Who Let The Dogs Out #195

Philippians 3:12
Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved.

What an unusual word to describe evil people: DOGS. It wasn't as unusual in the Middle East in Biblical days. Unlike in the United States where dogs are domesticated, groomed, pampered and cared for like a human in other parts of the world dogs often run in packs in the streets. They are dirty, scavengers, dangerous and frightening. To be called a dog is a great insult, and yet this is the word the Bible chooses to describe people.

The people described are perverting the gospel of grace and mercy. They are adding to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He died for sin. They are adding to the gospel the demands of the Mosaic Law. Anything added to the finished work of Christ adds good works and deeds to the requirements of the gospel. The response to the gospel is faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."

The warning of the Bible is to watch out for dogs, people who add to the gospel and require more than God's grace for salvation. In this case the Judaizers are requiring all those who believed in Christ for salvation to be circumcised in accordance with Jewish Law in addition to their faith in Christ. The Judiazers were true freedom killers. The Bible considered these people evil.

You may have listened to the freedom killers, the dogs, the evil ones telling you that in order to be saved you had to adhere to certain rules, regulations, and laws. The Bible is quite clear. These are in opposition to the grace and mercy of God. Faith is all that is needed. Titus 2:5 "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit."


Do not allow the dogs to take away from you the freedom you have found in Christ by adding the law to your faith. God desires all His children to be free. You can walk by faith and experience God's grace and mercy. "Watch out for the dogs."


_________________Today's personal note from Dennis


Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ


It is summer in Arizona. We have broken two heat records already this week with a 106* on Sunday and 103* on Monday. I watched the snow storm on the East Coast and thanked God I live in Arizona. Heat means outdoor living, swimming pools, fun in the sun and lots of sun screen. Collin is playing soccer so the family watched him melt in the sun on Saturday.


Bennett finished his Spring Musical on Saturday. He is extremely tired, but thoroughly enjoyed performing. Wonder where he gets that? I think Burke and Jennifer saw almost every performance. They are tired too.


Sammy and Kathy, Sandy's brother and his wife, were here this week. We had a fun time with family get togethers. Saturday we all ventured out to a local restaurant to eat. We had a great time. I took a few pictures to remember the moment.


I leave for Missouri this week. I will be preaching at Second Baptist Church of Lebanon starting on Sunday evening. I look forward to renewing old acquaintances. The pastor, Roger Marshall, and I were roommates in college. He was also a groomsman in our wedding. We have known one another for forty-nine years. WOW!


The pastor of First Baptist Church of Tempe has asked me to preach for him on May 20th. Please pray for me and the preparation for the message from God's Word. I will be preaching three services back to back: 8, 9:30 and 11:00. Pray for physical stamina as well as spiritual strength. Thanks.


God has blessed me and Sandy so much. Both of us are grateful for God's mercy and strength to continue a teaching and preaching ministry as well as enjoy our family and friends. Your prayers and concern are so helpful. Thanks for caring. We love you and enjoy hearing from you.


God bless you this week. I pray God will bless your efforts in ministry. Serve the Lord with gladness.  ~ DGW

Freedom That Lasts #194

Galatians 5:1

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (NAS)

One of the deepest needs of every person is to be free. Throughout history mankind has fought wars engaged in treaties, and defended their homes and countries to be free. Our founding fathers knew the importance of freedom as they wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. They understood that only in the context of personal freedom could a nation thrive. Strangely enough God also knew that freedom was important to the individual. He sent his son to set us free from the bondage of the law and the slavery to sin. Jesus died and rose again to give true freedom to all who would trust Him by faith. The Bible declares it was for the purpose of freedom that Christ set us free. To be free to choose life in Christ is one of our greatest privileges. When you have the Son you are free indeed.

How important is freedom to you? You may take for granted many of your freedoms. The freedom to move about, to make choices, to speak, to engage in business to have relationships, to worship, to not be controlled by freedom stealers. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatian church that was in danger of losing their freedom in Christ to not allow the subjugation of sin and the Mosaic Law to enslave them. His encouragement to them was to stand firm. Do not allow yourself to be swayed by those who would remove your freedom.

It is through truth that you find freedom. "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32 "So if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed." John 89:36 God's purposes through Christ was to set you free from whatever enslaves you. He replaces your bondage with true freedom.

What is controlling your life? Is whatever that is in control of your life bringing you freedom or enslaving you? If you are free, who or what is attempting to remove your freedom? What are you doing about it? Stand firm in your freedom and do not allow anyone or anything to take it away from you.

"It was for freedom that Christ has set you free." Rejoice in and thank God for your freedom!

___________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I am praying for you to have a wonderful week. This week was to be a slow-down week. Don't think it happened. We have passed the twenty-four hour stomach bug around our family. The whole family participated, except for a couple who managed so far to avoid it. Hope you don't have the bug at your house.

Sunday I took a run at three morning services. Two were worship services and the third was a Sunday School class. No, I was not the preacher or teacher. I just wanted to see if I could endure four hours of church in a row. I made it. This for me was preparation for preaching three services in a row on May 20th.

Sandy's brother and sister-in-law, Sammy and Kathy, will be here in Tempe to see us this week. We look forward to their time with our family. They plan a return trip to the Grand Canyon also. They are both avid hikers.

Johnny spent Monday with us while his Dad suffered through the stomach bug. Johnny had his first jelly. Uncle Roger fed it to him. As you can see by the picture it was a big hit. Roger put it on a graham cracker. Johnny just sucked the jelly off and then wanted more.

Bennett's school musical is this coming weekend. Sandy and I will see it on Friday night. Sandy and I will see it on Friday night.

Please continue to pray for the revival in Missouri. I will be preaching Sunday evening April 29 through Wednesday evening May 2. the services are at the Second Baptist Church of Lebanon. My college roommate, Roger Marshall is the pastor. He was also a groomsman in our wedding. Pray for my preparation and that the Holy Spirit will prepare the church for true spiritual awakening.

Most mornings I come to Starbucks and enjoy a cup of coffee and share with anyone who will listen about how great God is. The verse God gave me over three years ago was Psalms 118:17 "I will not die but live that I may tell what the Lord has done." I continue to follow His direction with my life.

Even this morning I was able to share my testimony of God's love with a total stranger. I also asked permission from two of the Starbuck's baristas to take their picture with me. Thanks Beth and Becky.

I am so blessed with friends and family. I know you are too. They are such an encouragement to me. Thank god today for those He has put into your life.

I thank God for you. God Bless. ~ DGW

Do You Know Jesus? #193

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you who believe in the name of the Son of God in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

Are you sure today that you have eternal life? To be sure of anything brings hope. Assurance gives peace, joy, and freedom. What a comfort and encouragement it is to know something for sure. If you knew that today you would have a great day with no problems or struggles would that not give you hope. It is also true with eternal life. Do you desire an abundant life with meaning and purpose? Would you like to know that when you leave this earth in death that you will spend eternity with God in heaven? You can know for sure.

You may be one of those people who say, "Well, I hope so," or " I guess I'll know one of these days," or maybe you are unsure as to just shrug your shoulders when asked that question. Well, here is good news for you. The Bible, God's word tells us that we can know. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you can know for sire. The assurance of your salvation and the hope of eternity are based on faith; the faithfulness of God and our faith in Him. You can know you have eternal life God's word says it. John is writing to Christians to assure them that if they believe in the name of the Son of God, they will KNOW they are saved from hell and have been given eternal life.

The lack of fear of the future, the peace of the present and the hope of eternity are all the result of Jesus' death and resurrection and your faith in Him. You can know you have eternal life. You don't have to live in fear or doubt about God's love and salvation because it is not determined by how you feel or think, but according to what God says.

What God says in His word is that if you will believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God you will not only have eternal life, but you can know you have it. You know this is true because God's Word says it. You can trust God and His word.

Would you place faith in Jesus today?

___________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I do pray you had a wonderful Easter. The celebration of our Lord's resurrection reminds us all of His victory for us. Sandy and I enjoyed having Johnny, Mandy and Collin sit with us in worship at church on Sunday. I participated in the service by doing a monologue of Thomas. Memorizing the script was hard but very rewarding.

Johnny had an opportunity on Sunday afternoon to hunt for Easter eggs. His first Easter of course. What fun it was to watch him. Collin enjoyed the hunt, especially the eggs with cash inside. Collin is currently playing soccer each Saturday. I get to take him to practice two evenings a week. We are both enjoying soccer. His team won

Saturday 4 to 3.

Burke was in a children's drama at church on Good Friday evening. He played the part of Satan. He had a fight on the stage with Jesus. Quite an exciting battle. Of course in the end Satan was defeated. Praise the Lord for that.

Bennett is hard at work on his spring musical. His school is presenting "Guys and Dolls." They are rehearsing until 9PM each day. Needless to say he is tired. The musical is this week end and next at his school.

Sandy is finishing her ladies Bible study. She has really enjoyed teaching.

Several of you have asked about my preaching schedule. I need your prayers for preparation and continued health and strength to preach God's word.

April 29-May 2 Revival in Lebanon, Missouri

First Baptist Church of Tempe

May 20 (all three morning services 8,9:30,11:00)

June 17 and 24 (all three morning services 8,9:30,11:00)

July 15 and 22 (all three morning services 8,9:30,11:00)

August 5 (6PM service)

August 19 and 26 (all three morning services8,9:30.11:00)

September 2 and 9 (9:30 Intersect Contemporary Service)

August 12 at United Church of Christ in Globe, AZ

Several months ago I asked that you pray for opportunities to preach and teach. YOUR prayers have been answered. Thanks. As you can tell by our schedule we will be spending most of our summer in Tempe. If you are looking for a nice warm place to have a vacation; come see us. The pool is open and the sun will be shining.

Thanks again for your prayers, concerns and notes of encouragement. I so appreciate you. If you know someone who might like receiving The Encourager please send me their name and email address.

God bless you with new friends and a renewed relationship with others. Don't ever forget that God loves you. ~ DGW

Touching and Believing #192

John 20:24-28

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

25 The other disciples therefore were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."

26 And after eight days again His disciples were inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, "Peace be with you."

27 Then HE said to Thomas, "Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it ion My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing."

28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" (NAS)

Thomas had a story, a story of doubt, fear, and faith. He was a no doubt a faithful follower of Jesus. He even said he was willing to die for Jesus. He knew Jesus as his Savior and Lord, and yet he doubted the life giver.

He was not present when the disciples gathered on that first Sunday night after Jesus' resurrection. He declared to the other disciples that he just could not believe unless he could see and touch Jesus for himself. For that reason he is nicknamed, doubting Thomas. His doubts were not a rejection of Jesus as his Savior and Lord. He was still waiting on 'the power of His resurrected life.' Philippians 3:10 "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection." (NIV) It was not until he reached out and touched Jesus that the resurrection became real to him.

Do you believe in Jesus? Yes. Do you believe he died on the cross for your sins? Do you believe He forgives you? Yes. Are you experiencing His resurrected life in you? Thomas was uncertain of the abundant life until Jesus revealed that He was alive and could give that life to Thomas.

You may have a story of Jesus saving you, forgiving you of your sins, becoming the Lord of your life, but have yet to grasp the life changing life he offers you. "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 (NIV)

_______________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Happy Easter. It is such a privilege and joy to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Most of you will gather in churches around the world to worship the risen Lord. It is my prayer that He will become even more a part of your life in the coming days. What a great time to renew your commitment to Him than at Easter.

As usual our family will come together for Sunday dinner on Easter. The kids will have a fun time with Easter Egg hunting. Sandy so enjoys coloring the eggs and watching the kids find the eggs throughout the yard. This year will be special in that Johnny will also be hunting them too. He started walking across the room this past week. He had taken one or two steps before, but now is walking a lot.

Bennett will be a participant in his school's musical April 13, 14, 20, and 21. They are presenting "Guys and Dolls." Bennett loves music and from Tapaw's perspective very good at it. Collin started soccer this past week. It was his first time playing in about seven years. Again Tapaw thinks he is quite good. Burke text me this week and wanted a whetstone to sharpen his knife. He had watched me sharpen knives while we were camping. Tapaw just gave him his whetstone. Tapaw sure enjoys being a grandfather.

Sandy finishes teaching her ladies Bible study this week. She has so enjoyed teaching. She is considering putting the studies into a book. She has taught about women of the Bible who experienced trials. I think it is very well done and merits being published. She has spoken with an editor who will take a look at the material. Pray for the opportunity for her to write and publish her studies.

Sunday I will have the joy of participating in the Intersect service at our church, First Baptist Church of Tempe. My part will be a monologue of Thomas and his explanation of his time of doubting. Pray for me. I find it much more difficult to memorize than it did a few years ago. I like to blame the chemotherapy and all the drugs, but most people tell me I am just getting old.

I preached last Sunday at First Southern Baptist Church of Phoenix. The church is the oldest Southern Baptist Church in Arizona, founded in 1921. It is the mother church of many of Arizona's SBC churches. They are currently looking for a pastor. Pray for them.

I hope you have a great Holy Week. Remember that our Lord Jesus is Alive. He loves you. He died for you. He lives for you. Someday He is coming back for you. To God be the glory.

It will be 24 years ago this summer that we arrived in Arizona. See the PIC. Sandy and I have changed! For the better of course. As we used to say back in Missouri,

"There has been a lot of water under the bridge since that picture was taken."

I always desire your prayers. Thanks for your encouraging words. It is always good to hear from you. I so appreciate you. ~ DGW