A World Savior #261

Luke 1:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
 you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
 and the glory of your people Israel.”

Simeon was a watcher. He was constantly watching for the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise of the coming Messiah. He went into the Temple courts to observe parents who brought their sons to be dedicated to God. Simeon was an old man. He believed and was led by the Holy Spirit to wait for His coming. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until the Messiah would be born. As he watched Joseph and Mary and saw the child, Jesus, he took Him in his arms and praised God.

He knew that he had truly seen the coming Messiah of God. As he praised God he called God, “the Sovereign Lord.” He knew the God of Creation had fulfilled His promise. He told God that he was now ready to die. “Let your servant go in peace.” He knew that in Jesus all the nations of the world would be saved. He saw the Messiah not just the Promised One to Israel, but the savior of the whole world.

Today we know that Jesus is not just a Savior for a specific nationality or race. Jesus is the Savior of the world. By faith everyone everywhere can receive Jesus as the Lord God and be saved from their sin, the world, the devil, the law, and their own flesh. Jesus was the answer to a lifetime of waiting for Simeon. He may be the answer for you today. This would be a wonderful time for you to receive Him as your Savior and Lord. Trust that His death and resurrection is for you.    

_______________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ.

Can you believe that summer has either come to an end or nearly finished? In Arizona we don't measure that by weather. IT IS STILL HOT!! We measure it because the kids are back in school. Collin started seventh grade this week. The Starbucks where I write "The Encourager" is next to a High School. It is also on one of the main streets that leads to Arizona State University. So as a result I get to see lots of students. Summer is over when it becomes difficult to find a seat at Starbucks!

I meet with a group of men at Starbucks on Friday morning. We just had two of the guys and their families return to the mission field this week. One, Steve, returned to Senegal in Africa; the other Mark is on his way back to Hungary. He trains pastors. I will miss both of them. I went to Grace Community Church in Tempe on Sunday to hear Mark preach. He reminded me that we all need to return to the basics; love God, love people, and love yourself. Not bad advice that Jesus gave to the young lawyer. 

Sandy will be speaking at the First Christian Church of Globe, AZ on the 18th. I will be preaching at Grace Community Church in Tempe on the 25th. I will also be preaching a revival at the Second Baptist Church in Lebanon, MO September 29-October 2. So grateful that God continues to allow us to preach and teach. Sandy's ladies Bible study starts on September 10th at First Baptist Church of Tempe. 

Sandy, Mandy, Justin and I will be attending our nephew's wedding in Arkansas in October. Really excited about that opportunity. 

Everyday I am reminded how Good God Is. He has so blessed my life. Some of you may think I can say that because I am still alive after fighting liver cancer for the past seven years. The truth is I am blessed because I have cancer. God has shown me so much during these seven years. I have learned how much we all need encouragement. Sunday I spoke to a group from Church on Mill, where I used to be pastor. They were senior adults. I talked to them about needing encouraged. All agreed that we need to be reminded daily that God is Sovereign, that there is hope, and that He loves us. 

Maybe that is what you need today. 

God bless you. Just remember that blessings are not what you often think them to be. Struggles, trials, tribulations and difficulties are often our overlooked blessings. 

Blessings on you from Our Lord Jesus Christ.   ~ DGW