God-confidence #166

Acts 18:9-11

And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (NAS)

What is your ministry? Where are you serving God and people? How much confidence do you have that you are where God wants you? The Apostle Paul found himself in the great commercial city of Corinth. Located on the sea it attracted people from across the known regions. Here he found a tremendous need for the gospel, and received a good response. Paul had experienced rejection in almost every place where he had taught the great truth of the gospel message: salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. He had survived everything from stoning, to verbal assault, to tremendous physical torture.

No wonder when he entered a new ministry area he did so with questions. He no doubt looked for the call of God to stay and minister. Most of the time he stayed in one area only a short time. this time with great confidence he stayed for a year and a half. He proceeded with confidence because he received direct instructions from the Lord.

God is revealing God and delights in giving to His children encouragement and hope. The Apostle Paul was used to being afraid of what was coming next from those to whom he ministered. He never knew if he would receive another beating, an imprisonment or both. So when God gave him the word to not be afraid but to continue his ministry Paul was renewed in his mission and this challenge came with great confidence. Paul normally stayed in a city from a few days to maybe a few months but due to God's word of encouragement he stayed a year and six months making disciples by teaching the Word.

Do you have a ministry through which you serve God and people? Do you have confidence, not self-confidence, but God-confidence because you know god has called you and given you His word? Everything did not go well for Paul at Corinth, but he stuck with it because he knew God had spoken to him. Go today in the confidence and strength of God's call. Be encouraged as you serve the Lord in the area of

ministry He has called you.

______________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ.,

Hope and pray that you are having a great day and that this has been a wonderful week. God seems to know just what we need at the right time and sends the answers when He knows we are ready.

Several of you have asked about our grandson, Johnny, who was born prematurely 7 months ago this week. He has grown from a little 3 pounder into a big boy of 18 1/2 pounds. He is doing well. He is teething this week. His Mom and Dad are loving that, drool and all.

Sandy is still awaiting results from her tests.

Susan, our youngest daughter, has been having extreme pain in her hands and arms. This last week it moved into her feet. She has been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. She is on medication. Pray for her, especially the pain she is experiencing.

Sandy is really enjoying her Tuesday morning Bible study. She is teaching the Book of Ephesians. Although some of you have accused me of having Sandy write my sermons, I want you to know she went to my notes on Ephesians this week for ideas. What goes around

comes around.

Our friends, the Tuttletons are coming for a visit next week. They currently live in Louisiana. They are the couple that stayed with us for a month when I was so critical a couple of years ago. They are dear friends and we are

eager to see them. They have never been to San Diego, so our plans are to take them for a few days to see the sights.

I will be preaching October 23rd at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler, AZ. Pastor Ron is hiking the Grand Canyon again and so he asked me to preach. He didn't ask me to hike the canyon with him; wonder why?

Monday I have CT scans and X-rays. Pray for a good report. I get the results of the labs and scans on October 14th.

God bless you, your family, your church, and your ministry. May you have the great confidence of God's call on your life. ~ DGW

Will it Happen? #165

1 Kings 19:4-10

4 But he himself wen a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers." 5 He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, "Arise, eat" 6 Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake aced on hot stones, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you." 8 So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 Then he came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10 He said, I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prop hers with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."

In Chapter 1Kings 18 Elijah faces the prophets of Baal. He challenges them to a duel of the fire in the desert. The Baal worshippers build an altar and call on their God to produce fire to consume the sacrifice. They cry, cut themselves, scream and yell all to no avail. The fire does not fall.

Elijah rebuilds the altar, puts on the wood and then pours water all over the sacrifice and the wood. He then calls on the name of God and prays for God to come and consume the sacrifice. God not only accepts the sacrifice by providing fire but also dries up the water and the wood is burned. Victory is his, but also HIS.

Jezebel, the wife of Ahab the king, declares that by the next day Elijah will be dead. He runs a day's journey from the area to save his life. He then declares to God that he would like to die. totally defeated, discouraged, depressed and wishing to die; God meets him. But what was he expecting in his state of mind? Maybe he was hoping for Ahab to change, or all Israel to fall before God in worship. Neither happened.

What do you expect to happen in your situation or circumstance? It may not happen. What will happen is that God will meet you and meet your needs. He loves you and cares about you. Just trust that He is for you; and "if God is for you who can be against you." Romans 8:31

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ.

I hope and pray you have had a great week. I am so often reminded of God's love, mercy and grace in everyday experiences. Life is filled with challenges and opportunities. So often we see them only as difficulties, tragedies, and struggles, but god gives us a victory that only He can give and

that we cannot explain; except that God fit it. PTL

Sandy and I have had all four of our grandsons at our home during the past week. That always makes us smile. We are so grateful for them and their parents. (Yes, even our own children)

They are wonderful parents.

Ever have something at one time in your life that you wish you had back? For all of us old guys the topic usually goes to the car we had years ago. It becomes the topic of conversation when old guys get together. Several weeks ago I showed a picture of me and Sandy next to a car. I had so many of you OLD GUYS ask about it that I thought a new picture would give you a better look at the 1956 DeSoto, hermihead. Yes, IT IS PINK! Wish I had that one back.

We have several prayer needs:

1. Sandy is having an Ultra Sound on her thyroid on Wednesday, the 28th. Pray for good results. We don't know when she will hear the results.

2. I had lab work done on the 27th. A CT scan and X-rays will be done on October, 10th. I will receive the results on the 14th when I see my oncologist.

3. Pray for our family and the many opportunities and challenges we are facing.

4. Sandy and I are studying in preparation for the Retreat in Ohio in November. Pray for our preparation. Our topic L "God is not finished with you yet" is challenging. We look forward to seeing our friends in Ohio. Let me know of your prayer requests. I would love to pray for you.

5. Sandy continues to teach a ladies Bible Study at First Baptist of Tempe on Tuesday mornings. Pray for her and her preparation, presentation and that the women in class will grow in their relationship with the Lord.

6. I will be preaching at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler, AX on October 23. Pray for my preparation. I have preached there several times before and look forward to being with them again.

Love to you all. ~ DGW

Miles Mean Nothing To God #164

Matthew 8:5-10, 14

5 When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 "Lord, my young serve lies in bed, paralyzed and racked with pain." 7 Jesus said, "I will come and meal him" 8 Then the officer said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come to my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed! 9 I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this or that,' they do it." 10 When Jesus heard this He was amazed. Turning to the crowd, He said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all the land of Israel!! 13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go on home. What you have believed has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour.

Ever say to yourself, "I can't help, I am so far away?" It seems we have a belief we have to be present in order to be of assistance or help to someone in need. A centurion approached Jesus with a need and a request. A centurion was a soldier with one hundred soldiers serving at his command. One of the servants of the centurion was critically ill and the officer asked him. The response from the centurion was "NO! I am not worthy for you to come to my home."

Distance made no difference. In faith the centurion spoke, "Say the word and my servant will be healed." You may not be near the need or the burden you have, but the power of Christ can reach beyond the miles and your own ability to be physically near and care for your burden. The centurion saw that Jesus was a man of authority as he himself was. "Just speak the word and my servant will be haled," showed his understanding of the power of Jesus even across distances.

Jesus responded by healing the servant and declaring that the centurion's faith was great. What do you believe God for right now that requires God to meet your need at a distance away from your present locale? Distance means nothing to God. Pray and expect God to answer. Remember you don't have to be present to call upon the ever-present God that you worship. He reaches beyond miles.

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in Tempe, AZ

Sandy and I returned late on Monday night from our MO trip. It was a wonderful time.

We were able to attend the wedding of our niece, Meredith in Kansas City.

It was a beautiful wedding. The best part was NO WEDDING CAKE: instead, WEDDING PIE. What a great idea. The blackberry was especially delicious.

We also saw several of Sandy's relatives in the Kansas City area. The relatives call her Sandra. Still not used to that! You can tell from the photos of Sandy and her brother and the bride and Roger that we had a great time.

Saturday we ventured to Eldon to see my Dad, brother and niece. My Aunt Ruby gave us a room to lay our heads on a bed a few hours. It was good to see them.

Sunday night I had the privilege of preaching at the First Baptist Church of Eldon. We took my Dad from the nursing home to church with us. Although I am not sure he heard much he seemed to enjoy being there and seeing all the folks at church. I enjoyed seeing many people at church that I had not seen in years. Most had known me all of my life. That means they were not young folks.

Sandy is teaching Ladies Bible Study at First Baptist Church in Tempe on Tuesday mornings. She is enjoying teaching.

I will be preaching at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler, AZ on October 23. Sandy and I return to Ohio to lead our annual retreat with Bob and Pat Moser and crew.

I am grateful for you and your prayers, support and encouragement. October is the month for CT scans, X-rays and Labs. Pray for them to show no growth in the tumors. Currently they are stable. It is so wonderful to feel good, be able to spend time with family and friends, and be involved in ministry that I pray it will continue.

Send me an update of you and your family. I try to answer all replies. I also pray for you so let me know your prayer needs. Remember miles mean nothing to God.

~ DGW

Be There #163

Job 2:11-13 Three of Job's friends were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. 12 When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to demonstrate their grief. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. And no one said a word, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.

Barbara Chesser in her book, Because You Care, begins chapter one with the simple admonition: “Be There.” Although Job’s friends are often criticized for their lack of theological understanding, their bad advice, and their outright misrepresentation of God; at least they cared.

How much do you care when you see a friend struggling, suffering, going through a rough time, or just needing some encouragement? Job’s friends after having heard of Job’s plight immediately got together and went to see Job. They took serious the task of “Being There.” The purpose of their visit was to comfort, console, encourage and give hope.

Upon seeing Job, the Bible says he was so bad that they scarcely recognized him, they began wailing loudly, tore their robes and threw dust into the air. It was a sign of their personal grief over the struggles of their friend. They sympathized with his sufferings and expressed it. An interesting response was their silence. Instead of trying to answer all the questions at once, or comfort with words, they simply sat in silence. Have you ever stayed away because you didn’t know what to say? Maybe silence says more than your words. His suffering was too great for words. Just “Being There” may be the best comfort you could give.

Find someone today who is hurting and just “Be There” for them. It might just be what they need the most.

______________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Tempe, AZ,

I pray that you have had a wonderful week, that you have experienced the presence of God and that you are trusting Him more and more.

Sandy and I had a great time on Saturday with all four of our grandsons visiting us. It is such a joy to watch them relate to one another. We are so blessed to have them all near by.

The picture is of Uncle Roger and Johnny. Don't know what Roger just said to him, but it must have been funny.

Sandy, Roger and I will be attending Meredith Allen's wedding in Kansas City this week. Meredith is Sammy and Kathy's daughter. Sammy for those of you who do not know is Sandy's brother.

Sandy is teaching on Tuesday mornings at First Baptist Church in Tempe. She is team teaching through the Book of Ephesians. Needless to say she is thrilled with the opportunity.

We are making preparation for our trip to Columbus, Ohio in early November. Pray for our study and preparation. Our theme this year is

"God is not finished with you yet." We are excited about the opportunity.

I scheduled a revival in February of 2012 in First Southern Baptist Church of Wickenburg, AZ. Looking forward to being with our friends there.

May God bless you as you serve Him and enjoy Him. May God use your life for His glory. ~ DGW

A Look At Your Heart #162

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." ESV

We live in a culture where outward appearance means so much. We determine a person's value and worth by their height, weight, hair color, physical beauty, clothing, and on and on the list goes. God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find a new king to replace Saul. When he approached the house Jesse immediately brought his most handsome son expecting him to be chosen. Samuel quickly said, "This is not the one."

How quickly do you make choices based on physical appearance? Do you determine a person's worth based on the outward appearance? The Bible says that God said to Samuel that he should not make a decision based on the outward appearance, BUT on the heart. God looks on the heart. God looks inward to see what is in a person's character. What are the intentions and motives of the heart? What are the values, the purities and impurities? Jesus once said that the thing that defiles a person comes from the heart.

In order to find a new king God was concerned about the heart condition. He desired a "man after God's own heart." He found that David. God's choice was not based on the outward appearance, BUT on the heart. How do you think of yourself or others? Do you decide as you look in the mirror or at someones physical appearance? You are not capable of looking into the heart as God is, but you can look beyond the outward appearance to make your decision about someones value, or maybe your own.

________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in Tempe,

Sandy and I had a wonderful week in San Diego celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary. The week was filled with food, fun, and fellowship. We were able to connect with several friends

that happened to be in San Diego also. Last week I mentioned seeing Dale Phillips, an old friend from Nebraska. The Warren's took us to lunch one day. We received a call from Sharon and Lyndell Fuller and met them at Seaport Village for lunch and kite watching.

Sunday I preached at First Baptist Church of Clairemont and saw Alan and Beth Thompson, the pastor and his wife as well as acquaintances from that church. Sunday at lunch we ran into Tim and Beverly LaHaye. We had not seen them for years. It was good to renew an old acquaintance.

As usual San Diego was beautiful. We so enjoyed the beach and the COOL

weather.

It is good to be home even though the heat is still with us.

Sandy started teaching a Bible Study this week at First Baptist Church of Tempe. She is excited about that opportunity. We are preparing for future opportunities to teach and preach. Continue to pray for doors to open.

I do pray that God will bless you today with renewed strength and friendship. May God bless your family also.

The pictures were taken exactly two years apart. One was taken in the hospital September 4, 2009. The other was taken this past Sunday after lunch. What a difference a couple of years make. It was September 5th, 2009, one day after the picture was taken, that the Dr told me to do what I wanted to do and see who I wanted to see and then call hospice because I was dying. I told him I wasn't giving up. He agreed to not give up either and here I am today.

Praise the Lord. He is good. ~ DGW

Lawbreakers Salvation #161

Romans 3:19-22

19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses and to bring the entire world into judgment before God. 20 For no one can ever be made right in God’s sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God’s law, the clearer it becomes that we aren’t obeying it. 21 BUT NOW God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law BUT by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. (New Living Translation)

Aren’t you glad God gives us His plans for our lives in ways that not only we can understand but also apply to our lives. In this passage from Romans the Bible give us the contrast between our feeble attempts at keeping the law and God’s provision for all of us who are law breakers.

The purpose of the law was to show us our total inability to live a righteous life. The law points out our sins and leaves us with no excuse except to admit we do not live up to its demands. It is then impossible for us to be right with God because we are sinners. He is holy and just, but thank God, He is also merciful and full of grace.

God, knowing full well that we are unable to keep the law provided in Jesus Christ the way to salvation by grace through faith. Our attempts at being right with God by the works of the law either leads us to failure or to self righteousness. Neither of which can save you.

We do not obey the law and for that reason God has shown a different way of being made righteous, and that is by faith in Jesus Christ. He is our atonement for sin. He is the

one who did keep the law perfectly. The Bible says “He made Him who knew no sin to become sin on our behalf in order that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Would you admit your inability to keep the law and trust Jesus to save you?

_____________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from beautiful, cool San Diego,

Sandy and I are enjoying the wonderful weather and fellowship in SD. Yesterday we had lunch with friends on the bay. Headed to some of our favorite places today. We also met up with Dale Phillips. Dale was an associate pastor at Southview Baptist Church while we were in Nebraska. He is great. What a God-thing to run into him in SD, CA.

We celebrated John's birthday Sunday evening. Great family time.

Sunday night I preached at First Baptist Church of Tempe. A wonderful congregation. Really great to share my Job Story. My assigned scripture was Job 40:1-5. Check it out. I especially enjoy it in the New Living Translation.

This coming Sunday I will be preaching at FBC of

Claremont in San Diego. We will return to the heat of AZ on Labor Day. YUK!!

God bless you all. ~ DGW

Argue with God? #160

Job 40:1-5

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.” (NLT)

Life is filled with ups and downs. You may feel that life is unfair when the down times come your way. At that point it is normal to question life, and even question God. You may have had an argument with God during which you ask, “Why has this happened to me or to someone I love.” Job had lost family, his business, his health and found himself questioning the goodness of God.

After spending all of chapters 38 and 39 asking Job questions of which Job had no answer God then turns to ask Job THE QUESTION. “Do you still want to argue with God?” “Do you have the answers?” Of course by this time Job has learned that he was not God and did not have the answers.

Job had concluded that he was nothing and not only did not know the answers, but could never find the answers. He put his hand over his mouth and told God he had nothing more to say.

Job came to understand that God is Sovereign and is in charge of all things. As Job understood God and himself he realized he was not on an equal with God. He needed to accept that God was in charge of all things, including Job’s life.

Today you may be in the middle of some difficulty, strange circumstances, or uncharted territory. God is not in panic, nor is He surprised and He is in total control of the outcome. Trust His heart as well as His hand. He loves you and even though you may question His love in your own heart be assured He cares for you.

May He bless you with His understanding and everlasting love.

_____________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks,

What a great day to be alive!! God is on His throne. He loves you and cares for you. He is full of grace, love, mercy, forgiveness and He is holy. What a wonderful God we serve.

I do hope this has been a great week for you. I had the privilege last Sunday (August 21) of speaking at the wonderful Laveen Baptist Church. God truly blessed the services.

Pastor Jerry was on vacation and was gracious enough to allow me the opportunity to speak to his church.

August 21 was also a special day for our family. It was 23 years ago on the 21st of August 1988 that we began our ministry at Church on Mill in Tempe.

This coming Sunday night I will be preaching at First Baptist Church of Tempe at 6PM. I am looking forward to sharing God's word with that congregation.

Sandy and I will be leaving for San Diego on Monday for a week of celebration. Our 45th wedding anniversary is September 4th. We decided a week in San Diego would be a wonderful way to celebrate. Actually any place cooler than Tempe would be nice right now. I will be preaching on the 4th at the First Baptist Church of Clairemont in San Diego. Pastor Alan is me that privilege.

Thanks for your prayers for our family. We appreciate your kind thoughts and support.

May God bless you today with loving, caring relationships. ~ DGW