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 <><

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

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.

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!

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!

Dave Ramsey - Life, Hope, Money - Week 3

Here is the last episode of Dave Ramsey's teaching from Lifechurch.tv. I hope they have been a blessing to you.

Dave Ramsey - Life, Hope, Money - Week 2

Life, Money, Hope, Week Two from Lifecentre.org on Vimeo.

Dave Ramsey - Life, Hope, Money - Week 1

Life, Money, Hope Week One from Lifecentre.org on Vimeo.

Dad's Last Sunday......or his first?

This was a picture I took from the congregation of Centerburg United Methodist Church, in Centerburg, Ohio. My dad has been the pastor here for seven years or so, and has been a Methodist pastor for over 26 years. He has decided to "Hang up the Robe" so to speak.

After many days of prayerful wrestling with a decision approaching, he has decided to take a leave of absence. He states that he is concerned with how the upper hierarchy of the Methodist Church is operating and the direction they are heading. I was joined by several friends and family celebrating my father's last Sunday behind the pulpit. Sunday, May 24, was a day to remember.

I was doing play by play via Twitter.

"Today is my dad's last day preaching in a Methodist pulpit, pray that God will be glorified. Way to go Dad! U had a gr8 run!"

"Sittin thru my dad's last sunday, & I am amzd @ how God has moved thru my dad n his 26 yrs of mnstry. wht a srvnt of the Most High God!

Many people have requested audio as well as his sermon transcript, here are some of the quotes:

"By not saying yes 2 God 2day u cud b saying no 2 God 4 all eternity! 2morrow is never guaranteed!",

"If ur ministry is going to count, its going to cost! The ministry that counts the most, costs the most! Endure the suffering!",

My dad says, "People n church are more concerned abt the sermon length then the sermon depth." Ouch!

One of my favorite things Dad said on Sunday that shocked me was: He quoted a person from the Centerburg congregation saying, "Sorry Gary, we really put you through hell." And he agreed, "You did!" You could have heard a pin drop it was so quiet. The sad thing was he had 26 years of going through hell. You just wouldn't think suffering for Christ would come from inside the church walls.

My dad's call to ministry, and "Ministry Verse" came from 2 Timothy 4:1-5. It also was the passage of his final sermon. It says, "I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

It was a great message, a great day, and a great God was glorified. I think my dad summed up an emotional day just beautifully on his Facebook page later Sunday night. He said and I quote,

"Giving thanks to God this evening for family and friends who helped to make this day so much easier for me...it may have been my last day to share God's Word in a United Methodist Church...but I'll be dog-gone if it's the last time I share God's Word!"

Praise be to God!

Dad, I have never been more proud of you than I am right now. The steps you have taken, and the way you have taken them, has been honorable and encouraging for a son of yours to observe. I know you are true to your word when you said, "I'll be dog-gone if it's the last time I share God's Word!" God bless you dad, and every step you take for Him this day forth! Love ya!

"How dare you, who in the hell do you think you are?" Mark Driscoll

Mark Driscoll did a great job talking to men out there who need to step up and treat women with respect and dignity. Listen to Mark as he gets fired up (I will be honest I jumped!!) against them 'boys' in his own church that don't treat women with respect. Let's just say that it ticks him off ummm... just a little bit!



Do you like what he says? Tell me what you think!

De-baptism certificate???

These are interesting times. This story out of London says that over 100,000 people have officially renounced their Christian faith through downloading their 'official' De-baptism certificates from the internet. According to a Google News report: "The initiative launched by a group called the National Secular Society (NSS) follows atheist campaigns here and elsewhere, including a controversial advert displayed on London buses which declared: "There's probably no God."

More from the article here:

De-baptism organizers say the initiative is a response to what they see as increasing stridency from churches—the latest last week when Pope Benedict XVI stirred global controversy on a trip to AIDS-ravaged Africa by saying condom use could further the spread of the disease.

“The Catholic Church is so politically active at the moment that I think that is where the hostility is coming from,” said Sanderson. “In Catholic countries there is a very strong feeling of wanting to punish the church by leaving it.”

In the country, where government figures say nearly 72 percent of the population list themselves as Christian, Sanderson feels this “hostility” is fueling the De-baptism movement.

Theologian Paul Murray at Durham University disagrees. “That is not my experience,” he said, but concedes that change is in the air.

“We are in an interesting climate where Catholicism and other belief systems have moved into the public, pluralist arena, alongside secularists,” he said.

De-baptism movements have already sprung up in other countries.

In Spain, the high court ruled in favor of a man from Valencia, Manuel Blat, saying that under data protection laws he could have the record of his baptism erased, according to a report in the International Herald Tribune.

You can read more here

Wow. What are your thoughts on this matter? Europe is in a very dark place right now, but all we have to do is look around us here in the U.S. for the same darkness. It is really sad to think that people (that Christ died for) would be willing to blasphemy against God and spend eternity in hell. This site is not much better: The Blasphemy Challenge. I guess that is freewill, fully represented. I wonder how much it pains God, because of it. I know that it breaks His heart, because it breaks mine.

So weigh in. What are your thoughts?

Thanks Todd Rhoades.

What do you call yourself? and Why?

Read this article, tell me your thoughts. The article from newsweek is entitled, "A Christian by Any Other Name" http://tinyurl.com/bp8bde

What are you? and, Why are you what you say you are?

P.S. My thoughts are...

The reason I choose the term "Follow of Christ," is because many claim to be Christians by just belief, where as I attempt to follow Christ in all aspects of my life. It says in the Bible in James 2:19, that even the demons believe that there is a God. So my point is, belief alone although good, is not enough to be a Jesus Freak. Do you completely rely on Him, or do you only rely on him when it is convienent? Even the demons know that there is a God. The demons aren't serving God, are you?

Michael Tait (DC Talk) + Newsboys + ATF (Aquire the Fire) = great times!

Two of my favorite childhood bands DC Talk and the Newsboys have joined together with Teen Mania Ministries (which I also have ties with) to produce quite a worship experience on the Battle Cry tour. Teens lives are forever being changed in Christ's name! Looking forward to see this play out the rest of the year!

Giving 150%

Giving 150%

Ever hear someone say they give 150% in everything they do? They say that hard work, intelligence and attitude will get them everything they want.

So what does it really mean to give 150%? Here’s a little math to help figure it out:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

But there’s only one thing that will get you there:

J-E-S-U-S-C-H-R-I-S-T
10+5+19+21+19+3+8+18+9+19+20 = 151%

Jesus gave it all, in everything he did.

How much are you giving today?

“Jesus, thank you for showing us what it really takes to give it all. It is my only wish to strive to reflect your effort and sacrifice. Thanks for loving me 150% of the time. Amen.

Last weekend, my Pastor, my mentor, my Leader, my friend, and my golf buddy, announced to his staff and then to the congregation at New Hope (www.newhopewired.tv)
that he and his family after many tears, prayers, and wrestling with God, would be leaving what he originally thought was his mission (to reach, teach, this community and beyond to become passionate followers of Christ, in the small town he grew up in). Check out his comments here answering the call of obedience. But God has bigger plans.
Jeremiah 29:11 states: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Do you believe this? Can you stand firm on this and move your family from the security that God and you have built where you are? Would you be willing to step out in faith and pick up your tent like Abraham and go until the Lord says you have arrived to your new destination?

Praise God, that he is never done with us! He has plans for all of us beyond anything that we can comprehend. New Hope will be okay because what was established in in L-Ville, Wooster, Ashland, and our China campus, was a Kingdom focus, not a Charles focus. And Charles and his family will be okay, because they are leaning on the everlasting arms of our Father in heaven. So join with me and Praise God for a pastor who is being obedient to the call of God on his life. May his life be an example to our own. God Bless you Charles and your awesome family, and if God calls me to follow on with you, know that I am determined to be obedient as well! Love ya man!

Blogger virgin

Ok everybody, I am not 40 yet, but I have heard enough about this blogger thing, so I have decided to give it a try. For all you experienced bloggers, you will need to bare with me. I will eventually get the hang of it.

Hopefully this can be a place for people to come and read and comment with thoughts that will benefit the group. I know we will not agree always, but we can be respectful to everyone's opinion.