God Don't Love Me

A while back I remember telling my husband, "God couldn't possibly love me" (I'm a lil' ashamed to even share this). I was finding out some news and I was hoping for a different ending! What I was hoping for didn't happen at all! Instead what I feared most was unfolding before my eyes. Why would God be allowing this to happen to me? I was colliding into my greatest fears head on! Doesn't He know that this is too much for me?

This was/is a trick of the enemy! Satan tries his best to get us to believe that God doesn't love us. It is at that point of our lack of belief that we hit rock bottom the fastest! And I did, there were days that I couldn't hear myself think or couldn't even gather my thoughts for prayer! I was sliding down a a slope of depression fast and life was the absolute worse for me! I was plummeting!  I can remember one day I was screaming at the top of my lungs pleading with God to take me up out of here like He had did Enoch (a Beam me up Scotty situation). During all of my screaming the most gentlest voice I have ever heard said "Remain faithful"! I was little confused at first but after a while I dried my tears and I knew it was not me but God!

That was almost 2 years ago! I am still here, which means I have survived the storm! Today I repent  of ever opening my mouth to say or for even thinking that God didn't love me! I am so grateful today because I am so much better now than I was before I went into the storm. I am for certain that God loves me! He loves me so much that He won't leave me the same! Today, I believe all things are possible! He has shown me that He can do anything! I would have never got to this point with out my storm!

 

Today I want to encourage you! Many things happen in our lives that make absolutely no sense to us. It's hard to see God's purpose prevailing though all of the clouds, the rain, and the hail that comes with the storms that we go through. However, I have learned that God knows us better than we know ourselves! What we think will ultimately work to our demise, God uses to work out for our good! Storms are much like pruning plants and trees; they are necessary for our growth in our faith in God. Pruning plants is the cutting away of necessary branches so that the plant/tree can get the necessary nutrients it needs to grow tall and strong. God knows how to prune us to get us to get rooted into Him and His Words. He knows  the right amount of circumstance that will get us to depend on Him and increase our faith.

He doesn't do these things because He doesn't love us, but because He does. He loves us too much to leave us carnal! While many days last year I thought I was dying, in some sense I was. I was dying to my flesh! I was learning to trust God's will for  my life and to walk by the Holy Spirit. It is only when we allow God to stretch out in us that the Fruit of the Spirit begins to grow and mature! Joy, and Peace can and will take root in the midst of a storm. So don't give up! I promise you God loves you so very much! I was once told that God saves his hardest battles for His strongest Soldiers! Believe that if you are in it, then you have what it takes to get through it. God will not put more on you than you can bear. I have come to learn that test and trials come to pull up what is laying dormant in us that God want dominant in us! You will be a better person when this is all over.

Be encouraged, God loves you so much that He has chosen to make you better, to improve you, refine you and make you shine like pure gold. While more than likely what you are going through didn't come from God; He doesn't miss an opportunity to use pain for His Glory! This will work out for your good! Don't give up, stay the course!

Hang in there!

Love Ro

Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Walk into your Destiny

Our destinies are promised and set up for us, however its our choice if we will get to them.

Let me paint the picture for you... God had already said that the Land of Canaan was the Israelite's It was for them to trust God to get them to the land. Instead, they complained and doubted because of the many oppositions they had to endure. Then when they got to spy on the land they became scared of the who had already possessed the land. Forgetting that God had promised the land to them.

Abraham was promised to be a father of many nations. He at one point thought it was taking to long. So his wife Sarah offered her handmaiden to produce a child. Yeah well that wasn't God's plan at all. However Abraham choose to believe God would do what He said. And finally Sarah gave birth to Issac who gave birth to Jacob and so forth..... Abraham walked into His destiny

So again our destiny is established already by God. Rather or not we get to walk into it is our choice. Choose to hold on to every word God says concerning your future. It will not be an easy road, and we may wait years before it materialize. We may even fall into temptation but never stop trusting God. He is faithful to do just what He said He would...

Enemies to Faith

Pessimism and close-mindedness are major development issues for faith! If you are always trying to rely on what your mind can come up with for God; you will miss Him every time.  Not to mention its quite prideful to think there is no other way for God to work other than what you can come up with.

Reminder 1 Cor 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

God can do and use anything or anyone He wants for His purpose to be fulfilled. And Gratefully it is never up for debate! He will use ppl with learning disabilities, Ppl with horrid pasts, to do things we all would consider impossible and or unethical. He is God, and while we see only the physical; God sees potential and the heart of every man.

Open your mind to His infinite wisdom and knowledge instead of trying to fit God into yours. He will wow you every time.

Word of Encouragement:

Never let anyone tell you what you can't do or what can't happen! Never allow your circumstances or your past to define who you are or what God is capable of doing for you! God says you are More Than A Conquer and that All things are Possible with Him.
Tell them folks to kick rocks with Flip Flops and Watch God Get the Glory out of your Life.If you happen to be the Pessimistic and close-minded one hindering yourself. Do yourself a favor and just Shut up and cooperate with God.

Enjoy your day and grow in Grace!

Confidence in God

I think we will all agree that in our own power we mess up, fall short, miss the mark (sin). It's also Satan's underestimated devices, to keep us in the position to alway want to work in our own power, and trusting in ourselves. So now we have a society that is obsessed with Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem, Self-Empowerment... Ironically none of these thing are really possible to have without a breech without an identity in Christ. Even Self Control is a Fruit of the Spirit of God. He is the one who enables us to control ourselves.

Be Confident in the God in you, He will esteem you and empower you to keep you from displeasing Him and complete every assignment for your life. Take no confidence in your own ability, but Give God all of the credit and all of the Glory for the work He has done in You.

Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight.

2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

The Grace to Live Holy

While the Law enforces to live Holy for the Lord our God is Holy, Grace reinforces the ability to actually do it.

The Law shows us how wretched we are in our own ability and Grace shows us how powerful Christ is too keep us from falling

There is absolutely nothing God will require of us that He will not provide for us a way to get it done. That would be setting us up for failure.

Today stop trying in your own power to live Holy (it can't be done by you alone). Instead if you are going to do anything in your own power READ the Word... Get knowledge so that you can believe it is by grace that we are already the righteousness of God through our Faith. We just have to receive what Jesus has done for us and rely on Him.

And remember proof of faith is obedience! When we really believe that we are the righteousness of God it will show up in the choices we make. Choose to Study the Word, Choose, to believe the Word, Choose the Live the Word. And allow Grace to empower you to live holy!

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Allow People to Change

Be sure to forget what you previously knew about someone, when you have confirmed they have changed! They are moving forward, don't try to hold them to their past! PPL do Change, you just have to open your eyes to see it! For us to believe that ppl don't change is to say that the Holy Spirit is incapable of doing His work in this dispensation! That would my friend, equate to being a non-believer!

Sometimes its hard to recognize change in others because we are still the same. We who are saved remain the same because we haven't yielded to the work of the Holy Spirit. Everyday w/ Him we should be looking more and more like the SON and less carnal!

Good Morning & Grow in Grace
Rofasho

Open Your Mouth

Matthew 24:14 will preach all by itself... What is it preaching?
Glad you asked? The end ain't coming until all believers open their mouths about the Kingdom of God.

Each of us has influence in a area or over ppl that someone else doesn't. If your mouth is closed that area has been left untouched. Please stop thinking its the job of Pastors to evangelize. Its the entire Body of Christ job. Hence the need to be on one accord! If everyone is talking about the Kingdom of, the Body of Christ will walk around the Globe in no time. (picture all believers standing together in the shape of a body, now picture the body walking harmoniously over the globe)-------OPEN YOUR MOUTH!

Do as you are told

In this season its imperative that we learn to obey God! Many times what He requires of us will not make sense to us or we may even receive back lash from our peers! However, do not be found in disobedience to save face from those who around you!

Remember no man opens doors or give promotion. It is God who touches man to do that. So it behooves us to please the Source of whom all blessing flow from.

Can God trust you to carry out this next assignment?

"Lo, I'm with you always"

We were promised that God will be with us always! The way we live shows rather or not we believe that. Some of us behave one way in church because we associate the building as being holy ground! And leave church and behave altogether differently.

Today, change your mind! Yes the church is suppose to be treated with respect! However it is a building made by man. We however are fashioned by God! Do not be "holy" only in a building but live holy because you are God's true temple. He didn't send His Son to die to live in bricks and vinyl siding! But to live in us!

He told the disciples I am sending you a Helper! The Holy Spirit is equal to God the Son and the Father but submissive in nature. If you also submit to the power of the Holy Spirit you will truly see POWER working in you! If you only believe.

Good Morning & Grow in Grace!

A Man with Just a Job or A Man with Purpose

Ladies we are often told when dating that we shouldn't consider to date a man without a job. Today, I want to open your minds to Kingdom relationships.

Yes a man with a job is a good thing, however a man with just a job is altogether different. Ladies, there is something far more important that we are over looking. We are forgetting the element of purpose.  First this must be addressed: Dating without purpose is no where visible in the bible. 

Wasting time with guys who will not be our husbands, is dangerous. Why am I saying dangerous? Because we get connected emotionally, and physically and then we see ourselves in compromising situations that are contrary to the Word of God. To eliminate putting ourselves in situations like this, its best to have a purpose for dating. There is nothing wrong with remaining friends with other guys but keep standards, and boundaries so that the those relationships never cross the line. Make sure whoever you are dating is marriage material and potential so that you don't waste time and that you safeguard your heart. 

Marriages struggle because of pasts! If we do things God's way we would actually enter marriage being virgins without even knowing what it is that we like sexually and don't like. We would grow with our mate sexually vs. coming together one burnt out sexually and the other blew out sexually. Get my drift! Marriage wouldn't be so hard if we didn't come into it with all the relational baggage that we bring from spending time in relationships with people who were never meant for us any way.

I digress! Back to the topic at hand. So okay we have a man and he is looking good for marriage material. He has a job, a car and a house. He can provide for you and all of that, but what will happen to this man is if all he has is a job. I will tell you--------> CRISIS! If all you have is a man with a good job, you are in trouble. Jobs are great but what is better is to have a man who knows his purpose. 

Its two different things to have a man with a job and a man with a job and a purpose. Take the job away from the man without a purpose, usually he will do WHATEVER it takes to keep things a float. He may even become enraged because he is unable to provide. He may feel feelings of failure and hopelessness. However, take the job away from a man who knows his purpose and there is a different outcome. This man will be relaxed, because the job wasn't going to be the end result for him anyway. He has direction because he has plans for his life that may or may not involve that job that was taken from him. If the job has nothing to do with his purpose more than likely he really didn't want to be there anyway. One things for sure when a man has purpose he knows what and what he doesn't have time for. More importantly purpose comes from God so he trusts God!

Ladies, having a man who knows his purpose is far more greater than having a man with just a job. As wives we are called to be a helpmeet.  Helpmeet to what? To the mans journey of becoming who God has called him to be. You can't be helpmeet to a man with just a job. If he loses his job then what? But a man with purpose, also has a plan and this what we are helping with. We are helping him get to the end result that God showed him of who he is to become. 

Work is defined as activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result. Work is also a verb. Job is defined as in the verb form, do casual or occasional work. In the noun form, a paid position or regular employment. 

So ladies don't just be glad over a man with "a" job, because all he has is a paid position. Get excited over a man that is working to achieve an end result. Get excited over the man with the plan, who knows where he is going in life not just from 8-5pm daily. 

This is a true story... Im living witness that a man that knows his purpose is so much more easier to be a helpmeet too than man with just a job oblivious to what God has called him too!

Encouragement to those labeled "Super Saved"

Today Encouragement goes out to the people who have been labeled "Super Saved":
Listen, people are always going to have something to say about you rather good or bad. Know who you are and know whose you are! Live balanced, but by all means living balanced doesn't involve living carnal in any way! Living balanced means understanding that nothing comes into the natural without first being manifested in the spiritual realm. Living balance is recognizing that you're Spirit Man is superior than your physical man and the physical man must be under subjection to the Spirit Man. Not the other way around. Living balanced is understanding Matthew 4:4 says  we don't live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. Living balanced recognizes that we have to be so connected to God that we don't miss one word coming out of His mouth. It also means that we are able to comprehend what He is saying and we are able to apply what God is speaking. We are also led by God because He speaks to us the plan for our life. Living Balanced means that we are the Salt and the Light of the Earth. We are effective and efficient for the Kingdom of God! We have to be up to date with what is happening in the World so that we maybe able to bring new believers into the Kingdom of God. We understand that what worked in 1970 will not work in 2012.We do not partake in the world's way of doing things. We don't have to, because we are  attached to the Creator. We have endless means of creativity and innovation.

Do not let people entice you to go the other way just because they are not on your level. The bible says when we search for God with our whole heart that's when we will find Him. This means things have to be given up; nothing matters more to us than seeking God. He comes first.  The disciples asked Jesus why he spoke in parables to the people. Jesus said that He spoke that way so that those who really wanted to know would unravel the truth for themselves. A parable is simply a way of telling a story about the truth but its hidden in the story. Its up to the listener to find the treasure in the story.  So why were the disciples privilege to the truth? They had given up careers, left families to become students of Jesus Christ. Walking with Jesus isn't free, it cost something. We are all supposed to become students of Jesus Christ just like the disciples were. Upon there training they moved from "student"(disciple) to  "sent ones" (Apostles), going out to make more disciples (students). We can't study the Savior and remain the same. We are to grow and develop. Some people will never understand this. Some people are spiritually blinded to this process. Further down in the text Jesus tells the disciple: "Through seeing, they do not see; Through hearing, they do not hear or understand" (Matthew 13:13). We will only understand God to the level of our thirst for him. So don't get discouraged when you hear people labeling you.


 Satan's strategies to keep us from being victorious is to keep us flesh focused. We can't get to the things of the Spirit when we are bound to our flesh. We want power, but power comes from fasting and praying and spending countless hours with God. It's amazing that it took seconds for Jesus to heal people, and cast our demons; however he spent hours praying to the Father. So keep pressing toward Christ, live out every Word. Pray for those who misuse you and talk about you! The spiritual man knows that at all time there are two kingdoms at war and they never stop waring just because we are sleep, partying, praying, or whatever. This is why the Word of God reminds us to be self controlled and alert, because the enemy is on the prowl looking to devour who he can... The only way he can is when we are not walking in the Spirit.

At some point in time those that made fun of you will see you operating from another dimension while they are still struggling with the flesh. Jesus said that He was leaving and that those that believed would do greater things than He did. I assure you those things will only get done by continuously seeking Him as He did the Father. Live your life, never mind the nay-sayers! Listen for the voice of God and let Him lead you to your destiny!

Roman 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

1Cor 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Reputation vs. Character

Daily Wisdom: Your repuatation may get you in the door, but character is what you are going to need to keep you from being put out of it. ~Rofasho~

Thoughts for today: We can always lie our way in/out of things just as long as people don't mind a surface relationships with us. However, there will come a time when someone will genuinely want to know us below the surface. What exactly will they find? Will what they have heard, assumed of us and/or believed what we have said about ourselves line up with who we really are? Or will they be sadly disappointed to find out our reputation is a front and the "real" us is the total opposite?

Plan of Action: Work hard everyday to get to know our strengths and our weakness. Be honest with ourselves and others. There is only one carbon copy of us all. God fashioned us to be different for a reason! So enjoy your uniqueness, by allowing others to enjoy and beneifit from knowing who we really are. It doesn't make much sense to make people believe we are something that we really are not. More importantly, we have to stop lying to ourselves. If what we see in the mirror isn't to our liking; then its as simple as changing what we do not like. Put your best foot forward to being the best YOU that you can be. You will be glad you did, those around you will also. Live up to being YOU!

Grow in Grace & Blessing in your Sweet Experience of Growth and Change!

Rofasho

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

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

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

An Unforgettable Weekend of Love

March 4th thru the 6th, was my church's Marriage Retreat.  We traveled to the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Mi. We stayed Friday thru Sunday Morning. For the low price of $400 per couple, we received: 2 nights lodging, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts (buffets), Water Park Pass for the duration of our stay, 3 workshops and course materials. Yea, all of that for $400! Yet the amount that we paid, would never come close to what we learned and experienced with our spouses.

I will be honest, I had my reserves about the retreat. I was excited about going and optimistic about what we would learn in our workshops. However the itinerary  just seemed so tight. We really was doing something every moment that we were there. So immediately, my husband and I had already planned not to take advantage to every workshop. Yep, that didn't happen. Who was I kidding, I rarely ever go against the grain of obedience when it comes to someone asking me to be apart of something. I'm glad i didn't change the course of what I have done all my life.

We got to the location about 9pm, just in time to eat dinner. However, we had missed the icebreakers and events for the night. So we ate and mingled with everyone for little bit and my husband and I went back to our room. Beds are wonderful at Great Wolf Lodge may I add. The next morning was a struggle because we needed to be up and downstairs at 7:30am  to start the morning events. I'm not a morning person at all, so I was a little late. Breakfast was slamming: Fruit, french toast, potatoes, eggs, bacon, sausage and I am sure I'm missing something else.  We then all went to the general session, which my Pastor taught on Communication and Rekindling Intimacy. I have already written about my Pastor in this blog site, so you already know he slammed.  After his class we had a choice to attend making Blended Families work or How to Love Your Spouse while Working it Out. My husband and I choose the second class, as we really don't have an issue with blended families.

I wasn't prepared for the wealth of knowledge I was going to gain from this workshop. It was taught by a couple that didn't attend our church, they were average people like my husband and I. They were not Pastors or Bishops, Bible Scholars, just people who had been married for years. Never judge a book by their cover. Though no titles were before their name, the Holy Spirit used them in such a way to convey what there "Its" were in the Working it Out part of their marriage. They were transparent and real. They shared things that most wouldn't dare tell a friend. It wasn't to air their dirty laundry but to show that their is life after death in a marriage. It really blessed me an my husband. Their story wasn't to fair off from ours and it was just what we needed. Though we had moved on and forgiven and forgotten, it was added confirmation that we were on the right track. This couple shared what their ideas of the roles of a wife and husband are and what Love is. I was impacted tremendously by the class. It showed me my flaws as a wife. It showed how difficult and judgmental I really am.

After that Course we had a choice between Managing Finances in Unison and How to  Persevere in Marriage. We choose to take the Finance Workshop. Again, this work showed my husband some of the things that I was concerned with as the last workshop showed me what he was concerned with.  After leaving this course we retreated to our room because we had a 5 hour break. We cried and apologize. I confessed to him some things that I wouldn't confess to myself. He did the same. We recommitted ourselves to each other. He also mandated that we dedicate Mondays to be our day of Sacrifice. (I love it when he leads me). After our break was over we came back together for dinner and to renew our vows.
My husband and I had the awesome task of leading worship. It was an awesome experience. We renewed our vows and had our second "first" dance. The following morning, we had breakfast, and we broke off to women with women and men with men, to encourage. I don't know what the men did but the women did just that. We joined back together and had communion before we departed.

It was a much needed retreat for my husband and I. It was our first time actually being away with no kids and no family. (Well Pastor was with us, but not with us).  I think we said "I Love You" enough to cover the rest of this year. I'm sitting here smiling just thinking how impossible life would be separate from him. We have come through so much, and fought so hard to get to where we are now; nothing can penetrate us. Don't mistaken that for boasting, this is faith I am speaking on. God has shown us mercy and grace. He has shown us that if we let Him lead he will cover a multitude of our wrongdoing. If we let Him be in the midst of our marriage, we can truly stick and stay.  This weekend only affirmed what we already knew and sometime forget or take for granted. The truth is our destinies are interlocked with each other. We can't get to what God has for us separated. Its imperative that we never lose sight of that.

So today, I just wanted to take the time to encourage those who may be experiencing adversity in your marriage. This is going to sound crazy, but, embrace the adversity. There is something for you to learn about yourself and your mate. More importantly, God is trying to pull something out of you that is laying dormant that He needs active. This not the time to play victim, but the time to stay in the word and trust in God's promises for your marriage. Marriage was never designed for divorce. With that being said, make up your mind now if your are going to stay or leave. If you are going to stay- fight, if you are going to leave- leave. There is no in between. Be encourage God is own your side even if it doesn't look like it.

Everything Happens for A Reason

Well yall, its day 10 of the fast. I have no clue what else to cook (lol). I have just been smashing chili with whole grain tortillas, strawberry salad, and smoothies for the last two days. Ironically, I'm not really hungry for food.  This morning, I have just been reviewing the last year or so, and I realize all things happen for a reason.

This time last year, i was just starting at Liberty University. Liberty wasn't even a choice for me, as I didn't even know it existed. I was really interested in going to Regent University. However a friend of the family, saw my status on Facebook about looking for an Online Christian University to attend. She replied and told me she was a student at Liberty University. She said that the school was recommended by her Pastor, because she wanted to join a particular ministry at the church she attended. Her Pastor suggested that she get more training by attending the school. She expressed how much she loved it. So I actually applied to both schools. Liberty was was breeze. With in two weeks of applying, I was already enrolled in courses; I still needed to pay my $50 application fee for Regent. I was tossing and turning about the degree programs (nothing unusual, this has been a problem since I graduated from High School). Liberty has several degrees that work well in both the spiritual and the natural realm.  Not, that Regent didn't.  Yet, and still I wanted to go to Regent.  I really wanted to go to school for straight Religion. I am diverse in talents and hobbies. I do many things well, however, ministry is the only thing that I find satisfaction in.  It has been like this my whole life.

I always could see other peoples professions and what they possibly would be doing when they grew up. However, it was just a blank stare for my life. I wanted to sing like Diana Ross at one point, then I wanted to be a Pediatrician like my phenomenal Pediatrician, Dr. Pai. Then I wanted to be a counselor, because that's all I ever did was listen to other people's problems. Then I wanted to open a business, but what I had no clue. Nothing ever seem to be rewarding and satisfying for me.  I always ran from the thought of ministry (even now I'm shaking my head). I grew up around Pastors and preachers and their families. I always thought, "this is ain't a glamourous job to have at all". Even though all my life I always was told I would either be preachers wife, or ministering myself, or both; I never really thought much of it.  The reality of it is, I never took the opportunity to leave for college because I didn't want to leave my church. Church was everything to me from middle school thru high school, and it still is.  Ministry, its the one thing that I can relax and say "aaahhhhh" to.

Anyway, I was tossing the two schools back and forth. Finally by my best friend Toni, asked me "Why are you being so rebellious"?  I was a little appalled that she would go hard on me like that for school, but she was right. (You gotta have one friend in your corner that will tell you the truth at all times.) Everything was in place, and I was set for school to start January 17, 2010 at Liberty University. Why I was still considering Regent, I don't even know. Here I am a whole year later, and it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. Since starting at Liberty, I have learned to embrace the fact that what everyone has ever told me about ministry, is true. I stopped running from the call. How foolish of me to think I could ever get away from it in the first place.  Ironically the forecast of being a preacher's wife and/or in ministry myself, proves to be true for both. My husband, is now embracing his call since he started at Liberty.

Its amazing to me that I choose to take Church Ministries in this season, and its not even apart of my degree program. It was perfect timing to take the course while being on a fast. The course is gear to help those understand their call or position in ministry, and what ministry is all about. When my books came, I was on Christmas break. I started reading the Ministry Is..... book, by Dave Earley and Ben Gutierrez and almost finished it. Then when the class started and the fast started, things became illuminated and uneasy as if certain words were jumping out at me. A lot of my prayers were answered through this class. A lot of revelation came through the books that I had to read for this class.

God is amazing. He knows us all by personality. He is careful to deal with us all by our personalities. After all he fashioned us, right?. He knows just how to reveal things to me because I'm always skeptical of myself. I think I have said this over and over, but timing is everything.  I often think if I was working would I be where I am right now. I know I wouldn't! I wouldn't even be able to discern when God is speaking. Nor would I probably be looking for Him to have anything to say to me. But the very fact that I'm home and out of my element, I'm desperately looking for Him. God know just where to put you so you can listen and depend on Him.  I hated being at home. Don't take this wrong because I love my children. However all my life I have worked for everything I ever wanted.  Being fired from a job that I had just been awarded employee of the month and several other privileges floored my self esteem and independence. However, I didn't get it then, but I understand it now. There was a plan in place to get me right where I am today. I'm in school, I'm learning every day to depend on God and be submissive to my husband, and to tend to my first ministry- my family.

Daniel's Fast, Day 9 - Confirmation on the Call and One Word

My last post was on the One Word Journey, that I decided to embark upon. I mentioned that I believe God was telling me my word for 2011 is "Discipline". Today, my word is confirmed. Today, I was reading the book Ministry Is... for my Church Ministries course. This weeks required reading is chapters 11-20.  The book is an easy read if you are in ministry, thinking about ministry, feel you are being called into ministry and etc. I get to chapter 15, "Refusing to Coast" and the second heading of the chapter is............ "Discipline Yourself". I think that is enough confirmation for me. (LOL).

In all actuality the entire chapter is on discipline. Pastor Dave Earley gives a synopsis of the things that he put in place to get himself disciplined for growth.  And he says:
      "Over the next few years of being aggressive with my growth plan, I had slowly made big strides in all the key areas of my life. I had read hundreds of books. I had listened to hundreds of hours of Bible teachings or leadership training. I had written 12 books. I had read through the Bible several times. I saw answer to prayer almost every day. 
      When I got intentional about my personal growth, every part of my life became better, including my ministry. My church doubled in attendance. God multiplied my small group numerous times. I enjoyed life more than ever.
     The secret of growth and long-term effectiveness is found in your daily habits and weekly plans. Effective ministry leader build necessary disciplines in their lives and live those disciplines daily. Personal, spiritual, and professional fitness are like physical fitness. They come from learning the right exercises and doing them regularly until they become habits."1


This passage of the chapter really did it for me. I am often stressed and tired because of the many things that do on a daily basis. Today, is the first day of whipping my spiritual , physical and emotional life into shape.  It's imperative that I do. As I continue this fast, the call on my life intensifies and the only thing I can focus on is the Church (on a universal level). The Great Commission, is all that is ever on my mind. Throughout this fast I am asking for clarity of my calling, "What am I teaching and to who?" Matthew 28: 18-20 is repeatedly coming up. I of course am thinking back and forth about how much of a mess my time management is at home, and feeling a little overwhelmed that God is calling me to make Disciples. I am such a mess all by myself, let alone trying to lead anyone else to live a life of servitude for God.  However, as I  pray more every day, study more everyday, I am comforted that God makes no mistakes about any person He calls into a life of ministry. Who am I to tell God "Why me?  am I adequate enough? I'm not disciplined enough, nor am I faithful enough." The fact of the matter is that God chose me well before I even could think on anything spiritual. Thus the reason for the One Word Journey. 

Timing is everything. I'm learning that everything works in His divine order. Amazing just as we started the fast, I decide to ask God for one word to help me through the year and at the same time asked for clarity on the call of ministry He is requesting me for. My answer for the One Word : Discipline, my answer for the Call: Go Make Disciples.

So in short, there is no time to waste in getting disciplined in every area of my life. It behooves me to do so, so that I can lead a more relax and happier life. On the other hand, I can't lead people to want to follow Christ effectively if I don't have the time to teach them what they need to know. Our call into ministry isn't a hobby but a mandate. I do realize that upon acceptance (as if I had a choice), I have made a vow to God to put aside my ambitions, my personal goals, to deny myself for His Glory. As athletes train before their seasons begins, I am also training for yet the greatest position I could ever take.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:18-20  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Supported Quotes
   Whether I hear God's call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude. If we will allow the Holy Spirit to bring us face to face with God, we will hear what Isaiah heard-"the voice of the Lord.' In perfect freedom we too will say, "Here I am! Send me." ~ Oswald Chambers 2


  We are not workers for God by our own choice.... Never choose to be a worker, but when once God has put His call on you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or to the left. God will do with you what He never did with you before the call came.... Let Him have His way ~ Oswald Chambers 3


Notes
1. D. Earley & B. Gutierrez, Ministry Is... How to Serve Jesus with Passion and Confidence (Nashville, TN: B& H Publishing, 2010)
2. O. Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Burns, TN: Discovery House Publishers, 1963), January 4 entry 4.
3. O.Chambers, Approved unto God (Grand rapids, Mi: Discovery House, 1946), 9.