Happy Birthday Gloria

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, July 25, 2012 0 comments

"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

It is also the birthday of my sister-in-law, Ms. Gloria Wright. I'm sending you this cake with plenty of candles. Take your time blowing them out so you will conserve your energy (smile).

Be blessed and continue to be a blessing!

The Promise of Supply

Posted by Unknown Sunday, July 22, 2012 0 comments


Abraham Maslow is credited for developing a chart that depicts the hierarchy of need. He suggests that one begins at the base level of need before progressing to higher levels of need. Until the base level is met, one cannot proceed to the next level. Ultimately, one moves to a point where the drive to achieve to your maximum potential becomes paramount. 

As I preach today from the Philippians text found in Chapter 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 

Paul flips the Maslow chart on its head and lets us know God begins with your mission before addressing your means. In God's economy where He guides, He provides. 
Therefore, instead of looking for things, needs and wants; look for God's plan for your life. When you walk in God's purpose, God ensures your supply. 

A Break in the System

Posted by Unknown Friday, July 20, 2012 0 comments

Periodically we learn and see watermain breaks in Cities across America. In Baltimore, traffic is tied up because of a watermain break in downtown. It would appear to me that a comprehensive analysis of our system needs to be made to determine were potential points of deterioration exist. Why should we be surprised by a break in a system that is over 100 years old.

In a spiritual sense, we need to examine ourselves with greater regularity. No way we can live without a regular examination of our spiritual lives.

Solving Problems

Posted by Unknown Saturday, July 14, 2012 0 comments

Our amazing minds are able to construct solutions to difficult problems. Check out the span this bridge had to cross to get to the other side of this body of water. Imagine all the engineering and construction, not to mention the financing necessary to develop this solution to a problem. Why, is it so difficult for our minds to overcome the minor difficulties we have in relationships with each other. If we put our minds to it, our hearts into it, and our best spirits, we can solve our personal problems and difficulties without resorting to violence and abuse.

You Can Fly!

Posted by Unknown Friday, July 13, 2012 0 comments

We spend to much of our lives on the ground dealing with the small stuff. God wants us to lift up our eyes to the hills. When we look up, we see the beauty God intends for us. When we look up God provides the vision glorious to us. When we look up God instills the strength in us. Thank God for the eagles in our lives that life us up into the clouds. Unloose the weights to keep you on the ground. Mount up on the wings of eagles. I heard a person singing, "I believe I can fly." Yes you can!

City Jobs for City Residents

Posted by Unknown Thursday, July 12, 2012 0 comments


Had an interesting meeting last night before the Baltimore City Council's Committee on Finance, Taxation, and Economic Development, Chaired by Councilman Carl Stokes. A presentation was made for the committee to approve a PILOT for a project known as The Superblock. The organization, of which I am a principal, Community Churches for Community Development has been working with the developer and various stakeholders for over a year crafting an Economic Inclusion Plan that ensures local hiring of Baltimore City residents.

The EIP was ratified by a number of prominent organizations with the developer.

Attending the meeting were a number of community activists that were advocating for local hiring. They organized a number of people and banded together under the name Community Churches for Baltimore Jobs, a group supported by the labor's union. An interesting footnote is over a year and a half; I was instrumental in founding CCBJ by sponsoring local training at Union Baptist Church. I felt then, as I do now, people should be organized to pursue a wide range of job opportunities, in addition to the periodic redevelopment projects that may come on-line from time to time. I believe CCBJ only sees job opportunities within the construction trades, primarily as laborers.

I depart from that point of view and believe local residents should be trained and prepared for a wide range of job opportunities. There are a number of job opportunities attainable right now through working with existing job-creation systems.

For example, the Mayor's Office of Employment Development has a listing of jobs, which are available from day to day. A focus upon that agency to improve its system of job training, referral, and delivery, I believe, would yield far greater results than to mobilize persons to advocate for local hiring on a construction job which is limited in duration even if obtained. Furthermore, a protest today does not lead to a job tomorrow.

During testimony a cry was made for city jobs for local residents. I flashed back to my early days cutting my teeth organizing within Baltimore's community. Over thirty years ago, I worked to place on referendum the law that would have mandated "City Jobs for City Residents." This law was specifically directed to government funded jobs working for the City of Baltimore. It would have required the Baltimore City Police, Fire Department, Mayor's Office and every Baltimore City government worker who received a paycheck from working for a government agency to live in Baltimore City. It was a hard-fought campaign.

The community lost that fight over thirty years ago and today the effects of that lost are seen in only 15% +/- of the Baltimore Fire Department staff living in the City of Baltimore; less than, 25% of the Baltimore City Police Department staff living in the City of Baltimore, and it continues through every department of City government, including the Mayor's office, where employees who work for the City of Baltimore live outside of the jurisdiction.

If we had won that fight over 30 years ago, we would have a far different city today.

After that flashback moment, I focused again upon the discussion and debate that was going on last night and reasoned that the community activists and community residents who took the time to become engaged in the public hearing did the right thing. The battle for full employment for residents of Baltimore City will require the persistent, strategic, and intestinal fortitude to stay in the struggle for another 30 years to achieve the desired results of full employment for City residents. I wonder how many of my fellow advocates will be testifying for the same issue just 3 years from now. To prevent going around the mulberry bush of chasing construction job opportunities, we need to enhance the system of job delivery within this City and ensure residents are ready, able and willing to work whenever a job opportunity presents itself regardless of the job sector it from which it emanates. 

Get here if you can!

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, July 11, 2012 0 comments


The summer season brings an increase in travel and vacations. An exciting aspect of the season is trips to visit family, friends, relatives and loved ones. From walking down the street to international travel, the experience of gathering together with kindred hearts injects a refreshing spirit into the routine of life. Take time to visit and share with the ones your love. Life is so short and moments together are really so rare. Treasure each and every minute you are in the company of the ones you love!

Tastykake!

Posted by Unknown Monday, July 9, 2012 0 comments

It's surprising how thoughts enter into your mind. Right now I'm thinking I sure would like to have a Tastykake. What's your favorite? I like chocolate cake with milk the best! I think I'll go get me one. I'll be right back!

The Power of Rest

Posted by Unknown Sunday, July 8, 2012 0 comments

The second sermon in my nine part series entitled "Living God's Promise" is "The Power of Rest."

Whether on the mountain top or in the valley we need to learn the value of taking a break during the journey of life to rest. Rest permits one to renew, refocus, and recharge your battery to continue in ministry.

God promises rest from your labor and your laden.

Matthew 11: 25 - 30

My Hats Off to Serena

Posted by Unknown Friday, July 6, 2012 0 comments

Serena Williams is a professional tennis player, originally from Michigan, with an estimated net worth of $85 million dollars. Serena Williams has been ranked number one in the world five times and has earned the most prize money of any female athlete ever, with over $30 million dollars in prizes. She won Gold Medals at both the Sydney and Beijing Olympics. (source Celebrity Networth)

Aches and Pains

Posted by Unknown Thursday, July 5, 2012 0 comments


When I was young there seemed to be nothing like aches and pains. If you had an injury it would soon heal. If you had a bruise let Mamma kiss it and it was alright. 

Now with the accumulation of years, come aches and pains; I really don't know where they come from all I know is that they appear with no warning. Using Icy Hot patches only makes you smelling, doesn't really cure the ache or the pain. Maybe if you take an aspirin that could help for a moment. 

I'm learning to live with aches and pains. I'm realizing that the body just like a machine has parts that wear out over time. 

The Good News is "there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul."

4th of July Fireworks

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, July 4, 2012 0 comments


Two dominant symbols for the 4th of July are fireworks and the American Flag. As a youth they were influential images of freedom. As an adult they are being distorted by violence and an abusive political climate. 

My prayer is that July 4, 2012 signal a return to "Mayberry" type values with an inclusiveness and tolerance for people that reflect the image of the rainbow.  

We cannot be free until everyone  is free!

The Promise of Rest

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, July 3, 2012 0 comments


The summer sizzler sermon series continues with the theme, "Living God's Promises," be focusing upon "The Promise of Rest." 

In the pressure of life and the unexpected issues that impact us from day to day, the soul, mind and body needs rest; rest from tension, turmoil, trauma, and tragedy. 

One of God's promises is that if we take up His yoke and learn of Him, we will find rest for our souls. If you spend your waking moments learning of Him, then you will obtain the rest your need in your reclining moments. Sleep in heavenly peace!

Matthew 11: 25 - 30

Use this phone to call

Posted by Unknown Monday, July 2, 2012 0 comments


I looked into a store at the Lafayette Gallery in Paris. They had on display Vertu phones. I was surprised to see a phone on sale for $78,000. To my surprise they had a serious collection of highly priced phones by Vertu. 

I wondered about the nature of the phone calls I receive during a given day, "Is there anything I really need to talk about with someone who merits my spending $78,000 to listen to them?"  

I concluded I'm hard-pressed to find anyone I need to talk with on a phone as expensive as this.  

Most of the people I know and communicate with are done very well on the phone I currently possess. 

Okay if you need me, call me, even if it is on an out of date flip phone!

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises;" 2 Peter 1: 3 - 4.


Yesterday, I began a nine part sermon series entitled, "Living God's Promises." The series began by sharing the "Power of God's Promises." If one understands the power of God's promises, then I believe one will seek to live His promises because of the power it brings to one's life. 

This scripture reveals that God's promises are "great and precious." Great means immeasurable. Precious means invaluable." How wonderful to know God's promises are of such, mass and worth that he covers everything you possibly would need or want. To live within His promises provides you with the protection, provision, promotion, and peace that are exceedingly and abundantly more than you could ever ask or think.  

Stand on His promises for your daily living!


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