God is Good!

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren,I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14

God is so good! First off, He allowed Ohio Christian University to schedule a week break during the exact date of my families move from Ohio to Texas, and now a devotional that hits home for us this very moment.

Our devotional this week states, “When we mean to do good, opposition abounds. But the Scriptures remind us to persevere, to press on toward the goal, toward the prize.”

This is what we are doing and living this very moment. On faith my family and I moved here jobless. Satan has been attacking us from every angle, hoping to derail us from the calling of God on our life. Knowing that God has called us here, we know full well that God will provide all our needs according to His riches in Glory (Philippians 4:19), and we know that He will give us our daily bread (Matthew 6:11) so that my family will not be forgotten, because My God even cares for the lilies of the field and the birds in the air (Matthew 6:26-28).

I also recognize that Satan has to get permission to attack (Job 1) but even in the trials I hold to Romans 8:28, “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

A Science class post

The Big Bang
The text states about 14 billion years ago the Big bang occurred. It says and I quote “An INCOMPREHENSIBLY large explosion that sent all matter of the universe flying outward at incredible speeds. In time, the debris from this explosion, which was almost entirely hydrogen and helium, began to cool and condense into the first stars and galaxies” (Tarbuck, 4). So if in fact the Big Bang was so INCOMPREHENSIBLE, then why are we forced to comprehend it?

• 14 billions years ago - the Big Bang occurred
• 10 billion years ago - Stars were created
• 5 billion years ago – Sun was created
• 4.5 billion years ago - the Earth was created from molten form
• 3.8 billions years ago – the First oceans

The Creation from God’s Word – Genesis 1-2:7
The creation story in the Bible, is a beautiful account found in Genesis chapter 1 through chapter 2 verse 7. This does not seem too difficult to understand, or incomprehensible. A Creator (something bigger and more powerful than us) created everything we see and don’t see (to the tiniest detail).

• Roughly 6,000 years ago
• Day 1,2 - Water covered the Earth
• Day 3 - Dry land and plants
• Day 4 - Sun, Moon & Stars
• Day 5 - Sea and flying creatures
• Day 6 - Land animals and Man

I said this a few weeks ago, that I have an interesting perspective on the creation of Earth. I believe there could have been a big bang. But I believe the big bang came from my Big God’s mouth, the Creator of all things, when he said, "Let there be Light!" BANG~ something happened in that moment. When the Creator speaks the whole Earth trembles!

lil warrior <><

Amazed by Desperation Band

Often times I listen to worship at Pandora while I am completing my weekly homework assignments at Ohio Christian University (to block out the family noise in the background). Every single time this song comes on, I am taken back by the words and I just sit there and worship my Almighty God. Is there songs that you come across that really speaks to your heart like this song does to me?

Until the whole world hears,
Luke <><

As I was doing my homework assignments for my Earth Science class at Ohio Christian University I came across a question that asked, “Which controls of soil formation is most important.” I was intrigued by the different factors that create “good soil.” Then I think God gripped my heart and sent me to Matthew 13 where it talks about the different soils. The “Good soil” in the parable from Matthew 13 says, “The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Reading through the different factors or controls, I was like well each of these are important, in fact, I was sold on the fact that climate was the most important when the text said, “Climate is the most influential control of soil formation.”

However, as I continued to read, I was informed that several controls or factors are involved in creating “Good soil,” such as; parent material, time, climate, plants and animals, and topography. Neither of them are most important, but they all work together to form good soil. All these factors or controls make soil what it is. The goal of a Christian, with respect to the parable in Matthew 13, is to be good soil. So what controls or factors in our life help create good soil in our lives, soil that will “produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted?”

I immediately think about when I feel the closest to God and His Spirit, and it is when I am consistently in His Word, in communication with Him, and listening and obeying His ordered steps for my life. If I am a fully devoted follower of Christ in a passionate relationship with my Creator, then He will create a soil in me that will “produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” That’s when a good fruit inspection is in order…are you producing any fruit for God?

Have you been washed?

“Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

John 13:4-17

"So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.” After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them."

I love the example of Jesus in this passage. He wanted and willingly knelt down to wash the feet of his disciples. He used this moment as a teachable moment. I love this subject, and I pray that I will be and continue to be a servant leader wherever I am. The ultimate servant leader was Christ Himself. In this passage Jesus kneels down and begins to wash the mud and dirt off of His disciple’s feet. A job meant for the lowest slave, but not for the most Humble of Kings.
I have participated in many foot washing ceremonies. In fact, my most memorable foot washing was when I was passing the torch from being the leader of a Bible Study group to the next leader. I took the leaders bare foot in my hands, and said to him, "Serve them, with everything in you, serve them like Jesus, and love them like Jesus." Then the leader washed everyone's feet in the study. It was quite a sight. What would your subordinates think if you decided to wash their feet?

Ownership

“Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.”
Exodus 15:16

I love the term of possession or ownership that this passage portrays for us. The imagery of being purchased and a possession of the Most High God can be an extraordinary thought. In 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20, it says, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." I think John Wesley makes a great note about this particular verse. "Glorify God with your body, and your spirit - Yield your bodies and all their members, as well as your souls and all their faculties, as instruments of righteousness to God. Devote and employ all ye have, and all ye are, entirely, unreservedly, and for ever, to his glory." Those words speak of someone who is a living, breathing asset for God. I know my life's ambition is to be as much like Christ as possible, and in that noble pursuit, I will be His asset! Blessings to you all!

Blessings, Lil Warrior

"Hello world! Ready or not...here I come!"

My son Preston Joshua Pollock was born on 16 February 2010 @ 0646. He was 19 1/2" long and 7.4 lbs. He was delivered via c-section at Med-Central Hospital in Mansfield, Ohio. What an amazing experience to have another BEAUTIFUL son that my Daddy in heaven fashioned together in the my brides womb. What a gift!

To Preston,

Welcome to the Pollock family. You do not know us yet, but you will. We have been praying for you since we found out that you were conceived. God has blessed us with another wonderful child to raise up in the mighty army of God. Our prayer for you is to know the True God at a young age, that you will live your life in accordance and authority of Jesus Christ. Preston your life verse that mommy and daddy have been praying over you is found in Mark 12:30 where it says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." That is our prayer for you. Your first name Preston means "Priest" and your middle name Joshua means "God is salvation!" Know that you are truly loved and have been lifted up and bathed in prayer, from the very beginning...and even cooler...God has predestined every one of your steps, and He loves you so much.

Welcome and we love you,

Moma and Dada

Tribute to Grandpa Pollock

This video was created in honor of my grandfather. He died on January 11, 2010, he was 91. The amazing story is that he remained true and faithful to my grandmother for 67 years of marriage. In the hospital bed, with only a few hours left in his life, they displayed such an amazing portrait of love. It was in that moment that God whispered in my ear and said, "You think that is awesome love, just imagine how much more I love you!"
That tore me up. I sat there and just stared at this wonderful example of love. Yes, I cried because I am going to miss Gramps, but it was his death, that God whispered into my heart, "I LOVE you, my child!"

This video is a picture collage of their life together. Thanks Clint for creating/editing this beautiful video, which continues to bring tears to my eyes every time I watch it.

Identity Theft - 1st sermon

Here is the link to my first sermon ever. I do not have the embed code yet so this is all I can do right now. Hope you are blessed by it. Would love to hear your comments.


http://newhopewired.homestead.com/Loudonville/media-ldv2.html

That's my King!

I have posted this video before, however, this video is great and worth the watch! Enjoy.

Worship Wednesday's - Casting Crowns - Who Am I?

I absolutely love this rendition of Casting Crown's Who Am I? Well done UPC Conference Church. Hope you are blessed by these hands!

Worship Wednesday's - Casting Crowns - Voice of Truth

This is a clip from the Huckabee show on Fox News. Casting Crowns has become one of my favorite bands. The reason I love them so much is because of their boldly honest, hard-hitting lyrics, they continue to challenge, strengthen and pour into the body of Christ, giving listeners a fresh, relevant perspective on loving God and loving people. Casting Crowns music is quite literally discipleship through music. This song in particular has meant a lot to me over the years. I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.

When No Referee Is Watching...

This is a great post by Mark Beeson. Thanks Bud for sending this to me.

Last Friday I took my camera to a local High School football game. A couple of friends have sons playing for the Clay Colonials. LaPhonso's son is blocking so Rod's son can pass the ball. The ref is poised and watching, ready to throw the flag on any infraction. Depending on the school, it takes four, five or six referees to enforce the game's regulations.

How many refs do you need to keep you from breaking the rules?

Maybe today is a good day for a gut-check. Maybe it's time to ask the questions, "Do I keep the rules only when the refs are watching? Is the real reason I stay inside the boundaries because I can't step over the lines without getting caught? Will I cheat if no one is watching?"

I wonder who is ultimately responsible for how I play the game?

If I cheat, is it my fault I'm removed from the game? Or can I blame the ref for throwing the flag? Do I blame myself for losing government funding, or the people who video-taped me encouraging tax-evasion and child-prostitution? On whom do I pin the responsibility for my disqualification? Is it the whistle-blower's fault, or am I accountable for my actions? Did I lose my license because of "that stupid cop," or because I was driving drunk?

Maybe it's time to own up and accept responsibility.

In the secret moments, when no one else is watching, there are no referees to keep us from cheating. There are no refs behind closed doors. No referees will force you to keep your marriage vows. There aren't any refs watching over your finances, your forays across the internet or where you put your hands on your boyfriend.

You make the call.

There is no one to throw the flag on your behavior but you. You are responsible for you. So accept responsibility, reject passivity and do the next right thing. No shortcuts. No cheating. No broken promises. No secret sins. If you need God's help, accept it. Your future hangs in the balance...and one day, whether the refs caught us and threw the flag or not, we're all going to be exposed. We'll be judged - every single one of us.

There are no secrets. God is not mocked.

In the end, no one gets away with anything.

Psalms 82:7-8 - In death you are mere men. You will fall as any prince—for all must die. Stand up, O God, and judge the earth. For all of it belongs to you. All nations are in your hands.

Worship Wednesday's - Help Is On the Way

This is what I am worshiping to today. Maybe like me, you need something miraculous to happen in an area of your life. May the words of this song bring peace to you when True Peace is hard to find, except in God! It is a Gospel-inflected, powerful statement of hope, this song will help your fellowship declare the truth of God's Word that He will never leave us or forsake us and find assurance in His faithfulness. "Hold on, help is on the way!" By the way I love this site.

Praise and Worship Music Videos by mypraisesong

[Verse 1:]
People say that time will heal/But you know, they just don't feel what you feel/Times are hard but God is so good/He's never failed you, and He said He never would/
He see's your tears
He fights your fears
[Chorus:]
Hold on, help is on the way/He said he'd never leave you or forsake you/Stay strong/Help is on the way/He'd said he'd help you/Just reach out and take his hand
[Verse 2:]
He knows your heart, He lifts your head/He's always close enough to hear every word /you said When you're weak, He said He's so much more/His arm is long enough to each you where you are/
He see's your tears
He fights your fears
[Chorus 2x]
Help is on the way 10x

That's My King - S.M. Lockridge

The late Dr. Shadrach Meshach (S.M.) Lockridge's famous "That's My King" message. It is one of his best-known messages. It is a six minute "attempted" description of our Lord Jesus Christ. I say "attempted" because it is the best description I have ever heard, however, part of me says that even S.M. Lockridge would think that his description is still lacking something because our mere words can not fully describe His Majesty! So sit back with the volume up, and bask in everything that God is and more!



What do you think? It gets me fired up, That's the King I serve!

The Still Small Voice, or " Do what I say or puke all over....its your choice!" Part 2

Well, on with the story...

Evangelist and Pastor Rick Webb, from Fraser Road Church of God in Michigan, was challenging the audience with the words found in Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (NLT).

I was sitting there with my family, knowing that God was calling me to speak in front of these 400 people, whom I have never met. I do not attend the Church of God, and I was a guest to this campmeeting. I didn't know the protocol. Is this excepted or allowed? How do I even approach someone about this? Do I just go up to a microphone? All these thoughts are going through my mind, along with, Lord I can't/shouldn't do this.

Well, God was getting my attention, I was literally about to puke all over the place. I have never felt that sick, so suddenly. I leaned over to my mother-in-law (not to puke on her) and asked how I should go about this. She suggested to go up and talk to the evangelist. So that is what I did...

Now that is a tough job to be in for the evangelist. To really discern whether you have a Word from the Lord, or not. Because he mentioned afterward that sometimes you get people who say all the right things up to get up there to speak, and the truth is that they just like to hear themselves speak, and it wasn't essentially God led.

So he obviously sensed that I needed to get up there right away (maybe it was fear of ruining his nice suit with my vomit).

So here I am in front of 400 people (give or take), and I supposedly have a Word from the Lord for these people. But, I have no idea where to start. It felt like an eternity. So I mustered out a quick introduction of who I was, and what I was feeling (you know sick) and that I believed God had something for someone to hear. It could be for the whole multitude or for one person. It may have only been for me to learn to be obedient in all things. Once I finished my introduction, it was no longer me speaking. Say what?

It was no longer Luke (lil' warrior) speaking. Sure it was my voice, but it was God's verbiage. It was amazing to feel like God was completely in the drivers seat. Just like in Scripture when God told Moses that He would help him speak in Exodus 4, and during Pentecost in Acts 2:1-12, it says "As the Holy Spirit gave them this ability (to speak), God/Spirit was giving me the Words that needed to be said.

Have you ever been so consumed by God that you knew somewhat of what you just mustered out, but knew that God had used you as a mediator for His Words? Being used by God is the best feeling ever.

This week God spoke to me with this quote which I shared on my FaceBook and Twitter. "The only way u can live ur life 2 the fullest, is 2 fully rely on God!" Have we fully relied on Him in our lives? Do our lives stand as a testimony of our love towards Him.

I am reminded of the passage in John 21:15-17
After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Master, you know I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Master, you know I love you."
Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."
17Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Jesus asked Peter three times, the same amount of times that Peter denied Him. How many times does Jesus have to ask you?

Almost done I promise!

The Still Small Voice, or " Do what I say or puke all over....its your choice!" Part 1

Funky title I know, but a true story and very real experience happened to me a few months ago. Sorry Greg that it has taken me this long to get it out.

A couple months ago my in-laws asked if I wanted to camp out and attend their churches annual campmeeting (it is kind of like a revival). Thinking how much fun the boys would have I agreed to come. I was only planning to camp a couple of nights, but once I heard the Evangelist Rick Webb, from Fraser Road Church of God in Michigan, I was drawn to stay the entire week.

I was amazed by which he spoke; with the awesome Authority and Anointing of God all over him. In fact, it had been a long time since I have experienced preaching like that.

Anyways, as I was sitting in service with my family, I started feeling sick towards the end of the service. I was wondering if I had ate something that didn't agree with me (which I had been eating camp food all week!) or what was exactly happening to me. My wife looked over at me and immediately was concerned. I was extremely pail, I was sweating profusely (which I am a B.S.G. - Big Sweaty Guy, so it happens) and I seriously felt like I was about to keel over.

Now I have experienced God's voice before, and I have felt the Spirit's leading in my life, but what I was experiencing did not feel like anything godly.

But, that is when I heard God saying, "When are you going to listen to me again?" Shocked (but not really) because I have heard from Him before, I wondered okay God clarification please! All of sudden I had an horrid, quick look back at all my recent acts of disobedience to God. The more I saw, the more sick I got. I was awakened to the saddened heart of my Creator, of every time His Chosen people disobey Him intentionally.

Have you ever felt God nudging you to do something, and you didn't do it? Maybe He wanted you to talk to a certain friend or a stranger. Maybe He wanted you to be a church planter, or to open up your home to lead a small group. Ormaybe He wanted you to step up in a specific ministry at your church, or to be Biblical leader among your peers? These types of things were flashing before my eyes, have they flashed in front of yours before? Have you ignored them as I have?

Well, have I got your attention? Come back tomorrow for the rest, it gets really good!

Great message for us today!

All who are Thirsty

All who are thirsty.
All who are weak.
Just come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the
stream of life.

Let the pain and the sorrow
Be washed away.
In the waves of His mercy
As the deep cries
out to you.

Is there any song which better encapsulates the message we are taking to this world today?

We don’t see it because of all the ’stuff’ that our capitalist consumerism surrounds us with but we are all thirsty and all weak and all of us carry pain and sorrow.

Let’s get out there this week and invite people to come to the fountain of life and let their pain and the sorrow be washed away in the waves of Christs mercy.

Take God’s message of mercy, grace and love to the world. Be The Church this week!

Great message from Peter Pollock. What a great last name! Check out his blog here.

Who can you be the Church to today? Who are you bringing along with you, pouring into their lives God's message?

Matthew West - Great Story of Recovery

Here is a good video of Matthew West's journey through recovery. Thanks Tom Roepke for the heads up!

Worship Wednesday's - If You Say Go

If You Say Go - Vineyard Music

I have taken a lil' sabbatical from blogging. It seems to have been a while. I have missed posting things for you all to see. I look forward to getting back into the swing of things.

My friend Greg wants me to post an amazing story that happened to me a couple weeks ago. So be on the look out for that as well. I hope you all are doing well. Enjoy this weeks worship. Will you go when He says go, will you wait when He says wait? Wow, what a good lead in to my next post!!!