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

Bold Curiosity #315

 John 3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The New Birth

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.

  

Someone has said, “Curiosity killed the cat.” I assume that means the cat was curious and stuck its head into someplace where he could not get lose. Curiosity doesn’t always kill; in fact often it is the beginning of life. Nicodemus was curious. He had an inquiring mind. He wanted to know more about this Jesus man. The stories were circulating about His healing, His teaching and His Holy ways. It was because of this that Nicodemus asked for a night meeting. His desire to know more about Jesus led him to make a bold statement. “Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

The statement from Nicodemus indicated he recognized Jesus as more than an ordinary man; but still did not go beyond the description of Jesus as a great teacher sent from God. Jesus immediately throws a statement back to Nicodemus; “Truly, Truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” The response from Nicodemus was typical. To paraphrase, “How can I be born when I already am?” 


Jesus then answered: To enter the Kingdom of God you have to be born physically and spiritually. Jesus’ emphatic statement, “you must be born again or from above indicates every human being needs to experience a new birth to gain eternal life. Believing Jesus is a great teacher, prophet, humanitarian, or full of good works is not sufficient. Jesus claims Himself to be the Son of God. Faith in Jesus as God Himself is necessary for new birth and eternal life. If you have not placed your faith in Him; why not right now.                    

__________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Hope and pray that all of you are finding strength and power through His Holy Spirit. May He continue to guide you in all your endeavors. 

This past week has been one of limited activity. But this week and next are going to make up for it. The older grandsons are all back in school after Fall Break. That means soccer games, band rehearsals, and play practice. 

Sandy and I are headed camping with Grace Community Church's Family Camping Group this week end. (17-19) I will be speaking to them on Sunday. We will be at Roosevelt Lake. I really enjoy the fellowship, food, and spiritual uplifting. 

I will be speaking at the XYZ  Group at Grace Community Church at their noon luncheon on October 30th. 

Sammy and Kathy Allen, Sandy's brother and his wife, will spend the week end of October 30-November 2 with us. 

November 2 Sandy and I will be speaking at City of Grace in Mesa in a Sunday School class taught by our friends, Mel and Shawnee Worters. 

Sandy continues to teach her "YOUNG MOM'S BIBLE STUDY" on Tuesday mornings at FBC Tempe. 

I know it is a while ahead but we are anticipating with real joy the trip to Quartzsite again this year in January. Take a moment and google the Quartzsite Rock and Gem Show. You will get a perspective of what we will be doing. 

The reason I give you our schedule is because we need your prayers as we prepare and present. 

A BIG THANKS to all of you who recently gave financially to Purpose Ministries Inc in order that we can fulfill these needs of ministry. May God bless you real special. 

All of the past The Encouragers are on line at:  dgtheencourager.blogspot.com 

If you have friends or families that would be encouraged by receiving The Encourager please send me their name and email address.

God bless you. ~ DGW

PS: Justin and Johnny are getting costumes ready for Halloween. It is interesting to pick out personalities from pictures. 

From the Inside Out #314

New International Version

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

New Living Translation

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

English Standard Version

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

New American Standard Bible

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

How did you make it through? How did you survive? Where did you find the strength to endure? You likely have heard someone asked such questions. Usually it means that person has experienced a difficult trial or struggle in life that most people would have not survived. Instead the person not only survived but in turn actually thrived.

The answer for Christians is that there was an inner strength; an inner power something beyond them but still in them. Likely you have experienced something in your life where an inner strength or power over came you and you found strength to rally and make it through.

The Apostle Paul writing to the Colossian Church reminded them of his prayers for them in order that they would discover the glorious unlimited resource of God: HIS HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN EVERY BELIEVER.  God the Holy Spirit is in you to give you the power you will need for whatever comes your way. The Holy Spirit is not just an ethereal power, but a real person; God Himself living in you. Next time you face something overwhelming in your life just remember you are not alone. God is in you to strengthen you from the inside out. I am praying that you would be empowered by His unlimited resources for your life today. To Him Be the Glory.

___________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ 

Fall is definitely here!! Not only do I know by the football games on Friday nights but Bennett, Burke and Collin are on Fall Break. Roger and Jen and the boys spent one week of their vacation in Missouri. They met relatives, saw Vernon Holler, the Truman home and museum, and enjoyed eating at Lambert's restaurant in Springfield; the home of "throwed rolls". Their time with Roger's cousin Meredith in Kansas City was quite fun This was in spite of the fact that they had to take Roger to the ER. Turns out he had pneumonia. He is better now. 

Collin is running for president of his student body at Fees College Preparatory Middle School. The voting will not take place until after Fall Break.

Sunday night we celebrated Jennifer's and Bennett's birthdays. Bennett will be 17 on October 8th. Jennifer's birthday was in September, but due to schedules we had to wait until now for her party. I will not reveal her age. Johnny and Justin really enjoy everyone's birthday. 

Ministry opportunities continue to become a reality. Sandy continues her Young Mom's Bible Study. I had the enjoyment of teaching the Men's Friday morning Bible Study with a group of men from Grace Community Church. I am scheduled to speak to the Camping Group from Grace CC at their Fall Camping Retreat. I have also been asked to speak at their XYZ Senior Group at the end of October. 

It was so rewarding to speak to the Intersect Service in the LOFT on October 5th. 

Sandy and I have opened our home to the Middle School group at our church for their Wednesday night Bible Study. On the 16th we are beginning a Bible Study in our home for young adults. Needless to say we could use your prayers!!! Thanks.

God has so blessed both of us to continue ministry in spite of the odds that ministry at least for me was over. God is Good!! I keep thinking of the verse of scripture God gave to me back in October of 2009; Psalms 118:17 "I will not die but live and tell what the Lord has done." During these past five years God has allowed me to tell what He has done many many times. He continues to open the door for that opportunity again and again. To Him be the Glory!!

May God give you a real peace from the inside out.  ~ DGW

At The Right Time #313

Galatians 4:4-7

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

Everything just came together perfectly. That could be said of a football game. The penalty that cost the other team that precious 15 yards was just perfect. The catch in the end zone in the last 15 seconds of the first half was likewise just perfect. What timing!! But the fumble, recovery and 80 yard run clinched the game. Your team won because everything came at just the right time. Ever think of the things in your life that timing was everything. If it had not been just the right time you would have missed meeting your wife or husband. Timing saved your life as the car sped across just seconds before you instead of directly into your path.

The greatest timing that ever existed is found in this short Galatian passage. “In the fullness of time.” Not a coincidence, but at just the perfect time God sent His Son Jesus into the world. God became flesh and dwelt among us.

He was born to a human being, woman, under the Law in order that He might save you who were condemned by the Law. That perfect timing allowed you to receive your adoption into God’s family. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus made a way possible for you to become children of God.

You no longer just call Him God; You call Him “Abba, Father.” Although you were slaves to sin and the Law you are now free to a new relationship with God. He is your Father; your Abba. The amazing part is that it happened at the perfect time. The time was God’s choosing. It was the fullness of time. You became an heir of all God has for you. You received an inheritance from God through God.

Rejoice in God’s timing, God’s plan, God’s provision of His Son, and God’s relationship with you as His child. Live in the freedom you have from the condemnation of the Law and the new found inheritance you have in Jesus.

________________________Today's personal note from Dennis 

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

It must be Fall! Sandy and I attended a high school football game on Friday night. 

The Marcos de Niza Padres took on the Sal Pointe High School team from Tucson. Collin played with the Marcos marching band. Pretty cool to see him on the field at halftime. The first quarter of school is coming to an end. It certainly went by quickly.

Sunday October 5th I will be preaching in the LOFT at First Baptist Church. I am so eager to be back at preaching. It has been since June 15th that I was able to preach on Sunday. Hope you can join me at 9:30AM for that time of worship and Bible teaching. 

In 1995 I founded a religious non-profit ministry called "Purpose Ministries INC" in order to do mission work, encourage churches, share the gospel, publish The Encourager, and lead a ministry of witnessing and encouragement at Starbucks. These have included many trips overseas,in churches across the USA, and local mission needs. Now the Ministry has a need. I have never asked for financial support through The Encourager although many of you have given generously over the years. As of today we are in need of prayer and financial support for Purpose Ministries. The gifts are tax deductible and are used solely for ministry purposes.  

Quite often the mission services and projects do not receive any renumeration. For that reason Purpose Ministries INC and the needs we have to carry out those ministries is dependent on donors like you. If you believe God would have you support Purpose Ministries with a one time gift or a monthly gift please send the funds to Purpose Ministries INC; 2078 E Donner Dr. Tempe, AZ 85282.

Since my health is allowing me to be back preaching, teaching and ministering to people I would appreciate your financial support. I know we have constantly received your prayer support and urge you to continue praying for not only my health but also open doors for further ministry. If your church, small group or ministry could use some encouragement from me or Sandy or both of us please contact us at the same address or email me. Thanks for your consideration and especially your prayers. 

Sandy continues to teach her Young Mom's Class on Tuesday morning. What a joy for her to watch the growth of the wonderful young ladies. 

Our family is doing well and for that we thank God. Our grandsons are such a blessing. Although we spend a lot of time at band concerts, musical programs and soccer games it is worth it all. The two little boys spend one day a week at our home. Or should I say Grammies's home, after all I am homeless, at least according to Johnny who says I don't have a house. 

May God bless you, your family, your ministry and your personal life. Don't ever forget that GOD IS GOOD!!

I love being your encourager.  ~ DGW