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
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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
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." NLTSince 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.
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.
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
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
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
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
Thursday, December 9, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
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
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
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