Enslaved to Him #319

John 8:31-36 (NASB)

The Truth Will Make You Free

31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

You likely have never been to prison, maybe you have. If you think about what feelings would gender the greatest fear would likely be loosing your freedom. You cannot do what you want, go where you want, see those you want to see and experience life aside from a barred room. Jesus taught the disciples to remain in the Word because it would make true disciples of their lives. The result of being His disciple is freedom. If you are controlled by sin then you are not free. The Hebrews bragged about never having been enslaved. Although the statement was not correct; Jesus knew the true lose of freedom did not come from being a slave of another person. He knew that true freedom was a relationship with God broken by sin.

The Son of God, Jesus Himself, would set you free from the law, from self, fear, insecurity, insignificance, failure, and a host of other things that may be biding you to a life of bondage. It is Jesus that sets you free through His life, death, and resurrection.

So if the Son sets you free you shall be free indeed. Why not given that which enslaves you to Him.

___________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

This will be short. Hopefully you can understand that right now we are really busy in preparation. I have a new oncologist who has been able to set me up with a Doctor who is considered the # 1 doctor in the area of carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine tumors in the USA. Since my cancer has spread to the lymph system and likely to the bone; something needs done immediately. 

In an amazing turn of events I am to be in Lexington, KY at the Markey Cancer Center; a part of the University of Kentucky medical school. The first meeting is a consult with Dr. Wolin on December 5, 2014. After that we will know more about the facts and pertinent information in order to pray more specifically. After receiving counsel here from Godly people we feel we should at least go this first time. The decision will then be made about the actual treatment. 

The oncologist here says that because of the current rapid growth of the tumors it is necessary for me to do something quickly. He says without treatment I can only expect another year of life. The treatments themselves could also bring about an early death or work as hoped and give me more time. That is the reason for praying for wisdom. Join Sandy and me as we pray and prepare. 

I have more tests being run here before we go to KY. Pray that they will be helpful for treatment. I spend most time in some type of pain; from severe to tolerable. 

Sorry I don't have a way of sitting down with each of you and explaining more in detail. I so appreciate your prayers. The Encourager may be sporadic for a while; so please bare with me. 

I love you all and am so thankful for your concern. 

Blessings on you this week.  ~ DGW

"Shut My Mouth" #316

Job 40:1-5 (NLT)

1 Then the Lord said to Job,

2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?

    You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

3 Then Job replied to the Lord,

4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers?

    I will cover my mouth with my hand.

5 I have said too much already.

    I have nothing more to say.”

Ever been speechless? Ever had a discussion with someone who would argue with a fencepost. Ever question life? How about questioning God? Why did You cause this or allow it to happen? When are You going to fix things?

Who is responsible? Where were You when I needed You?

I am sure Job wondered where God was. God was silent. No response. Job’s so called friends tried to answer Job’s questions and give him advice. But God said nothing until chapter 38. And then He merely asked Job questions of which Job had no answer.

Job found that an argument with God was fruitless. To question God or to criticize God’s decisions led him to an empty end. Job realized that he himself did not have the answers.

Job’s conclusion was encompassed in the words, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers?” He really would not nor could not direct God. He put his hand over his mouth and announced he had already said too much. “I have nothing more to say.” God is in charge. He is Sovereign. Let Him reign. When you come to the conclusion that you know best, you have the answers, you can make the right decisions; rethink things. Only God is the One who can lead in the right direction. Just trust Him and His loving hand on you.

_________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I pray that you have been blessed by the Lord this past week. I so often remind myself and you also that "God is Good." 

Sandy and I went on the camping trip with Grace Community Church to Roosevelt Lake. We left on Friday intending to return on Sunday after I spoke at the morning worship service. Thursday I had had a paracentesis with no problems. Three liters of  ascites were removed from the peritoneal cavity. Saturday morning I developed a large fluid-filled sack on my left side. I contacted the Doctor and he instructed me to immediately go the the ER; which I did. I got out of the hospital on Tuesday at noon after having another two liters of ascites removed. 

I am home now and doing well. There will be several follow-up visits with doctors to see what is taking place. I am always asking that you not stop praying. Please don't and thanks for your prayers now. 

I got out of the hospital in time to see Collin play soccer on Tuesday afternoon. He is the goalie. 

Johnny was able to pick his first pumpkin. It is almost as big as he is. Notice the strain on his face. He was working hard. 

The McClintock High School celebrated its 50th anniversary over the weekend. All three of my children and my son-in-law and daughter-in-law went to McClintock. Go Chargers!

Pray for Sandy and me as we prepare for speaking engagements. I will be speaking at the XYZ group at Grace Community Church on Thursday at noon. Sandy continues her Young Mom's Bible Study. We will be leading a Sunday School Class at City of Grace Church in Mesa on November 2nd. I will be preaching in the Intersect Service at First Baptist Church of Tempe on November 30th, December 28th and January 4th. The Quartzsite Revival is January 15-24th of 2015. Sandy and I will both be teaching at that event. 

I pray God will bring blessings as you walk with Him. Always remember that He is in the lead.  ~ DGW

In Everything #322

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Spend some time thinking over these two verses;  it will change your heart and mind.

_________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from HOME in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I wanted to update you to what is happening concerning my health. Especially for those of who are not on Facebook. 

The day after Christmas I went to Starbucks. Came home and then it is dream. I fell asleep in the car in the driveway. Sandy found me in about an hour and with the three older grandsons who happened to show up about that time drug me out of the car. I sat on the driveway for a while longer. I was in extreme pain.  I was scheduled to leave Sunday for Houston and did not want to miss that. Through pain meds I made it until the next day. Still stubbornly refusing to go to the hospital I waited until Saturday and that's when I woke when Sandy calledl the ambulance to take me to the ER.

Upon arriving at the ER the Doctor  told Sandy my condition was LIFE THREATENING. He said this man is to go no where for 24 hours. I was admitted for the next nine days. 

Needless to say I missed the Houston appointment. We have been rescheduled for January 26-February 7th. Please pray I regain some strength and stay healthy, until we get to Houston. I am scheduled to have an ERCP on Monday January 12th in order to check on the stent. 

I am currently a PRETTY YELLOW COLOT.....Jaundice!

Please continue to pray. Sandy is totally amazing. She is an amazing caregiver. 

Our pastor asked me today, "Don't you think that is how God made her. I agreed. How grateful I am for her and my whole family. 

Blessings to all of you.  ~ DGW