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.
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
