The Best of Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr's. 6:30 A.M. Meditative Thoughts

By Pastor Matthew Southall Brown Sr.

Some Suggested Thoughts on How to Use This Book
Read it in the morning to gather strength and inspiration for the day, or at evening at the close of the day.

This book of meditative thoughts can be used for family devotions, to show concern for others by sharing its thoughts with friends.

"THIS BOOK CAN ALSO SERVE AS A TIE THAT BINDS"

In order to feel closer to loved ones and friends living miles away, you can stay in touch by agreeing to read the same meditative thought at the same time each day.

Since 1991, the author of this book has been doing a Thought For The Day on Clear Channel Radio Savannah, Georgia WSOK 1230 AM, Joy In The Morning.


"I pray that God will anoint this book and that each meditation will change lives and be a source of comfort to all who read them"
- Matthew S. Brown

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481747080

Pastor Matthew Southall Brown Sr.

Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. Reverend/Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr, affectionately referred to throughout Savannah and beyond as “Pastor Brown”, is the fourth child of the late Mr. Christopher Frederick Brown and Mrs. Helen Robinson Brown. Pastor Brown received his Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) from the American Baptist School of Theology Extension, Nashville, TN. He matriculated at Princeton School of Theology, Princeton, NJ. He also studied Addiction Sciences at the University of Miami on a grant from the city of Savannah. During his career in the ministry, Pastor Brown has pastored four churches: Smyrna Baptist Church in Savannah, Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC, the Historic Nicholsonboro Baptist Church on White Bluff/Savannah, and St. John Baptist Church, “The Mighty Fortress” in Savannah, where he remained and retired after 35 years. He has been honored with the title of Dean of Pastors in Savannah. Pastor Brown has received numerous honors from a wide range of organizations and governmental entities which include: Being featured in the documentary, “The Chocolate Soldiers in Europe of World War II”; a trip to Israel sponsored by the Jewish Community of Savannah, where he also visited Egypt; listed in the “Who’s Who Edition of Black Clergymen in the South”; elected to serve on the Martin Luther King, Jr statewide committee for the state observance of the King Holiday; and being appointed to the Federal Court Bi-racial Committee to assist in bringing about a unitary school system. He added another career accomplishment in 2013 by publishing his first book entitled, “The Best of Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr’s 6:30 am Meditative Thoughts.” He was invited to be the Guest Chaplain at the United States House of Representatives to open that House session with words of meditation and prayer. Pastor Brown was interviewed in January, 2017 by “The History Makers” which conducts video oral history interviews to preserve the untold personal stories of both well-known and unsung African Americans. On August 28, 2019, Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. returned to a “hero’s welcome” in the countries of Belgium and The Netherlands, seventy-five years after he fought during World War II. The Dutch Consulate expressed their gratitude to Pastor Brown for his military service. Pastor Brown was also recognized by the National Baptist Convention, Inc. for well over 50+ years of preaching and teaching the Gospel. In addition, he was honored by Savannah State University during its centennial celebration for his service to the institution. Pastor Brown and his wife, Lottie, who passed away August 31, 2014, have four children: Christa, who passed away in 2015, (8 months after her Mother), Maxine, Leonard, and Matthew, Jr. They also have 24 grand and great-grandchildren.

Book preview

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The Best of

Pastor Matthew

Southall Brown, Sr’s.

6:30 a.m. Meditative

Thoughts

26251.png

Matthew Southall Brown Sr.

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AuthorHouse™ LLC

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2013 by Matthew Southall Brown Sr. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/16/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4709-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4707-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4708-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013907864

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from:

The King James Version

The New King James Version

The Living Bible

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgements

CHAPTER 1: CHRISTIANITY

In The Morning.

Psalm 5:1-3

God Is

Putting First Things First

The Giving God

God’s Will

This is the Day That the Lord Has Made

The Earth is the Lord’s

Holiness

Prayer

Blessed Assurances

Death (90th Psalm)

Osama Bin Laden is Dead

CHAPTER 2: THE BIBLE

The Bible Speaks

God Speaks Through His Word And Other Ways

Bible Study—Acts 18

Genesis 12:1-2

Jude, the Book of the Keeping God

More from the Book of Jude

Jude, the Book of Faith Verse 3

Father’s Day

Psalm 23

Psalm 37

Psalm 50:23

Romans 8:31

The Bible, What Do You Get Out of it?

Who is He? Do You Know Him?

Are You For Real? Matthew 11:1-6

Who Woke You Up This Morning?

Questions?

Forgiveness of Sins, How?

Evil Doers (Girl Scouts Robbed)

Lonely, But Not Alone

Lost Things—(Part 2) Luke Chapter 15

The Bible—(Part 2)

CHAPTER 3: JESUS

Lift Him Up (John 4:39)

Jesus—Part 2 (Colossians 3:11)

Jesus—Part 3

Jesus—Part 4 (Colossians 3:1-11)

Jesus—Part 5

Promises

Delay is not Denial (Promises)

Trouble

Comfort

Walking with God (Genesis 5:24)

Hope (Part 2)

Lent—Cross and Crosses

Isaiah 2:4-5 Walk In the Light

THE END TIME

Matthew 24:1-30; Mark 13; Luke 21

The Humanity of Jesus

CHAPTER 4: FOLLOWING JESUS

They Followed Him and They Were Healed

Events in the Life of Jesus as He Faced the Cross

Hope

Power

The Potter and the Clay

The Potter and the Clay—Part 2

After Easter (John 20: 1-11)

A Day of Remembrance (Acts 16: 35)

NICE TO BE NICE

DECISIONS

LOVE—(Part I)

LOVE—(Part II)

LOVE—(Part III)

LOVE—(Part IV)

LOVE—(Part V)

OBEDIENCE The Act of Obeying

OBEDIENCE—(Part I)

OBEDIENCE—(PART II)

OBEDIENCE—(PART III)

OBEDIENCE—(Part IV)

OBEDIENCE—(Part IV)

OBEDIENCE—(Part V)

CHAPTER 5: FAITH

Meet God this Morning

Living with Optimism

Life & Tomorrow

If Jesus Goes With Me

He Saves, He Keeps, He Satisfies

Joy and Pleasure Psalm 16:11

I Thank the Lord Luke 12:27-28

Grace and Peace: Philippians 1:2-3

Waiting

Look Up

Fear Not, Be Not Dismayed

Think

Launch Out Into the Deep

Second Chronicles 7:14 IF

A Call To Prayer

(Ezekiel 18: 2; Genesis 3: 1-7)

February 1, 2013

God’s Love

(Jan. 30, 2012)

Hope (April 14, 2008)

In the Last Days

Justification By Faith

More of Psalm 46

One Thing I Have Learned

After the Weekend of 4-20-12

Pray for the Storm Victims on the East Coast—Sandy

Romans 8:28

Romans & Acts 17: 16

Singing in a Cave

Youth (Galatians 6: 7)

Spring Break

The Comforter

Try Singing

Wait on the Lord

Walking

Wilderness Wanderers #2

Wilderness Wanderers #3

Wilderness Wanderers #4

Psalm 103

This is the Day

CHAPTER 6: TRIBUTES

Yes We Can

Some Men Write History, While Others Make History

When You Soar Like an Eagle, You Attract Hunters

Anger

Critics and Criticism

TRIBUTE TO REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Part I

Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. Part II

Martin Luther King, Jr. All I want to do is God’s Will

Friend

One Year After 9/11

Death of Two Youths

In Memory of Lillie Petty

Rev. George Faison’s Funeral Service

Death of Mr. Wesley Wallace Law

Lavonne Toomer Bryant’s Death She Died April 21, 2002

Henderson Formey

Dedicated to the Seven Astronauts-Columbia

Tribute to Seven Astronauts Who Perished

Mary Simmons Passed Away, Wife of Walter 49 Simmons

Tribute: National Teacher’s Day

Tribute: The Death of Rev. Willie Gwynn: 6-17-2011

Tribute to Dr. Prince Jackson, Jr.

Tribute to My Sister Mrs. Helen Lee Brown Fletcher

Tribute to Otis Brock, III

Work for the Night is coming

We are a People of Hope Because of Easter

CHAPTER 7: WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN

What About the Children?

Shootings and Killings: When Will It Stop?

Our Troubled Youth—Reaping the Consequences (Hebrews 11: 1)

Our Troubled Youth: Reaping the Consequences (April 10, 2008)

Children: Hodge Preparatory Academy

ACKNOWLEDGE GOD

Choices and Decisions

DIPLOMACY

CHAPTER 8: OTHER MEDITATIVE THOUGHTS BLACK HISTORY

Black History 101

Black History (Acts 8: 26)

Black History (Rebellion)

Making Bricks Out of Straw

Meet God in the Morning

Even Me

-Roberta Martin

Lord I hear of showers of blessing thou art scattering full and free. Showers the thirsty souls refreshing let some drops now fall on me.

Foreword

Brenda L. Roberts, Ed.S.

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:1,3) This quote from the Book of Psalms brilliantly describes the radio ministry of Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. What does the word meditation mean? Webster defines meditation as a devotional act of contemplation; to ponder or to consider thoughtfully.

Pastor Brown directs his prayers to the Lord. Then each week day morning at 6:30 a.m. he gives the listening audience what he has received from the Lord: Words of wisdom and sound advice that will take them through the day. Pastor Brown speaks to people of all ages and in all stages of life. He addresses the issues of the day in the local, state, national and international arenas. It doesn’t matter if the topic of the day is about politics, economics, education, health, war, or crime. If it impacts the people, Pastor Brown will talk about it. As a Bible scholar, Pastor Brown uses lessons from the scriptures to illustrate how the concerns of today are the same concerns that were prevalent during biblical times.

Pastor Brown admonishes parents to take control of their children. He encourages young people to stay in school and out of trouble. He exhorts everyone to participate in the affairs of his or her community to make it a better place to live. He uses the Bible as his source of inspiration and as the guide to finding peace of mind as well as solutions to problems in our society.

I raised my children listening to Pastor Brown each morning as we prepared for school and work. Young people depend on Pastor Brown’s Meditative Thoughts to carry them through the school day. People from all walks of life can attest to making better decisions by listening to Pastor Brown’s thoughts for meditation.

It’s 6:30 a.m.! Are you tuned to WSOK 1230AM? If not, you will miss Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr.! You don’t want to miss a word from the Lord that can give hope and encouragement to help you face the unexpected twists and turns of life. When you get the hope and encouragement you need, remember to meditate or think on these things and then pass it on.

Foreword

Christa Brown Stephens, Ed.S, ABD

Each morning when I rise, I gaze out of my back window looking for a glimmer of light next door. That lets me know that a word is coming from heaven. Cognizant of the time, I prepare myself for work anxiously waiting The 6:30 a.m. Meditative Thoughts from Pastor Brown, my father.

As I leave my driveway at 6:30 a.m., a vibrant voice gets the listening audience. Good morning Larry and good morning to all of you, our Joy in the Morning Listeners throughout Savannah, across the bridge or where ever you are on the planet. I greet you in the wonderful and matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These familiar words ring clearly into the hearts of many listeners as well as mine.

Every morning, Monday through Friday, a soul stirring thought is given to the listeners to carry them throughout the day. So many times in the hustle and bustle of life, we forget to pray. Nevertheless, I can hear the voice of this gentle giant admonishing all listeners to pray because prayer changes things or telling us to, cast our cares on Him for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7). The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear (Psalm 27:1). To hear him read Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. That is good news, that’s shouting ground y’all. These words of inspiration flow through the speakers of my radio into my soul as I and many other listeners make their way to work and into those who are already at work. The meditative thought does what it is designed to do, encourage, lift, comfort and sustain. Now we canpick up this book, read, meditate and hide these words in our hearts.

Daddy, you have always been my source of inspiration. Thank you Dad for giving yourself continually in prayer and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4) and remember God loves you, and yes, we do too.

Foreword

Tracey Pinkin

As I sit down to write a few words about Pastor Brown, his sermons and morning meditations, I cannot help but think what a daunting task. I have had the pleasure of knowing Pastor Brown and his family for over 30 years. I honestly cannot think of a time in my life that it did not include Pastor Brown. He dedicated me as a baby, baptized me as a young adult, and was by my side when I buried my grandparents and my mother. I have always appreciated his words of wisdom and encouragement through the good times and the bad. I have also appreciated the life lessons he has taught me and so many others. Through his powerful sermons, I learned during a visit to Savannah and St John’s Baptist Church, The Mighty Fortress, in early spring of 2004, that life is a decision making process. During that sermon, Pastor Brown spoke of how in life we are all faced with situations that will not only cause us to compromise ourselves but our Christian principles. His message was intended to reach the ears of children, teens and young adults in the congregation. As he delivered the message I thought back on some of the situations throughout my adult life that forced me to make a difficult decision. One of the toughest decisions I had to make was whether to reject the Christian principles instilled in me by my parents, grandparents and my church family or to follow those of the world. While I am not perfect, I can say that when I did make the wrong decision, I prayed for forgiveness and asked God for the strength and wisdom to help me make the right decision the next time. Pastor Brown reminded the congregation that a wrong decision can affect your destiny and that all decisions must be made based on what is right and not who is right.

Although I live over four hundred miles away and cannot always tune in to Pastor Brown’s morning meditations, I remember the impact his messages made early in my life. My grandmother listened faithfully every morning before starting her day. On vacations to Savannah, her small radio played all day and all night without anyone paying much attention to it. That is until you heard Pastor Brown’s greeting, Good morning my brothers and sisters. The house was awakened by the sound of his voice and the powerful nature of his words. As I listen now via the internet, his message still reaches my heart and soul as it did so many years ago. Recently after visiting Savannah, I heard a message that truly spoke to me. As a person who tends to worry about things I cannot control, I felt it was intended for me to hear his message on this particular morning. Pastor Brown encouraged me and countless others to worry less and avoid becoming anxious over things you cannot control. He reminded us that if we would just turn it over to the Lord (He would take care of it all). What a simple yet profound message and one that I have tried to hold on to since hearing it a short time ago.

Not only has Pastor Brown been a spiritual advisor and teacher; he has been a constant source of wisdom.

So to you Pastor Brown I say, Thank you.

Thank you for the love and support you have shown me and my family. Thank you for being a man of integrity and unshakable faith. And thank you for being a man that I am proud to call my surrogate grandfather.

Foreword

Eloise Gilford Reeves

My Spouse, My Mother and Our Daughters (Ashanti and Aiesha)

Words are inadequate to express the honor and privilege you have bestowed upon me. Pastor Brown, I thank God that you are in my life because you mean so much to me and my family both as a spiritual advisor and a surrogate father.

As a man, pastor and community leader, you exemplify a love for God’s people and dedication to His service that is manifested in all that you do. Your commitment is unquestionable; as a humanitarian and community advocate you not only have my admiration and respect but the respect of everyone that you interact with. Many traits describe you, but benevolent, charitable and reverent of spirit best illustrate your persona. This has made you one of the most respected clergy in Savannah and over the state of Georgia. Your Morning Meditations reflect your commitment to God, while they inspires and motivates my family as well as all of your 6:30 a.m. listeners. As one of your listeners, I am excited that you have published these meditations. I am sure that others will be blessed just as I have been.

My family and I have had trials and tribulations that would have destroyed others with marginal faith. Yours prayers, counseling and support have helped to increase our faith while teaching us to rely on God for support. You said, God is our refuge and strength in the time of trouble, in Him will I trust. These words gave my family the will to persevere.

My mother religiously listens to Morning Meditations for comfort and motivation. She says, they have been the best part of her day for the last twenty years. Thank you. The meditations are not just scriptures they are accompanied by stories and situations which bring God’s word to life. Pastor, you exemplify all the characteristics of a good leader, pastor and human being. You are my hero; my life is so much better because you are actively involved and concerned for my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I pray that God will anoint this book and that each meditation will change lives and be a source of comfort to all who read them.

Acknowledgements

Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr.

When Jesus was here on earth the people flocked to see and hear Him. Wherever He went they followed, awed by His majestic presence, and fascinated by His words. Whenever He taught them, sitting on a hillside or standing in a boat just offshore, Jesus used a technique that held them spellbound. He told them stories about The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, and The Parable of the Talents. These were marvelous stories straight from life, fired their minds and touched their hearts. These stories made a brilliant spiritual or ethical point.

In the book you hold in your hand I have tried to follow the example of the Master Teacher. While what we have done in this book does not measure up to the Master Teacher, but through His guidance and His inspiration you will find in this Book of Meditative thoughts stories and writings about life, real people, real events, and real problems. These stories and thoughts are designed to give you hope and strength, and sometimes a touch of humor each and every morning.

Some Suggested Thoughts on How to Use This Book

Read it in the morning to gather strength and inspiration for the day, or at evening at the close of the day.

This book of meditative thoughts can be used for family devotions, to show concern for others by sharing its thoughts with friends.

THIS BOOK CAN ALSO SERVE AS A TIE THAT BINDS

In order to feel closer to loved ones and friends living miles away, you can stay in touch by agreeing to read the same meditative thought at the same time each day.

Since 1991, the author of this book has been doing a Thought For The Day on Clear Channel Radio Savannah, Georgia WSOK 1230 AM, Joy In The Morning.

This Book of Meditative Thoughts is dedicated to my wife, Lottie, my four children and the many, many friends and listeners who have encouraged me through the years to do this publication.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Minister Essie Steward, Eloise Gilford Reeves, Brenda L. Roberts,

Andrea Brown Jacobs, Christa Brown Stephens, and the Holy Spirit

Pastor Matthew Southall Brown, Sr.

CHAPTER 1

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Christianity

In The Morning.

Psalm 5:1-3

Give ear to my word, O Lord, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My