Joe & Becky Cruse

It’s been a couple of weeks since you’ve heard from me. With revival @ CWC and a hectic travel schedule, I’ve gotten a bit behind!! My apologies and a promise to do better…

Miracle reports are still coming in from our week of revival with Evangelist Tim Hall and there’s been a fresh wind blowing in the church since that closing Friday night. There’s nothing like a good Holy Ghost revival to “clean the pipes out” and get you back to your first love. How do we spell relief??? R E V I V A L! Thanks to all who served and who supported the meetings. Great is your reward!

Have you heard about the Night of Worship with IFTA this coming Wed night, April 28th @ 7:00 pm? Our students have been working hard all year long and have prepared a very special night of praise and worship with dance, arts, music and ministry that I know will be a huge blessing to you. Come join us this Wed. Invite a friend or two—let’s support these young people with a strong showing of support. You will be blessed—I guarantee it.

For this weeks writing, I am passing on a very anointed article written by a delightful young lady who has joined the church in the past few months—Dr. Glenda Rose. Glenda is a gifted minister, educator, and all round fun person with a gusto for life and a passion for God’s presence. She is presently helping Centro de Adoracion and is a blessing to Ps Billy and Maritza. When I read it, I was so blessed and encouraged. We’ve been talking about renewing our minds in the 40s+ Equip class and I felt the Lord wanted me to share it with our beloved members/partners. Enjoy!

“What exactly does it mean to have the mind of Christ? When the Scripture says in 1 Corinthians 2:16 that we have the mind of Christ, it follows a long teaching on true wisdom, which comes from the Spirit of God and is the basis for our having the mind of Christ.

So what is the mind of Christ?

First, it seeks first the Kingdom of God. It does not have itself on its mind. When we have the mind of Christ our question is not “how does this benefit me” but “how will this draw men to the Father?”

Second, it knows its purpose. Jesus knew His purpose and He was not to be dissuaded - not by the enemy’s lures of fame and riches, not by his friend’s reproach, not even by the stress and anguish in the Garden alone wrestling with His own will and desires. He was set “as flint” to fulfill His purpose at any cost.

Third, it knows its own value. And it is on this point that I want to dwell. We in the modern church get so stuck on “do not think more highly of yourselves than you ought” (Romans 12:3, NIV) that we confuse humility with thinking more lowly of ourselves than we ought. “With humility comes wisdom” says Proverbs 11:2, but that word humility does not mean I do not know my own worth - it means that I recognize my complete and utterly dependence upon God.

Jesus, God made flesh dwelling among us, said that He could do NOTHING unless He saw the Father doing it but in the same discourse proclaimed that the FATHER had given the SON the authority to judge and rule. He had the power to call legions of angels to Calvary. He had the power of the wind and waves by which He could have laid waste to the entire region. He knew His own worth in the eyes of the Father. He knew the power to which He could avail Himself. And He yielded, knowing that apart from the Father it would be of no use. He was humble to the point of death, but He knew Who and Whose He was.

I hunger for the mind of Christ. I hunger to have the balance between knowing that I am completely and utterly without hope outside of the Hand of God and completely and utterly seated with Christ in heavenly place - having been given POWER over the enemy by Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote that the Gospel was POWER. He wrote that he prayed we would have our eyes opened so we would know three things: the hope of His calling, the riches of our inheritance, and surpassing greatness of His POWER. I want to know Him more and more.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not after power for power’s sake. I’m longing for it because my face is set to the kingdom and this world needs to know the power of God. This world needs to see the hope of my calling. There are people right now who think that what I have is a religion. A RELIGION?! Religion has the power of fear - break this rule and reap this repercussion. I have a relationship and that relationship is based on faith, and because of that relationship Jesus Himself placed His own Holy Spirit in me, not just a seal but as a WITNESS.

There is a power in me that needs to come out of me for the sake of my Father’s Kingdom. The time is short. There is no time to play games. There is no time to play church. My God has demonstrated His Person, Presence and Power to me time and time again. It is He that has placed this hunger in my heart to draw closer, to know who I am and WHO is in me.

The enemy tells me I am nothing. He tells me I’m a fraud. He tells me I have nothing to offer. But he is a liar. His distorts the truth.

I am nothing - apart from Christ, but in Christ I am an ambassador, a daughter of the Most High, a blessed nation, a Prophet, teacher and a minister of reconciliation.

I am a fraud, if I attempt anything in my own power, but I relish in my weaknesses because in them Christ is revealed strong. I can’t but God CAN.

I have nothing to offer. Everything I have is God’s, but I am a steward of everything I have and I will offer everything I have, everything I am, to be used of Him to fulfill the plan and purpose He has for my life.

I have the mind of Christ, a sound mind, a mind of faith, a mind at peace and full of joy. And I’ve made up my mind to mind the mind of Christ”.

AMEN! AMEN! Nothing left to be said after that—join us this Wednesday and Sunday for a fresh outpouring of God’s presence. We love you all so very much.

Ps Joe and Becky and the team

Hey friends,

Just a quick blog today to let you know we have been super busy over the last two weeks but God has graced us once again. The Ignite Revival with our dear friend, Tim Hall, from Adelaide, Australia finished this past Friday with a capacity crowd and an explosion of joy and freedom that brought the Fire of God in like a wind! We wil catch you up to speed with details but my, there is nothing like a good week of Holy Ghost revival meetings to clean out the pipes!!

Also, this past weekend, Ps Joe and I were ministering on the island of Oahu with The Ark Christian Center and Christian Family Church and much the same was going on in our meetings as well. The power of God was present to heal, to save, to restore–it was awesome. The altars were filled each service with people hungry for more of God and many received exactly what they came for.

I believe, we are walking in a new dimension of God’s outpouring like never before. Yes, the dark of this world might be darker, but the light of God is shining brighter than ever before. And we are finding that people are hungering after Him like we haven’t seen in quite some time. We thank the Lord that He graces us to be a part of what He is doing in the earth.

I have intentionally not written and posted prayer directives over the last two weeks. Hey, you can talk and teach on subjects and then its time to experience them!! Hope to see all of you revived folks at prayer (RECHARGE) tonight @ 6:30 pm and then join us this Sunday for Celebration @ 10:00 am! Love yall!

We hope you are having a blessed week. This past weekend was exceptional. At the Eggstravaganza on Saturday, we had over 100 kids, 150 adults, 4000 eggs, 200 prizes, 100’s of cotton candy cones, several gallons of lemonade and 1 handsome Easter Bunny! We want to express our deepest appreciation for all who made Saturday happen. Many kids prayed to receive Christ. Praise the Lord!

The Easter Sunrise Service was a first here at CWC but I don’t think it will be our last. It was a powerful time together and Ps Stan did an outstanding job sharing the message of the cross. The pancake breakfast was a great time of fellowship. Thanks to all the gals who cooked, served and cleaned up. What an amazing team!

The 10 am Celebration Service was off the charts. The tent was filled and the anticipation for Worship and the Word was felt by many. The IFTA Performing Choir brought the house down with “Worthy is the Lamb” and “He Lives”. Pastor Ryan and the worship team/band led us right into the throne room. The tangible presence of the Lord was clearly evident.

Ps Joe moved into a time of prayer/ministry following the worship and many folks came in the altars for salvation, rededication, or assurance. As Pastor Joe and Pastor Billy Cano shared a passionate message on the power of the resurrection, many were stirred, encouraged and blessed to go out and make a difference!

As we turn our hearts toward this coming week, we have great anticipation for our Ignite Revival beginning this Sunday, April 11th and through Friday 16th. Our guest evangelist is Tim Hall from Adelaide, Australia. Church, we are asking everyone to do whatever it takes to be in as many of these meetings as possible. I believe there will be a huge impartation for miracles and souls and if you will invite your lost friends to come, they will be saved! We have some fun events planned every night, so don’t miss out. THIS IS YOUR WEEK!

In lieu of the regular prayer directive this week, we will be praying for our upcoming revival. Pray for revival in our homes, our families, our friends, our city, our state, and in this nation. 2 Chronicles 7 says-

13″When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.”

Why don’t you plan to join us in prayer at our Recharge service this Wed night @ 6:30? Worship and prayer are always very powerful. You will be so glad you did!

Ps Joe and Becky and the team

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen”! (Luke 24:1-6 NIV)

What a declaration! Can you even begin to imagine? EASTER SUNDAY! What an exciting time for those of us who call ourselves Christians! This week, being Holy Week, as recognized by Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians, is a pivotal week where significant thought is given by many believers and unbelievers alike, to our faith and what makes our beliefs unique.

Many believers will focus on the details of the cross and the heinous death our Lord suffered, and rightly we should. But we must never forget that the power of the cross is found in the resurrection of Christ.

One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:11 which says, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Friends, what a powerful promise to you and me! When we pray for someone or minister to people, never stop at the cross—always bring them through to victory with Romans 8:11! We recognize the power of Christ’s resurrection and as we pray this week, we look forward to celebrating, knowing that because He was raised, we too are raised to walk in the newness of life!
Let’s agree in prayer:

• For many lives to be touched by the power of the gospel this Sunday (Romans 1:16)
• For the Word of God to be sown in our daily lives, bringing forth much fruit (Isaiah 55:11)
• For substantial increase in our faith, our family, and our finances (Psa 144:13-15)
• For love and a spirit of unity as we reach “our Jerusalem” for Christ (Col 3:13-14)
• For servant’s hearts–putting others before us, helping to meet their needs (Gal 5:13)
• For Ignite (revival) April 11-15 (Luke 3:16-17 Message)
• For our pastors and leaders for direction and encouragement (1 Thess 5:12-13 AMP)
• Our property (Acts 17:26 AMP)

Don’t forget our Easter Eggstravaganza this coming Saturday @ 10:00 am. Over 4000 eggs, 3 age groups, prizes, games, food, and fun for all ages! And then, this Resurrection Sunday, join us @ 6:30 am for our first Sunrise Service followed by a pancake breakfast. Equip will meet @ 9:00 am and our 10:00 am Celebration with the IFTA choir, worship team and message and ministry with Ps Joe and Becky.

Have a blessed week,
Ps Joe and Becky and the team

Hello! I trust your week is going well and you are happy and blessed! Every week, I ask the Lord for the ability to write something along the lines of prayer or worship that will encourage you to press on in your quest to seek “Him” and I am always amazed how the Lord is faithful to share with me as I share with you.

As I was seeking the Lord, I was reminded of an account of prayer found in Acts 1. For time’s sake, I need to paraphrase the chapter and remind you of 5 distinct things that happened in Acts 1.

The Holy Spirit is promised (v 4-8)
The Ascension of Jesus (v 9-11)
The Upper Room Prayer Meeting (v 12-14)
Matthias Chosen (v 15-26)

Looking at Acts 1:12-14, I wanted to study the scriptures more closely regarding the prayer of supplication.

The Amplified translation reads—

12Then [the disciples] went back to Jerusalem from the hill called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, [only] a Sabbath day’s journey (three-quarters of a mile) away.
13And when they had entered [the city], they mounted [the stairs] to the upper room where they were []indefinitely] staying–Peter and John and James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas [son] of James.
14All of these with their minds in full agreement devoted themselves steadfastly to prayer, [waiting together] with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

The prayer of supplication is a subject we don’t hear taught much anymore, and yet I believe it was that earnest, fervent praying that ushered in the coming of the Holy Spirit to the church.

The word supplication means, “To ask for humbly or earnestly, as by praying or
“to make a humble entreaty to; beseech”.

It is not a casual request, “if it be thy will”, but suggests a fervent plea or a cry or the idea of “not letting go until the answer comes”. In the following passages, we find those in the upper room “waiting” for the promise of the Holy Spirit. So, what were they waiting for? What did the Holy Spirit look like? How would they know it was Him?

I can only imagine what was going on in that upper room. I believe there was earnest prayers going up but I also believe there was worship and singing and exhortation and encouragement as they prepared their hearts to receive the promised Holy Spirit.

I want to continue more along these lines in future writings, but church, the prayer of supplication is just as important to us today, as back then. It is so easy for us to be sidetracked, and because we don’t see immediate results, we get weary and quit, thinking God doesn’t hear us or if He does, He really doesn’t care about things that are important to us, which is absolutely not true.

Can I encourage each of you today? When you pray, understand that prayers of supplication are important, not necessarily for God, but for us. It takes the consistency, the tenacity, the ferverency to ask the Lord and “to keep on asking” until we have the answer.

Matt. 7:8 (AMP) says—

For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.

Would you agree with us in prayer this week for—

1. The heart of worship and a passion for God’s presence be increased in every member

2. A greater hunger for the Word of God to be released in the church

3. A Godly determination to sow time, talent and finances, no matter what the present economy looks like

4. Boldness in believing God for His supernatural power to be at work in us and through us

5. A compassion for the lost and a hunger to see souls added to the church weekly

6. Pray that the momentum and unity we see in the church right now will continue

7. Pray for the WMI Team as they continue to spread the good news

8. Pray for the services Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday

9. Pray for the Easter Outreach

Church, this coming Sunday is Palm Sunday and a strategic time in Christianity as we move forward to that resurrection celebration, Sunday April 4th! Pastor Joe has a very important word for the church and we are excited about what God is going to do over the next two weeks.

If you haven’t signed up to help us welcome the community to our new home Easter weekend, see Ms Cindy Hedrick or Ps Tressa Cruse. You may also contact the church office and let us know you can help. We really want to do a fantastic job as we welcome folks to join us that weekend.

Blessings to you all—Have a great week!

Ps Joe and Becky and the team