It seems the news is getting worse and worse, and catching the 10 o'clock news at least gives you an extra hour of sleep. While watching last night, among the murders, child abuse, California going bankrupt, and the various wars, Toyota and it vehicle recalls are dominating the news. Toyota, once the poster car for perfection, is a lot less than perfect when it comes to integrity. And while they were poised to become the number one automaker in the world, let's just say a mid pack finish would be a victory for them at this point. And while watching their saga unfold, Theresa asked me if we were going to buy a car, what would we buy?
Toyota never was a choice-just don't like their product. Too perfect, like falling in love with a blender. And even less attractive in sin. What else are they hiding? General Motors-or Government Motors, they have some cars that I might consider, but cannot see feeding a company that is owned by the US of A. GM-a leisure activity of the federal government, who also brought you Social Security, Medicare, and unrestricted entitlements. Sorry, I do miss Pontiac, at least GTO's and Firebirds, which went away long ago. Still hope for that red Vette! Chrysler has no new models, and won't until 2012 when it brings in FIATs, miserable cars still. Now with the US of A subsidizing an Italian company, with profits going to Italy. An off shore leisure activity-foreign aid via autos. And it is the only brand of American car I have never owned, don't know why, maybe it's the Chrysler crank. They too are a ward of the state. Maybe a Ford, but their trucks all have four doors, and I just want a basic truck. I don't need a $35,000 vehicle. Just something to haul my motorcycles in occasionally. Maybe that is why they have to discount them so heavily to sell them.
It's been five years since I bought my 2005 Civic that got totaled. Yes, that I would consider. And my 2003 Ranger, with vinyl mats and roll up windows-I wanted a basic truck and got it. Didn't want payments like my first house, and I didn't have them. And Theresa's 2001 Mustang convertible, it's loaded, but paid for after a zero percent interest loan. But she got what she wanted, and didn't settle for "our next car will be special." And this is from a guy who used to buy new cars on a whim, or every two years. Somehow when compared to a motorcycle, they all were utilitarian, or boring. Except maybe that red Vette, but still a car.
We get to visit other churches, three so far this year, and I get asked often where is a good church. My first instinct is to pray, ask God. With the full knowledge of when you do find that perfect church, once you start attending it, it will not be perfect anymore. I can only think of a few churches we visit that I would refer someone too. Too much religion, not enough Jesus. Too much feel good, no repentance. Too many programs, not enough Bible. See a pattern, for like the selling of new cars, so many churches are plugged into a system to get you to come. And God is anti-system, but pro Himself! Early in our marriage, we were looking for a church. We finally settled on the Spirit of Love, like a Colorado Calvary Chapel, because of the freedom in the spirit we felt there. Dal Mize, the pastor, was more interested in us being in the place God wanted us, than filling his pews. And so we joined, with Christopher, aged two, and being the first kid in their children's ministry. God raised up someone to watch him while we attended church. And if we had not followed God, would have missed blessings based no child care. But God knew better. Lesson one-trust God, not the programs.
And over the years, it is still good advice. Talk to the pastor, let him know you. Pray with him, and your heart will let you know. But pick a home church and get involved with it! Don't be a pew filler, participate in the ministries-and grow in the Lord!
And we still get to visit other churches, knowing their pastors, and supporting them. Wednesday nights at Marantha for Theresa is a good thing. Visiting Biker Church once month is a good thing. Visiting churches while travelling is a good thing. Because a funny thing always happens-we find that we have made the right decision for us-for our home church always welcomes us back, knowing we are doing God's work, and not church hopping. Can your church say that? Are they concerned about you, or filling pews?
What kind of car would you buy? Mine has two wheels, no doors, and lots of horsepower. Yours may be based too often how much payment you can afford. Trust God, He already paid the price, and wants to bless you. For me, it is Calvary Chapel, my church, where God leads me, of course. May your decisions bear much fruit, and may the joy of the Lord be your strength. And if I don't see you in church, I'll be in one somewhere. Hope you are too.
Who knows, maybe this whole fellowship thing will catch on-imagine Protestants, Catholics, and Jews all worshipping together, worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ! I believe it's called heaven, and the training period starts now. Sinners and bikers welcome. Recalls-Jesus pioneered them 2000 years ago. Now that's good news-the gospel. Wouldn't that be a lead in story at 10 o'clock?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
