Where's Your Focus #321

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Don’t give up!! Don’t lose heart!! Never become discouraged!! Faint not!! These are just a few of the admonitions of the Bible related to present troubles. At some point in time everyone will face “Trouble.” How can you have any victory over your problems? The writer says because we have something that is more powerful than our troubles. That something is God at work in our lives. We too often look at the present and forget there is a future where God receives all the glory.

Our current troubles are small and won’t last long compared to the glory that is to be ours for all of eternity. That glory will last forever.

So why keep our focus on the present when the future is so bright. What we see and experience now is just temporary. In order to look past trouble we must look at that which in reality we cannot even see.

For that reason we live by faith and not by sight. We focus not on troubles that are so real in the present and look to the unseen. Fix your gaze on the things you cannot see. Live by faith; for without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6.

Faith in the unseen is what gets us through trouble.

Trust what you cannot see.

_________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Home in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This past week I have tried to remember to tell everyone, "Thank you, I appreciate you." As always God opens doors to share our faith with whoever will listen. This week I was blessed as I got to share a 'word of truth' with one of my Doctors. He is far from a believer in Jesus Christ. But he listened as I shared the verse in 2 Corinthians 4:16 which states that "Although this outward man is decaying the inward man is  being renewed day by day and for that reason we never give up."

Praying that all is well with you and to tell you if it is not then it still is well. God is in charge and knows every need we have and is interceding for us with "groanings  to deep for words," Romans 8:26.  

'Remember God is Good!!!'

School is over for the kids for a couple of weeks. They are excited about the vacation. Christmas is so much fun for young and old. The two little grandsons went to see the lights and the nativity presented yearly by our church on our pastor's street and back yard. The back yard is totally decorated with the Christmas story. Last year over 50,000 people went through the display. The pictures are of Johnny dressed like his Campa Koleszar and Justin showing off his abs. 

Our family will gather for Christmas Dinner as is our usual custom. 

It should be a fun time for all and of course very special for me. 

This would be a great year to focus on Jesus; his birth, death, resurrection, and second coming. As we celebrate remember we are celebrating the God of the Universe becoming a Man in Jesus and coming not only to live for us but to die for us on the cross. Praise His Name. 

I am on my way to Houston to the Excel Diagnostic Cancer Center. NO I AM NOT GOING TO MD ANDERSON. Check out Excel on the web. 

We are still in need of funds. Here are the two main ways of giving:

if you are interested in receiving a tax deductible contribution please send the check payable to First Baptist Church of Tempe, AZ. The memo on the outside of the envelope and on the memo line of your check MUST say MEDICAL FAITH FUND. Please DO NOT WRITE MY NAME ON THE CHECK. You will be sent a tax deduction at the end of the year. The Church address is FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF TEMPE, 4525  S McCLINTOCK DR. TEMPE, AZ 85282. Another way you may help us reach our goal is by going to Google and to "Dennis Wood's Carcinoid Cancer Treatment Fundraiser" on GiveForward.You can donate to the fundraiser and give words of encouragement in the form of a "HUG". Thank you for your support.   I really need your prayers for strength, weight gain (down to 149 lbs this morning).

I saw the Oncologist today and the tests I had run this week shows the cancer is not only in the liver, lymph system and bones but has now moved to the lungs. I am really weak and praying that the trip to Houston and the treatment will not be too much. I so appreciate your prayers, concern, and love. 

I am so grateful for all of you how have made this possible through your generosity. God Bless you real special. 

Again have a very Merry Christmas.  ~ DGW

Practice Thankfulness #320

Luke 17:11-19 (NASB)

Ten Lepers Cleansed Only One Showed Gratitude

11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered a 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 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And 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 Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? 18  Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.

When was the last time you said, “Thank you, I really appreciate you” to someone? Maybe you said it to Mom or Dad or a close friend or to your favorite teacher. But how about saying that to a teller at the bank, or the person who waits on you at a grocery store, or maybe it needs to be that family member that serves you daily.

Have you ever noticed the response you get when you show a little gratitude? Jesus had healed 10 lepers; only one came back to thank him and show appreciation. Jesus was obviously impressed with the man’s heart of gratefulness. But he was also impressed that he fell on his face and gave thanks. Verbal thanks means a lot. Jesus was also pleased that the gratitude shown by the man also brought glory to God.

Practice this week by saying to those you encounter. “Thank you, I so appreciate you and what you do.”

____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Home

I did make it to Starbucks one morning this week, but most of the week has been spent at home trying to regain strength. 

We had a great time as we celebrated Justin's 2nd birthday on December 3, 2014. He is a real delight with lots of energy. Johnny, as big brother, does everything to help BRO as he calls Justin. The picture of Johnny, Justin and Santa was snapped just as the camera man said, "Show some teeth." Johnny obliged and pulled Justin's mouth apart to show some teeth. The look on Santa's face is priceless. 

Sandy and I have attended as many band concerts and choir concerts as I could handle. Bennett, Burke and Collin do such a great job with their music. 

Sunday, the 14th we will celebrated Collin, Susan, Mandy and Roger's birthdays. It was a great evening sharing with the family. 

We, as a family, are involved in a major fund raiser for my health treatment. Sandy and I are still trying to stay involved in church. We even attended our Sunday School Class on Friday night. What a wonderful time with all of them. I am so thankful and appreciate of what they are placing in our lives. 

Several of you have already sent money to the fund raisers. As of this time two are up and working. We have ways for you to help. Our goal is 60,000 dollars to pay for expenses, treatment, travel, lodging and and follow up. 

If you are interested in receiving a tax deductible contribution please send the check payable to First Baptist Church. The memo on the outside of the envelop and on the memo line of your check MUST say MEDICAL FAITH FUND. Please DO NOT WRITE MY NAME ON THE CHECK. You will be sent a tax deduction at the end of the year. 

The Church address is FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF TEMPE, 4525 S McCLINTOCK DR. TEMPE, AZ 85282.

Another way you may help us reach our goal is by going to "Dennis Wood's Carcinoid Cancer Treatment Fundraiser" on GiveForward at http://gfwd.at/1xbrLly.

You can donate to the fundraiser and give words of encouragement in the form of a "HUG". Thank you for your support.   

I am still experiencing pain and weakness. I see the oncologist and the gastroenterologist this week. Time is growing close. Still waiting on the medical records from KY to arrive. 

Thanks for your prayers. ~ DGW

A Heartfelt Need #319

Greetings from Home, 

I am really weak and in lots of pain. My cancer is growing at a rate 7 times faster than normal. I met with Dr Wolin and received more information  than I could comprehend. Overall, the KY trip was a success. Dr Wolin wants me to go to Houston, TX for the actual treatment for my cancer.

The First Baptist Church of Tempe will open an account that you may donate to in order to defray the expenses of the actual treatment, including travel, meals, hotel, and followup. It is possible that the medicare and health insurance I currently have may pay for part of it. The cost will be 40-70 thousand dollars with all the tests and other procedures that will be necessary. Any changes and I will let you know immediately. I will also follow-up with another announcement later this week or early next week. 

I am waiting for more information about dates and actual costs. We plan to be in Houston December 28 to January 10; unless times change.

I CANNOT TAKE MONEY OUT OF PURPOSE MINISTRIES FOR PERSONAL NEEDS SO DON'T SEND MONEY TO PURPOSE MINISTRIES. 

The checks need sent to First Baptist Church Tempe. The address is 4525 S McClintock Dr. Tempe, AZ.  Checks need to  be made out to First Baptist Church of Tempe. The account name is "MEDICAL FAITH FUND". put it on the memo line and the outside of envelope.

You will receive a tax deductible contribution from the church.

I pray God will bless you with His amazing Grace. Love all of you so much. 

Dennis Wood 

PS: If you have questions please email me at

   purposeministries@gmail.com

* You may contribute another way by clicking on the link below to "Dennis Wood's Carcenoid Cancer Treatment Fundraiser" on GiveForward! Please help us reach our goal by visiting http://gfwd.at/1xbrLIy. You can donate to the fundraiser and  give words of encouragement in the form of a “Hug”.  Thank you for your support. Together we can reach our goal!

Intended for His Glory #318

Romans 11:36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Colossians 1:27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

The Book of James teaches that “every good and perfect gift comes from God.” In Romans the Apostle Paul gives you the truth that everything is from Him and exists because God holds it together. Why would He be involved in your life? Why would He exert His power on your life? The reason for your existence is to bring glory to Him. Thus it is logical that in His power He directs everything to bring that glory to Himself.

You would like to place some things in the category called God did it, and another someone or something else did it. As life comes from Him so does His power. Not that God causes bad things happen to people; it is that all things are for God’s glory and comes with His allowing it. His power directs all things. His power allows things to exist, but always with His hand on them.

You may wonder why, all to bring glory to Him. God can take your most difficult moments and “cause all things to work together for good.” It is so hard for your finite mind to grasp. What is the outcome of all things that come into your life, and that are controlled by the power of God? God gets the glory. Your life brings glory to God.

Christ is in you. This is what gives you the assurance (one definition of faith) that God is at work through every trial in life. You will not only observe His glory, but will share in it. Sharing in the glory of God will be for all of eternity.

God wants all the people on earth to know that the glory and riches of Christ are for you. Although you are underserving, unworthy, sinful, selfish, and rebellious the glory and riches of Christ are for you. To Him be the Glory.

Praise God everything comes from Him, exists by His power, and is intended for His glory. And that means you.

____________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I WAS CUSTOMER OF THE WEEK AT STARBUCKS THIS PAST WEEK!! Free coffee all week. I so appreciate the Baristas and the customers that encourage me every day. A wonder group of friends. 

Sorry I have not sent The Encourager for the past two weeks. Between health issues and the busy times it just didn't happen. During the past couple of weeks Sandy and I have continued our teaching ministries. Her Young Mom's class will end in a couple of weeks. She is already preparing for next Spring's class. 

I had the privilege of teaching at Grace Community Church's Senior Group. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. I even met a couple of people who were graduates of Southwest Baptist University, my alma mater. Small world. On November 2 we both spoke to a Sunday School class at City of Grace Church in Mesa. Had a great time with them. 

In spite of the health issues I want to and plan to continue teaching and preaching. On November 30th, December 28th, and January 4th I will be preaching at the Intersect Service at First Baptist Church of Tempe. The service is in the LOFT.

Our Campers on Mission outreach project is January 15-24, 2015. Sandy and I both will be teaching daily. So we look forward to that special time. This will be our 7th year. We would love to speak to your small group, your whole church or any group of people who want to hear God's word. Email me for a request. 

The kids celebrated Halloween with the usual trick or treating. The candy was overly plentiful. We went to Johnny and Justin's home  to be a part of their fun. They went for a while, came home, and then Johnny thought they should go again. Twice the haul! I was not feeling well so I watched them leave the house empty handed and arrive back with sweets to last for a year. 

Bennett and Burke were in their schools musical "Any Thing Goes." Burke played the part of a sailor and a Chinese man, accent and all. Bennett had the lead role and from an unbiased, and accurate evaluation: "HE WAS AWESOME"! So proud of both of them. Very talented musicians and accomplished actors. 

Collin spent the weekend at Magic Mountain, a roller coaster park in California. He had a blast. He is daring and loves speed. Wonder where he got that from.

My main reason for not writing during the past two weeks is health related. I have increasing pain and discomfort. Two tests performed week before last revealed, through a biopsy of a greatly enlarged lymph node in the groin, that the cancer has metastasized  to the lymph system. The PET SCAN revealed that the entire lymph system is now full of neuroendocrine tumors; in my case carcinoid tumors. 

At this point the doctors are consulting with other doctors to see if I can handle any more treatment or what other options I have right now. It was not a good report but I also know that no matter what God will get glory. 

I praise God for all of you and your consistent prayers. One of my doctors said to me, "Dennis, there is no medical reason for you to be alive; it is just prayer." I agree wholeheartedly. So keep the prayers going upward to the throne of grace. 

I sometimes feel like a hypocrite. I write to encourage you and often feel such a need myself. It has been a long arduous eight years since I was diagnosed with cancer in my liver. Never did I expect it to move to the lymph system. 

I love you all for your persistence in prayer. I don't plan to stop doing ministry or of spending as much time with my family and friends as possible. God is Good. 

Would love to see all of you. You mean a great deal to me. 

Blessing on you this week as your life in Christ brings glory to God.  ~ DGW

God's Character #317

Rom 4:17

17 (as it is written, "A father of many nations have I made you") in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. (NAS)

Do you struggle with faith? Do you feel that your faith is weak or non-existent and yet you have a relationship with God. Maybe the real issue is not your faith but your understanding of the character and nature of God. It just might be that your struggle with trusting God is based on a misconception of who God is. The Apostle Paul in writing to the Church at Rome recognized their struggle with faith. He uses Abraham as an example of someone who trusted and had faith in God. Because of Abraham’s faith God blessed him and made of him the great nation He had earlier promised. The answer to that promise came not as a result of Abraham’s deeds, but his faith.

Outward evidence would have indicated to Abraham that the promise would never be fulfilled but because Abraham knew God he still believed. It is impossible to trust something or someone you don’t know. We need to understand the character of God and His attributes in order to have faith in Him.

Psalm 9:9 The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble, Ps 9:10 And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; (NAS)

The word ‘name’ means far more than we would mean when we say we know someone’s name. It means we know Him, his character and acknowledge His attributes. He is a stronghold. Thus He can be trusted.

Once we get to know His character we learn to trust Him and express our faith in Him. A little boy was on the roof of the house and the ladder broke. A man on the ground said, “jump I will catch you.” The little boy’s response; “Go get my Daddy, I know him.”

Do you know the character and nature of God? The more you know Him the stronger your faith will become.

___________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I am so blessed with opportunities to share the story of Jesus and how He has made a difference in my life. I believe one of the ways God matures you into someone who is like Jesus is through adversity and trials. The trials of my life have opened many doors to share the story of Christ and His hand upon me and my family, and that God has used them to make me Christ-like.  

Thursday October 30th I will be speaking to the XYZ group at Grace Community Church in Tempe. The luncheon meeting will give me one more time to tell about God's goodness. On Sunday November 2nd Sandy and I will be speaking to a Sunday School class at City of Grace Church in Mesa, AZ. Our long time friends, Mel and Shawnee Worters lead that class weekly. Sandy continues teaching the Young Mom's Class on Tuesday mornings at FBC Tempe. 

I will be preaching at the First Baptist Church Intersect Service in the LOFT on November 30; December 28; and January 4 at 9:30 AM.  Our annual ministry of evangelism, teaching and outreach in Quartzsite, AZ is schedule for January 16-24, 2015. Sandy and I still have several times available to preach or teach at your church or small group. Please email me with your request.

Sandy's brother, Sammy, and his wife, Kathy will be visiting us Thursday through Sunday this week. We so look forward to seeing them. They are eager for the opportunity to go Trick or Treating with Johnny and Justin. We all are. Collin will spend the week-end at Magic Mountain with his church's youth group. He is pumped. Burke and Bennett continue to work on their schools Fall Musical. 

Many of you have inquired about my health. Seems like I just continue to need tests run and procedures performed. Thursday October 24 I had a PET scan looking for possible cancer in other parts of my body. On October 28th I have scheduled a biopsy of two very large lymph nodes Please pray for a good report from these two tests. I continue to struggle with lots of pain. The doctors do not know why as of yet. Thanks for your prayers.

The concern you have shown over the years is overwhelming to me. Your words of encouragement to me and Sandy are so important to us. We truly are blessed with such a strong support system. May God bless you in a special way. 

Words cannot describe what I feel inside. Gratitude is close. Love may be better; but still inadequate to tell you thanks for what you mean to both of us. 

Blessings.  ~ DGW