GT Saturday Night Church @ 6

By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North

2011-03-14T12:56:00.000-04:00

No matter what you face, God is by your side...

The Battle at Kruger

2010-10-19T12:02:00.003-04:00

Pastor Greg Hollis of the Power Place sent this out today. Great stuff!

Here is the link to the video Greg Surratt spoke about at the HonorBound Conference woven together with 1 Peter 5. As I watched it, it moved me to step it up as a man of God once again! As you watch it, remember what his main points were!

1. Keep an eye out for prowling lions! Lions kill their prey by strangling the life out of them. That’s what the enemy of your soul wants to do to you! Remember, it takes many good deeds to build a reputation and only one bad one to destroy it! The enemy is relentless…he wants to strangle the life out of you.

2. Always hang with the herd! There are several things that tend to separate us from the herd…Immaturity, Offense (Prov. 18:19), Shame & Busyness. Let’s guard ourselves from these things and hang together through thick and thin!

3. When you’re up to your neck in lions & crocodiles, you need to depend on the Big Buffaloes to help you! You are a Big Buffalo to someone! Someone in your family, at work, at church needs you to be a big buffalo! Guard, protect, encourage, surround, serve willingly, eagerly and humbly.

4. It’s not over till the Fat Buffalo Sings! It’s never too late to resist Satan! Resist the devil and he will flee from you!

Let’s make a difference guys! Here it is…Enjoy!

9 Ways to Start a $1000 Emergency Fund

2010-09-08T18:29:00.001-04:00

Dave Ramsey encourages us to start by setting up a $1000 Emergency Fund. Here are some ways to get started:

Get a second job
Sure, no one wants to leave their 9-5 day job only to head to a night shift somewhere else, but just keep in mind that it's temporary. Remember, you have to live like no one else now so you can live like no one else later.

Sell some stuff
You're bound to have extra stuff around your home just collecting dust. If you don't need it, sell it! Like Dave says, "Sell so much stuff that you're kids think they're next!"

Stop eating out so much
If you are a typical American, you eat in a restaurant more than you eat in your dining room!

Carpool to work and activites
Sharing the commute to work each day with a co-worker is a smart way to save.

Kick the habit
Whether it's lattes or shoes, kick your indulgence to the curb. Stop splurging until you can actually afford it.

Ditch the cable
Does anyone really watch all 573 channels? They don't just waste your money; they waste your time!

Buy used things
Visit resale shops. Surf over to eBay. Check out the classifieds.

Get a glass jug
Whenever you have spare change, stash it away in your glass jug. Over time, the change will make a significant impact on your emergency fund.

Use your energy
What do you really enjoy doing? In what area are you especially talented? Now take those talents and find a few ways to make money with them. Are you good at building things? Offer your services for side construction jobs. The possibilities are endless!

Now that you have some great ideas for quickly building up your emergency fund, it's time to get busy! No more excuses!

The 5-Minute Counseling Technique

2010-09-08T18:24:00.000-04:00

Who says you need long-term counseling? Bob Newhart can counsel you about all your problems in 5 minutes or less. Enjoy!

Never Give Up!

2010-04-11T07:07:00.001-04:00

We sometimes quit even before we start. We don't think we are strong enough sometimes or it is just simply impossible. But we have to endure it for in the end it is worth it. We need to give our best all the time, in everything we do. God is there beside us telling us we can finish this race!

Never anger a woman...

2010-01-22T12:06:00.001-05:00

... that can drive a Backhoe!

For All the Chick-fil-A Fans

2009-10-02T12:35:00.000-04:00

Lunchboxes

2009-09-27T13:18:00.003-04:00

Every kid knew it: Lunchboxes meant something. And it wasn't just that you were a fan of whatever it was that you sported on your lunchtime luggage.
It was your proclamation of identity.
A window into your third-grade soul.

If you had this lunchbox, maybe this was you :)

BARBIE: On my way to Homecoming Queen

FLYING NUN: On my way to a convent!

BATMAN: I am considering a career in Crime Fighting

INCREDIBLE HULK: I have an anger problem

BEATLES: I am Cool

PARTRIDGE FAMILY: I think I am cool but I am not

EVEL KNIEVEL: I will break many bones in my lifetime

HOLLY HOBBIE: I will one day own all of the Little House on the Prairie Episodes

ANNIE: I will either be on Broadway or running FAMILY FUSION

PAC MAN: Laugh now. One day I will be running your I.T. Network!

BLANK: My mother hates me!

Pastor Angelo Sarna emailed me this look into his childhood:

"Never had a lunchbox, never got a note. Just food.
In a re-used brown bag with an oil stain on it…

Monday was Meatball Sandwich Day,
Friday was Tuna Fish,
Tuesday-Thursday was Bologna and Liverwurst.

Dessert was fruit or
a cream cheese and jelly sandwich.

The only guy that was even less cool than me was my Jewish friend, Jeff, who had Tuna on Matzohs."

He is one funny pastor!

In the Peanuts comic strip Sally says to Linus,
"I think I would be a good evangelist."
"Why?" asks Linus.
Sally answers, "I convinced the boy who sits behind me at school that my religion is better than his."
"How did you do that?" asks Linus.
Sally answers,
"I hit him over the head with my lunch box.."

Truth is, God didn't call us to hit people with our lunchboxes but share our lunch with them!

The Security of the Believer

2009-08-21T22:59:00.003-04:00

This weekend we continue our series on Things We Need To Talk About with Perseverance of the Saints vs. Security of the Believer.

As we look at the issue, you may want to read a few things that I found helpful as I studied this issue:

Security of the Believer

Does the Bible Teach Eternal Security?

There Is A God

2009-08-13T10:58:00.001-04:00

This weekend we continue our series on "Things We Need to Talk About" with a look at Creation vs. Evolution. Hope to see you as we talk about this...

It is with Deep Sadness...

2009-08-04T09:44:00.000-04:00

My heart is heavy as I send this to our GT family. Lucretia went home to be with the Lord on Sunday. She has been a special part of our Saturday Night ministry team as the leader of our Children's Ministries, and our dear friend.

Her family and friends are heartbroken. Please lift them before the Lord in prayer. Jeremy, Justin, Dalton and Lydia need our love and support more than ever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lucreatia C. Bashore Memorial Fund at any VIST Bank Branch.

With love,

Pastor Tom and Sherry Rees

Lucreatia Bashore

Lucreatia Carle (Broadbent) Bashore, 37, of Robesonia, died after a short battle with cancer Aug. 2, 2009, in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

She was the wife of Jeremy Todd Bashore, whom she married May 3, 1994.

Born in Little Falls, N.Y., on Feb. 12, 1972, she was a daughter of Roger Broadbent of North Heidelberg Township and the late Sheila (Gary) Wheeler.

She was a 1992 graduate of Conrad Weiser High School. Lucreatia was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Spring Township.

She was last employed as a front end manager with Target, Spring Township.

Lucreatia is also survived by three children: Justin M. Bashore, Dalton T. Bashore and Lydia C. Bashore, all at home.

She is also survived by a sister, Carissa (Broadbent), wife of Brian Wisniewski of Shoemakersville; and four half-siblings: Kathy (Broadbent), wife of Kirk Dudak of Rochester, N.Y., Jocasa (Broadbent), wife of Michael Relf of Rempson, N.Y.; Corina (Broadbent), wife of Dave Howland of Forrest Port, N.Y., and Jeff, husband of Jill Broadbent of Rome, N.Y. Other survivors include a stepsister, Tina (Walter), wife of Scott Althouse of Reading; and a stepbrother, Brian, husband of Maricar Walter of Fayetteville, N.C. There are also a maternal grandfather, James Barber of Geneva, N.Y.; nieces Heather and Kayla Thomas, and several other nieces and nephews surviving.

Services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. in Glad Tidings Assembly of God, 1110 Snyder Road, Spring Township.

A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. John's (Hain's) Church Cemetery, Lower Heidelberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lucreatia C. Bashore Memorial Fund at any VIST Bank branch.

Walter R. Christ Funeral Home Inc., Laureldale, is in charge of arrangements.

For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com

New Worship Center Opening This Weekend

2009-06-26T11:42:00.007-04:00

Here are some things you need to know as we prepare to move in to our new Worship Center this weekend.

What are the service times?
Our service times are 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. Pastor Bryan will be preaching all three services this weekend. Crossroads Kidz Ministry is available during all services.

Where do I park?
We have two parking lots across from the Worship Center and the existing lot in front of the former Sanctuary is still available. We also have reserved parking for Senior Adults behind the Worship Center for easier access to the building.

Where do I take my kids?
We are expanding our Crossroad Kidz Check-in stations with the opening of the building.
• Families with children nursery age (birth-23 months) are encouraged to go directly to the nursery so that they can be assigned a pager. If you have children in addition to your baby, tags for those children (birth-5th grade) can be received at the nursery desk.
• Families with preschool children can check in at either end of the new KidZone preschool wing.
• Families with elementary children can check in at the current computer check-in area or at the new end of the KidZone preschool wing that leads directly into the gym from the Worship Center Atrium.

Where is Sacred Grounds Café and Grille/ Scrolls Bookstore located?
Both are located to your right when you enter the main doors of the Worship Center. Please remember that no food or drink can be taken into the Worship Center.

This seems like a lot to remember! Will there be anything to help me when I arrive this weekend?
• Our parking ministry will help direct you in and out of our parking lots.
• Guest Services is available to answer any questions you may have.
• New signage is located throughout the entire GT campus to help direct you to key locations in the church.
• Finally, you can consult our new campus map, which will be available at the Guest Services Desk and all check-in locations.

See you this weekend in the new Worship Center!

Wooden's Lessons on Leadership

2009-05-29T14:45:00.003-04:00

John Wooden on Inner Peace

2009-05-29T14:35:00.002-04:00

John Wooden's Seven Point Creed

2009-05-29T14:27:00.000-04:00

• Be true to yourself.
• Make each day your masterpiece.
• Help others.
• Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
• Make friendship a fine art.
• Build a shelter against a rainy day.
• Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

“When The Cheering Stopped”

2009-04-03T14:10:00.003-04:00

Gene A. Smith, an American historian, authored a book entitled, “When The Cheering Stopped.” The book told of Woodrow Wilson, and the events surrounding WW1.

On his first visit to Paris after the war, Wilson was greeted by cheering mobs. He was actually more popular than their own heroes.

The same thing was true in England and Italy. In a Vienna hospital a Red Cross worker had to tell the children that there would be no Christmas presents because of the war and the hard times. The children didn’t believe her.

They said that President Wilson was coming and they knew that everything would be alright.

The cheering lasted about a year. Then it gradually began to stop. It turned out that the political leaders in Europe were more concerned with their own agendas than they were a lasting peace.

At home, Woodrow Wilson ran into opposition in the United States Senate and his League of Nations was not ratified. Under the strain of it all the President’s health began to break.

In the next election his party was defeated. So it was that Woodrow Wilson, a man who barely a year or two earlier had been heralded as the new world Messiah, came to the end of his days a broken and defeated man.

It’s a sad story, but one that is not altogether unfamiliar. History is filled with such examples.

One of the quickest changes happened to Jesus. On Sunday the crowd was waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna" and by Friday they were crying out "Crucify Him!"

This weekend at GT Church we will look we will look at "Why the Cheering Stopped for Jesus." The Committed, the Curious and the Cursing all let him down. There is a lot we can learn from their mistakes.

Patience and Wisdom

2009-02-11T09:06:00.002-05:00

Two of the greatest qualities in life are patience and wisdom...

Get Back Up

2009-02-02T13:31:00.003-05:00

We all face times in our life when we fall down and feel like you don't have the strength to get back up. This inspiring video is powerful!

To find out where Nick Vujicic's strength comes from, check out his interview with Pastor Greg Laurie.

Pastor Rick Warren Gives the Invocation

2009-01-21T17:28:00.003-05:00

Pastor Rick Warren gave the invocation at President Obama's inauguration. As we pray for our new president, may God give him "the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity."

Here is the full prayer:

Almighty God -- our Father. Everything we see, and everything we can’t see, exists because of you alone. It all comes from you. It all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, Oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.’ And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African-American president of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King, and a great cloud of witnesses, are shouting in heaven.

Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice-President Biden, the cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.

Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race, or religion, or blood, but to our commitment to freedom, and justice for all.

When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us.

And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes -- even when we differ.

Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation, and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day, all nations and all people will stand accountable before you.

We now commit our new president, and his wife Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life -- Yeshua, Isa, Jesús, Jesus -- who taught us to pray:

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

Paul Potts Sings Nessun Dorma

2009-01-02T12:32:00.000-05:00

Here is the video I showed last weekend at the end on the message. Enjoy!

God doesn't look at us as "a little lump of coal" but sees in us a diamond, created to reflect His light.

Free Tuition

2008-12-02T10:15:00.005-05:00

Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville is offering FREE Tuition Courses through their Adult Learning Program to:
• Pastors
• Persons age 60 or above
• Persons 25 years or older taking their first Adult Learning course
• Persons who receive a Pastor’s endorsement

They would waive your tuition and you would be responsible for your travel, possible lab/course fees and textbooks.

Also, if you are interested, I will be teaching one of the Tuesday night Adult Learning Courses: Developing Outreach & Discipleship Programs. The thing I enjoy most about the course is that it features ministry interviews with different leaders that have developed innovative ways to reach and disciple people.

There are a lot of other great classes being offered as well. Here are the courses for the spring semester:

• Introduction to Music Technology
• Foundations of Christian Living
• Introduction to Philosophy
• Small Business Entrepreneurship
• Understanding Islam
• Business Communication
• Developing Outreach & Discipleship Programs
• Children’s Presentations
• Foundations of Christian Thought
• Writing for the Media
• Age-Specific Student Ministries
• Family Financial Management
• Introduction to Acting
• Understanding & Appreciating Poetry
• New Testament Survey
• Old Testament Survey
• Indian and Pakistani Culture

This is a great opportunity to grow Better Together!

Click here to download a brochure with more information.

Monopoly Gone Wrong

2008-11-13T08:16:00.001-05:00

How do you play Monopoly in your life?

9 Great Ways to Start a $1000 Emergency Fund

2008-11-12T20:37:00.014-05:00

During the Monopoly series one of the ideas we have talked about is from Dave Ramsey where he recommends getting started with a $1000 Emergency Fund. Here are some practical ideas you might want to consider as you build your fund.

1. Get a second job
Sure, no one wants to leave their 9-5 day job only to head to a night shift somewhere else, but just keep in mind that it's temporary. Remember, you have to live like no one else now so you can live like no one else later.

2. Sell some stuff
You're bound to have extra stuff around your home just collecting dust. If you don't need it, sell it! Like Dave says, "Sell so much stuff that you're kids think they're next!"

3. Stop eating out so much
If you are a typical American, you eat in a restaurant more than you eat in your dining room!

4. Carpool to work and activities
Sharing the commute to work each day with a co-worker is a smart way to save.

5. Kick the habit
Whether it's lattes or shoes, kick your indulgence to the curb. Stop splurging until you can actually afford it.

6. Ditch the cable
Does anyone really watch all 573 channels? They don't just waste your money; they waste your time! Downsize your cable package.

7. Buy used things
Visit resale shops. Surf over to eBay. Check out the classifieds.

8. Get a glass jug
Whenever you have spare change, stash it away in your glass jug. Over time, the change will make a significant impact on your emergency fund.

9. Use your energy
What do you really enjoy doing? In what area are you especially talented? Now take those talents and find a few ways to make money with them. Are you good at building things? Offer your services for side construction jobs. The possibilities are endless!

Now that you have some great ideas for quickly building up your emergency fund, it's time to get busy. As Dave would say, "No more excuses!"

Join us this weekend as Greg Hubbard continues the Monopoly series.

GREAT BOOK RECOMMENDATION:
The Total Money Makeover,
by Dave Ramsey

My Redeemer Lives - Team Hoyt

2008-10-12T20:24:00.000-04:00

Incredible video about the relationship between a father and son.... and God's relationship with us.

Two Roads, Two Destinies

2008-10-05T13:26:00.005-04:00

We used this at the service on "What Happens When We Meet God?"

It is a great illustration on how the Road we take has an impact on our Eternal Destiny.

Worship Conference

2008-08-19T17:31:00.004-04:00

We are blessed to have Kristian and Shannon Walker leading worship for us again this Saturday night. Next month he is hosting a conference some of you may be interested in being a part of. Here are the details:

Parenting can feel like a Death Crawl

2008-07-27T09:47:00.001-04:00

We don't carry them on our back, we carry them in our heart.

No Pay, No Play

2008-07-24T18:52:00.000-04:00

At the 1932 Summer Games held in Los Angeles, only 24 members of Brazil's Olympic team of 69 actually competed! Brazil was so poor from the Great Depression that the only way it could get the athletes to the U.S. was to pack them on a barge with 25 tons of coffee to sell at ports along the way. The U.S. required a $1 head tax per person entering the country, but the team, apparently not as adept at sales as at athletics, managed to sell only $24 worth of coffee.

The only hope of getting the whole team ashore rested on the Brazilian consulate in San Francisco, who sent out a courier with a check written out for the equivalent of $45. By the time the courier arrived in L.A., however, the Brazilian currency devalued so much that the check was only worth $17. To add insult to injury, the check bounced!

When the water polo team competed they were upset at the ref and at the end of the game they beat the ref up. They were disqualified from the rest of the competetion.

At the end of the Olympics, no medals were won and the athletes that did compete joined the rest for the long journey back.

When they returned to Brazil, they discovered that their country was in the midst of a revolution.

Not a good year for Brazilian athletes!

You Are Everything

2008-07-07T20:00:00.000-04:00

This song by Matthew West is powerful and causes my spirit to respond in praise and worship. God is our Everything!

2008 HonorBound Conference

2008-05-21T16:02:00.004-04:00

Men, I would like to invite you to a powerful men's event that I am hosting at Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill on October 17-18, 2008. Here are some of this year's dynamic speakers:

Dary Northrop: Dary is the Senior Pastor of Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. His church has been one of the fastest growing churches in America and in 2006 grew by 868 people!

Sam Rijfkogel: God brought Sam to First Assembly of God in Grand Rapids, to minister in revival services that lasted nearly three years and over 17,000 people mdke decisions for Jesus Christ. He now is the Senior Pastor there having a blast helping people find their sweet spot in the Kingdom.

John Bevere: John Bevere has authored numerous books including “The Bait of Satan.” We are thrilled to have John back with us for an extended session on Saturday morning. John always delivers a powerful message for men with hurt feelings, bruised egos and unfulfilled expectations.

High Definition Workshops:
Bryan Koch: Finances "How to Get Financially Fit"
Bob Kapp: Men's Leadership "Growing Your Men's Ministry"
Dan Miller: Health "Extending Your Life"
James Pauls: HonorBound "Light for the Lost"
Tom Britton: Purity "Every Man's Battle"
Rodney Murphy: Parenting "How to be a Great Dad"
Wayde Wilson: Marriage "Making Marriage Work"
Jim Comenzo: Leadership "Leading like Jesus in the Workplace"
Jeff Davidson: Youth "What Every Teenage Guy Needs to Know"
Kristian Walker" Technology "Tools for Effective Ministry"

This is going to be great!
To save a space or for more information, please contact Pastor Mike at mikeleagans@gtaog.org.

Amish Forgiveness

2008-05-19T09:22:00.002-04:00

One of the things we have been talking about on Saturday Night is how to walk in forgiveness. The goal of forgiveness is freedom and that’s a choice.

Actually, it’s more than a choice – it’s Jesus way – it’s part of his identity. One of God’s purposes for our lives is that we become like Jesus. From the cross, Jesus cried out “Father, forgive them…”

In this news clip, Keith Olbermann highlights two stories of Forgiveness:

The Cost of Bitterness

2008-05-18T08:42:00.000-04:00

Bitterness is a terrible thief and will steal away your identity. It can tangle itself within your spirit. It can have a terrible affect upon your life and health. It leaks into your joints. It leaks into your stomach and can literally make you sick. You might say, “That person is a pain in the neck.” And that might be literal – that’s why you have got an actual pain in your neck or somewhere south of your spinal column.

“Resentment kills a fool and envy slays the simple.” Job 5:2

“You are only hurting yourself with your anger.” Job 18:4

“One man dies in full vigor, completely secure and at ease... Another man dies in bitterness of soul, never having enjoyed anything good.” Job 21:23-25 (NIV)

Here are some of the other negative effects of bitterness:

A. Blinds us spiritually 1 John 2:9-11
B. Impedes our prayers Matthew 11:25
C. Undermines our relationships Hebrews 12:15
D. Steals our freedom Matthew 18:21-35
E. Cheapens our worship Matthew 5:23-24
F. Downgrades our humanity Psalm 73:21-22
G. Skews our discernment Proverbs 28:14
H. Destroys our health Job 21:23-25

A Bitter Root will produce Bitter Fruit

Beauty?

2008-05-09T13:41:00.004-04:00

From Model to Billboard in 60 Seconds

No wonder our perception of beauty is distorted!

Beauty Tips

2008-05-08T18:47:00.000-04:00

As we begin our series, Identity Theft, this weekend we will be looking at Mugged by the Mirror. As we look at what beauty is, I will be sharing this piece written by Sam Levinson for his grandchild. Audrey Hepburn has used it when she was asked to speak on beauty tips.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.

Beauty

2008-04-22T16:15:00.001-04:00

Wow!

This is a powerful video of God's grace and how He adds color to our lives.

Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster

2008-04-04T23:07:00.003-04:00

I am excited to see this song on the service planning schedule for this weekend. What a great song to praise the Lord with!

At the end is this song, Lincoln's son, Levi reads Isaiah 40:28-31:

Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

2008-04-02T15:24:00.002-04:00

I watched the movie "Amazing Grace" the other night and was inspired by the faith of William Wilberforce. If you haven't seen it I recommend that you grab a copy.

Click here to watch a mini documentary about the creation of Amazing Grace

What Keeps You Up at Night?

2008-04-02T15:18:00.003-04:00

Last Monday night I had to laugh. It was 1:30 AM and here I was in bed working on the message: "God's Plan to Relax." Sherry was the only one practicing what I was about to preach!

As I closed my Bible to call it a night, I looked over at my wife realizing that her night of rest would soon come to an end. Soon I would be snoring!

Truth is, I love God's Word. It is something I am passionate about. God's Word continues to change my life and I want it to change others.

God has called us to be what John Ortberg calls "People of the Book."

What keeps you up at night?

In Christ Alone - Travis Cottrell

2008-03-17T21:51:00.003-04:00

Wow!
What a powerful worship song that reminds us of His sacrifice.

Holy Week

2008-03-16T13:04:00.001-04:00

I invite you to join me on a week long journey that leads us from Palm Sunday to the cross to the resurrection of Easter morning.

During this journey I encourage you to participate in any or all of these three ways;

1) Reflection: Spend time each day reflecting on the events that happened during Holy Week through taking time in Bible reading and prayer. This is a great way to prepare our heart to re-discover of the amazing gift of new life that is found in Jesus.

Below you will find a suggested Scripture Reading Plan to help you. The selected Scriptures are linked to BibleGateway and are arranged chronologically from the Four Gospels with Extra Reading Material for each day of the Week. Do not let it overwhelm you. Let God's word speak to your spirit.

1. Sunday, March 16
Matt. 20:17-34; Mark 10:32-52; Luke 18:31-43

2. Monday, March 17
Matt. 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-15

3. Tuesday, March 18
Matt. 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46

4. Wednesday, March 19
Matt. 21:18 - 26:16; Mark 11:11 - 14:11; Luke 20:1 - 22:6

5. Thursday, March 20
Matt. 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-62; John. 13:21 - 18:27

6. Friday, March 21
Matt. 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 22:66 - 23:55; John 18:28 - 19:42

7. Saturday, March 22
Matt.27:62-66; Luke 23:56

8. Sunday, March 23
Matt. 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-6; Luke 24:1-11; John 20:1-8

2) Fasting: Consider giving something up during this week in order to help you focus, and to humble yourself before God.

3) Fellowship: I encourage you not to experience Holy week alone. Pray with your family or a good friend, share your journey, read the Scriptures together and discuss things that God is teaching you.

May this week be a special time for each of us to press in with God and reflect on the amazing sacrifice He made for us. Have a blessed week!

Sign Your Driving Too Fast...

2008-03-14T19:02:00.000-04:00

Moral Speed Traps

2008-03-13T18:44:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday I received a letter from the District of Columbia. It seems that they so appreciated my visit with them a few weeks ago when I went down to meet with Mark Batterson. They wanted to send me a picture that I could use to remember the occasion. It was a picture of my car and license plate. Apparently I went through a digital speed trap doing 46 in a 35 mph zone. Snagged! They caught me. Now I pay the price.

Speeders aren't the only thing they are catching in DC these days. If you have watched the news this week you have probably caught the scandal with Eliot Spitzer. When he resigned yesterday as governor of New York he said,

"The remorse I feel will always be with me. . . From those to whom much is given, much is expected. . . I have been given much: the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people. . . I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me."

Eliot Spitzer sped through moral and ethical zones and now he and his family will pay a huge price. How tragic.

The truth is that we have all been entrusted with a great responsibility and trust. May we walk worthy of our calling and go the distance,

Living Up to Your Potential?

2008-02-03T22:39:00.000-05:00

I love this story!

That's My King

2008-01-09T21:03:00.000-05:00

S.M.Lockridge sure could bring it!

Daniel Fast

2008-01-07T23:41:00.000-05:00

Here are some recipes Sherry has used during the Daniel Fast. Hope it helps you if you decide to join us with taking part in the 21 Day Daniel Fast. Enjoy!

Potato Leek Soup

2 cans vegetable broth
1 bunch leeks (cut off ends)
Chop and rinse
1 large onion (chopped)
8-10 small/medium potatoes (peeled & cubed)
Pepper, garlic powder, sea salt to taste
1 cup of soymilk

Boil chopped leeks, potatoes, onion and pepper, garlic powder and salt in vegetable broth until leeks are soft. Turn off heat and add soymilk. Put entire mixture thru food processor or if you do not have one, you can mash up the potatoes while still in soup pot and put it in the blender and puree. If you use a blender, you will need to put the soup into it in small amounts.

Bean & Barley Chili

1 cup pearl barley
1 medium chopped onion
1 cup chopped pepper
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chili powder
1.5 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
14.5 oz can of vegetable broth
14.5 oz can of stewed or diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) each kidney, black & black-eyed peas rinsed well & drained

Cook barley (no salt). Sauté onion & pepper in oil for 5 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes.

Peanut Butter Dessert

1/2 cup peanut butter (all natural)
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup dry oats
1/3 cup filler (raisins, peanuts, dry fruit, etc.)

Mix all ingredients and spread into dish (line it with wax paper).
Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Black Bean Soup

45 oz can of black beans (drained)
60 oz can of vegetable broth
Jar of organic mild salsa or bruschetta

Simmer and serve.

Downsides of a Middle-aged Mind

2008-01-05T22:07:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Its a NEW YEAR!!
Happy New Year!!!It is now 2008!! WOW 2007 went so fast for me. As I look back I see so many areas that I would have liked to have done something different, made a different decision, spent more time doing certain things, made more visits, ANSWERED E-MAILS FASTER :) So many people use today to start something new or do something better... I am no different. That is why I am posting my New Year resolutions on my blogs so that I can't say I forgot and that those of you who wish to hold me accountable can. I am not sure if this is a good idea yet but if it back fires I only have a year to suffer through right?
Well here it is, my New Year resolutions;
1- I am going to commit myself to a new dedication to my personal prayer life. This will include a daily devotion WITH my wife! I am looking very forward to this. This resolution will also include a personal daily Bible study for me.
2- I have suffered in my follow up in my communications via voice mail and E-mails. I am going to commit myself that all messages are returned with an e-mail or phone call within 48 hours of my receipt of the message. This might not sound all that great to some of you but this is an area that is very busy for me. This includes all the prayer requests I receive online and the assignments I receive on Fellowship One.
3-As my school starts again, I have to commit myself to daily time to study and to complete papers and research assignments EARLY. This for me will relieve a lot of stress to try to complete these assignments in the lat minute. My school commitment this year will be my heaviest in a long time so I would appreciate prayer in this area. The rewards will be great but it will be a tough road to get there.
4- To continually improve in my contribution to Saturday night service. This is such an important area of my life. I am so proud to be part of this ministry and I learn so much every week from Pastor Tom and all his skills and talents are a blessing to Glad Tidings.
5- This is the most important area of all my resolutions. As you have read above there are a lot of areas that will take my time this upcoming year. With that in mind, I resolve to find time for my kids and my wife EVERYDAY that is not interfered with by my computer or the phone. This may be my most difficult resolution to date. Why? I am addicted to my computer, I use it for everything and I do allow it to take the place of other things and I have seen the results of this and it is not good. With that in mind I will commit to putting this box down and when it is down it STAYS down!!
Well that's it, it is only 5 but for me they will be enough to keep me focused for the next year. I will pray that all of you will set your own resolutions and I would love to hear them so please take a minute and let me know what your doing to improve your relationships, your prayer life and your commitment to areas of your life that you want to improve.May God bless you and your family with great success, health and happiness for the upcoming year and may it be filled with experiences with God and the Holy Spirit that will forever change your life.
Happy New Year,
Pastor Mike

It's all over...or is it?

2007-12-27T12:47:00.000-05:00

Well, the presents have been opened, the visits completed and the clean up finished. Does that mean that the whole reason for this "holiday" is forgotten until next year? I hope and pray that is not the case in your life. We can not just play our christian life once or twice a year. This is a daily walk and some of you may have had the Spirit recharged in your life over the last week. ENJOY it, celebrate that feeling and never let it go again. I know that it is easy to go back to our "normal or old" ways but why? If you felt good praising God and understanding the TRUE meaning of Christmas then celebrate that feeling everyday. Does that mean that change has to happen in your life? Of course. Does it mean that you will be a different person? Of course. Does it mean that you will always have Christ walking through EVERYTHING you go through to encourage and strengthen you???? OF COURSE and isn't that just an incredible thing to know?
It is up to you now to decide what the upcoming year is going to look like and what you decide to do is between you and God, but. If you decided that this year you are going to walk with God for the first time or that you renewed your relationship with God I would love to hear about it. Please post a message letting us know what happened and what you are doing now so that we can pray for you and that we can celebrate your new path with you.
May God bless all that read this with happiness, love, peace and joy and the ability to pass that same blessing onto others.
Blessings my friends.

Tom is Back!!!

2007-12-14T20:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome back Tom.
We are grateful for your safe return, praise God.
We are just as grateful to see you back in the pulpit and delivering God's word as directed. We appreciate your dedication to Saturday nights and to Glad Tidings.
So once again, WELCOME BACK, and we will see you Saturday evening.

JUST BELIEVE !!!

2007-12-09T11:36:00.000-05:00

It never fails... This year, once again the children of Glad Tidings came through with an outstanding performance of "Just Believe", this years Christmas musical. As I was honored to watch this presentation I witnessed several characteristics that our children have been taught this last year. This begins with dedication and continues through patience and constantly grows with faith. The teachers and leaders of our children never fail to impress me with the time and sacrifice they give our children every week. They strive to teach our kids the importance of all the lessons God asks us to learn and apply to our lives with energy, creativity and love.
This years musical was just a small example of how all these elements come together to bless the congregation, the mothers and fathers and our community but most importantly... God!
I ask all of those who read this to pray for our children and all those who influence them week in and week out. Pray for God's blessings to bathe our children with protection, health and love and a growing relationship with Him. Also, if you have an opportunity, tell one of the kids or one of the leaders "thank you", this will bless them more then you will ever know. Encouragement is so powerful and we are called to encourage and to build one another up. Thank you for visiting this blog and as a grateful member of Saturday night and blessed to be working with such a great team led by Pastor Tom Rees who continues to build this ministry with all his heart, may all of you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.

Greetings from Surprise, Arizona!

2007-12-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

Sherry and I are out here attending the Aseemblies of God Church Planting Leadership Summit. The speakers have been great! It has been like drinking from a fire hydrant. I will tell you more about it in my leadership e-mail later this week.

As I watched the weather channel I noticed that you are not experiencing the same 65 degree weather back home. Also, they are not sure what the weather will look like when you get up in the morning.

Let me encourage you to check out the Saturday night service tonight. Pastor Scott Kramer will be preaching the same message he will share in all the morning services on Shake Up Your Christmas!

Why not beat the weather?

Service starts to night at 6 P.M. We have a great Children and Youth Ministry. The worship is awesome and Pastor Mike will be there to pray with you for any needs you may have.

Have a great weekend!

Pastor Tom

The holidays are here...

2007-11-30T20:23:00.000-05:00

Well, we have had our Thanksgiving feasts and hopefully enjoyed our time together with our families. As we now prepare for Christmas and the now "politically correct" saying "Happy Holidays" lets not forget that this is all about Jesus! We are to celebrate with family, have great times and yes, open presents but... in the midst of all this let's make a commitment that we will not forget that with out the greatest birth in history we would not have any of this.
My family to yours, may your celebration of Jesus' birth be a time of love, peace and joy shared with all those you love and care about. Let us be generous to those who have not and pray for the sick and help those in need. As men and women of God let us continue to be pillars of our Lord's sacrifice to our communities and walk the path we have been set upon.
May God's love, protection and peace surround you and those you love.
Merry Christmas.
Pastor Mike, Cindy, Ashley, Michael, Amber, Megan and Ramon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T07:44:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! May you enjoy your turkey!

Sherry and I are very grateful to be a part of the Glad Tidings family and we look forward to seeing what God has in store for the future of Saturday night.

Blessings...

Pastor Tom

Christian/Christ-follower (Mac/PC parody)

2007-11-21T22:35:00.000-05:00

Things We Need to Talk About: SALT

2007-11-21T17:26:00.000-05:00

November 24th

Leader: Tony - Keys
Drums: Andrew
Guitars: Kevin and Abe
Keys: Jake
Bass: Tom
Singers: Sherry and Linda

Set List:

Let It Rise - Big Daddy Weave
Turst In You - Jeremy Camp
Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble - Delirious
God Of Wonders - Third Day
(Close) Lord I Seek You
Blessed Be Your Name

Things We Need to Talk About: SUBTRACT

2007-11-07T01:12:00.000-05:00

November 10th:

Leader: Tony - Keys
Drums: Joe
Guitars: Abe and Skot
Keys: Jake
Bass: Dave
Singers: The Shroms

(Pre) Let The Praises Ring - Brewster
Holy, Holy, Holy - 10th Avenue North
You're Worthy of My Praise - Camp
How Great Is Our God - Tomlin
You Are My World - Hillsong
(Close) On Bended Knee - Unknown
Music of My Heart - Micah Tawlks Band

How NOT to Invite Someone to Church

2007-10-29T17:50:00.000-04:00

George Barna conducted a research study that revealed one in four unchurched adults would go with a friend to church if asked.

No need to knock people down!

Things We Need to Talk About: SOAKED!

2007-10-29T16:58:00.000-04:00

Alan Hirsch in The Forgotten Ways says,
"The major challenge to the viability of Christianity is not Buddhism...nor is it Islam...nor the New Age... All of these are challenges, no doubt, but I have come to believe that the major threat to the viability of our faith is that of consumerism."

The challenge many churches have is we find ourselves pastoring people who are consumers first and Christians second. As we look at Romans 6 we will see that Christ has called us to something deeper!

Join us this Saturday night for something we need to talk about…
Our desire is that we don’t get sprinkled with a little bit of God but Saturated with God.
That our lives are Baptized.
That our lives are Changed.
That our lives are Transformed.
That our lives are SOAKED!

Let's Get SOAKED in Worship!

2007-10-29T16:27:00.000-04:00

Worship for Saturday, November 3, 2007

I Wait For The Lord - Jeremy Camp
You are Worthy of my Parise - Jeremy Camp
This Is My Desire - Jeff Deyo
Amazing Love - Newboys
Holy of Holies

Leader: Scott Leonard
Drums: Joe
Guitars: Abe
Keys: Jake & Scott
Singers: Sherry

Great Sled Teams Don't Look Like This

2007-10-18T21:32:00.000-04:00

I came across this ad in the Harvard Business Journal this week and thought about how important it is to build teams where people connect with their Kingdom Purpose. This Saturday Night we will talk about discovering your SHAPE and finding your Sweet Spot.

Climbing the Mountain Together

2007-10-17T22:30:00.000-04:00

October 20, 2007

The Story of Jim Milina

Jim Milina sat in the bright sun at the saddle of Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 14,500 feet and wept. "It was then I realized we'd done it," he said. "It was absolutely amazing. We were on top of the world."

Thousands of people climb Mount Kilimanjaro each year... but what makes Jim's story unusual and most interesting is that he can't walk. Jim is a quadriplegic.

Join us this Saturday night as we look at how important teams are as we step out together into our Kingdom Purpose.

Praise & Worship: Tony Reichert & Worship Team
Let the Praises Ring – Brewster
Holy, Holy, Holy – 10th Ave. North
Here I Am To Worship – Tim Hughes
Till I See You – Hillsong U
We Are Hungry – Passion

Message: Pastor Tom Rees

TEAM
Climbing the Mountain Together

2 TIMOTHY 4:19-22

Big Idea: Great climbers surround themselves with a great team.

What kind of S.H.A.P.E. you are in?
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Ps. 119:73 (NIV)

· Spiritual Gifts
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

· Heart
As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person. Prov. 27:19 (NLT)

· Abilities
“God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.” Rom. 12:6a (NLT)

· Personality
“God works through different people in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purpose through them all.” 1 Cor 12:6 (Ph)

· Experiences
“And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28 (NIV)

Crossroad Kids Love Sat @ Six

2007-10-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

Jeremy and I are so blessed to be a part of an awesome children's ministry. We are excited to share the love of Jesus with these precious kids. Keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground, for exciting upcoming events.

This coming Saturday our older kids are making candy apples, and having a pie eating contest. Our littler children will decorate pumpkins. Our babies will begin a craft that will take an extra week to finish.

It is our prayer that kids love Jesus and learn how much fun it is to be a part of His family. This month is Pastor appreciation month, so I take the time to say... THANKS!!! We appreciate all that our pastors do to Shephard our growing flock.

Lucreatia
crossroads sat @ six
children's ministry coordinator

What a NIGHT!!!

2007-10-15T09:40:00.002-04:00

WOW, you talk about hearing the Word of God?? Pastor Tom hit the nail on the head this Saturday. It is so true that our journey on this road called "Christianity" is not always a glorious dance before our Lord. Sometimes it is a fight that leaves us exhausted and even injured. But you know what the great thing about our Lord is?

He NEVER, and I mean NEVER lets those wounds go untreated or unhealed!! No matter how hard the fight might be we always have to remember that God is not only in our corner He is in control. So when your tired, beat up and ready to throw in the towel.... Call on the name of the Lord and be healed.

Thank you Pastor Tom for the encouraging words this weekend and for your continued dedication and hard work you give Saturday night @ 6 every week.

Please, if you have not visited us yet, I encourage you to come out and be a part of one of the best Saturday services in the area.

May God bless you and put nothing but smooth, flat paths at your feet.

Amen.

What Saturday Night @ 6 Means to Me

2007-10-13T15:44:00.000-04:00

I have had the pleasure of being involved with Saturday Night @ 6 for well over a year and I would not change a single second.

Saturday Night @ 6 under the direction of Pastor Tom Rees has developed a family that truly cares for each other and I think we really look forward to seeing our friends every week. The lessons we learn are life changing and gives you an opportunity to apply Biblical instruction to your every day lives.

The worship time takes your spirit to a new level of awareness and surrender. I am so blessed to be a part of this service that my daily prayers include thankfulness for God's placement of me in this church, on this night with this leadership.

Come out and experience a awesome opportunity to develop a closer relationship with your neighbors and with Christ our Lord.

Abandoned on the Mountain

2007-10-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

October 13, 2007

Lincoln Hall was thought to have died while descending from the summit of Mount Everest on May 25, 2006. Sherpas attempted a rescue for hours, but as night began to fall, their oxygen supplies diminished and snow blindness set in, they were ordered by their expedition leader to leave an apparently dead Hall on the mountain and return to camp.

Join us tonight as we look at how to react when you face abandonment, disappointment and rejection.

Praise & Worship: Tony Reichert & Worship Team
I am Free - Desperation Band
You Are Good – Israel Houghton
My Glorious – Delirious
Empty Me – Jeremy Camp

Message: Pastor Tom Rees

ABANDONED ON THE MOUNTAIN
When People Let You Down
2 TIMOTHY 4:9-18

BIG IDEA: On our faith journey, there will be the pain of disappointment. How we handle that disappointment will have an impact on our success.

Avoiding the Demas Syndrome (Vs. 10)

Count the Cost!
Get Renewed
Stay clear of Practical Atheism

When we believe our effort is more important than God's power!
When we believe our private life doesn't affect our public ministry.
When we believe we must please people more than we must please God.

“When we believe in God but we do life as if God doesn't exist.” Craig Groeschel

6 Ways to Deal with Disappointment (vs. 9-18)

Receive Care from a Compassionate Friend (Luke)
Call in Close Friends (Timothy)
Give Grace to Others (Mark)
Grab Hold of God’s Word (Parchments)
Steer Clear of Trouble Makers (Alexander)
Discover Your Kingdom Purpose (Paul)

Reaching the Summit Devotionals

Eclipse Youth Ministries

2007-10-09T22:35:00.000-04:00

We are very excited that Nate Wiles and Hope McNulty have accepted the invitation to work with the Saturday Night @ 6 youth ministry. They have a heart to connect with youth and have just started Eclipse, the Real Life Youth Ministry on Saturday Nights. Last week they had 11 teens!

Nate Wiles is a senior at Valley Forge Christian College majoring in World Missions and will be graduating this May '08, He has been involved with Real Life youth ministry at Glad Tidings for four years, and is a small group leader. This summer, Nate interned in Alaska where he was an interim pastor for a small village church.

Hope McNulty is a Youth Ministry major at Valley Forge Christian College and will be graduating in May along with Nate. She has been working with young people since graduating from high school, including the youth at Glad Tidings, and through it, her heart for the teens of this generation has only grown. This past summer she completed her internship in Vienna, Austria where she worked on building relationships with teens from all over the world.

The vision that Nate and Hope have for Saturday Night is to provide a place where teens can connect for fun, community, and growing together in the Lord. Eclipse meets Saturday Night @ 6 in the Red Room of Glad Tidings Church.