Tell Everyone #251

Mark 5:14-19                                                                                                     14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

When was the last time you told someone what Jesus has done for you? The man called Legion, for we are many, referring to the demons that possessed him; met another man called Jesus. It was that man that cast the demons from Legion and sent them into a herd of pigs that were wandering on the hillside. The pigs were cast into a lake and Legion was set free.

The local people observed that Legion was clothed and in his right mind. His demons had been cast out. The local people also observed what had happened and then watched as Jesus entered a boat to leave. The man who was now free from his demon possession followed Jesus and made a request of Him. He begged Jesus to allow him the honor of going with Him. He was basically requesting the privilege of being a close disciple. It sounds strange that Jesus refused his pleading, but Jesus had another purpose for him.  

Instead of opening his arms to another disciple Jesus told the man to, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” In total obedience to Jesus the man went away and began to tell all in Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. The result was the people were all totally amazed. Have you told your story to someone? They might be amazed as well.     

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. This past week has had some challenges but has ended with praise. Sandy went into the hospital on Friday evening with a rapid heart rate. The emergency room doctors and nurses worked fast and furious to get it slowed. She went home on Saturday evening with new medication, but a normal heart rate. I praise the Lord for that. As I stood in the corner of the room in the emergency room and realized Sandy only had one heart; I also realized I only had one wife. I am so grateful she is doing better. She is tired because of the new meds but doing well. 

As usual we spent a lot of time with grandsons this past week. Sandy and I played with Johnny and Justin. We have a new swing in the back yard. Johnny loves it. Burke had his last summative (end of school quarter) activity. It involved styrofoam. Take a look at the pic. Styrofoam has static electricity. 

Collin, Sandy, Mandy, Johnny, Justin, and I are going camping next week. Should be a real adventure. Next week we will have pictures. 

I had the privilege of preaching at First Baptist Church of Tempe. It was a real joy for me to share from the Book of Revelation one of the most difficult sermons I have ever preached. Take a look at Revelation 6:9-11. 

Sunday night Sandy and I joined with two couples we knew in college. Ann and EM (better known as Purl) Hay and Gary and Janie Black had dinner together. We were all married in 1966 and as we laughed and reminisced we realized it had been 45 years since we had all been together. What a great evening. I praise the Lord for that time. 

Saturday night I will have the privilege of joining Eric and Amanda in marriage. I have known Eric for many years and am excited for this opportunity. 

Thanks for your prayers concerning opportunities for me to preach. I have now scheduled 6 of the next 9 Sundays.  

June 9th West Glendale Baptist Church: Glendale, AZ

June 16th East Verde Baptist Church: Whispering Pines, AZ

June 30th First Baptist Church: Eldon, MO

July 7th Second Baptist Church: Lebanon, MO

July 21st Northpointe Baptist Church: Chandler, AZ 

July 28th Northpointe Baptist Church: Chandler AZ

I praise the Lord for those opportunities to share His Word. 

Thanks for taking the time to hit reply and send me an email to let me know how you are, what you desire in prayer, how your family is doing, or questions about your relationship with God. I try to answer each and every email. The Encourager is currently being sent to18 foreign countries and around 28 states. If you know of someone who would benefit from receiving The Encourager please send me their name and email address. Thanks.

God continues to bless in so many ways. I praise Him. 

May God bless you with opportunities.  ~ DGW