In the Hands of Jesus #88

Matthew 14:15-18
15 And when it was evening, the disciples came to Him, saying, "The place is desolate, and the
time is already past; so send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy
food for themselves."
16 But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!"
17 And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish."
18 And He said, "Bring them here to Me." (NAS)

Jesus and His disciples were ministering to the people in the remoteness of the wilderness. The place was desolate and away from populated areas. Jesus had been teaching them the truths of the Kingdom of God and healing the sick. Suddenly the revelation that it was getting late and no one had eaten came to the attention of the disciples. Their answer was to send the people back to the villages to buy food. Jesus’ answer was for the disciples to do something about the need. His word to them was “you give them something to eat!” They complained that they only had
five loaves and two fish and that certainly was not enough to take care of so many people.

Have you ever observed a need in your life or became aware of the needs of someone else that obviously there were not enough resources to meet them. Jesus would say to you the same thing He did to the disciples, “Bring them here to me.” By placing the resources in the hands of Jesus five thousand men, not including the women and children were fed with only five small barley loaves and two dried fish. Just think what God could do to meet your needs and the needs of others if only you would place the resources you currently have in the hands of God.

Let God meet the needs.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

_____________________________Today's Personal Note From Dennis

What a great day!! So glad to report how well things are going. Sandy and I both are experiencing nice changes in health. I am the strongest and feeling the best I have in over a year. PTL. We are looking forward to leading the devotionals and Bible Study at the Church on Randall Place in Pine, AZ the last week of April. It is part of the Campers on Mission project. We will not be far from home and Doctors and Hospital. We praise the Lord for an opportunity to minister His word.

Here is a picture of me and the grandsons on my birthday in March. From left to right is Burke, Bennett and Collin. I am holding our newest family member, Ezekiel (ZEKE), a seven month old Cheagle. A cross of Beagle and Chihuahua.

May God bless you today and may you be encouraged and filled with hope.

Faith Struggles #87

John 20:28-31
28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." (NAS)

Doubting Thomas, as he was known is, may remind you of yourself. Doubting your own faith in Christ and His resurrection is not abnormal. There may be times when you feel like the man who said to Jesus, “I believe, help my unbelief.” Thomas remarked that unless he had proof he could not believe. When the hands and the side of Jesus were shown to Thomas he cried out, “My Lord and My God.”

You have not seen Jesus as Thomas did, yet you believe. Jesus declares you blessed because you believed without the proof of an actual body. Faith is based on the unseen. The scripture says, “We walk by faith and not by sight.” That is what makes it faith. You do not know what tomorrow will bring, because it is unseen.

As Thomas struggled with faith because he had not seen Jesus as the other disciples had seen Him a week earlier you too may be struggling with your faith. Remember if you see it and have absolute proof it requires no faith and “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 6:1.

As you celebrate Resurrection Sunday express your faith in Jesus. Although you have not seen Him or touched His hands or His side through faith say with Thomas, “My Lord and My God.”

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

___________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings! What a great season of the year as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. I hope you are planning to attend worship on Sunday at your church. God is so good and loves when we gather together to worship Him.

I will be teaching the Wednesday night worship at Crosspointe Church in Tempe on March 31. I am looking forward to being with Pastor Bob Dodridge and his congregation. If you know of a church looking for a guest speaker I would love to share the word with them. Sandy and I both love to teach the scriptures.

We will both be sharing at the Campers on Mission's meeting April 26-30 in Pine, AZ. Pray for our health and for God to us the teaching to glorify Himself.

Both of us are experiencing some good health right now. Pray for an uncoming proceedure that I will have. The need to change the biliary tube in my liver is coming soon. It is the tube that has brought most of my infections and landed me in the hospital. Pray that it goes well and that I have a quick recovery.

Sandy and I appreciate your prayers and your emails. Thanks for thinking of us. I think you remember the cell phone ringing in the middle of the funeral . It was 'caught on tape.' Watch the video by going to https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.dgwhealthnews.blogspot.com%252F. Those of you who know me well will realize even with, cancer, hospitalizations and old age I have not changed.

I love you all!

Give What You Have #86

John 6:8-9
8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him,
9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?" (NAS)

Has God ever used you to serve others? The young lad left home with a lunch of five barley l0aves and two fish. It was not a large amount of food, but likely just enough to satisfy his own hunger. Jesus had asked the disciples to feed the thousands of people who had come to hearJesus teach the words of life. As the multitude became hungry Jesus knew He needed to feed them. The disciples were overwhelmed with the task of meeting people needs beyond their means. They checked around and found a young lad with five loaves and two fish. Their response was simply; “what are these for so many people.” Jesus knew He could use this young lad and his lunch to meet a great need.

Do you know God can use your life to bless many? God has chosen to use you in His mighty plan. A young lad with a small amount of food fed 5000 with food left over. He merely gave what he had into the hands of Jesus. Will you give what you have into His hands and allow Him to use your life to meet needs and glorify God? You may not see that you have much to give, but remember the disciple’s evaluation of the lad’s lunch was, “What are these for so many people.” In God’s hands you can be used of God also.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

_______________________________Today's Personal Note From Dennis

Four weeks ago I was in a semi-coma with a serious case of meningitus and today I got my camper out, met with two pastors and visited two coffee shops, went grocery shopping with Sandy and ate like there was no tomorrow. What a difference a few weeks make. God is good. I am the best I have been in over two years. THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!

Saturday I preached a funeral for a friend and member of Church on Mill. He was a wonderful man with a super family. I have known him and his family for almost 20 years. He was always laughing, playing tricks and was a constant tease. For that reason this little story has got to be told.

During the time of my message somone's cell phone went off. I was waiting for them to turn it off when I realized it was my own phone in my pocket. I quickly reached in my pocket, flipped the lid to shut the call off. Ten seconds later it rang again. By then the congregation was laughing. I said, "Well it is my phone and I am going to answer it."

It was my friend Don from Louisiana. I told him I was in a funeral. I called him back later in the day and told him not only was I in the funeral but was preaching when he called. We had another laugh. I am so glad people are forgiving and can laugh at my mistakes. None of his family will ever forget his funeral and ME EITHER.

I pray God will bless you today by using your life for His glory.

Tired of Waiting #85

Colossians 1:9-11
9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; (NAS)

The Pastor, the mother of preschoolers, the contractor, the school principal, the doctor and the farmer all prayed the same prayer, “Lord, give me patience, but please hurry up about it.” Ever need patience? Ever wish God would give you more patience but you are a little tired of waiting?
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian church to assure them he was praying for them and desired that they know God’s will, and walk in such a way that their lives would please God. In order for that to be accomplished they needed God’s power to receive the patience. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, not a contrived mental state or emotion derived from your determination. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be your power and to fill your life with God’s patience. You might need it even today.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

__________________________Today"s personal note from Dennis

Praise the Lord! I am back among the living. If you are not up on the latest in my struggle with cancer check out Roger's blog site www.dgwhealthnews.blogspot.com

Sandy and I were able to be back at church Sunday the 14th. It was good to see everyone. Both of us have a desire to be able to again teach and preach. We are expecting God to open those doors and give us health to serve Him. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers during the past three weeks. With a great God, your prayers, support from family and friends and great doctors. I am able to be up and going. I am even back driving. Watch out. God is so good. He continues to open doors for me to share my story of God's grace and love. I jump through every open door He gives me. Keep up your prayers.

Sandy received a glowing report from the doctor about her cyst. It was benign. PTL! We are looking forward to having some time without crisis. Durng that time we hope to see some of you and maybe do some ministry.

God bless you today and may you find patience, hope, peace, love and joy in all you do. -DGW

New Hope #84

Luke 7:47-48
47 "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little."
48 And He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven." (NAS)

Religious movements or political ventures are generally started by an individual with followers willing to believe in what the leader says or does. Throughout history the leaders have proved to either lead people astray or establish something positive for the good of mankind.

Jesus invaded first century Palestine with a new message and new hope. As His follower you need to take a good look at His words and actions. As the founder of not only your faith, but of a new approach to life He challenges His followers with His lifestyle and His words. Jesus found Himself in the home of Simon, the religious one. At the same time a prostitute settled at the feet of Jesus and began to wash His feet with her tears; tears of remorse, repentance and faith.

Jesus knowing of her sin and her repentant heart announces her forgiveness. The reason was because of her faith and her great love for Jesus. At the same time He condemns Simon for his lack of love, repentance, remorse and faith. When you realize what a sinner you are and how much you need forgiven you will look for the Savior to change your life through His forgiveness and His love. Your faith will save you.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

______________________________Today's Personal Note From Dennis

Greetings from Beautiful and WARM Arizona! Thanks for all your prayers during the past three weeks. Sandy and I both have been unable to do much. She is slowly recovering from her fall. It was two weeks ago today. The past two days I have finally been without fever, which I assume means the infection is better. Praise the Lord. It is good to be back to Starbucks this morning. Most of The Encouragers have been written at a table in Starbucks.

The emphasis of today's Encourager is for you to think about the words and actions of Jesus. He IS our leader, as well as Savior and Lord. I hope and pray we will be influenced by His actions and words and not by the world's influence or even our own flesh. Praise the Lord for a great day and a great week to come.

May God bless you with His great fellowship. You know He loves you!!

Rules or People? #83

Matthew 12:9-14
14 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) 11 And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.

Jesus’ enemies came from the religious crowd. They constantly sought for a way to condemn Jesus for breaking the Law of Moses. Working on the Sabbath was strictly forbidden by the Law. The opportunity for pushing the envelope came when Jesus saw a man with a deformed hand. Jesus asks the Pharisees if a sheep fell into a well on the Sabbath would they have to work to pull it out, and would they pull it out. Of course the answer was yes. Then Jesus shows the value of a man over not only a sheep, but over the Law. He turns to the man and heals him. The Pharisees are so upset they called a meeting to determine the best way to kill Jesus.

Does your understanding of the Law of Moses place it above people needs? It is easy to put rules above people needs. Jesus reminded the Pharisees at another time that “The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath.” Be careful how you judge one another.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Careless Words #82

Matthew 12:35-37
35 "The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil.
36 "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment.
37 "For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall condemned." (NAS)

What words have come out your mouth lately that you would like to take back? You may have said harsh words, critical words, curse words, negative words, or hurtful words that left a breach in a relationship. It has been said that for every negative comment that is spoken to someone it takes seventeen positive ones to undo the hurt. Jesus reminds us that the evil words come from an evil heart. Jesus deems them careless words and He warns that in the day of judgment there will be an accounting.

The reason words are so powerful is that their origin is from deep within your own being. Your heart is either evil or good. Jesus knows the only way for you to control your tongue is for Him to be in control of your life. Speak those things that are good from your good heart based on your life of faith in Jesus.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.