Pastor Norris and the MOTL

     Greetings everyone; I would like to thank those who take the time out to call the NextMovement Radio Show during the month of December. If you havent checked us out then we air on Saturdays at 4pm. We discuss everything from relationships, money, entertainment and trending topics from a Christian perspective. We have some previous shows listened on the side Blog Talk Radio wiget or on our Radio Show Page.

     For the last 2 weeks I have been going to The Mountain of the Lord with Pastor Norris. The MOTL is located on Copley Road here in Akron Ohio. Last week was youth Sunday and a lady spoke positivity to the young people. I know that the message was directed to the kids however I got something from it.
   
      I was dealing with the gifts that god gave me. I was considering creating a poetry album or writing a book. I wasnt sure because it has been a while since I created anything. My pastor Chris Hale told me that if I stayed true to myself and start creating art but this time incorporate God, then I would stay focused in my Christain walk.
   
     I thought her message was just what I needed. She said that you should use your gifts to be a blessing to others and glorify God anytime you get a chance. That was just what I needed to here in order to proceed to the next level.
   
     Today the MOTL had 3 different Minsiters preaching a message of hope. The last Minister was John Hafford who (if I can say) rocked it. He made an example of an old car that he had and how it was it didnt work which made it worthless inturn making it useless. He said that he called a car donation company to donate the car. He recalls how excited they was to recieve it and they came and got it immediately.
   
     He then said isnt it awsome that God acts like the car donation company. God doesnt care if you dont work, if you are worthless or useless. Minister Hafford proclaims that the Lord simply says bring them to me! That was the Bomb!!!!


STay FoCusED....

United while staying focused

 

    Greetings everyone!...It has been a couple days since I have posted anything. To be honest I have been dealing with a personal issue that almost took my desire to continue on with this blog. Let me start by saying that this is my attempt to keep focused and stay on the positive path as it relate to my Christian walk.
     It seems like the more time I spend reading the word of God the harder obstacles are thrown at me. My brother told me that the devil works to destroy anything that glorifies God. I had the most frustrating weekend and I believe that it was an attempt by the enemy to keep me in darkness and he succeeded. I even thought about not going to church however I pressed on...Thank God!!!!!!!!
  

      I ended up visiting United Baptist Church located on Hawkins Ave here in Akron, Ohio. When we first entered the church my son and I was a little tired. I had worked from 9 the night before until 7 am the next morning. It was 8am and my son stayed up late as well however we still made it. This was the 6th church this month.
     I picked this church because my wife and I went here for premartial counseling. The morning service was filled with the same energy as a 11oclock service. They had praise and worship accompanied with a four piece. The band seemed like a old school blued band but everyone was 30 and under except the guitar player.The choir was great as they sung what sounded like old negro spirituals.
     The pastor Kevin Rushing was a young guy that sounded like like Martin Luther King. I mean he really sounded like the King. I don't know why so many preachers sound the same but it was obvious that this pastor was train in the spirit of all the old school southern preachers. My son looked at me during the service while the pastor was really into it and said "dang he is killing it" he also asked me "[s the Pastor singing? I told him that I wasn't sure but we both agreed we were inspired and entertained.


StaY fOCUsED......

God believes in us says Pastor Hoye

I went to Cincinnati on Wednesday to help my wife set up a toy give away for her job. We talked about my journey in looking for a church home while traveling. I told her that didn't get a chance to stay for service at the Akron Assembly Church and would like to go on line and listen to Pastor Kent. I also told her that I was planning on attending a bible study with Pastor Hoye on Thursday. While in Cincinnati we visited with my cousin Lateesha and her husband Eric, she told me to visit an AME Church. She also gave me some encouragement for doing my new blog. My cousin has always been active in the Church community. She does radio and tv and as a minister she works for Tyler Perry as well. I asked her to call in to our blog talk show on Saturday...we will see if she comes through. Once we got back to Akron I went to visit Pastor Hoye for a Thursday night bible study banger. The study took place at the natatorium in Cuyahoga Falls. It was a small intimate group meeting in a conference room. 3 people did a 2 song Praise and worship. It felt comfortable knowing that everyone was there just to get a word from the man of God. After worship Pastor Hoye took the mic with the same energy as if he was speaking to a crowd of 1000 rather than 20 including children. We sat down at tables as if we were in a class room. This was important because it made me good knowing that we were there to learn hints the university style atmosphere. Pastor Hoye spoke about God believing in us as believers and times in the bible where there was in outcry for the lord.The example he used was a bible Psalm 121 as it relates to out crying. He also said that he has been preaching the wrong message concerning the story of Jesus riding in a boat with a group of men. The story is that a rain storm comes and it frightens the men. They go notify The Lord of the storm. Of course God handles the situation. Pastor Hoye said that he would tell people that God is in the boat with you. He said that he should of been preaching that God believes in us. He said that God selected that boat and crew because they were fishermen with experience with the high seas. As a result God has faith in their abilities and skills to navigate through a storm because they ate intact fishermen. It is nice to know that God selects us and believes in what we do. So if God doesn't answers you right away then be assured that God has faith that you can handle the situation....



Stay Focused

ADVISE

DAY 11

PROVERBS 13:10
"WHERE THERE IS STRIFE, THERE IS PRIDE, BUT WISDOM IS FOUND IN THOSE WHO TAKE ADVISE".

     I was checking one of my bible apps on the I-phone today and found this verse. I was trying to figure this one out. I guess strife can be looked at as drama, confusion or messy situations. One find themselves in those type of situations by being to cocky or proud. For example most men are not going to ask there wives parents for money.
     They want take a handout from her parents even if they are behind on the rent and food is needed for the kids. Most men are trained by society to be the provider of the family. It even speaks of this in the bible. So when a problem comes up he is to proud to seek or let alone get the help needed. This comes from being to proud leading to "strife". I can only put this in terms that I can relate too.
     This actually happened to me during a past relationship. Yes indeed, I was too proud to recieve help. After time my situation was full of drama and confusion. My girls father told me to take the money because we needed it. It wasnt until he told me the following that I began to understand this verse.
     He said that a father allways want to be able to provide for his children. He mentioned that my lack of taking his finacial help was hindering him in doing so. He told me never stop a father from helping his daughter.
     What great advice. I actually understood what he was saying because the same energy he had trying to help us with was the same energy I had in my attempt in showing him that I could take care of his daughter. As soon as I took his advise everything seemed a bit better.

STAY FOCUSED

REACH WHO EVER WE CAN

DAY 9

  

  Somebody asked me what was a trying to accomplish with this blog page. I said I really wanted to document my spritual journey for at least 1 year. I am currently searching for a new church home for my family but it is becoming more and more difficult. Its hard because everyone has a different opinon of what they would look for. For the record when I ask my daughters they really dont have a comment but they do have a preference. I believe like my wife my daughters would rather sit and hope that everything would be ok with the current transition that our church is going through.
      If you are just joining my page the story is that our Pastor is leaving the church and is relocating to Arizona. He has left the flock in the hands of another church and Pastor. He says that we should be okay if we continue to look for God and not man.
     I realize that this is a chance to check out other churches. You know, I think it would be nice to check out how other churches feel. We have been at our current church for 6 years and my wife is cautious about leaving. Its understandable she has a host of friends that she loves. I am being proactive with my church hopping as my colleque from work calls it. I just want to be comfortable enough to make a connection with God.
     Yesterday my wife told me that she would be interested in helping me with my blog page. She seemed to be concerned about who I would be interacting with. I told her that I hope to attracted people he thinks like me.
      I mean any man or woman who need that extra encouragement could check out the page and listen to music. They can even join out Blog Talk Radio vibe session to discuss trending issues from a biblical prospective or just read my blog. I told my wife that I believe that this is like a ministry and I should just build the blog page and if anybody can get motivated and encouraged from reading about my daily travels then it doesnt matter who we reach. I am sure there is a bible verse that supports this viewpoint but I have know idea where it is. I will get back to you guys with it....

Stay Focused

AKRON FIRST ASSEMBLY VISIT AND GOOD LUCK TO MY MELLO PASTOR HALE

DAY 8

 



 
      We do not have problems believing but we do with committing says Brother Tom from Akron First Assembly Church. My son and I attended Sunday school there this morning. When we first got there I noticed only white people there. We were the only people of color as we entered the huge building however we was greeted with open arms. My son noticed a make shift coffee shop with all the trimmings. It seemed like a fully stocked Starbucks. Mrs Karen "O" gave us a verbal tour of the entire facility. The church seemed like a high school. Long hallways, classrooms and offices sets the backdrop for this church.
     The Sanctuary was an warm state of the art area with cushion seats that made us feel at home. Bible study was lead by Brother Tom and he spoke about the verse that says "if you ask then you shall recieve". He said that if you ask and you dont recieve then something is wrong. He says that God gives freely to those who believe and if you dont recieve then the problem is you. I didnt get to stay for service because I was headed to New Beginings for my Pastors last day before he left for Arizona.
  

      Pastor Chris Hale came into the pulpit for the last time before leaving and turning the church over to the Burning Bush a new upstart church with Pastor Kelker. It was an emotional service filled with Pastor Hale telling us to "if we look for the word of God then we will be alright". He said that he believes that some in our congrgation were to depended on him and not God. Pastor mentioned while he was leaving us in good hands this was not a good bye but infact a see you later....Okay Brother Pastor see you later and thanks for everything.........

Stay focused!

What do I look for in a church home?

Day 6 and 7

    

 

 

     I was talking to a coworker about why I was looking for a church home. I told him that my Pastor was moving out of state and that it would be a great opportunity to visit some others churches in town. He asked me what do look for when deciding about a church home.

     I told him that I really need to be able to connect with the Pastor. I mean I should be able to ask him to come over to my house for dinner and talk about God. I can remember on different occasions walking up to a Pastor and asking several questions.

 I would be more partial to those Pastors who would actually come to my home. When looking for a church home, I would love to have an 8am service and a bible study. I like the type of bible study where it’s interactive. I hate when you can’t ask questions. My favorite part of a service is the actual sermon.

     I love a good word from the Bible that I can actually apply it to my current situation. My coworker told me about The First Assembly of God. He said that he was going there for years and that He loved it. I will be attending bible study at First Assembly and going to my current church New Beginnings to hear Pastor Hale do his last sermon before moving….See you guys out on tour.

 

Stay Focused

Modern Day Sampson

Day Five

I had lunch with my Pastor today during lunch and we started talking about Sampson and Delilah. It was very fitting because I actually view myself as a modern day Sampson. I am strong and I have long locks. I believe that my hair is in fact the source of my strength. I have been growing it for 16 years and that’s just this batch.

 Anyway the Pastor was saying that the Sampson story was about obedience. He said that God told Sampson to do one thing and that was to not cut his hair. Being obedient requires accountability and that’s why being obedient is so hard.

The story is also about a man being broke down. The Pastor said that most people are unaware that before Delilah got to Sampson there were 2 others. Yep! 2 other women tried to get to the source of Sampson’s strength and felled. The Pastor talked about those 2 women actually broke him enough to where Delilah could be successful in getting Sampson’s secret.

Pastor said that Delilah could also be looked at as a spirit. It was the spirit of temptation causing Sampson to finally give in to his weakness for women. The Pastor said that the enemy usually moves very slowly when trying to conquer you.

 He would send a little temptation in the form of a nice and polite female colleague. This is done simply to prime you for the second attack. Secondly he would send another lady who is a little more comforting in your time of need. Then finally he sends in your “Delilah” to close the deal.

Wow!!!! How powerful a message and the moral of the story brothers is to watch who you talk to if your weakness is women. Delilah is waiting for you to slip up and tell all your secrets in order to get to your source of strength. Family, wife and your relationship with God is at risk.  Watch your step kids….

Words and Cookies

Day 3 and Day 4 

     On Monday I shared some of my weekend experiences and highlights with some of my colleagues from work. As I told them about Pastor Vernon and the word church I realized that I really was connected to his message on Sunday. My homeboy told me that he was excited for me. I guess when you attemt to get closer to God you actually begin to be concious of what you are putting out there like 'cussing".
     I am a true believer in words are nothing but sounds to which we give meaning. However I feel kind of akwrd wilding out with profanity while trying to connect with god. So I am going to watch my mouth and use a more postive way to communicate. Now dont get it twisted I dont cuss like a sailor but I have been known to drop a "F" bomb or two.
  

      I was reading in the bible about husbands and wives making sure that they give themselves to each other sexually. It spoke about not holding the "cookes hostage" and that married couples should freely give in to each other. I continued to read and found out why....
     Well Its simple. You should do this so that your partner would not be tempted. Wow!!! How many times have you played sleep, tired, faked a headache or witheld the marriage due out of spite. Be careful your lack of putting out to your spouse will contribute to him or her being more open to outside advances....

The Word Church and Akron Missionary Baptist

Day Two

 

     Its first Sunday and I decided to go to the Word Church Akron. I visited the church on several occasions. My brother and I went to hear Pastor Vernon because my brother told me that he speaks like one of your homeboys rather then a preacher. My wife also told me that Pastor Vernon might be more my style.
     I saw the Pastor on TV a couple times and I really enjoyed his style. It was like he was talking to me. I don’t mean in the sense of talking directly to me but he spoke to my spirit. I know that sounds corny coming from a brother like me but I really conected with his vibe. The entire experience was awesome. When I first went in I was greeted and seated by several ushers and the praise team seemed more like several solo artist instead of a choir.
     I enjoyed the idea of the singers performing instead of just standing there. I mean they were actually running around the stage and really getting into it. There was a group miming to a Marvin Sapp song. The arts were truly represented. Pastor Vernon spoke about the virgin Mary and how it actually went down when the angle Gabriel told her that she was selected to carry the baby Jesus....It was the Xmas story remixed.
     I noticed several old friends and members from my old church there. It was very comforting having a sense of knowing people. It makes my calm and more relaxed rather then feeling like you don’t belong. I even got a chance to speak with Pastor Vernon and he was really a cool brother.  He even told me that he was praying for me and asked the members to pray for him and First Lady as they traveled to Memphis. So this one is for you and yours....
I also went to the Akron Missionary Baptist Church but I wasn’t feeling it.

30 Days and 30 Nights Tour

 

   Day One

   This month I will be going on tour. Yes indeed- I will be going to 10 different churches this month in search of a new church home. In my attempt to get closer to the most high I have come to the conclusion that not having a place to worship, fellowship or what I call "recharge" will contribute to me falling off the boat.
     A couple of weeks back our Pastor announced that he was relocating to Arizona sometime in December. He is leaving the flock in good hands. Members of our church is merging with another local church. I am not sure if I am feeling this idea however I will include that church on my tour.
      My wife will not be touring with me on this journey. She says after being at a church for 6 years one tend to get comfortable and grow a custom to doing things a certain way. She also states that she loves her church home and church family. I understand her point however I thought it might be a good idea to start a new since the pastor was leaving. After a serious "debate" I decided to go at it alone. I guess some journeys is for one man and of course with my 10 year old son Mos Def.
     For as long as I can remember I have been off and on as it related to my spitual walk. My twin brother is a Muslim. At times I had visions of being twin ministers in the Nation of Islam however my love of bacon and lack of disipline would say otherwise. My mentor is a true ruff neck Rasta name Okanta. I really feel some kind of way when I hear his beliefs and outlook on life but never smoked weed and dont think I ever will.
     I know I sound mixed up!-Never mind that my oldest son Lil'Ace is a Jehova Witness and my homeboy rocks with the whole Metaphysical Research thing. My pastor says that the combination of all of thesse infleunces has created a spritual gumbo. A melting pot of religious views that keeps me at arms distance to Salvation.
     Last year in November I started a 90 day fast in efforts to hear from good. It ended with me getting baptised and me changing my name to King Asa. Transformation has helped me keep a strong commitment to studing and walking rightously. However once my fast was over i slowly fell off. I stopped attending chuch or readinng on a regular basis. I had ny excuses all of which are minimal at best.
     So during next 30 days I will document everything that I do. From church visits, meetings with pastors, bible studings, working out, eating and of course artistic expression I will make sure to keep this journal of sorts as a testimony of my journey. I call It...30 Days and 30 Nights. Lets do this!!!