By Joe Widick
Recently I ran across the story of a man named Nick Venetucci. He was given a very special name by those who knew him and loved him. He was called the Pumpkin Man. Every fall for forty years this Colorado Springs native invited thousands of school children to visit his farm along the banks of the Monument Creek to pick a pumpkin for fee and take it home with them. The story related how Nick loved to walk through his fields with the kids, helping them find “just the right one.” Nick was so popular in his community that a local elementary school was named in his honor. The principal of the school said that Nick taught our children the definition of generosity. He gave, gave, gave and never expected anything in return. When Nick passed away at the age of 93, the community saluted him as a hero because of his kind and generous spirit.
Nick Venetucci shared the fruit of his labor because he wanted to! That seems to be what the Bible teaches us about giving and sharing with others. “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (II Corinthians 9:7-8). Paul seems to tell us that the grace comes from God; the giving comes from our hearts. We are in the midst of one of the most joyful times of the year for most of us. We have been blessed with an abundance of this world’s goods. It is also a joyous time of the year to be a part of the family at Maple Hill. Have you noticed how much giving to others has taken place this year? The Agape tree that Cindy puts up yearly is always responded to in a very positive way. The library was full of gifts for those who would not have much of a holiday season. When needs are mentioned from the pulpit there is always an overwhelming response. There will be a home built for orphaned children in Honduras, thanks to you! The stories are endless of your generosity towards others. I know that I am aware of only some of the stories, because so many of the generous gifts of giving are never known except by the recipient. There are many reasons why it is such a joy to be a part of the family at Maple Hill. Your generous and kind spirit is right at the top of the list. May the Lord continue to bless each of us with what we need. As we realize the abundance of our blessings, let that kind and generous spirit continue.
Prayer Thought: When the door of opportunity is opened for me, encourage me to walk through it and make a difference.
By Joe Widick
When we were in Honduras, there were of course many special moments. There were times when we had tears of sadness in our eyes at other times there were tears of joy. There were times when all was well and other times we thought that if I have to go one more mile in this school bus I will scream (school busses were not designed for adults). One of those special occasions came at the end of a long bus ride up into the hills to a little community called Santa Ana. I have been going to Honduras since 1988 and had never heard or seen this place. Property has been bought and on that property they have built a clinic to meet the physical needs of the people in the community. They have also constructed a functional building for worship. The final set of buildings is a home for children. It is called Casa de Esperanza or for us gringos House of Hope. That is exactly what it is, a house of hope. Currently there are 15 children who live there. When we first arrived at the sight, we were taken to the church building to get an introduction to the property. The director of the children’s home along with the minister told some of the history of the facility. Then they introduced us to a little 4-5 year old boy who had come from an abusive situation. It was so terrible that the director really didn’t want to share with us what had happened to the boy. She stated that when he first came, he had to be held constantly (holding his arms down so he wouldn’t be hitting). Patience, care and love has won the young boy over. Each night he has the song “Jesus Love Me” sung to him. The highlight of this visit came when the director gave the microphone to the little boy and he sang “Jesus Loves Me” in English to each of us. When he got to the part of the song that says; “…we are weak but He is strong” he smiled and flexed his muscle. I don’t know about the rest in the group but as for me there was a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. God is so good. Those who had no hope are now given the opportunity to have hope. Those who saw no love are now being loved. Those who didn’t know what it was to have a bed or clean clothes now have both. There are so many opportunities within our community and those communities throughout the world to make a difference. While we were there, George and Stephonia received a special gift that will always remind them of making a difference in the lives of others. Remember what Jesus said toward the end of His time on earth; “I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was naked and you clothed me…” I am so thankful for the many blessing I have, I am also ashamed that from time to time I take these rich blessings for granted.
Prayer Thought: Help me to remember that You are the giver of all good and perfect gifts.
By Joe Widick
A couple of weeks ago Landon received a call from me. I am sure it was not what he wanted to hear, but alas I had to be the bearer of bad news. My computer was “dead,” or at least I thought it was. I had planned on transferring some pictures from my camera to the computer. Without warning the screen went completely blank—“dead.” I tried a few things that Landon normally tells me to do when there is a problem, but not of them worked. I knew that something was wrong, but that was only a small part of the problem; I couldn’t fix it because I didn’t know the right thing to do.
I believe that there are a great number of people in this world that know that there is a problem. It may be a problem at home in raising the children or paying the bills. It might be at work, where you struggle with your employer. The problem grows and becomes worse each day. Maybe it is a problem at church. You just don’t feel things are right, you sense that there is a problem, but what to do is another matter. In families, churches, and workplaces, nothing gets fixed because we get fixated on what’s wrong. It doesn’t take an expert to know that something is wrong when people quarrel and hurt each other with unkind words and behavior. But it does take an expert to know how to fix the problem.
You may think it is an oversimplification of the problem, but the answer to our problems is always within our grasp. When the Israelite nation struggled with one problem after another, and the people grew frustrated, God revealed the answer to Israel’s prophets. When it was revealed to them, it was revealed to us. God told them not only what was wrong, but also what was right. In Isaiah 1:16-17 the prophet by inspiration spoke and said; “Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor.” The direction is sound advice. Instead of focusing on what is wrong, let’s obey the One who knows what is right.” We need to realize that like a compass, the Bible always points you in the right direction. When we are focused on that right direction, we avoid so many of the problems that have plagued us in the past.
Landon came to my office and was able to bring my computer back to life. He made it appear easy. Why, because he knew what to do with the problem. When I look to God for answers to the problems that I deal with and struggle with, I know that God knows what to do with each problem that I bring him. Isn’t it a joy to be able to serve a God who loves us and cares for us each and every day?
Prayer Thought: Remember those who have traveled to Honduras.
By Joe Widick
Back in the early 70’s, Elaine and I lived in an old farm house that we simply referred to as the “house on the hill.” It was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. I remember during the winter months one year that Elaine went to wash a load of baby diapers. After washing the diapers she placed them in the dryer and turned it on. There was an awful rattling sound and the forlorn cry for help. When I got to the room where the dryer was, I too realized it was a sound that dryers normally do not make. That is about as far as my mechanical skills took me. All I could think was another repair bill and how will we be able to afford it. What were we going to do? Fortunately for us, my father-in-law was able to come out and discover that the unusual rattling was dog food that the mice had been storing in the dryer.
I would imagine that all of us could swap stories about how difficult it was at one time in our lives to make ends meet. We wondered where we were going to get the money to pay this bill or that, and when something unexpected came up, we really struggled. Time changes things, we grow, we mature, we learn to save for rainy days, and we even make a little more money. Has that ever happened to you, and as it does, has it changed you. As you grow and become somewhat more successful, do you tend to assume that you deserve your possessions? Success goes to our head. We become somewhat proud and even begin to turn away from God. Has our attitude become look what I have done, what I have accomplished, what I now have in my possession.
In Deuteronomy 9, we read of God’s reminder to Israel about the reason they would be successful. God wanted His people to remember that He was leading them into the land to fulfill His purpose and promises. They would succeed because of Him, not because of their own righteousness. “The Lord your God is not giving you this land to possess because of your righteousness…” Deuteronomy 9:6. God in his infinite wisdom knew that the Israelites would be tempted to become ungrateful after they were prospering in the Promised Land. As we have grown somewhat more prosperous, have we forgotten the one from whom all blessings flow? Ungratefulness is a temptation for us today. If our endeavors are successful, let’s make sure we are thankful to God for His goodness, help and protection. We don’t need more to be thankful for, we just need to be more thankful.
Prayer Thought: Thank you Lord for good times as well as bad. Help me always to remember you are the giver of all good and perfect gifts.
By Joe Widick
I have gotten into the habit of re-reading all the old Peanuts cartoon strips in the paper. There is a simple humor about the characters that Charles Shultz developed. The first Peanuts strip ran in 1950. In February of 2000 after 17,897 comic strips, the series came to an end. Recently there was one in the Democrat that caught my attention. Snoopy is looking up into the sky and is communicating with his friend Woodstock. Snoopy says “You have? You’ve actually flown above the clouds?” In the next frame, Snoopy continues and says; “Wow! What was it like?” In the final frame Woodstock mumbles something to snoopy (I guess in animal talk). Snoopy responds, “Well you shouldn’t have closed your eyes.”
I believe there are a number of things that we are blind to in our life. We hurry from place to place and never take the time to open our eyes to see the beauty that is around us. Maybe it is a scarlet red maple tree that we drive by every day. It might be a beautiful sunset as the clouds disappear just at the right time to allow the sun to set in all of beautiful glory. There are times when you could slow down and watch the birds gather around your bird feeder and enjoy the meal that you have left for them. There are countless items that we seem to be blind to, or have seemingly have our eyes closed just like Woodstock.
As important as it is to keep our eyes open to the beauty and might of God’s wonderful creation, it is even more import to keep our eyes open to the word of God. To know and understand what God’s will is for each of us. Wouldn’t it be a shame to go through life with our eyes closed to the wonderful teaching of God’s word. It is in God’s word, the Bible that we can gain strength to face another day. II Thessalonians 3:3 tells us “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” When I know that I can face the day with renewed optimism, it gives me an entirely different outlook on life. If I closed my eyes to that simple truth, imagine what I would be missing. What would my life be if I closed it to the truths of Romans 15:4; “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Isn’t it wonderful to be able to read the beloved stories of the Bible and receive encouragement so that I can have hope. As we go through life, let each of us resolve to keep our eyes open not only to the beauties around us, but also to the comfort that we can find in God’s word.
Prayer Thought: Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to open my eyes and see all you have done for me.
By Joe Widick
What a joy it is to be able to come on Sunday morning and worship at Maple Hill. I hope you can say an “amen” when you read that statement. This past Sunday Elaine and I had our granddaughter Faith sitting with us during worship. Being 7 years old, I know that she does not understand all that is going on during our worship service. She did something Sunday that caught my attention and made me begin to think. She proudly filled out the attendance card for her family in second grade print. At the bottom of the attendance card is a place to put “Notes to the Leaders.” Once again in second grade print, she wrote “I Love Church.” Being one of the church leaders, I know that the card did not make it back around to the elders which is OK. It was probably discarded as simply the writings of a little girl.
Do I love church? No let me change that; do we love church!?” We are old enough to understand what is taking place when we gather together on Sunday Morning. We are old enough to know what this is all about. Do we love what we are doing, or are we simply going through the motions of worship. Is our worship heartfelt or simply a ritual? Do we Love Church?
There is a lot to be said about the sweetness and innocence of a child. Our old world has a way of many times changing that sweetness and innocence. What was once an important part of our lives can change quickly. My prayer will always be that our Faith along with your child, grandchild, niece or nephew will always love church. That it will be something they look forward to. We want them to always enjoy going to Bible classes and participating in the activities of church. We want them to be able to grow old and have fond memories of growing up in church. We want them to have a family one day and instill the same values in their children. What a richer and better world we would live in if we can maintain this love for church in our children.
On one occasion Jesus was asked as question by a teacher of the law. The question simply was; “Of all the commandments, which is the most important? Christ responded by saying; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Once we get in our minds the importance of this great command, it will make a difference in our lives. Maybe just maybe, we will be able to fill out our attendance card and say with a childlike simplicity “I love church!”
Prayer Thought: How me to grow in my love for the body of Christ.
By Landon Roeder
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By Joe Widick
I am not a top level executive or a CPA at tax time. I do not run a huge successful business. What do these three professions have in common? They demand a lot of time! People in these positions find themselves in a hurry from daylight to dark. I may not have one of these position, but like you I feel that too many times I am in a hurry. Are you so rushed during the day that you find it hard to take even a few minutes with God? Many people set aside time in the early morning before they get caught up in the hectic pace of the day. I recently read of a man who did exactly this! He is as busy a man as you would want to meet, yet he finds time for giving the day a spiritual jump-start. His name is Dr. Ben Carson, chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. This is a position he assumed in 1984 when he was only 33 years old.
Listen to what this doctor had to say about putting spiritual matters first in the morning. “I’ve found that having a morning ritual—meditation or some quiet reading time—can set the tone for the whole day. Every morning, I spend a half-hour reading the Bible, especially the book of Proverbs. There is so much wisdom there. During the day, if I encounter a frustrating situation, I think back to one of the verses that I read that morning.”
In January of 2007, I put out the first of what will eventually be 12 monthly Bible reading schedules. If successfully followed, one will be able to read through the Bible in 2007. I wish we could get comments from all those who have been successful in reading the Bible this year. I would guess that for many it has become the jump start for the day. For others it might be the peace and solitude at the end of day. Whenever you read, I know that you have been blessed, not because of the schedule, but because of what you read.
Jesus faced busy days filled with demanding crowds of people. Seemingly everywhere he turned there was another need and a demand on his time. In Mark’s gospel we read, “In the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Will you not join me and many others at Maple Hill and take time to read God’s Word and pray? Try it in the morning. It will transform your day. Let each of us strive to let Christ be first in our thoughts in the morning and last in our thoughts at night.
Prayer Thought. Encourage me to be more diligent in my reading of God’s word.
By Joe Widick
As a young Christian, my first opportunity to serve was helping with the Lord’s Supper on Sunday night. Those who were not present on Sunday morning would stand at the proper time and some of the young Christians would take the communion to them. The first time I served communion, my biggest fear was what I would do if I dropped a tray. My mother’s biggest fear was whether or not I would have chewing gum in my mouth. One Sunday night, we had a celebrity worship with us. I was down front and never saw him come in. Mother however did. Our celebrity was Pat Boone, recording artist and movie star. Mother just knew that if I walked by him and recognized who he was, that my worst fear would come true, I would drop the tray. Fortunately, I didn't pay any attention and did not realize who he was until after worship when everyone wanted to get his autograph.
Many times a person can easily feel inadequate when talking with bigger-than-life people. We can even develop an awe and respect for these “superstars” of life. I don’t know that they intend to make us feel insignificant, but many times they do.
As exciting as it was to be in close proximity to a “star” it is nothing compared to what Isaiah saw. It was in the year that King Uzziah died that Isaiah experienced something so magnificent and terrifying that nothing could compare to it. He found himself in the very presence of God. In a vision, God showed Isaiah who He really was. What the prophet saw greatly affected him. He saw God’s majesty. It was at that point that Isaiah gained a fresh understanding of God’s holiness. Isaiah says that he saw; “The Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up.” As he viewed what was before him, Isaiah saw the contrast between his sinful self and God’s perfection. The prophet realized immediately his state in life compared to the most Holy God. As he considered this contrast, Isaiah heard the call of God for someone to volunteer to go, to go the people with love and care and to warn the people to turn from their wicked ways. When he heard this call he answered it.
Today, we can see God in His Word and in the Spirit’s work and through us. And we can commune with Him through prayer. One day in heaven we will see our Lord face to face. Superstars today may seem bigger than life to most of us. But can you imagine being in the presence of one whom genuinely is larger than life. God’s awesome presence is both convicting and comforting.
Prayer Thought: Thank you Lord for loving me a sinner, help me to be an encouragement to others, helping them to understand your love.
By Joe Widick
Sometimes it is difficult to love people the way you know they need to be loved. Sometimes it is a person’s personality that keeps us from the love we need to display. Maybe it is their status in life that causes us to shun them. It could be the success they have and the lack of success in your own life that causes real challenges. We all know that it shouldn’t be that way, yet many times feelings of envy, anger or anxiety creep in and we do not love as God would have us to.
Zacchaeus was easy to dislike. As a tax collector for an oppressive occupying government, he made himself rich at the expense of his own countrymen, by overcharging them in taxes. Yet to the consternation of the crowd, Jesus honored him by going to his house and eating with him. The story of Zacchaeus is more than a story of a wee little man who climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus. It is a story of unconditional love on the behalf of our savior. A love that wee need to have.
A judge with a reputation for toughness tells how he learned to relate to unlovable people. In a Sunday morning worship service his minister urged the congregation to try to look at people through the eyes of Jesus.
A few days latter the judge was faced with a tough situation. He was ready to give a stiff sentence to an arrogant young man who kept getting in trouble. This arrogant young man was taking up a lot of the courts time. As he was fixing to hand down a stiff sentence, he remembered what the minister had suggested. The judge said, “I looked this young man in the eye and told him I thought he was a bright and talented human being. And then I said to him ‘Let’s talk together about how we can get you living in more creative and constructive ways.’ We had a surprisingly good conversation.”
Jesus as he looked into the eyes of Zacchaeus saw something that others had failed to see through the years. There was an empty hole that only He could fill. It was through the kindness shown to Zacchaeus that he was transformed. I can not tell you in this “journey” that the judge was able to report changes in the young arrogant young man. What I can tell you is that he did set a good example for all of us, because he saw the man through the eyes of Jesus. Luke records at the end of the story of Zacchaeus this statement; “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Can we rise up and take that same challenge today as we strive to see people through the eyes of Jesus, loving the unlovable.
Prayer Thought: Encourage each of us to focus on making a difference in the lives of others.
