Monday, September 28, 2009

the longest day


It was 1030pm, CST, when I rolled into my motel in Oklahoma City. It was Saturday night, and I had left home Friday at 530pm, PST. In the past 27 hours since leaving home in Escondido, I had travelled through three time zones and five states. I had slept at my motel in Kingman, AZ. for seven hours, fully refreshed, had heat as hot as 120 degrees on the Chiarico Summit, and ridden the last 300+ miles in the rain. I had ridden my Sprint ST 1125 miles in the first 24 hours, and over 1325 miles total when I hit the bed in OK City that night. Not a bad first day for a trip, and as I looked at the map of the US, I found myself almost in the middle of it. And looking back over the days ride, realized I had put more states, rain, and time zone in one day than most bikers do in a lifetime. So, how was your day?
This past Saturday we attended a rally in Escondido for Set Free Ministries. They take people from the street, and tell them about Jesus. Then train them up so they can tell others. As I looked at the young men, who recently had been selling and doing drugs, all tattooed up, raising their hands in praise to the Lord, I realized how far they had come, too. A life changed by Christ, something that no social or government program could do, had made freaks into people. People that may not be welcomed in Main St. churches, but who love the Lord more than many who just fill pews and call themselves Christians. As we listened to the music, and testimonies of families reunited, relationships repaired, and lives changed, I knew that the ministry to be among them is where God wants me. I feel so at home among these brothers and sisters. I also feel welcome wherever the church is gathered, but somehow to see how far they have come, thrills my soul. These people I once would have crossed the street to avoid, now they will be my neighbors in heaven. Consider that next time we make a quick judgment based on looks, Jesus loves them as much as He loves you! I know they look back and see how far they have come, and never want to go back.
As I laid out my map that night, I contemplated my next day's ride, an easy 969 miles to Lexington ,Kentucky. Another day of rain through the entire state of Missouri, and then clouds and high humidity the rest of the way. Adding to my total in 51 hours I had traveled over 2300 miles. And would finish the next day with a short run of 700 to my parent's house in New Jersey. Just under 3200 miles by the end of the trip there. Within 70 hours I had seen both coasts, 15 states, and had the ride of my life. I will never forget the biker who ran the Sunoco station in West Virginia where I stopped Monday morning for gas. He told everyone who came in how I had been in California that Friday night, and here this Monday morning. Even impressed me as I listened. And reflected.
I also thought of the road ahead for those who have had their lives changed by Jesus Christ. Before life was just a repeat of yesterday-another time to get high and scam others-a time to blame the world for their condition. But now they faced life knowing that God would guide them through, they had a purpose and reason to live. As families would reunite they would grow in the Lord, and kids who once just wondered the streets, now had parents to come home to. And wanted to. All because Jesus Christ had entered their life. Like the old Bill Gaither song-Because He Lives, we can face tomorrow. Better yet, we can face today. And look forward to it-never alone. And on the offense rather than defense. Because He lives, all fear is gone. And we know He holds the future. And life is worth the living. And I was reminded of all this on a 100+ degree day by a group of ex-addicts, junkies, and criminals, who had come to Christ.
Maybe you have led a good life, but know something is missing. It is really a someone, and He wants to show His love to you. Trust Jesus today, and let Him into your life. Just as I read the maps at night, and see how far I have gone, it also shows me how far I have to go. So ease up, we all aren't as perfect as you-yet! And I never ride alone, no matter how small the group of one is-Jesus is always with me. Whether cross country or across the street, he is ever present. Before you leave the house today-ask Him to guide your steps, and enter your life. Feel a freedom that you never knew existed before. And if you already have given your life to Him, realize the pressures that face you today are already answered by Him before you have prayed about them. He loves you that much. If you believe in Him start acting like you do!
1000 mile days are milestone in a biker's life. I do 600 mile days as a standard any more. But the more I ride, the more I never ride alone. Time well spent with the Lord, riding with me. Through the storms of life or weather, in traffic or between problems, you are never alone.
Thanks to the Set Free Ministries, who God has given this ministry of love and hope. There are many others out there, some known, some not-but God sees them all. That is what Matthew 25 Biker is all about. Ministering. Just like Jesus wants us to do in Matthew 25. Feeding, giving water, visiting in jail and hospitals, and taking in strangers. All in His name. Taking care of the Lazarus He has placed in our lives, so they may know that Jesus loves them too. Meeting the need in Jesus name. WE share with the least, which is the same as doing it for Him. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. To ride. Or just be wherever He wants you. See you on the coast, just not sure which one. Or even in between, I may the guy riding solo, but not alone. Jesus Christ changes lives-let Him change yours today!
Even a short day riding with Him is better than a long trip without Him! Be set free, no one else can make that claim except for Christ. Free at last!
Oh, and my trip. After meeting Theresa at my parents house, we rode over 7500 miles in the next two weeks, through 28 states. And greater rides were to come, and still are!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com