Monday, August 31, 2009

powered by christ

Years ago the company I worked for was a major NASCAR contingency sponsor, we were on the expensive front fender. Seizing upon that precedent, I wrote a contingency plan for SCORE, the off road racing series in the desert. I was able to deal with all classes, and levels of racers, but the Trophy Trucks-or factory teams-were my favorite. 750hp NASCAR engines in a chassis with 38" of suspension travel, and you have a wild ride. The Baja 1000 is perhaps the most well known of all these races, racing 1000 miles on dirt roads through Mexico.
I dealt with such well known racers as Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, Jimmie Johnson-he used to call me sir, Robbie Gordon, the Herbsts, Rob Mac Cachran, Jimmie Smith, and the Simons. My favorite were the Simons.
Paul and Dave were both partners with their dad Don, in a construction company. And very fast racers. Robbie Gordon, the king of understatement, once told them "it's my talent against your money." Sorry Robbie, it was their talent against what you thought money had bought them. Racing for the Rough Riders, the Ford factory team, they had set a record in winning the 1000, and were always among the fastest. Great guys to be around, just being in the pits was exciting. Paul was standoffish, but I got to know Dave and his family. In 1996 during the Baja 500, Dave and co-driver Mike Harris ran off the road at over 100mph, totaling the truck. Somehow, through the grace of God both survived, and somehow the race team rebuilt the race truck and they won the Firecracker 250 in Barstow less than three weeks later. Incredible. But it was during that time I got to know Dave, as God put on my heart to write him a letter, that affected his life. The Holy Spirit gave me words, and when Dave asked "did you write me that letter?" and learned I did, said "that letter changed my life, it came at a time when I needed it most." Words of encouragement in Jesus Christ, to a brother in need. The last time I saw Dave, he and his family are walking with Christ, with glorious stories to tell. The story of his buying the land where their church stands today is precious. Dave didn't know at the time I had been praying with his dad for him and Paul. Paul came around later, giving Don his hearts desire, saved sons. If you travel I-15 north by the Temecula check point, look east to the mountain. The cross on top was put there by Don, a tribute to Jesus Christ. I remember him being excited when God gave him that idea, and I remember him and his family and the impact Jesus made in their lives each time I go by.
Don Tebbe, the crew chief was also a Christian, and we would share so much together. We actually held up the 1000 once praying at the starting line with my son Andrew. When we looked up over 200 people had joined us, including ESPN and their film crew. Sometimes just being there, is all God requires, He does the rest. I also got to share with Ed Frisk, an old crew chief of the Simons, who later gave his life to the Lord. He told me "you were right, their is a difference." And Jesus makes it. All because I cared enough to share the love of Christ, and used words when I could. Your witness is always present, someone is always watching.
Jesus tells us that we are a royal priesthood. Now He didn't mean the robes, incense, etc.-but that as Christians we are part of a higher calling, and held to a higher standard. Like the Simons in racing, the lower class racers looked up to them-they had a responsibility in the race community. We as a part of a priesthood have that same responsibility to those we meet. We should show love, so that those hurting will approach and we can minister. We should show compassion, setting an example of Jesus for them. We should be patient, as it leads to salvation, and be reminded that Jesus said "to him who is given much, much is required." What is required-love. What was given-love. Love all you meet, simple.
In Dave's accident it opened up a chance for me to share Jesus. At the start of the 1000, we got to pray for many, and show our concern for all the racers. The cross on I-15 is there for all passers by to be led to Christ, just like the one He hang on at Calvary, don't pass it by without stopping to spend time with Jesus. Look to the cross, and not your problems-they were all crucified there with Him that Good Friday.
Today the only race you may be in is a rat race. But you are still part of the human race, which sometimes seems to be a race just to survive. As Christians we are above all social, political, racial, and denominational boundaries. We serve a risen Christ, with a freedom that no one else can enjoy. But remember that freedom isn't free, it was paid for with a price on the cross. That same love that changed your life is available to all, and Jesus wants you to be that messenger. Take the time to share him at work-when others are stressed, why are you so calm? When finances crumble, why are you still taken care? When health issues invade, why can you still smile and say "how can I pray for you?" It is your priesthood. You are not alone, as Jesus has made us part of a great family of priests. You see a priest was to be an intercessor between God and man. By praying, you are. By listening, you are. By showing compassion, you are. You are the Jesus that He sends in that situation to represent Him. It's called love, and greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another. In other words, put them before you and your needs.
My friend Father Al reminds me of this when I see him in action, or even not in action. The love of the lord is in Him, and guides his steps. Does the Lord guide yours? Let's pray, it's easy. Lord-I need you. Use me today to show others what you have done in my life. Help me be patient, loving and compassionate, giving hope where there is none. By your spirit, Amen.
And you can pray for others silently! But now that they know you are a Christian, will expect it of you. Don't let them down. Follow Jesus, and watch the priesthood grow! Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. the freedom to be yourself.
Just think, someone might want to be like you someday! Make that someone they see Jesus!
love with compassion,
Mike

father, son, and holy spirit-they are still the big 3

I was told many years ago "just because you have rocks in your head don't take it for granite." Good advice, so I didn't, but wish I hadn't. Looking around lately, it seems that so many things we take for granted, we shouldn't have. The Honda 750-4 motorcycle introduced us to a whole new generation of motorcycles, big, fast, and reliable, that within six years drove the Brits out of business. It took Triumph a little longer, but by the '80's, they too were history. Leaving a generation to ask when Triumph was reborn-"Triumph, does Honda make them?" Sad, but in a way Triumph helped make Honda. If they had not taken for granted things never changing they might have beat Honda to market with their Trident. And we'd all still be shifting on the right!
The Big Three were easily recognized as GM, Ford, and Chrysler. Sometimes the big four, when you counted AMC. No one would ever want those lousy, small, slow Japanese cars, until gas prices doubled, and then gas became not available. No marketing expertise, and certainly no styling taste, just lots of mpg when the USA needed it. Today, a generation later, the GM in General Motors stands for Government Motors, as they finally succumbed to not keeping up with the market, and the government-i.e. you and me-now owns them. As does the UAW. Chrysler bought AMC in 1987, and they went bankrupt just before GM did this year. Again we bailed them out, with again the UAW owning 55%, FIAT 20%, and the rest of us standing around remembering the better old days. Should be interesting when the UAW has to bargain against itself. Looking back it seems we did have rocks in our head, just not granite.
Last night we had our not often enough pot luck and ministry evening. Great food, too much of it, and then the good stuff-hearing about all the ministry blessings. How encouraging to hear about so many doing so much with Jesus! But one story stands out, and of course they saved it for last. Tina and Tony had been with Camp Alandale for something like 15 years. A camp that takes in abused kids from the foster care system in Orange County, it gives them a week at camp learning about Jesus, and gives them a hope in life. But an interesting thing happened to them suddenly last April. Given a choice between some changes in the vision God gave them or leaving, they left. A tough choice, but the right choice. You see, years ago when I first wanted to get into ministry I was told by a wise man "don't align yourself with a church or other organization. Follow what God has given you in your vision." And I have seen ministries fold or never reach their potential, because they didn't trust God. The vision God gives you is for you, where He guides He provides. And when Tina and Tony shared that last night it all made sense. Leaving Camp Alandale, they started Julian Oaks, same type program, same miracle camp, same miracle financing-just without the old burdens. A giant step of faith, but worth it. You see, the one way to know if God is truly giving you a dream is your passion for it. Talking with Tina last night I saw a passion for this ministry like I had never seen before. She admitted that they thought Camp Alandale was forever, but God's plans were different. And faced with losing something she had taken for granted, fought back in prayer-letting God know how valuable this calling was and is! Camp Julian Oaks today compliments Camp Alandale-not competition but multiplication of ministries. Van and Tina still run Camp Alandale in Idylwild. More of the same-only better! And watching God guide encouraged me.
Who would have thought 40 years ago that GM would be gone, replaced by a new GM? Or there would be new Triumph motorcycles? Or that during a government sponsored clunker bill to get old cars off the road and stimulate growth for their newly acquired companies, that 8 of every 10 cars sold under it would be foreign-not US? And not the ones they hoped to sell!
And how many today are still clinging to a church, an organization, or a religion that has let them down. That have disobeyed God, and not followed the dream He gave them? Who are miserable and lost, seeking their own way. How many have chosen man's ways, not God's because they were easier, or brought better results short term? Do we remember last September as millions trusted the rumor and innuendo of Wall Street rather than the facts of God in the Bible? And as those same ones follow Wall Street again haven't learned from their experience? Simply God promises a time of horrible inflation, depression, war, famine, pestilence, and other tribulation to those who are left behind-who have not chosen Him on earth. He has told us what is going to happen-and made it easy to choose sides. Whose side do you choose? God-who is always right, but whom it takes faith to believe, or man's-where a quickie dollar beats a slow blessing?
Hebrews 4 warns we have all had the gospel preached to us, but the message was of no value to them because they didn't have faith. Where is your faith today? Where is your walk with God? Do you trust Him? Tony and Tina did, and so do millions of others. And so we will enter into God's rest.
Is your passion for Jesus? I like old cars, fast motorcycles, and other things of this world. I can even control them-sometimes. It is only in times of putting my little faith I have in God that I find rest. God has plans for you-dreams and visions of glory-but you must use what little faith you have. It is all about Him, not you, so use the little faith you have and make the right choice. Choose Jesus! And maybe next time you will be sharing what God is doing in your ministry!
As for the rocks in my head-I almost wish they were granite. Have you seen the price of granite today? But instead I choose to stand on the rock of salvation-Jesus! How do you put a value on what He has done for us? Your decision will tell us all your value system. Invest in Him today-with eternal rewards! Now if only our country would follow the vision God has for us....
love with compassion,
Mike