Joe & Becky Cruse

I trust this “short but sweet” letter finds you abundantly blessed and enjoying these early summer days! Psalms 116 says—

1 I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.?
2 Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!?
3 Death wrapped its ropes around me;? the terrors of the grave overtook me. ?I saw only trouble and sorrow.?
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:? “Please, Lord, save me!”?
5 How kind the Lord is! How good he is!? So merciful, this God of ours!?
6 The Lord protects those of childlike faith;? I was facing death, and he saved me.
7 Let my soul be at rest again,? for the Lord has been good to me.?
8 He has saved me from death,? my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.?
9 And so I walk in the Lord’s presence? as I live here on earth!?
10 I believed in you, so I said,? “I am deeply troubled, Lord.”?
11 In my anxiety I cried out to you,? “These people are all liars!”?
12 What can I offer the Lord? for all he has done for me??
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation ?and praise the Lord’s name for saving me.?
14 I will keep my promises to the Lord? in the presence of all his people.

David knew about calling on the Lord. This beautiful psalm is from the heart of a man who knew his God. I have been meditating on this passage and pray it will encourage you as well. What can we offer the Lord for all He has done for us? Has God been good to you? Of course, and He hears us when we call upon Him.

The simplicity in which David prays this prayer really speaks my heart so well. What can I do? I will lift the cup of salvation (a toast if you will) and praise Him for His goodness and His faithfulness.

God knows I will be His voice in the earth! I will be a testimony for His namesake! You O Lord hear my voice and my prayers come up before you as a sweet smelling savor. I will forever praise your name and keep my vows to you Oh Lord!

As we call on the name of the Lord this week, let’s be praying for:

• Our church and its ministries
• The members of CWC for safe travels and a restful summer
• Austin Worship Explosion June 24-26
• Our 4th of July Family Picnic
• Kids Centre VBS July 5-9
• Thank the Lord for giving us our property and provision to take possession
• Pray for services this weekend and that the lost will be saved and lives will be restored

Friends, have a blessed week. I have the privilege of sharing the Word in the Sunday service and God has put a powerful message on my heart that will bless, encourage you and strengthen you.

Also, don’t forget—tonight our Four12 Youth will be meeting at 6:00 in the Green Building while we gather for a powerful time of prayer at Recharge! Join us won’t you? You will certainly be blessed!

Ps Joe and Becky and the team

I wanted to encourage you today with some thoughts on prayer that I came across several years back. The following excerpt is by Dutch Sheets, well-known author and minister on the power of intercessory prayer.

“The Word of God is called a “seed” in the Scriptures. The root word in Greek is speiro. Spora and sperma are variations of the word, both of which are translated “seed” in the New Testament. It is easy to see the English words spore and sperm in them.
God’s method of reproducing or bringing forth life is His Word, by which we are: born again (see 1 Pet. 1:23), cleansed (see Jn. 15:3), matured (see Mt. 13:23), freed (see Jn. 8:31–32), healed (see Ps. 107:20)—as well as many other results.

When God speaks His Word, He is sprinkling seeds that will bring something forth. The Word of God is never ineffective; it will always produce. When we speak God’s Word into situations, as the Holy Spirit directs, we are sprinkling the seeds of God, which then gives Him the ability to cause life to come forth!

Job 22:28 declares, “You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you” (NASB). The word “decree” means literally “decide and decree”—determine something and then decree it. The actual meaning of omer, the Hebrew word translated “thing,” is “a word; a command; a promise.”

A more precise wording would be, “You shall decree or declare a word.” Then He says it will be established for you. “Establish” is the word qum, meaning not only to establish, but also to “arise or stand up” (word information taken from the Theological Workbook of the Old Testament, (Eerdmans). Here’s what I believe God is saying: “You shall decree a word and it will rise up. You shall sprinkle My seed. It will arise (grow) and establish something in the earth.”

Why don’t you establish some salvation upon the earth by decreeing salvation seeds? Establish freedom for someone by declaring freedom seeds. Establish unity over your church or city by commanding unity seeds. Establish God’s destiny over your children by sowing destiny seeds. Plant your own personal garden. Tend it well. See if God’s Word won’t produce a harvest. Re-present the victory of Calvary from your mouth!

Job 6:25 reads: “How forcible are right words” (KJV). Forcible is the word marats, which also means “to press” (Strong’s Concordance). A pastor friend of ours says that as the signet ring of a king presses a document with his seal, our words also seal things. They seal our salvation, the promises of God, our destinies, and many other things.

Ecclesiastes 12:11 tells us, “The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies” (KJV). Our words act as nails, constructing things in the Spirit. Just as a nail is used to keep a board in place, words are used to keep God’s promises in place, allowing them to build or construct things in the Spirit”.

—Adapted from Intercessory Prayer, by Dutch Sheets (Regal Books) © 1996. Used with permission.

Church, this was such a blessing to me in the early years of my walk towards understanding the power of prayer. I don’t know about you, but this week, I WILL BE SOWING SEEDS of salvation, of healing, of victory, and seeds of financial blessing, just to name a few!

As we pray, lets bring forth life with our words—

We are decreeing:

• Salvation to all who come into our house at CWC
• Freedom to those who are in darkness or bondage of any kind
• Healing to all who have been attacked in their bodies
• Restoration to those who have had loss (financial loss, relationship loss, etc)
• Great faith to those who are believing God for big things
• Properties sold, and loose ends tied up for those who are stepping into a new season
• Finances to come in to move forward on possessing the land this summer

Friends, have a blessed and prosperous week. We look forward to seeing you this week for Recharge or in the Equip and Celebration Service on Sunday! We will be honoring Memorial Day this coming Sunday and Pastor Joe has an awesome word on the power of remembering!

Ps Joe and Becky and the team

I trust your week is going well and that you are living in the joy of the Lord. This past Sunday was so awesome—many new visitors and 4 who answered the altar call for salvation or rededication! Praise be to God!

As we have studied the topic of prayer for almost 3 years, I want to remind you how important it is to pray from a place of authority, not in ourselves but in Christ. I have been meditating on Ephesians 2 and have broken the first 10 verses into a simplistic outline. The Apostle Paul reminds us of the what, how, where and why being “in Christ” can change our perspective.

WHO? (This would be you and me)

Ephesians 2:1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,
2in 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.
3All 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.

WHAT? (Verse 4 is my life verse—rich in mercy, rich in mercy, rich in mercy…)

4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

HOW? (We’ve been raised with Christ)

6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him….

WHERE? (speaking of present as well as future)

…..in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

WHEN? (Remember, eternity begins TODAY)

7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
9not by works, so that no one can boast.

WHY? (We were definitely created for a purpose)

10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When we pray, it is important for us to know our position in Christ. We don’t come to the Lord, sniveling, fearful, worried or doubtful. We come in faith, and make our requests known based on His great love, applying that mercy and grace He has extended to us. Yes, we were dead in our sins at one point, but now we are new creations, new creatures, alive unto God and created for “good works”. We have been seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, and I believe the “coming ages” begins even this very moment. I don’t believe we have to wait till we get to heaven to rule and reign, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can “live, move, and have our being”.

I have heard many people pray, “Lord, if it be thy will, heal me” and I want to say, “What?” “That is what He died for!” Have you heard people pray, “Lord, if it be thy will, provide my needs.“ Church, Christ purchased our salvation, which is not just our fire insurance. Our healing, our deliverance, our provision, our healing was all a part of the package!

Again, v. 8 says, “For it is by grace you have been “SAVED” (SOZO=Salvation in every area of your life), through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

It is Gods’ will you be healed, saved, delivered and provided for! AMEN! So when you pray, don’t see yourself as a poor pitiful person but see yourself as God sees you—IN CHRIST!

It is from that place, we are able to do the “good works” because God has prepared us in advance—I love that! Whatever you are facing this week, God has prepared you to overcome. And here’s something else to ponder–you have been prepared by God to do, not only the good works, but also the greater works. Now church, that is some really good news!

John 14:12-13 (NKJV) says, ““Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son”.

Friends, as we pray this week, let’s agree for the following requests, based on the fact that we have been seated together with Christ and that we have been prepared in advance to do all He has called us to do!

• Pray for the church, schools, and traveling ministry
• Pray for the land and for the finances to move forward quickly
• Pray for speedy healing for those sick in our body
• Pray for those who will attend services this weekend
• Pray for our church leaders and government leaders
• Pray for children, youth, singles ministries
• Pray for Young Marrieds and 40’s+
• Pray for supernatural increase and for favor in business and the marketplace
• Pray for Austin Worship Explosion June 24-26

Have a blessed week and we look forward to seeing you in services this Wednesday and Sunday!

Blessings,
Ps Joe and Becky and the team

How are you today? I trust you are walking in God’s favor and blessing! I want to share something today that I believe is one of the greatest keys to effective praying.

Mark 11:24-25 says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” We all hang on v 24 and claim that as our own. But what about v 25?

Just how important is it to walk in forgiveness? Forgiveness is an extremely important issue in the lives of all people. .
Forgiving others leads to life, both abundant life here and now and eternal life, which will last forever with the LORD. Forgiveness of others is not an option if a person wants to receive.

Let’s talk first about the flip-side of forgiveness, which is unforgiveness. ??Have you ever known someone who is so emotionally dried up and bitter that they won’t allow anyone “inside” their walls? The cause is usually a deep hurt that has been allowed to remain in the heart. This pain is caused by unforgiveness.

Unforgiveness leads to death. If a person refuses to forgive they will eventually become a bitter person.
Some people are afraid to enter into the realm of friendship or marriage as a result of an inability to forgive others. The worst effect resulting from inability to give forgiveness is the inability to receive forgiveness. ?How important is forgiveness? ?

?Matthew 6:14-15 says, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your HEAVENLY FATHER will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your FATHER will not forgive your sins.”??

This may seem a bit harsh. Of course, you are forgiven on the basis of JESUS dying for your sins on the cross. And that is the exact point. JESUS died for you while you were in sin! And your sin was laid on HIS spotless and perfect shoulders at Calvary. He forgave you so completely that it cost Him, His life!??

Now you must be willing to do the same for others. And here is why: Forgiveness brings freedom.

Not just for the person you are not forgiving, but also for you! That’s right. Not forgiving is like taking a chain and wrapping it around yourself and the person you are refusing to forgive, tying you both together. Nothing can break that chain but an act of your own will. Your will remember, not your emotions.

Friends, if you feel that sometimes your prayers don’t get above your ceiling, check your hearts and make sure you aren’t covering areas such as unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, resentment, etc. Answered prayers are dependent on you living a life free of these weights.

As we pray corporately this week, we are praying for:

1. our families, children, youth, and singles at CWC
2. our business people for job promotions and raises
3. our students, graduation and their future
4. our leadership/pastors
5. our civil authorities
6. our services this week
7. our lost family members and friends
8. finances and favor for the property
9. Bro. Don Denny’s continued recovery from back surgery
10. Sharon Darst’s daughter, Ashley as she goes on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic

Have a great week and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for prayer @ the Recharge Service Wednesday and our Sunday Celebration.

Blessings,
Ps Joe and Becky and the team

I trust you are having a great week. You know what is exciting? God is up to something at CWC. There is a lifting, a stirring—something is happening and it is good and it is God! Can you sense it? I want to encourage you to join us this weekend for our special Mother’s Day celebration along with baby dedication. It’s going to be a wonderful day!

One of our new members shared story this with me. I’m sending it your way—it blessed me!

“Yesterday, Pastor Joe gave a great illustration about crabs in a bucket. Being from the Chesapeake Bay area, I had no problem seeing exactly what he was talking about.

Crabs in a bucket always try to escape. The more crabs you put in the bucket, the closer they get to the top, the more likely one might get away. EXCEPT the crabs that are closest to the top have a serious problem. The ones underneath will grab ahold of them and pull them back into the bucket! Now I don’t know if the crabs are thinking, “Hey, buddy, you’re not going without me” or “Hey, buddy, you’re staying right here for the crab boil with the rest of us.” Either way, the pulling down by the ones below tend to keep the bucket full and escapees a rare occurrence.

When I was youth pastor, I used to have my teens try this experiment. One would stand on a table and another on the floor. Then they would play tug-of-war. Who do you think won, every single time? The one on the floor, of course! Because it is easier to pull someone down than pull them up. The fallen human nature tends to be negative, tends to focus on the worst case scenario. This is the effect of fear that entered with sin.There are plenty of crabby people out there trying to pull us back into the bucket! And not just unbelievers, either. There are plenty of crabby Christians out there, too. Some of them are actually wanting us to pull them up with us and other simply want to pull us down to them.

Faith, the absence of fear and perfect confidence of the good things we expect, is supernatural and powerful, but it requires a lot of practice before it is strong enough to mitigate the effects of that downward pull. So, today, I’m going to be careful how I hear, careful who I listen to, careful with my thoughts and careful to protect the joy of the Lord in me, which is my strength, so that I not only will not be pulled down, but also by God’s grace may be able to pull someone already down out of the bucket with me!”

Can I encourage you to be salt and light this week? There are so many hurting people that need a warm hug, a friendly smile, someone who cares. Invite them to church, or better yet, bring them with you to the house of the Lord. We can see their lives changed forever by the presence and power of the Lord.

Why don’t you join us this Wed night @ 6:30 for Recharge? It’s a great time of prayer, praise and worship. You will really be blessed!

If you aren’t able to join us Wednesday, link your faith with us. We are going to be praying for:

Our newest members—The Ogle Family and Becka Treadaway
Our Centre g’s – especially, Fraternity and 3:11 (Men’s and Women’s groups)
Our Kids @ CWC and Debbie McMillen and helpers
Our Four12 Youth @ CWC and Aaron Folz and team
The visitors who have been visiting the last few weeks
Our neighbors in our local communities surrounding the church
Our students as they finish this year
Our Pastors, teachers, and administrative team
Our businessmen/women

We love you all,
Pastor Joe and Becky and the team