January 31, 2007

Dr. Andrey Bundley Officially Enters the Mayor's Race

DR. ANDREY BUNDLEY ENTERS THE MAYOR'S RACE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2007
Contact: Lyle Muhammad
410 984 – 7749
443 957 -1913

DR. ANDREY BUNDLEY TO ANNOUNCE HIS CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR

On Thursday February 1, 2007, Dr. Andrey Bundley will hold a press conference to make official his intent to enter the 2007 Primary as a Democratic candidate for the Mayor of the city of Baltimore.

Supporters will hold an outdoor rally at the Heavens Gate Eatery located at 2141 W. North Avenue (at Smallwood), at 4pm, while Dr. Bundley will unveil his “Design For Change” platform to press, community leaders, and elected officials (inside) promptly at 4:30 pm.

Dr. Bundley who won an unprecedented 32% of the vote as a first time candidate against then incumbent mayor, Governor Martin O’ Malley, during the last primary, will be joined by a cross section of economic, education, health, criminal justice officials along with various community and national representatives, who believe he is the ideal candidate to move the city forward.


Please RSVP by 12:00 Noon on Thursday February 1, 2007 for one on one interviews and to receive copies of the official statement and plan.
Committee to Elect Dr. Andrey Bundley
Nkiambi Jean Lema, Treasurer
P.O. Box 1522 Baltimore, MD 21202-1522
443-957-1913 Fax: 410-727-1636
www.andreybundleyformayor.com

Another Good Brother Needs Your Support!


Regardless of the depressing statistics regarding African American men that bombard us on a daily basis through the television and even the Internet, there are some brothers who work diligently to achieve their dreams. Check out www.cdealsonline.com and support this brother!

January 30, 2007

The Powers Report

Law Office of Jimmy A. Bell, P.C.
9610 Marlboro Pike ~ Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone (301) 599-7620 ~ Fax (301) 599-7623
Website: www.jimbellesq.com
Email: jimbellesq@aol.com

January 30, 2007

Via Fax and Federal Express
Honorable Nancy K. Kopp
State Treasurer
State of Maryland
Goldstein Treasury Building
Annapolis , Maryland 21401

Re: Notice of Claim by Dr. Tyrone Powers

Dear Ms. Kopp:

This is a notice of intent to file a claim under the Maryland Tort Claims Act. In accordance with the requirements of the Act, I provide the following information:

I represent Dr. Tyrone Powers. Dr. Powers was the host of Morgan State University ’s W.E.A.A. 88.9’s The Powers Report Public Radio News program, which ran on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. In 2003, The Powers Report Public Radio News program began broadcasting from W.E.A.A. 88.9 F.M. from the Benjamin Bannaker Building on the campus of Morgan State University . Since its inception, the program format has included three segments: News, guest interviews with private citizens, political officials, and others; and the Final Analysis. The show is pre-recorded and consists of approximately 42-45 minutes of content.

According to W.E.A.A. General Manager Dr. Donald Lockett, sometime in the later part of December 2006, Kweisi Mfume, current member of the Board of Regents for Morgan State University , approached the President of the University, Dr. Earl Richardson, claiming to be acting on behalf of the Governor-elect, Martin O’Malley. Mr. Mfume told Dr. Richardson that Mr. O’Malley did not like some things that were said during the Powers Report Broadcast and wanted the show cancelled. Dr. Richardson supposedly asked Mr. Mfume if he could identify what specifically was said or done on the show. Mr. Mfume did not provide Dr. Richardson with details or specifics but stated that the Governor-elect referred to shows aired over two previous months. Mr. Mfume repeated that the Governor-elect wanted the show pulled from off the air.

According to Dr. Lockett, Dr. Richardson contacted him and inquired about the show, explaining the conversation held between him and Mr. Mfume. Dr. Lockett explained that while the content of the show was controversial, it did not violate FCC regulations regarding obscenity, profanity, indecency or slander. Dr. Richardson asked to have copies of the show for two past months. In an informal conversation held between Dr. Powers and Dr. Lockett regarding the inquiry from Dr. Richardson, Dr. Lockett explained to Dr. Powers that it was not an issue of policy but of politics.

Executive Producer Leslie Parker Blyther received a telephone message from the W.E.A.A. News Director Kortni Alston on Tuesday January 9, 2007 requesting copies of broadcasts that included any comments made about Martin O’Malley. Copies of the show were furnished to Dr. Lockett and Kortni Alston by Production Engineer, Zachary Coleman. Later, Ms. Alston told Dr. Powers to inform Ms. Parker Blyther to disregard the previous telephone message.

On Tuesday January 16, 2007 , Dr. Powers and Ms. Blyther were told by General Manager Dr. Lockett that the President of the University was permitting the show to continue to air but that Dr. Lockett was asked to ensure that proper policies were put in place.

On Tuesday January 23, 2007 , Dr. Donald Lockett informed Dr. Powers and Ms. Blyther that the show would not air that evening. He read aloud to Leslie Parker Blyther and to Dr. Powers, an e-mail message from Dr. Burney Hollis, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts (W.E.A.A. station falls under the School of Liberal Arts ). It stated that the Powers Report was “indefinitely suspended pending further discussion.”

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides that “Congress shall make no law”…abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…” Article 40 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights States: “That the liberty of the press ought to be inviolably preserved; that every citizen of the state ought to be allowed to speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that privilege.”

Dr. Powers is alleging that Governor O’Malley used his government position, under the color of state law, to abridge the freedom of speech of Dr. Powers and force him off of the airways at Morgan State University’s WEAA Radio because Powers Report Public Radio News program was critical of Governor O'Malley.

For these reasons, on behalf of my client I now send you this notice of intent to file claim for $88.9 Million Dollars, for violation of my clients’ rights secured to them by the Constitution of the United States and the State of Maryland, Maryland Declaration of Rights, and other common law torts.

Respectfully,


Jimmy A. Bell, Esq.
*The text below is part of an email that was forwarded to WEAA, 88.9-FM on 1/29/07*


Dear Sirs:

This email is to inform you that nearly 100 concerned citizens have signed an online petition against the decision by WEAA, 88.9—FM to discontinue airing “The Powers Report.” You can view a copy of the petition online at the following website:

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?baltimor&51

Additionally, you can expect to receive a hard copy of the petition by the close of business on Wednesday, January 31, 2007.

WEAA, 88.9—FM is a gem to the Baltimore community. Created as a resource for African Americans, WEAA, 88.9—FM offers a wide range of perspectives on issues impacting the African Diaspora. WEAA, 88.9—FM’s decision to discontinue airing “The Powers Report” has infringed on the 1st amendment right inherent to every U.S. citizen: the human right to voice one’s opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment.

Evidenced by the signatories on the attached petition, the people of Baltimore are angered and disturbed by this act of censorship. WEAA, 88.9—FM is an integral part of the heart, soul, and spirit of the people—and the people demand the return of “The Powers Report.”

_________________________________________________

It's not too late to sign the petition in support of airing "The Powers Report" on WEAA 88.9-FM. Take Action by clicking on the link below to sign the petition:

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?baltimor&51

Join the protest at Morgan State University on Tuesday, January 30th @ 4 p.m.

January 29, 2007

Not "Just the Blues" - Overcoming Depression


*The following was excerpted from Mental Health America's site at http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF94D0-1372-4D20-C8464F9E181D55D8*


Clinical depression is more than life’s “ups” and “downs.” Life is full of joy and pain, happiness and sorrow. It is normal to feel sad when a loved one dies, or when you are sick, going through a divorce, or having financial problems. But for some people the sadness does not go away, or keeps coming back. If your “blues” last more than a few weeks or cause you to struggle with daily life, you may be suffering from clinical depression.


Clinical depression is not a personal weakness, gracelessness or faithlessness—it is a common, yet serious, medical illness. Clinical depression is a “whole-body” illness that affects your mood, thoughts, body and behavior. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who have clinical depression.

Clinical depression can affect anyone: Anyone can experience clinical depression, regardless of race, gender, age, creed or income. Every year more than 19 million Americans suffer from some type of depressive illness.
According to a Surgeon General report, African Americans are over-represented in populations that are particularly at risk for mental illness. Depression robs people of the enjoyment found in daily life and can even lead to suicide. A common myth about depression is that it is “normal” for certain people to feel depressed—older people, teenagers, new mothers, menopausal women, or those with a chronic illness. The truth is that depression is not a normal part of life for any African American, regardless of age or life situation. Unfortunately, depression has often been misdiagnosed in the African American community.

Myths about depression: The myths and stigma that surround depression create needless pain and confusion, and can keep people from getting proper treatment. The following statements reflect some common misconceptions about African Americans and depression:

“Why are you depressed?"
"If our people could make it through slavery, we can make it through anything.”
“When a black woman suffers from a mental disorder, the opinion is that she is weak. And weakness in black women is intolerable.”
“You should take your troubles to Jesus, not some stranger/psychiatrist.”


The truth is that getting help is a sign of strength.

People with depression can’t just “snap out of it.” Also, spiritual support can be an important part of healing, but the care of a qualified mental health professional is essential. And the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it can be.

Due to cultural backgrounds, depression may be exhibited differently among African Americans. To help decide if you—or someone you care about—needs to see a doctor to obtain an evaluation for clinical depression, review the following list of symptoms.
  • you feel suicidal and/or have thoughts of death;
  • your symptoms interfere with your daily routine;
  • you feel a persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood;
  • you experience excessive crying;
  • you have a reduced appetite and weight loss or an increased appetite and weight gain;
  • you experience persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain;
  • you are irritable and/or restless;
  • you have decreased energy, fatigue, or feel “slowed down”;
  • you experience feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, and/or pessimism;
  • you are sleeping too much or too little;
  • you lost interest or pleasure in activities, including sex;
  • you have difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions;
  • you have thoughts of death

The most common ways to treat clinical depression are with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. The choice of treatment depends on how severe the depressive symptoms are and the history of the illness.

Medication: Research strongly supports the use of medication for more severe episodes of clinical depression. Antidepressant medication acts on the chemical pathways of the brain related to moods. The two most common types are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by some doctors. Antidepressant medications are not habit-forming. It may take up to eight weeks before you notice an improvement. It is usually recommended that medications be continued for at least four to nine months after the depressive symptoms have improved. Those with chronic or recurrent depression may need to stay on medication to prevent or lessen further episodes. People taking antidepressants should be monitored by a doctor to ensure the best treatment with the fewest side effects. Do not stop taking your medication without first talking with your doctor, since some medications cause problems if stopped abruptly.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can help teach better ways of handling problems by talking with a trained mental health professional. Therapy can be effective in treating clinical depression, especially depression that is less severe. Scientific studies have shown that short term (10-20 weeks) courses of therapy are often helpful in treating depression. Making the most of your treatment: In addition to treatment, participation in a patient support group can be very helpful during the recovery process. Support group members share their experiences with the illness, learn coping skills and exchange information on community providers.

Healthy Living: Be sure to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, exercise in moderation, stay away from alcohol and drugs, and eat regular, well-balanced meals. Some find strength from faith or spiritual communities.


How do I get help for clinical depression?

The first step is to talk to your doctor, who may recommend a physical checkup to find out if there is any underlying physical cause for the depressive symptoms. If clinical depression is diagnosed, then your physician or health maintenance organization will refer you to a mental health specialist. Mental health professionals include psychiatrists, psychologists, pastoral counselors and social workers.


What if I don’t feel comfortable talking to my doctor?

Many people find strength and support through their religious and spiritual communities, however, only a physician or mental health professional is able to diagnose clinical depression. Pastoral counselors offer an integrated religious and spiritual approach to treatment.
How do I pay for treatment? If you participate in private insurance, such as a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, your costs for treatment may be covered. Contact your health insurance provider for details. If you’re over 65 years old, Medicare pays for 50 percent of the costs of mental health treatment, and Medigap insurance will typically reimburse the remainder. Depending on the rules of each state, many low-income or disabled residents may also be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Counseling by a certified pastoral counselor is generally covered by health care plans if the pastoral counselor is licensed by the state. Your workplace may also have an employee assistance program (EAP) available to provide counseling or to help you find appropriate care.

If you don’t have insurance or can’t afford treatment, your community may have publicly-funded mental health centers or programs that charge you according to what you can afford to pay. Some mental health professionals in private practice also work on a sliding-fee basis. University or teaching medical centers can be a source of low-cost or free treatment services. Many publicly-funded entities have waiting lists or other barriers to treatment. If you have trouble accessing treatment, contact your local mental health association or MHA for assistance.

You can enjoy your life again! With proper diagnosis and treatment, clinical depression can be overcome.

January 26, 2007

The Silencing of a Prophet January 2007

*The following is an excerpt from an email forwarded by Jamye Wooten of Kinetics: Faith-In-Motion*

Dr. Tyrone Powers
The Silencing of a Prophet January 2007


In Baltimore the most prophetic voice does not come from the pulpit but from the airwaves of WEAA (We Educate African Americans) Morgan State University Radio.

Dr. Tyrone Powers, Scholar, Activist, and International Terrorism Expert, gives voice to the voiceless. Speaking truth to power and confronting the powers that be, many who have been negligent in their responsibilities to the citizens of Baltimore. While many of our pastors remain silent and make friendly with politicians that represent the domination system that is oppressing our people, Dr. Powers puts aside his selfish ambitions and sacrifices his life for the least of these.

As of Tuesday January 23rd, The Powers Report has been suspended. We have heard that former Congressman Kwesi Mfume on behalf of newly elected Governor O’Malley has pressured the president of Morgan State to remove Dr. Powers from the air. We are asking for an explanation from the governor, Mr. Mfume, and the President of Morgan as to why Dr. Powers was removed from the air.

Please sign the attached petition http://www.petitiononline.com/baltimor/petition.html

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Please join us on Tueday January 30th at 4 p.m. at Morgan State University and show your support for Dr. Tyrone Powers and strong, uncompromising black radio.

_________________________________________________________________

OFFICIAL RESPONSE From the
Executive Producer of "The Powers Report"


In order to dispel rumor, here are the apparent facts. Please feel free to circulate them as you deem necessary.

In the later part of December, according to the General Manager of WEAA, Mr. Mfume (current member of the Board of Regents for MSU) approached Dr. Earl Richardson, President of MSU, and allegedly stated, on-behalf of the Governor- elect Mr. Mfume explained to Dr. Richardson that the Governor was displeased with comments made on the Powers Report and wanted it off the air. When Dr. Richardson asked what specifically was said, Mr. Mfume did not give specifics, but rather referred to the previous two months of programming.

Dr. Richardson contacted the General Manager, Dr. Donald Lockett to inquire about the show, and to explain the conversation between him and Mr. Mfume. To the show's defense, Dr. Lockett explained that the show and its content did not violate FCC rules regarding obscenity, profanity, indecency or slander. Nonetheless, Dr. Richardson asked to have sent to his office, copies of all the shows for two months prior for review.

A week following, Dr. Lockett shared with Tyrone that after speaking with Dr. Richardson again, the show would remain on air. President Richardson encouraged Dr. Lockett, however to ensure that proper policies were in place.

On Tuesday January 23, we arrived at the station to record our show. Dr. Lockett informed Tyrone and me that he received instruction from the Dean of Liberal Arts, Dr. Burney Hollis (the station falls under Dr. Hollis), that the Powers Report was indefinitely suspended pending further discussion.

Needless to say, it is apparent to us, that if this transpired as delivered to us, that a journalist/communications professional, former congressman, former President of the NAACP national chapter, co-founder of WEAA and member of the Board of Regents for MSU in collaboration with the Governor of Maryland, has attempted to censor public information, and violate 1st amendment constitutional rights.

Thank you for your support. We will be in contact.

Leslie Parker Blyther, Executive Producer

THE POWERS REPORT

___________________________________________________________________

For additional commentary on this incident, please visit

http://faithinactiononline.wordpress.com/

Also, be sure to click on the link below to sign the petition:

http://www.petitiononline.com/baltimor/petition.html


Additionally, call, fax, and email WEAA to voice your concern and to demand the return of "The Powers Report" to WEAA's airways!

Donald Lockett/General Manager
443.885.3564 Office
443.885.8206 Fax
410.319.8888 On-Air Studio
weaa@moac.morgan.edu

Dr. Burney Hollis/Dean of Liberal Arts
Dr. Burney J. Hollis, Dean
The Department of Communication Studies
Phone: 443.885.3330
Fax: 443.885.8222

Nicole C. Mullen/Redeemer



Have a Blessed Day!

January 23, 2007

WE CAN Make A Difference!



The Washington Enrichment and Cultural Arts Network, Inc. ("WE CAN") operates an In-School Older Youth (ages 14-24) Reach-One-To-Teach-One Literacy and Arts Program in Ward 7 of the District of Columbia. Youth participate in reading, poetry, writing, math, conflict resolution, dance, visual arts, postive rap music and cultural and recreational enriching activities.

Email wecandc@verizon.net if you would like more information regarding WE CAN or if you are interested in becoming a financial sponsor for the organization.

January 22, 2007

Let It Go for 2007

Let It Go for 2007
By T. D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you...
And hear me when I tell you this!
When people can walk away from you: let Them walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you,
Loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you,
staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you: let Them walk.
Your destiny is never Tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, "They came out from us that it might be made manifest.
That they were not for Us. For had they been of us,
no doubt they would have continued with us." [1>>John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you...
And if they are not Joined to you,
you can't make them stay.
Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person.
It just means that their Part in the story is over.
And you've got To know when people's part in your story is over
so that you don't keep Trying to raise the dead.
You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over.
Let me tell you something.
I've got the Gift of good-bye.
It's the tenth spiritual gift,
I believe in good-bye.
It's not that I'm hateful,
it's that I'm faithful,
and I know whatever God Means for me to have
He'll give it to me.
And if it takes too much sweat I Don't need it.
Stop begging people to stay.
Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you
and was never Intended for your life, then you need to LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains...LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and See your worth...LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you...LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge...LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction...LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents...LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude...LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past
and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him...LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship...LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help Their self...LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed ...LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling Yourself
and God is saying, "Take your hands off of it," then you need To...LET IT GO!!!
Let the past be the past.
Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new Thing for 2007!!!
LET IT GO!!!
Get Right or Get Left.
Think about it, and then...LET IT GO!!!

January 17, 2007

No Complaints!

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend.
He was always there for her.
She said that if she could only see the world,
she would marry her boyfriend.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and
then she could see everything, including her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend asked her,
"Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?"
The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too,
and refused to marry him.
Her boyfriend walked away in tears.
Later, he wrote a letter to her saying:
"Just take care of my eyes, dear."
This is how humans change when their status changes.
Only few remember what life was before,
and who has always been there in the most painful situations.

Today, before you think of saying an unkind word,
think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food,
think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife,
think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.

Today, before you complain about life
think of someone who went to the grave too early.
Before you complain about your children,
think of someone who desires children, but they are barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house
and that someone didn't clean or sweep,
think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive,
think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job,
think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another,
remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down,
put a smile on your face and thank God you are alive and still around.
*Author Unknown*

January 12, 2007

The Message for Today!

Proverbs 12 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson


Proverbs 12

If You Love Learning

1 If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it— how shortsighted to refuse correction!

2 A good person basks in the delight of God,
and he wants nothing to do with devious schemers.

3 You can't find firm footing in a swamp,
but life rooted in God stands firm.

4 A hearty wife invigorates her husband,
but a frigid woman is cancer in the bones.

5 The thinking of principled people makes for justice;
the plots of degenerates corrupt.

6 The words of the wicked kill;
the speech of the upright saves.

7 Wicked people fall to pieces—there's nothing to them;
the homes of good people hold together.

8 A person who talks sense is honored;
airheads are held in contempt.

9 Better to be ordinary and work for a living
than act important and starve in the process.

10 Good people are good to their animals;
the "good-hearted" bad people kick and abuse them.

11 The one who stays on the job has food on the table;
the witless chase whims and fancies.

12 What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin,
while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life.

Wise People Take Advice

13 The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble;
the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.

14 Well-spoken words bring satisfaction;
well-done work has its own reward.

15 Fools are headstrong and do what they like;
wise people take advice.

16 Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly;
the prudent quietly shrug off insults.

17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air,
but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.

18 Rash language cuts and maims,
but there is healing in the words of the wise.

19 Truth lasts;
lies are here today, gone tomorrow.

20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer;
peace-planning brings joy to the planner.

21 No evil can overwhelm a good person,
but the wicked have their hands full of it.

22 God can't stomach liars;
he loves the company of those who keep their word.

23 Prudent people don't flaunt their knowledge;
talkative fools broadcast their silliness.

24 The diligent find freedom in their work;
the lazy are oppressed by work.

25 Worry weighs us down;
a cheerful word picks us up.

26 A good person survives misfortune,
but a wicked life invites disaster.

27 A lazy life is an empty life,
but "early to rise" gets the job done.

28 Good men and women travel right into life;
sin's detours take you straight to hell.

January 5, 2007

Today's Message - The Waiting

**The following text was excerpted from www.ourdailybread.org**

Any mother can tell you that waiting to give birth is an experience that builds patience. But pity the poor mother elephant. It takes about 22 months for an unborn elephant to mature to birth! The shark known as the spiny dogfish has a pregnancy duration of 22-24 months. And at elevations above 4,600 feet, the Alpine salamander endures a gestational period of up to 38 months!

Abraham could have identified with these examples from nature. In his old age, the Lord made a promise to him: "I will make you a great nation" (Gen. 12:2). But as the years passed, Abraham questioned how the fulfillment of the promise was possible without even the basic building block of a son (15:2). So God assured him, "One who will come from your own body shall be your heir" (v.4).

Despite his advanced age, Abraham believed God and was called righteous (v.6). Yet he waited 25 years from the time of the initial promise for Isaac to be born (17:1,17).

Waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled is part of trusting Him. No matter how long the delay, we must wait for Him. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Heb. 10:23). —Marvin Williams

Not so in haste, my heart!
Have faith in God, and wait;
Although He seems to linger long,
He never comes too late. —Torrey

God always performs what He promises.

January 2, 2007

The Message for Today


Proverbs 2 (The Message)


Make Insight Your Priority


1-5 Good friend, take to heart what I'm telling you;
collect my counsels and guard them with your life.
Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom;
set your heart on a life of Understanding.
That's right—if you make Insight your priority,
and won't take no for an answer,
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,Believe me,
before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God.

6-8 And here's why: God gives out Wisdom free,
is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding.
He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,
a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,
and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.

9-15 So now you can pick out what's true and fair,
find all the good trails!
Lady Wisdom will be your close friend,
and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,
Insight will keep an eye out for you.
They'll keep you from making wrong turns,
or following the bad directionsOf those who are lost themselves
and can't tell a trail from a tumbleweed,
These losers who make a game of evil
and throw parties to celebrate perversity,
Traveling paths that go nowhere,
wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.

16-19 Wise friends will rescue you from the Temptress—
that smooth-talking Seductress
Who's faithless to the husband she married years ago,
never gave a second thought to her promises before God.
Her whole way of life is doomed;
every step she takes brings her closer to hell.
No one who joins her company ever comes back,
ever sets foot on the path to real living.

20-22 So—join the company of good men and women,
keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths.
It's the men who walk straight who will settle this land,
the women with integrity who will last here.
The corrupt will lose their lives;
the dishonest will be gone for good.

January 1, 2007

Happy New Year and Happy Kwanzaa

Happy New Year! Today is not only the first day of the New Year, but it is also the last day of Kwanzaa, an African American cultural holiday. January 1st represents the seventh day of Kwanzaa, Imani. The word, Imani, is Kiswahili and means faith.

I pray that your faith in Jesus Christ be strengthend this year. I pray that this year brings you increased peace, prosperity, and purpose. I pray that you continue to walk with Christ and that you mature in His grace, in His Word, and in His love. I pray that God's love abound in you and all around you. I pray that the glory and annointing of the Holy Spirit touch your heart, mind, and spirit. I pray that in 2007 you find your purpose and calling. I pray that this year brings you new opportunities, new resources, and new avenues of support to help you fulful the destiny that God has in store for your life!


Psalm 1 (NKJ)
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.