Words of Jesus #220

Matthew 19:26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (NAS)

The pastor was waxing eloquent. His words of wisdom flowed from his mouth. He began a story of his own experience to illustrate the message he was preaching. A little boy sitting next to his grandmother leaned over and whispered to her, “Grandma is he telling the truth or is he just preaching.”

Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between the truth and just words that flow from our lips. That is certainly not true of Jesus. He declared Himself to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Truth did proceed from Jesus words. The New Testament is replete with the words of Jesus and the truth they contain. The red letters found in some Bible’s are the words of Jesus.

It is a wonderful encouragement as well as a challenge to read those words and realize that Jesus spoke them for our benefit, admonishment, encouragement, and correction. Although, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” (NAS) the words of Jesus have special meaning to you as you realize He Himself said them to meet the needs of the moment as well as your needs.

John 6:20 But He *said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” (NAS)

John 5:6b He *said to him, “Do you wish to get well?”

Luke 8:25 “Where is your faith?”

Luke 8:48 “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Jesus’ words are as applicable for you today as they were for the people He encountered while on earth. As you read those red-lettered words remember Jesus said them to you. You are blessed to have the words of the One you follow and love. Read them often.

________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Last week was a wonderful week!! Sandy and I finished our R&R in Payson, AZ. We enjoyed our time in the beauty of the area. The Lord sent a marvelous winter storm, rain, lightening, and all the trimmings. For those of us who live in the deserts of AZ those things are so refreshing. Sandy was not able to do her usual bird-watching, because the birds hunkered down somewhere to ride out the weather. 

We returned to a busy week-end. Saturday morning I spoke to the Men's Ministry of FBC Tempe. It was their fall kickoff. I so enjoyed sharing with the men our vision for men's ministry. Pastor Roger requested that I share my journey with cancer. My topic was simply, "What God has taught me through my experience of having cancer. I do hope and pray that the men were encouraged. None of us know what may come our way at any time, and God can use any and everything for good. 

Sunday morning I taught our Sunday School class. I finished a two part study on: "The ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer." I have a great concern that so many believers have no idea what it means to have the Holy Spirit living IN them. Sandy had a break this past week from her teaching because of the school fall break. She is back teaching on Tuesday October 16th. 

Friday and Saturday this week we will join the Grace Community Church for a week-end camping trip. I will be speaking at the Sunday worship at Roosevelt Lake. 

Sunday October 28th I will be teaching the SALT class at FBC Tempe. It is an evangelism class. The evening service on that day I will be preaching from the Book of Philippians. I look forward to sharing in all of these instances. God has been faithful to open opportunities for Sandy and me to teach and preach. Our next scheduled ministry, at this time, is the annual Quartzsite Gem and Rock show in January. If your church or group is looking for a speaker Sandy and I are both available. 

Continue to pray for our daughter, Mandy. She is now into her 27th week of pregnancy. She is experiencing some contractions from time to time. It is still way to early for the baby to be born. Pray that she is able to carry this baby. We are praying and believing God knows about all the needs and will care for all concerned. 

People still request to be placed on The Encourager mailing list. If you know someone who would be encouraged by receiving this weekly email please send me their name and email. I will make sure they receive it. 

Please pray for my upcoming lab work and MRI. The lab work is scheduled for the last week of October and the MRI on November 7th. I see the oncologist with the results on November 12th. 

May God bless you this week with a renewed relationship with Jesus. He desires a loving relationship with you.  ~ DGW