Just Do It! #126

John 2:1 And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 and Jesus also was invited, and His disciples, to the wedding. 3 And when the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine" 4 And Jesus said to her "Woman, what do I have to do with you? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." (NAS)

Ever make a New Years' resolution? Sure you have. How long did you keep it? Usually a few days is a long time to keep a resolution. Almost seems like a waste of time to determine the future by making a promise you are more than likely to not remember a few weeks down the road.

If there ever existed a resolve worth following to completion it would be the one Mary suggested to the servants at the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee. The words from Mary were in the context of a wedding with a major problem; they had run out of wine. Mary went to Jesus with the bad news. "They have no wine." Jesus responded with what may appear as words of disrespect but were not. They were words from the Savior that the time for him to begin his ministry had not yet arrived. She ignored his words and simply told the servants, "Whatever He says to do, do it."

What a tremendous New Years' resolution. Could you consider your resolution to do whatever God wants you to do? He calls us to a life of submission and surrender. That call means He is Lord of our life. As Lord, He is in charge. What a great opportunity to find purpose and fulfillment; simply by doing what our Lord says.

The servants followed Jesus' instructions and filled the water pots with water. As they drew out the water it was no longer water, but the finest wine possible. The best came as a result of doing what He said. This New Year entrust your life to the Life Giver, Jesus, and DO WHAT HE SAYS. There is no greater New Years' resolution you could make. May this New Year be filled with His blessings to you.

____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Happy New Year!

I do pray that 2010 has been a good year for you; but pray 2011 will be even better. I believe you will be able to measure whether it is good or not by answering one question, "Did your life bring glory to God."

This has been an exciting and rewarding year for me and my family. Sandy and I have been blessed especially as we have seen an improvement in our health, new involvement in ministry, and been able to see many of you during this past year.

We found ourselves ready for ministry again and God opened doors for that to happen. Both of us have been able to teach and preach in many places and share our story of "Celebrating Life" in the midst of trials and difficulties. I have come to believe you can celebrate life if you are bringing glory to God no matter what the circumstances. Life after all is about Him.

Sandy and I will be back in Quartzite, AZ in a few weeks (January 13-22) for the Campers on Mission project during the big gem and rock show. We will be teaching, sharing our story and doing street evangelism. This will be our fourth year to join in this rewarding event.

I had the privilege of preaching Sunday, December 26th at the Crossroads Baptist Church in Apache Junction, AZ. The congregation was wonderful and we enjoyed our time with them. Pastor Randy Hale was on vacation. Thanks, Randy for the opportunity. I will be preaching at Grace Community Church in Tempe on Sunday, January 2nd at 10:00 AM. Looking forward to being with them.

This Christmas season has been a busy one for most of you. I hope and pray you have had a wonderful time with family, friends, church and all else that God has brought into your life. We are truly blessed to have the freedom to travel, worship, express our views, and witness to our faith in Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that if you have never had the wonderful joy of knowing Jesus that 2011 will be the year of your new birth. God has so blessed us with life and life abundant in Christ; not a life without struggles, but a life with peace, fulfillment, forgiveness, love and joy.

May God bless you in 2011 as you allow Him to rule and reign in your life for His glory. I have come to love the verse in Romans 11:36 "For everything comes from Him; everything exists by His power; and his intended for His glory. To Him be glory for evermore. AMEN!" (NLT) ~ DGW

The Christ Child #125

Matthew 1:18-23 18 Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiance, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly. 20 As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All of this happened to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: 23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)."


The birth of Jesus is the story of a man and woman, a miracle, hope, and God. Joseph was engaged to Mary and in a dream it was revealed to him that she was already impregnated by God, the Holy Spirit. Instead of shaming her he has going to break the engagement, but an angel of the Lord appeared to him, a mystery and miracle, and told him to marry her because the child in her was conceived of God.


The child would be named Jesus and would save his people from their sins. His birth was a fulfillment of prophesy declaring virgin would conceive a child that would be different than all others. This child was God in human flesh. This Jesus will be called Immanuel (meaning God with us.) Truly the miracle of Christmas is the Sovereign Lord, the God Almighty, would become one of us in order to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.


Not only was Joseph allowed to be the earthly father of Jesus; he was privileged to see the miracle of Immanuel (God with us) and the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Have you discovered that Hope?
__________________________Today’s personal note from Dennis

Merry Christmas!
I pray you will have a wonderful Christmas. May God bless you, your family and friends on this blessed day.

This month has been a busy one for the Wood family. I told you before that we celebrate birthdays in December for all three of our children, Roger, Mandy and Susan and one of our grandsons, Collin. Attached are birthday pictures. We always take one SILLY PICTURE. I thought I would include it also.

I will be preaching on December 26th at Crossroads Baptist Church in Apache Junction, AZ and here in Tempe at Grace Community Church on January 2nd. I look forward to telling of the wonderful things the Lord has done in my life the past few years. In October 2009 the scripture in Psalms 118:17 jumped off the page at me as I read it. At that time my health was still quite critical. It was a verse of hope for that moment. "I will not die, but I will live to tell what the Lord has done." NLT

Since that time I have attempted to tell anyone and everyone who will listen what the Lord has done in my life. Jesus is even

more real to me now than at any time I can remember. He truly

is my Savior, Lord and Life. God has opened doors for me to

communicate the story to individuals, churches, carnival groups, senior adults, college students, and appears that I may be speaking to a NASCAR group in March in Las Vegas. Pray for continued opportunities to share God's word and the story of His mercy and grace.

I often joke with people that it seems when I schedule a speaking engagement God allows me to live long enough fulfill the engagement. THUS, I am looking to schedule a few speaking engagements in 2023. LOL

Thanks for being so supportive with your prayers this past year. It means so much to know people around the world are praying for me, Sandy, our family and ministry. Currently The Encourager is going to thirteen foreign countries and twenty-seven states.

It is such a privilege to send God's word to so many people as well as receive prayers from so many.

If you know someone who is interested in receiving The
Encourager please send me their name and email address or have them check out the blog site. http://www.dgtheencourager.blogspot.com/, Thanks.

May God bless you this Christmas and give you peace, hope, encouragement, mercy and grace. I love all of you. ~ DGW

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

Who Is Jesus? #124

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we be-held His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NAS)

What is Christmas all about? Why do so many millions of people celebrate the birth of Jesus? Is it because He was a great prophet? Is it because He lived a good life and went about doing good things for people? Is it because He was able to heal people of disease and cast out demons from them? Is it because it is fun to give and receive gifts, decorate trees, put up lights on your house, or have office parties and family gatherings.

Surely some people celebrate for just those reasons; but the real reason is because of who Jesus is. The Greek word LOGOS translated WORD in John chapter one is a way of declaring that Jesus was and is God Himself. The Word became flesh means that God became a man in Jesus. The Son of God has always been. Jesus even declared in John 8:58 "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." (NAS) He is declaring His eternal nature as God. He came to earth to reveal God and to die for the sins of humanity.

John 14:9-11 “He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, 'Show us the Father'? "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. "Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; otherwise believe on account of the works themselves.” (NAS)

Can you celebrate Christmas for the right reason? Would you place your faith in Jesus as God come in the flesh in order that you might have eternal life? WHAT A GREAT CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS THAT WOULD BE!!

____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Merry Christmas!!
Greetings from WARM, BEAUTIFUL ARIZONA,

I am sure you are all getting ready for Christmas. This has been a great time for our family. We have celebrated birthdays and are eager to again gather for Christmas Day. As we celebrate Jesus' birthday also we are so grateful to God for all He has done. This time last year my health was still not good and I praise God that this year I feel sooo good. God is good!

We have had record breaking temperatures in Arizona this week. It has been in the 80s a couple of days. I know those of you in the mid-west have had a tough winter. Come see us. Just not all at once. Sandy and I are very grateful for friends and family like you who encourage us in life and ministry.

God continues to open doors for ministry. We are planning to be in Quartzite, AZ in January to work with the Campers on Mission group. We will be teaching and also doing street evangelism for a week. Campers on Mission also serve at the Las Vegas Nascar races in March. It is our hope to be a part of that also. I will be preaching at Crossroads Baptist Church in Apache Junction, AZ on December 26th, and at Grace Community Church in Tempe on January 2nd. Pray for these opportunities to share "what the Lord has done."

Thanks for your prayers. I met with one of my doctors a couple of weeks ago. His comment to me was, "You are doing so well for one reason, prayer." I do believe he is right. Keep up the prayers.

Check out he blog site. dgtheencourager.blogspot.com. Take the time to subscribe. Thanks.

May God bless you with a very special Christmas holiday season. Remember to keep your eyes upon Jesus. I pray you will be blessed with friends, family, support and hope.

I love all of you. ~DGW

Fear or Faith? #123

Mark 4:37-41
37 And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. 38 And He Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" 39 And being aroused, He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. 40 And He said to them, "Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?" 41 And they became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (NAS)

Jesus had just finished teaching the people and casting out demons. As He often would He led His disciples to a retreat away from the crowds. This was one of those times. They climbed into a fishing boat and headed out across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was tired and found a place to recline and take a much needed nap.

While He was sleeping a storm arose and threatened the fishing boat and the disciples. The winds were so fierce and the waves so high that the little boat was in danger of sinking. The disciples were very afraid. They awoke Him in desperation and asked a most interesting question, “Don’t you care that we are perishing?”

They had just watched Jesus teaching, healing and casting out demons from the crowds that gathered. They knew Him to be more than an ordinary man, yet questioned His care of them. If you were asked if Jesus cares for people what would you say? Of course you would encourage them to trust that God not only cares, but is prepared to come to their aid.

But how many times do you face issues in your life when you like the disciples ask God, “Don’t you care about me?” Deep down inside you know He does, but it is easy to question Him when things are difficult.

You may be facing something today that is overwhelming; a storm in your life. Do you wonder where God is? Is fear your number one emotion? The disciples woke Jesus from sleep and with fear and not faith they asked for Him to do something. He spoke the word and the storm ceased. He then asked them the key question. It is a question He may be asking you right now;
“Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have faith?”

After quieting the storm the disciples had a new fear. It was the awe and reverence and amazement of being in the presence of God. That kind of fear is needed. It acknowledges that you are in the presence and cared for by a God who loves you. Let Him quiet your storm.
Why not place your faith in Him right now.

______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Merry Christmas!
I am so grateful to be celebrating another Christmas with my family and all of you. God has so blessed me with life and joy. Our family will be celebrating Christmas in Tempe this year where it is beautiful 70 degree weather with the sun bringing light and warmth. Sandy and I often speak of how grateful we are that God brought us here over 22 years ago.

We have already begun our month of parties, concerts and church programs. We already celebrated our daughter, Susan's, birthday. Saturday we will have a joint party for Mandy and Roger. Collin's birthday is the 28th. Collin and Bennett have music concerts this week at their respective schools. Sandy and I finished our "Celebrating Life" conference at Church on Mill on Wednesday night the 8th.

I will be preaching at Crossroads Baptist Church in Apache Junction on December 26th and at Grace Community Church in Tempe on January 2nd. I so look forward to sharing God's Word.

The annual Quartizite Gem and Rock Show will be the whole month of January. Sandy and I will be there teaching and doing street evangelism January 13-21. We are also considering working at the NASCAR Race in Las Vegas in March. I would be leading chapel services and other ministry activities. I am already scheduled to preach at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler on Mother's Day. Praise God for open doors for ministry.

I so enjoy hearing from you. You are such and encouragement to me and Sandy. Your words and actions keep us going. We believe that God has placed you in our lives to enrich our family and ministry. I also want to thank you for your financial support which allows us to be involved in volunteer ministry which we could not do without your help. Thanks for being so supportive. Keep us in your prayers.

Many of you ask about our health. Both of us are doing very well. This is the best I have felt in over two years. My blood work shows major improvement. I still have cancer but it is not growing at this time. For that I praise the Lord. Sandy is doing well and continues her ministry of teaching as well as being a wonderful Grammie to our three, soon to be four, grandchildren. By the way Mandy and baby are doing great. Baby is due May 21st.

Check out the blog site. www.dgtheencourager.blogspot.com Take time to subscribe.

Love all of you. ~ DGW

In Every Nation #122

Acts 10:34-42
34Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. 38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39“And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,[a] 40 but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, 41 not to the general public,[b] but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”

Christmas is right around the corner. What does Christmas mean? The Biblical story of Peter visiting the home of Cornelius gives us a picture of the Gospel. Christmas means God sent Jesus for everyone of every nation. He does not show partiality. It is Good News because Jesus’ coming to earth brings peace with God; because He is Lord of all. Jesus went about doing good by healing the sick and those oppressed by the devil He died on a cross, but arose from the dead three days later. He appeared to a select group that He charged with the responsibility of telling everyone about Christ. They were to tell that Jesus was the appointed one of God to judge the living and the dead.

He was also the one of whom the prophets foretold. He was more than just a prophet Himself. He was Emmanuel, God with us. The message of Christmas is summarized in the statement: “Everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name.” Have you put your trust and faith in the One who was God in human flesh who came to die for the sins of all who believe in Him? Why not now?

________________________Today’s personal note from Dennis

Merry Christmas!
Greetings on this first day of December. Why not celebrate by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas all month long. Today I started.

December is such a busy month for the Wood family. Susan has a birthday December 1st. Roger's birthday is the seventh. Mandy celebrates on December 19. Then Christmas comes on the twenty fifth and our grandson, Collin will celebrate number ten on the twenty-eighth. We have parties for all and eat way too much. But what a great time with
family.

God continues to bless me with better health. The Doctor recently told me the cancer is still in my liver, but is NOT GROWING right now. For that I praise the Lord.

Sandy and I continue our teaching at Church on Mill on Wednesday nights until December 8. I have been asked to preach at Crossroads Baptist Church on December 26th and at Grace Community Church on January 2nd. We are both preparing for the devotionals for the Quartzite, AZ Gem and Rock show. That will be in the middle of January.

Thank you for not only praying for us but making it possible through your financial support to continue doing projects like the Gem Show and the Mission Service Corp ministries. It is only as you provide that we can do these volunteer projects.

I pray and ask God to bless your life today and throughout the Christmas holiday season. Remember God and your family and give each as much time as possible.

I love you all. ~DGW

One of Ten #121

Luke 17:12 And as He entered a certain village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; 13 and they raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 And when He saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And it came about that as they were going, they were cleansed. 15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine-- where are they? 18 "Was no one found who turned back to give glory to God, except this foreigner?" 19 And He said to him, "Rise, and go your way; your faith has made you well." (NAS)

Are you thankful? Do you take the time to thank someone for their kindness to you? Jesus entered a village and met ten lepers who were begging for Him to heal their leprosy. Their plea was for Jesus to show them mercy. They had a dreaded terminal illness with physical and social implications. They were separated from family and friends; made to walk the streets declaring themselves to be ‘unclean’ and were total outcasts from society. No wonder they begged for healing.

Jesus gave them their desire and healed them all. As they were going to the priest one of them noticed he was healed and returned glorifying God and fell on his face thanking Jesus for the miracle of life. How sad that only one out of ten returned with a thankful heart. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day ask yourself if you would have been that one; or would you have gone on your way and not returned to fall before Jesus and thank Him for a new beginning in life.

You can thank God right now for giving you life and life more abundant. Thanksgiving Day as you celebrate the multitude of blessings God has given to you; be the one who returns to God and show your gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving Day to you.

______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving!

As I drink my coffee this morning at Starbucks I think how great it would be to have the opportunity to sit down with you and share a cup. Reflecting on that which I am most thankful for my mind turns to people who have been a part of my life. From my Christian parents who took me to church and told me about Jesus to the many encouragers who have made a profound impact on my life. For all of you I call family the thankfulness of my heart goes out this morning. For those of who who are friends and a part of a great support system I give a big THANK YOU for being there so many times.

Years have come and gone and Thanksgiving Day means more and more. I wish we could all have Thanksgiving every day and maybe we would have a more loving and compatible world in which to live. Please tell someone thanks for what they have meant to you. God has made us relational beings in order to reflect the image of God who so loves us all.

The Encourager now is sent to 13 countries in our world; 27 states and almost 1000 people. It is my heart's desire to encourage one and all with the Word of God.

Sandy and I had a wonderful retreat last weekend in Avondale, AZ. The pictures are from the retreat. The attendees were all volunteer missionaries throughout the state of Arizona. We were personally encouraged by what we heard from these wonderful people who share their lives in difficult places. They serve the inner cities, the Indian Reservations, the homeless, small churches, college students, Internationals, and endless other places. I am grateful for each of them and their sacrificial dedication to telling others about Jesus.

May God bless you and your family on this very special Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, and my you share the love of God with them. ~ DGW

(The photos are of the The Mission Service Corp volunteers and Clint & Carol Smith, MSC Arizona Coordinators.)

Small Things #120

Joshua 7:3
3 And they returned to Joshua and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up; only abouttwo or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, forthey are few." (NAS)

How big is your enemy? What do you struggle with in your relationship with God that tries to defeat you? Sometimes it’s the small enemy that gets the upper hand over you. After the great victory in the Battle of Jericho the Children of Israel came up against a much smaller enemy; the City of Ai. After spies checked out the city they returned with a report of “easy victory.” They noticed that Ai was a small city in size and in number and after such an incredible victory at Jericho it seemed relatively easy to capture.

They recommended that only two or three thousand soldiers go up to battle. Their reasoning was simply “they are few.” Few or small does not mean easy. Some of our greatest spiritual battles are not the gigantic enemies, but the small things and the few numbers. As you face the spiritual battles in your life never look at something as insignificant or easy. In the journey of life the war is real and the enemy is ready to bring you down over the easy and the few. The nation of Israel lost the battle at Ai for many reasons.

One of the major reasons for failure was the evaluation of the enemy. Anything that is against God is to never be taken lightly. Another reason was the assumption that just because they were few in number that it was going to be a snap to defeat Ai. Your enemy may look small,but it is often the small things that will defeat you. Be on alert!

Probably the number one reason for failure was the presumption that God would defeat the enemy when He had not even told them to march against Ai. Faith is believing what God has instructed and spoken. In this case God had neither given them instructions to battle Ai or had He spoken to them concerning His will in the matter.

Don’t allow the enemy to lull you into a false sense of security. Only as we follow the guidance of God will there be real victory. Beware of the small enemies which can quickly defeat your spiritual life. Be alert!!

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in Tempe, AZ!

Can you believe it is almost Thanksgiving time? Last Thanksgiving was really special for me and my family. It was a time of real thankfulness for all of us. Hard to believe a year has past.

Sandy and I will be speaking at Church on Mill, November 17, Dec 1 and 8 at 6:30 PM. We will be sharing our "Celebrating Life" conference. Looking forward to the opportunity to share the encouragement with them of how God has encouraged us.

We will be speaking at the Mission Service Corp retreat Friday and Saturday (18-19) in Avondale, AZ. The MSC volunteers from around the state of AZ will be in attendance. We are eager to encourage them in their important ministries. I asked you to pray for opportunities for ministry for both Sandy and me. God has certainly answered your prayers. Thanks.

Our daughter, Mandy and her husband John, are currently asking all the immediate family to make suggestions for a name for the new baby. Due date May 21, 2011.We still don't know the gender, but Tapaw wants a little girl to balance the three grandsons. So I am majoring on girl names. If it is a boy it will be John Joseph Koleszar IV.

Susan and Collin are preparing to move into their new Condo. It needed lots of TLC so for the past six weeks that has been Susan's main avocation. Roger, Jen, Bennett and Burke have moved into a new home also. We are excited for all of them.

May God give you a season of thankfulness as He blesses your life. ~ DGW

Only Jesus #119

Philippians 3:4
...although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more.

Philippians 3:7
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:9
...indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we shoud not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; (NAS)

The Bible reminds you that there is security in no one else or no place else other than in God The Apostle Paul's security, value, worth, trust and confidence were not in his credentials. Because of his religious background, his heritage, his family, his wealth, and his social standing he could have easily bragged about his standing with God and his fellow man. Yet his true trust was in the person Jesus Christ.

Jesus was the one who had died for him, had called him, and given him eternal life. Paul realized that anything and everything else in life would never give him that kind of security and hope. It was Jesus and Jesus alone that was worth counting all things as loss. It was Jesus that brought him to the realization that he could not trust in himself.

It was the God who raises the dead and gives eternal life that gave him worth. He did not need to brag about his personal accomplishments or his heritage, because it was Jesus and Jesus alone that gave him hope of resurrection and eternal life.

For that reason he counted everything loss. He gave up his credentials and standing in the world in order to follow Jesus. He found in Christ someone who not only could forgive sins, but give him life in its fullness. He counted victory in loss. Could you find purpose for your life by ceasing to trust and have confidence in anything other than Jesus?

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Dennis & Sandy's home.

We had a great retreat in Ohio this past weekend. The Homebuilders class of the Dublin Baptist Church was a joy to be with. The food and fellowship were outstanding. Sandy and I enjoyed sharing our lives and experiences with them.

Yesterday I had my liver tube exchanged. The procedure went well. Thank you for your prayers. God has been good to take care of us and know He will continue..

We are home for the holidays. We do have a couple of speaking engagements. One will be at the Mission Service Corp retreat in Avondale, AZ. MSC is a volunteer missions organization of the North American Mission Board. We will be sharing with volunteer missionaries.

We look forward to some time with our family for a few weeks. It has been a busy fall season and we are ready for a break.

May God bless you and watch over your special needs today. He is ABLE!

In Christ's love, ~ DGW

Got Trouble #118

2 Corinthians 4:7 But this precious treasure...this light and power now shines within us...is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.
2 Corinthians 4:16a That is why we never give up
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the trouble we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

The vacation was going well until it became evident that it was going to take a long time to reach Disneyland. That's when the complaining started. "How much further?"? Are we there yet?" Mom and Dad are thinking, "WILL IT EVER BE OVER?

Does that sound much like life as well? What time did you wake up last night with the stinking thinking and the thoughts that could be labeled catastrophizing. Was it at 2AM or 3AM? How long was it before you were able to return to sleep? Maybe your thoughts were based on the assumptions that all bad things will continue in eternity. How easy it is to forget that God is in charge of life and that He will see you through.

Whatever trouble you are experiencing is quite small compared to eternal reward of heaven. They are producing immeasurable great glory that will last forever. The Psalmist understood the feeling of endless trouble yet wrote that "joy comes in the morning." No wonder when we wake up in the middle of the night rehearsing the tragedy of living that we long for the sun to arise so the night thoughts will go away.

What is the solution? "Don't look at the troubles but rather look forward to what we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. Praise the Lord for HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT.

May God bless you today.
_______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from The Moser Home in Columbus, Ohio!

Sandy and I arrived yesterday in order to lead a retreat in the beautiful Hocking Hills area of Ohio. We will be speaking on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please keep us in your
prayers. We hope to be an encouragement to all who attend.

I had a not so good week. Last Friday I went to see the oncologist and was told my last labs showed a decrease in cancer markers which was great. The problem is that on Saturday morning I awakened with yellow eyes, the jaundice was back for the first time in 18 months. I have been treating the fever and jaundice since. It is better. I will have the liver tube replaced next WED Nov 10. Pray that this will take care of this very pressing need.

Even though Sandy thought I should stay home and not come to Ohio I felt God wanted us to come. We are trusting that He will see us through another struggle.

The Sun is shining brightly in Ohio this morning, but snow is on its way tomorrow. I haven't seen snow in a while so would be nice to see a little, very little.

Praise God His Son is shining all the time. I praise the name of Jesus. God bless you and thanks for your prayers. Especially remember the prayers for next Wednesday's tube replacement. Next week's encourager may be a few days late.

I love you all. ~ DGW

Who's In Charge #117

Job 38:1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, 38:2 "Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? 38:3 "Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct me! 38:4 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding, 38:12 “Have you ever…” 38:19 “Where is the way…” 38:35 “Can you send forth lightening…” 39:27 “Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up…” 40:1-2 Then the Lord said to Job, Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? 40:3-4 Then Job answered the Lord and said, “Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth.”

Job and his friends had questioned God and His intentions. After 37 chapters God finallyspeaks and gives wise counsel. The declaration of God and the conclusion of Job is that the Creator makes the decisions, determines outcomes, and directs the action. Job’s friends tried to blame Job for his problems. His wife asked him to curse God and die.

Finally, God speaks and says that as His creation you cannot challenge His decisions. He is in charge. HE IS GOD!! You’re not!! Job’s understanding of himself is that in the scheme of things he is insignificant. It does not mean he was of no worth, but simply that in comparison to God, he is insignificant. Whenever you recognize the Almighty nature of God and His sovereignty you will see and exclaim along with the Psalmist, “what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:4 (NIV)

God has a purpose for your life, and He will fulfill it. Job 42:1-3 says, "Then Job answered the Lord and said, “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” Rest assured God knows all that is happening to you, through you, for you and in you. He has a purpose that will bring glory to His wonderful name.

Praise Him today for His watch-care and providence in your life. Matthew 19:26 And looking upon them Jesus said to them, "With men this is impossible, but withGod all things are possible." (NAS) Take time right now to thank God that He is in charge.

___________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from home in Tempe, AZ.

Sandy and I are glad to be home for a few days. We will leave again next Wednesday for Columbus, Ohio where we will lead a

retreat. Our friends Bob and Pat Moser are the leaders of a

Sunday School class that has an annual retreat. We feel

priviliged to share with them again this year.

The conference in VA was wonderful. We had a great time with

our friends the Elmores and all the folks at Tabernacle Baptist

Church. God blessed as many were encouraged in their walk with God and as they walk

through trials.

Sandy went to the Doctor this morning (WED) and got a clean bill of health on her bladder cancer. She will return in six months for a checkup. I meet tomorrow with the oncologist to find out about the tests that have recently been run. Pray for a great outcome. One of my Doctors recently found he also has cancer. Pray for Dr. Duwe. He has become a special friend as well as doctor.

Sandy and I will be teaching at Church on Mill on Wednesday nights, Nov 17, Dec 1 and 8. We look forward to being in our church for those three weeks. We will be sharing our Celebrating Life conference with them. The Mission Service Corp retreat is in Avondale, Arizona on November 19-20.

Sandy and I have been asked to speak at it also. Grace Community Church has asked me to preach three services on January 2, 2011. They are a wonderful church near our home. And the annual Quartizite revival at Quartzite Southern Baptist Church will be in mid January. Sandy and I will also be speaking at it. The Campers on Mission chapter willbe doing street ministry during the Annual Gem and Rock Show. Pray for the details to be worked out for this big undertaking.

Wow! I am tired thinking about all these opportunities for ministry. Pray for our preparation.

That is the most time consuming and difficult part. As most of you are aware standing in front of a group of people and teaching is not hard for me or Sandy.

May God Bless Your Life This Week. ~DGW

Taking Advice #116

Acts 27:21-26
Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listenedto me in the first place and not left Fair Havens. You would have avoided all this injury andloss. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and hesaid, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God inhis goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believeGod. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”

The Apostle Paul was on his way to Rome to stand trial before Caesar as a common criminal. The ship he was on not only had a crew but other prisoners as well. Paul had warned the crew of impending disaster if they did not follow his instructions. They refused and found themselves in major difficulties. As things grew worse Paul gathered the crew together and reprimanded them for not paying attention and following his advice. The problems and difficulties they faced could have been avoided if only they had listened and heeded Paul's warnings. Do you ever find yourself in trouble for not taking the advice of those who are wise and knowledgeable?

Paul did give them encouragement and hope in spite of their lack of following his counsel. Take courage, because no one would lose their life even though the ship would sink. Sometimes our ship sinks because of our poor decisions, yet life is not over. There is still hope. God had spoken to Paul and assured him that he would arrive in Rome and stand before Caesar. God’s purpose would be fulfilled.

He also assured them that all on board would also be safe. This was because of no other reason than the goodness and grace of God. Even though you often fail in your obedience to God and fail to follow His directives He still promises that His goodness will see you through. So Paul concludes with, “Take Courage.” How could they take courage in light of the future prophesy of Paul concerning the ship’s destiny? They could be courageous because Paul believed God.

Even though your ship may sink, your faith will see you through because God said it would. You may be on a sinking ship but God is still in charge. Take courage and believe God. He will seeyou through to His intended purpose.

___________________Today's personal note from Dennnis

Greetings from Starbucks in Salem, Virginia!

Sandy and I arrived in Salem on Monday. We are excited about our week with the Tabernacle Baptist Church and Pastor Rick Elmore and his wife, Lynne. They are long time friends. We met in seminary in Fort Worth in 1968. Wow! That was a long time ago.I will be speaking tonight (Wed) at their weekly prayer meeting. Sandy and I both will be speaking Saturday morning and again on Sunday morning. We look forward to seeing the wonderful folks at Tabernacle. During my illness they have been faithful prayer warriors for us. We are grateful to them.

Thanks for your prayers for our family. Our daughter, Mandy and baby to be, are doing wonderful. How we praise God for that. Needless to say daddy to be, John, is likewise excited.

Our daughter Susan is working on her new condo. She has a lot of work to do to make it ready to live in. She is working hard at ripping out cabinets, tearing up flooring, removing popcorn ceiling and lots of cleaning.

Roger and Jennifer and boys are also moving into a new home this weekend. Lots to do to be ready to move.

God is so good. I appreciate your prayers and know that God is working in my life and ministry. Doors have opened for ministry. Already in November I have scheduled nine speaking engagements and several in January already. Praise the Lord.

Pray for continued health. I meet with the oncologist, and my primary care doctors when I get home. Both have called to schedule appointments to discuss the latest tests that have been run.

Do you know that God loves you!! He does. So much so that He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for you in order that you might have life and life abundantly. May He bless you today with His grace and mercy and show you His goodness. ~ DGW

Only By Faith #115

Romans 4:1-5
1 What should we say about those things? What did our father Abraham discover about being right with God?
2 Did he become right with God because of something he did? If so, he could brag about it. But he couldn't brag to God.
3 What do we find in Scripture? It says, "Abraham believed God. God accepted Abraham's faith, and so his faith made him right with God."— (Genesis 15:6)
4 When a man works, his pay is not considered a gift. It is owed to him.
5 But things are different with God. He makes evil people right with himself. If people trust in him, their faith is accepted even though they do not work. Their faith makes them right with God. (New International Reader's Version)

How important to you is your faith? What are you trusting in to give you a right relationship with God. You may believe how you live, things you do or don’t do, or your own performance would cause God to accept or reject you. Let me encourage you. You are right with God by faith and faith alone. Our father, Abraham, received a relationship with God because he believed in God and God’s promises.

Abraham was justified or made righteous by his faith and his faith alone. If he could have done works or deeds which could have given him a right relationship with God then he could have bragged or boasted of himself and not given glory to God.

Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness, Genesis 15:6.

Your relationship with God is based not on keeping laws or rules, or on your deeds and works, or your performance. It is based on your faith in God Himself, Jesus Christ. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory and holiness of God. The only way for that sin to be forgiven and a relationship with God to be established is faith in God the Son, Jesus. He died for you on a cross and arose from the dead to give you life. But life, forgiveness and right standing with God is received only by faith.

Your faith determines not only your right relationship with God, but your faith keeps you daily assured of your relationship with God. Trusting God brings hope and encouragement. Trust God with your life today. He loves and cares for you and desires to save you from your sin and guide your life.

__________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from San Diego, CA!

Sandy and I have taken a few days to enjoy one of our favorite places on the planet, San Diego, CA. We have been here almost a week. We will be back in Tempe on Wednesday afternoon. We have met new people. I was able to share a testimony at First Baptist Church of Clairmont on Sunday morning and have lunch with Pastor Alan Thompson and his wife, Beth. What a great time.

We have had some really exciting things happen in our family. Our daughter Mandy and her husband, John, have been married nine years and unable to have children. They announced to us recently that we will be grandparents again in May. They are excited and so are we. Mandy and the baby are doing fine. They saw the heart beat on ultra-sound last week. We praise the Lord for an answer to prayer. Continue to pray that all will go well.

Our other daughter, Susan and her son, Collin, have bought a condo and will be moving out of our home and on their own in the next couple of months. We again praise the Lord for finding them a great place to live.

Sandy and I leave early Sunday morning for Salem, VA where we will be leading a "Celebrating Life" conference on October 23-24. Pray for us that we could be an encouragement to the Tabernacle Baptist Church. Pray for that church and Pastor Rick Elmore and his wife, Lynne. They have been close friends for over forty years.

What a great God we serve. He has so blessed our lives with family, friends, faith and hope. To Him be the glory.

I pray for you that God would bless you this week. ~ DGW

"Deep" Faith #114

Matthew 13:3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed (NIV)

Matthew 13:5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, be-cause the soil was shallow.
Matthew 13:6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, andthey withered because they had no root. (NIV)

Matthew 13:20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears theword and at once receives it with joy.
Matthew 13:21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a shorttime. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. (NIV)

What is the depth of your walk with Christ? In Jesus’ own words he admonishes those who are shallow in their faith. Actually He gives an emphatic warning that those who have a superficial faith will find their faith withering away when trouble or persecution comes. Some translations use the word tribulation to describe the cause of falling away.

Notice that this person is an ‘immediately’ person. They respond to the word with enthusiasm,quickly, and with joy. They like what they hear. The problem comes in that they have no root within themselves. The result of the word only lasts a short time. The result being that as quickly as the word was received it also abruptly left with no evidence of ever having been received.

Trials, tribulations, persecution, adversity are all causes for the recipients of the word to fall away. It is like a river that is a mile wide but only six inches deep. The river is disturbed by drought, floods and algae. So is someone who receives the word into a life that is shallow.

What kind of recipient are you? Do you have roots that run deep into Christ? Do you flounder when things get tough? Anchor your life into the depths of Jesus and find strength to weather the worst storms. God bless you in your spiritual growth into a deep relationship with Jesus.

______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from wet and cool Tempe, AZ!

Thanks for your prayers for the liver tube change last Monday. IT NEVER HAPPENED! The Doctor looked at my scans, ultra sound and blood work and said he thought I didn't need it changed for now. In fact he is talking about removing it completely in November if I continue to do well. Praise the Lord.

We had other great news this past week. Our daughter, Mandy, and her husband, John, have been married for nine years and unable to have children. This past week they announced that in May Sandy and I would be grandparents. We all hugged, and yelled and even cried a little with the wonderful news. Mom, Dad and baby are doing fine. Continue to lift them in your prayers. Needless to say Sandy and I are really excited.

We continue to minister to people when and wherever we can. We will be sharing in a weekend seminar at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Salem, VA October 23-24. Pray for us and the people at Tabernacle. We pray that they will be encouraged in Christ.

A BIG THANK YOU for praying for us and for hitting reply last week. It is always good to hear from you. I pray God will bless you and your family this week and that you will find encouragement to face your every challenge. Love you all. ~ DGW

Shine Your Light #113

John 8:12

Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." (NAS)

John 1:4-5
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (NAS)

Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (NAS)

Spelunkers travel through caves. They understand the meaning ‘pitch black.’ The minute the lights go out it is impossible to see your hand in front of your face. Turning on flash light or a carbide light illuminates the cave. Darkness is dispelled and light permeates the interior of the cave. Why? Because light overcomes the darkness.

You are the light of the world because the life and light of Jesus is in you. His Holy Spirit reflects the image of Christ. Our light shines in a dark world (a world without the light of God) and brings glory to God. The basis of the New Covenant God established through the life and death of Christ and His precious blood and His resurrection is the life of Christ in the heart of a believer.

Colossians 1:12-14 "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (NAS)

We have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God through the blood of Christ by granting us the forgiveness of sins and the deliverance from darkness into His marvelous light. And it was all for the glory of God. Celebrate your freedom from darkness into light. Rejoice in the forgiveness of your sins. Praise God that you are a part of His Kingdom.

_______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Tempe where the summer never ends!

When we lived in Wisconsin we often felt as if the winter would never end. This year we believe the same about summer in Arizona. Still daily above 100 degrees. I am ready for a change.

Sandy and I are excited about being home for a couple of weeks before we head to Salem, Virginia to lead a conference. We return home for nine days after that and then will be in a retreat in Columbus, Ohio.

God has certainly blessed and we praise Him for watching over us. We ask for prayer for next Monday, October 4 when I have the tube in my liver replaced. It is always a time of concern. Pray that I will not have infection. That seems to be the number one problem with the exchange.

We are still praising the Lord for such a great time in Louisiana. Our hope is that we were an encouragement to the folks at New Covenant Church and Christ's Community Church. We are so aware how much they encouraged us.

Light Reflectors #112

2 Corinthians 3:18
“And all of us have had the veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us we become more and more like Him and reflect his glory even more.”
2 Corinthians 4:1 “And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry we never give up.”
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. But this precious treasure —this light and power that now shine within us—is in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and not our own.” (NLT)

The Bible gives us great insight into life. It says that our lives in Christ are mirrors that reflect the glory of God. Our ultimate purpose in life is to glorify God. We are not here for our comfort or happiness but for Him and for His glory. As a believer in Christ the Holy Spirit lives in you to reflect the image of God. The more mature we become the more we become like Jesus the more we bring glory to Him.

Our ministry is to be reflectors of the His glory so that God is known, praised and worshipped. The light we reflect is the image of Jesus. His love, mercy, compassion, grace and truth are reflected to everyone as the image of God. The interesting thing is that God does that through an imperfect, weak and dying body. That in turn gives more glory to God because His power is expressed and not ours. Our weak bodies are the vessel by which God shows Himself. To Him be the glory.

Why not let your light shine. You may think you are weak or undeserving. Well, guess what God can still use you. It is because of your weak earthly vessel we call the human body that you cannot take the credit for who you are or what you do. God receives all the glory.

Let Jesus shine through you today.

______________________Today' personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Tempe, AZ.

Yes, we are home again after two wonderful weeks in Denham Springs, LA. We stayed with our dear friends the Tuttletons and were able to see many old friends. We lived in Denham Springs from 1980 to 1982.

The past two Sundays I had the privilege of preaching and telling of the good works of the Lord to New Covenant Church and Christ's Community Church. Sandy taught at Christ's Community on Saturday and Sunday.

We are home for about three weeks before we head to Tabernacle Baptist Church in Salem, VA. Our friends the Elmore's have served there for many years. We will be sharing our seminar, "Celebrating Life" with them.

I will again have my liver tube replaced on October 4th. Please pray again that I have no infections. It has been three months since it was replaced. That is the longest I have gone since it was placed over 1 1/2 years ago.

The pictures include a picture of Don Tuttleton and me beside the camper he fell off of almost a year ago when preparing to come to AZ. The plans are to finally make it to AZ in January of 2011. The other picture is of a boat ride I took down in the bayou of south LA. What a great place. The only problem is I didn't have a fishing pole in my hand. The other picture is when I finally found a line and a pole. My friends Tommy Steward and Don Tuttleton and I spent an afternoon fishing off Tommy's deck. What a great time.

God bless all of you and thanks for your prayers. I continue to be blessed and encouraged by the hand of God upon my body and life.

You are a blessing to me and Sandy. We love you all.

True Purpose #111

Genesis 15:1,5-6
1After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do notfear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great."
5And He took him outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars,if you are able to count them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be."
6Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. (NAS)

Faith is our response to the revealed word of God. When Abram was told he was to be the fa-ther of a great nation his response was to believe God. How often do we not respond in faith?We try to “flesh” it out or do it our way. Romans14:23 "whatever is not from faith is sin." (NAS)

We try by all our power and abilities and means to make something happen. God does not receive the glory nor is He pleased with that which is not done in faith. We also try to enlist other people to help us “flesh” it out.

Nothing in our flesh or in anyone else’s flesh pleases God. Why not allow God to workthrough His Spirit to accomplish the miraculous and bring glory to Himself? Faith is believingthat God is able and He only needs our cooperation not our best to accomplish what He wantsdone. Then and only then can it be said, “to God be the glory great things He has done.”

What is God saying to you today? Is He asking you to trust, have faith in Him, to accomplishwhat He wants done in your life. Why not say, “yes” to God and allow Him to have His will in your life. You may be facing trials and struggles and God is asking you to just believe He is able and willing to come to your side and lend you the grace and love to see you through your need. True purpose in life is to bring glory to God.

____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Denham Springs, LA!

What a great time Sandy and I are having in LA. Sunday I preached at New Covenant Church and saw so many old friends. Sunday afternoon they held an open house for us. We are so blessed to have so many friends in so many places. God has certainly blessed our 45 years of ministry with wonderful people.

Saturday and Sunday Sandy and I will be preaching and teaching at Christ's Community Church. Please be in prayer for our ministry.

Many of you have asked about my Dad. He is settled into the nursing home and doing well. I thank God for a good place for him. He is in good spirits and is physically much better than he was for while. Thanks for your prayers for him.

We should be back in Tempe on the 21st. God bless you and your family. May this be a special week for you. ~DGW

Any Room Left? #110

Acts 3:12
12 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? (NAS)

Where does the credit go when something great happens in your life?

We easily like to think we made a great accomplishment or that somehow we can take credit and brag about it. Peter was eager to not allow the healing of the lame man to be credited to himself but to the Great Physician. Often people will try to shower you with credit when only God is the one who deserves the glory. Peter quickly reminded everyone that it was not by his power nor was it because he was pious enough but only by the power of God alone that a lame man was now healed. Our purpose is always to glorify God and give Him credit for all good that comes our way.

There is a story of a young martial arts student who was having tea with his master. He said, “I have learned all you have to teach me about defending myself. I want to learn one more thing now. Please teach me about the ways of God.”

The master took the teakettle and started pouring the student’s cup full of tea. Soon the cup was full and began to spill over onto the saucer. The master continued to pour the tea until it spilled over the saucer and then onto the floor.

The student finally said, “Stop, stop, the tea is spilling over. The cup can’t take any more.” The master then looked at the student and said, “You are so full of yourself that there is not room in your life for God. It is not possible for you to learn the ways of God until you learn to empty yourself.”

Luke 9:23 And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (NAS)

_____________________________Today's note from Dennis

Greetings from Tempe, AZ (where it is still a hot summer)!

Sandy and I traveled to the White Mountains of AZ over the holiday week-end and spent a few days camping. We celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary on the 4th. The pictures show what a year can do. Last year on the 43rd I was in the hospital, this year camping. We praise the Lord for His special blessing to give us another year together and look forward to another.

We will be in Denham Springs, LA the next two weeks.

We will be preaching and teaching at New Covenant Baptist Church on the 12th and at Christ Community Church on 18 and 19. It will be great to see old friends.

We have been asked to teach on Wednesday nights November 17 and December 1 and 8 at Church on Mill. We will be sharing our latest study on "Celebrating Life." It will be great to be back at Church on Mill to teach.

I pray you will have a wonderful week and that God gives you insight into His Word for something special He is working on in your life.

Thank God we are never done and "that He who began the good work will complete it."

~ DGW

Is Your Wall Broken Down #109

Nehemiah 1:3
And they said to me, "The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire." (NAS)

The people of God had been taken into exile into Babylon and the city of Jerusalem had been left behind and was now in shambles. Nehemiah had just received word back from his brother and some other men of the conditions in Jerusalem. There were only a few people left in the city and they were in poor condition at the best, and the city wall was broken down and because of the destruction of the gates the city was unable to be protected.

Nehemiah, highly motivated, determined to go to Jerusalem and inspect for himself the great City of God. He first went to God in prayer for the strength, support, and assurance to face the awesome task. Sometimes we are faced with little support, great distress, and broken down defenses.

It is that need that causes us to do as Nehemiah did and go to prayer. Nehemiah realized this project was far more than he could handle. He needed the direct intervention of God. Will you find purpose in your life today through the needs that face you and then realize they are much bigger than you are and call out to God for His intervention.

Only through the hand and heart of God can you find the victory in the midst of your need. God is not only able but is willing to be your strength, support and assurance. Turn to Him for your need right now.

____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Tempe, AZ!

This has been a great week. We were able to get my Dad into the nursing home. I was able to see friends and family in Eldon, MO and in Springfield, MO. I got in a couple of days fishing on Table Rock Lake in southern MO. I enjoyed every minute of it, too. Had the privilege of preaching to a group of Carnival folks in Crane, MO.

Sandy and I will celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary
on Saturday (4th). We are taking a few days to spend in the White Mountains of Arizona to celebrate.

God bless you today and may He meet the needs of your body, soul and spirit.

I love sending you words of encouragement. ~DGW

The Precious Treasure #108

2 Corinthians 4:1 And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry we never give up.
4:7 But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us— is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.
4:14 We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you.
4:15 All these things are for your benefit. And as God’s grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
4:16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying our spirits are being renewed ever day. (NLT)

The ministry of the New Covenant is a ministry of reflecting the light of the glory of God into a world of people who need hope, encouragement and life. God receives glory as His light is reflected by those who believe in Jesus.

Because this ministry is of God and for His glory we never give up in proclaiming the Good News of salvation by grace through faith. The struggle we have is that the gospel, the wonderful treasure, is contained and proclaimed from a perishable house, the human body. All of us live in a body that will eventually die and is in that process now. The precious treasure of the gospel is proclaimed from the frailty of the human life and body in order that it becomes obvious to all that it is God at work and not us.

The hope of the believer in Christ is that as God raised Jesus from the dead after his death on the cross, we too will be raised to life through Christ. Our hope is of eternal dimensions. Through the light you reflect of God in your life the more people will come to know Jesus as their own savior. God’s grace will bring more and more people to Christ and in turn God will receive more and more glory.

That truly is why no matter the circumstances we our experiencing, God is at work in your life for His glory. That is why we do not give up. Our bodies may be dying but our Spirits are being renewed day by day. To God be the glory.

_____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks: But in Osage Beach, MO!

I am in MO this week to prepare for my Dad to enter the local nursing home. I am glad to report he is doing quite well and looks forward to living in the home. The plans are to have him in and settled by Friday. Thanks for your prayers. Things have gone extremely well.

This is the first time in almost a year and a half for me to be away from Sandy. Because I still have a liver tube, wound dressings and flushing of the tube it was with a bit of concern I left my very special care-giver. So far so good. I just talk to her on the phone several times during the day.

Continue to pray for Sandy and me as we prepare for teaching and preaching in Louisiana. We will be in Denham Springs September 8-21. I will be preaching at New Covenant Baptist Church on the 12th and Sandy and I will lead a mini-conference on Saturday morning the 18th at Christ Community Church and I will be preaching there on the 19th. Really looking forward to renewing old acquaintances. It is hard to believe it was thirty years ago we moved there.

This last Sunday was our twenty second anniversary at Church on Mill. That also seems hard to believe. Sandy and I are still on staff as Missionaries at Large. The Church recently made me a new business card which reads "Greeter." I really like greeting people and meeting new people. The best part: I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO MEETINGS.

I pray for you today. It is my prayer you will come to know God a little more, love Him deeper, and serve Him with the gifts He has given you. To Him be the glory. ~ DGW

Removing The Veil #107

2 Corinthians 3:12-18
12 Since this new covenant gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory fading away. 14 but the people’s minds were hardened, and even to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, a veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away. 17 Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, He gives freedom. 18 And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more. (NLT)

The New Covenant, the covenant of grace, extending through Jesus death and resurrection, the privilege of being right with God by grace through faith is the basis of our confidence before God. Unlike the Old Covenant written on tablets of stone and given to Moses as the Law the New Covenant was written on the human heart.

Whenever we attempt to live by law, rules, regulations and believe that the achievement of that attempt gives us a real relationship to God we are fooling ourselves and a veil of non-truth is over our eyes. Moses came from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments and because of being in the presence of God and receiving the law his face shined with the glory of God. Yet the glory faded. Moses wore a veil over his face so Israel could not see glory fading away.

The New Covenant in the blood of Christ does not fade. The glory of God is reflected in the life of everyone who comes to believe in Christ. The veil is removed and God’s glory is reflected as a mirror in the life of the believer. The reason is because the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, lives in every believer. Not only is the veil removed, the glory of God reflected in the life of the believer; but as the Spirit works in your life you become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more. What an incredible thought; God is in you and is working in your life to make you like Jesus, for His glory. No wonder Romans 11:36 says: “For everything comes from Him; everything exists by His power and is intended for His glory. To Him be glory evermore. Amen.”

______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from rain soaked Tempe, AZ! The Monsoon Season
hit this week with wonderful rain. Living in the desert makes rain a real blessing. The Lord continues to bless Sandy and I both with opportunities to minister the word. I preached this past Sunday at Laveen Baptist. After two morning services and an evening service I slept real good Sunday night. I thank God for the strength.

I will be going to MO this next week in order to see my Dad and help him become a permanent resident in a senior adult care living center. I am so grateful he is doing well and that he looks forward to living there.

Sandy and I will be preaching and teaching in Louisiana Sept. 8-21 and in Virginia Oct. 22-24 and in Ohio Nov. 5-7. We so look forward to seeing the folks in these areas and in sharing with them about the wonderful grace of God.

God is good and I praise Him constantly for His provisions. I do pray He will bless you today with good news and special help for a need you have. Let me know what God is doing in your life. I will pray for you and rejoice with you.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Encourager please send me their name and email address or send them to the blog site. ~DGW

What A Warranty! #106

1 Corinthians 1:21-22 “It is God who gives us, along with you, the ability to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of everything he will give us.” (NLT)

Ever buy something with a warranty? It meant that if anything went wrong with the product you could return it. Of course the warranty is usually short lived. It has certain requirements that must be upheld in order to remain in effect. After a few months or years it is no longer good. Then the store wants you to buy an extended warranty which goes for another length of time.

Aren’t you glad God doesn’t have the same approach to your walk with Him. Instead of you being the one who meets the requirements, it is God who gives us the ability to stand firm for Christ. He is the one who delivers the product, eternal life, and then guaranties it for all eternity. It is God who commissions us and identifies us as belonging to Him.

He even goes so far as to place His Holy Spirit within us as the symbol of His ownership of our lives and a guarantee we will never lose what He has given us. And the scripture says that the Holy Spirit is the first installment of everything He will give us throughout eternity. What incredible assurance, hope and encouragement that we have because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. God lives in you and makes us confident that “He who began a good work in you will complete it.” Philippians 1:6

What a terrific guarantee. God paid for our eternal life in Christ with Jesus death and resurrection and then gave us His Spirit as a guarantee.

You serve an amazing God. Praise Him today and thank Him for His Holy Spirit.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

_________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Tempe, AZ!

Thanks for your prayers concerning opportunities for ministry for both me and Sandy. God continues to open doors of service to Him and ministry to encourage God's servants. We scheduled speaking opportunities in Louisiana in September. We will be speaking at the New Covenant Baptist Church and Christ's Community Church, both in Denham Springs, LA. We are eager to minister but to also see many friends.

We will be in Columbus, Ohio for a conference in November and the dates are still being worked out for a conference in Virginia in October. Both of us are available the rest of the time for speaking engagements in Arizona.

I will be speaking at the Mission Service Corp meeting at the AZ Southern Baptist Convention meeting in November. Praise God for allowing both of us the health and desire to continue sharing God's word. Pray for our study and preparation time. Thanks!

Several of you have asked about how Sandy is doing after her fall while we were in South Dakota. She has recovered and healed and is doing fine.

God is so good and we are so grateful for His provisions. What a great God we serve.