let it weight you down. You have a race to run and you must get to the finish line (Philippians 3:14). You can't get there looking backwards, you must look foward. Keep perspective, get the Word concerning your life. Believe God! Whatever He said you are, you will have to press to become it.

It's my prayer that Mary Magdelene's life will encourage you. We all know that we are not worthy, but I am sure that we are all  thankful that God still finds us useful for the Kingdom.

God Bless,
Rofasho

2011 Marriage Retreat Secondary Post Review

A day or two after Wings of Love's 2011 Marriage Retreat I posted my thoughts about what was expereienced at the Marriage Retreat. Today, I want to share with you how the marriage retreat prepared me to make the right decisions for my marriage for 2011. Cedric and I attended the How to Love Your Spouse while Working it Out & Managing Finances in Unison course at the Marriage Retreat this year. We had no idea that what we had learned in those courses we would soon be tested on.

The first class was How to Love Your Spouse While Working it Out and without exposing the instructors business and my business also; there story was more like mines then I knew at the time I was in the course. I can remember my husband having an issue with an employee at work  during the session and he was talking my earb off. Until the instructors began to become seriously transparent about an event that had occured in their marriage that almost seperated them; then my husband abrubptly became queit and started listening. The class was very personal and the instructors shared stuff that they had did that most wouldn't even dare to share with their own spouses. Their story was soon to be our story.  Less than two weeks the Lord had placed it in my heart to come clean about some hurtful things I had done, which gave my husband the avenue to be honest with me about somethings he had done as well. The second class we took was Managing Finances in Unison. Shortly after the Marrige Retreat my husband was let go from his job. He was the only one bringing in the bacon. I am a stay at home mom and full time student, with a couple hustles on the side. So instantly everything that we had learned from both course was put to the test. Not to mention, my husband was preaching his first sermon less than two weeks after all of this had come to the surface.  If my walls could talk, I'm sure you would get a good cry and a laugh or two.

This year was most definitely pivotal for our marriage, family and our faith in God. This year our vows were tested like it was nobody's business. It wasn't easy to make the decisions I had to make nor for himself either. However, we couldn't help but think of how awesome God truly is to have set us up for success. Im not sure how this year would have turned out if I hadn't attended the Marriage Retreat. Maybe we would still be walking around with secrets. Nevertheless, we are were we are. I have to believe this is God-ordained. We survived the storms and all though we are still in the aftermath a bit, we can definitley see the breaking of day. I'm looking forward to next year's retreat and all the couples that will join us in embarking upon having succesful marriages the way God intended.

As always I'd like to encourage you to put God first and remain obedient in everything you do. Even when you don't understand the things you go through, trust that God holds your world in His hands. He promised that He would never put more on us than we can bear. Hang in there and what ever you do don't give up!




If you are interested in taking part in the 2012 Wings of Love Ministries Marriage Retreat, you may email info@wingsoflovemi.org or visit Wings of Love Ministries on Facebook. 
The retreat will be held at The Great Wolf Lodge in the beautiful Traverse City on April 20-22, 2012. Registration is $440/couple. Registrations includes, lodging, entrance into the water park, food, classes and class materials. Yes, all of that for only 220/person.  You do not need to be a member of Wings of Love Ministries to attend and if you are engaged you are welcomed to take part.



God Bless,

Rofasho

The Power of Your Testimony

In my 30 years of living, I have learned that there is no escaping test and trials. They are going to come either from God or they may be brought on by ourselves. Whichever way they come,  God doesn't waste anything we go through. He will use it all for our growth (Romans 8:28). I have gone through quite a few hurtful & devastating things in my life, some out of my control and many that I could have prevented. At the time of the tests and trials I was in, I couldn't see the purpose for them. We almost never can! However days or years after surviving them, someone I'll come in contact with will have the same issues I had survived.  At that very moment it all makes sense!

We know that test and trials come to make us strong when they are from God. Sometimes they come for correction of erroneous thinking or to produce fruit of the Spirit. However we overlook, tests and trials come to give us power and authority to help change lives. As believers we are not our own. We are bought with a price. Nothing we do is for us per say, but the Glory of God. When we go through, its so that God can get the glory out of our lives: that we may be able to draw men unto Him. 

What good are we if we have been somewhere and we know the place is desolate. Yet we see our neighbor traveling towards a desolate land and we keep quiet. You have knowledge that you neighbor needs to know. It would be wise to advise your neighbor " Hey, you are headed to a place where its dry and no food, you may die there"! It would be selfish and unloving to keep the knowledge to yourself and allow your neighbor to journey to a place where you could have prevented hardship. 

Our testimonies are the same way. We ought not keep them to ourselves. We do not go through just for us, but we go through so that we can help others. In school we are taught that knowledge is power! The bible teaches us that we are destroyed because of a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).  Most of our acquired knowledge is learned by what others have learned or gone through. 

Here is a couple of example to help you understand what I am trying to convey:

If I am a student in school and I am struggling in my class. My teacher/professor knows I am struggling, but never comes to me and let me know I'm failing. What good was my teacher to me? They have passed the necessary tests to make them a teacher. It's their job to assist me in excelling in the class, because they have the knowledge that I don't have. Now its up to me to apply what they give me. But its up to them to disburse the knowledge that they have.

If I am member at a church and I struggling living a saved life. My pastor and clergy men  knows it, but never says anything to me. What good are they to me? They have been commissioned to lead people into righteous living. They have knowledge that I either don't know or won't apply. In the book of Hebrews we are told that they watch over our souls, so its their job to help me where Im struggling rather I want help our not. 

As such the same for every believer with a testimony. Don't leave your neighbor in the same rut you left. You have been given power and authority to uproot and tear down erroneous thinking, because you have been somewhere. You have experience somethings.  We can't expect God to give us power to raise the dead and heal the sick, if we won't first use the power of something simple like a testimony. Sometimes what we have gone through is embarrassing but don't be selfish with your testimony. Don't keep it to yourself and go pray for them! This is your chance to be used by God! This is your chance to walk in power and authority. It's your chance to do something great with your life. This is the chance to make all the pain and hell you have gone through worth going through it.  Share it, so your neighbor doesn't have to go through what you did. Share it, so your neighbor will know that they can survive what they are in. Share it, so your neighbor will know that God hasn't left them! Share it, and give your neighbor power (knowledge) to change his/her environment.

You have power and it in your testimony. Please don't keep it to yourself! Be a blessing to the Body of Christ and people who may not believe in God! Help others, you are called to do that. Hebrews 13:6 says: Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such scarifices are pleasing to God.  Romans 15:1 says: We who are strong have an obligation bear with the failing of the weak and not to please ourselves. 

Everyone is not going to want to hear your testimony. People are more receptive to testimonies when they are in it the test and trial- its consoling! However, if you give your testimony as a warning to prevent the test and trial, most won't be receptive. This is not grounds to keep it to yourself. Plant the seed and God will do the rest. How many times have your mother told you, you were going in the wrong direction. You didn't wanna hear it but later down the line you wished you had listened. You can't force people to do apply anything, but you can at least plant the seed.  Be loving in everything you do and use the power God has given you - Your Testimony.

God Bless,
Rofasho

Commonly Used Phrases that Reveals a Lack of Trust in God

From generation to generation, many things are passed down. We see family heirlooms, recipes, and traditions passed down often. However, more than those things, old phrases and cliches gets top of the list of things that are passed down from generation to generation. These phrases & cliches can be from just jive talk to religious jargon.  Generations pick up what they hear and say it, never really examining what is being said. Today I want to examine a few commonly used phrases and cliche to reveal what is really being said. You will find that these phrases and cliche, often times exposes a lack of trust in God. 

First we must remember what God says about the power of speaking words. 

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

"God knows my heart"

This one is a popular excusal phrase that we hear very often. This phrase is often said either when we didn't do our best or did nothing at all, as way to excuse ourselves of not operating at the capacity in which was required of us. We may even say this one when something is required of us that we feel is obsurd, or don't make sense to us.  Indeed, God most definitely does know our hearts. He knows rather or not we put Him first and when we diligently want to do His will.  I would like to caution on this one, especially when there was no real intent on doing what was/is required of us. Many times this phrase is said when we are aware of what is required of us and other times when we are ignorant of the requests. If we know what we are supposed to do and we fall short of doing it - well that's called sin (James 4:17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.) Instead of saying "God knows my heart", we should be asking for forgiveness and then repenting. Because we are human we are not perfect, however we have the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us and empowering us. If we are indeed believers in the Word of God and Jesus Christ we should be operating on nothing less than excellence. It should be our goal everyday to meet our goals, and go over an beyond what is required. Then when we say "God knows my heart", we say it with the knowledge of our actions proving that our heart's intentions was to carry out the task given to us. 

"I'm only human"

I think this one is the most popular excusal phrase. Much like "God knows my heart", "I'm only human" is usually heard after not meeting up w/ requirements. While I must agree you are only human, if you were born on planet earth to two homo-sapiens. However, and I do mean however! If you are a born again believer, you have the power of Holy Spirit working in you. This same power in you raised Christ from the dead. Now if that power can raise a Man from the grave, what's our problem? Could it be that we don't believe that same power is harnessed inside of us? If we don't believe that we carry this same power we won't use it either.  In my opinion, "I'm only human" is slap to God's face. Simply because, His only begotten Son in all of His righteousness died just to give us this power. Again as I have already stated, no one is perfect, but we most definitely have been called to be holy. If you don't think you can, Jesus released His Spirit so that we may take up His righteousness. We can believe God for cars, homes, but very seldom do we believe God for the Righteoness His Son died to give us so that we may see Him.

"I gotta do what I gotta do"

This one is often heard when we are under pressure or in a bind. We say this when we have to make quick decisions, or we can't seem to find our way out of things. Not always, but often said when we would rather take matters into our own hand versus waiting to see the salvation of the Lord. This one, can scream "I don't trust God to work on my behalf" or "I don't wanna do what is right but I have no other choice". This one isn't always said out of a lack of trust. Yet, this is actually a statement that can get us to recognize what kind of mind set we are in. Quickly, we may be convicted for wanting to move without God, or we may be able to rejoice for wanting to remain obedient. Which ever way just make sure you know what reason you bellowing out this phrase. 


In closing, while these commonly used phrase are always readily available in our vernacular, we must also be able to speak a Word over ourselves and our circumstances.
Instead of saying "God knows my heart", we can most definitely pray Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Instead of saying "I'm only human", say Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength. Lastly, read a little further down in Philippians chapter 4. Instead of saying "I gotta do what I gotta do" for things that will not line up with His Word, Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all of your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.


No more excuses! In, 2012 lets be more intentional about living in excellence, representing the Body of Christ effectively, living righteously as well living in full faith that God will do what He has promised us. 


God Bless,


Rofasho

Overcoming Adversity with the Golden Rule

In life we will be hurt, disappointed, and experience pain caused by people. Often times we will experience this from the ones we love the most. As I get older, I recognize that those that we don't know that hurt us we respond less lovingly too and just a bit more harsh towards them than those that we love. However, the ones that we do know and the ones that have spent time with us has full capacity to shut our emotions down.  When we have expereienced pain in some form from our loved ones or people we barely know, our first response is always disbelief.  We, then go through the situation over and over again trying to see how it happened, if we were at fault in some kind away and back to "O-M-G, I can't believe this". Either way, we are hurt and naturally there will be a response. 


Somewhere in there getting even always finds it way to our mind.  Either, we wanna give them a piece of our mind, or return the pain/embarrassment,  or maybe even fight. Today, I wanna cation you on responding the right way to adversity. If you must respond, make sure its in love. Returning the treatment you have received is called Revenge. God has a specefic attitude towards revenge and I wanted to share it with you. 


Matthew 5:38-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. ³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

Romans 12:17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We must make up in our mind that we are going to do God's will no matter what. It gets hard, yes it does. However I have learned that many times my feelings lie. I can choose to feel some other way. I don't have to be angry or sad. I can definitely choose to respond to adversity as an overcomer. How? I am glad you asked, by responding in love. 

If you are ever hurt, disappointed, stabbed in the back, betrayed, or even hit; don't respond the same way you have been treated. Overcomers respond how they want to be treated. If you want love respond in love. If you want admiration, respond in admiration. If you want respect, respond in respect. I think you get my drift. 

By all means if you are being beaten, respond in love by leaving. Love your neighbor and yourself enough to prevent them from going to jail and you from going to the hospital or the morgue. 

Keep in mind who you are dealing with. It's always easier for us to be more loving to the ones we love. We must be the same way to those we do not know also, we are to love them also. One way to keep things in perspective is that we are all made in the like image of God and what you have done to them you have also done to Christ. Just because they are not a close friend, or relative does not give your the ok to respond differently. 

We have been empowered by God to have the victory in every situation. We do not have to play victim. So today I encourage you to trust God to fight your battles, remain in love. God will take care of those who hurt you. Just make sure He doesn't have to take of you for responding in the same manor. 

God bless your Growth & Change in Christ

Rofasho. 

RUN, They not Ready Yet!- Relationship Help

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By nature we all desire to be in successful fulfilling relationships with a significant other. This is a natural desire because this is the way God designed us. However if we look to the Word of God many of us are forgetting key components to having successful fulfilling "earthly" relationships. A vertical relationship comes before any horizontal relationship. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, which simply means paradise. Adam was placed in the presence of God, much like how we are in the presence of people all day; every where we turn there is a person. Adam knew God, spoke with God, he had a relationship. This was the first relationship he had, and then Eve came on the scene. She wasn't there before God, She wasn't there before Adam became Adam either. She was there after. Adam obtained a relationship with God and after Adam became who God intended for Adam to be, then we see God blessing Adam with a companion. 


Before there was a companion of Adam's kind (Genesis 2:23), bone of my bone flesh of my flesh), Adam had a relationship with God. This is what many of us are over looking. We jump into relationships like we jump into our clothes, without ever questioning the motives of the people who desire to attach themselves to our lives. There are a few questions we should ask ourselves.  

1. Does this man or woman even know who created me? 

2. Does this man or woman, know why I was designed and for what purpose? 

3. Do they care what I'm here for? 

4. Will they help me get to my destiny? 

5. Will they help me fulfill my assignments and purpose? 

6. Will I do the same for them?

7. Do our purposes work together or will they present conflict for our relationship to be harmonious?  

These questions never come up for most of us. We just see that there is someone interested in hooking up and possibly sex is involved. Only to be quite frustrated and/or disappointed to find out that they hurt us or misused us. Without knowing the purpose of a person, we will most definitely abuse them, much like we do with things. You can can use a knife to stir but it wasn't created to do that. It's not in it glory until its used properly. People are the same. We can use people for our purpose, but they end up hurt and unappreciated. But when we see people in the light of why God created them then we are able to get the best out of them, enjoy them, and help them grow and become all that God wants from them. In turn we have an awesome relationship with them and we are blessed by participating in their growth.

Points to Ponder Before Getting into a Relationship 

1. If he/she don't know their purpose - Run, they are not ready yet  

2. If he/she isn't even trying to know what they were created to do - Run, they are not ready yet  

3. If he/she isn't concerned about you knowing your purpose - Run, they are not ready yet  

Just in case you are not quite sure what I mean on "Adam becoming who God intended for Adam to be"... Adam is the creation of Man by God. We use the term created because Adam was the first of his kind. There was nothing on Earth like Adam. Adam was basically invented by God. Eve however was formed. There is a difference from being created and being formed. Creation comes from the idea of something that is not yet visible and then bringing it into existence and things are formed or made by altering something that is physically existing already. Adam was created (Genesis 1:27), and Eve was formed/made (Gen 2:22). God had a specific idea about humans. He brought forth a man and out a man he brought forth a woman. The man is the Glory of God, and the woman is the glory of man. The man is to be led by God and the woman is to follow man as the man is being led by God. 

Points to Ponder Before Getting into a Relationship 

1. If he/she isn't aware of who they are in God - Run, they not ready yet 

2. If he/she ain't doesn't know who they should be following - Run they not ready yet  

3. If he/she isn't sure if they are Male or Female... Well you get the drift.  

In Genesis 1:26-29, there are some clear concise instructions given to man. God explains His intentions for man in Genesis 1:26. He simply wanted man to look like Him, act like Him, and do what He does while on Earth. You don't believe me, do you? Let's read the verse together then: Then God said "Let us make man in our image (look like Me), in our likeness (act like Me), and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground (Do as I do)."  

Points to Ponder Before Getting into a Relationship  

1. If he/she isn't looking like God, acting like God and being productive with life like God- Run- they are not ready yet.  

2. Nowhere in that text does it say rule another human... dominion was given over kingdoms of the world not another human being. If he/she is dominant over you - Run, they are not ready yet  

Lastly, out of everything God created he only found one thing that wasn't good, and that was man being alone. God then decide to make Adam a helper. To solve the problem of Adam being alone he created animals, yet that still wasn't quite satisfying. Now we see God making Eve. Eve was brought forth to solve a problem. There was a lot of responsibility given to Adam, don't you think? She was given to help him become the best and achieve his best at becoming a MAN. Adam was given dominion, and then Eve was brought forth to see to it that Adam succeeded in doing it. Previously, I pointed out that no where in the text do we see God giving rulership over another human being. But what we do see is submission to each other. The woman was not created nor ever was intended to be dominated over, but she was given to be the one that would push Adam into his destiny. She was given to be the one whom Adam would obtain favor from God, because she kept him focused on following God and to do all that he was commanded to do.  

Points to Ponder Before getting into a Relationship  

1. If he/or she doesn't know their role as a Male or Female- Run, they are not ready yet  

2. If He/She can't listen or take advice or submit - Run, they are not ready yet  

3. If he/she knows it all already - Aye DON't YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT It  

4. If he/she doesn't have your best interest to succeed in life AND for you to always please God in EVERYTHING you do - Run, they ain't ready Boo!  

In my opinion from just reviewing my own personal experience, we don't take enough time to understand God' thoughts on relationships, marriage and/or being single for that matter. We don't seek God until after we are hurt. It is never God's intention to see us hurt or broken by our fellow brother or sister. As we have read in the text, He created us to have dominion. We can't rule effectively broken. We must not leave God out of choosing a mate. Again, He has given us dominion, so we must think in those terms when deciding who want to spend the rest of our lives with. I don't think we ask enough questions before we get into relationships. So today, for those who are in a relationship and/or engage began asking questions about how your future mate intends to help you succeed in ruling and fulfilling your purpose. What do you plan to do for them? Make sure you know what your role is as a Man and Woman. Know what you are responsible for and what you are not responsible for.  


If you are dating, date with a purpose. Anything else is a waste of your time and the other person's time as well. Seek to please God in everything you do and I guarantee the blessings of God will be bestowed upon you and your relationships. It's God's intentions that we have successful fulfilling relationships with our mates and other people. If it's His intentions, then we must seek to understand what we are required to know before entering into life-long relationships. Be Responsible for your life and who you desire to do life with.  


God Bless You!  
Rofasho