Ride with me back some 35+ years, to the time of gas shortages, rationing, and stations closed on Sundays. Of days where filling up late on Saturday was the only gas you would have until Monday mornings. To a Sunday ride that was only as big as the miles per gallon in your tank. And to a time that saw more people stay home on Sundays, because they had no place to go, because there was no gas.
I remember those times, when my large tank on my BMW would take me over 200 miles, but the Wildman's small tank on his Mach III would only go half of that. So we sacrificed, and rode his distance, not choosing to leave him behind. And found local roads we had passed up, believing that the best roads were farther away. We met local girls, local bikers, and very rarely if ever pushed our bikes home from lack of gas. Although many times we were on reserve. We won't talk about going back Monday morning with a gas can to retrieve the bike that ran out and was left along the road. In a car.
Running out of gas once was more than enough for me. But I still have episodes of stupid, thankfully it has been years since my tank went dry. So now when the low fuel light comes on, I find gas. And hope the station is open. I can remember coasting into a station one night, only to find it closed-as in out of business. Can they at least take the signs down? I wonder how many of us they caught? No faster way to go from hope to hopeless than to think a place is open when needed, only to find it closed. Too bad it wasn't enough to stay open. Nothing worse than needing gas, and finding the station closed-when all signs indicate it is open!
W@Maranatha read the Wednesday night bulletins. And for me, it is a necessary refueling in the middle of the week. I can't go 7 days without church, I need the fellowship, the worship, and the teaching. So I am blessed that my church is open for business, like so many others, to be there for their flocks. To breathe life into a life that is run down by life by midweek. To top off my tank, so I can make it until Sunday. But on the way home last Wednesday, I noticed a church that was dark, and empty. A place that once shined brightly in the night, with people and life. But I hear now it is closed. No more midweek pit stop. No more light to a dark world. Only open on Sunday. Which I hope is not their epitaph. Sadly they are not an isolated occurrence. For too many churches, and church programs, and church people are suffering because they didn't follow God. They chose to let the world in, and when the world tried to leave, locked the doors. And like the schools, where God isn't allowed anymore, by law, have come up with laws, legalistic practices, and excuses. At a time when more people are hurting and needing Jesus, they close. It is 1963 all over again, taking the Bible out of schools, but this time it is churches. And the people suffer for it, where do they go to be fed? And what happens to the pastors? Sadly if closed on Wednesday, Sunday will soon reflect in lower numbers, and even cancelling services. Not the gospel I choose to follow.
In many cases God will close the doors. It is His church. If you care to remember, He builds the church, He can close it down if they don't follow His spirit. And too many have gone the way of programs, vs. the spirit. A local church I know of once had a food bank, but cancelled it. The reason I was told was because some family in a Cadillac was coming for free food. The pastor felt if they could afford a Cadillac, they didn't need free food. I guess if they came in a Pinto...But I was told of another church in town,who feeds the hungry-not the poor. Just like Jesus did, hungry, come eat. And like His church should be. Hungry-we'll feed you. Thirsty, have a drink. Tired, sit and visit awhile. Cold, here is a jacket. Lonely, let's visit-you talk, I'll listen. Simple ministry, just like Jesus did. I like that. And so when a church doesn't show His love, He leaves. And the building remains. Empty as the hearts who led them to this end. The light has gone out.
Sadly Jesus tells those religious types to be gone, He never knew them. It takes love, not programs, web sites, blogs, or gossip via Face book to serve God. If pastors spent as much time serving God as Tweeting, can you imagine the difference that would make? I even have gotten letters from ministries who claim to have lost their major donor. God abandoned you? Maybe if He was your major donor, you wouldn't be fund raising so much, but attending to business. Where God guides, he provides. So let Him. And pray for them, too many Pastor Millstones out there, they too need to repent.
And open the doors of their heart to the one who saves! And loves! We came through the gas crisis, but the crisis that looms today is more important-a battle for men's souls. So to all you churches cutting back, and blaming finances, low attendance, and even the people, can I ask in Jesus' name, could you tarry just one more hour? Is there any oil left in your lamps? Can you keep the light on for that 1 in 99 looking for home? If God was willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if only one righteous person was found, don't you think He can keep your lights on? For that person seeking Him?
Quit rationing Jesus. If you have told someone you are a Christian, act like one. Let your light shine. The light of the love of Jesus Christ. And if you need refreshing and refueling midweek, find a church whose lights are still on. Find life in Jesus. You cannot legislate love, nor can you ration it. A lesson learned 35 years ago from riding. Don't be one of the 10 virgins who was out of oil. Be prepared. Keep your tank filled.
Bet you didn't know that story spoke of motorcycles! See-God can do so many things we can't! Please let Him! And please pray for that dark corner, that light once again shines from it. The light of Jesus Christ. He's open 24/7. Are you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com