the many moods of motorcycling

It was one of those mornings  where I just wanted to go for a ride.  No destination, no time frame, and no route planned.  A day where speed didn’t matter, it was about just enjoying the bike I was on, and the road I was riding.  A day that used to be perfect for my Bonneville, and now my Royal Enfield.  Back roads with no freeways in mind, stopping where and when I wanted, maybe check in with some friends at a bike shop I hadn’t seen for awhile, bench race about new models, and all with no time frame.  Eat lunch when I was hungry, or a new store front caught my eye.  A day that after 200 miles you felt as refreshed as when the day had started.  Some days you just want to go for a ride.....

I woke up that morning knowing I had over 500 miles ahead of me.  The Daytona I had picked up Wednesday morning needed 1000 miles by Thursday afternoon, it had to be at Rider for a road test Friday morning after its first service.  So it meant a quick freeway ride up to the Central Coast, speeds above 80, it is uncomfortable below that speed, a narrow focus race bike for the street, and not the kind of ride I would have liked to take it on.  But pulling into Mick’s at 430 pm that afternoon with 1007 miles I felt a sense of accomplishment, and swapped bikes and rode the 80 miles home.  It was Tuesday he called and told me they had wrecked the bike that morning, a low speed get off that totaled it, and all my miles were for nothing.  I felt like I had been betrayed.....there are some days you have to ride.  Now I just wanted to go for a ride....

I was three days out on a ride to Indianapolis where I would pick up Theresa at the airport.  From there we would ride for another two weeks, our turn around point Washington, DC.  Waking up in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, it was still all about the back roads, and all the time I needed to get to my next night’s destination.  Not a lot of miles for me, maybe 400, so with all day and new roads to ride, I set off on my Tiger 800, our newest touring bike.  I love riding in Oklahoma, nice people, great places to eat, back roads that roll through the hills, and light traffic.  Waving at farmers, and kids in their front yards as I pass, I ride my ride, knowing I have a lunch date ahead outside Springfield, Missouri with an old friend.  At lunch in this tiny village, we talk with the local sheriff, who rides, and gives me some great roads to take, ones not on any map, and the rest of the day is spent exploring, my favorite type of riding, new places and faces.  Ending up in Sedalia, only 200 miles on the map, but 300 miles of smiles later, fully refreshed.  Lunch with an old friend, meeting a new friend, and a bike night at the Harley shop, same old bikes, just new faces.  My 400 mile day had expanded to almost 500, and no one seemed to care, a no stress ride, a great dinner, and a good night’s sleep.  And looking forward to day 4, which had just as much promise.  The only thing I would change was having Theresa along, but in two days.......

Now I have never been a cruiser, or a cruiser type, I love to ride.  Rather than occupy a stool or chair, my motorcycle seat fits just fine.  I have always been called to the road, and with so many roads and so little time, why waste in just sitting.  Inside.  No wind in my face.  It seems my life style also reflects my Jesus style, as I am not a church pew filler.  I want to be where the action is, to get all the Jesus I can.  And the more I read my Bible it shows me to get out and live.  To ride.  To travel.  To follow new roads, to enjoy life in Jesus, far from the crowds who claim to know it all, or brag on attendance.  On any given ride, I may meet someone and share Jesus with them, counsel them, or share a testimony.  Or better yet, listen to their’s over a bag of chips and a Coke.  Just as there are many moods to motorcycling, each one of us is an individual in Christ, no cookie cutter Christians unless you are bound in religion.  Freedom in the spirit, and the joy of having Jesus with you always, not just for your 60 minute parole officer church time.  A real relationship.....and some days you just need Jesus.  Or want to spend time with him.

All of us who call ourselves Christians have had that moment when Jesus Christ enters our lives.  When we know we are changed, and that it is someone rather than something that changed us.  A new beginning, one that doesn’t have to end.  But for some it will, as life or religion will dictate their ride, rather than the holy spirit.  Some of us are called, yet others have a calling.  Some go into prisons, some prisoners share Jesus inside the four walls.  Some hide behind a pulpit, some escape from it.  But each one of us has a calling, to be that light taking his gospel  out to the world.  Some hide it under a basket, some point it on high beams, but when in the spirit, it is his light that shines through us, not ours.  Where we have just the right words, the right answers, and the right attitude.  Like each ride, each one is different.....and it is our decision on how to ride it.    Or to stay home and pull up the covers over our head.....

God has called us from a life of wrongdoing to a life of freedom, where our actions reflect our changed heart.  Rather than the 1000 mile Daytona ride, we can choose the road, and when guided by his spirit, we enjoy the ride, and are never alone.  We are given a new calling to share the Lord, and just as there are many mods of motorcycling, there are many moods to Jesus.  Read your Bible, he was one tough dude when needed, compassionate when called upon, a willing and ready servant, a teacher, healer, friend and confidant, and Lord and savior.  All the same man of God, the same one  man in each situation as called.  Just as he calls us to be.....

It is not how much you read or know the Bible, how many services you attend, or how much you tithe.  Those things are not bad in themselves, but it is on the inside where God affects the change.  Paul was a great example of being all things to all people, but one in Christ.  Sharing and teaching in love as he went, from the side of the road to the chains on the side of his prison cell.  He found freedom in Jesus, and each ride, each morning was fresh and anew.  The same freshness and newness we can enjoy in Christ, when in the spirit.  You see there are just some days where you want to go for a ride, and others when you have miles to cover, a set route or a time table.  But it is when that peace that surpasses understanding guides your day, that you can enjoy the many sides of Jesus just as you enjoy the different rides, you see him as he really is, and the relationship blossoms.  When we trust the Lord with our day, when we eat of his daily bread, we are full and refreshed.  Before the ride and after.  And after all, isn’t fun why we ride after all?  Don’t shift your dependence from the one who gives life to the road itself.  Jesus is more than a feeling....if you know him you know what I mean.  If not, here’s your invite.  I promise you a ride like none other.....and a ride that is just beginning.  A new day every morning, one where you just want to be with him.  My kind of ride....Where God is at work and it is up to him to work it all out.  It is all up to Jesus......a new calling....I’m outta here....now which bike do I want to ride?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

of late I think of Joplin

In May of 2011 a series of tornadoes destroyed a six by twelve mile area in Joplin, Missouri.  My son Andrew and I were so moved by it we drove three days to get there and volunteer to do whatever needed to be done.  I cleaned up the hastily made lodging made for volunteers, fixed the plumbing, and Andrew built a stage for the visitors speaking the next day.  In the middle of the night when we arrived.  We were very encouraged by what we saw, people helping each other, some who had travelled from hundreds of miles, their hearts moved by God to help.  We talked with many through tears and hard stories, but one thing that was conspiculously  missing was self pity.  We met with families who had lost everything, yet shared what they could salvage with neighbors.  One man walked me through his house where 2x4’s had penetrated the ceiling and walls.  He showed me an industrial ballast that weighed 50 pounds that had just missed him, traveling from miles away.  He showed me where he laid on top of his family in the hallway to protect them, and broke into tears just thanking me for listening.  No pity, just the desire to rebuild and get on with life.  Or what was left of it.....

Another family we helped by clearing the foundation where his Grandmother used to live.  The whole house was gone, she was found alive later in the shower stall in the middle of the house, strewn about all the memories of her life broken and gone.  Too old to help, she provided emotional help, providing encouragement to us, as she told us “Joplin will rise again.”  All on a 100 degree day with matching humidity.  No words about the heat or the humidity.....just of helping Grandma.  With others ministering as needed, one a Cub Scout with his dad, passing out hot wash rags.  So refreshing and so needed.....and no age limit to the hearts that helped.  There was a spirit of unity, of family, a oneness, I had never experienced before.......and of late I think of Joplin.

Today is the beginning of the fourth week of keeping a distance from each other.  I have not been to a store for over three weeks, my only outings an occasional ride.  Seems riding a motorcycle is the safest thing to do, I keep my distance, cover my face in my Arai, and contact no one.  Who would have thought the joy and safety we would find in riding in the midst of a pandemic?  But I am encouraged by the things I see and hear, of people volunteering, factories retooling to build medical supplies, and I have yet to hear from any whiners.  Except for one....and someone rushed to her aid to help.  It seems that the human condition is stronger than any enemy we meet, based on the love of Jesus Christ providing the power and the desire to love one another.  No one in the world is exempt from the Covid 19 virus, and we can all have a story to tell of how we helped or ministered to others when it is over.  Testimonies being made every minute, seeing the spirit of the Lord moving over people who never you would never see in church, who are seeking God and finding him already there.  In the midst of adversity, God’s light shines brightest.

Today is Palm Sunday, and the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem being cheered on by cries of Hosanna, save me!  Those in the crowd numbered among those who had seen the miracles, been fed, or heard the gospel.  A day of celebration, but only one week later the joy would turn to sorrow, at Golgotha, the place of the skull.  Among the crowd yelling to crucify him were many from the crowd last Sunday, funny the difference a few days makes.  They never saw it coming, or his resurrection afterwards.  Today many will seek him, from fear, hunger, bad health, loneliness, and sin.  And he will be there, as he always is.  But within weeks after, they will have scattered, with only the twelve left to take out his word.  It seems in the worst of times when his light shines brightest, we seek him in our misery, but in the good times forget what he has done.  We like to share in the blessings, but neglect sharing in his sufferings, a side that shows us his true character, a side many don’t or won’t see.  Forgetting he was a man of sorrows also, not a genie in the lamp to appear when called upon.  Time will tell of our true character.....and so will right now.  What a reminder of how things can change fast and without warning. 

We are admonished to deal with today and not worry about tomorrow, as today has enough problems of its own.  Ask the citizens of Joplin, and those who have caught the virus.  I’m sure they would love to help rather than being helped, but offer us a chance to share God’s love.  Many hands make light work, and many will use the time to honor what they did, then move on, neglecting him, but God will see their heart.  So take a minute to ask what you can do?  There are so many needs, and like Jesus foretold, the harvest is full, but the workers few.  Could you not stay awake just one hour longer and help someone? 

I was in Joplin years after, and there were still signs of the tornado.  Building had been rebuilt, and so had lives.  But it is the soul that reflects the heart, and so many only remember the suffering, while those who seek God remember the blessings.  In our three days there we saw many miracles, and were blessed beyond belief.  It truly is more blessed to give than receive, and to love your neighbor as yourself, if you love Jesus.  Skip the excuses....and seek him.  It very easily could be you lost and hungry, alone and afraid.  Share the gospel of Jesus Christ today with someone, and only use words when needed.  Long after the words are forgotten, the action will be remembered.  I forget many of the conversations, I remember the faces and the helping each other.  You are only a victim if you choose to be....in Joplin we were a group of victors.  Out of the ashes we rise!

And so I’m going to take a ride to celebrate!  Safe and secure in Jesus, on my motorcycle!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

mornings in the garage

About two hours from now, after reading and writing, eating my bowl of cereal and giving the last milk to Tessio, she and I will find ourselves sitting out in the garage, door up, and the sun warming us.  As Tessio sniffs the air to find out what went on last night, I sit and warm myself enjoying last night’s Perry Mason that I recorded.  Zipping through the commercials, for the next 45 minutes some walkers will go by, we acknowledge the beautiful morning, and all is well with the world.  A habit I started eight years ago, what a great place to start the day, surrounded by your two and four wheeled friends, the sun beating down on your back, and your faithful dog right beside you.  The air smells fresh first thing in the morning, and with just enough motorcycle smell to enhance it, life doesn’t seem to get any better.  I have done my writing, read a few devotions, read the Bible during my constitutional, and spent some time in prayer and reflecting with Jesus.  And now, it’s just me and Perry, to see how he wins the battle for the falsely accused, all in the comfort of my own garage.  With a nod to Steve McQueen.....

You see it was Steve who used to wake up every morning at his Santa Paula Airport hangar where he lived, throw open the door, and greet the day.  Friends would stop by and have coffee, some bench race, and some to solve all the problems of the day.  It was his private hideaway, right out in the open, where he was among planes and motorcycles, his old pickup, and for a few minutes could just be Steve, without all the notoriety that went with being the coolest guy on earth.  So it was, and Theresa and I often talked of a similar setting for us, a dream for later, that never came, until one day I realized that everything I had wanted, I already had right here.  My own hangar of sorts to greet the world, a garage full of motorcycles and her Mustang.  Tessio at my feet, and the sun warming us up, all on a quiet cul-de-sac.  I was so busy dreaming of what I wanted that it camoflaged what I already had, and the blessings of God tying it all together.  Life is like that sometimes, we want so badly what we don’t have we don’t appreciate what we do have.  I may not have the notoriety of Steve, nor do I even desire it, privacy is a good thing, but we share something more valuable, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Right before he died he met Jesus, and found real life.  At times we think we have it all in our things, but in those sunny mornings I am always reminded that all I ever need, all I ever desired, is found in Jesus.  No better way to start the day......and then go for a ride.

I only wish I had learned this lesson earlier in life, for in it are the blessings and peace found only in Christ.  As Christians we either withdraw from the world, to keep its stain from leaving its mark on us, or enter it, trying to dominate it.  The love of power rather than the power of love, we step over small blessings while seeking larger and more satisfying ones, unaware that we are also stepping over Jesus on the way to do it.  Remember the rich man stepping over Lazarus each morning, how many Lazaruses do we step over every morning?  Are we so ready to find our own way that we neglect God’s way?  Do we seek things instead of the spirit, missing times that God has set aside just for us, and him.  You see there is something about home that there is no other place like it, and when we realize our real home and citizenship is in heaven, that we are only visiting or journey in here for a short while, we can get a heavenly perspective, and enjoy life more where we are.  And for each one of us it is different and personal, with me it’s a 20x20 garage with bikes and a car, and Tessio.  I don’t need a mansion, although one awaits me in heaven, I have found the peace and contentment in what Jesus has provided here.  Some may argue that a dog is man’s best friend, to them I say “you haven’t met Jesus.”  A true friend.....So throw open the garage door of your heart to him, let the sun and the son shine in, and enjoy what you have.   And today what I don’t have...you cannot worship at the altar of both.

This is maybe a good time to ask yourself whose influence am I under?  It is hard to live in the world and not be of it, but Jesus reminds us we have overcome the world in him.  And in some small way I am able to influence my world every morning.  My attitude is peaceful as I get on with my day, I have spent time with God, not some holy religious setting, but two friends just hanging out.  Seems the best times I spend anymore are the quieter ones where we can spend time together, letting others deal with the world, while I can deal with Jesus.  A blessing I cannot find words to describe, if you know you know what I mean.  So start your day with Jesus, enjoy the warmth of the sun on your back, and the son in your life.  Appreciate what  you have, and sit back and watch Perry win cases you thought hopeless.  I don’t need Steve’s riches and fame to find all I need in Christ Jesus, don’t wait so long like he did.  Life is precious and only Jesus will wake you up to that fact.  In about two hours Tessio and I will greet the sun, I have already spent time with God’s son.  He knows your heart, get to know his and let the blessings flow. 

OK, Tess, I’m almost done.  Seems it works for her too, hope it works for you, too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

what my new motorcycle won't do

There was a time when we rode for fun, not to impress our friends or members of the opposite sex.  It didn’t matter what you rode, just that you did.  Engine size may sound cool when bench racing, but it was not a subject of discussion when riding.  Simplicity was the rule here, until Honda put the idiot lights in a console, then Kawasaki did the same.  BMW on my R90S had a voltmeter in case you couldn’t tell the starter wouldn’t spin, and a clock to tell you how late you would be to work waiting for a jump.  Which somehow worked when the bike wouldn’t start.  On my 2018 Street Triple R, complete with TFT screen, don’t ask I don’t know, I can change the brightness of the screen, adjust the clocks six different ways, get temperature, gear position, miles to empty, miles travelled, miles per gallon, and other so called important info while riding at break neck speeds.  Oh and also the  engine speed or rpm’s.  All this when my eyes should be on the road ahead, or looking out for the law behind.  It really isn’t much different than many newer models, that can tell you what engine mapping you set, or pair your Bluetooth to the bike.  Adjustable front and rear suspensions, all things that I cannot live without, as I miss them when I ride another bike that doesn’t have them.  Until two weeks ago.....

When I bought a 2020 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.  A what?  A who?  While you were busy reading about riding, Royal Enfield has been pumping out Brit based bikes in India since 1954.  The same vintage engineering wise, but to the tune of millions of them.  But their new 650 is modern, 4 valve heads, Brembo brakes, steel brake lines, twin shocks with reservoirs, a six speed trans, ABS, a center stand, remember when they were standard, electric start, and Pirelli tires on spoked black aluminum rims.  An oil cooler, and right on the left engine cover it says Royal Enfield, cast into the cover, how cool is that?  It is modern in every way... but there are a few things it won’t do.  It won’t tell you the time, so wear a watch.  You have to pay attention to know what gear you are in.  No engine mapping lights, just a speedo and a tach. No entertainment system, isn’t riding enough?  Want the temp, stick out your finger, can help you find wind direction too.  No voltmeter, no miles to empty, just  light warning your last .93 of a gallon left.  First three tanks of 51, 52, and 59 mpg.  It isn’t the fastest, but faster than a Harley, and won’t win many races, but it does one thing too many bikes won’t or don’t do.  It puts a smile on my face every time I start it up.  It is fun to ride, think of an old BSA or Triumph Tiger without the vibration or oil leaks.  No joy stick for navigating like my ST3, just a simple start button, horn, and high beam switch.  Simple like me....and all for under $6000 retail.  Three year unlimited mile warranty, plus free roadside.  Try that BMW or Harley.  Triumph, two years.  And did I mention the color, Ravishing Red.  Suddenly it’s 1965 and I am a kid again.  And the last thing my new motorcycle won’t do is run over 100 mph, it falls just five miles per hour short of the ton.  And I don’t care, I cannot wipe the smile off my face when riding it.  It even feels like a motorcycle, looks like a motorcycle, and sounds like one too.  I think I’m in love...can riding at the legal speed limit be fun again?  Quick, where’s my helmet....

Now some people study hard before they buy a new and untried motorcycle.  Some read all the reports, get the approval of their friends, and then take the plunge.  This may be OK when it comes to bikes, but I see a failure rate when it comes to Jesus.  While I am low on the scale of Bible knowledge, I am high on the relationship with him.  We talk, and when I listen, and then read my Bible, it all seems to make more sense.  I see it from his perspective, not a denominational one, or an evangelical theme, but as the truth of who Jesus is.  I had a poor opinion of Royal Enfields until I rode one.  And I will admit I never read about them either.  But now after reading a dozen or so reports of my new model, I get it.  Yes many opinions of the bike, some too fast, some not enough braking, but all agree it is a good bike and some even have purchased one.  Like with Jesus we all are given opinions from those who don’t know him, or only know about him, but have not made it personal.  I now read my Bible more because I know the author and the main character, Jesus.  It is familiar because of the places I read about are similar to the places he has taken me.  I have seen promises preached on come true, and seen opinions proved false because I trust him.  But as you get to know Jesus, you find there are things he  won’t do, and for that I am thankful.  He won’t force himself on you, won’t make you pray, read your Bible, go to church, be nice to others, be a giver, or live a Christian life.  He offers you the choice to enjoy the fruit of his spirit, and we can say no or yes.  But I find the more I know him, I want to read my Bible more, I pray more as a conversation with him, I am nicer to others, I give more, love more, forgive more,and enjoy life more.  On his terms, which consists of one thing, love.  You cannot study your way to heaven, just as you cannot read a road test and think you are a rider.  Until you participate by faith, and then trust, you miss out on the ride of your life.  And the life of your ride.  So you see there are things in life that cannot be done until you participate.  If it works with riding, what is your excuse for not trusting Jesus? 

Like Paul, I found all my experience, background, culture, and friends and connections in motorcycling meant nothing until I took the ride.  Paul had it all, but answered the call of the spirit, defying public and church opinion.  And because of that he was able to see sides of Jesus they never imagined.  Oh they may have read about him, or heard about him, but until they took the first ride Paul did, until he felt the wind of the spirit in his face, it was all theory.  Now he knows it is all fact.  The question is, do you?

Royal Enfield like Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.  I’m on board, will you join me?  Jesus Christ, he just may change the way you like at life, and live it.  The last thing my new motorcycle won’t do is save me.  Only Jesus, and you know, the Bible was right the whole time....after all....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

I hope you're getting the point of this exercise

In every house there is always one room, maybe even just one closet where when you cannot find a place for it, it goes there.  For years it has been the closet in my office, stuff just stacked upon each other, where of course the things I placed there because I use them are on the bottom.  But encouraged to clean up and clean out such closets, and also curtail the attack on my garage, another depository, I attacked the garage first.  In particular two boxes, one marked electrical, the other tools.  Two names I can do without based on past performances.  In the electrical box I threw away 50 feet of coaxial cable left from a cable conversion, almost the same amount of various phone cords, some cassette boxes with no cassettes, a mug from a company I worked for over 30 years ago, power cords with identifying marks, a booklet on setting up my phone, from two phones ago, some cassette tapes without markings, an old torn American flag, and a CD player removed from an F150 from 2001.  But the other box had some real valuables in it.   A box of broken bar end mirrors, a trailer brake kit for a 1992 Ranger, a roll of kite string, a rusty trowel, an ax head and wedge for splitting wood, what I think was an old Cub Scout project sail boat minus sail, a ratchet that didn’t due to rust, a wire brush wrapped in kite string, two seat straps from Bonnevilles I once owned, a foot peg and mount which don’t match each other, three grab rails from bikes over 20 years old, some old tank badges for a Triumph Scrambler, an old empty now can of Coke, still sealed, two old baseball gloves, and some other things just taking up space.  Almost all went into the trash, and I am not even sure why I held onto the few things I did.  But such is life...and now I have more room for new things to gather and never use.  Do we see a pattern here.....

Out with the old and in with the new is not a new concept, and one based on a life in Christ.  We become a new creature in Christ when saved, and become a place for the holy spirit to dwell in us.  But it doesn’t always work like that, as I hear some say “I’ll give this to God, but never that which gave me pleasure.”  We all have our own excuses, mine was a popular one, twisting scripture to fit my sin rather than letting it go and getting on with Jesus.  Drugs was easy, drinking was hard, and to sipping saints leading double lives today hiding it, making the excuse “Jesus drank wine.”  Where and when, show me please.  But also other damaging traits are hung onto, keeping us from the fullness of God, by our own choice.  Bad habits like the things kept in my boxes, taking up space and when dealt with and disposed of open that part of my life to Jesus even more.  We all have them....some even hidden in plain view.

In Colossians Paul writes for us to take advantage of each situation.  To make the most of each opportunity.  In my travels many times I passed on roads thinking I would return some day, only to look back and wish I had.  Same with some habits.  As I live and pray each day, do I ask God to maximize the spiritual blessings coming my way?  Do I let the spirit lead or am I in charge here?  Do we care more about us than people seeing Christ in us?  There may be more to the old statement “you may only be the only Bible some read,” than we care to admit.  I have habit of following after some Christian was drinking or cussing or acting rude towards women and then being asked, “well he’s a Christian and does all those things I do, so I must be one too.  I don’t need your Jesus or religion.”  And they have a point.  But God in his wisdom sees the heart of us, and sadly I must admit I may have led some astray by my sinful actions while posing as a Christian, allowing them to think it’s OK.  Everyday is a real world adventure in living the gospel and of being a servant and witness of Jesus Christ, ambassadors he calls us.  Maybe those things in my garage gave me some insight as to my life, what things of my past do I hang onto, that cause me to stumble and fall?  If I was accused of being a Christian is there enough evidence to convict me?  Do I seek God or my own selfish gains?  And I hear the mutterings among you beginning...

“You’re judging us.”  No I’m describing you.  And why is it that only those caught in sin don’t want to be judged?  I love it when I can share Jesus, when I am known as a man of God.  Maybe today is the day to cleanout your soul and give it to Jesus.  All of it, all the sin.  And it may hurt for awhile, major surgery does.  For me it cost me many old albums when I accused my son of listening to poor music, so I let him remove from me what he thought was bad.  Are we willing to give up things to influence our kids in Christ?

One last thought on sipping saints.  How would you feel in your son or daughter called and needed you and you had been drinking?  “I don’t drink enough to get a buzz,” not knowing you have a buzz until  you have one, like sleeping, you don’t know you were asleep until you wake up.  Is sin more important than your kids?  I choose my kids....and Jesus.  So rather than being gloomy over giving something up, be excited about what Jesus has to fill it.  If love, joy, peace, and patience are your desire, only he can provide them.  Become that new creature in Christ God wants us to be, the old things are past, put on the new of Jesus Christ.  Or be prepared to suffer the consequences like old King who was told by God to destroy all his enemies, and left one standing.  Guess which one came back to kill him....

A small sin like a small stone in your shoe can be very painful.  Now back to the closet....and the closet of the heart.  We all need cleansing, don’t forget the spiritual, the most important.  For the things seen are temporal, the things not seen eternal.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com