naughty or nice? God forgives

Next time you go to San Francisco take the boat tour of the bay and visit Alcatraz. For just the price to the island, you get a trip on the bay, and it is neat to see the city from the water. But a different view is afforded from Alcatraz, so take the tour. A bleak island surrounded by civilization-if you consider San Francisco civilized, it is so close as to be local, but so alone it seems a million miles away. The perfect prison, so to speak, and a very historical one. To be invited as a criminal, you had to be the worst of the worst. This was the last stop and held such notorious felons as Robert Stroud, canonized as the Birdman of Alcatraz. Actually he was a sex pervert, who was kept alone, and was known for flinging dung at the guards. Burt Lancaster he wasn't, but then who of us are.

Only a 15 minute rider from Pier 37 to the north side of the island where the dock is, on a clear day you can see the city perfectly, if your cell faces that way. And that could be a blessing, or a curse. For while locked up in your cell, you could not only see life, but could hear it. The sounds of the city travelled better at night , and the sounds of cars, people, and parties was evident-and a reminder to the one in the cage that life was going on, while he was incarcerated for his crime. And when taking the tour you are given a headset, so you can walk through the rotting prison at your own pace, and hear and see the sounds as they did. Cold, damp, lonely, and isolated you get to see life as the inmates did-although the condition is horrible, you can still see what it was like in the tiny cells. But the part that is really upsetting is the hole, or the isolation cells, the punishment tank for the disobedient criminals-how's that for a description. In a cell with no toilet-they give you a bucket, no bed or chair, you are forced to sit on a cold, hard concrete floor-naked, with no lights-except for the light coming through the small window, the only light coming in there is from the city at night. And with no glass in the windows, it is generally in the 50 degree range. A temp too cold for some to ride, and for others to wear their winter gear. Think of isolation next time you ride in the cold-are you really that cold?

But this is Club Med compared to what prisons were like 2000 years ago. Chained to walls in unsanitary conditions, the only food you got was from someone who brought it to you. If you didn't know anybody, you would probably starve. And they tended to be in dungeons, so they were dark, smelly, and run by tough characters. The guards were usually pretty tough, as if you escaped, they paid for it with their lives, if they were lucky-if not they took your place in jail. Let's say that the escape rate was negligible, if at all. Maybe that is why when the disciples were praying for Peter to escape, and he showed up at their door, they didn't believe it was him at first. Remember that the next time you pray for a miracle and God answers-and it is not what you expected, but what you desired.

But there are other prisons that we find ourselves in, sometimes self incarcerated. Although we would never admit it. Theresa likes watching the HGTV channel, and we watch the first time buyers. "I must have it," she says, as her husband relents, although they are only $50k above their budget, which is only $50k above what they can afford. And they end up with a house that owns them. That after the facade of new ownership erodes, which coincides with their first payment, find the house owns them. All the dreams that danced in their heads of expensive cabinets, and picnic decks go out the window as their new dream is just to cover all the bills, and have enough left to super size their next big night out. And somewhere down the road, after finally redesigning their home to what they had originally seen it as, they put the home of their dreams up for sale, and begin the process of broken dreams, and broken wallets all over again. Not learning from their first experience. "I just must have a new home," she says, and as her husband relents, thinks of all the free time he earned that he just traded away. "Yes , dear."

Cars and motorcycles are no different. Growing up back east it was not unusual to see brand new Cadillacs in the ghettos, next to houses made of tarpaper and crates. They would finance your car up to 10 years, and if it was still running, or hadn't rusted away, would finance you for the next decade. 20 years, which equals a score, and you still hadn't. The car owned you, the only enjoyment was showing it off to those who didn't have one, and thought you were cool-but secretly glad they didn't have your bills for it. Motorcycles are no different, as I see young servicemen, turning over half their pay to a motorcycle payment. For something they sell at a loss when deployed, and have to store outside, and watch it rust away as the salt air eats it up-just like the payments eat up their income-slowly and painfully. Suddenly how fast it goes is changed to how fast can I get rid of it-sad.

The last group of prisoners are ones who have a concession to style-the trendy ones. They always have the latest style-but hey, so do I-when are jeans and t-shirts out of style? And when has leather been not cool? But you know the ones, never see the same outfit twice, and it must be a brand name-the correct name or her friends will talk. When at Land Rover we used to laugh at them-first buying a $70k, 4 wheel drive car when living in San Diego, and not being able to afford it. Wearing all the right clothes when bringing it in for free service, the only time you saw many of them, and then complaining to their husbands, whose main weakness is poor taste in women. And the cycle continues.

God tells us to be content with what we have-we do not know what tomorrow brings. And when I see the prisons we find ourselves in when we don't obey, I wonder if we ever learn. We get so upset when God tells us no, but forget how he is trying to protect us from what lays ahead. We forget how the economy shifted, and those who paid $1million for a $500k house are losing them. The luxury cars sit for sale, or repoed, and the designer clothes go to Goodwill. Where some of the best bargains are found and being worn by the same people we used to make fun of-now they look trendy and you don't.

God says he desires that no man be a debtor, and as a society we are learning that. But are we learning the spiritual application? Do we turn to God, and thank Him when the answer is no, knowing that a better yes is coming? Do we wait patiently for His answer, and thank Him when it arrives? Do we recognize His answer? Do we believe Him when He says as the spiritual man grows, so does the outer man? Or are we living in a spiritual prison, where the sins of the world and the flesh have taken us over-and where once fruit of the spirit blossomed, now the weeds of sin have taken over? Today is the day of salvation. The same bad decision that got you in, can be turned around by a good decision to get you out. It is not too late to change the road you are on. No matter what denomination or creed you live by, the answer is the same-repent! Turn it over to God, and go the right direction. Get released from the prison you have willfully entered into, and be set free! God has an escape route from every sin-Jesus, and when calling on Him you will be set free.

But remember there are consequences for sin, and like those in jail, you must pay man's price for the sin against man. Foreclosure, repossession, and unemployment run rampant-consider them next time you must have whatever it is you must have. Remember what ever you worship, owns you. Now for the final question-what or who do you worship? Who owns you? GMAC or GOD? I have found God's way more forgiving, and He accepts no credit-all of you or nothing. No free interest-only a 100% interest in you. All paid in full at the cross. A debt you could never handle-and a release from a prison you could never escape from. So turn to Him today, no matter your circumstances, and watch as when you turn your debt over to Him, He will balance the books, in your favor for a change. But you gotta let Him. Can you? Will you? Some prisons don't have walls or water surrounding them, only a hard heart. That no man can break down. Be like Peter, let God find you a way out! And stay out! Make God the only desire of your heart-and watch as you grow richer than you ever thought possible-in Christ.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a chosen few, and the few that chose them

It was easy to identify bikers in the early '70's, they were the ones with the black leather jackets, unless you rode an English bike, then you wore a Belstaff jacket. Never heard of one, don't feel bad. They were a concoction of the British-the land of liquid sunshine and sun breaks. To ward of the cold and wet, they took a heavy cotton and dipped it in wax. And when they started to not repel water, you melted a candle on them, and then the musty odor from not repelling rain, combined with the candle wax would repel you, and others. And sometimes the rain. Did I mention they weighed three times as much, and stunk? Not for the faint of smell or stature. Much better, and without the weight and odor, black leather jackets were not yet readily available, Army Navy stores had surplus, and the occasional Harley store might one-they sold motorcycles back then, and hadn't become boutiques yet. You never found leather in a Honda store. They were the nicest people, and didn't ride in the rain or cold, we who wore leather weren't. Don't even ask about the Belstaff group. And if you found one you didn't have much choice, just the Brando style-so we all looked alike. And it got harder to tell all of us non-conformists apart because we all looked the same. The few, the black jacketed, the bikers. Never realizing that someday Harley would have a parts and accessories catalog bigger than the old Sears Christmas catalog. We grow older, just not up, the price and cubic inch of our toys the main difference.

About that same time long hair on men became popular. Looking at my senior picture, taken in the summer of '71, and then the one at my prom the next May, my hair had gone from just covering the ear, to inches below my ear-parted in the middle of course-as per the standard of the day. All seeking to be individuals, and again all looking the same. Even the rednecks, with their standard issue CAT-Diesel Powered hats wore long sideburns, as style erupted from out of their caps, which hid longer hair where crew cuts once lived. Again, the few, the bigoted, the rednecks. And we all could pretty well tell who each other was, our politics, and our morals just by looking at our looks. And when long hair, leather, sideburns, and a CAT hat combined you moved to the other side of the street when one came at you. Peace brother, before you became pieces, brother.

But more than styles, the attitudes were changing. And it was more all about me more than ever before. We just used the mantra about loving our brother, it was good for picking up easy hippie chicks. And before when we went looking for a job, you got interviewed by a guy high on Vitalis, and what can we do for him, now it was our same attitudes, but with sideburns starting to show, and hair just starting to touch the top of the ear. Things were changing, and soon we were asking "what can you do for me?" The answer-benefits. Now no 21 year old cares about retirement, and medical was not even in our vocabulary-we were going to live forever. But it was nice to say to those without them we had them, a point of superiority-even if we had to get sick or retire to use them. But things were changing-still, and still are today.have

The Bible tells us many are called, but few are chosen. And this applies directly to ministry. I know so many who when they get saved want to go to seminary-or think they have to. Or are afraid they will go to Africa-where do the Africans go? And even look at ministry as a career. When it is a calling, and is as close as your family, your first ministry. And is local, how many step over the Lazarus place before you on your way to your ministry?

Father Al tells me of a man who came to the Flight 93 Chapel. Seems he had a heart for this ministry, and since Father Al was looking for help, and a man to eventually turn it over to, he spoke with him. The man explained his desire to serve there, and how his heart was in it. All the things Father Al wanted to hear. But when he found out there was no pay, and what about benefits, discovered his calling might be somewhere else a little more mainstream, and seemingly secure. He was looking for a job, God was offering Him a ministry. You see the few that Jesus speaks of are called. We have been given a vision, and follow it. A desire so personal that to others they cannot understand it, and we seem careless, when really we are carefree-casting our cares on Him. Our salaries are measured in heavenly terms, and our earthly needs met by a loving God. Benefits-all that the kingdom has to offer. Like a Christian man once told the woman in the seat next to him on the plane, when asked what he did, he replied "I work for the world's richest Jew." She didn't get it, and after he explained thought he was crazy. Ever wonder why God has no line of credit? Doesn't need it. But this man was just crazy enough to follow a God that he can't touch, see, or hear-except in the spirit. One of the few, the chosen few who answer the call.

Today we have the few, the proud, the Marines. My friend Guy in the Hells Angels is a Filthy Few. And God is still calling those to come to Him. Many are called, but few choose Him. Whether in leather jacket and colors, or tie and jacket-he overlooks your style and desires to give you one just like His. A style that never goes out of style, and has always been in style. It is called love and forgiveness-two things he built into every person on earth, and that only He can fulfill. And without His peace, you don't have it. Despite the income, houses, job, and benefits-you ain't got it without Jesus! A peace not looked for as hippies, because drugs, sex, and rock and roll can't compete with God. But some let them compete for their soul, with disastrous results. When all they had to do was turn to God, and accept His peace. Many are called, but few choose Him.

So God has given us a choice also, love being not demanded by Him, just freely given. And I thank Him that I chose Him when called. For many are called gods by the world, and other religions. But I chose the few-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The only few that make a difference. A few like no others. With eternal promises offered like no other.

And we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and we even ride motorcycles-in black leather jackets, with long hair under our expensive Arais. But we have made the choice to follow Jesus-and don't want to turn back. But how do you tell us apart? The fruit-for the few that have chosen Jesus bear fruit in the spirit, fruit of the spirit. His spirit! Where before we were confused, doubting, and insecure in our beliefs, and it was all about us, now we show in our lives love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, long suffering, meekness, and self control. And the cool thing is there is no law against being like that! And you can keep your long hair, and your leathers! or your crew cut. And even your colors if you want. It is your choice! And finally be the individual you want to be, but never dreamed you could be. But it is sad to think there are those that turn away.

Jesus is calling you now. He chose you, and wants to bless you like you never dreamed. Will you let Him? A few of us have. The few, the chosen, the blessed-Christians. Being different never felt so good!

love with compassion, wearing my leathers, in ministry,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

if I ran the world-with apologies to the cowardly lion

If I ran the world...
...football would only be played on Sunday afternoon, on a grass field.
...all quarterbacks would call their own plays-from the field, and audible most of the time like Joe Namath.
...no two point plays, and goal posts would be on the goal line, like their name implies.
...no instant replay-pay off the refs like they used too, and probably still do in Chicago!
...baseball would have no designated hitter-make the pitcher hit, and use strategy to win.
...only doubleheaders on Sunday.
...to save a game you must give up no runs. Make it a real stat. and you pay the team if you blow one.
...you get paid per win-when you lose you owe the fans. May change their entire approach to the game.
...you are only hurt if the bleeding can't be stopped or a bone shows. otherwise we expect you to be there, on time.
...no artificial turf-this is baseball, and not an indoor game. if a horse can't eat it, you don't play on it.
... no player would make more than a teacher. and in the off season spend time volunteering in schools.
...Tim Mc Carver would be banned from doing play by play.
...someone would leave the door open and Chris Berman would go all the way-and stay there.
...no slow cars in the fast lane, if caught they would be impounded.
...dui or drunk driving meant removal of hands, at the elbow. you don't want to know if there is a second offense.
...only motorcycles allowed in fast lane. commuter lanes would be motorcycle only.
...only vacation if you can drive there. and never ride anything you can't put gas in.
...all motorcycles would have horns louder than car stereos.
...all cars would only have radios with two knobs, on/off/volume and station selector.
...no cell phones in cars. if used when driving, same penalty as dui.
...no ugly rims, and none above 19"-get over it. Cragar SS would be standard on all vehicles.
...no helmet laws, but we should get a discount if we wear one and are involved in an accident.
...every 3 years, give one free year of vehicle registration.
...all riders would be instructed in using their front brake-might just save their life.
...mandatory 3 week vacations for bikers in summer-must be used to ride or possible loss of job .
...political campaigns would be restricted to elections only.
...vote early and vote often precincts would be eliminated.
...daylight savings time would be the norm.
...anything motorcycle related would be tax deductible.
...mini van owners would pay a tax for taking up space-and drivers would have to have special license to drive one. they would actually have to learn to drive. think of the lives saved.
...divorce would not be an option. "I do" means just that, and you better.
...living with someone without being unwed should be triple taxed, sin costs.
...all inmates should be given a Bible, and someone to help them understand it-may just thin out the repeaters.
...the gospels would be a required course in the schools-every year until graduation. atheists would get summer school.
...politicians have to have the same health care as they vote for.
...no dogs under 20 pounds-call them little rats, that what they are. must be registered as a non-dog. laws against incessant barking means death.
...we would work weekends, and have week days off to ride.
...chocolate would be the official food, and part of all daily nutrition.
...Krimpets would a food group, as would ice cream, tootsie rolls, and pretzels.
...church would start on time, and only last one hour for those of us with a short attention span.
...pastors would make more than CEO's, and get double-time for Sundays.
...in cases of dispute, pray, pray, pray, and then pray some more.
...maintenance engineers would be called janitors, administrative assistants would be secretaries, sanitation engineers would be called garbage men, and if you had a problem with that take it to personnel-not human resources.
...God would get 90%, and we would be able to live on the other 10%, and still have money left over.
...everything that has breath would be encouraged to praise the Lord.
And I would be very lonely, as having to enforce these laws would leave me alone-I forgot to mention the death penalty for anyone disagreeing. After all, these are my rules. As King, first rule would be to obey all rules. Second rule, would be obey the first. A despot, not quite benevolent. And as I hope you laugh and see yourself in some of the rules above, aren't you glad God has a better way. But yet we put ourselves under the law, when God wants to give us grace. A true freedom in the spirit. He gives us choice, for love would not be loved if it were required or legislated. So next time you get complaining about anything, thank God for the freedom to do that. It could be worse-I could be in charge. And God offers forgiveness. Where I just may have had a bad day, God doesn't have any. Aren't you glad he is never in a bad mood? It is important to remember what love is-not a set of rules, but a relationship. Corinthians 13 reminds us love is kind, patient, does not demand its own way, rejoices in the right and not in the wrong, and endures. It hopes and believes all things. And it never fails. And since God is love, aren't you glad he is God, and you're not? It leaves you weekends to ride, and to sleep in on your days off. God is at work all the time. With no overtime, unless you consider eternity overtime.
Maybe the system He set up is better than you think it is. If not, consider me as your ruler. All of a sudden the gospel looks pretty good. So choose Jesus, and pray for me. See things are not nearly as bad as you think they could be.
And join me as I celebrate with some of Theresa's brownies. Or some Krimpets. We truly have a lot to be thankful for. Amen.
Rest well, with my permission of course. And God's blessings. With Sundays off. To ride.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Dr. Doug's tonsil removal and ice cream parlor

I don't like filling out forms, so when at the doctor recently, and confronted with the question on the form-MEDICAL HISTORY-I filled it in, reluctantly. Two knee operations, pneumonia, a hernia, that required reopening due to healing from the outside in, no one should have to know what silver nitrate is at age 7, leg perthes, rheumatoid arthritis, mumps, and German measles. All by the time I was 17. I figured the part that said details to be a joke, given the two small lines to answer. Medical history enough without the details for any three kids. And then in my senior year in high school, I had my tonsils removed.
Things were done differently a generation or two ago. They would take all the kids for tonsil removal on the same day, and do a wholesale cutting/removal. And most were removed from kids 6-8 years old. So here I was, in a room waiting with about ten third graders, when in comes the doctor. "Hi-I'm Dr. Doug!" and suddenly I knew how the patient on the Three Stooges felt when he saw Curly coming. With a saw. Nyuk, nyuk! And from his glance at me he was probably thinking "you're a little big for the third grade aren't you kid?" Aw, wise guy, eh? And I figured if things got rough, I was bigger and could always defend myself, but what about these little kids? As he explained the procedure in 6-8 year old terms, all you do is snip, the only part they understood was the ice cream to eat after part, what does minimal discomfort mean? So we had them out, as a group, and went home. Minimally discomforted.
Now I was feeling good, and like Bill Cosby's joke about tonsils and ice cream, I was ready for some strawberry. I was also thinking what a great doctor as I had no pain, so bring on the ice cream. And then it hit me. As the first bite of strawberry hit my throat, it was like a giant, strawberry flavored post nasal drip, and I went to clear my throat. And the pain was way beyond minimal discomfort. I wanted to kill Dr. Doug, and maybe me and the others could jump him in the hospital-if we ever got better. Show him some minimal discomfort. And every time I went to swallow, I was reminded of the pain. So bad, I couldn't swallow, which made eating difficult. But my mother, who may have had far more medical experience, read my history, suggested chewing Aspergum-a chiclet laced with pain killer. And it worked. And it worked so well I went right past the ice cream to a steak dinner. Again, her medical experience in conjunction with feeding me, allowed me to eat a steak dinner. Without chewing. She put it in a blender and I had powdered London Broil. Think of it as powdered/pulverized cow, and you get the picture. And as long as I stayed on the Aspergum, I could eat-ice cream included.
Dr. Doug had also said I would be weak for a couple days. And not to drive. Minimal discomfort. Which I did, and he was right. The first turn I came to while driving my parents Pinto, it was that green color that Ford used to paint every other car, ugly but hid the dirt well, with the all vinyl interior-seats, floor, dash, door panels, etc. to match, I almost didn't make. I had done it many times before with one hand on the wheel, and one on the selector of the 8-track-now it took both hands! And effort. I had to listen to songs until the end, even if I didn't want to, and he was right-I was weak! Now it took two people just to drive, a Pinto, just so I could have tunes! Two tonsils had eroded my accumulated driving skills of five months! I was damaged goods-ruined at 17! By tonsils, and Dr. Doug! What about those poor 6-8 year olds who weren't in as good shape as me? Did they even have a chance with a skateboard or bike? Rehab for tonsils? Would they ever recover to get a license?
But somehow by the end of the week I had recovered. A miracle. And we hadn't killed Dr. Doug. Two miracles. And were eating semi-regularly-note, all the grease on Big Macs acts as a great lubricant after a tonsillectomy. If more needed, add fries.
When Theresa and I travel, sometimes we are on the road for over three weeks. And we miss church. And church misses us. A minimal discomfort, that can turn into a major one. And we find getting back to a schedule of going is hard. We start to make excuses-"we'll go next week, but aren't we on the road again?" We get into a habit of atrophied spirituality. And like the weakened condition from tonsils, we are open to attacks and infection from the world. Yes, we are still in the Word, but without good teaching and fellowship, those skills can whither. And like I was told I would be weak after a simple tonsil operation, missing church weakens you. And soon your attitude changes, and you are open to attacks from everywhere. And it doesn't take much for some of us to deteriorate quickly. So we often attend church while on the road. Like the sign says "seven days without God makes one weak," it is true. I miss, and need to be around God's people. And as your relationship with Jesus grows, you want to be with Him and his people more.
And it always makes your pastor glad, sometimes suspiciously, to see you at Wednesday night services, and at Bible studies, and men's fellowships. But it also makes him wonder. "Are you ok Mike? Are you well, we see a lot of you here lately. Sickness?" And I just smile back and say "nah, had my tonsils out years ago, nothing can stop me now." Just like to hear the word. And like James 5 says, we consider blessed those who have persevered. Tonsils and other minimal discomforts of life. And major ones, too. As Paul calls them, momentary light afflictions. Wonder if he ever had his tonsils out?
How blessed are you today? Have you persevered or are you now in the midst of a trial? At home or on the road you are never alone. So check into your local church today, group surgery on an individual basis for your life every Sunday. And you can eat ice cream after. And the pain is gone-Jesus heals your maladies. He is the Aspergum for your soul.
Church-the checkups are free, the medical covered by God, and the food at the pot lucks is great. And there is nothing like being fed from the Word. No appointment necessary. And no waiting room or recovery period. Now there's a health care plan I can vote for. Support Jesus today-He supported you, paid in full. At prices you could never afford. His pain, your gain.
to your good health, love with compassion,
Mike

truth-what a novel idea

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's first novel, This Side of Paradise, we are introduced to a young man named Amory Blaine. He is a young man, seeking to find himself, and enduring the trials, tribulations, and wounds that come from such encounters. Largely autobiographical, he ends up losing the love of his life, Rosalind, because he is so self absorbed, and poor, and although he has a wonderful intimate writing relationship with Thayer Darcy, a man of the cloth, as they used to say, he ends up bitter and alone after the Monsignor dies. He has heard the truth, just decided no to let it set him free. Selfishness eventually leads to self destruction. His final quote as the book ends pretty much says it all, "I know myself, that is all." And looking back on over 50 years of failures, mistakes, errors, and preplanned stupidity, I can echo those same sentiments. Except I can say "I know Jesus, that is all."

We are told seek and you shall find, and I find it depends on what you are seeking that you find. My friend Richard is the best parts manager/counter man for Mercedes Benz I have ever known. He made a decision early in his career that he would be the best, and studied, read, apprenticed, and then put it all into action, learning from his mistakes, and shunning the harsh criticism. Today he is the go to guy for other dealers, as his investment of time and education, along with desire and dedication made him the best. He knows Mercedes Benz, that is it. And in his professional life, that is what he needs.

But too often an alternative path is taken. A path that leads to destruction, and unfortunately the people on this path too often live through the turmoil, with those caught in the crossfire taking the bullet for them. Unacknowledged, and unloved.

I saw Gene Roddenberry speak at UNM in 1976, long before the Star Trek mania had set in. He made a revealing comment on the success of his show. He took normal events that people could associate with, and put them in an outer space setting. And the rest is history. Great writers do this, and one of my favorite Twilight Zones is called the Monsters are Due on Main Street. In it a quiet neighborhood, where everyone knows everyone's business, or so they think, see a bright light. A flying saucer they think, so they go about investigating it. As the one neighbor in charge starts to go door to door, their imagination turns to fear, their fear to mistrust and their mistrust to hate. When they notice a house empty, they start rumors about the guy-even to the point of he is the alien-he is different after all. A noise is heard in the bushes and they throw rocks at it, hurting a teen ager who was listening, afraid of the mob. Finally complete paranoia takes over as they attack each other, while the aliens stand on the hill congratulating themselves on their quest. Much easier than they thought, they had overestimated the humans. Start a rumor and let them self destruct. No shots fired, it isn't necessary. They will attack each other. And so we do. On Main Street and others, but sadly within churches and our Christian family.

I have seen first hand building programs split a church, over differences in carpet color, or how many classrooms our egos really need. Have the pastor speak the truth, and interrupt your sin laden life, and many a person has turned on him. "How could he be so wrong, he was so smart when he agreed with me last week? they ask. Many so called brothers act no different outside the church than they do before they became a Christian, but who is that other guy they are on Sunday? And when the world sees them acting like them, they wonder why they need to change-that guy is no better than me, and he says he is going to heaven, why change? In fact he is worse, a hypocrite, I don't want to be like him. And so they don't. And don't go to heaven. And you thought it took words to witness-your witness is on display 24/7.

You see from Amory Blaine to the Monsters on Main Street, God has made us a people who need relationships, but are not really good at them. We don't like the way she looks in the morning, we divorce her. The service department cheeses you off, you go somewhere else. The pastor talks about sin, and you don't like it, or the color of the carpet, so you leave. But not without letting everyone else know how inferior that business or church was. Or better yet, how superior you are for noting it, just in the nick of time. And we enter into relationships with God like this, bringing Him to our level, instead of rising to His. God must be smart, He agrees with me. To quote Dirty Harry, "yeah..."

God has built two desires into everyone-the desire to be forgiven, and the desire to be loved. And only in Jesus Christ do you find these. Amory Blaine couldn't grasp this, as he tried to change all his friends to his way, to make him the center of their universe, only to end up lonely and broken. Captain Kirk knew this, as much as he loved his crew, it was the Enterprise that he worshipped, and would die to protect. But the monsters on Main Street were more like us than we will admit. "I don't understand it, they're stupid. They disagree, I'll get revenge. They're different, something must be wrong with them." The problem being you, with your "I's" on yourself.

And that is why the gospel truly is good news. It gets our eyes off us, and onto God. We have instant access to the solutions to our problems. If only Amory had called out to God, and listened to Thayer Darcy, he might not have been so miserable-I can tell you Fitzgerald would not have sold so many books! We relate to Amory fallen better than him successful. We are like him, we are him! But thankfully there are many representatives of God on earth, Christians he calls us, and we are to assist, and point you to God. As teachers, helpers, and servants-we represent God, and we don't have all the answers-we have the answer-Jesus! He forgives us, so that we can come to Him. And He forgives us, because He loved us first, while we were yet sinners He died for us.

Today you may have monsters on your Main Street. Scott will be telling Kirk "Captain I'm giving her all I've got!" And it ain't enough! Or you may be sitting-bummed out and disappointed in life at the end of a pier-wondering if it is all worth it. But God, two great words, is there. He is bigger than any words that seem like monsters used against you. Jesus knows, He endured them and said if you represent Him you will suffer, too. He is bigger than any situation you are in. He's given all He's got, His life, and when they thought they had killed him on the cross, He came back. And we too that believe will be resurrected with Him someday. And when you seem like it just isn't worth it anymore, He is there to remind you how much He loves you. And leaves you with a choice-will you let me love you? He chose us-will we choose Him?

The answer is easy, but the process can be complex. People are generally involved, and we can screw up anything. But Jesus heals the broken hearted if we let Him. Right now is a perfect time to let Him. So come in off the dock, and know Him, admittedly we do not know ourselves. He knows our situations, nothing is uncommon to Him, He has been through it all-so let Him show you the way out. Take down your deflector shields and let Him in! As for the monsters, two words can make them go away-I'm sorry. These self created problems can go away with repentance-the answer to all sin. Turn from sin today, and look into the eyes of Christ. And find that something you are looking for, is really someone.

"Beam me up Scotty, no signs of intelligent life here." And leave the monsters where they belong-behind.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

safe in the arms of Nakomis

I never knew my Pappy, he died when I was only 11 years old. But from the stories I have been told by my mother and Aunt Phyllis, I wish I had. He was a loving father to them, and a loving husband to my Nana, qualities I hope that I have inherited. And I know him more through their stories about him. But God did allow me to get to know my Grandpa, and for that I am truly blessed.

My Grandpa was what I think of when I think of a grandfather. A tough act for any generation to follow. He always had time for me, and looked forward to our times together. When we used to visit on weekends, Friday nights after dinner were ours. We would go in the basement for hours and play with the trains. On a set where he had built mountains, trestles, and incorporated Plasticville, I always thought it rivaled anything I saw in the windows of department stores at Christmas. I learned the names of the train lines, where they were from and other non-important, valuable information about the trains. From his early travels cross country he would insert personal tid bits, making the rails in the basement seem real, and the Lionel train seem as big as the tales he told. I learned to go slow on the turns, and how to regulate the speeds when the terrain changed. Many a crash was prevented by his guiding me. Applying these things to my life has kept me from other crashes as well. They were times well spent.

When I was young he and I watched a movie on Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color about a bear and her two cubs, Nakomis. Old Nakomis spent most of her life keeping her playful cubs out of trouble, and raising them in values important to other bears. The love Nakomis used to show to her two cubs was special, and my Grandpa and I shared that love. He would often come up to me and whisper in my ear something about Nakomis, and we both would smile, it was a special relationship. We shared old Nakomis. But only with each other. Old Nakomis finally died, in the movie, and I think we both cried, but the values she instilled in her cubs enabled them to go on in life. The same values that the two of us shared. There are times I miss those old Nakomis hugs, and times I still wish I had them.

I only saw my Grandpa upset once, when I was visiting on my motorcycle from New Mexico, he lived in Pennsylvania, a sport he always wanted to learn, but at 70+ was just happy to sit on. He had hitchhiked cross country when he was in his early 20's, I have a picture on my wall of Yellowstone he took, dated 1926. Perhaps that is where I get my call to the open road from. But the time I saw him upset was when I coasted my Nighthawk down from Sixth Street to the sidewalk between the houses, and a cop got in my face about no helmet. And my Grandpa got between us and defended me to the point I almost felt bad for the cop, almost. And my Grandma told me how every time he would see this poor cop, Grandpa would remind him of his responsibilities, and they didn't include harassing bikers-particularly his grandson. Old Nokomis, still taking care of her cub.

While riding yesterday I became overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit about coming to Jesus as a little child. Most of the stories we were taught reflect on our reaction to Him, but since the book is about Him, this time God showed me a different perspective, using my Grandpa as an example of God's love for us. We can go as children to him not because of who we are, but because of who He is. We are drawn to Him because of His love for us-He is love. We go in trust, just like I did to Grandpa, because He is trustworthy, no one ever explained who he was, we had a relationship, based on love. And he watched out for me, just like Jesus watches out for us. Like we would spend time together, God wants to spend time with you. He considers it precious. He wants nothing to stand in the way of our relationship, even warning not to suffer the little children-let them come, do not prevent them from being with me. He protects us, tells us parables, stories so that we can learn about life and how to live it, and is always there for us. In many ways, He is like Nakomis, and my Grandpa. And they are like Him. But just like Nakomis got old, and died, so did my Grandpa. And that left me without the hugs, ending a relationship-but only temporarily,for my Grandpa knew Jesus. And until we see Jesus in heaven, He left the Holy Spirit here to guide us. Nakomis couldn't leave anything except love and her memories, which often are not enough. My Grandpa left me memories and lessons, and love-but Jesus gave himself, and left Himself-so that we will never be alone. Or unloved, or unprotected. He loves us just as we are.

That day that Grandpa intervened with the cop, I learned a lot about Jesus. Grandpa knew all about me, yet loved me anyway. Because I was his, he protected me, getting between me and trouble. Despite the fact I had lost my license and used their address as home, he never looked at the sin, he looked at the sinner and loved me. He saw me without sin, loved me just as I am-just the way Jesus sees those who believe in Him. And when I was accused, defended me with Himself, just like Grandpa-but unto death so that I may live. All because I am His own-a child of God. Don't mess with God's kids.

I like being a child-and it is never to late to have a second childhood. I am still enjoying my first, leaning on Jesus' everlasting arms. I can come just as I am-dirty from riding, tired from life, hungry for affection, and He takes me in-just like Grandpa did, and we go into our special place together-like we did in the basement, and spend time together. A two wheeled place. A relationship based on love. He loves me because of who He is, despite what I am. Now that's love.

The last I saw of Nokomis cubs they were heading out on their own-making their own way in life, without her. She had raised them and it was time to go out on their own. And as we get older so do we. As I travel on in my life I like my privacy, but I am never alone, God is always with me. And memories of my Grandpa. And as I rode up the freeway yesterday, I was reminded things would be all right, for God was with me. I look forward to riding more miles with Him, safer than her cubs, and with the love only God can show.

I miss Grandpa, and would love just one more evening in the basement with him and the trains. I would like just one more Nakomis touch from him, but I am patient to wait. I know he would too. They await us in heaven, but for now, I am safe is His everlasting arms. Maybe that is why I never grew up, being a child has its rewards, but being a child of God has Jesus. And since I can't rest in Nakomis' arms, I am glad I have His. With those nail pierced hands holding onto me, and defending me-protecting me from life, guiding me where to go, and never leaving me alone. Three great examples God has given me of love, but the best still awaits-heaven and face to face with God.

Take my advice-never grow up. Only grow in the Lord. Make that your priority and stick to it. My Grandpa and I shared Nakomis, now we share Jesus. His love endures forever. Surely grace has its advantages. And take the advice Grandpa gave me, "be good to yourself and others." I believe quoting Jesus who said "love thy neighbor as thyself."

And I thought it was only about two guys who loved trains, and a bear who loved her cubs. Thanks Jesus.

love with compassion, and a hug from Nakomis,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

signs, signs everywhere a sign-can't you read the signs?

Twenty years ago I won a trip to Cancun for my sales achievements. Among the winners there was a guy named Bill, from Cincinnati, who referred to himself as Top Gun. Think of the caricature of the open shirt, gold chains, and all about me attitude and you have Bill. Even his wife Julie had this disease, as in March she showed up fully tanned, and had trouble convincing anyone she got it from just laying out. On her patio, in Ohio, in February. The same couple whose flight was delayed because of the winter storm. I think you get the picture.

After seven days of enduring them, the last night was a banquet and they and their friends stayed up late partying. Just be at the lobby at ten so you don't miss the bus to the airport. So being the concerned admirer of the Top Guns, I left a wakeup call for 5am. When they showed up in the lobby early, Mrs. TG was cheesed off, she thought her husband had left the wake up call. And the more he denied it, the madder she got. Both fully enjoying the effects that you can only get from too much cheap tequila, and only two hours sleep. Maximum results with minimum effort-and when we all laughed at them when they were told I did it, and refused to believe it-she only got madder-at him! Cheap tequila-$2. Motel room $100. Wake up call-priceless!

We live in a society today that is alarm crazy. We need them to wake up, why does the first sound you hear that morning have to be so annoying-even more so when you forget to turn it off on weekends? And when the car alarm goes off on the tricolored Hyundai, with bondo, at three in the morning-why does no one respond? We only hope it is stolen so the alarm goes away. And how many have removed the batteries from their smoke detectors when they went off and no fire was found-not knowing it was because they were low and needed to be replaced! Yes, alarms serve their purpose, it's just sometimes the receiving end doesn't get the message. Except when your cell phone battery goes dead-gee, I wonder what that flashing light meant? Like DUH!

Alarms are meant to warn, or advise of a coming danger-both if heeded and also if ignored. The world today is almost crazy with end of the world stimulation. From the 2012 coming event-why would you trust the Mayans, they are dead and were cannibals, and didn't make it to 2012, to Nostradamus to Da Vinci codes to Felix the Cat looking forward to a day without dogs, the world is anticipating an end to the world as we know it. And they should, except they are following false signs, and ignoring Biblical prophecy. And get the all the pain and suffering God wants to rescue you from. God's standard for prophets was either you are right, or you are dead, maybe the Mayans fit that criteria. In other words, you were 100% right or you kept your mouth shut, and didn't go on a book tour. Death by stoning was the popular method at the time. But yet we have Tarot cards, fortune tellers, astrologists, and other charlatans who are leading people to the end-but away from God. Let's take a look at what Jesus says, for instance. Alarms, or warnings of what is to come. Wake up calls for the soul.

First, there will be tribulation. Spend five minutes with the news, it ain't good. Rape, murder, crime, corruption, and all forms of sin are increasing. There will be pestilence, or disease. AIDS is so out of control, if the newest scare for Swine Flu wasn't so deadly, it would still be grabbing headlines. We now have earthquake, fire, and hurricane seasons, such is the frequency of these events, just as the Bible warned. Children would rebel, and men become lovers of themselves-take a look around if you are brave enough, read the ads-after 45 years of the Rolling Stones warning us, we still can't get no satisfaction. Wars breaking out everywhere, the nation of Israel having the whole world turn against it, except for us, and that seems to be the next political error our government makes, these things are all telling us that Jesus calling us home is near. The event we are waiting for, yet so many whine and complain-believers that is, about having to go through those times. Maybe they should jump to the end-we win, and the prize is in heaven-joy unspeakable! But yet we must endure to the end. Life is not a sprint, maybe that is why so many burn out, they live life fast with no regard to tomorrow, but it is an endurance race. You get through the tough times, enjoy the good ones, but know that at the end it will all be worth it as it ends in victory. Not so for the lost, they get hell. Not just first loser, but forever lost. And it doesn't have to be that way. The signs are there, the warnings are audible as well as visual. Jesus warns he who has an ear let him hear. Are we? Do we?

Or are we like the mothers running to the nursery at a get together, each one knowing their child's own cry, yet upon getting there find it was the cat screaming when one of the kids grabbed its tail? Do we really know the voice of God? It hasn't changed, and won't. It doesn't take a walk in the garden like Adam had, but someday we will. It doesn't take being alone in a cave like Elijah, but it can. If you are like me, it is in the tough times when we seek God more, maybe that is why He allows them, so we call on Him. So next time you wonder why you are enduring trials, remember it is an endurance race, and it is because God loves you that you are participating. And soon, you will cross the finish line.

The signs are there, where is your heart? If you don't heed the alarms, prepare to be alarmed at the outcome. As for me, I'll be sleeping in-in heaven that is. A rest that only God can provide, with no more alarms going off at three in the morning. No sin there either. The spirit is calling-how will you answer? This may be the last alarm going off before the rapture. Don't be a Mayan, you can have all that God promises and heaven too, today.

My only prophecy is that it will happen just as God says. My first and last prophecy, with no fear of death. That trumpet you hear is welcoming you home, don't be alarmed. And don't be like an old girlfriend who drove 40 miles with the low oil light on, and then got mad when the engine seized, "nobody told me what that light was for," she claimed.

We are at the two minute warning, and are out of time outs. It is time to trust God before the clock expires. If only you had listened to that alarm going off in your soul...

love with compassion,

Mikematthew25biker.blogspot.com