The Gift of a REAL YOU!

I came across this video that I think is worth watching. I'll say this, be honest, deliberate and sure about your faith. What a great perspective from a person who is a self professing athiest.

Going, Going, Gone.

Christmas has come and just disappeared. I am so grateful to the Lord for giving me the chance to spend time with the family during this holiday season. I hope that you would also make the time to be with the ones you love.

As we embark on a new year, may you give the ultimate gift that Jesus Himself gave, youself. May the next few days be full of His love and kindness in your life as you trust in Him.

“What can I give him,Poor as I am?If I were a shepherd,I would bring him a lamb,If I were a Wise Man,I would do my part - Yet what can I give Him? Give my heart.”

— Christina Rossetti

The Christmas Message

“The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity - hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory - because at the Father's will Jesus Christ became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross.”

— J. I. Packer

Report: Berlin, MD and Philadelphia, PA

In my recent travel, we have seen an influx of people coming to the Lord. Over two dozen in MD and almost a dozen in an outreach in Philadelphia. It's not the numbers that validate my claim but the heart to heart I have been having at altar calls and such. I give praise to God for the lives that have surrendered but something got my attention.....

In a time when the economic status of the country is in disarray I have noticed that the status that we are currently in is as I believe a result of many things that we as a country have let go of, morality being one. I am not a person that throws that around lightly. I believe that alot of what happens to us is direct result of your own decisions and in some ways our current condition is a bi-product of our spiritual condition. Because of that people are taking refuge and trust in God in a way that they hadn't before. Some are doing so because their man-made ideas can't get them out of this one - no matter how strong or popular or rich or even who we bring into office. Pray. Pray for our President, pray for our leadership nationally and locally but most of all pray for God's Holy Spirit to pour out on us because of our surrender to Him not merely because we "need Him now." How distorted is that if let's say you were married and went and had affairs with all the people you wanted and then because you now were no longer attractive to others, you came home to your spouse and said, "ok, will you take me now." Is it because you recognize your state or because nobody else had the answer you were looking for. I dont mean to be crass but I hope you hear my heart. Let's, as a church, love Him through it not because of the state we are in but love Him because He is the way the truth and the life. Love Him today!

“It is not after we were reconciled by the blood of his Son that God began to love us, but before the foundation of the world.”
— John Calvin

Good | Best

"Do not let the good things in life rob you of the best things."
- Buster Rothman

Watch it!

"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." ~unknown

Watch yourself because others are as well. Guard your heart it is the wellspring of life.

~Tony

It Has Begun

We are excited because our ministry center project has begun today. We will have offices once again. Please pray for us in two ways:

1. Pray that God would us this great opportunity to launch us this year to a greater level of reaching people with the office capabilities.

2. Pray for the finances that we are believing God for. We still have some funds to raise to complete the project in its entirety.

Thank you for all who have given toward this cause - we are greatly appreciative. When the project ends we will have before and after shots posted. If you are interested in helping us in any form of giving towards our Ministry Center offices being completed - you can find out more on our website at:
http://www.consumingfiremin.com/ministrycenterproject.html

For His purpose,
Tony

Count on this

During this season, I have a natural inclination to think about this past year. There is no way I can do that without reflecting on the goodness of God. Here is a thought I want to share:

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
~Tony, Elisha, Elijah and Baby Josiah

The Bible

Isn't is amazing that almost everyone has an opinion to offer about the Bible, and yet so few have studied it?
- R.C. Sproul

More Extraordinary Testimonies

As they continue to come in, I continue to report:

NJ Convention Testimonies
EXTRAORDINARY 2008
Burlington, NJ

Renda
"Hey, This was my first year going to Youth Convention.
I went as a student youth leader, or some title like that. I won’t leave a grand back-story here mainly because my past doesn’t matter. This convention taught that what I do with my life NOW is what matters — not who I was or what I did. God is who — and what — matters. The most memorable part about convention, for me, was during Session 2. I went up for the alter call. When I opened my eyes, — after praying while facing the ground, kneeling — I looked around me. I saw the lights and the fog. I took in powerful sounds of the Desperation Band. I felt the presence. I was in the moment. But, I felt as if this scene was familiar. The sounds, lights, and fog.
I realized that where I was kneeling was the exact place where I had prayed one of my first “alter prayers” 10 or more years before during a “He is Alive” performance. That experience — that revelation — made me think about all those “in between” years. It made me think about ‘what I said’ I’d do for God then, and ‘what I had done’ for God since. I thought, “All I did, was talk — or pray — a good game.”
Right then, I was hopeless. “I don’t do the things that I promise to do, God.” I wept. I tried to follow. I tried to do “Godly” things. I thought I knew about God.
But, I was wrong. I was trying to follow God while leading Him. That’s not what I was made to do. I was made to surrender — to worship and love. Not to try to play “God” of my life. With this I decided that — wherever God takes me — I’ll follow. Even if it doesn’t make sense, even if I look crazy, I’ll do it. Because I know that God+me is always the majority. . . But, this year I went to convention for the first time. I went with an attitude that said, “God, I want what I experience and what I do to be my ordinary. I want to experience you like I do at Convention. But, I want everyone to be touched in the same way. Make this extraordinary”
Surprisingly, I wasn’t disappointed with this event. My ordinary is now changed. Because ordinarily, I would leave these events and let God be “God of someone else” again. Now, he’s my God. That’s what’s Extraordinary."

Bethany
"Hi, this was my first year going to a youth convention, but this was the best ever! I grew up in a Christian family and was saved when I was four years old, but God wasn’t really REAL to me. Because I grew up with the Bible and all that…I really didn’t read it that much. I didn’t really pray that much and when I did, I didn’t really mean it. Let’s just say my faith was really LAME! I was going downhill. But then something wonderful happened to me. My youth pastor came! At that time, there was really not that many youth so we didn’t have an OFFICIAL youth group. But then me and alot of my friends turned into teenagers and we needed a youth pastor. So, Justin came and let me tell you…he is the BEST ever! Anyways, he got me back on track with God and I felt a great relief. But, I had trouble seeing who i was and really why I was on the earth. Now lets get back to the convention…it was the BEST thing that has ever happened to me! I don’t know how to describe it, but it was soooooo awesome. I am 13 (almost 14) years old. I went to the first session at the convention expecting something great but I didn’t get something great…I got something extraordinary and amazing! And I have to say that I’M IN LOVE WITH THE DESPERATION BAND! Anyways, during the worship I felt the presence of God so much and I felt closer to God then I ever have before! I prayed and cried my heart out and the next 3 sessions just got better! Tony Cruz is an AMAZING speaker and he said the perfect words! I also love all his crazy stories! I am not the same person that I was when I walked into that building. I am a changed girl! And I have to tell you that the youth in my youth group that went to the convention went back to church on Sunday and made a great difference! We prayed over all the youth. We cried. We hugged. We joined hands in unity for Christ. This changed my life and I just have to say that was(and is) all was one word(or two!)…EXTRA ORDINARY!"

Kacki
"This was my 3rd convention, and the 1st time I really ever felt something. I have heard Tony Cruz speak at the Northwest Section Snow Camp in January, and I was glad I got to hear him speak again. During the first three services during worship and the alter calls I honestly didn’t rally feel any thing. However during the 4th and final service, when Tony Cruz said to make it personal, I really started to think. I went to the alter to pray, when Tony said to think of a person you are close to who don’t know the Lord I immediately started to think of my friend Nicole. Nicole is really close to me and is pretty much like my sister. I started to picture her and started to cry really hard. I started to pray that she would open up her hind and heart and listen to what Angela(my other really close friend and almost like a sister) are saying. On the ride on I sent Nicole a text message, still praying that she would get to know the Lord. I told her that I loved her more then she could imagine, and that I cried for most of a alter call, because she does not know the Lord, and I promised her I would not preach to her. The next day, which happens to be today, I got a text message from her saying that she would talk about God with me. This convention was not like any other I have been to."

Sheldon Lightfoot Jr.
"Over this weekend i had a lot of highlights, like #1, oh i dont know, say, Desperation Band, Tony Cruz, and friends… But the thing that really made it completely awesome was the alter. The alter is the one place I came face to face with God after a long time away. I was trying to let everything jsut go passivly as i said what ever to things that were really important.
This is my 6th convention, and my last as a student. . . I was amazed and completely overcome with a sence of belonging. And I can’t believe that i almost let that go over the past few months. Over that time, i felt numb to God and a distraction came between me and the most important thing in my life. But God is faithful like that. He always finds his lost sheep. Thanks for ANOTHER SPECTACULAR YEAR NEW JERSEY!"

Hanna
"Hi Tony, I went to convention last week, and I was really ministered to by your messages, especially the 2nd and 3rd ones. I've made some changes in my life which I hope will be permanent, and I've found out what God's will for my life is for the present. Keep being used by God the way you are! It's awesome."

“What our Lord did was done with the intent, and this alone, that he might be with us and we with him.”
~Meister Eckhart

EXTRAORDINARY Youth Convention - Burlington, NJ

WOW.
This weekend was a mixed bag of God's presence. We experienced God in so many ways I couldn't keep track of it all. Pastor Fabian is doing a great job out in NJ in leading students on a quest to know Jesus personally. About 1500 students gathered in Burlington to be caught up in what God is doing. Worship was led by Desperation Band and I was priviledged to bring the Word. There are some great friends and students in that great state. I cannot get an accurate number but about 80+ teenagers came forward to accept Christ the first night and admitted they didn't really know the Jesus I spoke of. I struggled like never before with my voice. The three sessions I covered, Sacrifice, Identity (as a portrait of God's Masterpiece) and the very incredible mission we have as believers. EXTRAORDINARY was the theme of the convention and was also the best word to describe what He did. Many were delivered and set free from numberous things. The altars were filled with young people wanting God. I will post some pictures to give a sample.

Here is a comment I received:
"tony...what another amazing Spirit filled time with you this weekend. God bless you and your family for all that you do and all you put into your ministry...I know the kids in my youth ministry were forever changed, including one who was able to let go of anger over losing his father tragically a few months ago. I know my life was rocked as well......finally grasping some truths in my own life! "You'll never know who you are until you know whose you are!" What an amazing truth! Thank you Tony for being His servant! I look forward to seeing you again in Jer-Z!!!!"

I am reminded of the verse that askes the question "Who am I that you are mindful of me?" When God began to break open these messages to share, He brought me to a place where I needed to injest the truth for myself before I can bring it to others. God is sovereign. This is not a new concept I just learned but one thing I have understood is that I have to unlearn somethings before I can relearn others. I must stay focused and reliant on Him. That is the jist of life in Christ. Trust in Him.





If you attended and have a testimony, feel free to comment.
Tony

more to come...

The Foundation

Words to consider as we prepare to vote:

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. … Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

~John Adams
One of the Founding Fathers, and 2nd President of The United States


"We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

~James Madison
One of The Founding Fathers, Considered the ‘Father’ of our Constitution

Guide for this election

I am not going to chime in all the details of the election but I will say stand on this:

1- I will let the Word of God be my guide for all things lifestyle. No leader, no matter who they are, should over ride the Word of God in our lives.

2- Whoever wins, will have my prayers and I must trust that God has allowed that person to win for a reason. We as a nation of believers must think that way. Keep the main thing the main thing. In all honesty, I do not hold immigration on the same plane as abortion - the economy on the same place as partial birth abortion. Our sinful nature makes our conscience flawed.

Jeremiah 17:9 states simply - "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Make sure you vote your bible - not you conscience.

Final Thought:
“What is morally wrong can never be politically right.”
— Lord Shaftesbury

Tony

Honored @ Homecoming 2008

There are very few things that can make me speechless. But when I received word that my alma mater - Valley Forge Christian College - was giving me an award as a "Distinguished Young Alumni Award" Emphasis on the 'young' :)

I felt, well, simply put unworthy. Just 8 years removed from Graduation the award is given to individuals that have made some accomplishments under 10 years after graduation. I along with Amanda (Rainville) Anderson were there to accept. In the room were decorated ministers including a 20 year veteran of evangelism Greg Hubbard, a two star general chaplin in the US Military and world renowned Author and counsellor Dr. Richard Dobbins - and then there's . . . me. One can feel like a guppy in a room like that. Nevertheless, I am humbled and greatly appreciate the award. I have my Savior to praise for His enduring love and patience with me. That being said, I would be remissed if I didn't take a well deserved moment to thank my wonderful and supporting wife who has encouraged me time after time with all things ministerial. She is a true anchor and a blessing from the Lord Himself. She is and will forever be my queen.

Thank you to my wife Elisha and all those who support this ministry.


Tony and Dr. Richard Dobbins

Church Intelligence

According to a recent Christian post:

Just 17% of Protestant churchgoers in America demonstrate a “decent” level of discipleship or spiritual maturity, claims Brad Waggoner, author of Shape of Faith to Come: Spiritual Formation and the Future of Discipleship (B&H 2008). This minority scored 80% or higher on a Spiritual Formation Inventory, developed to measure key areas of Christian discipleship. Waggoner writes, "At present I believe that too many of us are settling for easy goals. It is one thing to grow a church numerically. It is quite another to seek the transformation of heart, mind, and character."

Other findings show only 16% of Protestant churchgoers read their Bible daily, while another 20% read it "a few times a week."

~23% "agreed strongly" with the statement, "When I come to realize that some aspect of my life is not right in God's eyes, I make the necessary changes."
~47% admitted to just "going through the motions," often during the singing and prayer portions of worship services, while 25% strongly disagreed.

In the past six months, 29% said they shared with someone how to become a Christian twice or more, 14% did so once and 57% not at all. 55% of churchgoers believe they grew spiritually over the past year, yet only 3.5% showed a statistically significant level of growth.

This must be know before we can do something. Let's doers of the word and not just hearers.

Christian Post 10/14/08

I subscribe to several newsletters that keep me posted on the church. Church Intelligence is one of them. If you want to subscribe as well go to http://www.churchleaders.com/

Live for Him today!
Tony

Report: Alexandria, Virginia

I met up with an old friend (shout out to Rob Casey) and met some great new ones as well. I was at First Assembly of God in Alexandria, VA under the leadership of Pastor Wes and Stephanie Johnson and let me tell you they have a great thing going on there. They are serious about serving the Lord and they are focused on the Lord's calling on that area. We had a great night Saturday with some great young people followed by a wonderful Sunday morning service where we celebrated a baby dedication along with a heart dedication ourselves. One thing that God recently showed me was that Christ did not call us to set people straight, He called us to set people free! Free with the purchase of Jesus' death on the cross. I am continually humbled by the fact that he loved me enough to leave heaven's throne and get beaten and mocked for me. His death has allowed me to be free from the many things that plague our society today. In reality, the seperation between God and man has been lifted by that very sacrifice.

God is in control and he hasn't lost track of you today. Take a moment sometime today and pray. Just, say some note of gratitude for what He has accomplished on your behalf. I promise, you get this and you will never see the cross the same again.

I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the light.
- Mary Gardiner Brainard

keep chasing,
Tony

Interest Bearing Accounts

“Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.”

— C. S. Lewis

Billy The Driver

Billy Graham was returning to Charlotte after a speaking engagement and when his Plane arrived there was a limousine there to transport him to his home.
As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped
and spoke to the driver.
'You know' he said, 'I am 87 years old and I have never
driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?'
The driver said,
'No problem. Have at it.'
Billy gets into the driver's seat and they head off
down the highway.

A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap.
The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone.
The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo
and he got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure.
The young trooper walked up to the driver's door
and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see
who was driving.
He immediately excused himself and went back to his car
and called his supervisor.
He told the supervisor,
'I know we are supposed
to enforce the law....
But I also know that
important people are
given certain courtesies.
I need to know what I should do because
I have stopped a very important person..'
The supervisor asked,
'Is it the governor?' The young trooper said,
'No, he's more important than that.'

The supervisor said,'Oh, so it's the president.'
The young trooper said,
'No, he's even more important than that.'
The supervisor finally asked,
'Well then, who is it?' The young trooper said,

'I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!'

Why I Can’t Vote For Obama - Article by Huntly Brown

This is from Huntley Brown, a Christian concert pianist, a man of God and a black man. This is a must read!

Why I Can’t Vote For Obama

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments, but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.

Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness.

I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow. I can’t dictate the terms He does because He is the leader. I can’t vote black because I am black; I have to vote Christian because that’s who I am. Christian first, black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won’t be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning, to name a few, wrong, economic concerns will soon not matter.

We need to follow Martin Luther King’s words, “Don’t judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” I don’t know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record.

His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007. NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)

To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as t he most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.

There is a reason planned parenthood gives him a 100 % rating.
There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.
There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him.
There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court.
There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.
There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.
There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion.
There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.

Let’s take a look at the practice he wanted to continue.

The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedure

1. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby’s leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
2. The baby’s leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
3. The abortionist delivers the baby’s entire body, except for the head.
4. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby’s skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
5. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child’s brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed. God help him.

There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law. Think about this: you can’t give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane.

There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright’s church for 20 years. Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wright’s sermons. I wonder why now? Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 - 20 ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you, talk like you believe what you believe etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a:

1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.

Would you support a President who went to a church like that?

Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama’s former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside. This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can’t be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.

A church can’t have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if it’s a white church or a black church it’s still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.

Obama’s former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote: ‘Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. Cone is the man Obama’s mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?

So what does all this mean for the nation?

In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing - judgment.

Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king. First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 ‘Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.’

Then God says: 1 Samuel 1:18 ‘When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.’ 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. ‘No!’ they said. ‘We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.’ 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, ‘Listen to them and give them a king.’

Here is what we know for sure.

God is not schizophrenic

He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.

Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture, so I doubt it.

For all my friends who are voting for Obama, can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three or four supreme court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy.

I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama’s positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.

Since we know someone’s value system has to be placed on the nation,

1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation?

2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?

Blessings,
Huntley Brown

Inferiority

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."
- Eleanor Roosevelt

REPORT: Christiansburg, VA

I really did have a blast at Victory Restoration Center with this wonderful leadership led by Pastor Ray and Sandy Kingrea. The Word of God came forward and many reports of God's touch. We experienced a special move of God at the end of the second service that left much of the congregation speechless and moved. God is breaking His people for a service that is bigger than we have ever seen in our earth's history.

The Lord revealed to me recently this thought, "it takes a broken spirit to change a broken life." What I sensed was, if believers are not surrendered, why would others want to follow this Jesus that we ourselves don't deem worthy enough to change our lifestyles. Far too many people are wandering around existing and not "LIVING." Jesus Christ came so that we would have LIFE and LIFE more abundantly. I believe that this church is doing something on point and I believe that I want to be a part of every single thing the Spirit of God wants to do across this nation. Pray for us as we are setting our 2009 schedule right now for God appointments at God ordained times. Thank you to all of you who keep in touch and are praying.

LIVE LIFE,
Tony

ps
Check out our NEW newsletter HERE

Checked In

I am here in Blacksburg, VA - home of the hokie pride. I must say that the Inn at Virginia Tech is one of if not the most beautiful hotel I have stayed in a long while - thanks Pastor Kingrea. I am getting ready to speak tonight (to the youth) and tomorrow at the same Victory Restoration Center in Christiansburg and I am pumped about what God is going to do. I had to leave the family at home for the night and drove almost 7 hours to be at this event. It takes alot out of me but I know that God is worth it all and hard work is pivitol in God using us. Hard work shows God that you are serious. No cruising along in this faith walk. I love what Peter Drucker wrote: "Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work."

Pray as we encounter God tonight!

Ministry Center Project

We are in a very exciting yet pivotal point in this ministry yet the ministry needs the help the Lord and also of all our friends to accomplish it. We have raised about half the funds to date. Prayerfully consider supporting us in prayer and if you feel led maybe even in finances. Please stop my our MINISTRY CENTER PROJECT page on our website to find out more. This is simply office space - nothing fancy. We do however need a place to work in ministry and this is it. We have extended the deadline to October 14 trusting to hear from a few more friends in support. Elisha and I really desire to do the work of the ministry and this is one way you can play a part in it. Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Tony

FEAR and it's dominant falsehood

A mother and her little four-year-old daughter were preparing to retire for the night. The child was afraid of the dark, and the mother, on this occasion alone with the child, felt fearful also. When the light was out, the child caught a glimpse of the moon outside the window. “Mother,” she asked, “is the moon God’s light?” “Yes,” said the mother. The next question was, “Will God put out His light and go to sleep?” The mother replied, “No, my child, God never goes to sleep.”

Then the child said to her mother, “Well, as long as God is awake, there is no sense both of us staying awake.”

Isn’t this just one example of how much God loves us?

I remember many years ago I heard an acronym that put FEAR in perspective. Fear can be characterized as False Evidence Appearing Real. Even though that thought can be a bit different, fear is really often faith in the devil and/or faith in a lie. We don't see that and often in the surface our fears are not "spritual" but fears are rooted in the ability to fall into something we dont have control over. Control is key and when we lose that, we begin to be afraid and fear sets in. The NASB puts 1 John 4:18 this way "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."

When you believe a lie, you empower the liar. Empower your faith and let God be who He says He is.

"Fear paralyzes; curiosity empowers. Be more interested than afraid."
-Patricia Alexander, Book of Comforts

"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt."
-William Shakespeare, "Measure for Measure", Act 1 scene 4

Saved for what? Tozer speaks...

“We are saved to worship God. All that Christ has done for us in the past and all that he is doing now leads us to that one end.”

— A. W. Tozer

Staying In Touch

I just added a section to this blog. If you want to become a follower of this blog, scroll down and follow the directions and we can stay in touch. This blog is free to have and free to follow.

As far as us, all is well with Consuming Fire Ministries and the Cruz family. Josiah is now a week old and beautiful.

~TC

ps. a friend of mine Pastor Tony Searles had something on his blog that I wanted to share with you as well. As an interesting note, Gov. Sarah Palin has an A/G gal. See for yourself HERE.

Adjustments

It been a long couple of days but Elisha and I are working through the adjustments of two children. Tricky is the best word that comes to mind. Fortunately my wife is a troubleshooter and is such a trooper. I understand why God gave me such a wonderful woman - to off set me :)

First Thessalonians 3:3 tells us that we should know that God sends people to encourage us "so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we are destined for them." God has done that for us with family bringing food and showing love in various ways. I am grateful for all that have sent comments and emails. I think I sent over 50 txt messages sharing and have heard back from many. I would love to hear from you friends that read this. Since I do not have a myspace or facebook, this is my means of communication and I love sharing my thoughts on life and some other not so urgent things.

Be encouraged today and know that whatever God has put in your path, it didn't get there without His knowing and approval.

for pics of my son... click our website here

Josiah Lee Cruz

Josiah Lee Cruz - September 6, 2008
Born 11:35 AM - 6lbs 11oz.

Pictures coming....

Any day now...

If you can remember, pray for Elisha. We are due any day now with our second little boy. The next time I blog, I will probably be with the details. Thanks all.

~Father of almost two

Success From Failure

Devotional Thought:

I am reading a great little book right now of Bible characters and I wanted to share this devotional thought with you.

Caiaphas was appointed high priest of Israel in AD 18 by the Roman procurator, Valarius Gratas. Caiaphas became the official head of the Jewish state and presided over the Sanhedrin, Israel's highest court. Next to the Roman governor, he was the land's most powerful man in Jesus' day.

But after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Caiaphas and other Jewish officials called a meeting where Caiaphas demanded Jesus' death. At that point, Caiaphas seemed to be "the man to beat" but in the end Caiaphas was removed in AD 36 and we never hear from him again. However, Jesus Christ rose from the dead, filled his people and is ruling victoriously over heaven and earth. His impact is being felt in our lives today even 2 thousand years later.

Success or failure is not always evident from the scorecard. Don't ever look at your situation face value but instead look at what God can do through it. Sometimes our reaction to apparent defeat shows who the real winner is. When you don't come out on top, live like you did. You'll make a difference eventually.

(portions taken from People in the Bible - Wooddrow Kroll)

Truth From Ben

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.— Benjamin Franklin"

Not Bitter, Broken!

God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume... it is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.

Elijah turns two...WOW how time fly's!

Great Reports - Dover

I have been receiving great reports of God's work from Dover, DE. Here are a few that I want to highlight from the recent youth meetings in Dover found on this very blog:

Anonymous said...
Tony you did a REALLY good job speaking with us this past week. You were funny but more importantly I felt like I really related to alot of the things you were saying especially the first night. I'm glad you came and I hope u do come again next summer.

Anonymous said...
Tony you've been REALLY awesome this week and you've been the reason I kep coming this week. I hope you come back to Calvary again and again since everyone has enjoyed you so much this week. (Especially me!) You're a great speaker and you've really inspired me to be a better Christian. I'll be sad when you leave because your messages have had so much impact, and have been so easy to relate to. Good luck with the new baby boy and I hope you and your family become even more blessed! I can't thank you enough for making me feel so inspired! I hope you come back soon! God bless!

Anonymous said...
Tony, I have to admit you were the best part of VBS. When my team was asked what their favorite part of the whole week was, we all answered "Tony Cruz!." A boy on my team gave his heart to the Lord because of you. I grew in the Lord because of you. It slipped my mind that Thursday was your last night, and I was very sad when I learned I wasn't going to hear you speak again. I wish I could have said goodbye, even though I was just another face in the crowd. You and your family are forever in my prayers, and I hope you'll come back to Calvary very soon as I enjoyed your messages so much! God bless you Tony Cruz!

Anonymous said...
Tony you did a great job speaking this week! Good luck with the new baby boy!!! You will always be in my prayers!!!


Entrance into heaven is not at the hour of death, but at the moment of conversion. - Benjamin Whichcote

If you were at Dover and have a testimony, feel free to drop them. When God seeks man, we are never the same!

TC

Calvary A/G - Dover, DE

I am here in Delaware having a series of meetings here at Calvary and God is really moving in a unique way. Monday night was a special service where 36 teens came forward to commit to Christ, about half were "first timers". This group is uniquely great because many are non-churched. We have a clean slate to lay down the gospel on. Tuesday night over 100 students flooded the altar for a wonderful prayer and praise. Here we are midweek and hard to believe that we are almost done already. I felt like I just got here.

I miss the family who is at home waiting for me. This weekend is Elijah's Mickey Mouse birthday party. He loves that mouse. I miss them alot.

Always on His mission,
Tony

This Life

"In this life, Christ is an example, showing us how to live; in his death, he is a sacrifice, satisfying for our sins; in his resurrection, a conqueror; in his ascentions, a kind; in his intercession, a high priest." Martin Luther

July 30th - Pivotal Moments in Your Life

I find that as I look back and reflect on my life there are alot of things to be thankful for (and it's not even the Thanksgiving holiday yet, go figure.)

It was this day 15 years ago that I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Amazing how much time has passed yet as I blink I realize that half of my life I was apart from God. I went to an outreach where the Gospel was presented and people loved me for who I was not knowing what I would do with my life, only where I was. This is a key to ministry - Love.

Now, at 30, I am so grateful as I look at the place I am now. I am sitting here in my office (soon to be my 2nd child's bedroom) and look at all that the Lord has given me. An absolutely gorgeous wife, an adorable son and a beautiful home - just to mention a few. This is without mentioning the ministry that He has laid before me on the scale that it has become. The opportunity and awesome responsibility it is to represent Him. I can't fathom why. I am humbled. I heard it once be said, "the more I know, the more I realize I dont know." I really know what that means now.

Allow me to repeat the great Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus,

2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
NIV

moreover, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ."

Thank you Jesus for all you have shown me!

Always grateful. period.

2008 Camp Season

I have been limited in my WIFI access in my travels but I am so humbled by what God has done this camp season. I am just returning yesterday from my 6th camp in 7 weeks and God has really ministered to many students.

One moment that stood out to me that I must share was a night toward the end of the week in Nebraska camp when I was supposed to go up after a song by the worship team and at that moment before I was going to go up, God froze me. I could not, in obedience, take the stage to speak. The worship was far from over and the spirit of God made me aware of that. I suppose if I really wanted, I could have taken the stage and did what I was supposed to do but I was not supposed to and moments later God released his presence so powerfully that I cannot put into words. Those are moments that God teaches us as speakers, pastors or whoever that we are not the ones who determine the spirit's moving in a service. We are but tools and sometimes God puts His tool down and uses other means. That night was a special one because it keeps us focused that He is in charge. What a great night it was.

My itinerary took me this summer to Nebraska, Colorado, Sacramento, N. Virginia, S. Virginia and Pittsburgh.

Here are some of the promised testimonies:

"...from the time you started I honestly felt God. But I didn't quite understand why. Now my dad and mom got divorced before I was born because my father didnt want a kid. Well I never knew him and my mom and him decided that I wouldnt have visitation and he didnt have to pay child support. Well I never really felt like I was hurt over that until Tuesday night when God brought this all to my mind and basically told me that I did have pain from that and that I needed to deal with it while I had the chance. So I went up to the altar and dealt with it. I cant say I feel much different but I just know that God did something with that hurt and I never have to look back on it again." ~Taylor

"Hi Tony, ...i just wanted to let you know when you preached at Camp Maranatha, it really touched me, and i felt the holy spirit pour down on me, when you talked about cleaning out your tent, it really got me thinking "What things do I have in my tent?". Your one of, if not the best preacher I've ever heard preach. You spoke powerfully, plus you have a great sense of humor, and i love your obsession with chocolate chip cookies. But anyway, I've always been to embarrassed to raise my hands in church in front of my friends, but you taught me that i should praise God, and i shouldn't let people in the way of praising my lord. I use to never pay attention in church, but after hearing you preach, i've learned that church can be fun. You really helped me, and touched my heart. I'll always remember you man...Thanks, you're a great preacher." ~Brian W.

Pastor Tony, hey I just attended Pym youth camp week 3 in VA. My life has changed for ever because of your sermons and the alter calls! Before the camp I was going to give up the whole Christianity thing because I felt like God has not been there for me, that there is no such thing as a personal relationship with God and etc. Now I feel so free and I look at the world a completely different perspective. I walk down the streets and see all bunch of these people that need Jesus in there life. People that have not been reached yet by the people who are Christians. When I heard your sermon I got chills running throughout my body because it was so powerful. I have not heard a sermon like that for a while, I am so glad that you came to the pym youth camp unless I would have maybe given up Christianity by now! God is using you and affecting so many people it just amazes me that maybe one person can make a difference in this sinful world that we are living in! I did not believe that one person makes a difference thing but then at the altar... WOW that was some good stuff people crying with joy. I can't describe how much I have changed and even my friends thing I have changed also so much! I will never become the person that I was all because of one man that obeyed God. THANK YOU SO MUCH!" ~Ashley G. PA

"Tony, On wendnesday when you talked about calling I defnitely felt God telling me to go up to the altar. So I did and over the past three years God has opened up my calling through camp. At first I knew I was called into ministry. The second year God opened up to me that it was with children and finally wednesday I really felt Gods touch after the leader that had been praying for me told me that God was calling me to work with orphans. It is definitely an amazing oppurtunity and I'm definitely going to go after what God is pushing me to. Even though I give all the glory to God you I definitely wanted to share this with you because I feel that if I hadnt been at camp I doubt that I wouldve ever heard the voice of God in this area at this time. I know you are busy and I just wanted to share this with you because well..I wont lie im too excited not to." ~Tayler

"So this past summer I went to Camp for the first time ever in Lexington, NE. In January was the first time I'd felt God's presence and I was slowly losing that drive. But ever since camp, you made me realize what God is doing in my life. You made me realize God only puts us through tests we can pass. Before I was struggling to get closer to God, but then you said about how God moves the fence for us, like that man did for the soldier, and it made me realize I just have to love him. I want to thank you soo much for coming into the ministry and talking to us. It means the world to me and my friends. We've been much more loyal Christians, and we've grown a lot closer to God, and a lot closer to each other."

"I just wanted to thank you for taking time out and speaking so much encouragement into my life. I want to let you know I admire what you do, and I look up to you. It's amazing how God could take a man from such an adverse background and use him so greatly in ministry. For that short time we spoke you were a big inspiration." ~Gregg

"I just want to thank you for coming down to Colorado. I had an amazing time at youth camp. Service was unforgetable. During service the second night, you talked about wounds, The past year or two I have been underestimating God, wondering if he really cared, But I continued going to church hoping he would see my face in the crowd. I honestly knew that He is there and I have to move closer to Him. I thought all this, trying to hid from things that needed to happen in my live, people I needed to forgive, forget and move on in my life. The last 4 months I have been trying to do just that, The process has been very long and stressful. My youth Pastor has been helping me through it all, I was just not ready to let it all go. The message you spoke opened my eyes and I realized that all these problems were distracting my walk with God. That night I gave my live back to God and let it all go. NEVER again will I get off the main trail again, he is all I want in my life. Thanks again." ~Heidi L.

I cannot take any credit for this summer's great happenings. Fame is a cancer and ego: its seed.
- Toad the Wet Sprocket

If you too have a testimony that you haven't sent in, please feel free to comment. I would love to hear what God has done for you! Thank you for praying for strength during this very busy season for this ministry.

~Tony

Update anyone?

Ok, so here's the deal. It's been a while since my last blog but not by choice. I have been from camp to camp, state to state and the internet opportunities have been very tricky. On top of that my wife, who is almost 8 months pregnant, got a kidney stone in the middle of camp season. Please keep her in your prayers and shoot some out for me as well. Weary but still moving forward. Therefore, to say the least, it have been difficult to update and give some reports. I plan on sitting down and getting that to you. But, I will leave you with GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AND SOME TESTIMONIES WILL BE POSTED SOON! - OR as soon as possible (still in camp season).....

Love you friends,
Tony

Making It

The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.
- Bishop W.C. Magee

Nebraska Youth Camp

I had a phenominal time at the Nebraska Junior High camp where 380+ gathered to get with the almighty. It was great. Toby (Shneckloth) puts on a great camp there in the land of the corn huskers.

The Spirit of God touched so many students that I was humbled. I really am. We had a powerful few services leading up to what I believe was a pivitol service in the lives of many who were there. One thursday, the power of God hit that place in a way I haven't sensed in a while. Why? The students sought Him. "When you search me you will find me when you search me with all your heart" is the passage that best describes what I witnessed. Approx 35 were filled with the Holy Spirit and hundreds walked away with a great week in the Lord. Many were also called into ministry and many more were called to be the Jonathan generation, raising the banner of their ministries and youth pastor. When I receive a few testimonies, I will report.

I am in Sacramento where I am ministering. God is doing some special things here. I cannot wait to see my family as it has been about 10 days since seeing them. Pray for me as I wrap up this great camp and reunite with my beautiful wife and gorgeous little boy!

On the field,
Tony

Putting it off....

I am sitting in an airport in Phoenix waiting part of my 6 hour layover....geez.

I was thinking about something as I came across a quote. If you are anything like me, I am a different kind of creature. Some petty things I feel this need to get done while other crucial things I find myself putting off. What is up with that? This is a reality of ministry and just life. Good men who are good fathers and workers have the very real struggle to keep the main thing as the main thing.

Pablo Picasso said,
"Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone."

Fight the good fight and do what must get done. Everything that must get done, do it. Everything else will and should wait. While I follow Christ I realize that lives are hanging in the balance of every decision I make. Finishing the race strong is important to me. Is it that important to you? Does you life reflect that? I haven't figured it all out but I am anxious to see what God has laid up for me as I am doing my best to honor Him with all areas of my life. "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." Regarding this matter, think on it.

Tony

Live Broken

Happy Memorial day.

"Our spirit is released according to the degree of our brokenness. The one who has accepted the most discipline is the one who can best serve. The more one is broken, the more sensitive he is."
~Watchman Nee

The Mission Church - Holmes, NY

This weekend we had an incredible time in the Lord at The Mission Church reaching and restoring hundreds as we were part of a fantastic revival with a friend of ours Jeff Deyo.

Friday night the weekend opened up with a worship concert. I have worked with Jeff before but Friday night he was at a new level. He was instrumental in leading 500 people to the presence of God. His newest album and song UNVEIL is incredible. This was all great but the highlight of the night by far was the 20+ people that came to Christ. The night was fantastic and souls were connected to God.

Saturday and Sunday services were each special. The presence of God rocked many lives particularly students. God is committed to the impacting us in the same level that you are committed to Him. Here are a few testimonies:

"I wanted to write to you to tell you that you are truly an amazing speaker. I love your sermons. thank you so much for coming to our church ...I had an amazing time and I definetly got closer to God. I just wanted to say thank you sooo much."-Aimee

"I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for the awesome impact you had on my daughter when you preached at the Mission Church youth revival this past weekend. You are an amazing anointed man of God! I praise Him for all He accomplishes through you and thank you for being a willing vessel. Be well..."-Helena

The Mission Church led by Gregg and Laura Johnson has something special going on in that region and I am proud to be a part of a great church like this. Pastor Paul and Pastor Nik are fantastic pastors and a doing a great job. The youth worship band was honestly one of the best I have ever heard. It was great weekend. I thank God for the opportunity to bring the love of God to the masses. Let's keep proclaiming the truth. What a great weekend.

-Tony

A Mother's Day Poem

For the mothers, I came across a poem very much worth posting to you, my small but faithful blogger friends:

Before I was a Mom -
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a babysleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't wantto put him down.


I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when Icouldn't stop the hurt.


I never knew that something so small could affect mylife so much.


I never knew that I could love someone so much.


I never knew I would love being a Mom.


Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside mybody.


I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungrybaby.


I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.


I didn't know that something so small could make me feelso important and happy.


Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.


I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.


I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

--------------

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Ordination

Yesterday was one of the most special days of my life. I was ordained with the Assemblies of God. I have thought about that day for a long time and how it would all play out. It was all I thought and more. Special it was. My beautiful wife, mom and sister attended along with my pastors (Jim and Holly) and many friends that were there by default for the ministry summit. Congrats to some of my rev. buddies Craig and Adam. (way to go fellas!) The immense responsibility hit me very strong when I realized the importance of my calling and ministry. Everything we do affects the kingdom in some way and that is a powerful thought. May the heart of God beat in me.

It was a great day of responsibility and acceptance. I am proud of my accomplishments and where God has me at this point in my life. That said, I am more proud of what God is doing with my wife and I as well as this ministry. Praise be to God. I believe that my best days are ahead of me and those that stood with me yesterday. Thank you to all who wished me the best.

Baby News

Elisha and I found out that we are having our second baby and IT'S A BOY! We are excited to bring a new life in the world and raise up Godly boys. Elisha is due September so pray for us and our intense travel schedule and a healthy baby boy.

Returning....

It's been awhile because I left my laptop behind on accident and I just got back from my 10 day - 5 event travel stint. God moved so greatly in the services I was a part of. God rocks my face off!

First 5 days: Roanoke, VA & Rural Retreat, VA
We had a great time at the fellowship of Christian athletes regional retreat. Approx. 160 leaders and students total and the wonderful Spirit of God moved among these God seeking teens. We had several that were touched and that even professed Christ in a deeper way. Hunger on many of the faces of the students I prayed for. It was in a word AWESOME. Some great leadership help make this event well put together. I then followed that up with some friends in Rural Retreat. More on my trip to Virginia Tech memorial on another blog. It was a great 5 days in VA.

Next 5 days: St.Louis, MO and Cape Girardeau, MO
I follow up the previous event with hands down one of the most well put together confrences I have ever been invited to speak at. I met a great band there by the name of CIRCLESLIDE and they brought the house down leading us in worship as well as their concert. This tri-sectional event was well lead also by the leadership as hundreds of students flooded the altars making Jesus Christ the LORD of their lives. I have spoken to several that have had life changing encounters with the Holy Spirit during the conference. The evening service at St. Louis was powerful. We had a special, sweet move of the Holy Spirit with the Lord leading me in several word's of encouragement to people I have never met. In talking with them afterwards, the Lord showed me correctly on the topics and details. Only God can make things like that happen.

I am exhausted after a 7 hour delay at Philadelphia International but I finally arrived home with my family. I made some great friends and connections and I feel like this is the beginning of something great with the motherland state of Missouri. Thank you for those who prayed for me and my family. I never take that for granted.

Time marks us while we are marking time. Leave your mark!
Tony
**If you were a part of this event, I would love your comments!**

Free?

No man is free who is a slave to the flesh.
- Seneca

A Habit

A habit is something you can do without thinking
which is why most of us have so many of them.
- Frank A. Clark

Deprived

I didn't grow up in church and I can remember when I first came to Christ and going to church my friends asked me why I decided to do this. It was like I decided to go against them and some actually acted as if I betrayed them. I realized that for the most part I was a good person but good has little to do with heaven and fulfilling God's purpose for my life. I was deprived and I realized it. I needed to find out for myself and not rely on others to find MY purpose. Dictionary.com mentioned deprived as to "lacking the necessities" and I found I was. It was then I found my friends from people I was aquainted with. Nothing makes sense to a non-believer when I comes to committing to Christ. Many told me I would return and that I would "come back." Boy, I am glad they were wrong. 15 years later I am traveling across the nation preaching about the same christ that saved me from the often cold streets of NYC. Here is a thought that I found that made me reflect on the total grace of Jesus Christ:

A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of the Bible.
- Woodrow Wilson

This is why I do what I do. To help others find purpose. Don't deprive yourself of what God has. Read and discover the hidden treasures found only in Him.

Continuously searching,
Tony

Hope

Ever have one of those days? Ones that feel like they will never end and like God is now where to be found? I found a quote that addresses that:

"I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when I am not feeling it. I believe in God even when He is silent."
- Anonymous Jewish holocaust victim

I hope His hope brings you to a brighter day.

Tony

Our State of Obedience

It's been a while but I just got back from a great retreat at Rock Mountain where I ministered to over 340 teens from the nearby state of New Jersey. God really met us there at the altar where I preached and saw many teens give their hearts to God. I loved it, God show'd off as usual calling kids to serve Him at home, school and their world.

A thought God gave me this weekend as I spoke to several people that I want to share with the blog world is about our "calling." What's cool about our calling is first only God can give it. It comes from one source, God. Our calling is often looked upon as the one thing we will do the rest of our lives. Though it is true that there are a few things that we must do the rest of our lives like "love the Lord our God and love our neighbor as ourselves" but our enviornment can and very well may change but our calling is always to affect this world with the gospel in one way or another and that never changes. As a former youth pastor, I felt like I would do that for alot longer than I did but God kept His purpose with me and changed my...environment. Therefore, our calling is found in our state of obedience to the Lord. If God says go, we go. As Jonah had a calling to go to Ninevah, he wasn't active in his calling until his obedience kicked in and many live like that today. Trying to find their calling without obedience. That will not work. There is no better place to find God than in the middle of His plan for your life. Our calling is found in our obedience. So know today that you don't have to know the rest of your life's details, just know today. His calling will unfold to you in the midst of your obedience. Keep your eyes on Him even when you don't know the WHOLE plan. He's been doing this a while, you can trust Him :) How do we find that? Handle the business God told you to handle today and focus on that alone and let God do the unfolding.

"Don't focus on your UNWORTHINESS because that was taken care of at the cross. Instead, focus on your UNWILLINGNESS for that is what you can change" ~ibid

Focused and Determined,
Tony

The Finish Line

The words “It is finished” are also a cry of victory in the sense that Jesus completed, he accomplished what God had sent him in this world to do. In this sense, it is like the athlete who enters a marathon race with the single-minded intention of both reaching the finishing line and coming in first. It is like the student finally reaching the goal after years of study comes graduation and a degree. It is like the author or artist, who after years of research and struggle finally complete their masterpiece, their most significant and enduring work. It is like undergoing major surgery and recuperating completely. For John the words of Jesus, “It is finished,” are the epitome of Christ’s life and ministry; the words are spoken by the King of kings on his throne, which was the cross. Jesus won the victory over sin, evil and death by willingly, and lovingly allowing himself to submit to these powers. In so doing, he defeated them.

Garth Wehrfritz- Hanson

I'm Back!

Well, I returned from Montana and the 25 below temperatures that I endured while there. I really enjoyed the people I met there but that cold is one to remember. I am a warm blooded creature indeed! Many testimonies from the weekend proved that the gospel no matter where you are from and where you are going means that the gospel IS universal and no respecter of persons. This is truth. Truth is a great thing in the hands of man who so desperatly look for answers.

God's truth judges created things out of love, and Satan's truth judges them out of envy and hatred. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Tony

Life

Sometimes I think of how quickly life comes at me and I think, did that just happen? We are now in the second month and January is history. Life comes at us fast and we must move forward with God's plan for our lives. I leave back to the state of Montana again to do another event out there and am expecting God to move tremendously...I leave you today with a great quote from a deep thinker:

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. ~Soren Kierkegaard

Quote note: Martin Luther King, Jr.

I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mountain Top Experience

I just returned from Montana and I had a blast meeting new people and experiencing God's presence in the services. There were many that testified of God's goodness. A student wrote me and this with me. The person will remain nameless:

Tony, This week at SnowBlast has been amazing!

Within the past two weeks God has been speaking to me. One night he gave me a vision. He told me that He was coming soon, whether we were ready or not. One morning He revealed something to me for Fine Arts. I thought that it was going to lead up to something...

It did. It lead up to SnowBlast, everything that God showed me had been in the services. And in what I had heard people say throughout these days of SnowBlast.

I was shocked when you said that we would never have this day and these seconds again. I had never thought of anything like that before. I am now trying to live everyday to my fullest.

I realize that certain people won't like you. I've spent way too much time trying to find a way to get all these different people to like me. Now that I think about it, I don't know if I would want to be gothic just to get a gothic person to like me. God told me something that was in between me and Him was my vanity. I'm WAY TOO CONCERNED about how I look just like I said, so that people will like me. People don't have to like me. I'm a child of God and He loves me no matter what I look like..."

I am so grateful for thoughts like this. This is a growing concern for many. 'Will people like me' or 'what will so and so think'. I have reached a point in my life where I realize no matter how hard I try some people just won't like me. If they didn't like Jesus, they surely wont all like me! Let God like you.

Spurgeon said it best:
A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you when forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not on marble. ~C. H. Spurgeon

Keep carving,
Tony

Tony Montana (Prepare to LIVE)

I am preparing to head out to Montana tomorrow and am looking forward to a great event. I am doing a district youth retreat and look forward to impacting students for the furtherance of Christ our Lord. A friend of mine, Chilly Chilton, quoted someone recently on his great blog that I wanted to elaborate on and here it is:

"God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises...leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself."
- Deitrich Bonhoeffer

I am looking at church in America as we know it today and it frustrates me how many churches are trying so hard to please people and yet so willing to displease our Lord. I see alot on TV with the ministers that forget about sin and the repercussions of dabbling in it and treat God as a Deistic Santa Claus and forget that He is sovereign and ruler over all. We can pray bu as believers we have to trust that He knows what's best. I believe as much as the next guy that we must pray and believe, not just pray. I do also believe that we are the servants and not the master.We are to reach for Him not man. Each of us will come to an account for our very own lives one day and bow before the KING of kings and the LORD of lords. Make no mistake, He is Jesus. Today, prepare yourself to live! not just exist.

Psalm 68:20 NIV "Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death."

He is who He says He is, trust Him today!

~Tony

Bit by snake

Tony Cruz, Bit by snake

Pray..... :)
What was Tony doing hanging out near such a deadly snake?

I'm Gonna be a daddy...again!

We are excited to report that Elisha is pregnant with our second child. This is truly a blessing and we are excited to share in this with all our family and friends. Drop a comment if you want. I would love to hear from you. Watch out, another Cruzer is on the way!

Mondays can be good too - MYTH?

I have always insisted that I didnt hate Mondays but rather Mondays hated me :) To some extent I still hold to that. However, sometimes Mondays are a blessing because I love reflecting on things God did over the weekend. I was away doing a great retreat for some friends in NJ and God really touched students. I am honored to pour into lives. It gets tiresome at times with the travel portion but this one wasn't a bad one. 1hr 45 was all it took and I was blessed to see over 150+ students yesterday flooding the altars asking God to use them to minister to their friends, family and to make a daily decision for Christ. The theme: MYTHBUSTERS and we did just that.

Myth #1. God always takes, He never gives = BUSTED
Myth #2. I can do this on my own, I dont need help = BUSTED
Myth #3. It doesnt bother God when I compromise a little = BUSTED

Sometimes we have a problem believing God wants to use us. But following Him requires faith. Many of us pray enough to be forgiven but not enough to make a difference.

Chew on that today and see what comes out.

~Tony

What are you bringing to the table?

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.”
— Corrie ten Boom