strait, not straight

We learned that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line in Mrs. Parks seventh grade math class. And for years as a motorcycle rider, I had trouble with the scripture of Matthew 7:13-14, for much of my riding, although between two points, is not always the shortest distance. I can turn a 20 mile commute into a 45 mile back road journey. I love curves, isn't that why God created motorcycles? But Jesus talks about the straight and narrow, and to be careful not to stray. Good advice on any road, including the road of life, riding or not. So I would skip over it when reading, as if it were personally meant for me to not enjoy curves. Sort of an old wife's tale I made up, or an urban legend no one cared about but me. Superstitious-maybe. And although Jesus said it, which makes it true, I used my own select theology when I came to these two verses.

While studying one day, I read a commentary that the word was originally strait, not straight as we use the word today. Both have similar meaning, but in the King James of the 1600's, this was the word used. It meant a tight fit, or a path that may be hard to navigate due to its size, or confining, hence it is a "strait" jacket, not a "straight" jacket. And as you can see, both meanings can be applicable here, but I tend to lean on strait, allowing my mind and conscience to be free when I ride roads like the Snake. Or any road that allows me to use all the tread on the tires.

Now Jesus knew a few things about roads, he spent most of His time on the road. He had no home, so He was a true traveler. And I notice today, that many of the Christians I admire for their ministry and walk with Christ do so outside of the four church walls. Not to say pastors are not important, or don't do God's work, but the pastors I know who venture outside of the pulpit, via writing, visiting, teaching and following Christ's example, find an additional freedom in the spirit-doing what Jesus did, and advised. And as an example to their flocks-and this is their true witness. And also an encouragement for us to get out among the lost.

Sadly some only get out within their own denomination via seminars or conferences, not seeing how God is working in others. Keeping within a party line-staying safe within the lines. This is where they may become strait and narrow-confined and legalistic. But Christians who operate in the spirit go anywhere God leads them. Which is why we see Mother Theresa in hospitals in India, when she could go on a book tour. Or Franklin Graham with Samaritan's Purse, who could rest on his dad's reputation. I see our Pastor Ray out among the people, when he could easily defend staying home because his flock is so big. It takes courage to walk the strait road, and you need Jesus to guide you.

God explained to me once the reason that the path and gate are straight and narrow is that the straightest way to Him is direct-a straight line. Narrow, so you cannot do it without Him. Straight, so that nothing gets between you and Him-the shortest distance. Only God wants no interference in His relationship with you. But it can also be strait and narrow-confining and rough, like some roads I travel on. And you need Him even more. Stay in the spirit, avoid legalism. Make it personal. And there again, Jesus is with you. Helping you navigate, so that you see that the only way is Him. One way with Jesus the old bumper stickers say, and it is still true today.

Those who walk with God do not avoid the company of other people. In fact they look for others to share the gospel and love of Jesus with. Don't keep that light of yours under a basket. Get out and let it shine. Talk with sinners-just don't be one. Weep with those that weep, just like Jesus did. But stay on the course He has for you. And if like mine, it is strait, I know my God will take me through to where He wants me to be. And if it is straight, like the freeway, I choose to ride with Him too. Free from fear, for I know that He rides with me. And I now enjoy all the curves I can handle-not confined by legalism, but riding free in the spirit. Just like He promised. And if the road you happen to be on is rough, you probably are on the right road. Stay the course with Jesus. He'll get you where you are going.

Strait or straight, the difference one little letter, G can make. And the difference that G, as in God will make in your life when you follow Him. Be one of the few that find Him-and when you come to a fork in the road take it. Bring on the curves Lord, we have a lot of riding yet to do! Use all of the tire on your bike, not just the middle of them! Strait-and straight! Good advice on life from the one who is the way, the truth, and the life. And a road you won't find on any GPS-only in the spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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the human race

I first met NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson in 1994 when I was one of his sponsors through Nelson and Nelson Racing. He used to call me sir. Through him I met his dad Gary, who worked an off-road support trailer for BFG. Gary was also a very nice man, one of the good guys, and when he asked us to help him out for the 1996 Baja 1000, we readily agreed. He would be set up in Ojos Negros, and needed help when the racers would be coming through between 1am until 6am the next morning. They would be about 800 miles into the 1000 mile race at that time, and we would fuel them, change tires as needed, and do quick safety checks and mechanical repairs.

Working the BFG trailer was definitely first class. I had helped before, but mostly spent time with the Simon and Simon team, they had won the 1992 Baja 1000, or Nelson and Nelson, whose racer Larry Ragland had won the 1000, and the 500. He was Jimmie's teammate. So I was used to doing things right, just not in the numbers we would be faced with. In preparation we had to fill 10 gallon dump cans from a drum with a hand crank. Label all the tires and have them ready when the cars arrived. We had a full on kitchen, so food and drink was no problem, but sleep was. We had to sleep on tires or wherever we could find until our time came. Just be ready-and have the fuel and tires ready. Be safe above all! And with spotters along the way, we would know when the cars we would service were close, so we could be ready. Lack of sleep can be overcome by adrenalin, and commitment to service, which in this day before energy drinks was all we had to go on. And the love of racing. You didn't want to disappoint anyone after they had raced 20 hours, or miss them after your preparations-you had to stay alert and be patient.

Jesus tells in a parable about 10 bridesmaids, virgins, who are to be ready for the bridegroom to call for his bride. According to Jewish tradition, it could happen at any time, even midnight. And to have their lamps filled with oil, to light the torches to lead the way to the celebration. And to carry extra oil, for the torches would only last about 15 minutes, then had to be refilled. But sadly, some were not ready, and forgot the extra oil-they were asleep. And when they didn't make it to the wedding, could not get in-the door was locked. The parable telling us to be ready for the return of Christ, which is imminent, and don't miss out. Be watchful. A warning to those who think that religion gets them there, but it takes a relationship with Jesus Christ to get into the party. The oil representing the Holy Spirit, and if it is not in you, then you are not saved-for only through salvation does the spirit dwell in you. So sad to live expecting Jesus, but not go, because you were not ready. Because you followed a lie. So make sure you are ready-trust God. Waiting can be tough, but the rewards are unequalled.

At the end of our shift that year we had fueled 110 cars. I had lifted 110 dump cans at 75 pounds each. I can't tell you how many tires I had lifted or moved. And my body felt like it. I had been up all day, slept for a few hours on the floor in the trailer, but was ready when they called. I didn't miss what I had waited for, nor had my team mates. We were ready, and because of our service, the racers got what they needed when they needed it. A simple lesson in being prepared, of being watchful. Just like Jesus tells His church. Be watchful. We had some idea of when the racers would arrive, but didn't know times or the hours, just like we don't know the time of His return. But the signs were there, we had to look for them and be ready.

Are you ready? Is there oil in your lamp? How sad to be like a racer who wasn't prepared by leaving gas and tires. And how sad to be part of his race team and not deliver what had been promised. Jesus is coming-the time is short. And like in racing, to finish first , first you must finish. Stay true to the end, be watchful, and you'll have a podium finish-unlike any race has ever had. A finish for the human race, the only race you never want to DNF. And Jesus is the way. A crew chief for humanity. Make Him your Lord and crew chief today-and I'll see you on the podium-in heaven. I peeked at the end of the book-WE WIN!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

such a deal I have for you

I used to be a pretty good negotiator. When it came to price when buying a new car, I was downright nasty. And only Andrew would go with me, and he would giggle. But when it came time to buy Theresa a new car, she had to go with me. As did Andrew and his friend. So as she test drove it, and the salesman went into his act, I was crunching numbers in my head. After the proverbial "what will it take to put you into this car today?" Theresa already owned it in her mind, just like the salesman had planned. But when we sat at the little table, to talk price, I found myself alone with the salesman. Who offered me a fair deal for the car. We negotiated a little more, and reached a price, which include 0% financing. Wash it up, let's sign the papers, and we would be off. We thought.

Until the sales manager told us that at the price it didn't include the chrome wheels on the car. Sorry. So I told him we had a deal with them, but he disagreed, his mistake. The wheels were a $1000 extra! So I left him with a choice-sell the car with the wheels as priced, or I would walk. So we did! He was so sure of himself his mouth fell open. And Theresa was disappointed, while Paul and Andrew were still looking at cars. As we all walked to our old car, the boys started giggling-here comes the salesman! Begging to make a deal. My only answer was-we had one, are you going to honor it?

And he did! We had won the negotiation! We got our price! They had underestimated just how important that car was to us. It wasn't. Sadly it had taken more negotiation to get there, but we won. Persistence had won out. And yes, we would have found another red Mustang that day-other dealers would love to meet or beat his deal. Says so right in their ads. So the manager did the right thing-he just didn't want to. We forced his hand, and in an age where the customer is always right, we were-he was wrong. But he had sold a car, the salesman made a small commission, and Theresa had her red Mustang-at a great price. And all was well with the world.

Just because it works in business, some think they can negotiate with God. Make a deal with Him. Maybe get Him to overlook a few things, or better yet, include more in the deal. And I wonder, would you trust a God you could negotiate with? What if the next guy got a better deal? I thought God was supposed to be fair. Fortunately I just don't find this in the Bible. Although it is true that God will test us, His promises are yes and amen. You can depend on them. And unlike buying a car, His salvation is not negotiable. It is a simple yes or no answer. Accept Jesus, believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth He is lord, and you are saved. No additional works, memberships, classes, programs, seminars, or works are needed. No special finances or additional payments. It is that simple, and it is available to everyone. And some day, everyone on earth will be faced with a decision-to say yes to Jesus or deny Him. Two thieves, both guilty were faced with that same question. One denied and went to hell. The other confessed who Jesus was, and while they hung on crosses together, Jesus promised the thief he would be in paradise with Him tonight. Which he did. Down to His last dying act, Jesus still saved. And still does today.

His offer still stands today-accept Him and live, deny Him and die. A simple equation for heaven, so simple a thief nailed to a cross can get it. But it still takes a decision based on faith-just a little. And saying nothing is the same as saying no. Don't let your silence condemn you.

It would have been easy for us to buy the car without the wheels, or better yet to pay the extra $1000 for them. But a deal had been struck, and it needed to be adhered to. Today the deal offered you by Jesus is the same as yesterday, and the same as tomorrow. Only you aren't promised tomorrow, if you walk out on Him today, situations change in your life, and you may forget. Thankfully God never does, but reminds you that TODAY is the day of salvation. And is patient-but don't wait too long. If we had waited till the next day, the Mustang may have been gone. And all the negotiations would not have mattered-the car was gone. Game over. Don't face eternity without God. Trust Him today-accept Jesus!

And live your life knowing you made the best decision on the most incredible deal you will ever be offered-welcome to eternal life in Christ! Now, what will it take you to be saved today?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

eat to ride, ride to eat

A friend of mine who is an OTR-an over the road trucker, pointed out to me years ago that just because a diner has a lot full of trucks doesn't mean the food is any good-it just means the lot is big enough for him to park his rig. Dispelling the myth about truck drivers knowing all the good spots to eat. But-if you see a diner with the lot filled with motorcycles, it probably means the food is good, the portions are big, and you get to eat with a better class of people-bikers. For we are the proud bearers of the saying "eat to ride, and ride to eat." And it is safe to say you will never see any of us in a weight loss ad. Our idea of a lap band are vest extenders. And we take both parts-both riding and eating, of the saying very seriously.

As a Christian biker, I also am able to see Jesus and His parables in many of our riding and eating situations. He fed the 5000 with just two loaves and five fish after blessing them, I have been in food lines that have no end, but always some left over. He turns away no one, they all leave full, and their is always some left for the late arrivals. Because some don't ride quite as fast as they eat. Or eat as fast as they ride.

This last weekend our friends from the Black Sheep invited us to help again serve at the Biggs Chapter of HOG annual event. This year Maggie and crew outdid themselves again in so many ways, and showed the example of scripture where Jesus says it is more blessed to give than receive. Rather than the old stand by of burgers and tube steak-hot dogs to you rookies, they had tri-tip, seasoned to perfection. 200 pounds of it for 400 hungry bikers, do the math. Just like God's portions, they were bigger than expected. I watched as the server next to me put on 5-6 slices. Then I gave them a big spoonful of both potato salad and cole slaw. As I then watched them have to hold the plate with both hands, it was beans, a roll, and a drink. And NO one went away hungry. Perhaps one rider said it best-"I was expecting a hamburger, you guys gave me a feast!"

And we all had a real good time! An example set by Jesus at His first public miracle. The wedding was winding down and they were out of wine. At that point He turned water into wine-the best they had ever tasted! Wine representing joy, He saved the best for them at the end. And they left with more joy than they had entered with. A point we should remember. The joy of the Lord! More than wine, tri-tip, and all the fixings-Jesus is that joy. And we can share in it everyday-not just at the end of it! And His joy is never ending. Sadly, no matter how much we eat, we will hunger again. The joy Jesus gives goes on forever. Into heaven!

So next time you are hungry, look for a place filled with motorcycles. Stop in and eat with a better class of people. Sit and enjoy more than enough food, and probably done well. Say hi in response when someone says hi to you. We forgive you for not riding, but you are still welcome to eat with us.

And if that church has motorcycles parked out front, stop in. For like the gospel, we have a simple message. For eating to ride also means being fed at church-spiritually. Then we ride to feed others, showing the love of Jesus. And we have learned to show it by our actions, rather than our words. After all, it is rude to talk with your mouth full. But you can share the gospel of love no matter what.

Just leave room for dessert-for like Jesus, no matter how good the meal, the best is yet to come.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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her heart, her home, and her wallet

The legend began during the 4th of July weekend in 1947. I say legend, because due to so many false reports, the "posed" picture for the cover of Life magazine , the movie the Wild One, and so many other stories told, the truth is in there somewhere, but that's a story for another time. What I am referring to is Hollister, California, and the weekend that bikers supposedly took over the town. But for me it started in 1997, when the city decided to hold a rally, the Hollister Independence Day Motorcycle Rally, to celebrate what they refer to as the "birthplace of the American Biker." And for ten years, before the politicians finally won out, this is where you would find me, and up to 120,000 other bikers. Celebrating our freedom, both on two wheels and that of our great US of A.

Imagine if you can, San Benito St. closed for five blocks, and lined four wide with motorcycles. And for two blocks on each side the same thing. Just enough space to cruise both ways, then turn around and do it again. Food courts, live bands, vendors, and lots of police. So many that in fact the one year it was referred to as the police rally in Hollister. No freedom mentioned. No celebration either. But as much as Hollister is about bikes and bikers, and those who dropped their kickstands at Johnny's, those who partied at Bolado Park, or hung out at Corbin's, it was about the people. Bikers, wanna-bes, posers, townspeople, and anyone who was there. And we all had a real good time! Incredible memories, crime was virtually non-existent, we were all welcome, and it made money-so much that they used to give it away to charities.

Then somehow the accounting system got changed, and it lost money. And whereas it was the safest town in California for the weekend, it became dangerous-although no reports were ever given. And when the rumor began we may lose our rally, a lot of us got upset. When in line at the Methodist Church all you can eat breakfast, it was priced reasonable, and they learned quickly how much ALL you can eat to a biker really meant. ALL means ALL! So while standing in line one year, I was talking about how sad the politics were, a server said "talk to the mayor, he's right behind you." And so the mayor and I had breakfast together that morning. He is a biker, was pro-rally, but certain forces above his political control were out to cancel the rally. No reason given, but too many bikers on any weekend can be too many. No one asked the storekeepers, who loved the business. No one asked the cops who got paid triple time. Mr. Sherriff, where was all the crime you told us about? And no one asked the bikers. I guess we were not politically correct enough-a compliment I'll take any day. And so Hollister went into the history books, quietly and without a battle. Unlike the legend that started it all. As bikers we won't stay where we aren't wanted, so we took us, our friends, and our money elsewhere. Loving the town, but not its politics-or its politicians. Only the mayor was with us still.

A key component among the biker community is respect. We may not agree with your viewpoint, but respect us and we will respect you. And the churches, two in particular were there showing respect, and love to the bikers. Like the Bible advises them to do. The Methodist church had the awesome breakfast, and also let CMA have services there. But Hollister Christian Fellowship is one that stood out. For a few years, they opened their doors to bikers, and let Pastor Fred hold services there. Right at the entrance to Corbin's, we sang, worshipped, and shared Jesus. To all who came by, and the memories are precious. Reaching out to the community,which just happened to be two wheels that weekend, they showed the same kind of respect that the bikers do, but with the love of Jesus. Outside of the walls of the church, putting the gospel into action. City counsel, aka Pharisees, take note.

But the First Presbyterian Church raised the bar. Not only opening the church to bikers on Sunday, the pastor encouraged the congregation to open their homes and house bikers-Bikers for Christ in particular. And so many did, and were so blessed by their actions. Taking in strangers, and loving on them. Showing respect, without laws or bounds. Grace God calls it. But within the church was a real gem of a lady, whose name escapes me-help me Fred. When all the bikers were housed, she had no one to stay with her. So instead she opened up her home on Saturday afternoon and fed all BFC and friends who came. About 40 of us would show up, and she would feed us roast beef, Mexican food, salads, desserts, and so much home cooking that this all you could eat love feast made the Methodist breakfast pale by comparison. This little lady-in her 70's, showed us more of the love of Jesus by feeding us than many churches did in a year of sermons-she opened her heart, her home, and her wallet, and trusted God. Showing true respect, and we are proud to have her as part of our brotherhood, bikers and Jesus.

Trust God today when the opportunity to minister to someone. Outside of the church building, remembering that we are the church. Show some love and respect to someone short on both. When Jesus addressed the church, He asked them where they were when He was hungry, alone, in jail, sick, thirsty, or naked. They didn't realize He was referring to anyone in need, and missed the point. Don't you. For by neglecting these things He told them He never knew Him, and be gone. Words I would never want anyone in my church to hear.

The best definition of teamwork I ever heard was if it needs to be done, do it. Words for the church to live by. Showing love, respect, compassion, and meeting the needs of others. Without the government, fund raisers, or charging for it. Give, so that others may hear the gospel. And when needed, add words.

I still miss Hollister. But the work of the church goes on. There will always be a biker who is hungry or needs a place to rest. By doing so you just may welcome someone I know into your home. Or it may even be me. Either way, take Jesus with you after the church service. Hollister may just be another name for wherever you are, and whatever the need is. Be the gospel, the witness the world needs. Watch the world rally to you when you show them the love of Jesus.

Your actions of love may be the best sermon anyone ever hears. One that is even heard over the loud pipes. Thanks Hollister for your love and respect over the years. Loud pipes may save lives, only Jesus Christ can save souls. What do your actions say about Him?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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does the B in BMW stand for Buick and does Honda make motorcycles anymore?

40 years ago when I started riding motorcycle touring was much simpler. It still took the three components that it does today-the road, the rider, and the motorcycle, but it seems today that this trinity has become distorted. Somehow it has lost its way, become misunderstood, and redefined, but not necessarily improved. As I recall the guys I rode with, none of us had windshields. But our cars did. Here's a note for you Gold Wing riders, neither did the first Wings! They too were motorcycles at one time. We rode anything from a Mach III, to a CB450, a Honda 750, and my R90S. Size didn't matter-riding did. And we went everywhere, and anywhere, with only time and finances the determining or more precisely the limiting factors. Sadly some things don't ever change. But as I look at today's modern touring bikes, so called sport tourers that weigh 700 pounds, and$25,000+ rides, I think we may have confused motorcycles with cars. Some have crossed over, and not realized it. Your rides are more car like than motorcycle like. Wait a minute, does the B in BMW stand for Buick? Think about it, and be honest. Gold Wingers, you are also included here. As are anyone who rides a motorcycle that weighs over 500 pounds!

Buicks have windshields, floorboards, stereos, cruise control, suspension controls, reverse, trunks, trailer towing packages, cup holders, and even little dolls perched on the back? Sound familiar? Does your ride have armrests, backrests, air vents, and air bags? Can you still throw a leg over your seat, or is the rider's backrest in the way? How many ways does your seat adjust? Does your GPS mount interfere with your cup holders? Is it possible that you are really driving a Buick, and someone told you it was a motorcycle? Do you spend more money on chrome than motels? Are you more interested in the handling while pulling a trailer than scraping pegs? Which scrape far too easily because of all the weight? Does your Honda Civic get better gas mileage, and have all the same amenities?

How far have we really fallen from bungeeing a pack on the back and riding off into the sunset? And how many times has your GPS gotten you lost, whereas before you and your friends would have map stops? And talk over maps, wondering where that twisty line went, and finding a great road, instead of looking at a 3x5 screen-at 60mph? Telling you what the map company thinks is a great road. While wearing your safety course patch? Someone, or something has perverted the holy trinity of touring-we have met the enemy and it is us! By adding more, we have actually ended up with less! Only less time and money to do it stay the same.

The best description of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is from a Keith Green song. "Thank you oh my Father, for giving us your Son, and leaving your Spirit here until the work is done." Simple, too the point, and without unneeded baggage. Very few ever just set out to find God, and if they did ended up in a cult or on drugs-living a lie. It took the Holy Spirit to urge you and tell you that you need Jesus. In a loving and caring way-the Spirit directs, but since He is a gentleman, never forces Himself upon you. He points you to Jesus. Who is the only way to the Father. Not a multiple choice test to confuse you, just a simple yes or no question. He saves you from the world of sin, and then you have access to God, the Father. The Creator, and it is one on one. Personal, intimate, and wonderful. But some denominations have tried to add to it, taking away the simplicity of the gospel, and many who think they are Christians because they joined a church, signed a card, or were baptized as a child have been led astray. Jesus refers to it as religion. And was not a fan of it-in fact they hated Him. They have neglected the urgings of the Spirit, ignored Jesus, and missed the Father. And just like owning a Gold Wing doesn't make you a touring rider, going to church doesn't mean you are saved. You need the rider-you, to get on the bike, and head out on the road. You need to participate. Any one of the three is ok by them self, but only an incomplete equation. It takes the Trinity! No Jesus, you miss God. You need the Trinity! A mystery only revealed to you in the Spirit! By a God who loves you so much He sent His son to die for you.

Tired of reading about all the great places to ride-do it. Tired of riding the same roads-get off the highway. Tired of the same old religion-try Jesus. That urging is proof of the Holy Spirit desiring you to know God. And whether on my 450 pound Bonneville, or your half ton Ultra Glide, they only serve their primary function when ridden.

Lose the weight of religion, shed the pounds of chrome, and go for a simple ride with God. Enjoy leaning in corners you only thought sport bike riders could enjoy. Turn off the radio and listen to life. Do you really need a weather report to tell you its raining? Ditch the windshield, and feel the wind in your face. No communicators, spend time with God. And watch as the religion you have bought into fades away and the reason you started riding in the first place returns-because it was FUN!

And get back to Jesus. True, He rides all types of bikes. But the secret is having Him aboard the one you are on. Jesus, motorcycles, and the road. A trinity few ever explore, but for those who do see God in a whole, new, and refreshing way.

Buicks? We don't need no stinkin' Buicks! Maybe there is a reason we refer to cars as cages. As for me and my house-we ride! Motorcycles! I hope yours does too-with Jesus!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

valet sermons

While touring the River Rouge Plant last summer, we were amazed and impressed by the size and scope of it. At one time it was the largest industrial complex in the world, with raw materials coming in one end, and finished Ford cars rolling out the other-today the build F150's. Amazing that it takes many things, and then builds one thing out of them. Finished products drive out on their own, after having been bought into the factory in boxes, bags, stacked on pallets, and in railroad cars. So many raw materials, that by themselves have no use, but when combined with just the right instructions, have a purpose. We all laughed as they showed us the employee parking lots, the biggest one and more convenient was for Fords only, the farther lot, and I mean way out there was for other brands driven by employees. For parking rights, it paid to drive a Ford. A fact not unnoticed by the bosses, managers, and supervisors. Late again from the hike? Shoulda bought a Ford. Down to the car you drove, they knew all about you, and you were treated accordingly. At least when parking.

Ford tried to have total control over you. You might say that they were trying to keep the world out, and did a pretty fair job of doing it. For awhile, but with the inconvenient parking of other brands, I am sure that many were influenced to buy a Ford. And just like the old Ford ad prophesied, every time they walked the half mile to work, past the employees' Fords, they were reminded "there is a Ford in your future!" Dale Carnegie was half right-they were influencing people, but probably not making friends.

Ford did its best to keep the world out. To run things their way. According to their belief system and rules. The building said Ford right on it-it was theirs, and if you didn't like it, try GM, Chrysler, or American Motors. The door swings both ways...

I used to believe that the world invaded the church. That it had somehow in some type of anti-church crusade laid hold of the people, the rights, their beliefs, and even their pastors, and that this was part of being a Christian-the eternal battle between good and evil. But I was wrong. And too many things remind me of this-one would be plenty, thanks. I get ads all the time like you do. Today an ad got my attention, and really personifies what I believe. The world didn't have to invade the church-they sent out invitations, opened the doors, and welcomed it in. Then quickly shut the door behind it-so it couldn't leave! The ad stated simply "Are you looking for fresh sermons?" Go to sermonsearch.com for today's freshest and best new inspirational sermon ideas! Even comes with a FREE 30 day trial before you subscribe. Valet sermons-someone else does all the work, you just show up for the event. And it doesn't matter where you park, or preach-someone else is doing it for you. You may as well take the bus, or have someone read it for you. Bet we never hear about how it is a personal relationship with Christ, when yours isn't?

Pastors take note-remember when the Holy Spirit guided you? Are you so far from God that you have to buy books, by subscription, written by men, to do what you have the Holy spirit for? The moneychangers are in the church-remember Jesus turning over the tables and chasing them out? Quick-what man knows more or could possibly be a better instructor, teacher, guide, counselor, or savior than Jesus Christ? Yet you lead your flock by following men's ideas? The scripture tells us what is in your heart will come out of your mouth? Does this give us a fair picture of what is in your heart?

Maybe this is a good deal, for after the 30 day trial it is only $21.95 month! How can we as men of God, chosen by Him to lead others, fall into the trap of letting others guide us? Is Jesus out of fresh ideas? Would you sell your soul for $21.95/month? Or would you rather follow Jesus, who paid the price in full, and knows exactly what you need, and not only has the answers, but the way out also. And provides them via mercy and grace! In love-should anyone not have the $21.95! Are you so far from God you need help from the Internet? Proverbs tells us not to listen to gossip because we may not like what we hear? Are you listening? We don't like what we are hearing. The spirit has never stopped speaking!

At least Ford promised a future if a Ford was in it. What is your future for leading little ones-your congregation astray? Something about a millstone around your neck, and a deep ocean...all for only $21.95/month.

Turn to Jesus today. Let Him forgive you and inject life into your messages that no source other than God could supply. Seek Him first, then as everything else is added watch your congregation grow. And you will too! In ways no other book could ever foretell. Jesus is the way. He made it simple enough. It is all about Jesus-anything else is first loser.

Now, about that personalized parking space right in front of the entrance, why don't you park far away, pretend you work for Ford and drive an other, and show some hospitality to your guests? Might even meet some of them as you walk the parking lot to your car? Seems Jesus also was out among the people...but be careful-someone may recognize you.

As always, it is better to seek God. Trust God! Hey, there's a subject for a sermon-and I'll even give the first one free! Now all you have to do is trust Him. And not me.

By the way, they are also advertising for sermon submittals. Wonder what they would think of this one?

love with compassion,

Mike

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