Why DId I Do That? #205

Romans 7:15-20 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

“Why did I do that?” “Why didn’t I do the right thing?” “I feel like such a failure.” “Every time I turn around I am messing up again.” “Is there any hope?” “What is the explanation for my actions or lack of them?”

Are these thoughts ever churning through your mind? Do you feel defeated in your Christian life? You have a real desire to live in such a way that God gets glory and your life is an example of the holiness that God has declared you to possess, but it seems to allude you? Let me assure you, you are not alone. Even the Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman church about his personal struggles. He was having a similar experience. He simply said that “what I want to do I don’t; and what I don’t want to do, I do.  

It is certainly frustrating to have the desire to live a life that is pleasing to God and yet fail over and over. Paul says his inconsistency is really not failure of the new person; he is in Christ, but the flesh that indwells him. It is the sin that is still present in the life of a believer.                                                                                   

You may not have difficulty admitting your struggles with the flesh, but maybe you do. Maybe to admit your struggle might be the most helpful decision you could make. By admitting your weakness you can also find your strength. Your dependence upon Christ within you is your only hope of victory. 

The Bible says in Romans 7: 24-25 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

______________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

The heat is on!! I suppose that could mean lots of things, but for most all of you it means one thing; the weather is HOT!  We who live in AZ have a hard time understanding how so many people struggle when it gets over 100 degrees. It is that way here almost everyday all summer. Usually we have 40 days over 110 degrees. Then I remember some of you have no air conditioning. Hope things cool off for you. 

I took Bennett, Burke and Collin to the AZ Science Center this past week. We had a great time. The Center is filled with scientific 

and experiential hands on exhibits. We tried just about everything. The best part is that I had the privilege of being with my grandsons for the 

day. They are really special to me. The only problem is that Johnny is not quite old enough to join us. 

Sandy, Collin and I will be heading to San Diego this week. We are looking forward to staying in an RV park with our travel trailer. Burke and Bennett 

will also be in San Diego and we plan a day at the beach with them. Should be a lot of fun. Burke has a new metal detector. We are going treasure hunting on the beach. 

I will be back at First Baptist Church Tempe preaching on July 15 and 22. It will be the three morning services again. I so enjoy preaching and the First Baptist
Church Family are very encouraging. 

Several of you have asked about Mandy and the pregnancy and how things are going. She is doing well. We are excited and yet concerned. The doctors tell her she is at high risk to have another preemie. Pray that she is able to go full term with this baby. Mandy is still working full time as the acting manager of a Charlotte Russe store. John continues his check business and watches Johnny when Mandy is at work. Sandy and I watch him one or two days a week. We so enjoy him. He spent the night with us last Friday night. He was so good. 

I am continuing my reading of books on grace. God is so gracious. Daily I find myself reflecting on all He does for me and for you. He not only gave 

us eternal life through Jesus, but every good and perfect gift is from Him. What a blessing. It is so easy to look at the negative things of life and miss out on the joy of life that God gives us. Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say rejoice." 

May God Bless you this week as you walk by faith and not by sight. I so appreciate all of you. Would love to hear from you. What are you up to this summer?  ~ DGW

Old to New #204

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. (NAS)

Which ‘I’ is good and which ‘I’ is not. The Bible speaks in terms of an ‘I’ needful of crucifixion, and thus death, and another ‘I’ that is the one we live in victory in Christ. 

The Bible explains that the sinful nature; the selfish ‘I’ needs to be dealt a deathblow. That happened when Jesus died on the cross and the old ‘I’ died with Him. That is what is meant by “I have been crucified with Christ.” The sin nature, the old ‘I’ was crucified when Christ was crucified.

Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; (NAS)

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (NAS)

The new person is the "not I but Christ". That ‘I’ The Bible sees as a new creation made in the image of Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and alive to God.  So the Bible says there is a good ‘I’ and a bad ‘I’.

But thanks to God the bad one was crucified and the new one lives by faith. The new person is made possible because Jesus not only died for the old person but also was raised from the dead and delivered that old ‘I’ from sin and death. Victory is in Christ. Purpose in life is found only in Him.

The new life you live is by faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The new life is really His Life lived in and through you. His victory in life is your victory because it is His life. Praise the Lord today for the death and life of Christ that brings death to your old ‘I’ and life to your new ‘I’.

_______________Today's personal note from Dennis                                 


Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Hope you are having a wonderful summer. My contacts with people all over the USA tell me it is HOT EVERYWHERE. Welcome to AZ weather. Summer is always hot here. Learn to enjoy the swimming pool, the lake or a cool shower.

Drinking hot Starbucks will also cool you off. 

Sunday was another day of blessings from God. I was able to preach three morning services and then take a good afternoon nap. Preaching does take its toll on your body as well as your mind. Needless to say I am tired.

Could be the tiredness was more a result of Friday night's time at the Water Park with Collin and Burke. We road on all the water rides; including riding down long narrow tubes into a big hole of water. That one about got me. We all three

had a great time. I took my phone on the first two rides. Needless to say the phone no longer works. The sad part is that I lost several hundred phone 

numbers. If you would help me I would appreciate it. PLEASE SEND ME YOUR PHONE NUMBER. I will add you back into my new phone. Thanks.

I saw my oncologist on Monday. He gave me a good report. My lab work shows normal levels in everything except Chromogranin A and Serotonin. Both are elevated which is just a reminder that the cancer is still present. The CT scan shows a small carcinoid tumor that has grown only slightly in the past four months.

Even though I am having some symptoms of the cancer it is not severe. Praise the Lord for that. It is considered stable. I will be checked again in four months. Thanks for your prayers concerning my oncologist. With a couple of changes in the insurance network I will be able to remain with all my current doctors. Again Praise the Lord. I told the doctor about the insurance problem and he told me jokingly that he could just see me for free. He then said if I prayed for him, he might just do that. He knows that God and lots of prayers are the reason I am alive today. 

The men's Bible study I attend on Friday mornings will be absent our normal teacher. I will be teaching in his place at Grace Community Church at 6:30 AM. The group of men I meet with are wonderful. Of course we leave the Bible study and come straight to Starbucks. 

I will not be preaching the next two Sundays. Glad to have a break. One of those weeks Sandy and I will be in San Diego. I will be preaching again at First Baptist Church in Tempe all three morning services on the 15th and 22nd of 

July. Pray for preparation and for the preaching time. 

Mandy brought Johnny to church on Sunday. She and Sandy sat at the rear of the auditorium. Johnny saw me at the pulpit and let out a loud yell. Of course I was about to bust buttons as I realized he recognized me. Thank you for your

prayers for Mandy's pregnancy. Things are going well. 

I was once told as you get older you look back at the past as "the good old days." I must be getting older. Take a look at the photo. Thirty years ago this is what our family reflected in the camera lens. 

How do you thank God enough for all His mercy and grace? How can you ever cease to realize that He is your very life? As I read of God's mercy and grace to all, I am overwhelmed. Although life has many ups and 

downs we can all rest assured that their is a God who cares about us all, who knows our every need, and is always there for us. Praise Him today for His ever present love, mercy and grace.

God bless you. May this week bring new joy to you and those your love. ~ DGW

Self-sufficient or God-sufficient #203

John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV)


Can you be self-sufficient and still remain in Christ? Are you self-sufficient or God-sufficient? If you are honest you would have to admit that those two concepts are contradictory. you are either remaining in Christ, Dependent upon Him, or you are trying to live your life without Him.


Self-sufficiency may be the greatest detriment to a victorious Christian life. Jesus came to give you His life in exchange for your self-sufficient life. When you take charge of your own life you produce the fruit of the flesh; such things as immorality, hatred, disunity, selfish ambition and envy. When you are yielded to God you produce fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness and self control as a result of remaining in Christ.


As a believer in Jesus you have become a new creation, a new person, someone who is 'in Christ'. The scripture simply says you are to remain in that position. Without remaining in Christ the ability to produce fruit becomes impossible. You may strive, work at it, and try really hard yet never produce the fruit of God's Spirit. This does not bring glory to God. As you remain in Him He takes over your self-sufficienty and replaces it with God-sufficiency.


As a believer you will grow weary and defeated as you try to accomplish that which only God can do. You are in Christ; allow Him to live His life through you. You will never be inadequate, inferior, or disappointed. Your life will be a fulfilling and rewarding life; bringing glory to God.


God did not make you to be independent from Him, but in total dependence upon Him. He came to give you life and life more abundant, but that is only possible when you are yielded to Him and remain in Him. He loves you and desires that you have His life.


God will bring into your life whatever is necessary to bring you to the end of self-sufficienty in order that you will remain in Him.


______________Today's personal note from Dennis


Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ,

Father's Day was wonderful. Not only because of my children and grandchildren, but because God allowed me to once again preach 

three services in a row at First Baptist Church in Tempe. What a blessing. 

I appreciate your prayers. I not only preached three services, but went to lunch and then came home and went swimming with Collin. (see pic)

Sunday evening I attended my son-in-laws hockey game. What a fun time. John shot the winning score. Little Johnny watched through the glass and yelled at his Daddy.(see pic) I had Father's Day dinner Monday night with Roger and Burke. (see pic) What a great Father's Day. Susan was out of town so only got to see her a few minutes on Sunday. (thus no pic) Bennett was at youth camp. (thus no pic) Hope you had a great day. 

Summer is such a fun and busy time. The kids are in children's camp, youth camp, VBS, swimming, traveling etc. We in AZ are just enjoying our HEAT! It is supposed to be 112 this week. For all of you in cooler climates just remember January. 

I will be preaching again Sunday at FBC in Tempe all three morning services at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00. Hope to see many of you there. I am scheduled to preach again July 15 and 22, August 5 in the 6:00 PM service and again Sunday morning August 19 and 26, and then in the Loft Service on September 2 and 9 at 9:30. 

The Lord has opened the door for me to preach in Globe, AZ on August 12th. Looking forward to the opportunity. 

I pray that God will bring you His joy and peace this week. I want to encourage you to yield your life anew to Him. (check out the devotional attached)

I so appreciate your prayers and concern. I have received a preliminary report concerning my cancer. I still have a small tumor in my liver that has slightly grown during the past three months. I have a slight elevation in 5HIAA and Serotonin levels and in Chromogranin A levels, BUT ALL other lab results show everything within the NORMAL levels. I praise the Lord for that. I see the oncologist on the 25th so I will give a further report next week. 

Thanks again for your prayers. God bless you. ~ DGW

Victory from Defeat #202

Genesis 2:11-15
11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12 Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?” 14 The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.” 15 When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well. (NIV) 


How has God taught you the greatest lessons of life? Most likely you can point to some of the most difficult times in your life and say, “That is when God was at work in my life.” Moses had been raised in the court of Pharaoh. He was the child of a Hebrew family, but rose as an Egyptian. One day he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew man. He immediately came to his defense and killed the Egyptian. He quickly buried him in the sand and thought all was well until the next day when someone pointed out to him about the murder. Out of fear Moses left his plush home, his childhood surroundings, his wealth and all that goes with it and fled to the desert of Midian.


Moses spent the next forty years of his life on the run. He struggled with his crime for those years, but also grew into the man that God could use to deliver Israel from Egypt. He was broken, yet ready. That does sound wrong, but it is the way God works. He must get you out of the way in order to use you. As Galatians 2:20 says it so clearly: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (TNIV) God’s school of preparation may just include getting you out of the way for Him to work through you. God may be working through your struggles right now to prepare you for what He has in store for you in the future. 

____________________Today's personal note from Dennis


Greetings from Denham Springs, Louisiana,

Sandy and I have been in LA for the past week. It has been a wonderful time of seeing old friends, meeting new ones and just relaxingI was even able to wet a line in the Gulf of Mexico off Grand Isle, LA. Didn't catch a thing, but had fun trying. It was a real change being 

somewhere that it rains all the time. We had more rain in a week than we have in AZ in a year. I have to admit I really enjoyed the rain.

We attended church Sunday at the New Covenant Church in Denham Springs. Pastor Keith brought a great message on Genesis 6. The service was wonderful. We were blessed. Many of our friends in Louisiana attend that church.

We stayed with our friends, Don and Tommie Tuttleton. Most of our time was spent reminiscing about old times. We go back to our days in Nebraska. We have known them for over 35 years. God has blessed us all. We have had our experiences of growth through struggles. (See the devotional for today)

One of the families we have known for over 30 years has a home on Grand Isle and were so gracious to allow us to stay there. It was built way up on stilts because of the Hurricanes that bring high water. Seems strange to see all the homes many feet in the air. 

I will be preaching Sunday at First Baptist Church of Tempe at the 8, 9:30 and 11:00 AM services. Please pray again for strength and grace to share God's word with wonderful folks at FBC. I will be preaching there on the 17th (Father'sDay) and again on the 24th. 

Pray for my CT Scans on Monday June 18th. I will see the oncologist on the 25th to receive reports from my lab work as well as the CT scans and X-rays. Pray that the cancer will not have grown. Better yet pray that it is in remission.I feel wonderful, so I am believing things are going well. 

We miss our children and grandchildren when we are away from Arizona. I saved this for the last. Our daughter Mandy and her husband John had a baby last year in March. He was a premie at 29 weeks. We praise God he is now doing well and has caught up with his age. Mandy and John had desired a baby and thought after 10 years of marriage that they would never have any. Johnny is God's miracle child for us. BUT GOD WAS NOT FINISHED. Mandy and John are again expecting another baby in January. We praise God for the

little brother or sister for Johnny. We do request your prayers. Because Mandy had one premie the possibility of another is very high. She will be monitored closely. Pray for Mandy, John and the doctors. Pray for this new little one. We praise God for His blessings. 

Thank you for your love and concern for our family, our ministry, our health, and support. Without you I have no idea where or what may have been. You are a blessing to us. Thanks a bunch.

May God bless you today with thoughts of those who have made a difference in your life. Send them an email, write them, call them, or just tell them how much you appreciate them.  ~ DGW

"If Only" #201

Joshua 7:7 Joshua said, "Alas, O Lord GOD, why did You ever bring this people over the Jordan, only to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? If only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordan!"


"If only we had been willing." these were words of defeat, discouragement, and failure. The "if" means Joshua believed that their attempt at conquering the promised land seemed doomed.


They had experienced great victory over the formidable foe of Jericho only to be defeated by the small and insignificant city of Ai. Their problem was not that God was delivering them into the hands of the enemy, but that they had sin in the camp. They had attempted to pursue Ai without god's directive. Then a man named Achan had stolen some of the articles banned by God and taken them back and buried them under his tent.


Joshua's courage and faith staggered as the defeat of Ai became reality. Instead of looking forward in faith he looked back in defeat. You can never look back with an "if only" and expect to walk in faith and victory. You are a conqueror through Christ.


Temporary setbacks and defeat are not a reason for retreat to the old life. You are truly new creations in Christ with an upward call to be like Jesus. Do not allow a defeat to send you the the place saying, "if I had only been willing to settle for something other than God's best." The children of Israel were defeated at Ai, but that was not an excuse to make the choice of not moving forward in faith.


Once Israel faced their sin they were ready to move forward in conquering the Promised Land. Paul wrote to the Roman church about their victory in Christ.


Romans 8:37 "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."


You need not look back and live in defeat, discouragement, and failure. You can live in victory through Christ. Don't catch yourself saying, "if only I had been willing."


________________Today's personal note from Dennis


Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Sandy and I had a wonderful week with Collin and his friend, Tristan, at Woods Canyon Lake. The Arizona mountains are very beautiful but also very dry. The need for rain is so evident. Many trees are dying and the bark beetles can be heard all the time. We caught some fish and lots of crawdads. We are so grateful for the time. I found it is hard tying fishing line with a net over your head, or maybe just two mischievous boys nearby. (See Pic) Johnny discovered the candy store this week. 

This week we head to Louisiana to visit our friends, Don and Tommie Tuttleton. We will likely see many others. We spent two years at the First Baptist Church in Denham Springs during the early 80's. This trip we plan on spending some time in Grand Isle, LA doing some bird watching and fishing and of course just in great fellowship. 

I will be preaching at First Baptist Church of Tempe on Father's Day the 17th. It will again be all three morning services: 8, 9:30 and 11:00. Please pray again for strength and for God's word to make an impact on the lives of God's people. Sandy is preparing for the fall Bible Studies for the women at FBC. Pray for her preparation. 

I mentioned last week I was reading Grace Rules by Steve McVey. I also read his book, Grace Walk, again this week. I also pulled off my shelf the books on grace I have read in the past. Eugene Peterson wrote Traveling Light several years ago. It is a great study on Galatians. Bob George wrote several books.

I am rereading his book, Growing in Grace. Chuck Swindol wrote a wonderful book, The Grace Awakening. Neil Anderson wrote a book entitled, Breaking the Bondage of Legalism. I have been so blessed as I am reminded of God's truly amazing grace. I am reminded again that His grace is sufficient for everything and that we live by grace and not by law. 

Thanks for your prayers for our health. Sandy saw her Rheumatologist last week. She has lupus. The doctor told her that if he was only going by lab work and other tests he would say that she doesn't even have lupus. He is considering it in remission. We praise the Lord for that. 

I have CT scans coming up in a couple of weeks and will see the oncologist on the 25th. The lab work has already been done. I will know the results when I see the doctor. Continue to pray as I seek a new oncologist. This is the last time I will see the one I have had for the past six years. 

God bless you and your family. I weekly receive messages from many of you about the well-being of your family and friends. In many cases it is the lack of well-being that you share with me. I am so glad to pray for you. 

May God's grace remind you of His great love for you. ~  DGW 

A New Name #200

John 1:42
And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter). (NIV)

Genesis 32:28 
He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." (NAS)

Acts 13:9 
"Then Saul, who was also called Paul..." (NIV)

Acts 4:36
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)" (NIV)

1 Corinthians 1:2 "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours; (NAS)

Of all the name changes the one that encourages believers the most is this verse in
1 Corinthians 1:2. Before the ultimate change that God brought into your life you could be described by the name 'sinner'. Now in Christ you are a new person. As others in Christ you have a new nature and a new name. You are sanctified, set apart and made holy. You are a saint, a holy one, by calling. What an awesome thought. Someone who was condemned by sin now has a new name. You are a new creation; created by God with a new life and a new name.

Throughout history people have changed their names. Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu became known as Mother Teresa. Martha Burk became known as Calamity Jane. John Chapman become known as Johnny Appleseed. Their new names reflected their character and persona.

Your new name, Saint, describes what Jesus has done for you. You are no longer sinner but saint. Your character and persona come from your relationship with Him. You are in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (NIV)

________________Today's personal note from Dennis


Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ


This is a milestone for The Encourager. This is number 200. Taking out the three months that I was hospitalized and in serious health and it has been over four years since the first Encourager hit the email. It has been such a joy for me to write each week with the hope of encouraging each and every one of you. I desire that somehow The Encourager will aid you in your walk with God, family, friends and church. I pray that you will grow spiritually as God gives you insight ion His Word. Thanks for your responses and the encouragement you send right back to me. God bless you for your patience, love, concern, prayers and hope. I pray you will be blessed beyond "all you ask or think".


Thank you for your prayers for my preparation for preaching June 7 and 24. I will be at First Baptist in Tempe for all three morning services. The Lord has not only allowed me to have a great time of preparation, but has blessed me as I have studied and prayed. I am also currently reading another Steve McVey's book on grace. This one is called Grace Rules. What a refreshing book. Continue to pray for preparation for the rest of this summer. My schedule will follow later.


Sandy and I are so excited about our four grandsons. this past week Bennett had a choir concert. It was well done and of course bennett did great. Burke was elected to the student council for next year. I am proud of him. I teased him about entering politics. Collin and a friend of his are going camping this week with Sandy and me. It will be nice to enjoy Arizona's mountains. Johnny is growing and doing very well. He can run as fast as I can walk. It is fun for Grammie to keep up with him.


Keep praying for my upcoming CT Scans and X-rays and Labs. I am feeling really good and expect them to show no change. I also need prayer for the change of oncologists. Pray for just the right doctor. I am believing God will supply my need.


May God bless you and provide "all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus". Philippians 4:19. You are special. 

My Joy and My Crown #199

Philippians 2:15-16
15 ...so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. (NAS)

Ever hear the term: "throwing money down a hole"? It is usually used when you are wasting resources on something. You know the experience. The car starts breaking down on a regular basis. It begins to not just be oil changes and tires; but transmissions, motors, air conditioner compressors and suddenly you have spent more in repairs in one year than it would have cost to buy a new car. That is "throwing money down a hole". If you own a swimming pool, that within itself is throwing money down a big hole. The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church at Thesalonica and makes a strange statement.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

1 Finally, brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;

2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. (NAS)

Paul says: "Please make sure I don't spend my life and waste it on people who are not growing in their faith and commitment to Jesus." His prayer request to the Thessalonian church he was: Don't let me waste my ministry. Don't let me "throw money down a hole".

To the Philippian church he says: Philippians 4:1: "you are my joy and crown." (NAS) Another place Paul said to the Corinthian church: 2 Corinthians 6:1 "Do not receive the grace of god in vain." (NAS)

He indicates what we receive from God needs attention. Paul had planted the church in Philippi and had heard of their struggles. He desires them to mature in their faith. He wants to see the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.

God desires the same from you. Don't throw your spiritual life down a hole by neglecting the grace of God that He has given to you in Christ.

____________________Today's personal note from Dennis


Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ


Praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers. Sunday with God's grace, mercy and much help, I was able to preach three times in a row. All three services went well. Thank you for praying for me. The message from Genesis 31:1-16 entitled "Beware and Be Aware" centered on the struggles we all have with greed and envy. God blessed the message.


Sandy has been having some health issues with reflux. She had an endoscopy last week. The results were good; no problems. She also had a test to determine if her bladder cancer had returned. It had not and the urologist gave her a clean bill of health. We praise God and thank you again for your prayers.


Bennett had a band concert at school this week. He is ending his freshmen year of high school. We are so proud of him and his musical abilities. He plays in the percussion area. His school has an outstanding band program. As grandparents we are thrilled for his opportunities. He has a choir concert this week. Between school, homework and music he stays very busy.

Burke's band will play its last concert of the year next week. He plays the trombone and enjoys his music. Although Bennet is in high school and Burke in fifth grade they still have the same band teacher. He is great with the kids.


Collin finishes school this week on Friday. He is ready for summer. He finished his soccer league play on Saturday with a tie against the best team in the league. We enjoyed the games. He also took the NWEA test last week. He had the highest score on the math section in his entire elementary school. He loves math.


Sandy and I hope to spend a little time in the mountains of Arizona after Memorial Day. I know some of you think that Arizona is a big desert, but much of our state is beautiful mountains. A short two hour drive puts us in the mountains that are over 7,000 feet. Nice cool place to get away when it hits over 100 here in the Valley of the Sun.


I will be preaching again at First Baptist Church on June 17th and 24th. Again all three morning services. I would really appreciate your prayers for my study and prayer for the preaching itself. God has been good to keep me strong enough to preach His Word.


It is time for my quarterly CT Scans and Lab work. In the next three weeks the tests will be run. I meet the oncologist on June 25th. Pray for test results to be good. I also discovered this week that my oncologist of six years will no longer be taking my insurance. That means I will need to find a new oncologist. It will be hard to find someone who is aware of my type of cancer and my history. Pray for God's will to be done.


May God bless you today with renewed strength and hope. I pray for you that your faith might increase and that what God has given you will not be in vain.


I so appreciate you.  ~  DGW