The Stones Will Remember

Posted by Unknown Sunday, October 30, 2011 0 comments

"that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying What mean ye by these stones?" Joshua 4: 6


It's Youth Day at Union Baptist Church. The Youth of Union (YOU) will lead worship, pray, and sing.

I'm preaching from the above text. In life, you will need two memorials. One is public, and the other is private.

The private memorials remind you of what God has done for you. The public memorial reminds you of what God has done with you.

Each has its place, and each conveys a story to our children. Tell them what God has done for you and with you.

True Unity is Found in God

Posted by Unknown Friday, October 28, 2011 0 comments

"No branch can bear fruit by itself." John 15:4


The biblical depiction of God as the tree of life helps us to better understand the unity of all life. What is discouraging about the political debate going on in America is a sense that the parts are greater than the whole. "Meism" is the order of the day. Lost in the debate and discussion is the "we."

Throughout scripture, God continues to illustrate to us that all life and its abundance derives from Him. We are all connecting in a mutual mosaic that is relational and has commonality.

In some sense, it is foolish to think that you can sustain yourself independent of others. The spiritual balance of the world depends on God and not us.

The Ongoing Need for Water

Posted by Unknown Thursday, October 27, 2011 0 comments

"I will pour water on the thirsty land." Isaiah 44:3


One should constantly assess the source of your strength. That assessment is more than the recitation of words or lines from scripture. It is coming to know the source that provides you with the resources to prevail in times of despair and deprivation.

Land is a resource. For it to be fruitful, land needs water, which is the source of its strength.

Our bodies, our talents, our intellects, etc are all resources.

We need spiritual water, which is our source. It empowers our bodies. It enhances our talents. It sustains our intellect. Spiritual water is our source.

When you feel thirsty, take a drink of water from a source that never runs dry.

Peace in the Valley

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, October 26, 2011 0 comments

"I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat." Hosea 13:5


The beauty of God's love and concern is that he is available to you when you find yourself in the dry places of life. When you are wandering, He's presence is the bright oasis in the desert.

Life has those inward moments when all seems lost. That's why God is described as a Shepard, who goes to find those who are lost. In fact, the scripture records that he is not satisfied, even if 99 are in the fold, until he finds the one that is lost. In those lonely moments, He will comfort you. In your darkest hour, He will be the light unto your path.

That's why you should rejoice whether you are on one of life's pikes or in one of life's valleys.

That blessedness of God is like this palm tree in the midst of life's desert.

Druid Hill and North Avenue

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, October 25, 2011 0 comments

In the "Baltimore Brew" questions are being raised about the contracting company that demolished a building on this site and left the property in an unsightly and hazardous condition. This site is a few blocks from the "Little Willie's Tavern" I posted the other day. It is imperative that we work within our communities in a disciplined and respectful way. To leave this site in this condition is deplorable. When our minority contractors perform work they should set the example of conscientiousness.

The Aftermath of 1968 riots in Baltimore

Posted by Unknown Monday, October 24, 2011 0 comments

After the riots of 1968, the National Guard was posted in places like Druid Hill and Whitelock Street in West Baltimore. To this day, a police car is still posted at this site. The property has further deteriorated from its 1968 condition. Why is that?

"Renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10


I use to hear the term "backslider" in my youth. As I grew older I became more aware of what it meant. In essence, the behavior one demonstrates on Sunday is significantly different on Monday. I wonder why that is the case in people.

Does a change of context affect your content? I mean, if you are in church, you are a better person than when you are on the job?

Can one's surroundings change their personality and affect their moral integrity?

It is important in your relationship with God to remain steadfast in your love for Him and your life with Him. Your condition should not change your disposition.

Just like there is nothing that will separate you from the love of God.

There should be nothing that separates you from steadfast love to live for him.

Men's month begins in November 2011 for the Men of Union Baptist Church. For our friends and family, I'm sharing with you advance notice.

Our guest preacher is, The Reverend Herman "Skip" Mason, Jr., Pastor, St. James C.M.E. Church in Washington, Georgia. For my Alpha Brothers, he is your General President.

He will be our Men's Day Preacher at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2011.

If you don't get there early, you will have to sit in the overflow section of the church.

Constant prayer in all of life's circumstances

Posted by Unknown Sunday, October 23, 2011 0 comments

"This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven..." Mathew 6:9


One of the first prayers we learn is known as the "Lord's Prayer." It is better stated as the model prayer. For through that prayer we learn how to model our prayers to God.

One thing is very clear. We need to be in constant communications with God. The purest form of communication is the sincerity of heart to heart, spirit to spirit, and soul to soul conversation - prayer.

Deep and abiding meditation that continues the relationship through the triumphs, and the tribulations of life is the essence of prayer.

Let's Build the Westside of Baltimore

Posted by Unknown Saturday, October 22, 2011 0 comments

The State Center Project in Baltimore City is a major development that is being stalled by some downtown interests that are slowing down progress in neighborhoods. In this video, I am advocating for the State Center Project.

"All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. to the place the streams come from, there they return again." Ecclesiastes 1:7


Everything is in motion. The ebb and flow of life originate and terminate from and in the same source. Everything comes from God and everything returns to God.

It is good to know that God is the receiver of all things. He is also the receiver of all things. What the rivers bring, He returns in the form of clouds and rain.

People break this universal principle by taking and never giving.

To give to others is the sowing of seed unto yourself.

America Beware

Posted by Unknown Friday, October 21, 2011 0 comments

"You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why? declares the Lord Almighty. Because my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house." Haggai 1:9


We live in very challenging times. Contradiction is in the air. The leaders of the world are exercising an earthly power of a very dangerous nature. They are determining who lives and who dies. The fleeting nature of life's journey is being played across the television and internet screens of the world. You can shake a hand one day and pronounce that person's death another. All of this is done for nationalism and world power. We must be careful that we are not building a bigger barn for ourselves and neglecting the eternal truth of God.

I'm not pointing the finger at any one world leader.

I'm pointing my finger towards God's word. If we spent more time building up the Kingdom of God, I believe we would find peace in the valley. The lion would lie down with the sheep. Our spears would be turned into pruning hooks. We would neither engage nor study war anymore.

As the song would say, "We need to give peace a chance."

A Made Up Mind

Posted by Unknown Thursday, October 20, 2011 0 comments

"Why are your troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" Luke 24:38


"We know all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

In life while everything may not be good, everything does work together for the good.

Understanding that God is with you, for you, and in you is a comforting thought when confronted with issues that impact every life. Is there trouble, yes! Does one have doubts, yes! Should you become perplexed, no!

God has provided us a way of escape from all the anxieties of life. You simply have to trust in Him.

Trusting in God and knowing that all things work for the good, has revolutionized my thinking and liberated by actions. It is His wonderful mercy and power that under-grids your daily life. His love continues to provide and protect.

Jesus says, "Don't be afraid, it is I; don't be afraid."

That is all I needed to hear. I'm okay! Good Morning to a New Day, I'm ready to go!!!

Give Your All - Don't Hold Back

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, October 19, 2011 0 comments

"Do not hold ... back." Isaiah 43:6


There are a richness and fullness of abounding grace in the love of God. He is passionate about us. His unyielding love is always willing to embrace us. Why do you hold back? Why do you resist total commitment to God, who is totally committed to you?

His love invites you. His promises secure you, and His precious blood saves you, why hold back? Don't let sin or your fears hinder you from coming to Him? God's invitation to you is always, right now!

Do not hold back from having a close and sweet communion with Him.

We use to sing a song, "If it's love that you are running from, there is no hiding place." You can't hide from God, don't hold back, and run to Him.


When Your Cross Your Jordan

Posted by Unknown Sunday, October 16, 2011 0 comments

I just finished meditating on the morning message, "When You Cross Your Jordan." Joshua 3: 1 - 17. Everyone will encounter obstacles and barriers in their journey.

The question is what do you do when you have to cross your Jordan? What do you do when you have to overcome your obstacle or cross your barrier?

Join me in prayer, so that I'm able to preach this word with power. Yokes need to be broken!

Growing in the knowledge of God

Posted by Unknown Saturday, October 15, 2011 0 comments

"In all things grow up into him." Ephesians 4:15


The wonderful knowledge of God creates the need in each of us to continue to grow in grace. Consistent study of God's word leads to growth in knowing Him and His ways.

Why settle for an elementary education? Why not acquire a terminal degree in knowing God? Shouldn't you try Him and be tested by Him?

The Psalmist makes the statement, "such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is high. I cannot attain it."

Even if you cannot attain it, you can continue to grow. Evolve beyond your nursery rhyme prayers and develop a deep and abiding conversation with God that evidence a prayer life.

Attend Bible Study and ask the probing questions that lead to personal growth.

Listen to the sermons preached by your Minister and take notes that cause you to investigate and examine biblical readings.

Never cease growing in the knowledge of God. Always seek to grow in Him.

The Power of a Song

Posted by Unknown Friday, October 14, 2011 0 comments

"God my Maker, who gives songs in the night." Job 35:10


This would be a sad world without the lyrical sounds of songs. Songs communicate to the spirit and the soul. Songs that are memorable are tied to experiences that were meaningful. Our minds connect songs to events. Those events comprise the moments of our lives. For some, there are songs that bring back memories that one wants to forget. For others, there are songs that warm the heart.

Ultimately, there are songs that only come for the minds of God. These songs speak to the inner recesses of ones' being. These are the songs that carry you through life's storms. These are the songs that provide you with assurance. These are the songs that give you courage in the midst of seeming defeat. These are the songs that rock you to sleep. Everyone should have a favorite song. A song most precious is one that carries you into the blossom of an Almighty God.

"Great is Thy Faithfulness, morning by morning, new mercies I see. All that I have, Thy hand has provided. Great is Thy Faithfulness to me."

The Donkey or the Lamb

Posted by Unknown Thursday, October 13, 2011 0 comments

"Redeem the firstborn donkey with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck." Exodus 34:20


This text is overlooked in the scriptures, but it’s an important text. It speaks to the condemnation of one who is not redeemed by the loving grace of a sacrificial lamb. I think you understand it now.

We are the donkey, and we need the sacrifice of a loving Jesus to redeem us from our sin.

Without seeking redemption, it would be just as well that our necks of broken, because we would be lost.

Thank God, we are found and redeemed by the precious sacrifice of God's son, Jesus Christ.

Just Chilling

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, October 12, 2011 0 comments

Every now and then, it is good “just chill out" with family and friends. My wife and I are doing just that at the Wright Resort in Indianapolis. My brother in law is taking the picture, so I end up entertaining all the girls. Recreation and restoration are key aspects in life's journey. Take some time to relax. Enjoy quality time with you family. Thanks Mike for sending me this picture. The memory of the time spent together is very rich.

Bishop T. D. Jakes

Posted by Unknown Monday, October 10, 2011 0 comments

Bishop T. D. Jakes preached last night for Bishop Walter Scott Thomas' Pre-Anniversary. This month marks one year from when New Psalmist marched into the Holy City of Zion.

Bishop Jakes is one of the most accomplished biblical story tellers of our time. He wears his success humbly and exudes the confidence of one walking in God's favor. He preached from a familiar text the story of David and Goliath. His principle point was that a giant is always standing in front of the gate of your opportunity to move to a new level in God. He preached that you should kill the giant, instead of allowing the giant to kill you. Bishop Jakes has mastered the art form of preaching to mass congregations and integrating crowd response into his sermonic presentations.

He provided antidotes of how God has blessed his ministry: the building of his church and paying it off within three years, a five movie deal with Sony, and his wife's novel on the best selling Christian list. Bishop T. D. Jakes filled the Sanctuary with spirited filled people.

May God continue to bless Bishop Thomas and the New Psalmist Baptist Church! They are home to some of the nicest people in the area.

The World is Filled with Confusion

Posted by Unknown Saturday, October 8, 2011 0 comments

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world." Romans 12:2


When one surveys the selfishness, greed, and corruption of this world, it should be pristine clear that approach is destroying humanity. A pattern life, or a way of life, that is not uplifting, ethical, and filled with compassion, denies opportunity and stunts growth in other people. Investments that pollute the environment and produce unholy alliances destroys the beauty God intended for the world. Endless war and military action prevent the blessings of peace. Clearly we cannot conform to the pattern of this world. We need our minds to be renewed. The constant haggling within the political system whose intend is to tear down versus build up, damages the minds of people and creates conflict and bias.

America and the worlds systems are on a path of destruction. People of faith must not conform to the patterns of the world, but work diligently to transform the world into the Beloved Community God intended.

Trust Factor

Posted by Unknown Thursday, October 6, 2011 0 comments

"On whom are you depending?" Isaiah 36:5


This question reveals that basis of your philosophical and theological foundation. It helps on identify that foundation of their physical and spiritual journey. It reveals what they hold as the pivotal factor in their life. On whom do you depend?

In our independent and self-determination world, some may answer, "I depend on myself, Others are too unstable." Still others may say, I depend on my vocation and education. Some may say, I depend on my family and friends. What do you say?

On whom do you depend? I like the words of Joshua, "as for me and my house we are going to serve the Lord."

I trust in the Lord and depend upon His word.

I guess it must be because I am older now. As I reflect upon my journey, God's love, grace and mercy have been the constant. He has more than earned my trust. He is my trust.

A religious philosopher once said, "Being absolutely dependent on the absolute." Yes, that's what I am, totally dependent on God. What about you?

Rev. Fred L. Shuttelsworth

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, October 5, 2011 0 comments

While the death of Steve Jobs may be major news across the world, within the community, I serve the death of Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth has greater significance. Rev. Shuttlesworth was the soul of the Civil Rights movement. He commanded the attention of the white and black community. Through the force of his personality and the conviction of his faith, he stood up to Bull Connor and the racism of his day that fostered a segregated society. He was a preached who merged word and deed in an undistinguished matrix of social justice. He may not have changed the world through technology as Steve Jobs did. He changed the world by speaking truth to power.

"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." John 4:14

In an era where the commercialization of water has generated billions of dollars for its manufacturers; it is difficult to distinguish which one is best for you. Most people drink whatever is available on a particular day. One thing for certain, the body needs water daily. There is no substitute for water.

In a physical sense, there is no substitute for water, what about our spiritual being? I would argue that we spiritually need water to sustain our spiritual journey. There is on substitute for water.

The water that comes from the spirit of the Living God is refreshing and sustaining. Jesus steps into our life's story and offers us a drink from Him that will not only quench our thirst, but cause to never thirst anymore. A drink from His fountain causes you to have comfort in knowing that it is well with your soul. A drink from His fountain drives away loneliness and introduces you to "a friend who sticks closer than a brother." A drink from His fountain eliminates the instability in your life and causes you to stand on the "Rock of Ages."

God has only one brand of water. It is the Living Water that will quench your thirst forever.


Everyday is a journey

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, October 4, 2011 0 comments

"He got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights." I Kings 19:8


The blessing in healthy eating is the restoration of your strength. The purpose of strength is to do the work that is assigned to you. As you awake this morning it is important that you get a good start to your day by eating a healthy breakfast. Skipping breakfast places a strain on your body to provide the fuel you need to make it until your next meal. The breakfast doesn't have to be hearty, just healthy.

Get a good start with exercise, a healthy meal, and positive thoughts.

Angels watched over you last night!

Posted by Unknown Sunday, October 2, 2011 0 comments

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14


We use to sing a song, "Angels watching over me." In a spiritual sense angels are the unseen attendants of God. They have a deep and abiding interest in God's children. When one who is lost is found, they rejoice. When danger is all around us, they create a band around the danger to prevent it from entering our space.

They are the watchers and protectors of all that belong to God.

I welcome the angels of the Lord because they watch over us by night and by day.

"Angels watching over me!"

A Preachers' Preacher - Bishop Bryant

Posted by Unknown Saturday, October 1, 2011 0 comments

In life you will meet some clergy whose life's story preaches a message just by their presence. These are the preachers I like to hear.

One of the stellar preachers who fits that mold that I love to hear is Bishop John R. Bryant.

He was in Baltimore in Revival at Sharon Baptist Church.

As you can see, I stood right beside him.

"I slept but my heart was awake." Song of Songs 5:2


You may have been one of those who went to sleep last night with a heavy heart. In your sleep, the nature of your relationship with your significant other, the care of your children, the safety of your aging parent, or the state of your business affairs were thoughts on your mind that pulled on the strings of your heart.

You may have found yourself tossing and turning. You may have found the sleep so deep that all you did was enter into a dream world of endless twists and turns.

It is possible to be asleep and awake at the same time when the object of your love is on your mind.

Take hope in knowing that it is morning and love is still on your mind and in your heart!


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