fulfilling, tastes great

Theresa and I were finishing our 500 mile trip across Oklahoma, without touching a freeway, so we could eat at Clanton's in Vinita. As seen on the Food Channel, they have excellent chicken fried steak, and we had made it our destination for dinner. With mashies and green beans, and lots of gravy. No room for desert, so we finished the day riding through Kansas and spent the night in Springfield, Missouri. Across the street from a Steak and Shake, a great reason to love the Midwest. Over 70 years of decadently great shakes. A few years ago on Torches we had all eaten at one, and they gave us hats to wear-I gotta find the pictures. But their shakes are the best. So, inhaling we walked across the street while visions of a strawberry shake danced in my head. There is always room for one, and looking at the menu for new flavors-I had pumpkin last time, noted they had fat free, lo-cal frozen yogurt shakes. Which being calorie conscious, after the 3000 calorie CFS, decided to have instead. It tasted so good until I read the calorie chart-it had only 60 calories less than the real thing! I gave up 60 calories and missed the real thing! I just burned up 60 calories in disappointment. Full, yes. Filled, yes. Fulfilled, no. There is a difference. Guess I'll just have to go back again.

My next stop, on a different trip, was to Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh. Known for their unique sandwiches-meat, a handful of fresh cut fries, and a handful of Italian slaw, packed between two slices of hand cut Italian bread, and served on waxed paper-as a proper sandwich should be. They now had locations all over the city's metro area, but I wanted the original, downtown in the strip area, under the 16th Street Bridge, since 1923. So I did, even followed their directions, which took me down an alley, into an OLD industrial area. Cautiously parking the Tiger, I went inside, and smelled 80+ years of fried delight. Ordering the #2, their all time best seller, cheese steak, I sat at the counter and watched as the same woman I had seen on the Food Channel prepared it. Note-I pity the fool that would ask for a Philly cheese steak in Steeler town! And it was as good as it looked. The only drawback was Theresa was not there to share it with. There are four parts to a good meal-the food, the service, the location, and who you eat it with. I had no one except this guy grunting at the TV next to me at the counter to tell how I had ridden 2500 to eat here, so I didn't, enjoying my meal alone. 3 for 4 is a good night at the ballpark, just ok at dinner. Full-yes. Filled-burp, yes. Fulfilled, no. Alone, yes.

We start our days with God, with an appetite this way, and it is up to us what to fill them with. Too many times life interferes with our plans, and we get filled up with TV, work, family, motorcycles, or PTA. Leaving little time for God. And by Sunday we can be spiritually famished, we are filled up, but not fulfilled. With me it takes a conscious effort to read the Bible, pray often, then meditate on God. But I find that when I do, I am fulfilled, and filled with joy. Joy can be an interesting acronym-Jesus, Others, You. And when He is first, all things get added to you. Fulfillment. Others next. Deny yourself, and minister to others. Watch the blessings come as you set out to be a blessing to others. Then you. Last, where you should be. But without you, it would just be Jo. It takes all three for JOY, and to be fulfilled. And joy is not an emotion, happiness is. Happiness depends on situations, like my meals above. Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God. Joy never has to change-but we let it. Just like my low cal choice left me wishing I had the real thing, Jesus wants you to have every blessing He has for you. Which can include no. As you will see.

Our last meal is in Birmingham, Alabama, after being told by a docent at the Barber Motorsports Museum-a must see for bikers of all types-to eat at this certain bbq restaurant. When we arrived there, the mall it was in had a power outage. As Theresa was about to faint from hunger, I felt God had something better. Stopping by Bogart's BMW-Triumph, they recommended the Golden Rule. From the time we walked in, and had our drinks before we sat down, you knew God had shown us joy in something better. When I asked what was Brunswick stew, she brought me a cup, not just a taste. From the brisket, to the beans, the cole slaw, and pulled pork, this was the best bbq we had ever had. Period. And I almost lost a digit trying to get a taste of Theresa's Ice Box Chocolate cake. All this with just enough conversation with the waitress, meeting Michael the pit boss, and having my picture taken with him-cooking there since 1974. The only disappointment in our under $15 meal was just missing the woman who makes the beans-as she had for over 55 years, with no recipe. They were concerned she would die with the recipe because it wasn't written down. Full-oh, yeah! Filled-let me find a place to sleep! Fulfilled-like no other meal, and God had provided it, with joy for us. Great food, great place, great service, and my favorite dinner date. And of course the maitre'd of my life Jesus.

So next time you choose to snack before the meal is done, wait. Don't miss the full course He has for you. God wants you to enjoy it all, with Him. Put Him first-He knows the best restaurants, has an in with the cooks and waitresses, and every day with Him is special-not just the daily special. Jesus Christ-still feeding the hungry after 2000 years. And if your waitresses name happens to be joy, tell her Jesus sent you. And leave her fulfilled, in Christ.

Now if I only had room for dessert...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

dues paid, membership accepted

Eric Clapton sings a song "No One Knows You When You are Down and Out." And I must admit, many of us feel like that from time to time, and with no jobs, no money, and for many no hope, the song rings true in too many hearts. And when Ringo sang "you gotta pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues" he was right, it don't come easy. For worthwhile things never have, and never will.

When I lost my job 20 months ago, and decided to get into full time ministry, my head was filled with all kinds of dreams about blessings I was going to be part of, and have been. When the stories are told we always share the good parts, never the boring and tedious times when we just stood and prayed, or listened. Or studied, patiently. But along the road, which is often rough and often testing my spiritual suspension, I find that to be effective I must have walked my talk. Something not inherent to human beings. We want to start at the top and work our way down. But God's plans are different, and I find so many times I am not smarter than fifth grader.

When traveling, if I stop and a group of bikers is there, I will seek out the one who has been on the road. You can tell by the way he is dressed, and even more perceptively how he has a relationship between him and his bike. Doesn't matter the brand, he's a biker. The two have travelled many miles an roads, and you can get honest answers, not opinions based on what some novice wrote in his magazine column. He knows, so you seek him out. When you are choosing a career, you seek out someone successful in that field, and pick their brain. It only makes sense. And so it is for those who minister. And somehow the needy can tell if you care. Like I was told recently, quoting scripture is hateful if not done in love. Chew on that awhile, then read Matthew 25.

To learn the compassion of Christ, you must first have been hurt. Just like you cannot have mercy until you have screwed up. And I find that the emotional pain I have endured goes way beyond any physical pain I ever had. I have learned to turn the other cheek when a so called brother, will cowardly accuse my wife about me, but is too chicken to talk to me. And now where I should feel contempt, I feel sorry for him, meekness being the better choice. I see how Jesus was betrayed, never over doctrine, but on opinions. I have been deeply hurt by superiors in title, but not in standing-false accusations made, and learned that being right is not always good enough for those under the law, but being in the spirit gives a peace that nothing else can, no matter how much they try to take it away. I have watched as men complain about their jobs to me, and I don't have an income. I have been told that "I'm praying for you brother," but never ask if I'm hungry, while stuffing their face. I have been accused, threatened, and singled out for my Biblical stands, but never once accused of not loving enough. Or being scripturally inaccurate. Love is scripturally accurate. And in all this have been drawn closer to God. And better understand why Jesus hung with the bikers, prostitutes, gangsters, and the poor and lonely. He knew their pain, for He had endured it. He had endured every one of their sins, but bore them instead of committed them. He knows what it is like to be betrayed by a family, and members who you trusted, over lies and innuendos. The Judas in all of us. He knows what it is like for so called brothers to fall back on denominational laws, as opposed to what the word says. If you don't like what it says, you can always find someone who will agree with your opinion. No need being lonely and in sin. Start a club. He knows what it is like to be hungry-past appetite, and watch as we gorge ourselves before those who haven't eaten, and wish weren't there to make us feel uncomfortable. He knows what it is like to have everything, but be stripped of it all too. To bear sins that He never committed, so we can have fellowship with Him. He has known loneliness-so that we never have to be alone.

In racing it is never hard to find the winners after the race. Or the losers either. It is the losers I am drawn to, they are able to visit one on one. To the winners I am just another face in the crowd-a groupie. But to the losers, they are always open to an audience of one. And that's how Jesus ministers to us-one on one. Consoling. We will rejoice in heaven, soon, but for now we need to weep with those who weep. Offer food to those who are hungry. Offer shelter to those without. Visit those who have no visitors, and spend time with those who have too much of it, but no one to spend it with. Love those who aren't so lovely. Or lovable. Perhaps that is the greatest lesson I have ever learned-and how it has brought me closer to God. Just a closer walk with thee-personal and intimate. A choice to be humble, lest you be humiliated.

If you don't exhibit these characteristics, I don't doubt your salvation, but maybe your walk. Pure religion is taking care of widows and orphans. Jesus also said we are to stand out by our love. Do we? I have also learned to forgive, and am working on forgetting. Some wounds run deep, and leave scars. But the scars not seen are the ones only Jesus can deal with. Are you letting Him?

Will you join me in prayer, one of asking the God of second chances to forgive and start you out anew? New game, new race-it's the first inning, and they just dropped the green flag. Jesus is your coach and co-driver, right next to you always. And when you hurt, He is there to console you. So you can console others. Mercy, poured out and overflowing. Building in you a relationship that nothing on earth can harm or compare to.

And to those who answer the call blessings beyond compare. I cheerfully, and tearfully encourage you to seek Jesus today. And maybe find out why we all have to suffer, but learn there is someone there to bear it with us, and for us. Alone in Christ is a majority. Be the kind of Christian that others look for, instead of look out for. Remember that a wounded animal is the most dangerous, and many of us are wounded. Be a true representative of Christ by showing love and compassion, against which there are no laws.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

noah's aarp

As in the days of Noah, things shall be when Jesus calls His church out of this world, and thus begins the Great Tribulation. Things we hear often in church, but it seems now the world has jumped onto this soon to be headline making event. But with their usual incorrect and decadent slant. Doomsday, or the end of the world. Where survivors all wear white, and all look the same in the future. And the ones on the outside, the mutants all are seeking just to survive, as animals. The haves and have nots. Interesting, huh comrade? Once again, the truth not being exciting enough-10-15% of the world's people disappearing and that's not exciting enough? The plagues of Revelation 6-19 aren't enough, we need special effects? How about truth-now that is an effect that is special! But yet they take the special effects route, and combined with a handsome hero, some kid who manages to get lost and delays the hero's saving of the world, with a sexy girlfriend added in, somehow the world is saved. And in only 120 minutes! And they tell us we have faith! Why is it so easy to believe fantasy, but not the truth, particularly when there is overwhelming evidence? It is just like God says, He gave man over to his depravity, and look at the results.

What were Noah's days like? For instance, the average life span before the flood was 912 years according to the Bible. Noah started the ark when he was 600, completed it at 720, so he was middle age. There were quite possibly a billion people on the planet then, given the life span and their even then desire to procreate. And it had never rained. Not a drop. So the people thought Noah was really nuts. And to many he was, just like many react to us today when we tell them of the impending doom after the rapture. To them rain was a non-word, for it had never happened. Only God can give words for things not yet revealed, in fact He calls them mysteries. Elementary, my dear believers. And they all became believers that day when it started to rain. But it was too late. And like today, many will be instant believers, some led astray, but like the word says, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, the difference is now it can save you and is voluntary-after it will be too late. Take the mark or lose your head.

People were wicked-giants were in the land, fallen ones God calls them. And they had an influence. Just watch the news, if you can stand it. Giants are still in the land perverting humanity. But Noah, with his three sons, and their wives, made a total of eight God called onto the ark. And then God sent animals two by two into the ark. And then sealed it up. And the Hebrew language tells us that the mammals and birds on the ark are different than the fish, amphibians, and reptiles that didn't need to be in it. In the Hebrew language, the lexicon tells us that these animals can have a relationship with man, because they were on the ark. A good comparison to man and God. The others can't, and don't. Ever try to charm an alligator? Or pet a shark? They weren't on Noah's ark. And here we see the first God sponsored health plan, Noah's AARP. ASSOCIATION of ARK RESCUED PEOPLE! Covered by a God sponsored plan, including retirement benefits, health care, and all for free! And the first mentioned shipwreck in history-on Mt. Ararat preceded Gilligan's Island by 5000 years! This guy Noah had it made, but do we in "as in the days of Noah?" Eight people, the number of new beginnings. Going from ocean front property to a mountaintop, Noah had it all. And of course he had God, without whom none of this was possible.

Which brings up a thought? After God promised Noah He would never flood the world again-this time it will burn up, and a new earth will appear-what did he think the first time it rained? Did he freak-out, did he wonder if God's instructions for setting up government was crazy? Did he wish he had stayed on the ark? Perhaps a moment of fear, or at least concern. But Noah had insurance-AARP, remember? Today we call it the gospel, the message still being God saves! Hosanna! What insurance do you fall back on when the rains come? Or the fire is heading your way? Or the doctor mentions the c word? Or you lose your job, and wonder how you will take care of your family? I recommend doing what Noah did-trust God. Be ready for the rain when there is no sign of it-and trust God when there is no sign of Him, that is real faith. And enjoy your day knowing that behind the clouds is a rainbow, God's sign to us that He will never leave us.

The signs are there, and the clouds are forming. Will you be safe inside the ark God has provided in His son, Jesus? Or are you so consumed with the world and yourself that the fantasies of Hollywood are your belief system? Buying into a counterfeit belief is even more disastrous when it fails. And it will. Look around, God is in control. Then it was an ark, today it is His son-Jesus. Led by His Holy Spirit, the comforter. So, get a piece of the rock, travel under God's umbrella, and be progressive-seek and trust Jesus. A plan for everyone, with eternal benefits. And you can't be cancelled. And the government is not a part of it. The AARP of Noah is still able to rescue you and keep you safe in the storm. Noah's AARP! Where will you be when the rains come?

Join the Association of Ark Rescued People today-endorsed by Jesus. Go tell it on the mountain!

Now, about that retirement plan you have, does it include eternal life....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a rose by any other name will still have thorns

My friend Peter Swerdlick used to yell "hey idiot" in a crowd, and watch everyone turn around. And we would laugh. Were they really all idiots, or just known by that? The power of a name. So while waiting for the elevator at my physical therapy appointment, I noted there was a Dr. Joseph College in the building. And I wondered if his parents ever realized the curse they put on him at birth. Joe College-wasn't that a t-shirt that Snoopy wore in the 70's? Would you go to a doctor named Joe College? And I almost laughed when the sign outside his office said sick people could not come in. Huh? Why else go to a doctor? They were told to wait in the hall. Is that considered a house call-since you are not seen in the office? A lesson in why patients are called patients-it takes patience to be a patient of Joe College. Dr., that is. Rah!

It made me reflect on other signs I have seen. In Durango at the end of Main Avenue, there is a sign that states dead end. And under it a sign saying no U turns. And to think that I saw it not on Mulberry Street! Eat here and get gas is a popular truck stop sign in the midwest, but hey I can get gas anywhere-even at home. And 30+ years ago Chevy sold a car called the Nova. And it failed in Mexico because no one in Detroit understood that Nova means "no go" in Spanish. And I don't understand why anyone would buy a car called Limited? See Nova. Don't we at least want our money's worth? "Why doesn't my car perform better?" "It's a Limited mam." Maybe it is like in Animal House when Belushi gives out pins. When he names Larry, Pinto, Pinto asks "why?" And Belushi answers "why not?" And perhaps there we are given an insight as to why things are like they are.

Like in Phillipsburg, there is a Firth Street. Does that mean the next street is Thecond? Thounds ok to me!

Names mean something. And when you read the genealogy after Adam, it tells a wonderful story. When someone asks why read the old testament, there is no salvation in it, refer them to Genesis 5. A perfect description of Jesus-told by generations, and by the men's names. Simply put, their names, in order means "Man appointed, subject to death. From the presence of God, one comes down, dedicated to die, to send to the poor and lonely-comfort and rest." A beautiful heritage, over hundreds of years, a precursor of Jesus. A perfect description of Him by name, and character. The gospel! In the beginning, or at least right after. Only God could do that!

So next time you meet a guy named Ford driving a Chevy, or a Harley riding a Honda, remember that God also has a sense of humor. After all He made you, and He knows your name. Do you know His? Try Genesis 5, and then the four gospels. Meet the wonderful counselor, the Prince of Peace, the begotten and unique Son of God-who came to seek and save. He calls you friend, and what a friend He is. The signs are all there, too. And no matter what you drive, or ride, you are welcome.

And I'll bet he knows Joe. Joe who? Joe momma! And all you other Joes, too. Seems His dad was called Joseph, too. Hey, wood that make him Joe Carpenter? No pun intended. Very simply put-Jesus the Christ. Yeshua. Master, savior. A name to know and remember. He said what he meant, and meant what He said-He is the Son of God, 100%! We could all use a little Jesus today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

postcards from the heart

Well it's that time of year when after dinner we can't sit on the porch for a couple of hours and solve all the day's problems. It is getting dark, and cooler early, so we find ourselves moved inside. Theresa uses her time for her woman's Bible study, another sign of fall, and I find myself at the table with maps, magazines , and brochures, brainstorming next year's trip. So many places to go, and the articles make them all sound so appealing. I call them chamber of commerce moments, the ideal photo to make you have to go, and assure you any other destination will leave you wishing you had.

We have chamber of commerce times when traveling. A few years back, when travelling to Durango with my old boss Gary Murphy and family, we went to Francisco's, the Mexican restaurant for me. Francis, Jr,. aka Skip is a friend, and when we were standing in the traditional long line to get in-only an hour wait-I hear "hey Mike Mohn!" And it's Skip-asking how many then "c'mon, your table is ready!" For all ten of us. A chamber of commerce event I couldn't have scripted-but not for all those ahead of me in line. Sorry-hope your wait was worth it. Great food and great times, thanks to Skip. Just interview me for the restaurant reviews now-I dare you!

Another time in St. Louis I needed to have the oil changed in the Tiger. Wouldn't make the entire 7500 mile trip without it, so I called Donelson Cycles, and talked to Pat the service manager. After being told to come on by in an hour, I found myself waiting in line, with the man in front of me being told "we are too busy to service your bike today." And my heart sunk. When it became my turn, I introduced myself to Pat, and he said "glad to meet you Mike, it will be about 45 minutes." And in 35 minutes it was ready. And while waiting upstairs in the store, toured their excellent museum of old bikes-free, memorabilia and racers, and met Carl Donelson, the owner-who also had a Tiger. Who when asked where I was from, knew Lance, who sold me my first Triumph. And who had sold Lance his first Norton. He even gave us a fridge magnet and a t-shirt. Another chamber of commerce moment, one that no advertising dollars could compete with.

God also gives us these chamber of commerce moments when he talks about heaven. For over 6000 years He has been inviting people to come and stay, and for the last 2000 has sent out more brochures/books than anyone in the world. The most advertised destination-heaven, in the largest selling book, the Bible. And He wants us all to come, and we can't just visit-we have an eternal home there, that He is preparing. Simply put, to get there you must be born again. And when Nicodemus, the rich Pharisee, asked how can you be born again, Jesus explained it is a spiritual rebirth, a reuniting you with God that must take place. It took him less than 20 chapters in John to get it, as he was there with Joseph to claim Jesus' body, how long will it take for you?

What about heaven don't you like? The great weather, the great roads, the clean air? Maybe it is the people you will be with, other Christians who like you gave their lives to Christ. Perhaps it is giving up all the pain and suffering on earth, and realizing the something you need is really a someone. What ever your reason for not accepting the invite, accept it now. Time is short, and no one is promised tomorrow. And if you wait too long, you may miss out. The alternative-hell. No light, extreme loneliness, extreme pain and burning, and an eternity without God-just like you chose-but didn't know He would honor. Same God-your choice on destinations.

It seems in these moments these memories are the only thing that matters-all cost considerations go out the door. But God understands cost, so He paid for your trip for you. In full, and He has a reservation for you, all you have to do is trust Him. Pick up a travel brochure today-the Bible-and find out what you are missing. Do it soon, as the season you are in may be the last. Make plans to spend eternity in heaven, with Jesus, and in a mansion He is building specifically for you. Where everyday is a chamber of commerce day, all the food is cooked just right, all the roads designed for motorcycles, and where you have eternal weekends to ride them. In between other days to ride them. Not a visit, but a destination. Make sure of your reservations today-ask Jesus into your heart.

And just like knowing the boss, you know the owner-and He knows you. Tell your friends-word of mouth is second only to the Word. See you there. Now, I hear that West Virginia is beautiful in June. How will I ride there? So many roads, so few time. Take the right road to heaven today. Make your plans now.

love with compassion,

Mike

mathew25biker.blogspot.com

turn key-gas on-tickle carbs-release clutch-kick, while praying, just to get started

This morning as you go to wherever you go, in whatever you go in, or in my case on, you will put a key into an ignition, turn it, and the car/bike will start. You will put it into gear, apply the gas and go forward. The whole time not having a clue as to what has just happened, but doing it none the less. Driving by faith. Assuming the car will start when the key is turned. Just pushing a pedal will give you forward motion-cause it always has. And you can regulate your velocity by adjusting throttle input. All without knowing how anything works, any physical law, and with your radio blaring. An incredible achievement. I see overwhelmed moms in mini vans doing it all the time. And yet when this simple process is interrupted, we turn into recalcitrant children, like their passengers, and our vehicle a paperweight, useless as it is not performing the duty it was designed for.

It wasn't always this way. Just some 40 years ago, if you were riding an English motorcycle, you had no key to turn to start the car. You had to kick it over, after tickling the carbs-not the bad carbs from eating, the ones that provided gas flow-until gas ran out onto your foot. You then would pull in the clutch, kick through twice to release the clutch plates-then jump up and land on the kick starter-and hopefully the bike would start. If it didn't by the second kick, you were staying where you were for a while. Or you could push start it, and hope it would start, downhill preferable. Participation required. And this was as acceptable then, as our procedure is now. Electric starting caused a revolution in motorcycles, one we just take for granted. But removed the participation-thankfully in this case.

But both situations are an exercise in faith. In one we take it for granted it will start. The other, we hoped it would start. Both faith, but one truer to God, as it required more hoping and praying, and your participation. And our walk with God is like that. The best definition of faith I ever heard was trusting God when there is no evidence of Him. Sounds like an old Triumph to me! But knowing by following instructions, the bike would eventually start. Persistence sometimes the most important component of faith. We learned to trust God in the actions of starting-realizing the reward for when we did accomplish starting the bike. On the other hand, we take it for granted that when the button is pushed, the bikes of today will start. And when they don't, after using words not found in the Bible, replace the battery, after seeing if we have gas, and then assume it will start. It has always been that way, we believe, so why not just replace the battery and get it over with?

Why do we trust our bikes and cars more than we trust God? Why is our faith in the vehicle to start unwavering-for the most-but when it comes to trusting God with our lives we waver? Surely He who allowed Harleys and Triumphs to be built, and endure, can meet whatever needs you have. He who has overcome that Prince of Darkness-Lucas Electrics-can get you going, and keep you there. But yet, we go off looking for answers everywhere but God when we encounter difficulties. And in most cases ending up along the side of the road, if we ever got going at all.

Today is the best time to start walking by faith. You have faith in your light switch, your toaster, your coffee brewer, and your car/bike. You have confidence in your radio-maybe not the news on it-and confidence with your password to unlock your computer at work. All without God! Can we try to trust Him with our bank accounts today? To keep our sons and daughters safe in the armed services? With our health? Can we trust Him to hear when we call? Can we trust Him with our lives, as He asks? You see, He says that without faith it is impossible to please Him. Not a lot, just a little-because that is all we have. But maybe if we trust God like we do our motorcycles, imagine the difference in our lives. So I am-just pushing the button marked God-and see what happens. The best way to start the day.

And participate in a relationship that keeps getting better and better. He promises to never leave me or forsake me! Can your car say that? How much faith is there in a system that needs a tow truck-just to get home sometimes? Leaving you alone! God won't, and doesn't. But it takes your participation-He will not interfere, but He is calling you now. Will you answer-saying nothing is saying no. While the rest of us ride through life, you may be waiting on the side of the road-hopefully waiting for someone to arrive. He already has, will you let Him into your car and into your life? And onto your motorcycle? No doubt Jesus rides, and He is happy to ride with you.

These things follow them that believe. Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness, longs suffering, and self control. Beats anger, hate, revenge, an overdrawn account, saying words not found in the Bible, and a tow truck that never arrives. Get where you are going-heaven-with Jesus. And as you go, tell others. Stopping to assist them is better than being stuck. You see, it is better to give than receive. So give today-your life to Jesus. Never be stuck again. It's just a matter of getting started!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the ten nevers in physical therapy-and life

Remember the book that came with your new motorcycle, the owner's manual? Yeah, it was wrapped in plastic and you were told to read it. And of course lost it in the excitement? Well, inside among the warnings were some good advice. To make you enjoy your bike more. While at my physical therapy/torture session, they have a sign on the wall, on each wall in fact. An owners manual for your visit. After arguing with each one, I find it was there for a reason. Body and mind, but for me the soul, too. See what you think. Spiritual comments are mine. Good advice only works if applied.

1-NEVER SAY YOU CAN'T, BECAUSE YOU'LL DO IT ANYWAY. My knees still hurt from the bicycle, but after another 10 minutes of riding nowhere, now they feel better. A great warm-up exercise. Pride is a good motivator, but I find God is a better one. Fear of Him is the beginning of wisdom. Just might explain why some of us are so stupid. Every knee will bow to Him someday, make yours voluntary. Now, drop and give me 20!

2-NEVER SAY "IT'S EASY," BECAUSE WE'LL MAKE IT HARDER. I didn't have to read this one twice. Start me out in the kiddie pool, that's where the mom's are. No need embarrassing myself with the big boys. Yet. If you think you are really learning God's word, try Leviticus. And when you are done, explain it to me. Better yet, whatever God asks of you, do it. Sounds easy, rest assured, it gets harder the more you resist. If you are going to brag, brag on God. Pride goes before the fall. And His yoke is easy. I can show you the scars from not listening. Sound easy?

3-NEVER SAY I WANT TO GO HOME, BECAUSE YOU'LL JUST STAY LONGER. Remember two a days in football. Or when your pastor says this is the last point, ten minutes after noon, and you know he means another half hour. Exercise patience. After all you are a patient, right. Live up to your title. And when you have had a tough day and tell God "take me home," remember He isn't finished with you yet. And maybe your house in heaven is still being built. The six car garage with a house attached. And refer to #2. Life is not a sprint, but an endurance race. Be in it for the long haul. After riding 500 mile days, a 100 mile trip is easy. Just a note. And heaven is just one breath away.

4-NEVER LOSE COUNT BECAUSE YOU'LL HAVE TO START AT ONE AGAIN. My mother used to always tell us when she was knitting "don't talk to me I'm counting." And somehow all her sleeves ended up the same length. Because she didn't lose count. I keep my mental clock going when riding, and really when at therapy. Some exercises look easy, but don't want to do 22 when 20 is more than enough. Sin will make us lose count, how many of us have had to start again because of it. Don't lose sight of the things that count, like Jesus. Don't impress your therapist by not being able to count-they may remember that when figuring your bill.

5-NEVER COMPLAIN BECAUSE WE NEVER LISTEN. I'm sorry, what did you just say? Refer to #2. How many times have you wondered how many miles till I get there, and started whining. Only to find the next town just ahead. Self inflicted pain. The Israelites complained for 40 years, and never got far from home. And had plenty of food, manna. But still wanted to go back to Egypt as slaves-the food was better. Aren't you glad God says no to your prayers? Thy will, instead of my will. Why doesn't anyone ever show up for my pity parties?

6-NEVER ARGUE BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER WIN. A takeoff of my basic philosophy, Never argue with an idiot because you will never win. Know your opposition. Maybe that is why God gave us 10 Commandments, and not suggestions. And He doesn't ask for our opinions, or counsel. Think of the embarrassment He is saving you from if you listen. Stupid hurts, don't confuse stubbornness with endurance, or patience with delaying. And if I don't argue with you, well either I agree or you're an....

7-NEVER SCREAM OR CRY BECAUSE IT WILL ENCOURAGE US. Funny how the smartest people I know agree with me. And the stupidest, well, quit complaining. Boy how we love to control things. Only in God is His fullness found in our weakness. His pain, our gain. Weep with those who weep, per Jesus, and there will be joy in the morning-tears of joy. So agree with God. Plus tears blur your vision, ever try riding through tears. In LA? At rush hour? Another benefit of a full face helmet, they can't hear you or see your tears. And so they think you are ok, and may leave you alone. If you want to encourage your enemy, show weakness. And prepare for his victory. Or ask young David about meeting Goliath. Only nine feet tall with 12 toes and fingers? No way he can be as tough as the lion or bear David just killed! And he wasn't. Scream for ice cream, a better choice.

8-NEVER LOOK LIKE YOU'RE ENJOYING IT BECAUSE WE'LL PUT A STOP TO IT. Or "hi, I'm with the government and here to help." There is a freedom in Christ no law can limit, but yet legalism will quench the spirit. If those of us in the spirit appear careless, it is because we are carefree. Big difference. Show love, like Christ did. They couldn't debate it, argue with it, or dispute it. So they tried to kill it, and for three days claimed victory. But love covers a multitude of sins, and He came back. Enjoy being a Christian. What good is fun if you don't enjoy it? Plus the smile will make them wonder what you are thinking!

9-NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE IF YOU PASS OUT AND DIE WE WILL HAVE TO FILL OUT THE PAPERWORK. My therapist's favorite. Why is it never about me, and always them? Ever wonder why fewer tickets are issued in the rain? Would you want to get out of your dry car on a rainy day? It's a good thing that God made breathing involuntary, because some of us can be so stupid we would forget to inhale, or exhale. We are still accepting membership in the I'll Show You and Be Stupid Club, ask me for the forms. Oh, and you fill them out. In triplicate, no carbons. Still want to join? Try grace, and forgiveness. It is cheaper, and no paperwork. I find the best place for paperwork is the bathroom. The toilet, better than a shredder, too. Note-passing out will not get attractive therapist to do mouth to mouth. Big ugly dudes do it better, and they know how to find one.

10-NEVER LIE OR CHEAT BECAUSE WE KNOW THE TRUTH AND YOU'LL LIVE TO REGRET IT. Coulda, shoulda, and woulda are not words to live by. See membership opportunity in #9. Jesus says He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Make no mistakes. Opinions don't count in heavenly affairs. Know Jesus, and know the truth. And it sets you free. Without Him you will definitely regret it. The choice is yours. And when you look around to see if no one is watching, look up, because God always is. Not to spy, but to protect. Love. A noun, and a verb. A person, and an action. A relationship for eternity.

And the best part is we are under grace, not the law. And God's laws are written on our hearts, instead of stone, or a cd. And while the law points to our failures, or sins, God's grace shows love, and mercy. And I'll add one more never. After reading this, you can never say you have not heard the gospel. You will have no excuses before God on judgment day, and no one-Jesus-to serve your sentence for you. He gives life, His, for yours. And He listens. Try Him now, and then listen for His answer. You may find you aren't arguing with Him anymore, and avoiding my number one rule. You, plus Jesus make a majority. Choose Him today.

And yes, after therapy, I can tell you the body is weak, but the spirit is willing. Now, where did she hide the Advil? Lord, HELP! I'm not complaining! Man, this stuff ain't as easy as it looks.

And as any biker knows, the shortest distance between two points may be a straight line, but the best roads take longer, and bring more enjoyment. Enjoy the ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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