Monday, December 20, 2010

A New You Declaration

Rick Warren just posted this on his twitter and I wanted to pass it along to you. Simply a great declaration. Make it something YOU OWN today. Great approach to the NEW YEAR:


THE PURPOSE DRIVEN DECLARATION
Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word. 

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven,  I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,”  character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose driven, and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race. I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say, "However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes!  Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.  Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes!  I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!'"

LET'S BE DILIGENT AND TAKE 2011 BY STORM!

Tony

(found here)

Friday, December 17, 2010

FUSED (New Ministry DVD by Tony Cruz)

I am excited to announce that we just received shipment of our newest DVD: "FUSED - Releasing the Power of God in your life."

In this session, you will sit in on a dynamic message that I believe will ROCK YOU to the CORE as I bring the truth of God desiring us to fuse our lives for His glory. Is Christ as part of your life or an element? The DVD message will help you determine if you are FUSED to the world or if you are FUSED in Christ.

Believe me when I say, this is a must hear message.  We are taking orders and for a limited time we will add a free bracelet to the orders placed. Don't miss out on this life changing message.

You can download a form at: www.tonycruz.org/resources.htm and follow directions on the form.

This greatly helps our ministry. Thank you all for your support throughout the year!
Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Devil's Plan for Your Life

For the new year, I wanted to drop a few simple thoughts to encourage you.
 
The new year brings a lot of trials, discouragement BUT also the new year gives opportunity to be used by God. It's important that we understand that the only way to know God and His will for our lives is to be close to Him. There is no substitute for that however, it's beneficial to be aware of the vices that our enemy comes at us with.
 
The devil’s plan for your life:

1. Doubt - To make you question God’s word and His goodness;

2. Discouragement - To make you look at your problems rather than at God;

3. Diversion - To make the wrong things seems attractive so that you will want them more than the right things;

4. Defeat - To make you feel like a failure so that you don’t even try;

5. Delay - To make you put off doing something so that it never gets done. 





This new year, live victorious and may 2011 be the year of PROMISE and BREAK THRU!

Knowing Who's In Control

A National Geographic photographer was assigned to get photos of a huge forest fire. There was too much smoke at the scene, so he called a local airport and asked if he could hire a plane. "No problem," they said. "Come on out and we'll have one waiting for you."
When he arrived at the airport, a plane was warming up near the runway. The photographer jumped and said, "Let's go! Let's go!" The pilot swung the plane into the wind and soon they were in the air.

The photographer looked out the window and said, "Fly over the north side of the fire and make three or four low level passes."
The pilot said, "Why do you want to do that?"
The photographer said, "Because I'm going to take pictures. That's what I do -- I'm a photographer."
The pilot gulped and said, "You mean, you're not the flight instructor?"

You better know who is in control of your life! 

Meaning

“If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.”
          — C. S. Lewis

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

12 THINGS WE HATE ABOUT YOUTH MINISTRY

by Doug Fields & Matt McGill

Yesterday, we reflected on 12 things we love about youth ministry—it was hard to keep the list to just 12! Serving in youth ministry is great, but sometimes we allow our priorities to get mixed up and give it more than we should. When the needs of the ministry consume and devour our lives, and it results in no margin, no accountability, and no joy…it’s time to change things. Here are some of the warning signs, 12 things we hate about youth ministry:

1. Fatigue can result in poor leadership decisions. This season, get some rest!

2. The nagging feeling that we may have given up too early on that one high maintenance kid.

3. Overload leads to taking short cuts and doing what’s easy rather than doing what is best (or right).

4. Sometimes we’re tempted to skim in our spiritual lives since people really don’t know if we skip our personal devotions.

5. We can take criticism personally and use it as a club to beat our self up.

6. We believe the lie that our ministry is the most important one in the church. We become territorial and build high walls around youth ministry within the church.

7. Insecurities and fears feed one another until they’re consuming. While cocooned, we rest on our laurels, refuse to take risks, and become satisfied with the way things are.

8. Our drive to be faithful and grow the ministry can move us from honest persuasion to manipulation.

9. We feel like unsung heroes, wallow in self pity, and then feel guilty for having a need to be affirmed.

10. We get confused or indignant when other leaders seem to love the ministry as much as we do.

11. We let success feed the self-deception that says, “I did this on my own power…or…I can do this on my own power.”

12. The pressure to perform and please others distracts us from trusting God.

Christmas is a great time to step back and remember the important things in life: God’s love for us is unchanging, uncompromising, and unconditional. He loves our students more than we do and is working within to draw us closer.

Begin the NEW YEAR with a FRESH START and accept God’s invitation to a great life.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

WHY MEN SHOULD GIVE THANKS

(aka. Why Men Are Never Depressed)
A buddy of mine posted this on his newsletter thought it was worth reposting. Thanks Keandre!

~ The garage is all yours.

~ Wedding plans take care of themselves.

~ Chocolate is just another snack.

~ Car mechanics tell you the truth.

~ You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too nasty.

~ Wrinkles add character.

~ Wedding dress, $5,000. Tux rental, $100.

~ New shoes don't cut, blister or mangle your feet.

~ Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.

~ A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.

~ You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

~ If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

~ Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.

~ Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.

~ You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

~ The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.

~ You only have to shave your face and neck.

~ You can play with toys all your life.

~ You can do your nails with a pocket knife.

~ You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on Dec. 24 in 25 minutes or less.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Changed Life

Luke 5:13-14
(The Message)

13 Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, "I want to. Be clean." Then and there his skin was smooth, the leprosy gone.
14-16 Jesus instructed him, "Don't talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed self to the priest, along with the offering ordered by Moses. Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done."


I talk to a lot of people who are looking for change to happen to them when in reality change happens because we sought it.  I understand that Jesus is the One that changes us but first we have to allow Him access to our lives.  When we come to a place where our life speaks more volumes than our lips, we are close to where Jesus wants us. "Your life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done." The weakness in many peoples lives is that they want the impact without the commitment. This cannot happen. In the Kingdom of God, change happens when we grant Jesus Christ access.

Measure not men by Sundays, without regarding what they do all the week after." -Thomas Fuller


Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Ultimate Donation


There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She
hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'

What does this mean?
This is such an accurate picture of how we treat God. He gave so much to us. As this boyfriend gave his eyes, so God gave His Son. Grace sustains us and when we are going through our storms and we welcome that. But when things settle and I have a chance to trust Him without a storm, we shelve Him. This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. We are quick to forget where we came from. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations. Life Is a Gift and the gift is Jesus.

Think about this:
-Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
-Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
-Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
-Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
-Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
-And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

Just thinking out loud.
Tony

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

BEYOND THE PULPIT - TEN IDEAS FOR EVERYDAY OUTREACH


1. Pay attention to the people around you in your neighborhood or at work. Send up an arrow prayer as you walk by them.

2. Be mindful of those who serve you—bank tellers, grocery store clerks, fast food workers. Look them in the eye and tell them you appreciate their service.

3. Leave a note of encouragement on a coworker's desk or on the windshield of their car.

4. When you walk past a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up and throw it in a garbage can.

5. When someone says they're having a bad day, stop and ask if you can pray for them right there.

6. At the drive-thru, pay for the meal of the person behind you.

7. Stop and talk with a homeless person. Find out their story.

8. Before leaving a restaurant, jot a thank you note to your server and leave it on the table or call the manager over and explain how much you enjoyed the service.

9. Go out of your way to be friendly to a prickly person.

10. When you're talking with someone, give them the gift of your full attention.

Contributed by Dana Wilkerson

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

QUESTIONS FOR MARY

I love to hear good thoughts and I like to hear funny ones. Max Lucado has twenty-five questions that he wants to ask Mary the mother of Jesus, here are a few of my favorites. Here is a mixture of both:

What was it like watching him pray?

When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention a flood?

Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world?

When he saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did he act differently?

Did you ever try to count the stars with him . . . and succeed?

Did he ever come home with a black eye?

Did he have any friends by the name of Judas?

Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was
asleep under your own roof?

Did you ever accidentally call him father?

What did he and his cousin John talk about as kids?

Did you ever think, That’s God eating my soup?

Friday, September 17, 2010

LOVE ISN'T FORCED

"Power can do everything but the most important thing: it cannot control love. In a concentration camp, the guards possess almost unlimited power. By applying force, they can make you renounce your God, curse your family, work without pay, kill and bury your closest friend. All this within their power. Only one thing is not: they cannot force you to love them" ~Phillip Yancey

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Who's Side Are You On?


During the US civil war Abraham Lincoln met with a group of ministers for a prayer breakfast. Lincoln was a man of deep, if at times unorthodox, faith. At one point one of the ministers said, "Mr. President, let us pray that God is on our side". Lincoln’s response showed far greater insight, "No, gentlemen, let us pray that we are on God’s side."

If we want to know what God wants us to do, then we must first strive to live a life of conformity to Him. It is the thought life of doing what I want and asking God to "bless it" that has put us in a place that leaves us not knowing that He is displeased by our way of life.

If you are a Christian - a Christ follower - Live life with His will in mind today!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

TOGETHER WE CAN REACH THE MASSES!


With this intense travel we are in a critical phase of ministry. God has opened INCREDIBLE doors for us to minister to THOUSANDS this summer. However, we are presently in a critical need financiall and are asking all friends and people who appreciate this ministry to consider making a one year/monthly financial committment for whatever amount to keep this ministry moving forward. I am trusting that God will lead many to stand with us. We are so grateful for those that have supported us since the inception of this ministry. Since day one we have NEVER charged a ministry/church for coming and operate strictly by faith.

Pray and if you feel led, consider a one year pledge. This ministry is what Elisha and I have dedicated our lives to and your support will keep us reaching the masses.

If you are interested or feel led, please visit our website at http://www.consumingfiremin.com/partnering.htm and follow the instructions there.

Thank you for your consideration and we hoping for many to stand with us to bring freedom to the captives. We look forward to hearing from you. We appreciate you all.

Till all hear,
Tony Cruz
Evangelist of Consuming Fire Ministries, Inc.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

CONSUMED - NOW IN BLACK!!



Our NEW summer Consumed shirts now available. Support our summer outreaches as every purchase keeps our ministry moving forward and touching lives.

-Tony

Sunday, May 16, 2010

i lead - Ten Leadership Realities


Ten Spiritual Leadership Realities
shared by Doug Clay – Assistant Superintendent of the A/G

1. It’s lonely to lead
2. Success can be dangerous
3. It’s hardest at home
4. Authenticity is essential
5. It’s painful to obey
6. Disappointment is part of it
7. It’s attitude that matters
8. Integrity eclipses image
9. It starts and ends with humility
10. Anointing is non-negotiable

Saturday, April 10, 2010

I KNOW WHO I AM

I KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3 :20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph.. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13 )
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

New York State Convention



Pictures say a thousand words. I am humbled by the chance I have to speak the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thousands committing to Him and reports of too many to blog about. I spoke on how Jesus changed everything. Hopelessness. Purposelessness. Death. all were defeated at the Cross. He is risen and we can be too!



Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Tennessee State Youth Convention Feedback



Tennessee State Youth Convention was a blast. I am still receiving reports of God saving, calling and loads of rededications. Some are long but trust me, they are worth the read. Here are a few in their own words:

Student - Briana
"This was the fourth convention I have been to. They have all seemed the same except for this one. I would always go expecting some incredible message and I always get it, and I always feel so great and in love with God when I leave. Then when I get back home I ALWAYS fall... hard. During those falls I get really depressed. But, this convention was different. I had been having so much trouble with my faith and believeing and when I got there it felt like I wasn't actually trying. Until I heard you speak. There was just something... I'm not sure how to describe it. It was just so strong. I usually would have already fallen, but I'm still strong in his word. I picked up a bible for the first time in months and read non stop for 2 hours. Every message God put into your heart reached me. When you told us the story about your father, it made me realize how important my dad is to me. Him and I didn't talk for 3 months straight because I got sick of the way he talked to me and what he would do, so I wanted to wait for him to apoligize. Then when I heard what you had said, I called him. All I did was say hi, and it felt so much better..."

Sydney
"i just wanted to say thank you so much for talkin this weekend at the youth convention in gatlinburg.your message on friday about who is in my chair really hit me hard and now my life is saved."

Lori
"Loved your inspirational message at our State Youth Convention in Gatlinburg. Thanks for what you do for our Teens....."

Rebecca
I would just like to tell you how much I enjoyed each of your messages. I go every year with the Youth because my children are in it and my husband and I love to be active with the Youth. We think every year this is going to be great for the young people of our church. And it always is but we get just as much of a blessing as they do. I love to see the youth worshipping God and the lost giving their hearts to God. But this year I enjoyed it probably more then the young people. As an adult I think sometimes you get so caught up in your resposiblities in life and let some things go. I always try to be a good Christian example for my children and the other children I work with at our church. But I have been struggling a little here lately wondering what God's plans was for me and where he was taking me in life. But this wkend was a great recharge for me and put me right on path and gave me the strenght, desire, fire, and the faith I needed to be back on track and to be the Great Christian person I desire to always be in life. I think you so much for your messages and the faith and spirit you have!!!"

Ethan
"we just got back from Youth Convention in Knoxville Tn. yesterday was the first day that I had cried in two in a half years because of you im so glad i decided to come this year just because of you so thank you so much"

Raven
"Hey Tony....I just wanted to say thank you for being at the State Youth Convention in TN this weekend! It really helped me.....I have been through alot this past year and I really lost my path-way to God....Your messages really helped me get that he loves me no matter what I do and he will never leave my side. I really need it! I have made a couple mistakes.....but now I now that God still loves me.....thanks for believing in our Generation! I appreciate your awesome ministry! Keep up the good work!"

Allison
"Hi Tony! ...i just thought you needed to know how much you have changed my life. I've had doubts, and i've asked God to open my eyes to him so I can know He is the only way. I've prayed so hard for this past weekend and GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS! What you said and talked about at SYC were the exact things I was asking God to show me."

Loren
"I just wanted you to know that you're message was amazing. I am not one to step out and come to the altar but your messages really touched me. I am a new girl and I am so glad I was able to hear you. You see, I've been saved and baptised for almost 5 years and although I really love God, I never truly felt like I had a relationship with him and I wasnt confident in my faith. . . . It hurt to be so far away. My problem was that I didnt know how to make the first step. I was afriad that I would be good for a while, then I'd fall back into my old routine if I didnt do this right. ...I went to your service and the music was fantastic, my heart was aching for more. You got on stage and from my seat in the back I could fell God working through you. It was powerful, it was amazing. I had never been so touched before. By the end of the weekend your messages had made me laugh, cry and pray until it hurt. I missed being in God's presence. You brought it back to me and you will never know how grateful I am for that. You really and truly have a gift and you've blessed me and my friends. Thank you so much for coming and even though you didn't know it, you saved a 17 yr old girl from a lot of bad things. Thank you for just being awesome.


Kibria
"Thank you for letting God speak through you and thank you for telling us what God wanted us all to hear. I cannot speak for all that attended but this weekend I finally can say I fell in even more deeper Love with my God and it all was such a blessing!!! Thanks you for you words,wisdom,and willingness to sit beside the Throne and let god run it all like you spoke about the other night."


Thank God for all He does in the lives of people who are willing to hear from Heaven.
Please continue to pray for these and the countless others this ministry reaches on a weekly basis.

Thank you prayer partners and supporters!

Tony

Thursday, March 25, 2010

History on March 25, 1965 - Spark another today!


On this day in Montgomery, Ala., March 25, 1965 -- The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led 25,000 both blacks and whites to the shadow of the State Capitol here and challenged Alabama to put an end to racial discrimination. This act changed alot of things.
Likewise, what will you do today to end the injustice happening in the souls of a generation dying for a chance to be a part of something HUGE - God's plan. Change a life today with love, compassion and truth. If we do what we are called to do WRAPPED in LOVE...we can accomplish anything for Him. Make a difference today.

“The real problem is in the hearts and minds of men. It is not a problem of physics but of ethics. It is easier to denature plutonium than to denature the evil from the spirit of man.” ~Albert Einstein

Monday, March 8, 2010

Catch Up / Rev Up


It's been a while for us. Alot has taken place. Many lives have been touched and changed for God's glory. I have been unable to update given my intense travel itinerary and recent passing of my grandfather. But am glad I get to let you know of some things that have happening with Consuming Fire Ministries and me personally as well.

We last left off at the MMX retreat and here we are a month later and I have had the priviledge of speaking at Calvary Assembly Church's winter retreat. This church is from Wyncote and we had a blast. Particularly the last night where many lives were touched and I then spoke at Grace Assembly in Spring City where I got to see some friends and preach on Nehemiah.

Following that I was excited about flying out to TN with my wife to speak at SKI INVASION in Gatlinburg, TN. This is a conference of about 1000 young people from VA, TN, NC, SC among others. From all walks of live I heard some wonderful testimonies of what God did through the word. Many were called and challenged to enter the ministry and be a light in this often dark world. I followed that by speaking at Evangel Church where I met a great new friends in Spartansburg, SC. What a great place! They are doing some real creative things to reach people there. This week I got back from a revival in Hamburg, NJ where some great services took place. That is my fourth time there and I really like those friends I have gotten to know there.

Keep us in prayer as I am approaching some of the more larger events here. I am heading back to TN to speak that the TN church of God state youth convention about (approx. 800 students) along with New York district youth convention which is about 6000 young people from NY and other places as well. I covet your prayers as the word will always go before me. I always try my best to hide in the shadow of the cross of Jesus Christ.

“Without the work of the cross we would be quite helpless. The cross enables us to come out free from under the heaviest and most powerful mental bondage. Not all the power of Satan, or sin, or habit can hold us captive any longer.”

— Tom Marshall

Friday, February 5, 2010

Winter Youth Convention


I am so excited about the lives touched this past week. And though it's fairly common in our ministry to hear of reports, not many have flooded in quite like this past weekend at the MMX Winter Retreat for PennDel District. I have removed only a few things that were sensitive in nature but I wanted to provide for you several testimonies of God's goodness and power:

Name: dylan
I just want you to know God hasn't given me that miracle. I'm striving for it i have a pretty messed up life I'm really trying to pull through my mom passed like 3yrs ago an she was the one who built my faith she was in so much pain every day of my childhood an she just smiled cause she knew God was their in her an around her an since she passed I've been broken down even more because my dad's an alcoholic an does drugs I've been praying for him ever since i could walk through my church doors an i feel beaten an angry an i just want that feeling back that I am a strong person my old youth pastor Sean Bentley once brought me in front of my whole church an called me little David from the Bible an i want that faith an strength back my body is built strong around me but I'm a weak man inside. But I know God will help me through and you showed me that so thank you.

Name: Ashley
Message: I'm sixteen years old and I feel so connected through God. I feel like the mission He gave me is incredible. I feel so happy and so determined to make a change in this world, in my friends, my family, and complete strangers. From the trials I faced at birth by being four months premature and having the doctor tell my parents my twin brother and I were not going to make it, I realized that as easily as I could have died, God saved us. He saved us because He gave me a mission and I know that I can accomplish this mission. You were at Winter Retreat, and you preaching really made me look. Not only did it open my eyes, but my heart even more then before. I just wanted to thank you. I know God will take you and your beautiful family far.
I only regret not being able to tell you in person. Thank You for reading (: Tony, I can't honestly thank you enough for coming to Winter Retreat and preaching. It changed my life. I am so connected to God and I am now much more realizing of my mission. The way you preach opened my eyes and my heart even more to God. I feel like a whole new person with an entire new meaning to life. Your humor made then preaching light and fun. I feel more connected to God then ever. Thanks for EVERYTHING. -Ashley

Name: Nicole
Message: Tony, I was at Carlisle for Winter Retreat when you spoke. You were amazing. “If you have a pulse, you have a purpose.” I loved every sermon every night. They have motivated me. Thank you! (:

Name: Sierra
Message: Hi, Tony! I just wanted to thank you for coming to the Penndel Winter Retreat. Your sermon on healing is what I wanted to write about. When you spoke about your father, it really touched me. When I was growing up, my parents had always been separated and I spent certain days with my dad, which was fine with me, because I didn't know any different. But, around 8, my dad went to prison. In fact, he just got out a few months ago, almost eight years later. And when he came back, he wanted to spend time with me and my sisters. But I was so hurt by him leaving us that I was very bitter. I didn't want to spend time with him, because I felt like he had abandoned me when I needed him the most, as I was becoming a teenager and trying to figure things out. But, you told us to come up to the front and just have a leader hug us. And when I did, I felt like God was just telling me to let the hurts go, because He had made everything beautiful, whether I saw it or not. God was asking me to learn to love again, and reminding me that while my earthly father was gone, he was always there. I just want to thank you for following God that weekend. God bless your ministry.

Name: teresa
Message: thank you tony winter retreat was a blast i went for change and you know what i was changed big-time i had the worst life I’m adopted and your sermons last weekend helped me alot when i first got there i felt like no one loved me then Saturday after your sermon my chaperone gave me a hug and neither of us said anything and we both broke down crying like we didn’t have to say anything to each other we kinda talked by the hug it was soo amazing!!! THANKS A TON

Name: karley
Message: dear tony, i was at the winter retreat on Jan.29-31. i came to one of the alter calls (the one with the fence) I've never felt so connected to God, to life, to everything. i just wanted to say thanks because that one weekend, one day, one alter call changed my look on things. i hope i can listen to your service real soon.

Name: Alyssa
Message: Dear Tony,
I was at winter retreat last week end. On Saturday morning when you told the story about your Dad passing away it really helped me. For over a year I have been feeling like nobody in the world knew what I was going though or how I felt. My Dad passed away last January from Diabetes .When my mom told me I was just said okay. I wouldn't let myself feel anything, everyone kept asking how I was so calm about everything and I couldn't give them a reason. When someone would try and talk to me about it I would change the subject. I felt like I just existed. My friends told me they knew how I felt, but I knew they couldn't possibly know what I was dealing with. I was mad at God for taking him, and I was mad at myself for still being here when he wasn't. Me and my Dad were really close when I was little then we grew apart, the months before he died things felt like they were falling into place. That we were growing closer again, but now it's hard for me to grasp that I will never know what was going to happen. I have tons of different thoughts going through my mind about getting older and not having my Dad here .How long will it take for me to overcome this? During the allure call when you said if you just needed someone to hug you and tell you that God loves you I couldn't respond I wanted to but I couldn't make myself stand up and walk to the front, because I knew if I went up I would end up crying, I thought that crying meant that I was week and I have been telling myself that for what seemed like forever. One of my youth leaders from my church came up behind me, hugged me, and prayed with me and I cried for the first time in over a year. But you made me realize that I was never alone, God was always there I just had to seek him and listen to what he had to say. During worship I heard him say that everything was going to be okay. Thanks for being there this weekend. I know that know I'm going to be okay. With God all things are possible! Thanks so much, Alyssa

Name: Sarah
Message: Hi Tony! I just wanted to share something with you. At the MMX winter retreat, on the 30th you spoke about wounds. This really ministered to me. I have been having a rough couple of months…...Well your message really spoke to me, and now I am holding on to God's hand, laying everything down at His feet, AND NOT PICKING IT UP AGAIN! So thank you so much for allowing God to use you!

HERE ARE A FEW MORE THAT REACHED ME ON FACEBOOK

Melanie
i went to winter retreat the week you spoke and your sessions changed my life you let me see God in a different way so i wanted to thank you!

Nicole
Pastor Tony! I went to the 29-31 Winter Retreat. You were amazing! You made such a big differance in my life JUST by that weekend. Thank You.(:

Adam
Dear Tony,
Thank you so much for your awesome work this past weekend. It spoke to me so much, and I felt God's presence like no other. From all that has went on, I look back on a lot of the mistakes I was making now, and I don't even want to touch them. Not even being back a day, I have my first mission: my girlfriend wishes to have a strong relationship with The Lord. Thank you so much for helping me get there. I know you love hearing stories of success. I wanted to talk to you over the break but I came down with pink eye of all things! Thank you once again. God Bless,Adam

Ruthie
Thank you so much. I enjoyed listening to you speak and you have encouraged me so much over this past weekend. God has healed me and I pray that he will continue to do so. Your messages have been an answer to my prayers and I am grateful that I got to sit under you. I have been freed in so many areas of my likfe and pray that God continues and that my hearts stay open to the changes God is doing. I appreciate you and your wife very much. Be Blessed!
Have A Jesus Filled Day,
Ruthie

Brittany Nicole-Vajda Favuzza January 31 at 10:05pm
Hey Tony! My husband were so blessed by your love for JESUS and for His youth, we were so encouraged our selves...just wanted to say thank you to you and your wife for coming out! Anytime you want to come out to Harrisburg to hit the streets, hit us up!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

RECALL NOTICE

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed, "Subsequential Internal Non-morality", or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some other symptoms:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish, or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect.
The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

Call on the Manuracturer and once connected, your life will never be the same.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Not on my own


“The Christian life isn't difficult--it is impossible. If we don't know that, we will try to do things ourselves. Faith is not necessary when we think we can do it ourselves. Faith comes along when we realize that we cannot do it on our own.”

— Joseph Garlingen

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Testimonies JESUS > ME

I got these testimonies from two seperate churches from the same event this weekend GREATER This reminds me why I do what I do. I love my calling.

Testimony 1 -

"There's a girl in our group who hasn't been coming to church for several months. Things in her life have been rough. Her dad died of a drug OD when she was about 10 yrs old (and her mom was left with 5 kids -- she's the oldest of the 5). ... We convinced this girl, a senior in high school, to come on the retreat. During one of the altar times on Saturday, in a desperate moment of crying out, she really heard from God. She felt like He was speaking directly to her in a redemptive way. My wife was able to pray with her at the altar - and then back in the cabin for a long time. She is ready to start serving God again, and she's been telling us the past couple days that "enough is enough". She's really excited .... I pray that it will stick! Thanks for your part in it. Just wanted to share that with you."

Testimony 2

"Just wanted to share with you that the two young people that came forward the first night both recently gave their hearts to God like less than a month ago and we as a youth ministry made an investment into them...The young lady (name) since the night she gave her heart to God has been a big ball of fire and she was so excited to go...until we got there. She was sitting outside before the very first service and didn't want to go in, to the point of tears. She told me she felt uncomfortable and we chatted about how much everyone here cared about her and how much I cared about her and she finally went in. She was uncomfortable because she had never worshipped before...like ever. That service she didn't sing at all until she responded at the end I would have thought nothing was working. Since that night she hasn't stopped singing...the whole ride home...everything!!! She went into that service totally closed off and God pulled it right out of her! powerful stuff!!!

The young man ... came to youth cause he liked one of our young ladies. They are now bf/gf. He came and had prayed the salvation prayer before but this weekend he told me he prayed it for real with me. Before he had done it for this girl and now he wanted his own relationship with God! So, proud of him! . . . Thanks so much! Love your heart! Looking forward to ministering in the future with you!"

PRAISE GOD!!
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
Jesus in John 15:13

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Great Appeal



WE ARE WARPED! We often have a strange belief in God sometimes don't we? There are times that we think God is out to get us and strike us with His MIGHTY FINGER!! (que thunder) But in reality he was making his appeal through those of us who know Him to others that do not. Your love is key. You are the extension of God's love to this world. There are people all over the world right now that won't come to Christ because the true "love" that should have come from each of us, didn't. I have to commit myself to always asking myself how have I shown the love of God today to strangers, friends and even my own family.

God has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
— 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NIV)


He makes His appeal THROUGH us. You are the channel, the funnel of God's love.

Today, find one person to let them know they are loved. Do that, and then we will begin to see open doors to offer God's love. If we dont love, they can possibly believe that we serve a God who is the person of Love.

~Tony

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Art of Invitation


ARTICLE I READ - ENJOY
I don’t know how to invite people to church.

I thought I did, I mean on the surface, “Do you want to come to church with me this Sunday?” is a pretty simple sentence to say. There aren’t any complicated words in there like “transcendentalism.” It’s a short and simple thought, and yet, I have a hard time saying that sentence.

So when I recently thought about inviting a coworker to church I went through a mental list of possible ways I could ask him:


1. The Sneak Attack
I could just slip the church invite into a long sentence that is otherwise about work, effectively cloaking it amongst other items. For instance, “Hey, did you get those promos done? I need the comps by EOD and the code needs to be in place by Thursday. Do you want to go to church with me and did you get the files you need from the software engineer?” See, you didn’t even notice it did you? You were on your way to church with me, weren’t you?

2. The Production Values
The friend I want to invite to church is a graphic designer so I could always focus on the way the church uses graphic design. It’s not a church invitation, it’s an invitation to experience a graphic design wonderland. I could say something like, “You would not believe the way my church designed the set for this new series they’re doing on ‘The Matrix.’ The graphics are ridiculous. I think you’d really appreciate the production values. You should come with me some Sunday.”

3. All the Single Ladies
I know, I know, for shame Jon Acuff, for shame. But I admit, there have been times when I’ve invited single friends to church and may or may not have mentioned the abundance of singles ladies at North Point Community Church. Which is actually pretty dumb, because it’s not like I know any of them. What’s my plan, to invite my friend and then just point out a group of single girls and say to him, “See, right over there? That’s where they sit. Go talk to them. Go on now, git!”

4. Topic Perfection
I could always just wait until there’s a sermon series that fits my friend to a T. That’s sometimes an easier sell, when you can hand them a postcard or forward an email invite and essentially say, “Hey, you know how you’re a red headed, divorced uncle with a beard? Well this week my church is starting a new series called ‘How red headed, divorced uncles with beards can find meaning in this crazy world.’ I thought you might like it.”

5. Lunch Hostage
Bottom line, people like home cooked meals. So invite them to lunch on Sunday and then say, “Why don’t we just meet at church and then go back to my house from there? My wife makes an amazing fried chicken and it would be a great meal to have after church is over. P.S. Which we both will have attended together.”

6. My Kid
People at work are always bringing in sign up forms for girl scout cookies or popcorn fundraisers. There’s a long, proud tradition of using our kids to spur action in coworkers. So instead of inviting them to a school play that your kid is in, wait until your kid is starring in some sort of church musical. Then casually and calmly say, “Hey buddy at work, you know how I went to your little league game last week? I’d love you to return the favor and come see my kid sing in this musical thing. We’re really proud of her. Here’s the address, just look for the steeple.”

I suppose at the end of the day, you could also try something called “honesty.” Or maybe even “prayer.” I’ve heard both of those approaches have worked for several people in the past. Just walking up to someone you have a friendship with and saying, “Hey, I really think you’d like the church I attend, want to come with me this Sunday?” That radical approach could work.

How about you? How do you invite people to church?


article found at
http://stuffchristianslike.net/2009/12/inviting-people-to-church/#idc-container

Clean Slate


I am so glad that in this new year, God has given us all a calendar clean slate. Even though anyone who is in Christ can start over at anytime, many dont buy into that. However, with the year beginning fresh we can start with a new and clean slate. Can I encourage you with this? Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow. You'll see things in a whole new light. Follow Him with unbridled passion and chase! Thomas Mann once wrote, "Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunder-storm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols.”

If you have to, get right with Him now, today. Dont wait. He loves you.

Tony

Friday, January 1, 2010

2009

2010 is here so let me share my best in 2009:

Top 3 Best Movies:
3. UP - Great clean and really funny.
2. Star Trek - Not a treky but great cinematography
1. Flywheel - Not technically a 2009 movie but I watched it this year and its a great Christian movie. Low budget, high principle. SEE THIS MOVIE. The first from the makers of Facing The Giants and Fireproof.


Top 3 Best Books:
3. The Shack by William P. Young - Not a theological book but worth it's weight in gold.
2. Grace - The power to change by Dr. James Richards
1. In The Pit with A Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
*honorable mention: Crazy Love by Francis Chan (a must read)

Top 3 Best Quotes:
3. “Light travels faster than sound - that's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak." ~unknown
2. "There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing." ~Brian Tracy
1. "The amount of the Word of God you put in your heart will be the amount that defends it." ~me

Maybe more top 3's as the week moves on. Happy New Year.
Tony Cruz