life hazards on the road of life

On every trip you take, no matter the time or the length, their is always one section you wish you didn't have to ride. For a short commute, it may a string of lights that never are in sequence-patented by Escondido by the way, a section where a cop always sits waiting to ticket you at 41 in the 40 zone-fortunately he always has someone pulled over when you go whizzing by at 50 when you forget, or a stretch of highway like US 85 north out of Cheyenne on the way to Sturgis-more cattle than cars, and not many of them either. Maybe it is like going to Mary FNY's house from my parents in Jersey, 54 miles that takes two hours, and two toll bridges, Goethals $8.00 and the Verrazano $13.00! Half price for those wise enough to ride a motorcycle. But it seems that their is always going to be that one section of road, that messes up your mind while anticipating it, stresses you our while on it, and then leaves the residue of the memory of riding it as you ride on.

And when we finally arrive at our destination, we find no joy in the memory of the ride. Our wallet is lighter from tolls, we may have met the lousy revenue enhancer with the words "to protect and serve" on his car, or arrive in the Black Hills, not sure what time it is because of the imaginary line drawn via the railroads to create time zones. And no matter if an hour early, or an hour late, you're still hungry. So it must be lunch time! And on these excursions which lead us to somewhere, we have actually become a prisoner of the road, rather than enjoying the freedom on it.

How far is the next town, we often wonder while wandering on our rides? Good for planning gas and potty stops, or a home made root beer in New England. How about waiting an extra hour trying to figure out the roads in Pittsburgh, and shoot down the alley to Primanti's? Or my reserve light just came on, and the sign says next town 35 miles, 10 miles more than I have ever gone on reserve before? It seems there is always something to try and rob us of the joy of life and riding. Something very subtle, that we can't get out of minds, so go out of our minds. Like the stretch of road in eastern Tennessee, where you can go both east and west on US 70 at the same time. Or why do the roads in Massachusetts have no distance between towns signs? Or why in Texas, where roads are measured in hours till we arrive due to the size of the state, do they remind you every 5 miles of the distance to the next town? Why do Florida welcome stations have free OJ, and on a hot day served in 4oz. cups? Give me 8 please, I have a family in the car-hoping she won't see your helmet. It seems that no matter how we live, love, or travel, their are rules, regulations, signs, or somebody that will mess up the ride. But what do we do when that person is us?

Stay home? But then you have to contend with a wife and kids. Or the dog. Or the various people who notice you're home, and stop by to see why. The same ones who frown at you as your dog sniffs out a spot to go in their foot high weeds in their yard. Or the kids next door pick that day to have all their friends over. Yes, it seems that there is always something there to remind you of how life can interfere with your plans. Remember the song, Alice's Restaurant? And you thought it was made up? The song was more real than Arlo himself.

Such was the plight of Noah. For 120 years God had him build an ark, for his family he didn't have yet, for an event that had never happened before-rain. But he heard the voice of God, and followed it, despite the threats, jokes, graffiti, and all the fun made at his expense. He trusted God, because he knew His voice, and as hard as the times were, he was able to look ahead, knowing God would get him there safely. From what, he wasn't sure, but safe is safe no matter the road, or the detour. And he understood the importance of who you travel with. Even more when he and his family got in the ark and God sealed it up. And had to listen to those who had harassed him begging to be let in. But that only lasted for a short time. The memories lingered longer.

God's plans include you. And if the road you are on is rough, it means you are probably on the right road. Cops to warn, lights to protect us, tolls to break us, and signs to tell us where we are-or where we are going. And we never ride alone, even when we want to, for God never leaves us. Better than a GPS, He is the coordinates. Better than any road sign, He is the shortest distance, or the most scenic ride. He is the view from the top of the Verrazano, or the view from the gorge under the New River Bridge. He is the endless hills in Wyoming, and the Black Hills with gold. And no time zone can hold Him, He is time!

Like a good road is the destination, Jesus Christ is the final destination. And He is here right now! So enjoy the ride with Him. Rough roads, He will take you through, He knows where all the potholes of life are. Bridges-He knows how to get you over the obstacles in your life. The law-He died fulfilling it so you can live in His love, known as mercy and grace. And He has paid the price-in full, no toll booths on the way to heaven. Curves for motorcycles, wide lanes for trucks, and the scenic ways for those who seek Him, and want to enjoy the ride even more.

Trust Him today. Avoid the lousy commute, make the time more valuable with Him. If it takes 15 minutes more, listen to KWVE, and another teaching. Pay the toll for the guy behind you-really make his day. Maybe the Christian sticker on your car will finally mean something to him. And enjoy the ride as never before-without rushing!

This ride is called life, and only ridden in fullness with Jesus. Ask Him along on your next commute, or trip to the east coast. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, and if you really want to mess up someone's ride, smile at them. And mean it. If a biker, say follow me, I know this road. If in a car, let them merge in ahead of you. Pray for those stressed out, and don't be like them. For you don't have to be-the choice is yours!

Would Noah ride? What he would ride is the better question. But we can be sure he would ride with Jesus. Someone he knows, and trusts. Maybe you would trust Him more if you knew Him better? Take a ride to consider that. May be the best ride you ever take! For He rides, not sure what on any given day, but whatever you are on, believe me-He can keep up! Suddenly the ride has a whole new attitude! Enjoy it! With God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

extreme makeover-life edition

I always enjoy seeing someone whom I haven't seen for awhile. And you would think that after living in So Cal for 25 years, that most people I run into would know me from here. I'm not sure if it's too many miles, too many roads, too many churches, or too many addresses, but lately I meet people who know me, but I can't remember them. I used to try to not look stupid, but ended up worse off than I started, so now I just ask, "what do you ride or where do you go to church?" For my peer group and most of my acquaintances are found in both. And when they ride, I get excited. We may have meet at Mick's, or they remember me from being on a Press Bike. It may have been a ride, a Toy run, or even at a shop. But we have motorcycling in common. But what saddens me is when they admit they used to ride. And how it was a passion until they got married. Their new romance said "get rid of the bike," and they did, leaving a void that still has not been replaced. And somehow, I know when we meet again we won't chat, for our relationship has also been robbed. We have nothing in common anymore, and they leave bitter because of what used to be, and what now is.

But when they say we met at church, or a concert, or a rally, I get even more excited. Neat old memories of worshipping God together, and trusting Jesus with our lives. But even sadder is when they admit they haven't been in church in years. Life interfered with God, and between trying to stay married, raising kids, having a career, and making payments, an hour on Sunday just didn't fit in the schedule. So now they sit home, haven't read a Bible in years, and wonder what happened. Where did God go? The answer only found in a similar answer as to why the other friend stopped riding. They abandoned God, and riding-not the other way around. And we usually end the conversation sad, because now I too have also been robbed of a friendship because of their bad decisions. Truly sin is not an isolated event, it touches so many we never think it does. Shame on us, and our lives show it.

But it doesn't have to be that way. They still make motorcycles-faster, better braking, and better handling than ever before. We live in a golden age of motorcycling, name price and a type of bike, sign your name and ride off. Go back to your first love, take a long lunch, maybe swing by the shop on your way home. Convince the wife that the two of you riding will be the perfect thing your marriage needs, and go all the places your friends talk about-together. Have her sit on back, just to try it out, respect her as a passenger, and renew the vows with your first love.

God is still alive and well, and misses you. he never wanted you to leave, and is the only one who can put your life back in order-maybe to have time to ride. Ask a Christian friend what time their church has services, and go. Sunday mornings, and Wednesday, Sunday, and Saturday nights-no excuse not to find an hour on any one of these days. Enjoy a personal revival with Jesus, you can only revive something that was alive once, and enjoy the freedom in the spirit that has been missing in your life, marriage, and your career.

And don't stop there-next time we meet tell me all about your new rides, and how God is now again in your life. How your wife enjoys touring, and her friends are envious of her. Tell me about the new Bible study you are in, and how your kids love going to church, how your marriage is alive again because Jesus is in it again. God never left us or forsakes us, we turn away from Him. But He is always there to welcome us back, not to look back on what we've missed, but to look ahead to where we are going.

I guess the only left to say is, "welcome back my friend, welcome back..."

Whether riding or worshipping, we are so glad you could attend, come along, come along...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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Hey Jude-read the book not the song

I got an e-mail forwarded to me the other day, and I am real good at dumping forwards, but something told me to open this one. It told of how the US of A was sending warships over to the Middle East to defend Israel against the latest threats from Iran. Since I had heard nothing on the news, so I decided to Google it, and many Mid East news reports confirmed it. Wanting to know more, I got on CNN's web site-NO mention of it! Even did a word search for it, nothing even archived! Could this be true, the world's greatest-their own words, news reporting station missed this? So I checked Fox, and guess what-NO mention of it either! Not even archived when searched! Is that fair, or just stupid?

Finally yesterday, I saw a small blurb running across the bottom during a newscast that the Carl Vinson was involved there for training exercises. Almost a full week after the event, finally an acknowledgment! And not even mentioned in the newscast! Hope no one lost their job over that one.

Maybe I should check these forwards more carefully. It seems we have become a society that is based on gossip-what do you think Face book really is, on important news items such as Lindsay Lohan's latest drunk driving escapade, or the adjusting of the unemployment figures. Don't get that one myself, either you are working, or you're not. So we never do get the truth. So much for the fourth estate and integrity. Sanitized for their protection. Never yours.

The book of Jude, the one right before Revelation warns of these liars. Read it. Only one chapter. More there than on any 60 Minutes broadcast. Read 2John too. They tell and warn about false teachers. Check the scriptures, see if God or CNN knows more. And who is telling the truth? Now, who is really fair and balanced?

But certain things are going on that effect everyone. And as Christians we have been given a front row seat via prophecy. We need to pray for Israel, and Netanyahu. And us, too! For scripture warns that anyone who is against Israel is God's enemy, and anyone who is her friend is His friend. What part of that don't we get? Yet as we see all nations in the world turn against this New Jersey sized country, we show little or no interest. And we need to, for all the final battles are here, and many today too, and so it should be our focus. Our future is Israel based. Does it make sense to remain their friend? Do friends treat friends like the White House treat Netanyahu?

These are the last days, and we should focus more on God than ever. A change is coming, a rebirth, note the Bible never tells us the world will end, it describes birth pangs. And that part of these events will be a removal by God of all Christians, the rapture, then the tribulation. If you are a non-believer, and think it is tough with us here, you do not want to be here after we are gone. Hollywood will not even come close with all the FX available. Satan is in charge then, he hates God, so what do you think he thinks of you? Satan, aka Lucifer was once the music of heaven-his body was all the instruments. But he wanted to be praised like God, and he and 1/3 of the angels were thrown from heaven. He is still Prince of the Airwaves, maybe that explains pornography, decadent music, and the lack of truth in the media. He is his own propaganda department, and controls the air! Yes, talk radio, too. Spreading lies about God, making fun of Jesus, and trying to belittle Christians every chance he gets. Tim Tebow is just his latest target. Do you want to make the news? Take a stand for Jesus! But God is still in control! So do not fear!

Only God can snatch victory from defeat's claws. Not the other way around. And His will goes far deeper than any news company, government, or individual's. He is love, and when we turn to Him can experience joy and peace far beyond anything understandable. So why try to understand, when the peace you seek is freely available? How about trusting God, and letting Him be God? So He can make you a better you?

Deep in the archives the media already has reports ready to release after the rapture occurs. UFO's, atomic war, plagues, the GOP, and who knows what else will be given as an excuse. And the world will be thrilled as anti-Christ takes over to free them from the bondage that Christians put the world under. A liar until the end. So you see, the media knows what goes on, it is their choice to report it or not. To slant it or not. To be fair and balanced or not. How many times must you lie before you are known as one? Only in Jesus will you get truth-the truth!

Sincerity only counts if you believe the truth. Sincerely following a lie ends in disaster. So ask God today how to pray. Much work is left, and few workers. Which means more blessings for those who do work! The season is here, the signs are there, but where are you? Be a newsmaker, and go in the rapture-this is one event you never want to read about after it has happened. And pray for Israel, and Netanyahu. Contrary to what the Godfather says, "keep your enemies close, but God closer." And His family of believers. And rest in the comfort that He will never leave you or forsake you...no matter what the news says!

Only the gospel is good news...let's report that more and see what a difference it makes!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

shopping for a motorcycle with Jesus

The purpose of an advertisement is to get you excited about the product, then into the showroom, where a trained salesman can show you how you can't live without it, and help you figure out what you can live without while making the payments. So in 1983, when Honda shocked the riding world with a V-4 motor, and put it in a race type package, called a VFR750, we were impressed. And even more so when my friend Don bought one. When he got the call from Gary at Handlebar Cycle it had come in, we finished our routes early and went down. Mike in service was just taking it out of the crate, and was actually using a torque wrench during assembly. Now we had heard of torque wrenches, and had seen them used as hammers, and pry bars-but to actually use one to assemble a bike, this must be one awesome machine! And it was, and Don even made a trip to So Cal from Durango with me.

But remembering how the early eighties were a golden era, the market for performance no longer fell to a small 750, it took 1000cc to buy in. And so Honda came out with a VFR1000! 117 horsepower! My wife's Mazda only had 82! I had to have one, and soon was trying to figure out to influence my banker how to lend me the money, my wife to see the need-read lust, and how my kids just may never go to college-Dad had to ride! But as much as the ads told me it was the ultimate bike to have-it even had a blue seat, which suddenly made all other seats seem dull, the magazines panned it. 117hp, was only 95. It was heavy, hot, fast but ill handling, and almost $2000 more than the 750. And they sat for years on dealership floors-Gary as late as 1987 trying to sell me his new 1984. And I had lost all interest in it-an early lesson on real life, and lust. When the advertising is the products major strength-stay away. The ads were great, the product in no way would deliver. And I cannot ever remember seeing one except in showrooms-not one on the road. Where as limited views produce limited lives, here an excellent advertising campaign produced a huge view, I was only saved from it by God. Always remember, all lies are based on truth. Even when it comes to motorcycles. Save the stories for bench racing.

When I first got saved a popular story was of a young Mexican man-I lived in Albuquerque, and how a faith teacher taught all he had to do was name it, claim it, and God would provide it. Being a huge Cadillac fan, he asked for one, even knew all the options he wanted, and sat home for a week waiting for the car to magically appear in his driveway. When it came time for church on Sunday, and no car, he never went back. Partially pride mixed with disappointment, he was embarrassed and figured God was a liar-based on the teacher's lie. Trusting man, but doubting God left him alone and at odds with God. Never a good place to be. Still not sure if God is a GM man or not.

I tell people if I have a house fire, hand me an extinguisher, not a checkbook. Meet the need! And when we had a fire, did exactly that. God provided the extinguisher-no check or money would have put out the fire. I had a definite need, and God provided, thankfully. And I wonder, do we live in a VFR1000 world, wanting to believe all the sizzle the ad promises, do we give up on God when the Cadillac of our prayers never shows up in my driveway, or am I thankful when God meets my needs and puts out the fire? Thankful wins in my book. Today we have no idea what will come next. I think in a 1000cc existence, but have learned to live in a 750cc world. Where God provides, Jesus saves, and we obey. God watches out for those who are his and obey, He also watches out for those who don't! Imagine if you would the outcome of a new VFR1000 in my garage. No money to ride it, strained banking relationships, strained marriage, and Christopher no college. Just so I could ride...

Ask Jesus to help you today. Let the spirit guide you. Two years later I got my 1000cc ride, an FJ1100, a year old leftover, at dealer cost, and put over 75,000 miles on it-6600 in the first week! A much better bike, at much less money. Waiting on God has its rewards. God not only rides, but can read ads and negotiate a better deal than you ever can.

If your god's major attribute is found in its advertising, try truth. The truth, found only in Jesus Christ. Whether on two wheels, or four, He is looking out for us. An extinguisher when we need it, and a motorcycle to feed the passion He gave us. Still dreaming? Still lusting when you could be out riding? Trust God! Motorcycles may come and go-only Jesus will last forever.

Hey, did you see the new ad for the Kawahonaha-Triguzzi? 250 horsepower, and only $39,995! Let's see, if I sell everything I own, live with relatives, and get 10 year financing...I still can't afford groceries and gas for it! Only in God, does a no protect us, and lead us to a much better yes later on!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

why old bikers limp... and you don't have to

It has been said that to finish first, you must first finish. But little is said about starting, something we all have in common, particularly when compared to finishing. Take getting your bike started, for instance. Each day there is one less member of an entire generation of motorcyclists who limp due to kick starting. An entire generation of Brit bike ridiers who had engrained in them how to start their T120, TR6, or 441. How we all remember the procedure-turn on gas, push down ticklers until fuel soaks shoe and socks, pull in clutch and kick through to release clutch, then find TDC and kick away. And a fine tuned biker and bike would usually start on the second try, or start walking to work. Hobble actually, as part of the starting procedure was the kick starter coming back and slamming against your ankle, and at best leaving it bruised, with even some breaking due to ignorance. It took a real man, who would rather limp than drive a car, to start old bikes.

But with the Japanese invasion of motorcycles in the late sixties, all you did was push a button. After turning on the choke, your bike started, and off you went. Smiling, maybe that was why you met the nicest people on a Honda-no bad ankles. The only sacrifice was the endless stream of cussing from when the bike kicked you back. But being human, we soon found other reasons to express ourselves in the seven words you can't say on the radio.

But it was the kick starter, that lever that rested next to your right ankle when not in use, and threatened to render your ankles purple that gave way to a button-and living better through electricity. Perhaps the most important breakthrough, and the most overlooked invention ever in motorcycling. Allowing many to start riding, and continue riding long after their kick starting skills were gone. And a generation who was raised on it disappearing, hobbling off into the sunset of eternity, never having known the power of pushing a button.

Or of owning a pair of boots that didn't smell of hi-test.

Maybe the reason we don't like the beginning is because it takes so much effort. Starting a new job, going on a first date, and trusting God when getting into ministry. If only we could come along somewhere in the middle, and forego all the start up problems, we would be a lot better off. I would not want to start the ministry God has given me over today. But yet everyday I am faced with new challenges-new starting points. And when I look back over the past four years, what started with visiting a little girl in the LA Children's Hospital, has flourished into a daily devotional, read on six continents, translated into Russian, and a prisoner and patient ministry. Impatient sometimes if you ask me. You can throw in all the rest for fun. I don't mind the growth, please God, I don't want to have to start over.

But yet we find even God started in the beginning. In the beginning, out of nothing, a triune God created the heavens and the earth. A one time effort, without benefit of errors or kick starting. He was smarter than us, being God, and just spoke it all into existence. Even better than an electric starter-only God would know the best way! I wish I could adapt that to my Bonneville. So while explaining what came first, the chicken or the egg, to a man working at my house, he found joy in knowing it was the chicken. A self proclaimed science buff, it put God in perspective in his life. And hopefully has started him on a relationship with God, because of Jesus. This is his beginning. This is his start of knowing God-not just all about Him, but knowing Him personally. Much different.

So when faced with questions you cannot answer, turn to God. And just this once, let yourself be a kid again. Or still, in my case. Use the old stand-by excuse that kids in all countries have used for hundreds of years. When questioned about creation, just say "He did it!" Just like you would blame your little brother, lay the blame on God. He did it, and still does today. New beginnings for all who just meet Him, and continued joy for those of us old timers. Trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you into all knowledge, and peace. Think of it as a kick starter-with no kick back. No purple ankles, forget about the limp. Even forego the electric start, takes too long. Just open up to God today, and ask Him into your heart. Happens that quick.

That's the gospel-so easy even an old biker could use it. Or a housewife, student, prisoner, or doctor. Which leaves more time for riding. Hey honey, where did I leave the keys to the Bonne? Seems there will always be something...

Jesus Christ, the key to life. Why not start with Him today!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

hey man, unless you're passing, get out of the fast lane

Fakes, shams, charlatans, wanna-bes, and pretenders. We all know them, those who pretend to be something that they aren't, trying to achieve a status so as to be accepted. In the biking community we call them posers. And to those of us who really are, they are easily spotted. Which is where the saying $20,000 and 20 miles don't make you a biker comes from. It shows. You just can't see it because you don't know what to look for. And the world of the biking community is filled with them. Where have all the custom, chopper buyers gone? I've never been a chopper fan, just don't get the look, although I do like bobbers. And I never found pleasure in riding something that was uncomfortable, took four lanes to turn around in, and was vastly overpriced. And it seems all these $50,000 plus social expressions are now for sale-cheap. Get one while you can, before they're gone-and a new group of posers show up.

I find the same thing in sport bike riders, go up any popular hangout on Sunday morning, and you can tell the ones who ride, vs. those who are pretty boys. One look at the sides of the tread on their tires tells you if they ride fast or not. If the sides are worn more than the middle, they are the real thing. New leathers don't make you Kenny Roberts. Or a new Yamaha either. It seems everyone who rides is looking for an individuality by belonging to a certain group. To me, the true outlaws, outside of the 1%'ers, are the ones who ride because they love too. An intensity that shows past their worn leathers and standard ride. Who have done things to their bikes to make them individual, the custom word would never be used here. Guys and girls who ride because they have the spirit of the open road in them, and can't describe the freedom in riding, because they don't understand it. It goes much deeper than words, but take one ride with them and you get it. For some things are only lessened when trying to use words. The ones who know don't try to explain-it's that personal. It is called passion.

Being out and about in the biker community I spend time with people who ride. Talking with two guys on custom bikes-they were young guys who had put together their bikes from parts from others-function before form, but knew the canyons in Malibu, and their tires proved it, they rode no matter what their ride looked like. And it takes all types, some who are in the way, and some who you wish would get out of your way. We know who you are. If you don't know, ask us-we'll set you straight. And we all ride at different levels, with different people, at different speeds, on different roads. But we all ride, the difference is in our hearts.

Not much different than people who go to church, and even call themselves Christians. I was told recently that I was intense about Jesus. At first I wasn't sure what that meant, but Theresa explained to me it was a compliment. For what was seen as intense, is really a passion. A passion for Jesus Christ. A passion that as I get closer to Him, cannot help but show in all aspects of my life. A passion that cannot help but come out of me, because it is me! So I ask you, if you call yourself a Christian, are you ever accused of it? Is it your words or your actions that might get you accused? Is it a vest, a membership in a club, knowing a pastor, attending a church, or knowing someone who does all the above? Guilty by association, but never present. Do you quote Oprah more than Paul? Are you known in the Christian community by your attendance or by your fruit? Stop and self examine yourself, an exhortation from the Apostle Paul. If your list consists of a Bible cover, membership card, bumper sticker and a choir robe-go to the back of the line. Reread what it takes from the pretty Bible inside of the plastic cover. For many have gone out from the church, who have the appearance of Christians, but are really posers. They speak the words, know the right songs on K-LOVE, and even carry a Bible. I even had a so-called brother pointed out to me who had put a Daily Bread cover on a cheap novel, trying to impress me. Are you in the word, or is the word in you? Poser!

So to all who truly believe, and live the life for Jesus, I will keep you in prayer. Beware of the wolves in sheep clothing, for they are not of Jesus. And He knows, and a sad ending awaits them if they don't repent. Don't buy into their words, beliefs, or lifestyle. Stay true to God, and trust only Him. No new revelations-or dates of Jesus return. Or those who study it. NEVER exchange what you know for something you don't know. Stay in the spirit! And a note to all who are posers-we can tell! And if we can, do you think you are fooling God? And if you think you can fool God, how stupid are you to follow a God who can be deceived?

Passion-more than an emotion, it is a person called Jesus. From the heart, that shows in your life. So to those who wish to impress others with their knowledge, and lifestyle, who need a shirt, vest, or sticker on their truck to tell us all about Jesus, I offer this request from all of us who are worn out with your posing. Don't brag to us about what a great Christian you are, SHOW US!

Preach the word daily, and when needed use words. The emperor in this community doesn't need new clothes, these old leathers fit just fine. Custom made just for you, by Jesus. Who never goes out of style either. Pretty bike, looks new, must have cost a lot, now you were saying....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the poverty of a rich man

While waiting for the doctor I read an article that told how Phillip Rivers, sometimes winning quarterback for the Chargers makes $15.3 million per year. Fifth highest paid player in the NFL. And at first I will admit I was a bit jealous. The $105 doctor visit bill staring me in the face seemed insurmountable when compared to my income, and thought how nice it would be to have insurance. But after my brief pity party-amazing how you don't always have to go to the party, it will come to you, I thought of all the things he would be missing because of his high income. And suddenly I felt like the richer man, I only wish I could spend the richness I felt at the grocery store!

I remember a rich businessman telling me once how you either had the time or the money-but rarely both. He explained how we would work 50 weeks a year, just to take a two week vacation, which most times would be spent with relatives. Which could make the drudgery of the job seem like a real vacation after a couple of days. How so many make the money, but never have time to spend it. Or have the time, but no resources to enjoy it. And like it says in Ecclesiastes, "the rich man never has enough money and stays up nights worrying about it." How many have that promise of God in their prayer box?

Rich has been described as anyone who makes more than me. And to many I used to be rich. I had a six figure income, a prestigious title, but little time to enjoy it. Ten to five comes early in the morning, and having dinner after six every night leaves little time to yourself when you are in bed by nine! I spent more time at work than I did with my family. And I even realized the extra 3 hours I got on Saturday and Sunday equated an extra nights sleep. But no rest. And yes the money was great, I felt cool cashing my paycheck, but something was missing. An intangible, that appeared more tangible than not.

I used to admire guys who always had money on them when a deal came along. and I now did, and after taking advantage of many deals, had more than I could have desired. But as you acquire more, the dreams get more expensive, and I soon learned value-for it is not what you make, but how you spend it. And I learned that trusting God had more value than the $125,000 credit line I had to go shopping with. Soon my desire for things waned, just before they started owning me. For the things I couldn't buy-time and peace, were so valuable they were free. And given as gifts. Only found in a relationship with God. And how God's economy is far different-read better, than anything the world has to offer.

When a church I used to attend brought in a "Perspectives" series, at about $250 a pop, and discontinued Bible studies, I questioned it. After being told how great it was, I asked if it was better than the gospel. "No," they admitted, "but you get college credits or a certificate at the end." When I reminded them the gospel was free, the conversation ended. Sadly some chose a different perspective than the gospel, and missed the true value of it. When something is so valuable no one could afford it, then it has to be free. And since the gospel is free, its value in inestimable in God's economy, and the only way to see its true value is to make it free-which is how it will make those who accept it.

Which brings us to God. And Phillip, and others like him. And us. You see, tribulation can have its own rewards. If I was never sick, I would never have known Jesus as the great physician. If I had all the wealth, you can take me and ten friends and we will never see $15 million in our lifetimes, then I wouldn't know Jesus as Jehovah Jireh, my provider. If I didn't have to trust God for all my needs, I wouldn't know Him as Lord. But most important, if I hadn't realized my sin, I would never have know Jesus as my savior. In the battle of things seen vs. not seen, we are told the things not seen are eternal. Those are truly the valuables in life, and after.

Now I don't begrudge Phillip the income-he'd be nuts to turn it down. As would we. But sadly he will never see the sides of Jesus that the poor, needy, and trusting in God see every day. For these type of riches come with a curse. A high price tag. And an adjustment of values. Or even loss of values. So pray for him, and those like him. They too need Jesus, for although money can buy a lot of things, it won't get you to heaven. Only Jesus will. Like the doxology says, "praise God from whom all blessings flow..." And I like how Pete Maravich said it, who had both money and fame-but no glory until he met Jesus. "Money will buy a fine dog, but only love will make it wag its tail."

For truly it is easier for a rich man to get through the eye of a needle than to get to heaven. And joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God. And a high salary is no guarantee of a Super Bowl ring. Take the time today to get right with God. May be the best investment you make this year. Like always, His grace is sufficient for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

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