By Joe Widick
One of the most graceful of all the competitions in the winter Olympics is figure skating. I have only been on ice skates once in my life. I found it challenging to stand much less skate. After some effort, I was able to glide around the rink. It was a good feeling to be gliding on that thin blade. Then I guess I remembered how thin the blade was and down I went again. I say all of this because of a story I recently read.
Paul Wylie was skating in the 1988 Winter Olympics at Calgary. Like most in the competition, he was nervous. The arena he was skating in held 20,000. There were millions of people who were watching around the world on TV. All would be watching his every move. Paul recalls how everything got off to a good start until he went into his first jump. It was there that something went wrong. He stated; “A flash later my hand touches the ice; the blade will not hold. I started slipping and realized quickly that I was falling. All I could hear as I collapsed to the ice was the empathetic groan of what seemed like a million voices.”
One never knows how they will respond in the split instant that followed. Paul Wylie could focus on the mistake he had made and give up or he could keep on skating and do his very best. Instantly without thought he continued his routine and decided that he would give his very best throughout the remainder of the program. When he brought the program to a close the crowd burst into enthusiastic applause for his courage and determination. He didn’t win the gold medal, but he was a winner.
As followers of Christ, we may be knocked off our feet by a powerful blow. It may be by the death of a loved one. We may lose a job, or we may be overlooked for that much wanted promotion. We may find ourselves in dismay and fall into Satan’s snare. What we need to remember though is; it is one thing to fall; it’s quite another to give up. What happens if we get up again? I believe that we will reaffirm our faith in Christ and as we do that, we find ourselves continuing to serve him. The psalmist penned these words many years ago. As you read them, realize that their stated truths are as real as when they were originally penned. “Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord holds him with His hand.” It has been stated that success consists of getting up just one more time than you’ve fallen down. Let each of us be determined to get up one more time, because success is failure turned inside out. It is the silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
Prayer Thought: Be with all the families of Maple Hill who are traveling home this weekend. May each be safe.
By Joe Widick
Unfortunately, I have grown somewhat skeptical about the validity of the commercials on TV. I see all of the neat looking representatives with their smiling faces asking customers if they can help. I see them seemingly full of knowledge with one desire that is to help. Too often as I have gone shopping for one thing or another, I have had to ask for help. First of all it is difficult to find someone, secondly they see way too busy to help, and thirdly, it just isn’t their area so they just don’t know. A couple of Wednesday nights ago, Elaine and I were picking up a few items after Bible study. Elaine was looking for some yogurt, and having a hard time deciding what flavors to get (I thought donuts would make a better mid-morning snack). As she was looking, the gentleman who was scanning prices, asked with a smile on his face, “Can I help you with anything.” Needless to say, we both almost fainted with surprise that someone was willing to help. Then I thought, their commercials on TV are real! They do care; they do want to help the customer. My faith in TV commercials has been somewhat restored.
Are you and I the real thing? We claim to be “Christians.” Most of us bring our Bible to worship and Bible study. Many will be at the building for each of our three assemblies. We will even open our voices and sing praises to God. The question I am challenging myself with as well as you, is in the day to day life that we live will people know that we are a Christian much more than in name only. I am reminded of a passage in I John, where the writer says; “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (I John 3:17-18). Those are challenging words to me. They are words that make me look at my Christian walk, evaluating if I am real. As I talk with people, or interact with individuals, can those I am with know by my words and actions that I am trying to serve the Lord?
To me it is time that you and I no longer play at our Christianity. It is important that the community know who we are. It is important that the community knows that we want to serve and make a difference in peoples lives. It is important that have a desire to serve not to be served. I believe that God will bless an effort like that. As He blesses our efforts, we can give Him the praise and glory. We can also know that we are becoming more and more like those of the first century who were first called Christians.
Prayer Thought: Help each of us to be workers for the Lord.
By Joe Widick
I am preaching today! My lesson is coming from Isaiah 40: 27-31. I thought that it might be good to tie my article in with the lesson that I will be presenting. It is always interesting to me how people; our neighbors, friends and even relatives find themselves living in a problem-centered life. They fail often to see the need to live in a God-centered life. When one finds themselves living a life that is problem-centered one loses the proper perspective. Gradually, all our problems begin to look huge, and we begin to see ourselves spiraling completely out of control. The challenges and problems become so big and the strength of the almighty God seems small. We find ourselves not being able to move mountains by faith because we have become constant worriers. We are creating mountains of needless pressure for ourselves and others.
When one is sick, they go to the doctor. Often times that doctor will give a prescription that if followed, will bring about healing. Isaiah 40 there is an effective prescription for those of us whose God seems too small. God reminds us that He is much bigger that the world he has created. Read through this chapter (prescription) as comparisons are made to Him. “…the nations are as a drop in a bucket” (v. 15) and the inhabitants of earth “are like grasshoppers” (v.22). His words aren’t meant to belittle us, but rather to encourage us to look to Him and gain His perspective of life.
As important as the above is to consider, there is more information that is shared with us. God offers us more than a new perspective. He offers us something that will enable us to live by that view. If we will depend on Him instead of brooding over our problems, He will renew our strength, and wings of faith will lift our hearts above all of our difficulties. It is obvious that some of our difficulties may appear to be huge, but with the right perspective, we can see them as smaller than our great God. When that happens, it makes all the difference in the world. The prophet of God penned these words long ago; “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. The will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). May our prayer be: Lord, give us wings to soar above our problems great and small. With strengthened faith and confidence to trust You with them all.
Prayer Thought: Be with Wayne and Debbie while they are away from us. May they be safe.
By Joe Widick
Every once in a while, you here one of those stories that simply breaks your heart. I ran across a story of a tragedy that didn’t have to happen in March of 2006. There was a woman who was trapped on the top floor of a burning building. Every where she turned to find an escape passage was cut off by the fierce flames and thick smoke. When the firefighters arrived on the scene they realized the situation was critical, but not hopeless. The ladder truck drew close to the massive structure and one firefighter scrambled up the ladder to the window where the woman was screaming for help. Her arms were outstretched and he offered to save her. Suddenly the woman looked down and saw the great distance to the ground below. She panicked and drew back into the room that had no other exit. The firefighter attempting the rescue begged her to trust him for her own safety, but his pleas were not heeded. In senseless fear she retreated beyond the fireman’s reach. Finally he was forced to return to the ground. The paper recorded that he had tears in his eyes as he said, “I did everything I could to save her, but she wouldn’t let me!”
Tragedy of tragedies! Opportunity for being saved was within her grasp and yet not taken. The words of that story are haunting to me as I think of so many people that I know who are in spiritual peril. They are in danger of losing their soul. Individuals that are so close to this building, so close to your home and mine. Jesus longs to forgive sins, but people will stubbornly resist His offer of salvation. By refusing to trust Him, they are like the woman who perished in the flames even though she could have escaped.
I wonder how tenderly and compassionately Jesus gave the invitation in Matthew 11:28. I wonder if there were tears in his eyes as he saw some turn and walk away. I wonder if he shrugged his shoulders and said I just don’t understand. Remember the words, don’t ever forget what Jesus said; “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” As we fast forward to that Day of Judgment and we look at the vast crowds of mankind, waiting to judged, we realize that at some point it will be our turn to stand before the eternal judge. Will we hear our savior say on that occasion; “I did everything I could to save them, but they wouldn’t let me!”
Prayer Thought: Thank you for September 16, help me to continue to encourage others to worship with us.
By Joe Widick
Have you ever awakened in the morning and gone through your morning routine and suddenly ask yourself, where your life is really headed. Does it ever seem to you that you have had an empty and pointless life up to this point? There may have been some successful business deals and had some fun, but in terms of satisfying friendships or lasting accomplishments, your life has been a zero. Maybe you have climbed the ladder of success, only to discover that all the while it had been leaning against the wrong wall.
When one takes a look at the life of Paul, how would you put a measuring stick to his life? Was he a success or a failure? I guess it all depends on whose yardstick you use to measure success. When measured by the world’s yardstick of success, his life seems almost insignificant. He put too much aside in order to minister to the needs of others. As Paul looks back over matters, he saw that it had been rewarding but not easy.
Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy while languishing in a cold, damp dungeon awaiting execution. In a matter of weeks, the apostle would stand before Nero, the half-insane emperor of Rome, and learn that his life was coming to an end. But Paul knew that after his death he would receive the crown of life from the King of kings. History will reveal to us that the influence of his life had in reality changed the course of history itself. As Paul penned the words of that last epistle, he stated “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (II Timothy 4:7). Wouldn’t it be grand to one day have the same confidence that the apostle had and to look over our life and say with confidence what he had penned centuries earlier.
Nero made a mark on history also. Ancient historians as well as modern historians have written volumes about the splendor of Nero and the vast Roman Empire. These same historians rarely if ever mention the apostle Paul. He was simply another radical who was put to death by the emperor. It is interesting to note that in our society we name our dogs Nero and our sons Paul. It seems to me that what we live for is pretty important after all. I think it would benefit each of us to simply review what it is that we are living for. Remember there are no losers with Jesus and no winners with the devil.
May each be blessed with a life that is fulfilled in service to the master.
Prayer Thought: Thank you Lord for giving us the opportunity to life for you and to serve you.
By Joe Widick
I don’t know how many of you take the time to read the paper! I would guess that the number is probably decreasing, because so many of us get our information from the TV or radio. Have you ever taken time to analyze how papers are laid out? There is national, state and local news. There will be editorials as well as entertainment sections. There is usually coverage of sporting events, religious articles (did you see the articles in the Post and Democrat about our missionaries)? All of these sections are neatly divided up in the paper. When I started looking at this and thinking about it, it made me realize that this may be a way that describes how many believers divide their lives into departments. Do we as believers divide our lives into departments with the “religious section” given a half-page somewhere near the back of our hurried lifestyle? Is there ever any attempt to relate matters of faith to the everyday issues of life?
Far too many think that the spiritual part of their lives can be taken care of by attending church or doing some good deed for someone. Once that has been accomplished the believer is then free to run their own business as they choose. They can involve themselves in any form of entertainment they wish. They will be able to relate to people in whatever way pleases them. Is this real Christianity? Is that what Jesus would have us do? We all need to realize that our Christianity can’t be confined to just one area of our lives. When the apostle Paul prayed for the church at Colosse he said; “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10).
Our relationship with Christ must affect all areas of life. There is no way we can live a life that is pleasing to God if we keep our faith limited to the “religious section.” Walking with Christ is a total-life experience. I would encourage each of us to make sure that we invite Jesus into all aspects of our life. We should make it a point to give Christ the key to every room in our life.
Thanks for letting Christ make a difference in you!
Prayer Thought: For the desire as well as willingness to invite people to Celebration Sunday.
By Joe Widick
I recently read of an experiment that was conducted with teenagers to see how they would deal with peer pressure. Most of us probably worry about our teens and if they will give into the pressure put on them by their peers. In this particular test 10 teenagers were brought into a room and instructed to raise their hands when the teacher pointed to the longest line on three charts. Nine of the teens had been told ahead of time to vote for the second-longest line. But one person in the group had not been told. You can imagine how the test went. The instructor began pointing to the second longest line and nine hands went up. The one who did not know began to look around the room and saw that the other nine raised their hands. He frowned, scratched his head and finally slipped his hand up. He knew deep inside that he was wrong, but because of the group’s presence, he elected to go along with the crowd. He lacked the courage to challenge them.
In the book of I Kings 13, an unidentified man of God performed a miraculous sign at the altar in Bethel. All are amazed, knowing that God was behind this. After this tremendous display of power, the unidentified prophet of God heeded the word of another prophet to be the truth even though he knew it was contrary to what God had already told him. Because of his disobedience, he was killed by a lion. I don’t think that God is going to send a lion to kill us when we know what we should do, but fail miserably to do so. I believe that all of us need to understand beyond any doubt, that God’s Word is superior to anyone else’s word. Because of that simple fact, we should always obey God’s word. How many times do we hear ourselves saying, God really meant…. Or God wouldn’t mind, after all everyone else believes…. If we are not careful we will find ourselves like the one teenager who knew without a doubt that the line everyone pointed to as longest was in reality only the second longest. God calls us to be faithful to Him and His word. We need to be able as Peter said to “give a reason for the hope that is within us.” This requires a good knowledge of God’s will coupled with the understanding that God will not forsake us. Can we like Paul say with conviction; “I know who I believe, and I am convinced that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day” (II Timothy 2:12). If we have this knowledge and trust in the Lord, we will always find ourselves willing to stand for the truth, even if we are the only one willing to take that stand.
May the Lord bless you with the opportunity to make a difference this week in the lives others.
Prayer Thought: For the new efforts of “His Needs Her Needs” the “Divorce Care” work, and the “Financial Ministry” classes.
By Joe Widick
I don’t know for sure what it is like at your house, but if it is anything like mine, it is HOT and DRY. All of us are looking for a break in the weather. A forecast in the mid 90’s almost seems like a cold front. A 10 % chance of rain would be a tremendous blessing. Most of the time when the clouds come rolling in and the rain starts, most of us head for the indoors to keep from getting wet. I can imagine the first day that we have a rain after this lengthy hot and dry spell that we are having. I can see people running outside their homes and offices, and standing in the downpour. I could imagine some even shouting with glee. Everyone would have a look of happiness and contentment on their faces. After weeks of scorching temperatures and crippling drought, the sheer joy of a life-giving rain would make getting soaked a pleasure.
Just as a physical drought teaches us that there is no substitute for rain, a time of spiritual dryness burns into us the truth that we cannot live without God’s renewing Spirit. Hymnist David W. Whittle expressed his longing for spiritual revival in these words: “Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need; mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.”
I am afraid that from time to time, most all of us face periods of spiritual dryness in our life. Times when we overlook the rich blessings that God has provided for us. Times when we fail to see the joy of serving a loving and caring God. Times when we fail to show in our life the fact that we have been “redeemed by the blood of the lamb.” Times when it seems that God is distant even though we know that he is near. When we long for a sense of the presence and power of God, we echo the psalmist’s prayer. “Will you not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation” (Psalm 85:6-7).
The spiritual refreshing that each of crave comes from only one source. That source is from above. In John 4, Jesus the master teacher talked with a Samaritan woman, who had come to collect water. The setting was right for Jesus to enter into a conversation about “living water.” The promise he made to her is the same promise that is made to each of us, that is if we will come to Him we shall have this living water. Maybe in the midst of a hot and dry period, we can be reminded of how important it is to receive the many blessings that will be “showered down on us.”
Thanks for being a blessing in our community!
Prayer Thought: Help me this week to take time to count my many blessings.
By Joe Widick
As most of you know, I was in Bogotá, Colombia this past weekend. It was a great experience! As I got to the airport (2 hours early as instructed) I immediately grew concerned that I would never get out of that airport. There were people everywhere and seemingly no one was speaking English except for the two missionaries who were with me. They were not concerned in the least. I don’t know if they could see the panic on my face, but they assured me all would be OK. We finally made our way to the Continental line and began the long wait. After 30-40 minutes of inching forward, one of our missionaries asked an “official” if this was the right line. He saw that I was a “gringo” and said I needed to get a stamp from the tax exemption line. We slowly turned to where he was pointing and saw another huge line. More panic showed on my face! At this point we decided to divide and conquer. One missionary stayed in the Continental line while the other took me to the back of the tax line. Frustration, worry, concern all the above and more filled my thinking. Guess what, I forgot about the two precious men who were with me, helping me, guiding me, taking care of me, all I wanted was on the plane to Houston.
Guess what? I made it! As I rode in the plane, I began to think about my attitude. I was with two of the most loving and caring people you would want to be with and I lost focus. I wonder sometimes if we lose focus with who we are with daily. Each day of our lives, we need to be “walking with the Lord.” Sometimes or many times, we become so worried about where we’re headed in life that we fail to enjoy being with Him each day. Isn’t our life of faith more a matter of companionship than getting somewhere? In the Old Testament we find a man by the name of Enoch. The Genesis account says that he “walked with God three hundred years” (Genesis 5:22). And then he just walked off the earth into God’s presence without even experiencing death (Hebrews 11:5). What are you and I doing daily in our walk with the Lord? Do we miss the comfort he affords? What about the security that He gives us daily? What about the encouragement as well as the peace of mind that he gives us. When was the last time you considered the amazing grace of our Lord? Our missionaries were going to take care of me. I should have simply enjoyed sharing the last few minutes that I had with them. We may not know where life’s road will take us, but we can enjoy the journey if we are walking with our Lord.
Prayer Thought: For our missionaries not only in Bogotá but throughout the world.
