Lord Teach Me To Pray #301

Luke 11:1 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”… 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

Jesus disciples had undoubtedly heard John the Baptist’s followers pray. They discovered that John had taught his followers to pray; so they asked Jesus to teach them to pray in a similar way. Jesus taught them three things. He taught them a model pray; that we often call “The Lord’s Prayer.” The model prayer has been used for all of Christendom.

He then taught them to be persistent in prayer. The story He told was of a person who has guests show up at midnight and he then goes next door and awakens his neighbor to ask to borrow three loaves of bread. The man refuses; but the man who needs the bread keeps on and on asking. Finally the man gives him what he wants. Luke 11:8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

In order to continue his emphasis on keeping on asking Jesus says if you will keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking the answer will come.               Luke 11:10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

Jesus further explains to the disciples that God is not like the neighbor who is unwilling. God is Father who desires to meet your needs with what you ask. Luke 11:13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Are you persistent in prayer? Are you asking and believing that your Heavenly Father will answer your prayer. Don’t ever give up!       

___________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I know that I have said it many times, but I always like to remind myself and you that GOD IS GOOD!!

What a blessing to know Him, love Him, and serve Him. I do pray that you are doing all three. 

I am writing this early this week as we will be in the Mountains and unable to receive wi-fi except on our phones and it is a bit difficult to write "The Encourager" on my phone. 

We will be leaving for camping on Monday morning. Looking forward to the time with family. 

This week we have heard great music from our grandsons. Burke, Bennett and Collin all had band concerts and Bennett also had a musical presentation. Burke and his Tapaw look great!!

The young lady with Bennett is Beth. They are both Juniors in high school and have known one another since birth. I had the privilege of doing their baby dedications when they were born. I also performed both of their parent's wedding ceremonies. I think I am getting old. 

Collin's picture is with his band teacher, Mrs DuPlesis. Collin won the award for leadership in his Concert Band. Bennett won the Leadership award in his Symphonic Band. Really excited for them. 

I will miss preaching at First Baptist Church on June 1st, but will return the following Sunday, the 8th.

Blessings to all of you.  ~ DGW                                     

Simply Believe #300

John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life… 28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform?... 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.

Jesus often did miracles that were considered by the people as signs. The proof of someone’s leadership and authenticity was there ability to perform. Jesus had just fed 5000 people with five barley loaves and two small fish. The people were astounded at the sign; but more impressed that their hunger was satisfied. Jesus told the crowds that their interest in Him was not signs, but the fact they were fed. He mentions the work of God and the people respond with a question; “What shall we do that we may do the work of God?” Jesus’ answer was FAITH. Simply to believe is the work of God. They were not satisfied and wanted some proof in order that they might believe. Remember they had just seen him feed thousands. They then tell Him that Moses gave a sign by providing manna out of heaven. “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform?

Jesus told them Moses did not provide the manna, but that God the Father did. Jesus then announces that like God provided manna from heaven He is now providing Jesus, The Bread of Life, and that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Do you have Jesus today? Why not believe in Him as the only Son of God. Jesus revealed to the Father to all humanity. His greatest sign was His death and resurrection. The work God wants from you is to believe in Him.                                                                                                                     _______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

WOW!! Number 300 this week. I began writing "The Encourager"  March 4, 2008. Never did I expect to be alive and still writing these six years later and that #300 would ever be written. 

God is good and has blessed me with enough health to continue to write. Your response to "The Encourager" has been overwhelming to me. At this time "The Encourager" is emailed to 22 countries outside the United States and about 30 states here in the USA. I thank God for the opportunity to encourage people all over the world and help them in their walk with God. As I tell you often "GOD IS GOOD."

Several of you have inquired during this past week about the results of my attempts to get into two different medical trials. I was rejected by both. Each had different reasons for me not to be a candidate. I am at total peace about them both. My prayers had always been that if God knew of any reason I should not be in the trials He would stop it. He has and I praise Him for it. I am not disappointed, but rather relieved. There is a scripture that says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart." Colossians 3:15. I have always used that in decision making. The third fruit of the Spirit after love and joy is peace. What a great blessing from God. I meet next week with the oncologist and have another meeting with the doctor who is doing the trials. I am just praying for God's will to be done. 

Sandy's heart issues seem to be under control. The medication she is taking has stopped the tachycardia. We are very thankful. It was a little scary. She has regained her energy and strength. 

Collin had his last band concert of the year last week. (see pic) He has been playing the trumpet for the past 3 years, and as a proud grandfather; I would say quite well. He also plays in another band at school and plays percussion in it. His timpani solo was outstanding. Collin finishes the 7th grade on Friday. He is ready for a summer break. 

Burke and Bennett do not get out until June 6th. Their year round school puts them back in school by the end of July. It is a short summer break. They make the most of it by teaching in Vacation Bible School, going to youth camp, going on vacation with Mom and Dad and camping at the end with Sandy and me. 

Justin and Johnny got Mandy a new tree for Mother's Day. It was planted last week. I think the boys enjoyed planting it the most. 

Sandy and I spent Friday and Saturday in Payson, AZ with friends from church and friends from Campers on Mission. So good to get better acquainted and enjoy the fellowship. 

We will be camping at Wood's Canyon Lake for 8 days starting on Memorial Day. Mandy and John and Justin and Johnny will be with us the first two days. Collin is bringing a friend who will remain with us the entire time. Should be a great time. I hope to get in some trout fishing. 

I continue to preach at the Intersect Service in the Loft at First Baptist Church in Tempe. I enjoy teaching and pastoring that fine congregation. Come see me sometime. It meets at 9:30 Sunday morning. Sandy is already looking forward to teaching her Young Moms Bible study next fall. I will be speaking to the Grace Community Church camping group on the weekend of June 27-29 at Wood's Canyon Lake Campground. 

I have been asked to speak at the Golden Valley Baptist Church August 16 and 17. There is one service on Saturday night and two on Sunday morning. 

July 6th I will be preaching all three services at First Baptist Church in the Worship Center.

The times are 8:00 9:30 and 11:00. 

I pray that God will bless you and bring joy into your life. I often think of the fruit of the Spirit and get excited that the Holy Spirit is our source of:  Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

God Bless You!  ~DGW

He Is Trustworthy #297

Psalm 37: 3-7; 23-24 Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord,Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way.

   When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,

Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.

What are you worried about today?? It is likely what you are thinking about right now. Worries have a way of controlling your thoughts. They fill your mind with the negative possibilities of every situation in life without a single thought of God’s amazing ability to meet your needs, and hold onto your hand no matter what is transpiring in your life. 

King David knew what it was like to worry, or as he calls it FRET. In his own life he found himself worried about his enemies. As he often does he reminds himself as well as the reader that trust is the answer to worry, fret and anxiety. Jesus even told you not to be anxious about anything. 

Well what is the anecdote for fretting? Can you find an answer to your worrying? The Psalmist says the answer is trust. Trust in the Lord. Delight yourself in Him instead of dwelling on the cause of your worry. Commit your way or your steps of life to God. Then you must rest in that trust and commitment. Why does that work? It works because God is trustworthy. He establishes your steps and delights in his way for you. So when you have a difficulty you will not fall headlong; because He holds onto you. Don’t fret or worry or be anxious. Trust God.                                      

 _____________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

This past week was filled!!

I had the privilege of being a chaperone for the Symphony Band from Fees College Preparatory Middle School at a contest. This is Collin's school. They took first place. Very proud of Collin. He had a trumpet solo.

Sandy and I enjoyed the presentation of "Sound of Music" at Horizon Learning Center where Burke and Bennett both attend. Both had parts in the musical. It was superb. So good to see them on stage. 

Mandy was in the hospital Thursday through Sunday. She had a severe UTI and it turned into Sepsis. She ran high fevers, lots of pain and very weak. She is recovering at home as I write this. Sandy and I watched Johnny and Justin a lot while she was in the hospital. 

Sandy's Bible study finished for the semester on Tuesday. She will take a break and likely return in the Fall to teach her Young Mom's Class. 

I preached again Sunday in the LOFT at First Baptist Church. We are still in the Book of Revelation and will finish sometime in July. It has been a rich and rewarding study. 

Please continue to pray for the possibility of me getting into a medical trial. I have an appointment on Wednesday the 30th with the doctor who does this new treatment. It is a type of chemotherapy, but is a radio active isotope infused into the blood stream. I will know if I am a candidate for the procedure on Wednesday. Please pray that I will. It is a real hope of actually curing my cancer. 

Thank you so much for all your prayers and concerns. God has blessed me so much during these many years of fighting this cancer. I know He has plans for me now. 

Blessings to you. Remember to Trust God!!  ~ DGW

What Stress? #299

Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Does it seem that every time you turn around that a new problem or a new pressure hits you? Do you find it hard to keep going? Today’s word for such things is “stress.” Does that describe your surrounding right now: “STRESSFUL?” Being stressed out is nothing new. Even in Jesus day people experienced the stress and pressure of life. Feeding a family on very meager means, having inadequate housing or shelter, often serving as a slave, little medical care, working long hours and feeling a sense of defeat were all issues facing people in Jesus day.

Has that changed? It would seem the same is true of people all over the world today. The same demands are real for the average person; including you. The real question is, “What can you do?” Jesus in his own words simply says; “Come to Me.” Who is to come to Jesus? “All you who are weary.” Ever notice when you ask someone how they are doing that 9 out of 10 times the answer is, “I am so tired.” Weary, worn out, over burdened, sensing demands that are hard if not impossible is the analysis.

Come to Jesus you who are weary and all of you who are heavy-laden. Are you one of those that family, job, and daily life has become a heavy burden. Come to Jesus. He is a bearer of burdens. Give them to Him. He tells you that He is gentle and humble of heart. Place the burden you are carrying upon him. He says His yoke, using a term that would relate to an animal of burden, is a place you can find rest for your souls.

Jesus will take your pressure and stress upon Himself if you will give it to Him.

Remember that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Turn your eyes and heart and soul upon Jesus and He will give you REST.

_________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

This past week has been one of mixed emotions. I went on Monday to the Museum of Musical Instruments as a chaperone for Collin's band. The Museum has over 10,000 instruments from all over the world. Quite impressive. Of course to add some excitement the bus broke down. 

We attended Burke's induction into the National Junior Honor Society. A real thrill to see him receive the award. That was on Tuesday evening. 

Wednesday Sandy gave me a scare as she sat watching TV her heart began racing at 140 beats per minute. It was still beating that fast 20 minutes later so we made a trip to the ER. You know that he rule of thumb is when you reach the ER everything goes back to normal, and it did. Everything was checking out good when all of sudden her heart jumped into the 140 BPM again. They tried to get the EKG machine hooked back up quickly, but it went back to normal before they could get it connected. It happened one more time. They gave her some medication and sent her home. She was pretty exhausted for the next couple of days. She is doing well now. 

The Doctor from Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles called me on Thursday to inform me I was not a candidate for the new medical trials for my cancer. I was a bit discouraged. As a result I recontacted Scottsdale Health Center and the Virginia G Piper cancer research center. I am waiting on word from them that will tell me if I get into their trial for another new chemotherapy. Pray for that. I see the Dr on the 21st with an answer. 

Friday night we attended Burke's art show at his school. He had several art pieces in the show. All of course were great. 

Saturday morning Sandy and I both were at church. She was making corsages for Mother's Day and I was speaking at a Men's Breakfast. We both went home and had a nap. 

On Mother's Day we saw all of our children and grandchildren. Sandy enjoyed the day and was blessed. 

I preached Sunday morning at the Intersect Service in the LOFT. We are still in Revelation and the topic was: The Great White Throne Judgment. I joked with several people about how appropriate or not appropriate was the topic for Mother's Day. LOL

We have another busy week this week. I do want you to know that both of us love our ministry, our family, our lives that are so filled with God-things. 

I so appreciate your prayers and concern. May God bless you this week by taking your burdens and cares upon Himself.        ~ DGW

Finding Life #298

John 12:20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Have you ever had someone tell you they only believe the RED LETTER part of the Bible? Many Bibles contain the words of Jesus in red letters. It identifies what Jesus actually said. Most people who desire to reject the Bible as the word of God will often resort to saying they only believe the words of Jesus. In this section Jesus does speak. He shares words of truth that for many are hard. In this case there were a group of Greeks who came to worship at a Jewish feast. They had only one request, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

Jesus communicated through several of the disciples heard their question. Undoubtedly they were not prepared for his statement. In prediction of His death on the cross He said these words, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He compares Himself to a plant. In order to produce fruit it has to germinate. The grain that is planted dies. He is preparing to die in order to give life. He then says that if anyone wants to find life they must die. The great word from Jesus is simply, “you must die in order to live. 

___________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Happy Mother's Day!! How grateful we are for you. You have blessed our lives with your love and support throughout our lives. My own Mother went to be with the Lord over 7 years ago. She is missed. For all of you children: do something special for your Mom this Mother's Day. 

I pray God has blessed you this past week with His love, grace and mercy. I keep praising God daily for all He means to me, all He does for me, and all His overwhelming expressions of His love. No matter what is happening in our lives we still can "give thanks in all things."

I told you last week that I was to meet with a new doctor with the possibility of a new procedure. Well I met with him and he not only could not do the procedure; he had never heard of it. Previously I had contacted Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. I recontacted them again. They wanted medical records sent to them; within 3 hours I had most all my medical records in the mail to them. One hospital had over 700 pages of records. I made phone contact on Tuesday with Cedars Sinai. I do not qualify for the trial. So I will continue as usual. There is a new trial at a hospital in Scottsdale. It is not the same but I am still pursuing it. Appreciate your prayers. 

Sandy and I had the joy of having our niece, Meredith and her husband Brandon at our home this past week. They had time to spend with each of our kids and grandkids. Everyone had a great time. 

Again on Monday I was a chaperone on another band excursion. This time we went to the Museum of Musical Instruments. I so enjoy getting to know the kids and their teachers. Just a few weeks until school is out for the summer. Most all the kids are ready for a break and the teachers I know are REALLY READY!!

Your prayers and concern mean so much to both Sandy and me. Your emails are a great encouragement. I will be preaching this week at First Baptist Church of Tempe. The service is held in the LOFT. See you there.

Johnny is into costumes. He makes a really good Ironman. He and Justin are real buddies. So great to see them play together. (see pics)

Blessings to all of you.  ~ DGW