Deputy Modesto Ruiz

Posted by Unknown Thursday, April 28, 2011 0 comments

On Tuesday, May 3rd at 6:00 p.m., Venezuelan Deputy Modesto Ruiz will be at Union Baptist Church to speak about the civil rights struggle of Afro-Venezuelans and his work to win their freedom.


We will meet at 1219 Druid Hill Avenue in the Room of Remembrance.

You are invited to engage in dialogue with one of the leading civil rights figures in the world today.

This is A Good Book!

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, April 26, 2011 0 comments

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Isaiah 40: 8


During this shaken economic period with prices escalating beyond the average family's ability to keep pace. We need to have an anchor in our lives. It is comforting to know that God's word never fails and His promises are true.

Spend quality time in God's word, it will give you strength to go on in a midst of uncertainty and turmoil.

Thank God for Laminin

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, April 20, 2011 0 comments

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:" Psalm 139:14


As our attention turns to Good Friday and the Passion experience of Jesus Christ, I am mindful that God has made each one of us individually and collectively.

We are walking miracles!

In our genetic make-up is the laminin structure. This structure is the building block for each tissue in our body.

A picture of this essential element is posted in the blog.

What is amazing is that the element is in the shape of a cross.

Theologically, and Biblically the structure for the salvation of humankind is the cross.

I shouldn't have to write anymore. Everyone should be saying, "Praise the Lord."

Fish Fry on Friday

Posted by Unknown Monday, April 18, 2011 0 comments

Can't keep it a secret any Good Friday "Fish Fry" at the Harvey Johnson Center, 1219 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore, MD from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2011.

Check out the prices and the fish is good.

Thank You!

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"I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 1: 4


To all my friends who extended well wishes on my birthday, thank you. Your love and concern made the day exceptional indeed. As you now it was Palm Sunday, and I preached a sermon entitled, "A King is Coming!" Zechariah 9: 9 - 13 and Luke 19: 28 - 40.

When times may seem dark and trouble is at your door, you can be assured that "A King is coming and the King has one more move." Which is interpreted that Jesus cannot be defeated, He will always win in the end.

After service, I visited an assisted living facility with the St. Luke's Ministry of our church. We shared song, a preached word, and communion with the residents there.

After that my family shared in a dinner together, I walked through the neighborhood with my nephews ages 12 & 11 showing them what scouts look for when hiking.

The most important gifts I received were the many expressions of love throughout the day.

I thank my God for each one of you.

Be Blessed and Continue to be a Blessing!

Nick Charles

Posted by Unknown Sunday, April 17, 2011 0 comments

If you were in Baltimore during the early 70's you would remember one of the coolest personalities at WJZ-TV13, Nick Charles. He his the scene with bravado and was always dapperly dressed. From Baltimore, he went to CNN as a sports announcer. At the time his name was bigger than CNN's. He brought viewers with him and blasted onto the national scene with charisma and class. Nick Charles represented us well.

He is going the way of all flesh. Nevertheless, he is leaving this dimension with dignity.

My prayers go to him and his family during this season of his journey.

Helping People

Posted by Unknown Saturday, April 16, 2011 0 comments

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10


As the Christian world focuses upon Palm Sunday and its pageantry. As we begin Holy Week, we cannot lose sight of our call to help people in need: the last, the least, and the lost. Can you imagine the economic pressure on people who look at us and think we have plenty? Struggling to make it cause everyone to be a target for assistance and places people at odds with one another. However, we are called to help those in need. One of the areas of need I have discovered is the disconnect people have with the system and the technology that is so readily in use. People who need assistance have been bounced around by the system that they feel no one care about their situation. The danger is that none of us are able to be case managers for the needs of all the people we encounter. I believe we can be a source of encouragement, a listening ear, and a referral source to cut through the red tape.

I had a person come by my office periodically asking for $10 - $13 to help him to fill his prescription. I have a personal creed that says once, twice, but never thrice. The person didn't know that he had passed his limit. When I told him not to ask me for money; he apologized and left. So unfortunate that he didn't see me as a person but as a resource for funds. If he had taken the time to develop a relationship based upon mutual interests, he may have found that I could have directed him to a source to address his needs.

The best source of help for any person is to direct them to God in prayer.


Taxes are taxing

Posted by Unknown Friday, April 15, 2011 0 comments

"Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image on susperscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22: 19 - 21


When our government talks about cutting services, it affects each one of us. When our government talks about raising taxes, it affects each one of us. It might be a misstatement when it is said that government is for the people. However, it is true when they say that it is a government by the people. The ability to tax its citizens, corporations, and business causes government to happen.

It appears that government has turned against the people when you look at the array of services that are being cut at every level of government: local, state and national.

Today is the day that the federal government looks to get its tax dollars from the people of America.

Render unto Caesar in a scriptural context, means in our day - pay your taxes!

Talk to Your Children

Posted by Unknown Thursday, April 14, 2011 2 comments

"Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation." Joel 1:3


The first duty of any mother or father is to be a living testimony for your children. It is a bad preacher who does not begin their ministry at home. To teach our children is a personal duty; we cannot delegate it to Sunday School or Public School teachers. These can assist, but not replace the responsibility that parents have to teach their children in the home. Parental teaching is a natural duty - who is fit to look after the child's well being than the ones who brought the child into the world? To neglect to talk to and to train your child is shirking the most important responsibility in the world. Family religion is necessary for the nation, for the family itself and for the church of God. The family is the building block of our society. It is a pleasant duty to talk about God, life and love with your children. It is a parent's time to talk about the goodness of the Lord. Don't talk at, but talk with your children.

Glen Beck

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, April 12, 2011 0 comments

Last year, I spoke to the members of the National Bible Association in New York City. After my speech, this gentleman called me over and asked to take a picture with me. I compiled and stood with him and took this picture. At the time, I didn't know who Glen Beck was. If I had known, I probably would have still taken the picture. Since I know, my prayers go out to him and ask him to seek God's pardon from his sins.

Strength and Courage

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"Be strong and very courageous." Joshua 1:7


Given all the news of this day, it appears to be much to worry about. The news from Japan only gets worse. The news of war American is involved in all over the world leads to destruction. The economy is showing no signs of recovery for whose boats are suck at the bottom. Violence goes unabated and its next victim may be someone you know.

Still the word of God comes to us to be strong and very courageous because God is with us. News and events are only temporary. God is eternal. Each battle we fight provides for God another victory to win. In these tough economy times, I have been able to give and save. Why? I keep my attention on Him, and His word commands me to be strong and very courageous.

Be strong in my faith and courageous as I confront the many battles of the day. I must admit that Satan is busy. Nevertheless, I am aware of his devices. I have committed myself to God and therefore, I can resist the devil, his imps and all of his tricks and traps.

God’s strength and courage are available to you this morning.

Tiger praying at the wrong place and time

Posted by Unknown Monday, April 11, 2011 0 comments

For Tiger Woods to get better, he has to learn that praying to the god of golf won't get you anywhere. He has to learn how to build his altar in prayer to God. Only God can turn one around and plant their feet on solid ground. A man in his 30's should have learned that lesson by now. I pray that he learns it soon.

Take time to Listen

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"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord." Proverbs 16:20


One of the most important traits to obtain is wisdom. Wisdom is the compass by which we are to steer across the trackless waste of life; without it, we are derelict vessels, the sport of winds and waves. A person will sorely injure their feet among the thorns of life is they don't choose their steps with utmost caution. If, trained by the Great Teacher, we follow where He leads, we shall find that which is good. Even in darkness the stars will shine. Where can wisdom be found? Wisdom is found in one's trust in the Lord and listening to divine inspiration. Just ask the Lord to walk with you through life's garden and its wilderness. He will walk with you and talk with you and tell you that you are His own.

Only Wounded Hands Heal

Posted by Unknown Sunday, April 10, 2011 0 comments

"The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." John 20: 25


Preparing a sermon for today entitled, "Only Wounded Hands Heal."

It will help you understand the role of a wounded healer. It will also help you to understand why you are justified by God's love.

It will also help you share your testimony of what God has done for you in your life.

Beware of false gods

Posted by Unknown Saturday, April 9, 2011 1 comments

"Do men make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods!" Jeremiah 16: 20


The danger of self is its desire to place everything under its dominion. The danger of flesh is that it is always creating space for its desires and wants.

Ofttimes, what one controls, desires and wants to become occupies the center of your being. It puts those things in front of God.

As we begin a new week from tomorrow worship service, is Jesus the center of your joy?

This is the tension in today's world. To ensure that you put nothing in front of, or in place of God.

Satan slips various things into our center. Our responsibility is to commit our self to God and to resist the Devil, his tricks and his devices.

Fill up on Spiritual food tomorrow, so that it becomes your nourishment over the coming week.

His Government Will Have No End

Posted by Unknown Friday, April 8, 2011 0 comments

"The Lord is King forever and ever." Psalm 10:16


As the political leadership negotiates the level of pain to place upon the people with threats of a government shutdown; those in the faith can rest assured that the last word is not with them, but it's with God.

I pray for a sense of reason within the Republican and Democratic leadership. One Congressman informed me that the "Tea Party" crowd has come to Washington with one goal in mind to hamper the progress being made, to embarrass the President, and to cut all areas they deem are entitlements to the poor.

There is a new level of mean spiritedness.

For example, the proposed cuts to The Head Start program will mean that the program our church is responsible for will have to endure a 22% cut. That will mean possibly releasing six people and serving 34 fewer children.

With bombing going on in Libya, Afghanistan, and Iraq, our priorities are out of whack.

Nevertheless, I convinced that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

The Preacher and The Singer!

Posted by Unknown Thursday, April 7, 2011 0 comments

What a pleasure to heard that Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock and Ms. Jennifer Holliday have collaborated on an inspirational CD.


Its called "Goodness and Mercy."

Off to go purchase and listen to it.

Brother Raphael: you are sure looking good!

"If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in." Revelation 3: 20


I have learned that the grace of God, which goes before is always waiting for us. Experiencing the sweet communion of God presence is available to you whenever you turn your heart towards God. "When I think about the goodness of God and all that He has done for me." Upon reflection, I didn't search for God, He was searching for me.

I'm so glad that He found me. I'm so glad that I opened the door of my heart to Him.

Have you every experienced a knock at the door of your heart?

Malcolm X

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, April 6, 2011 0 comments

I waited a day. Bought the book, "A Life of Reinvention: Malcolm X," by Manning Marable. How long will it take me to read 600 pages?


I think I can get through it within the next three days. I'll let you know how it turns out.

I had the chance to meet Malcolm X when he visited the Wilson Street Mosque in Baltimore.

He was a bad brother indeed!

The Birds are Cooing

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"Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." Song of Songs 2:12


Sweet is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its present delights.

It is refreshing to experience the blossoming tulips and daffodils of our spirits emerging from their beds within the earth. Our hearts are made merry with the delicious notes of gratitude, far more melodious than the singing of birds. Our spirits are reassured with the comfort of peace.

So sweet is the cooing of turtledoves our souls come alive seeking the love that only comes from God. Spring beckons us with a refreshing invitation that heeds the communion of our souls and feels the tenderness of Jesus' call. Yes, it's springtime and my chilly heart become revived with the dawn of a new season in the Lord.

When do you dance?

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, April 5, 2011 0 comments

"And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod." 2 Samuel 6: 14


"a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a tim to dance." Ecclesiastes 3: 4

Properly done, liturgical dancing expresses in the moment the deep spiritual essence of one's relationship with God.

Improperly done, dancing can be a distraction to one who is seeking to enter a spiritual relationship.

I have witnessed both modes. However, I must admit, I have witnessed dance properly done, more often than not.

The younger people of our generation express their spirituality through movement. The older of our generation expresses their spirituality through meditation. It is not either/or; it is really both/ and.

Liturgical dance has a place in the menu of worship experiences. It can release the mind, body and spirit to experience a wholesome relationship with God.

The Birds are Singing

Posted by Unknown Monday, April 4, 2011 0 comments

"Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say." Ecclesiastes 10:20


Listening to the birds sing this morning caused me to reflect upon this scripture. How does gossip begin? It begins with a thought told to someone and reported to others. I remember my mother would say, "loose lips sink ships."

This scripture reminds us to keep thoughts and words to yourself. Speak words that heal, instead of words that hurt. Think thoughts that are lovely and pure, not thoughts that dark and dreary.

First, your attitude improves when you think and say positive things. Second, others will not be able to attribute negativity to you.

Dr. Manning Marable

Posted by Unknown Saturday, April 2, 2011 0 comments

This is no joke! On April 1st we lost one of the great scholars of our generation, Dr. Manning Marable. His forthcoming book on Malcom X promises to be a must read. His commitment to the cause of freedom will be missed.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Posted by Unknown Friday, April 1, 2011 0 comments



Dr. Michael Eric Dyson has the platform to express some of the concerns the African American community is whispering about the first term of President Obama. He using an emotional manner to communicate a serious message - why are the issues of African American's on the back burner? Why is there no Urban Policy since a majority of African American live in Urban Communities? If unemployment is so high within the African American community, why is there no comprehensive training and jobs program?

Why haven't the African American Mayors galvanized and put forth a platform upon which the African American community can support and stand?

Maybe the strategy is to get President Obama elected to a 2nd term and then our issues will be on the table. That's a risky strategy indeed.

The Musical, "Crowns"

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Coming to Murphy Fine Arts Center on the Campus of Morgan State University beginning Friday, April 8th through Sunday, April 10th is the musical, "Crowns."


"There has always been a hat for every occasion in the African American community. Musical theatre, oral history, and fashion show collaborate to explore the Black identity and history as it is seen through the eyes of a young woman who has taken a pilgrimage down South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn, N.Y. The young lady notices that there are hats everywhere and each of them holds a story that is an integral part of her heritage. Crowns traces the history of hats in the African American community back to African rituals and slavery and forward to the New Testament and current fashion."

I'm especially proud of Ms. Shirley Basfield Dunlap who is the director. Special guests are members of the Singing Sensations Youth Choir.

If you are here and near, go see this wonderful musical play.


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