By Joe Widick
As a former teacher, I am always intrigued to read about latest findings of how geographically illiterate we as a country have become. Alan Jackson, the country singer singing after the tragedy of 9/11 stated in a song “I don’t know if can tell the difference between Iraq and Iran.” For many of us, we would be hard pressed to point out on a blank map of the Middle East which country is Iraq and which is Iran. In 2006 the National Geographic survey reported having difficulty identifying our own states. 50 % surveyed in the age group between 18-24 failed to locate New York State. 33 % of that same group could not find Louisiana. 48 % were unable to locate the state of Mississippi.
Maybe in the grand scheme of things it is not vitally important to know where every state in the union is located. Being able to locate God is vital. It is infinitely more crucial for now as well as all of eternity. If it is that vital, then it becomes important to be able to know how to find God. I can look at a map of the world and study it long enough and I will be able to locate/find any country that exists. Where do I begin in my search to find God? In Hebrews 11:6 the writer tells us; “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The writer is telling us that in order to find God and please Him, we first have to believe that He exists. That of course leads to another question! How can we prove that God exist? We begin to realize as we search that finding God is a matter of faith—confidence in Him and being committed to Him. This confidence as well as commitment should remain strong even though the objects of our faith are unseen. Ultimately the way to find the Lord and please Him is by believing in His Son Jesus. In the upper room Jesus was getting ready to be crucified. He told the disciples as well as you and I; “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” After all is said and done, Finding God is solely a work of God. Jeremiah 29:13-14; “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you declare the Lord, and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” So I ask myself as well as you; am I actively looking, searching longing for God?
Prayer Thought: Lord strengthen my faith daily as I search for you.
By Joe Widick
Recently I read a story that made me think about two things. One is the priceless gift that was given to me by God. The other thought was how much appreciation I have for that priceless gift. The story is about a doctor who was working in a remote area of Minnesota many years ago. He was approached by a Native American family that begged him to come and help their elderly grandmother who was gravely ill. The journey to their home took the doctor to an even more remote area. When he arrived at their home he went and diagnosed her condition. He followed this with detailed instructions for her care.
Remarkably the grandmother recovered. In a few weeks the entire family made the journey to the doctor’s office in town. They ceremoniously presented him with a 150 year old pair of moccasins made by a great-great-grandfather. As the doctor held the moccasins in his hands, he began to protest about the gift. This gift was a cherished, treasured item for the family. When the doctor continued his protest saying that he could not take this family treasure, the head of the clan spoke up and said; “You saved my mother’s life. We insist that you accept these moccasins. We do not express great appreciation with a cheap gift.”
There is a story in the Old Testament concerning David who was told to offer a sacrifice to God on land owned by Araunah. As king, David could have taken the piece of land and the animals to make the sacrifice, but instead he purchased them. Araunah offered to give David what was needed, but David said he would not “offer burnt offerings to the Lord…with that which cost him nothing” (II Samuel 24:24).
I trust that we all deeply appreciate the sacrifice that was made for each of us. We have spent the year 2008 discovering various aspects of God, his greatness, goodness, grace, and good news. We remember the sacrifice of His son each Lord’s Day. What do we do in return? Do we force ourselves to attend Sunday morning worship but never Sunday evening? Do we put a dollar in the collection plate but never give of ourselves in serving God. Do we profess to be Christians, but never share the gospel with others? Maybe I have put it into too simple a manner. I do however think that many times our appreciation for what the Lord has done does not come close to what it should be. We need to remember that sacrifice is the true measure of our giving. Do I sacrifice to show my appreciation for the great gift that God has given me?
Prayer Thought: Help me dear Lord to be more appreciative of all that you have done for me.
By Joe Widick
Like many of you, I have and continue to be intrigued, inspired, encouraged by the men and women who so willingly serve our country in the armed forces. Their sacrifice is admirable; their love for country shines brightly. I was reminded of their bravery recently when I attended my uncle’s funeral. He was a WWII veteran who was at Iwo Jima in the South Pacific. I recently read some information about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC that made my heart swell with pride for these brave soldiers. There is a guard at the tomb 24 hours a day. Every hour on the hour, 365 days a year, a new soldier reports for duty. When the new guard arrives, he receives his orders from the one who is leaving. Through the years the words/orders have always remained the same. “Orders Remain Unchanged.” As one guard comes and the current guard takes his place that is passed on.
It is interesting to me that as Christians we have been given some marching orders. They come from one who gave an ultimate sacrifice for you and I. Right before Christ ascended to heaven he told His brave followers; “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). He also challenged them with the marching orders of “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). I have to ask myself what has changed since those days so long ago. From that day to this day, Christian to Christian, generation to generation, the good news of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed. It is like the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery it is every hour of every day for 365 day a year. I like you need to be able to tell others that Jesus is the Son of God. He came to this earth and lived a perfect sin free life. He was tempted in all points just like you and I. He understands what it is that we go through day in and day out. This one who left the glories of heaven came and died to pay the penalty for our sins and that salvation is granted to all who put their faith in Him, giving their lives over to him and coming in contact with the precious cleansing blood in baptism. Guess what? When we have done all we can to tell others of this unchanging message, it is time for others to pass on the orders to evangelize the lost. It is an unchanging, never ending process.
Much has changed in the almost 2000 years since Jesus chose His first disciples and started the church. But regarding the command to spread the good news of Christ, these words can still be said: “Orders remain unchanged.”
Prayer Thought: Thank you Lord for the unchanging message of the gospel.
