Hello Pastor Greg, 

I just had to let you know that Dick is going into the Therapy Dog Ministry.  Remember the little dog you used to see out your office window when Dick was working at church.  That dog, Gracie, is now in training with Dick and will be backed by the Delta Society who will commission the dog and back them.  The teacher that they are seeing right now is asking for Gracie to work in the Crisis Center.  Dick can see that this ministry can open a lot of avenues for a Chaplain. I am so proud of them both. I was hoping you would mention the new ministry Sunday.  But, anyway I am happy to be telling you about it.  The two of them will be taking training classes for several more months before Gracie can be certified. 

Our prayers are always with you,

Kay,
Chaplain 

Valerie B., Tom S., Charlie and I were with a group of other people.  I don’t know who the others were but we were all in ministry together.  We were on scooters not the motorized kind and we were going fast.  We had really gained momentum.  We were going up this high overpass, when at the top we realized that the road ended.  I thought, Where were the road signs, where were the road blocks!  Then I thought, We’re going to die, but God said, No, you’re not going to die. Then we just kind of floated to the bottom and landed lightly on the ground.  When we landed, we all had bags of cash.  We were holding some of the bags and others were just sitting on the ground.  I looked at Charlie and said, Will we have to report this to the IRS?  He just looked at me as if to say, Of course you would ask that.  (I think God was telling me here that the money would come from unexpected places, not through an employer that would fill out a W2 or 1099 or something.  Of course, we will always obey the laws and claim income.) I knew this money was for us to fulfill the desires of our hearts.  So, all of a sudden I was at this coffee shop and Valerie handed me a cup of coffee.  It was so delicious.  It was black but it tasted sweet and with a flavor like a flavored creamer gives. (Probably because that’s how I like it.)  I was also aware that it was a large cup and very full.  I also knew that this shop was Valerie’s and the cash had provided for it.  I don’t know what anyone else did with their money.  Then I walked into a classroom with other believers and they said, We thought you died! I said, I thought I died too, but I didn’t.  I’m here.  I’m alive.

Thank you,

Pastor Loraine 

Dear Pastor Greg, 

I am listening to the 4/27 service while I am working. I work for a third party administrator. I pay medical claims and while I am paying claims for cancer, asthma, heart conditions, back conditions, AIDS, blood disorders and numerous other ugly diseases and conditions, I am listening, I can’t help but think that all the people who are suffering with these diseases are going to be healed. I am processing medical claims and while doing this I am able to pray for them by name! If led, I can pray for their families by name, I have all that at my finger tips. What an honor to do this. 

I thought you might be interested in knowing that this service is continuing to bless me and others. 

Big hugs for allowing God to move like you did. You could have shut it down, but you didn’t and now because of this, every claim I pay today will have this sermon playing in the background.

Sherry

Dear Pastor Greg,

I just wanted to share with you what the Holy Spirit has been ministering to me, and what He has been doing in me through these last few weeks.

After Suzann shared about how God wanted her to repent of the prejudice of her country and the benefits she gained by it and after prayer went forth for those who have been touched by prejudice, I had to say, “Look at God!” Because the day before I was at a women’s meeting that the Lord revealed how the affects of prejudice and rejection had on my life and the fruit of it ”judgmental thoughts.”

It was time for things to be broken off.  I had for years (since Junior High School) been a person touched by this which produced rejection and that judgment passed against me, always wanted to find place in me regarding others; even though my only desire was to love and be loved; to be a blessing!

Well, two Wednesday nights ago, which in church and not too different from many other times (even in church), judgmental thoughts were being fired at me. Those arrows flying right in the middle of praise and worship (not too spiritual, huh!  Warfare it was!  I cried out to the Lord and said “Lord, what is this?  Why does this continue?” I know the thoughts are not my own, yet because they are in my mind, I have felt, responsible for them, and so I continue to “cast down vain imaginations, reasonsings, and everything that exalts itself against the knowlege of God.”  After crying out in my heart to the Lord about this, the Lord said, “Kerry, let me show you her heart. Let me show you the gift she is to Me.”  As she sang and worshipped the Lord, God showed me the beauty of her heart and gift she is to Him.”  It blessed me so much!  I just could not contain myself of the beauty that God saw, that I didn’t see in the beginning.  I was reminded of what He told me a week earlier, “to think only on the good, the best and the beautiful.  To see only the good, the best and the beautiful in others and all situations.”  The Lord began exposing the strongholds, and showing me to refuse to be taken captive by them.

Well the next phase of the working that occured, I was invited to a women’s meeting of which I was not sure whether to go or not. It was going to be a home meeting.  The reasonings in my mind where not to go, they were from a judgmental standpoint, and I wasn’t too sure about going.  Yet, I knew that I had to let my friend know whether or not I would be attending, so I began to ask the Lord what He wanted me to do, whether or not I should go.  Again, He began to deal with the “judgmental” thoughts of this “home meeting.” and encouraged me with thoughts He wanted me to see her heart and the gift she is to Him.  He encouraged me to go and embrace her and what she is doing for His Kingdom, and not to go empty handed; but to sow into her and what He’s doing. 

I went to that meeting as a guest, expecting, yet not knowing what God would do…there were somethings in my heart and my heart’s hunger was for God to have His way and to reveal to me what that was.  Before the end of that meeting, the ladies were asked to share something that the Lord ministered to them about this meeting and at first I did not want to get up and share (my test-imony seemed so negative), but the Lord worked it where everyone shared.  I got up in faith and asked, “Can I be honest?”  I began to share how it seemed that no matter where I went in life, I was always being judged, for the way I looked, my skin color, my hair, my ethnicity, and always seemed to be questioned; I always felt out of place, unaccepted.  Not saying this was the case, but it just felt that way.  The judgment I encountered from many produced rejection, and later seemed to produce in me a judgmental thought process about others.  I shared this with the ladies and also what the Lord had showed me about my sister in church and how He wanted me to come today to see another sister’s heart and the gift she was to Him and what He wants to do through her; to embrace her and support her; so I came. I shared other things of which I do not recall. And that was Saturday before last, the day before you prayed for everyone concerning ”prejudice.” 

And I believe in sharing that on Saturday, led the way for me to receive my deliverance from those strongholds.  It’s like the prinicple: if we confess our sins (bring them to the Light), He will forgive them, but if we hide them, they will not be forgiven (and things that are hidden, it only gives the enemy a place, a stronghold).  I see that there is deliverance in bringing things to the light, just like for Suzann. 

And I also see that my seed provided a way for my own deliverence.  Just like the Holy Spirit said yesterday, “breaking it off.” The Lord wants to break these things off of our lives so that we can be useful to Him so that He alone receives all the glory.  And this is my hearts cry!  None of me, all of You!  You be glorified!  My heart is for ministry, in every way the Lord desires of me.  I know that our gifts make room for us and it is with these words He encourages me. I know that He wants to use us more than we want to be used, and to be a blessing more than we want to be a blessing. And as you can tell, it is with all my heart, soul, and strength, that I desire it!  I cry out for it!   And yesterday, while in church, the Holy Spirit was moving in our midst, that fire we called out for came on me, and I believe consuming and breaking off stuff.  As I danced yesterday, strongholds where being broken: rejection specifically.  His presence mightily ministering to me (yet at the time, I didn’t know what it was and for, but mightily resting on me). He had many other times before, and yet, it was in a new way; I believe for a new gate! 

My heart has always been since I was 20 years old to be used by God to minister… and then in 1985 the Lord showed me that He was calling me to offer my gift; what I was doing “in the world” even before I came to Him.  Dancing had always been a part of my life since I was 5 years old, yet never did I imagine that God would ask me to dance for Him and in church.  I had never seen anyone dance in church prior to that revelation.  But my heart was elated when He allowed me to see another worship Him in dance and know that’s what He wanted me to do unto Him.  In 1990 He revealed to me that His glory, His miracle working creative and delivering power would be released to minister to the people as I worshipped Him in dance.  He has shown me that the prophetic is connected to it.  He showed me that He would bring this prophetic vessel before Kings and those in authority and bring hope and new vision–encouraging all to fulfill their purpose in Christ; to exercise their gifts, talents, and abilities; to take up “their cross,” His vision and purpose for their lives, and to follow Him. He said that He would raise them up to a new level, a new experience of His presence, His power, His glory, His manifested goodness and that vision [insight and forsight] would be given to them and that their lives would be changed and transformed by the power and presence of the Holy Ghost.  That His anointing [fresh fire], love and free favors destroys and dissolves all doubt, unbelief, and fear by the fearing of faith; and that the Spirit of th Lord would come upon them [enabling them] to carry out all His good will, plan, and purpose for their lives, where they are blessed to be a blessing, empowered to prosper, empowering others to prosper!

It is truly through this journey of faith that I have been privileged to see this manifested in part.  He recently showed me since we have been here in Arizona, that although there has been a season of private worship, I am His Worship Warrior!  And as I worship in dance I am warring: declaring and dancing the victory in behalf of His people.  He said, an instrument that He would use to restore the nations to Himself and to bring His salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49-17). I praise God for all that He is to us; to me!  Glory alone be to God…that “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me… ” (Luke 4:18).  It is my very heart’s desire, my prayer declaration and decree, agreeing with Him: I AM has made me, my heart to be what He has declared me to be, and the gift I am to Him; a pure useable vessel. 

I am honored to be apart of, with you, God’s family, and what He wants to do here at Skyway and in this West Valley!

God’s Vessel and Worship Warrior–

Love and blessings,

Kerry

Jim was diagnosed with a cancer in his neck and it was removed on February 6.  We were told he would need 30 radiation treatments at a cost of $30 co-pay for each treatment.  A total of $900.  On the Sunday that we took a firstfruits offering which would go to Troy and his wife to help with the expenses of going to Ethiopia to rescue two children, the Lord instructed me to give half of what I had in my wallet which was $40.  So I gave the $20 in obedience to Him.  The next Sunday, I felt again that I should give another $20 (half of what I had), again an act of obedience.  The following Friday when Jim went for his radiation treatment, he was prepared to pay the second $150 co-pay and when he went to right out the check, they told him that they had found out through a program with our CIGNA insurance that we didn’t owe any co-pays and what we had already paid $150, would be returned to us.  That is a total of $900 that was either returned to us or that we wouldn’t have to pay.  God returned to us over 400 fold of what we had paid or would have to pay.  We were of course totally overwhelmed and rejoiced in the Lord. Jim had his first of four chemotherapy treatments today.  I don’t know what the co-pays will be, could be as much as 20% of the total cost of the medication.  But we are believing and declaring that God will provide.  We are also declaring and believing that Jim will not have the severe side effects they are saying he could have. 

Praise God and God Bless you

Edie

Greg,

Things have been going so well since we met – night and day difference!  I praise God every day for that!  Since we met, God has used me to bring healing/deliverance to nearly a dozen people so far.  And more coming forward every week in dire need of healing.  That’s possible now because of your faithfulness.  The things that God has done in the last few weeks blow my mind.  I could go on and on and on – I think I understand why John ends his Gospel the way he does:  “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”  I feel the same way – it’s overwhelming to think back on all God has done in the last few weeks.  Not enough books in the world to record all of it. 

 I hope this gives you encouragement. 

You gave me back my life – thank you. 

Peace!

David

Pastor Greg,
 
We serve a “WOW” God!
 
Irma and I serve a “WOW” God. As you know, I started 2007 without a job. When I began work in March it was at a salary 33% below my previous salary. For the remainder of the year all our needs were met. No bill was paid late. Our tithes and offerings continued although both were reduced. What debt we increased was small and for Christmas for the kids and grandkids.
 
My employer has been purchased by another company. I was told I could not renegotiate my salary with the new company. But I have favor. The new company re-evaluated my experience and decided I wasn’t being paid enough. They also determined the base where I work is hard to staff so they are paying a $5k a year bonus to people working there. The combination of these two result in a pay raise on Dec 16th of 17%!
 
The new company also has openings for my skills in the Phoenix area so a transfer from my
New Mexico location may be possible in the next year.
 
The company that fired me in September, 2006 is making overtures that they want to settle my lawsuit against them for unlawful termination. With a court date of July 7, 2008, this situation will be resolved in the near future. My legal bills have been and continue to be paid by the union I represented.
 
The Christmas debt will be paid off in no time and we will begin replenishing our savings and increase our giving. (Makes me wonder where that other 33% went when we had it.)
 
God is a good God and He has always taken care of us. We rejoice in His goodness!
 
WOW!
 In His Service,
John

Hi Pastor Greg and Dawn,

I am so ready for this new year and season.  I have so…. much enjoyed and felt the whole Embracing the season of change series.  The message has meant so much to me that I decided to make a web page and a video for the message.  This is something that I am passing along to every person I meet and every member of my business. 

The past few years have been such a “season”.  In this time we opened 2 fitness centers with no financial backing, ended up after 3 years, selling one and closing the other.  We lost one of our vehicles, repo, and we are on the verge of our home foreclosing due to all of the dept created with the fitness centers.  BUT, on the other hand, we are ALL healthy, I have my Fitness Boot Camp business that has just exploded this year (just not enough to pull us out of the DEEP hole in time), David , my husband, has been promoted in his company, and we have our faith.  No matter what, we will pull thru this and this NEW SEASON is going to be just awesome.  Your message has hit us and lifted us up in every area of our lives and I just felt that I had to share it.  Please enjoy the video and pass it on if you like.  Thank you again for your devotion to our community and God….
 http://www.embracingthechange.com/

 Tracey

Dear Pastor Greg,

I know you strongly advocate that Christians need to stand in leadership positions and reflect Jesus toward others.  I am writing this to tell you how that is being done in my life.  I am in law school right now at the University of Arizona. Last week I was awarded the Blackstone Fellowship for this summer.  I will be working for Alliance Defense Fund a Christian organization that defends pro-life causes, religious freedoms, and the sanctity of marriage. The Fellowship begins with two weeks of training in ADF’s headquarters (in Phoenix actually) learning conservative jurisprudence and the Christian’s role in the legal community.  The following six weeks, I will be placed in another location within the United States to work alongside other lawyers, agencies and organizations which advocating Christian rights.  It cumulates with a one week debriefing afterward.  I’d like to think of it as a nine week legal mission trip.

This work which I will be involved with may include working on legislation to further limit abortion, or on amendments preserving marriage between a man and a women, or on litigation allowing Christians the right to use public facilities that are open to other groups.  In all honesty, I do not know what area I will be dealing with, but there are a myriad of options available.

It is an honor to receive this Fellowship, and I am privileged to be selected.  I wanted to encourage you that there are Christians taking a stand.  I know I am called to law school and work with this organization.  You’re right Christians do need to be involved on all levels of society, especially in leadership.  Personally, I believe there should be special emphasis in politics and in the legal profession: the law makers, the law enforcers and the arbiters.  This is where I am called.  And I want to thank for emphasizing that message.  I remember that the New Years’ service that you called up groups to be prayed for leaders and businessmen.  God has called us not only to survive, but to overcome.  That prayer further encouraged me to step up, and out, and make a difference.  One of the topics I talk about with other Christians in law school is the importance of using our degree to build the kingdom.  There are not nearly enough Christian lawyers, and not everyone will be able to become them.  The ones who are remind me of Esther - being placed in a time such as this. The tricky part with law though is that it can be very tempting to pursue it with the wrong motivations (I needn’t mention the myriad of divorce, criminal, and DUI lawyers in the phonebook).  Still, in pursuing the will of God for my life, and making Him the cornerstone, everything else will be built around that.  Having the opportunity to work with Alliance Defense Fund further solidifies (and clarifies) my mission.

And I also am blessed to have a refuge in Skyway.  Granted, I am generally only back around Christmas time, and maybe occasionally during the year (because I am down in
Tucson).  But there are many people there that I know (and love hanging out with when I return periodically), and that I count on to continue being there and building the church you among them. So thank you for your teaching, leading and building.

I am including the website about the organization in case you are interested. It’s www.alliancedefensefund.org.  Also, here is some more information about the Fellowship and what it entails: www.godtube.com (search: “Blackstone”) 

In Christ,

-Ben

Pastor Greg,

Wow, what a message today and what a great response.  I would like to know if I could get a copy of your sermon notes as I’d like to post the 7 truths that you covered today on our Employees for Christ web site as a follow up to your message to us. Thank you for the donations for the Diversity Celebration.  We had a great response, lots of interaction with people, including on the spot prayer and handing out lots of scripture verses.  I had the opportunity to pray for the City Clerk who is a new Christian. I am so thankful for the favor God is giving us… for such a time as this. I am coming to the end of my first year of my promotion.  Professionally, it has been the hardest year of my entire working career, ever.  I have been verbally attacked, blind-sided, challenged - but through it God is maturing and strengthening me, preparing me for my assignment.  I can feel a spiritual shift coming  and there is momentum building as we move away from the old ways to the new.  Since you spoke to our group, I am meeting briefly with two other ladies every Monday morning to pray for the week specifically for purpose changing the spiritual atmosphere in our office.  The impact of the prayer became immediately evident as people became less inclined to argue, contend and strive.  For the first time ever, I believe I am walking with anointing and spiritual authority in the workplace.  Every day brings new opportunities, revelations and unexpected divine appointments.  I’m earnestly seeking the new gate. 

Thank you for everything. Laura