REV. DR. WM. ROCKY BROWN, 3RD

    Yes, everything must change. The young become the old and mysteries do unfold, cause that's the way of time. Nothing and no one goes unchanged.

    There are not many things in life you can be sure of, except rain comes from the clouds, Sun lights up the sky and butterflies do fly.'

    As we live, we must face the fact that there will be changes in our lives. Some changes will be good, and some changes will be bad. Some changes will be major, and some changes will be minor. Some changes will make us happy, and some changes will make us sad. A change is going to come because everything must change. Sometimes change is so hard for some of us to accept, but accept we must.

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Lord God our Father We Thank You, for You Sought Us, Found Us, and Saved Us.

I once attended a memorial service where members of the Prince Hall Eastern Stars of Pennsylvania held a memorial service that honors our members who have died over the past 12 months. For me, the highlight of the service was the sermon presented by SiStar Min. Richelle Hines entitled: '1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi.' So today I want to share with you some of the points she had in her outstanding message.

To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, March 23, 2021 - page 11  

Lord God, We Praise You, Thank You, And Honor You For Being Real In Our Lives. Amen!

I once was talking to a friend of many years, about life and life issues when she stated that she didn't believe in GOD. Now when she said that I thought she was kidding; but the more we talked, the more I realized that she was serious. Therefore, the challenge for me was, how could I convince this woman, in her late 60's that, GOD is real.

The one thing I did realize was the fact that I was not going to change her mind during that conversation. But that is a goal of mine, and she knows it. I need you to pray with me that somehow or someway I can prove to her by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT that GOD is real. Yes, I have a big challenge, and my work as a Christian cut out for me. I can’t speak for you, but I love a challenge.

To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, March 19, 2021 - page 11 

    God uses the various struggles in our life for His glory. He will use it to strengthen our faith, as well as use it to give us a testimony and to teach Satan a lesson. Many of us are struggling at this time in our lives. So today I want to talk about the things we need to do to handle the struggles we are having. Let me begin by saying that struggle will always be around us. You see we are either going into a struggle, in the middle of a struggle or coming out of a struggle. 

    So the first thing we need to do is to pray and ask GOD to strengthen our faith to bear the burden. Pray and ask GOD for direction, comfort, and confidence to know that He is with you and that He will carry you through

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    The more I live the more I realize that life is full of ups and downs and we all have our issues and struggles. We never really know what's going to happen from day to day. Life is so uncertain. Therefore, I can say with certainty that I'm so glad that I know The Lord. Glad because each day makes this wise saying that my grandmother said so true: 'If it ain't one thing it's another.'

    We look at the news and read the paper and what do we hear and see, in most cases, some horrible things. People being murdered, car accidents, robberies, unemployment going up, government and business scandals, and unrest in foreign countries, wars and rumors of war. 'If it ain't one thing it's another.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, March 12, 2021 - page 11  

Lord, We Lift Our Hearts To You And Ask That You Comfort And Bless This Grieving Family. Amen.

A friend of mine, in my hometown, was once really going through a difficult time in her life. She had lost her son because he was caught in the crossfire of a shooting and died. Then the day of her son's repast, his four-yearold son, her grandson, was hit by a truck and died. This mother, these grandparents, these relatives, this family, had been shaken to the core. I'm sure their faith was shattered; their hearts were beyond broken, and their trust in God was on the brink. What can we do as humans to make them feel less pain and feel better? How do we minister to them? What should we do? What should we say? When and how shall we say it?

To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, March 9, 2021 - page 15  

    Whether you realize it or not, one of the most effective methods of experiencing physical, mental emotional and spiritual therapy, is to take a retrospective view of your life and count the many blessings which God has bestowed upon you.

    Yes, there is an unparalleled kind of therapy which goes on everything time you count your blessings. You see, you can’t count complaints and blessings at the same time. If you don’t believe what I’m saying, try it for yourself. I dare you to try it! Let your mind flash back upon the blessings, which you have received in the last twenty-four hours. Go ahead and start counting your blessings of the last twentyfour hours. If you need some help, I’ll assist you: You’ve been breathing God’ air. Your life has been sustained by the power of God, (Paul said in Acts 17:28, “For in Him we live and move and have our being.”) You’ve had some food to eat. You’ve had some water and some other beverages to drink. You’ve had your eyes to see, ears to hear. Tongue to talk, you were able to lie down on a beautyrest mattress and sleep all night long while the angels watched over your bedside. You were awakened this morning, not by your alarm clock, but by the invisible finger of God. When you woke up, your body had been re-vitalized, you were clothed in your right mind, you noticed that your bed was not your cooling board and that your cover was not your winding sheet. You had the right exercise of your limbs, and you were able to get up and start on another day’s journey.

To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, March 5, 2021 - page 10  

    The greatest gift God gave to man was His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the second greatest gift he gave was woman. You see, when God created man, He looked around and noticed that man would be lonely without a mate, especially when all the other inhabitants on earth had one. So God with Divine Love created woman from the rib of man.

    Brothers, if God had taken the bone out of the man’s head, He would have meant for the woman to rule. If God had taken the bone out of the man’s foot, He would have meant for the woman to dominate and rule. God could have made the woman out of the backbone, but then the woman would have been behind the man. But no, God Almighty, full of wisdom, took the bone out of man’s side. So that puts the woman beside the man to be a helpmate who receives love, respect, honor and guiding protection.

To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, March 2, 2021 - page 15    

    Father, we give You Praise and Thanksgiving for Watching over us. This is a crazy mixed-up world full of negative people and haters. Now for the most part if they had their way, they would love to see you fail. But GOD told me to tell you that you will not fail because you are HIS CHILD. Therefore, you are a winner. So, the question of the day is are you going to listen to your so called friends and the world or are you going to trust and believe your HEAVENLY FATHER who is the GOD OF YOUR SALVATION? Who you gonna trust And believe?

    Let me put it like this. Somebody say, 'Break it down brother Brown!'

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    Lord, You are our God, our Maker and our Father. We ask that you give us this day, a new way of thinking, talking and walking. Yes, give us a new Attitude. Amen. I want you to join me by proclaiming that today is the day of a new beginning and a new attitude. Yesterday is gone, and in many cases, we don't want it back. Today we can begin with a new attitude about ourselves, about others and life in general.

    First, stop thinking negative about yourself. You are wonderfully made in the image of GOD. You are so special that the Creator of the universe only made one of you. You are very significant in the eyes of GOD, and you should feel that way about yourself. You are GOD's child. HE never did and never will make junk.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, February 23, 2021 - page 16  

Lord, we praise and honor You for Your Word today. Help us to deal with and clean up our Unfinished Business!

    In the 2nd Chapter of the Biblical Old Testament book called Judges, it talks about a generation of the children of Israel who didn't know GOD and the covenant that HE made with their ancestors. Now because they didn’t know GOD or their history, they became a generation who created unfinished business for generations to come.

    You know as human beings we all have some unfinished business in our lives. There are some relationships we need to mend. There are some projects we haven't started or completed. There are some goals we haven't reached. Well, in some cases it’s because we got sidetracked and in other cases it's because we've lost our motivation and zeal. We have some unfinished business.

To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, February 19, 2021 - page 14     

    The Bible says that we must love the LORD OUR GOD with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbor as we love ourselves.

    First, we must love GOD.Time and time again GOD has proven to us that HE loves us unconditionally. His love is beyond our comprehension. The Bible tells us that GOD IS LOVE and GOD loved us before we were born.

    GOD so loved you and me, yes, HE so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON and whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life. So love GOD because HE loved us first.We all remember this song:

    'JESUS loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.

To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, February 15, 2021 - page 15    

    This is a story of a little boy named “Malcolm Harris” who woke up one morning and asked his mother, “Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world?” Well, his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said “son, follow me around today and let’s see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world”. Mom said, “Now go get dressed and we will get started.”

    Malcolm ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said “Malcolm, where are your shoes? And those clothes are all wrinkled son, I must iron them.” But when she reached for the ironing board it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a black woman, invented the ironing board, and Jan E. Matzelinger, a black man, invented the shoe lasting machine.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, February 12, 2021 - page 13    

    The Super Bowl is without a doubt the most popular sports event in the world, this year we have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers going against the Kansas City Chiefs. In a sense the 1st Super Bowl took place over 2,000 years ago. The stadium was a hill called “Calvary” and it was located outside the city of Jerusalem.

    It was a contest between a sneaky old champion known as Mr. Death and the Champion of Righteousness known as Jesus Christ. Old Satan, the devil himself, coached Mr. Death for the two of them work hand in hand. Jesus also had a coach, who was His Father, the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth. Just as there is a good relationship between death and Satan there is also good relationship between Jesus and The Father Almighty.

  To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, February 9, 2021 - page 14   

    Black History Month is a time when we as African Americans tell who we are as individuals and as a race of people. The great historian Carter G. Woodson founded it as a week-long celebration. Now it takes in the whole month of February and it is my hope and prayer that we will not limit the celebration of our history to one month because we make history every day.

    Black History Month is a time when we give our children knowledge of their past. It is a time when we celebrate our achievements in a country that has tried to keep us from achieving. It is a time when we present ourselves to the world, so that humanity will know and can see what God has done in the past, what he is doing in the present, and what he will do in the future to liberate us, His people, in this land which caused our fore-parents to sing: 'Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child!'

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, February 5, 2021 - page 10  

     Lord, our children are precious gifts given to us by You. Help us to raise them in a positive way. Amen. 

I want to share with you eight rules for raising delinquent children: 1. Begin with infancy by giving the child everything they want. In this way, they will grow up to believe the world owes them a living.

2. When they pick up bad words, laugh at them. This will make them think they're cute. It will also encourage them to pick up 'cuter' phrases that will blow off the top of your head later.

3. Never give them any spiritual training. Wait until they are 21 and let them decide for themselves.

4. Avoid using the word 'WRONG.' it may develop a guilt complex. This will condition them to believe later when they are arrested for stealing a car, that society is against them and they are being persecuted.

  To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, February 2, 2021 - page 14  

Lord, Bless us as we Live to Bless Others. Amen.

    We had a problem at church, one day with some water pipes that were leaking. The Chairman of our Trustee Board, Charles Thompson, was having a hard time finding someone to fix the problem. So after doing some praying and searching he remembered he had an old friend that did some plumbing work for him in the past. He called him and the guy met him at the church. The guy sized up the job and said,” I’ll be right back.” 

    When he came back, he had new piping and all kinds of supplies that were needed to fix the plumbing problem. He started the work, not saying a word as Bro Charles looked on. Well, after about 4 hours he was finished and Bro Charles said to him, “Give me the bill so we can pay you.” The guy looked at Bro. Charles and said, “I’m not going to give you a bill for the supplies or my services. No, all that I want for the work I’ve done is for you to ask the church to pray for me and if they ask you my name just tell them, “The Man Who Fixed the Pipe!”              

“If I can help somebody as I pass along…. then my living shall not be in vain.” 

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, January 29, 2021 - page 11  

     Lord, we look to You for protection against the storms of life and say with assurance that You will bring us through. Amen.

It's winter which is the season for snow storms. Now, I’ve come to realize that most of us hope that when we have weathered one storm, we wouldn’t have to worry about facing any more storms. But, in fact, the reverse is true; storms will keep coming in our lives. We not only have rain, hail, sleet and snowstorms. We also have financial, health, emotional, relationship and spiritual storms. We are either in a storm, coming out of a storm or going into a storm. Yes, the storms keep coming.

    Now storms keep coming because GOD has lessons for us to learn. My grandfather, Ernest Booker T. Carroway had something to say about storms. He was a very spiritual man and a deacon at Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Rev Dr. Howard Allen Chubbs was the pastor. You see, when the skies would darken, and the thunder would roll, while the lightning would zigzag across the way and the rain would hit hard on the roof top, Pop Pop Carraway would say, “Boy sit down and be quiet. That’s GOD talking!”

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, January 26, 2021 - page 14  

Being a minister, a police chaplain, a fraternal and community leader as well as one who is actively on social media sites, I usually hear about the death of somebody's loved one every day. In fact, I believe that there is someone reading this message right now whose heart is broken, their mind is troubled, and their eyes are filled with tears because God has called somebody close to them home. Here is a sweet poem that I ran across whose author is unknown. I pray it will sooth the soul and spirit of those who are broken-hearted. It is entitled:

'A Letter From Heaven'

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, January 22, 2021 - page 10    

    In the second chapter of the Book of Daniel, there is the story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. He could not remember the dream, and none of the wise men of his court in Babylon could tell him what his dream had been. But Daniel told the King that he would reveal and interpret the dream if he could have a little time. Daniel and his three fellow captives prayed, and God revealed the dream to Daniel in a night vision. When he told the King what his dream had been and what it meant, Daniel was rewarded.

    We experience dreams in the night. But we can also consciously dream through our aspirations and ambitions. Children dream of growing up.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, January 19, 2021 - page 14 

    The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who had hoped to be an inspiring preacher in a quiet small community. Instead, by the time of his death he had led tens of millions of people into shattering the system of Southern segregation, splintering it beyond any possibility of restoration. He had fashioned a mass Black electorate which eliminated overt racism from political campaigns and accumulated political power for African Americans beyond any they had ever possessed in their history in the United States. Above all, with these and other accomplishments, be brought a new and higher dimension of human dignity to the African American Experience.

    He led a movement for the liberation of all races of people. This is important because it was a movement to bring about the survival of humanity in a world of freedom and equality. What was so unique about Dr. King was that he not only spoke his ideals with vivid expressions of emotion, but he also led people in a nonviolent struggle for the fulfillment of those ideals.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, January 15, 2021 - page 15   

    It's wintertime and cold outside, but we must not let our hearts be cold towards someone who did us wrong. We must learn to forgive. Remember when Jesus taught us to pray? He said for us to say, 'forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.' In other words, if you want to be forgiven you must first learn to forgive. Many of us have been mad at others so long that we don't even remember what they did and why we are mad. Life is too short. Let it go.

    All of us should be able to say, 'Lord treat me tomorrow, the way I treat other people today!' Think about it and say this with me, 'Today I will forgive and I'm going to let it go!'

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, January 12, 2021 - page 14  

Lord, help us to live each day happy in and with your Holy Spirit. Amen.

    One Sunday just before I was to preach, a friend accused me of something that she heard I said, which I knew wasn't true. She went on to lay me out and call me a Judas. Now I responded under the influence of the Holy Spirit because the old me wanted to cuss her out.

    So, I went on to say that it wasn’t true, and she should consider the dog that brought the bone to the situation. Then I told her that I still loved her, she was still my friend, and I give God praise because no matter what, He knows the truth and He always calls me by my name. Then I went on to preach like I have never preached before.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, January 8, 2021 - page 12  

    2020 was a year full of trials and tribulations as well as joys and good times for just about all of us. Each of us has had happy moments we want to remember for years to come as well as sad moments we wish to forget. But through it all, the Lord our God kept us wrapped in His arms of protection and we should be able to say regardless of what happened last year, “THANK YOU JESUS, you’ve been so good to me”!

    I believe this New Year ‘2021’ can and will be a good year if each and every one of us would do the following: First, learn and remember to always put the Lord first in everything we do. If it had not been for the Lord on our side, tell me where would we be? We should seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, and all things shall be added unto us. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.

  To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, January 5, 2021 - page 11   

    Now holidays can be challenging when we are grieving. Our culture often sets up unrealistic expectations around the holidays that can almost never be met. Knowing, accepting and communicating our limitations to ourselves and others during the holidays can be helpful and liberating. Here are a few tips, for those of you who are grieving, to get you through the holiday season: 

    1. Remember that the anxiety approaching the holiday or holiday season can sometimes be more difficult to manage than the holiday itself.

    2. Deep breathing, rest and drinking plenty of water can help to sustain the body during times of stress. The stress of the season can take a toll on our bodies.

  To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 29, 2020 - page 11   

    There are many great nights mentioned in the Bible. Some of them are laden with tragedy and others are bright with hope. It was a great night when God sent his death angel down into Egypt. This meant tragedy for the Egyptian, for the firstborn in every home died that night. But it meant salvation for the Israelites because they were safe behind the Blood of Lamb without blemish. This was a picture of the salvation that we enjoy in Christ Jesus.

    It was a great night when Jacob slept beneath the stars and dreamed of a ladder reaching up into heaven with the angels ascending and descending upon that ladder.

    It was a great night when the heavens opened up and revealed unto a young Priest named Ezekiel, the similitude and visionary attributes of God thru a wheel in the Middle of a Wheel.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 25, 2020 - page 15    

Lord, Touch us, Bless us and Make Us Whole. Amen.

Today I want to share with you one of my favorite poems that I had to learn when I was in college; it's by Myra Brooks Welch and entitled:

'The Touch of the Master's Hand'

It was battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Thought you scarcely worth the while, To waste much time on the old violin, But he held it up with a smile.

  To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 22, 2020 - page 11   

Lord, Help Us To Know That Everyday That We Wake Up Is A Reason To Rejoice And Be Happy. Amen.

This is the day the Lord has made so we should rejoice and be glad in it! Why should we rejoice? Well, somebody didn't wake up this morning, but it wasn't you or I.

Somebody is homeless this morning, but it isn’t you or I.

Somebody doesn’t have food to eat this morning, but it isn’t you or I.

Somebody is not in their right mind this morning, but it isn’t you or I.

Somebody woke up in jail this morning, but it wasn't you or I.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 18, 2020 - page 15   

    Lord, give us the faith to step out of our comfort zone and make the changes we want in our lives and seek the desires of our heart. Amen In October 2013, I quit my job of 22 years to step out on faith and do something different. I wasn't happy, and I would pray every day: 'Lord, please help me find a new job.' Finally, with a little push from the company, I came to the realization that sometimes when you want to change a situation, you have to take the first step and let God take the rest. That's why the old folks would say: 'You take one step, and God will take two.'

    I went through a few years of ups and downs but through it all, I never missed a meal, and I paid all my bills. This experience has given me a testimony, and I know what it means when the old folks say: 'He will provide.' I'm happy to report that I am now the Director of Anger Management Services for the Chester Community Charter Schools. If I had never stepped out on faith, I would still be on my old job, in my old office feeling miserable.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 15, 2020 - page 10  

    We do things in life because they have become a tradition or custom. They become so much a part of our cultural existence that we do them without questioning or understanding why. We just do them because it has always been done. We need to be careful about that because we can do something wrong for so long that we began to believe that it is right.

    We have Christmas traditions and customs that we follow and very few of us know why or their meaning or where the idea came from. We just do it. Our story goes back at least 4,000 years ago. It begins in Mesopotamia, called the cradle of civilization. Here Christmas really began as the festival that renewed the world for another year.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 11, 2020 - page 13    

    Lord, as we go through this holiday shopping time, help us to keep You in Christmas to realize that there are some things money can't buy. Amen. Well, it's holiday shopping time. Merchants are selling, and folk are buying but remember a lot of things they can sell and a lot of things you can't buy.

    You see, they can sell you clothes.

    But you can't buy a neat Appearance, Style or Attractiveness.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 8, 2020 - page 10   

    This message is based on one of the two fishing episodes that we find in the Bible where fishermen spent the whole night on the sea and caught nothing. Nobody gets pleasure out of going fishing and catching nothing. And in this incident, the people back home were counting on the success of these fishermen for fishing was their vocation.

    But as their boats came to shore, their nets were empty and empty nets told everybody it had been an unsuccessful night. And because they had fished all night and caught nothing, it caused the people to say that they were failures. And don’t you know that failure is one of the hardest things in life to deal with? For when we fail, the initial impulse is to throw up our hands and say, “I may as well forget it.”

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 4, 2020 - page 12  

Lord, we thank You that we have in You a sincere everlasting friendship. Help us to be like You in our treatment to others. Amen.

    I remember I had a couple of close friends who greatly disappointed me. I was depending on their support for a project I was doing, and they both let me down. Their actions reminded me of a biblical truth that tells us never to put all your trust in (wo)man but to put your trust in God.

    You see, your friends will disappoint you, but God will support you. Your friends will let you down, but God will lift you up. Your friends will lie to you, but God will always give you the truth. Your friends will lead you astray, but God will always show you the right way. Your friends will give you excuses, but God will give you blessings.

To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, December 1, 2020 - page 12 

    Thanksgiving is over and most of us are preparing for Christmas, but in the wrong way because we have the wrong conception of what Christmas is all about. What does Christmas mean to you?

    To some folk it means hard work. The stores are crowded with shoppers, the post office is overflowing with mail and the trains, buses and planes are carrying record crowds.

To some Christmas means that Santa is coming with his sleigh full of goodies.

Then to some Christmas means a visit home. Surely this is the best time of all the year to be with family and friends.

    To some people Christmas is a time of sorrow, loneliness and sad memories. They look back over the year and think of the loved ones who have left them since last Christmas.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, November 27, 2020 - page 6 

 ‘O’ give thanks unto God of heaven: for his mercy endureth forever. (Psalm 136:26) 

 Over three and a half centuries, or three hundred and ninety-nine years ago, a little band of men and women joined their hands and hearts in America's first Thanksgiving. With Indian guests, they gathered around a table for the New World's first Thanksgiving dinner. Measured by our standards they did not have much. The harvest was in and they were grateful to God. But their needs were great and there were no supermarkets down the street. Cold, hunger, and sickness threatened their very lives. 

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, November 24, 2020 - page 14  

    Lord, help us to Live each day one day at a time with Your hand in our hands. For You still have the whole world in Your hands. Amen. There are two days in every week about which we should not worry – two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

    One of those days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its aches and pains, its faults and blunders. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot erase a single word we said.

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, November 10, 2020 - page 12  

 Here are 15 songs we sing, but we don't practice. 

1. We sing 'Sweet Hour of Prayer' and are content with 5–10 minutes a day.

 2. We sing Onward Christian Soldiers' and wait to be drafted into God's service.

3. We sing 'O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing' and don't use the one we have.

4. We sing 'There Shall be Showers of Blessings' but do not come to church when it rains.

5. We sing 'Blest Be the Tie That Binds' and let the least little offense sever it.

6. We sing 'Serve the Lord With Gladness' and gripe about all we have to do.

7. We sing 'I Love to Tell the Story' and never mention it at all.

  To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, November 17, 2020 - page 14 

 Lord, help us to be steadfast and strong in our faith when we face hellish day-to-day situations. Amen.

 The other day I was talking to a church member, Sister Jones. During the conversation, she told me about all the troubles she had during the past few months - the trouble she was having with her family, the trouble she was having on the job, and trouble she was having with her friends. She ended with: 'You know Rev all this trouble; it's enough to make a person lose their religion.' I quickly responded with this 'Seems to me, Sister Jones, all that trouble should make a person use their religion, not lose their religion.' 

 To Read More visit ScoopUSA Media, November 10, 2020 - page 6

Since the beginning of time, whenever man established a nation, country or kingdom, he also developed a Military Force to protect that kingdom from enemies and if necessary, back that Government in enforcing its law. When we read the Scriptures and the pages of history, we find that many nations have been established throughout man's existence on this earth and every one of them had a “Military Force.” Webster tells us that these military forces are men and women trained and armed for war! 

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, November 10, 2020 - page 10 

    The story is told that it was the beginning of a holiday weekend, and the gas station was crowded with motorists and cars. Finally, the gas station attendant hustled up to one of the local ministers, who had waited in line for some time. 'Sorry about the delay,' the attendant apologized. 'It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for the trip he's planned.' The Pastor smiled and said, 'I know what you mean. I have the same problem in my business.'

    My friend, there is a trip that we all must take, and it behooves us to plan for it. I can't tell you when your trip or my trip will begin. All I can say is one day we are going to take a trip. God is going to call us to take that final trip, and when the time comes, you better be ready. Last week “SIX” people I know took their trip. Yes, three of them on the same day. Yes, you are going to take your trip on the same day or week as someone else, but you will take it alone. So I ask you 'Are you ready for your trip?'

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, November 6, 2020 - page 8  

    Lord, Lead us in the paths of Righteousness that we might righteously lead others. Amen. Several years ago, I was privileged, honored and blessed to work for W. Wilson Goode, Sr., the first African American to be elected mayor of the city of Philadelphia. I was the Director of a homeless shelter, and I had several employees under my care. One of the first things he told me was that he wanted me to be a leader and not a boss and that is what I tried to be when I worked there.

    The story is told that H. Gordon Selfridge built up one of the world’s largest department stores in London. He achieved success by being a leader, not a boss.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, November 3, 2020 - page 14    

    It’s taken me a while to realize this and to admit it, but I’m grateful to you. For the past 3-years, I’ve spent a good deal of time lamenting your Presidency and the poison it has so effortlessly generated. I’ve watched our country imploding, our public discourse become polluted, our political climate grows ever more corrosive, and wrongly assumed you were to blame.

    It’s only lately I’ve come to understand that you haven’t manufactured our current national ugliness - you’ve simply revealed it. By saying the irresponsible, mean-spirited, ignorant things you say so freely and so frequently, you’ve given other like-minded people license to do the same. You’ve opened up the floodgates for our corporate sewage to flow fully. People no longer conceal their vile mess, they now revel in it, they broadcast it and re-tweet it.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 30, 2020 - page 8   

Lord, we Thank You for this day and every day.

Help us to use the time we have wisely. Amen.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. “Do we have time not to put first things first?

In I Corinthians 7:29 Paul said. “But this I say, brethren, time is short.”

The first thing for all to do is to seek the Lord. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found.” The second thing is to serve the Lord. All other things will then fall into their rightful places.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 27, 2020 - page 15  

 A white minister who was to become president of a great African-American University picked up a dictionary in his study at the First Congregational Church, Washington, D.C. He thumbed through the pages until he found what he wanted and then made some notes on a pad at his side: “Farewell-fare thee well. Wherever you go, whatever you do, however, circumstances affect you, may you farewell.” Another volume furnished an interpretation of the slang expression, “So Long,” and hinted that it possibly was an English corruption of the Islamic greeting, “Salaam Alaikum,” which means “Peace be with you.” Noting that the French farewell, “Adieu” and “Au Revoir,” means “Till we meet again,” he then looked up the word “Goodbye.” He jotted down these notes: “Goodbye-God, be with you. Can God go with everyone? Suppose they don’t want Him to go with them? Is this not a parting word for Christians only?” 

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 23, 2020 - page 8 

Lord, guide us and help us to get our house in order so that we might find rest and peace in Your Kingdom in Heaven. Amen.

When the poet C. R. Hebrew wrote the following poem, he was talking about you and me. It is entitled: 'I dreamed death came the other night: And heaven's gates swung wide.

With kindly grace an Angel Ushered me inside.

And there, to my astonishment, Stood folks I had known on earth.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 20, 2020 - page 14 

    The subject of our message is the title of a very familiar African American Spiritual. The title of the song and the words which follow give us some information concerning the deep religious convictions of our fore parents. For they believed that no matter how sinful a person might be, somebody was still knocking at the door of his or her heart. They felt that even though a person might be “low-down” and doing what we sometimes call wallowing in the mud, they could still expect somebody to be knocking at their door.

    And then, they went on to identify the Caller, the Guest, the visitor, the traveler or however you might label him. They said that the person who keeps on knocking at the door of sinful hearts has a knock, which sounds familiar.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 16, 2020 - page 8    

 In Jesus, we have a love that can never be diminished; In Jesus, we have a life that can never die; In Jesus, we have a righteousness that can never be tarnished; In Jesus, we have a feeling of peace that can never be understood; In Jesus, we have a rest that can never be disturbed; In Jesus, we have a joy that can never be diminished; In Jesus, we have a hope that can never be disappointed; In Jesus, we have a glory that can never be clouded; In Jesus, we have a light that can never be darkened; In Jesus, we have a happiness that could never be interrupted; In Jesus, we have a strength that can never be enfeebled; 

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 13, 2020 - page 15    

    The phrase, 'We Made It', as I' am using it in this setting is a statement of achievement in the midst of overwhelming odds. It is a proclamation of accomplishment for someone or a group that has had the deck stacked against them.

    It is a way of saying that “in spite of the length of the journey, in spite of the roughness of the road and in spite of the many stumbling blocks which have been thrown in our way, we have overcome and we have reached our goal. Now it must be noted that the statement, “We Made It,” as I am using it in this context does not refer to an ultimate goal nor does it refer to a permanent victory.

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 9, 2020 - page 8   

I was in Dollar Tree last night and there was a lady and two kids behind me in the LONG line. One was a big kid, one was a toddler. The bigger one had a pack of glow sticks and the baby was screaming for them so the Mom opened the pack and gave him one; which stopped his tears. He walked around with it smiling, but then the bigger boy took it and the baby started screaming again. Just as the Mom was about to fuss at the older child, he bent the glow sticks and handed it back to the baby. As we walked outside at the same time, the baby noticed that the stick was now glowing and his brother said 'I had to break it so you could get the full effect from it.' I almost ran because l could hear God saying to me, 'I had to break you to show you why I created you. You had to go through it so you could fulfill your purpose.' 

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 6, 2020 - page 12  

    The kings of the earth and the mighty men of the earth are born in exactly the same way, physically, as the simplest man. So the most intellectual person must become a Christian in exactly the same way as the simplest person.

    This is true of all human beings everywhere, through all space and all time. There are no exceptions. Jesus said in a totally exclusive word: 'No man (or woman) cometh unto the Father, but by Me.'

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, October 2, 2020 - page 8     

    Most of us have heard someone tell somebody to “Go to hell!” When its’ been said to me my response is just to laugh and say, “Thank Jesus your words can’t send me there.” Because of the Blood of Jesus, I'm going to Heaven, and nobody on this earth can stop me or send me to hell.

    There is no way to describe hell. Nothing on earth can compare with it. No living person has any real idea of it. No madman in his wildest flights of insanity ever beheld its horror. No man in delirium ever pictured a place as utterly terrible as this. 

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, September 29, 2020 - page 10    

    “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Time is among our most valuable possessions. Every person has twenty-four hours each day he lives. Some make use of time and some waste it away.

    At best the time of our present lives is short. It can only be from the cradle to the grave. Only God knows how long that will be. One poet said it like this: “I have only just a minute, Only sixty seconds in it, Forced upon me, can’t refuse it, Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, But it’s up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it, Give account if I abuse it; Just a tiny little minute- But eternity is in it.”

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, September 25, 2020 - page 7   

 Lord, Help us to understand what really counts in life. Amen.

I counted dollars while God counted crosses.

I counted gains while God counted losses!

I counted my worth by the things gained in the store.

But God-sized me up by the scars that I bore.

I coveted honors and sought for degrees; God wept as He counted the hours on my knees.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, September 22, 2020 - page 11   

    “The study of how frequently and how numerous birds are mentioned in the Bible is a very fascinating as well as a very rewarding undertaking. Jesus, the Master of analogous teaching, often used birds to illustrate a point and to increase the understanding of his listeners. Solomon, who possessed a wealth of knowledge concerning all living creatures, used birds in many of his proverbs.

    Look at some statistics concerning the birds of the Bible. Birds are mentioned in 45 of the 66 books of the Bible. Approximately 50 different species of birds are mentioned in the Bible. There are about 400 different kinds of birds in Palestine and of the 400 species 26 are found only in Palestine.

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, September 18, 2020 - page 10  

Jesus says, 'You call Me Rich, but you ask Me not.'

Jesus says, 'You call Me Eternal, but you seek Me not.'

Jesus says, 'You call me Gracious, but you trust Me not.'

Jesus says, 'You call Me Noble, but you serve Me not.'

Jesus says, 'You call Me Mighty, but you honor Me not.'

Jesus says, 'You call Me Just, but you fear Me not.'

Yes, Jesus says, 'IF I CONDEMN YOU, BLAME ME NOT!!!'

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, September 15, 2020 - page 11   

September is “Treatment Works” Month and it’s time to acknowledge the important role treatment plays in reducing alcohol and other drug addictions. Treatment programs come in all shapes and sizes, long or short-term residential treatment hospitals, therapeutic communities and Intensive Outpatient Programs to name a few and the results are promising. Studies after studies show that, in addition to individuals reclaiming their lives, participation in treatment reduces medical costs, prison entries, overdose deaths, DUI accidents and less of a burden on the criminal justice system, families who bury their loved ones, as well as government and other private systems that are impacted by drug and alcohol addiction. In short, treatment makes good sense because it is effective and it saves money. 

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, September 11, 2020 - page 9  

Lord, Help Us to remember that Laughter is Good for the Soul. Amen.

One Sunday a pastor told his congregation that the church needed some extra money and asked the people to prayerfully consider giving a little extra in the offering plate. He said that whoever gave the most would be able to pick out three hymns. 

To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, September 8, 2020 - page 11 

Lord, Help us to be Thankful for our Opportunity to Work and Provide for Our Families. Amen.

As Christians and Believers of other Faiths, we need to learn that we are not working for ourselves, but for God. Some folk will say that they are working for a living, but few people can truthfully say, “I am working with God and for God.” You know, humanity fails when we are not linked with God. Someone has said that if you want to make a success of life, you should link yourself to some great cause and give your best to it. Surely, we are on the road to the highest happiness and success when we link our lives with God and give our best.

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, September 4, 2020 - page 9

LORD, HELP US TO LIVE A GODLY AND HOLY LIFE. AMEN.

I want to be a Godly man because: A Godly man has a mind, and he knows it.

A Godly man has a will, and he shows it.

A Godly man sees his way, and he goes it.

A Godly man draws a line then he tows it.

A Godly man has a chance, and he takes it.

A Godly man sees a friendly hand, and he shakes it.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, August 28, 2020 - page 13 

 Rev. Charles E. Fuller once announced that he would be speaking the following Sunday on “Heaven.” During that week a beautiful letter was received from an old man who was very ill. The following is part of his letter: Next Sunday you are to talk about Heaven. I am inter- ested in that land, because I have held a clear title to a bit of property there for over fifty-five years. I did not buy it. It was given to me without money and without price. But the donor purchased it for me at tremendous sacrifice. I am not holding it for speculation since the title is not transferable. It is not a vacant lot. 

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, August 21, 2020 - page 14 

Every year during the month of August our Pastor goes on vacation and every year during this time attendance seems to go down. Well last week, one of our old faithful members called and asked me, who was preaching and what choir was singing. My reply was: 'I'm not sure who's preaching, and I'm not sure what choir is singing. She responded by saying: 'Well I'm not sure if I'm coming to church.' And this is what I said to her: 'My dear sister even though I'm not sure who is preaching and who is singing. I am sure that God is real, and He will be in church on Sunday. I am also sure that whoever preaches, this same God, is going to use them and speak through them. I am also sure whoever is singing the Songs of Zion; God is going to use them and bless the hearts of those who hear them.' 

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, August 18, 2020 - page 14

God has planted within each man and woman a longing for a place called Heaven. Whether we want to or not, we instinctively direct our thoughts toward our maker and our inner consciousness of God has caused us to long for that place on the other side of the Jordan River.

Virtually every civilization known to humanity has had an instinctive awareness of a future life. The instinct of Heaven is registered in our souls. And our souls need such a place as Heaven.

To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, August 14, 2020 - page 17

Lord, We Want You To Be In All Aspects Of Our Life Like You Are In The Bible. Amen.

In every Book of the Bible both Old Testament and New Testament Jesus can be found: In Genesis, Jesus is TheSeed of the Woman In Exodus, Jesus is The Passover Lamb In Leviticus, Jesus is The Atoning Sacrifice In Numbers, Jesus is The Smitten Rock In Deuteronomy, Jesus is The Prophet.

To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, August 11, 2020 - page 13

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those Who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

All of us have said at one time or another, “You just can’t be sure of anything.” For life is full of so many uncertainties. We wonder what will happen next. We ask ourselves are we the playthings of time and circumstance? Is there no place to stand no foundation on which we can build? Is it really true that we cannot be sure of anything? Not at all!

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, August 7, 2020 - page 15

 This is one of the nicest emails I have seen and it is so true, so I decided to share it with you: “I dreamt that I went to Heaven, and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by- side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received. 'I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.' I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth. 

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, August 4, 2020 - page 13

 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give your rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. “Come unto me.” What a beautiful invitation for people living in a suffering burdened world. A world, marked by indifference and rejection where outstretched hands find little response and pleading cries go unanswered. 

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, July 31, 2020 - page 15 

You are behind in your bills and you got more months than money, Don't worry Your marriage is on the rocks because your mate doesn't want to act right, Don't worry You went to the doctors and he gave you a report about your health that you didn’t want to hear, Don't worry You have some kids who make Bebe's kids seem like perfect angels and you are at the end of your rope, Don't kill them You been trying to get this job that will have you doing something you really like to do as well as pay you what you know you are worth, Don't worry; You have a car that's about to fall apart, you need a new one, but you can't afford to have a big car note, Don't worry; You've been riding pass this house that's your dream house and you see you and the family living in it, claim it, 

To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, July 28, 2020 - page 13

The story is told of a little boy who was crossing the ocean with his father, who was captain of the ship, when they ran into a storm. The waves tossed the ship about like a cork and everyone was stricken with fear. But the boy sat still, with his eyes directed toward a certain spot. He sat there quite unperturbed as the ship was being dashed about by the waves. Someone asked him if he were not afraid, and he answered: 'I have my eye on that window, and through that window I can see the bridge, and on that bridge is my father. My father is the captain of the ship, and he has taken it through many storms.

To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, July 24, 2020 - page 15

Lord, Help Us To Seek Heavenly Riches Rather Than Earthly Treasures. Amen.

Money can buy a bed, but money cannot buy sleep. Money can buy books, but money cannot buy brains. Money can buy food, but money cannot buy an appetite.

Money can buy fine clothes, but money cannot buy a nice figure.

Money can buy makeup, but money cannot buy beauty.

Money can buy finery, but money cannot buy a good personality.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, July 14, 2020 - page 13 

Just about everyone I know, both Christian and non-Christian, has a special place in their heart for the much reverend hymn, “Amazing Grace.” It was written by minister and hymn writer, John Newton. It is the one hymn you always hear being played by bagpipes at a Police and Firefighters Memorial Service.

Newton was born in London, England in 1725. His mother gave him some religious training, but she died of tuberculosis when he was only seven. He received little formal education before going to sea with his father, the commander of a merchant ship at age eleven. In 1743, he was forced to serve aboard the H.M.S. Harwich and soon deserted. He was captured, flogged and degraded to a common seaman. After asking to be exchanged to a slave ship, he suffered brutal persecution before being rescued by a friend of his father. 

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, July 14, 2020 - page 10  

Lord, Help Us To Sow And Reap The Blessings Of This Life. Amen.

(1) Sow bad habits and reap a good character

(2) Sow jealously and hatred and reap love and friendship

(3) Sow wicked thoughts and reap a clean life 

(4) Sow wrong deeds and live righteously (

5) Sow crime and get away with it

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, July 10, 2020 - page 15 

To be successful in life, you need three things. First, the blessings of God. Second, a good education. Third, a likable and pleasant personality. Now, the blessings of God come from reading His Word and developing prayer and worship into your life. Good education comes from going to school, studying and getting good grades. A pleasant personality is up to you to develop. Yes, it's up to you and you alone. So here are 20 ways to make sure folk won't like you: 

   To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, June 30, 2020 - page 13

 Lord help us by Your Grace to Feed One Another as You Feed Us, Amen.

For some of us, summer is a time for work, fun and vacations, but for many of our brothers and sisters there is no work, no fun nor any vacations. Many of them have just come through the winter by the Grace of God. No housing; no work; very little clothing and food as well as hardly any help from others. But God by His might, power, ability, and love pulled them through.

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, June 26, 2020 - page 14   

     Two years ago I was blessed to attend a conference in the beautiful city of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. There were many topics discussed, but the one that was dear to my heart was called 'Saving Our Youth.' I truly believe this should be of great concern to you also. You see our children are our future. GOD has given them to us and they are our responsibility. Now, the situation of our youth is so messed up that we need many ideas and solutions. Here are some of my thoughts about the situation.

    First, we call them a lost generation, so the real question is, if they are lost, who lost them? They didn't lose themselves. No, we lost them. I believe we have lost them because we have not raised them like we were raised. If they were raised like us, they would be more like us.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, June 23, 2020 - page 15  

 Lord, We Thank You For Waking Us Up This Morning. Give Us The Will To Live And Think Today By Your Standards. Amen.

Many of us live our lives with a double standard. Think about this. Have you ever noticed? When the other person acts a certain way, he is “ill-tempered;' when you do it, it's your 'nerves.'

When the other person is set in his ways, he's 'obstinate;' when you are that way it's you just being 'firm.'

   To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, June 16, 2020 - page 14 

 __ Within 10 days of sustained protests: Minneapolis bans use of choke holds.

__ Charges are upgraded against Officer Chauvin, and his accomplices are arrested and charged.

__ Dallas adopts a 'duty to intervene' rule that requires officers to stop other cops who are engaging in inappropriate use of force.

__ New Jersey’s attorney general said the state will update its use-of-force guidelines for the first time in two decades.

__ In Maryland, a bipartisan work group of state lawmakers announced a police reform work group.

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, June 12, 2020 - page 14   

    Songs play a great role in the lives of people. There is a song somewhere suited for all occasions. Out of the joys, sadness, problems and prosperities of people songs were born. Lifted beyond mere entertainment our songs tell us something that we are unable to phrase otherwise. Therefore, it becomes difficult for me to think of any situation so gruesome that one is left without a song.

    I have watched from the pulpit at funerals, people who seal their lips when the songs of Zion are sung. They experience deep human hurt and lost. They brush back the tears from their eyes. They simply cannot handle it. The hurt is too grave to have a song during this unusual hour. However, I have watched others whose lost is just as dear and as deep and their voices have rung out with perfect clarity. They had a song.

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, June 9, 2020 - page 13  

    One day at about 4:30 am, I received a text message that one of my city police officers had been shot while confronting a perpetrator in a domestic abuse call. I immediately went into my police chaplain mode and started praying for the officer and his family. I also prayed for the entire department and their families as well.

    Then I prayed for the perpetrators family because of their loss, but I didn't stop there.

You see I also prayed for the woman and her children, who were and had been abused for years by the perpetrator. This will be a lifelong trauma for her and her children. I hope and pray they will seek counsel and know that God will help them overcome this nightmare.

    Now, I'm glad that I can say that God answered my prayer because the Officer was released from the hospital some hours later. I dedicate today's message and the following poem to him as well as all the men and women who are sworn to protect and to serve and do their job well.

 
 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, June 5, 2020 - page 14  

 Lord, help us to give thanks, and be grateful to you in all times and give you praise for all things. Amen.

    I thank God for blessing me to see another day. But in the midst of my joy, I'm sad. I’m sad, and my heart is broken because of what's going on in my hometown as well as black communities across America. As I heard a pastor say one Sunday, for us (Black folks), these are the worst of times and the best of times. This thought came from a novel by author Charles Dickens entitled: A Tale of Two Cities set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The book is a historical fictional political commentary.

    These are the worst of times because young black males are killing each other on a daily basis, but then these are the best of times because we are making advances in medical technology and living much longer. There is a sister in my neighborhood who is 103 years old, who takes care of herself and is still the head cook at her church and an adviser to the Usher Board.

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, June 2, 2020 - page 16  

     It has been said that a person is what they eat. Someone else has said that a person is what they read. Still another has said that a person is what they think. Solomon said, 'As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.'

    Now to these profound statements that identify the essence of a person's being I would add another, which says that a person is what he or she believes. You are not only what you consume physically, or what you conceptualize or internalize mentally, but you are also what you believe in your heart.

    If you believe you can, then you can; if you believe you cannot, then you won't be able to. Everything we do from the simplest acts to the most complex tasks requires that we believe in ourselves and our abilities to perform. Before we can get out of bed or lift a fork or speak a word, before we can memorize a speech or learn a lesson or drive a car, before we can quit smoking or drinking or overeating or any other habit, we must first believe that we can. And if we don't have the strength ourselves, then we must have enough faith to believe in God and in the power of Christ to help us do what we believe,.

   To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, May 29, 2020 - page 16 

     Memorial Day is a day when we pause to remember those who have gone on to the other side. It should also be a time when we try to grasp a better understanding of Life, Death and the Resurrection. Death is a debt that all of us must pay, sooner or later. It is something that we all must face whether we want to or not.

    Life is full of mysteries. But nothing is as mysterious to us as Death. Nothing puzzles us more than the things pertaining to life after death. The apostle tells us that we shall not all sleep, but in the end, we shall all be changed. The apostle however, does not explain the transformation that he predicts, he merely states the fact. Our curiosity and our needs are left unsatisfied. In the 2,000 years that have passed since Paul wrote these words no one else has been able to clarify the resurrection any more than he did. And if we must wait until the mystery has been dispelled before we can believe in the resurrection we may be waiting forever. On the other hand, we can treat this matter as we do all the other things in life that we cannot understand.

   To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, May 26, 2020 - page 18  

 The Bible has been around, is around and will be around because it is a living document. The Bible it lives.

Generations follow generations-yet, The Bible lives.

Nations rise and fall-yet, The Bible lives.

Kings, dictators, and presidents come and go-yet, The Bible lives.

It is hated, despised, cursed and burned-yet, The Bible lives.

It is doubted, suspected and criticized-yet, The Bible lives.

It is condemned by atheists-yet, The Bible lives.

It is scoffed at by scorners-yet, The Bible lives.

  To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, May 21, 2020 - page 17 

 Lord, May we live each day and hour in such a way that we will be prepared to greet you into our lives. Amen.

I want to share with you a poem whose original author is unknown, and I changed a little for my word to you today. I call it:

'What Would You Do?'

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two. If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do.

Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest, And the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best.

And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there...

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, May 19, 2020 - page 18

 Lord, we thank you and praise you because without you we are nothing but with you we are all that! Amen

If Christ is not The Lord of all, then He is not The Lord at all.

It seems as if I can hear somebody asking: 'Where is The Lord?'

The Lord is before His people ~ 'And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.' (John 10:4 KJV).

The Lord is behind His people ~ 'Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me.' (Psalms 139:5 KJV).

 To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, May 15, 2020 - page 17

Lord, Help Us To Be The Leader You Have Called Us To Be And The One Who Does Your Will And Your Will Only. Amen.

On my job, I'm a Program Director. In my community, I serve as Founding Past-President of my County Police Chaplain group. In my fraternal organization I'm a Past Elected State Leader, and in my church, I'm an Assistant Pastor. So, this message is dedicated to all who serve as Directors, Presidents, Leaders, and Pastors. (The "He" represents both male and female).

If he gets things done, he's a dictator.

If he asks others for advice, he lacks competence.

If he has fun, he's doing it for show.

If he does not, he's not easy to work with.

If he sticks to fundamentals, he's antique.

If he engages in experimentation, he's too progressive.

If he insists on order and discipline, he's too firm.

If the members or employees run wild, he's much too easy. If he has various fundraisers, he's on the toboggan.

If he doesn't, he's a poor businessman.

If he has a sense of humor, he's not intellectual.

If he doesn't have one, he's a prig.

If he's efficient in community relations, he's a jive talker.

If he isn't, he's a square from anywhere.

If he always agrees or keeps still, he's a rubber stamp.

If he has strong convictions, he's full of himself.

As you can see, you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. So, this is how I deal with the situation. I pray about it and try to do my best to do God’s will and make Him happy. You see it’s more important for me to hear God say "Well Done" than my fellow citizens. So do your best, God will do the rest, and you shall have success. Can I get an Amen somebody, somebody, and somebody?

To Read More "Rocky Brown" visit ScoopUSA Media, May 8, 2020

Lord, Help Us To Have A Forgiving Heart So That Our Anger And Hurt Doesn't Become Our Sin. Amen.

 The Apostle Paul states this about  “‘ANGER’ ...don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t  let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil."  (Ephesians 4:26, 27 NLT)

We are living in a society where folk are just angry. Angry because we are dealing with some hurt. We are dealing with childhood hurts such as mental, emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Our parents, siblings, and friends hurt us. We are dealing with relationship hurts, peer hurts, workplace hurts, societal hurts (racism and discrimination), friendship and family hurts and because we hurt, we have a tendency to hurt others. Yes, "Hurt People, Hurt People."

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit Scoop USA Media, May 5, 2020 page  13

 Lord, I Pray That None Of The Tator Family Genes Are In Me. Amen

Every church in America has families in them because for the most part our churches are built by families joining or one by one. But there is one family that has a reputation for joining as many churches as possible. The following description will help you to recognize them if they start attending and joining your church.

DICK TATOR~

He’s the daddy who is the self-appointed leader of the church. He feels he must head every church committee. He feels more important than he really is. He just dictates and never works.

EMMY TATOR~

She's the mother who never has any thoughts of her own. She just imitates and always seconds someone else's motion. She is active in all phases of church life by imitating her closest friends.Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

   To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, May 1, 2020 page 17  

    Lord, We Pray For Your Remembrance And Protection. Amen

As Christians, most of the times we concentrate on the words of Jesus from the cross, but the words of others hold meaning for us also. One should always have a keen eye, a listening ear, and an open mind, for we learn from others.

    So as we listen to those other men on the crosses by Jesus, we find some surprising lessons.       The Bible tells us that when Jesus was hanging on the cross, one of the criminals being crucified with Him insulted Him. This man was degrading Jesus by saying: “If you can do so much, and if you can do what they say you can do, why don’t you get yourself off that cross and then come and get me off?” Think about a person trying to degrade someone who is far better than he is. “If you are God and can do so much, why don’t you get us out of this mess?”

   To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, April 24, 2020 page 18 

  LORD, BLESS US TO KNOW THAT WE SERVE YOU WHEN WE SERVE ONE ANOTHER. AMEN.

    The story is told of an old woman who was told by God that He was coming to visit. She cleaned, baked and prepared the best feast for Him. She got a knock at the door and eagerly opened the door only to find a beggar asking for just a crumb to eat. She cursed him and told him the food she prepared was for God, not a beggar and shooed him away.

    She waited patiently for half the day for God’s arrival and then there was another knock at the door. Finally, she thought, God is here and can partake of this wonderful food and can see how immaculate my house is for Him. At the door appeared a traveler, tired and weary from days on the road. Can I please come into rest? How dare you, ask to be in the home the Lord will visit, she says. You are not worthy, and she shooed him away.

    Impatiently now she waited and was somewhat angered that God Himself had her wait for most of the day. She got another knock at the door. Finally, she thought He has arrived! With excitement, she threw open the door only to find a tattered sobbing old woman who asked if she had the time to listen and help with some worries she had.  Furiously she cursed her and told her I don’t have time to hear your pitiful story; the Lord will be here shortly, and I dare not have someone like you in His presence. Then she slammed the door in the woman’s face.

  To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, April 17, 2020 page 18

     The resurrection must be preached if we are to hear the gospel of Christ. The resurrection must be believed if we are to see God's face in peace. Peter, the apostle, preached one of the first sermons of the resurrection. It was there on the Day of Pentecost. He said to the people, "you know this Jesus of Nazareth. He is a mighty man with mighty miracles, a man with proof and power, wonders and signs. Things that happened before your eyes. It was this man that God let you murder on that cross of Calvary. But God removed the sting of death and gave him life once more." It just was not possible for him to be contained by death. The Tomb was too small. The King's seal did not have enough authority. The soldiers who stood guard were ordinary men like you and I and we ought to know by now that we are no match for God.

    There is proof and power in the resurrection. Let's look at some proof. On the first day of the week, the day after the Jewish Sabbath, some of the women whose lives and souls the Lord had touched, arrived at the tomb early that morning to render the last service of love to their Lord and Master. In the span of three and one-half years, they dined with Him, prepared food for his body, one of them anointed His feet with precious oil. Now they arrived at the tomb only to find the stone rolled away. In the place of the King's seal, they found a broken rock. In place of the Roman soldiers who stood guard, they found an angel from heaven, because the soldiers had fallen like dead men.

  To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, April 10, 2020 page 14  

Lord, We give you Thanks for this new day, we shall rejoice and be glad in it. Amen

  We need to start raising our children like we were raised. You can’t complain if you are not helping and you can't help if you don’t have yourself together because we must lead by example. To save the children, we need to give them some rules, standards, and values to live by. They need discipline in their lives, and that must come from the home first, then the school, church, and community. I know they have cultural ways for their generation, but they need to learn that there's a time and place for everything. But some things are just not acceptable, at least not in my house. (Somebody needs to say, “Break it down Brown!")
  Well, you see if you are living in my house, you will follow my rules.
If you are living in my house, you will pull your pants up and your skirt down and take your hat off in a building.

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, April 3, 2020 page 14 

    Lord, We Thank You Because You Are The Same To Us And For Us, Each And Everyday. Amen.

    There are two very familiar songs that I have loved most of, if not all of, my life. They both speak the truth about change. I'm sure you know them. The first one is by Sam Cooke entitled; “A Change Is Gonna Come."

It says: “I was born by the river in a little tent, Oh, and just like the river I’ve been running ever since. It's been a long, a long time coming, But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will. It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky. It’ s been a long, a long time coming but I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will. I go to the movie, and I go downtown. Somebody keep telling me don't hang around. It’ s been a long, a long time coming but I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will. Then I go to my brother, and I say, "Brother, help me please." But he winds up knockin' me back down on my knees. There been times when I thought I couldn't last for long. But now I think I'm able to carry on. It's been a long, a long time coming but I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will."

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, March 27, 2020 page 14

    LORD, WE LIFT OUR HEARTS TO YOU AND ASK THAT YOU COMFORT AND BLESS THIS GRIEVING FAMILY. AMEN.

    A friend of mine, in my hometown, was once really going through a difficult time in her life. She had lost her son because he was caught in the crossfire of a shooting and died. Then the day of her son's repast, his four-year-old son, her grandson, was hit by a truck and died. This mother, these grandparents, these relatives, this family, had been shaken to the core. I'm sure their faith was shattered; their hearts were beyond broken, and their trust in God was on the brink. What can we do as humans to make them feel less pain and feel better?      How do we minister to them? What should we do? What should we say? When and how shall we say it?

    The old Saints would say that God puts on us no more than we can bare, but try to explain this to the family.

They say all things work together for our good, but try to explain this to the family.

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, March 20, 2020 page 10

    Whether you realize it or not, one of the most effective methods of experiencing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual therapy, is to take a retrospective view of your life and count the many blessings which God has bestowed upon you.

    Yes, there is an unparalleled kind of therapy which goes on every time you count your blessings. You see, you can’t count complaints and blessings at the same time. If you don’t believe what I’m saying, try it for yourself.    I dare you to try it! Let your mind flash back upon the blessings, which you have received in the last twenty-four hours. Go ahead and start counting your blessings of the last twenty-four hours. If you need some help, I’ll assist you:

    You’ve been breathing God’s air. Your life has been sustained by the power of God, (Paul said in Acts 17:28, “For in Him we live and move and have our being.”) 

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, March 13, 2020 page 17

    This is a crazy mixed up world full of negative people and haters. Now for the most part if they had their way they would love to see you fail. But GOD told me to tell you that you will not fail because you are HIS CHILD so therefore you are a winner. So the question of the day is are you going to listen to your so called friends and the world or are you going to trust and believe your HEAVENLY FATHER who is the GOD OF YOUR SALVATION?

    Who you gonna trust And believe?

    Let me put it like this. Somebody say,"Break it down brother Brown!"

    Scientists are saying that you evolved from a monkey but GOD said HE formed you from the dust of the earth...who you gonna trust and believe?

The world says that you are ugly and unattractive but GOD says you beautifully made, wonderful and special....who you gonna trust and believe?

     Somebody told you that you weren't worth their time caring about, but GOD says you are blessed and highly favored... who you gonna trust and believe?

The world says you can't do it, but GOD says you can do all things thru CHRIST...who you gonna trust and believe?

    The world says that you are no good, but GOD says that you are made in HIS image....who you gonna trust and believe?

The banker said you can't have that loan for that new house or car, but JESUS said anything you ask in MY NAME shall be given unto you...who you gonna trust and believe?

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, February 28, 2020, page 11

    LORD WE PRAISE AND HONOR YOU FOR YOUR WORD TODAY. HELP US TO DEAL WITH AND CLEAN UP OUR UNFINISHED BUSINESS!

    In the 2nd Chapter of the Biblical Old Testament book called Judges, it talks about a generation of the children of Israel who didn't know GOD and the covenant that HE made with their ancestors. Now because they didn’t know GOD or their history they became a generation who created unfinished business for generations to come.

   You know as human beings we all have some unfinished business in our lives. There are some relationships we need to mend. There are some projects we haven't started or completed. There are some goals we haven't reached. Well, in some cases it’s because we got side tracked and in other cases it's because we've lost our motivation and zeal. We have some unfinished business.

When it comes to civil rights and freedom in this country we have so much unfinished business. We had a black man in the White House yet he is more disrespected than any other president that ever served. Unfinished business. There is an atmosphere in our society where other ethnic groups can shoot down young black males in cold blood and the shooter is found not guilty. Unfinished business. Even worse young black males are shooting one another and we just shake our heads and say very little about it and in most cases nobody even gets locked up because we don't want to be a snitch. Unfinished business. The government can find money to build prisons but doesn't have money to keep schools open and hire the proper staff. Unfinished business. 

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, February 21, 2020, page 17

    This is a story of a little boy named “Malcolm Harris” who woke up one morning and asked his mother, “Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world”? Well, his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said “son, follow me around today and let’s see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world.” Mom said, “Now go get dressed and we will get started.”

Malcolm ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said “Malcolm, where are your shoes? And those clothes are all wrinkled son, I must iron them.” But when she reached for the ironing board it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a black woman, invented the ironing board, and Jan E. Matzelinger, a black man, invented the shoe lasting machine.

“Oh well,” she said, “Please go and do something to your hair.” Malcolm ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there. You see Walter Sammons, a black man, invented the comb. Malcolm decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. You see Lydia O. Newman, a black female, invented the brush. Well, this was a sight. No shoes, wrinkled clothes, hair a mess, even moms hair, without the hair care inventions of Madam CJ Walker, well you get the picture.

    Mom told Malcolm, “Lets’ do our chores around the house and then take a trip to the grocery store.” Malcolm’s job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P. Ray, a black man, invented the dustpan. So he swept his pile of dirt over in the corner and left it there. He then decided to mop the floor but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a black man invented the mop. Malcolm yelled to his mom, “Mom, I am not having any luck.”

“Well son,” she said, “Let me finish washing these clothes and we will prepare a list for the grocery store.” When the wash finished, she went to place the clothes in the dryer, but it was not there. You see, George T. Samon, A black man, invented the clothes dryer.

    Mom asked Malcolm to go get a pencil and some paper to prepare their list for the market. So Malcolm ran for the paper and pencil, but noticed the pencil lead was broken. Well, he was out of luck because John Love, a black man, invented the pencil sharpener. Mom reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a black man, invented the fountain pen. As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge invented the type writing machine, and W.A. Lovette the advanced printing press.

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, February 14, 2020, page 17

    Black History Month is a time when we as African Americans tell who we are as individuals and as a race of people. The great historian Carter G. Woodson as a weeklong celebration founded it, it now takes in the whole month of February and it is my hope and prayer that we will not limit the celebration of our history to one month because we make history everyday. It is a time when we give our children knowledge of their past. It is a time when we celebrate our achievements in a country that has tried to keep us from achieving. It is a time when we present ourselves to the world, so that humanity will know and can see what God has done in the past, what he is doing in the present and what he will do in the future to liberate us; His people, in this land which caused our fore parents to sing: "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child!"

    If you think that we are free, you better think again. God has told us that we shall be free and this I believe. Sane folks feel we shall never be free, but the Word of God, the Spirit of Truth and the pages of History say, "That's a lie that cannot stand." As long as God gives us strength we should keep on striving and as President John F. Kennedy said, "We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty."

    Through the years, Mother America, has tried to tell us that we are nobody. But through the power of the Holy Spirit our eyes were opened and we realized that Everybody is Somebody because we are all made by God and stamped with dignity and worth. You see, God never did and never will make junk. We too have helped to build America. We too sing, "God Bless America." Yes, we too believe that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." We want complete freedom in America, like everyone else.

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, February 7, 2020, page 18

    The Super Bowl is without a doubt the most popular sports event in the world, this year we have the Saints going against the Colts. In a sense the 1st Super Bowl took place over 2,000 years ago. The stadium was a hill called ìCalvaryî and it was located outside the city of Jerusalem. 

It was a contest between a sneaky old champion known as Mr. Death and the Champion of Righteousness known as Jesus Christ.  Old Satan, the devil himself, coached Mr. Death for the two of them work hand in hand. Jesus also had a coach, who was His Father, the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth. Just as there is a good relationship between death and Satan there is also good relationship between Jesus and The Father Almighty.

    We all know that on the night before the big game the contestants are supposed to be in bed getting a good nights rest, but Coach Satan saw to it that Jesus had to stay up all night long.  He got into some folk and aroused their hostility to such an extent that they carried Jesus from one judgment hall to another, from midnight to six o’clock Friday morning.  They still would not give Him any rest.  They put him on the witness stand in a pre-game trial and although the judge found Him innocent of the charges He still underwent a severe beating.  At the conclusion of the trial Jesus was placed into the custody of four Roman soldiers who took a wooden goal post and put it on His shoulder and made Him carry it all the way out to the stadium.

    When they arrived at the stadium it was time for the game to begin.  The soldiers forced Jesus to lie down upon the wooden goal post and right then and there the Super Bowl on Mount Calvary began.  The ringing of the hammer was tantamount to the sounding of the whistle for the opening kickoff. As soon as the first nail pierced the blessed hand of Jesus, Mr. Death took the ball and started his offensive strategy.   Every time Mr. Death would get ready to score, Jesus would call ìTime Outî.  He decided to use the clock in His favor.

Lord, We Seek Your Comfort And Your Peace. 

Bless Us As We Walk Through The Valley and 

The Shadow Of Death. Amen

Being a minister, a police chaplain, a fraternal and community leader as well as one who is actively on social media sites, I usually hear about the death of somebody's loved one every day. In fact, I believe that there is someone reading this message right now whose heart is broken, their mind is troubled, and their eyes are filled with tears because God has called somebody close to them home. Here is a sweet poem that I ran across whose author is unknown. I pray it will sooth the soul and spirit of those who are broken-hearted. It is entitled:

"A Letter From Heaven"

When tomorrow starts without me, 

and I'm not here to see.

If the sun should rise and find your eyes, 

filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry, 

the way you did today while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, 

as much as I love you, and each time you think of me.

 I know you'll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me, 

don’t think we're far apart, 

for every time you think of me, 

I'm right there in your heart."

To read more "Rocky Brown" visit SCOOP USA Media, January 24, 2020, page 15

    The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who had hoped to be an inspiring preacher in a quiet small community. Instead, by the time of his death he had led tens of millions of people into shattering the system of Southern segregation, splintering it beyond any possibility of restoration. He had fashioned a mass Black electorate which eliminated overt racism from political campaigns and accumulated political power for African Americans beyond any they had ever possessed in their history in the United States. Above all, with these and other accomplishments, be brought a new and higher dimension of human dignity to the African American Experience.

    He led a movement for the liberation of all races of people. This is important because it was a movement to bring about the survival of humanity in a world of freedom and equality. What was so unique about Dr. King was that he not only spoke his ideals with vivid expressions of emotion, but he also led people in a nonviolent struggle for the fulfillment of those ideals.

As Sidney Poitier said in a tribute in 1967, “Some people can Talk the Talk, but Martin Luther King, Jr. could Walk the Walk.”

    Once Dr. King made a commitment, he never faltered or wavered from his decision. In his religion, he was both Baptist and Ecumenical, and a preacher of the Social Gospel. The Social Gospel teaches that it is a man’s duty not only to have faith, but also to serve others: “to preach the Gospel to the poor,” Luke said, “. . . to heal the broken hearted, to free the captives, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” (Luke 4:18)

To read more Rocky Brown visit SCOOP USA Media, January 17, 2020, page 18

Lord, Bless Us As We Live To Bless Others. 

Amen.

    We had a problem at church, one day with some water pipes that were leaking. The Chairman of our Trustee Board, Charles Thompson, was having a hard time finding someone to fix the problem. So after doing some praying and searching he remembered he had an old friend that did some plumbing work for him in the past. He called him and the guy met him at the church. The guy sized up the job and said,” I’ll be right back.” When he came back, he had new piping and all kinds of supplies that were needed to fix the plumbing problem. He started the work, not saying a word as Bro Charles looked on. Well, after about four hours he was finished and Bro. Charles said to him, “Give me the bill so we can pay you.” The guy looked at Bro. Charles and said, “I’m not going to give you a bill for the supplies or my services. No, all that I want for the work I’ve done is for you to ask the church to pray for me and if they ask you my name just tell them, “ The Man Who Fixed The Pipe!”

“If I can help somebody as I pass along...Then my living shall not be in vain.”

    One day there were four men standing at the Pearly Gates telling St. Peter what they did on earth to gain entrance into Heaven. The first said, “Tell the LORD I preached great sermons and used big eloquent words.” After talking to the LORD St. Peter came back and said, “The LORD said HE never heard of you.” 

The second man said, “Tell the LORD I composed great hymns of the Church.” After conferring with The LORD, St. Peter came back and said, “The LORD said HE never heard of you.” 

The third man said “Tell the LORD I wrote great powerful prayers and said them in church. Once again St. Peter went to the Lord and came back and said, “The LORD said HE never heard of you.” 

    Finally, the fourth man came up to the Pearly Gates. He looked St. Peter straight in the eyes and saidin a very humble voice, “Tell the LORD I’ve never preach a sermon, I’ve never composed a hymn nor have I written a prayer...Tell Him, Just tell HIM I’M THE MAN WHO FIXED THE PIPE!” And Gates of Heaven came wide open. May the work I’ve done speak for me? When I’ve done the best I can and my friends don't understand. May the work I’ve done speak for me. Beloved, what’s the work that is speaking for you?

To read more Rocky Brown visit SCOOP USA Media, January 10, 2020, page 18

    LORD, BLESS OUR DREAMS TO BECOME A REALITY FOR US AND OUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN, SO WE CAN MAKE THIS OLD WORLD INTO A NEW WORLD OF LOVE AND BROTHERHOOD. AMEN.

    In the second chapter of the Book of Daniel there is the story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. He could not remember the dream, and none of the wise men of his court in Babylon could tell him what his dream had been. But Daniel told the King that he would reveal and interpret the dream if he could have a little time. Daniel and his three fellow captive’s prayed and God revealed the dream to Daniel in a night vision. When he told the King what his dream had been and what it meant, Daniel was rewarded. We experience dreams in the night. But we can also consciously dream through our aspirations and ambitions. 

    Children dream of growing up. Parents dream of educating their children. Grandparents dream of leisure, travel, and comfort. But we must not forget a segment of society that has no more dreams. The very old who have been placed in nursing homes, are forgotten and have little or nothing to look forward to; they have no more dreams left. What are we doing to make their remaining days on earth more meaningful and cheerful?

To read more Rocky Brown visit SCOOP USA Media, January 3, 2020, page 14

    The phrase, "We Made It," as I' am using it in this setting is a statement of achievement in the midst of over whelming odds. It is a proclamation of accomplishment for someone or a group that has had the deck stacked against them.

    It is a way of saying that “in spite of the length of the journey, In spite of the roughness of the road and in spite of the many stumbling blocks which have been thrown in our way, we have overcome and we have reached our goal.  Now it must be noted that the statement, “We Made It,” as I am using it in this context does not refer to an ultimate goal nor does it refer to a permanent victory.

    For as long as we are citizens of this world, as long as we are pilgrims passing thru this barren land and as long as we are housed in these mortal bodies; every achievement is temporary and every victory is short-lived.  The celebration only last for a short while and in many instances it is only the prelude to another struggle. Yet, in the words of the songwriter we are encouraged by the fact that “Each victory will help us, some other to win.”  So even through the statement, “We Made It” has no permanency for us, it does however contain an element of encouragement, which says to us that the same grace, which brought us thus far on our journey, can be trusted to lead us into the future.

    Now, it must also be noted that there is a vast difference between saying “We Made It” and saying “We’ve Got It Made.”  You see, We’ve Go It Made is a statement of self-sufficiency and arrogance but “We Made It” is an expression of humble jubilation.

Read more Rocky... ScoopUSA Media, October 4, 2019 page  16

    The subject of our message is the title of a very familiar African American Spiritual. The title of the song and the words which follow give us some information concerning the deep religious convictions of our fore parents. For they believed that no matter how sinful a person might be, somebody was still knocking at the door of his or her heart. They felt that even though a person might be “low-down” and doing what we sometimes call wallowing in the mud, they could still expect somebody to be knocking at their door.

    And then, they went on to identify the Caller, the Guest, the visitor, the traveler or however you might label him. They said that the person who keeps on knocking at the door of sinful hearts has a knock, which sounds familiar. 

It’s not a hard knock, its gentle knock. It’s not a demanding knock, it’s a requesting knock. It’s not a hateful knock, it’s a loving knock. Now, when they put these qualities together they had a pretty good idea who was standing outside the door so they said, “knocks like Jesus.”

    And then they made an appeal. It wasn’t enough to inform sinners that a caller was at the door and that His name was Jesus. They followed the giving of this information with a passionate plea: “O sinner, why don’t you answer somebody’s knocking at your door. You know, it’s a wonderful feeling to know that Jesus Christ God’s only begotten Son is so concerned about each one of us that He stands outside the door of every human heart and constantly knocks in the hope that we will open up our hearts and let Him come in. O’ somebody’s knocking at your door, knocks like Jesus!

Read more Rocky... ScoopUSA Media, October 11, 2019 page  16

     A white minister who was to become president of a great African-American University picked up a dictionary in his study at the First Congregational Church, Washington, D.C.  He thumbed through the pages until he found what he wanted, and then made some notes on a pad at his side:  “Farewell-fare thee well.  Wherever you go, whatever you do, however circumstances affect you, may you fare well.”  Another volume furnished an interpretation of the slang expression, “So Long,” and hinted that it was possibly an English corruption of the Islamic greeting, “Salaam Alaikum” which means “Peace be with you.”  Noting that the French farewell, “Adieu” and “Au Revoir,” means “Till we meet again,” he then looked up the word “Goodbye.”  He jotted down these notes: “Goodbye-God be with you. Can God go with everyone? Suppose they don’t want Him to go with them?  Is this not a parting word for Christians only?”  

    With that he looked up the various “Farewells” in the New Testament and found these references: Acts 15:29, “Fare ye well;” Acts 23:30, “Farewell.”  From the original Greek, he discovered that these words have a wide variety of meaning, including “God make you strong; be strong; be well; be firm; enjoy good health; rejoice; be joyful and be full of joy.”

Since his Sunday evening congregations were growing, the resourceful pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Eames Rankin (1828-1904) featured evangelistic singing.  He had already edited a book of gospel songs two years earlier, “Gospel Temperance Hymnal” having been published in 1878.  Even before that, some of his original hymns had been included in “Songs of the New Life” published in 1869.

Read more Rocky... ScoopUSA Media, October 18, 2019 page  16

Lord, Teach Us To Give You Thanks, All The Time, For All Things And In All Things. Amen.

    This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen and is so true, so I decided to share it with you: 

“I dreamt that I went to Heaven, and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received."

    I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth. 

    Finally, at the farthest end of the long corridor, we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. "How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked. "So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessing

Read more Rocky, SCOOP USA Media, October 25, 2019, page 16

     The kings of the earth and the mighty men of the earth are born in exactly the same way, physically, as the simplest man. So the most intellectual person must become a Christian in exactly the same way as the simplest person.

    This is true of all human beings everywhere, through all space and all time. There are no exceptions.  Jesus said in a totally exclusive word: "No man (or woman) cometh unto the Father, but by Me."

    Jesus said that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven a person must be "Born Again." This consists of an act of the heart in believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  When we were born into the world physically, we were born spiritually dead, and therefore we need a spiritual birth. The spiritual birth involves two facets.

Read more Rocky... ScoopUSA Media, September 13, 2019 page  16

     The study of how frequently and how numerous birds are mentioned in the Bible is a very fascinating as well as a very rewarding undertaking.  Jesus, the Master of analogous teaching, often used birds to illustrate a point and to increase the understanding of his listeners.  Solomon, who possessed a wealth of knowledge concerning all living creatures, used birds in many of his proverbs.

    Look at some statistics concerning the birds of the Bible.  Birds are mentioned in 45 of the 66 books of the Bible. Approximately 50 different species of birds are mentioned in the Bible.  There are about 400 different kinds of birds in Palestine and of the 400 species 26 are found only in Palestine.

    The first mention of birds in the Bible is in Genesis 1:20 where God says: “Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.”

    The last mention of birds in the Bible is in Revelation 18:2, where Babylon is referred to as a “cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”  To name a few of the birds mentioned in the Bible we have the Bitten, Cock, Crane, Dove, Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Hen, Nighthawk, Ostrich, Owl, Partridge, Peacock, Quail, Rave, Sparrow, Stork, Swallow, Swan, Turtledove and the Vulture. 

Read more Rocky... ScoopUSA Media, September 20, 2019 page  15

    “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Time is among our most valuable possessions. Every person has twenty four hours each day he lives. Some make use of time and some waste it away.

    At best the time of our present lives is short. It can only be from the cradle to the grave. Only God knows how long that will be. One poet said it like this:

“I have only just a minute,

Only sixty seconds in it,

Forced upon me, Can’t refuse it,

Didn’t seek it, didn’t chose it,

But it’s up to me to use it.

I must suffer if I lose it,

Give account if I abuse it;

Just a tiny little minute-

But eternity is in it.”

    Often we live as if time were ours to spend as we please. When we realize it never waits but is continually passing, it as often too late. Time waits for no one. Time can never be recalled.

One afternoon a small boy failed to return home from school. The mother became alarmed but waited for the return of the father from work. When the father had exhausted himself looking over the neighborhood he called the child’s teacher.

Read more Rocky... ScoopUSA Media, September 27, 2019 page  16

This message is based on one of the two fishing episodes that we find in the Bible where fishermen spent the whole night on the sea and caught nothing.  Nobody gets pleasure out of going fishing and catching nothing.  And in this particular incident, the people back home were counting on the success of these fishermen for fishing was their vocation. 

To read more Jesus is the Reason, go to Scoop USA Media, December 7, 2018 edition. 

We do things in life because they have become a tradition or custom.  They become so much a part of our cultural existence that we do them without questioning or understanding why.  We just do them because it has always been done.  We need to be careful about that because we can do something wrong for so long that we began to believe that it is right. 

We have Christmas traditions and customs that we follow and very few of us know why or their meaning or where the idea came from.  We just do it.  Our story goes back at least 4,000 years ago.  It begins in Mesopotamia, called the cradle of civilization.  Here Christmas really began as the festival that renewed the world for another year. 

Read more on Scoop USA Media, December 14, 2018. 

On New Years Eve many of us will gather in church for the purpose of praying the Old Year out and the New Year in.  Traditionally this is called “Watch Night Service.”

In many African – American Churches, this has been the most important prayer meeting of the Christian year.  For we gather to thank God for keeping us through the past year and to be found in a state of prayer on bended knees in “God’s House, when the clock strikes 12 midnight and the New Year begins.

Now the act of being on bended knees at the midnight hour is supported by the spiritual belief among Black folk that a good ending and beginning are necessary ingredients for the Christian year.  You see, Black Theology believes God can and will forgive the sins of the past year in a special way on this night that closes the year and opens up the New Year.  This golden moment affords the child of God the annual opportunity to make a new resolution to live a more “Holy Life.”

Read more on Scoop USA Media, December 28, 2018. 

Last year 2018 was a year full of trials and tribulations as well as joys and good times for just about all of us.  Each of us has had happy moments we want to remember for years to come as well as sad moments we wish to forget. But through it all, the Lord our God kept us wrapped in His arms of protections and we should be able to say regardless of what happened last year, “THANK YOU JESUS, you’ve been so good to me”!

I believe this New Year ‘2019’ can and will be a good year if each and every one of us would do the following:

Read more on Scoop USA Media, January 4, 2019

The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who had hoped to be an inspiring preacher in a quiet small community.  Instead, by the time of his death he had led tens of millions of people into shattering the system of Southern segregation, splintering it beyond any possibility of restoration.  He had fashioned a mass Black electorate which eliminated overt racism from political campaigns and accumulated political power for African Americans beyond any they had ever possessed in their history in the United States.  Above all, with these and other accomplishments, be brought a new and higher dimension of human dignity to the African American Experience.

Read more on Scoop USA Media, January 18, 2019

LORD, BLESS US AS WE LIVE TO BLESS OTHERS. AMEN. 

 We had a problem at church, one day with some water pipes that were leaking. The Chairman of our Trustee Board, Charles Thompson, was having a hard time finding someone to fix the problem. So after doing some praying and searching he remembered he had an old friend that did some plumbing work for him in the past. He called him and the guy met him at the church. The guy sized up the job and said,” I’ll be right back.” When he came back, he had new piping and all kinds of supplies that were needed to fix the plumbing problem. He started the work, not saying a word as Bro Charles looked on. Well, after about 4 hours he was finished and Bro Charles said to him, “Give me the bill so we can pay you.” The guy looked at Bro. Charles and said, “I’m not going to give you a bill for the supplies or my services. No, all that I want for the work I’ve done is for you to ask the church to pray for me and if they ask you my name just tell them, “ The Man Who Fixed The Pipe!”    

Read more Rev. Dr. Wm. Rocky Brown on Scoop USA Media, Praise and Worship, January 25, 2019

LORD, BLESS US AS WE LIVE TO BLESS OTHERS. AMEN. 

 We had a problem at church, one day with some water pipes that were leaking. The Chairman of our Trustee Board, Charles Thompson, was having a hard time finding someone to fix the problem. So after doing some praying and searching he remembered he had an old friend that did some plumbing work for him in the past. He called him and the guy met him at the church. The guy sized up the job and said,” I’ll be right back.” When he came back, he had new piping and all kinds of supplies that were needed to fix the plumbing problem. He started the work, not saying a word as Bro Charles looked on. Well, after about 4 hours he was finished and Bro Charles said to him, “Give me the bill so we can pay you.” The guy looked at Bro. Charles and said, “I’m not going to give you a bill for the supplies or my services. No, all that I want for the work I’ve done is for you to ask the church to pray for me and if they ask you my name just tell them, “ The Man Who Fixed The Pipe!”    

Read more on Scoop USA Media, January 25, 2019

  The Super Bowl is without a doubt the most popular sports event in the world, this year we have the Patriots going against the Rams.

 In a sense the 1st Super Bowl took place over 2,000 years ago. The stadium was a hill called “Calvary” and it was located outside the city of Jerusalem. It was a contest between a sneaky old champion known as Mr. Death and the Champion of Righteousness known as Jesus Christ.  Old Satan, the devil himself, coached Mr. Death for the two of them work hand in hand. Jesus also had a coach, who was His Father, the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth. Just as there is a good relationship between death and Satan there is also good relationship between Jesus and The Father Almighty.

Read More, Scoop USA Media, February 1, 2019

This is a story of a little boy named “Malcolm Harris” who woke up one morning and asked his mother, “Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world”? Well, his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said “son, follow me around today and let’s see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world.” Mom said, “Now go get dressed and we will get started.”

Malcolm ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said “Malcolm, where are your shoes? And those clothes are all wrinkled son, I must iron them.” But when she reached for the ironing board it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a black woman, invented the ironing board, and Jan E. Matzelinger, a black man, invented the shoe lasting machine.

Read More, Scoop USA Media, February 8, 2019

Black History Month is a time when we as African Americans tell who we are as individuals and as a race of people.  The great historian Carter G. Woodson as a weeklong celebration founded it, it now takes in the whole month of February and it is my hope and prayer that we will not limit the celebration of our history to one month because we make history everyday. It is a time that as men of our families we give our children knowledge of their past. It is a time when we celebrate our achievements in a country that has tried to keep us from achieving. It is a time when we present ourselves to the world, so that humanity will know and can see what God has done in the past, what he is doing in the present and what he will do in the future to liberate us, His people, in this land which caused our fore parents to sing: “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child!”

Read More, Scoop USA Media, February 15, 2019

In the 2nd Chapter of the Biblical Old Testament book called Judges, it talks about a generation of the children of Israel who didn't know GOD and the covenant that HE made with their ancestors. Now because they didn’t know GOD or their history they became a generation who created unfinished business for generations to come.

You know as human beings we all have some unfinished business in our lives. There are some relationships we need to mend. There are some projects we haven't started or completed. There are some goals we haven't reached. Well, in some cases it’s because we got side tracked and in other cases it's because we've lost our motivation and zeal. We have some unfinished business.

Read More, Scoop USA Media, February 22, 2019

The greatest gift God gave to man was His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the second greatest gift he gave was woman. You see, when God created man, He looked around and noticed that man would be lonely without a mate, especially when all the other inhabitants on earth had one. So God with Divine Love created woman from the rib of man.

Brothers, if God had taken the bone out of the man’s head, He would have meant for the woman to rule. If God had taken the bone out of the man’s foot, He would have meant for the woman to dominate and rule. God could have made the woman out of the backbone, but then the woman would have been behind the man. But no, God Almighty, full of wisdom, took the bone out of man’s side. So that puts the woman beside the man to be a helpmate who receives love, respect, honor and guiding protection.

Read More, Scoop USA Media, March 1, 2019