one night stands that last a lifetime

Yvonne was my friend Debbie's little sister. She was a pretty as Debbie, an A student, head cheerleader, and everyone just knew she would have a great life. As a high school senior she had a choice of colleges, but would lean towards UNM so she could still live at home, and be near her church. She was an encouragement to many, until one night she made a bad decision that altered her life. She was too intimate with her boyfriend, and now was pregnant. Turning to her parents for help, she found none, in fact she was told to leave the house. Forced to find a place to live, she quit school, took a job, and found an apartment. Finally graduating, but not with her class. One bad night would change her life forever, and her perfect dream was over. Abandoned by her family, she stuck close to the only one she could trust, Jesus. She had the child, despite her friend's best advice to abort-one night shouldn't ruin her life, and was a single mother. She chose life, the right choice, and chose God-an even better choice.

Marcie was a young junior in high school when she thought she loved a young boy. Looking for love she didn't get at home, a one night fling ended in pregnancy. She was then forbidden to come home-oh the shame of it all to her family, and sought help from the church. A couple there, took her in, and she suddenly had a church full of family. I was head of the youth group at the time, and we always joked "you better not have the baby on Wednesday, that's no excuse for missing church." So when she called me on that Wednesday afternoon, I was not surprised, God has a sense of irony. "Mike, I can't be there, I'm in labor..."she cried, and we prayed. I put the word out to the group, and we all met at the hospital in her room that night. She couldn't come to church, we took church to her. Where we weren't alone, for all the ladies in the church were already there, a church full of new grandmas for Marcie's child, and love filled the room. The youth group all wanted to hold the baby, and had many questions. And would help her along as she needed help being a single mom. What the devil had meant for evil, God worked out for good. Again, and like Yvonne, these two single mom's kept focused on Jesus, when the world told them different. Trusting a God they hoped would help them, when their parents wouldn't.

But don't become bitter to these girl's parents, for they too made bad choices. When they were most needed, they abandoned their daughters, leaving them at the world's mercy. Fortunately both girls knew Jesus, and knew he would never leave them, and He didn't and hasn't. Love still covers a multitude of sin.

We all know the story of the woman caught in adultery, and how the men gathered and wanted to stone her. It was the law, and although it took two, the man was conveniently absent. Which made no difference to the crowd, until Jesus arrived, and things changed. As He knelt down, and wrote in the dirt, theologians debate what was written, for scripture doesn't tell us. But as the crowd left, leaving only the accused woman, Jesus told her to go and sin no more. Love covered her sin, she had come face to face with love-in the person of Jesus. But what of her accusers? Why did they leave?

Just an opinion, but one to consider. Jewish law had a provision in it that if the accused was found innocent of the charge, the accuser would suffer the same punishment. Think what effect that would have on our judicial system today. Maybe when Jesus wrote personal notes in the dirt, others had had time with her, or with another woman. Maybe they fled in fear of being found out, and suffering themselves. Maybe they had just gone along with the crowd, and realized that they wanted no part of the consequences. What if their wives saw their picture in the paper and they were associated with her? How could they explain that? Maybe it was fear of their sin being revealed and the retribution that went with it that made them drop their stones and leave. But whatever the reason, when sin stood in the face of love, it had to flee-it cannot stand in the light. For when it is exposed, it causes us to make a decision, to turn to it in repentance, or run away in fear. Our choice.

We all have made mistakes we wish we hadn't, and some will affect us for a long time. Yvonne and Marcie both made a bad judgment call one night, but made the right one in turning to God. They found the love they needed, and the people who they needed to be there in their church. Jesus showed them mercy, sadly we must screw up to get it. But they now know a side of Jesus that few do, their great redeemer. And their heavenly father who never deserted them, although their earthly fathers did. So turn to Jesus today, put down your stone. For some it is the hidden sin that is revealed, for some more obvious. But your sin will find you out, better to find Jesus before it does.

Go and sin no more-great advice from a man who knew no sin. Who offered forgiveness, mercy, and grace. So put down your stone. Open your hand and heart to Jesus. Who takes us by the hand when we extend it, and holds it in His own. And example we all need to follow. Who looks past our sin, and only wishes to lovingly guide us. "Where are your accusers?" Jesus asked. What is your answer? Where are yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

mattthew25biker.blogspot.com

here's to you Mr. Robinson...

"Plastics, Ben, plastics. Remember them, they are the future," Mr. Robinson reminded young Ben Braddock upon graduation. And although that was over 40 years ago, this Graduate, and his generation had laid the ground work for a disposable generation. Mr. Robinson's generation had fixed things, very few things were thrown away, and only when they were totally unusable. Popular Science in its September 1948 issue lists "14 uses for Old Garden Hoses." Anything from a saw shield, to a pail handle and other common sense approaches are shown. A generation used to preserving and persevering shows why with a garden hose. And I wonder, were they green ahead of their time?

So much is said about being green, they spend millions of dollars advertising it, how many trees did that cost? And this weekend, I was shown the future, when in San Luis Obispo. A college town, and slightly liberal, the county has outlawed plastic bags. This once cost saving and easier than paper bag receptacle is against the law there countywide. Leaving only paper as an alternative, but there is a 10 cent per bag cost, a fee for them. You were warned about fees, first with banks, then with airline add-ons. Seems another cost cutting measure, to all but the end user is here. We chose to carry out our purchases, it wasn't the dime, but the attitude. And when some college clerk tried to explain why, I now know why the next generation is scary-he was full of propaganda, propaganda he was filled with. What would Mr. Robinson say to that, what would Ben say? Here's to you Mr. Robinson, heaven has a place....

Looking back I can now appreciate all the little things my Grandpa used to make or fix, and my Dad too. And I've only shown my kids where to go to replace things, no one repairs anymore, we replace. No more deposit Coke bottles, or 7-Up bottles, they too are recycled. We recycle rather than repair, and soon I see the water bottle, and other plastic recyclables going away. All in the name of green-does this mean the Coke bottle may return? As kids we would look for them, at 2 cents each you could keep yourself in candy for a day if you were industrious enough. But with each new challenge, comes challengers. Think of it as a better mouse trap, maybe that is why we now a stronger breed of rats than ever before. Build it, and they will come. But now they won't leave. Another good idea with ulterior ramifications.

And figure that the greenies will have a better way to do it electrically. Using more coal to burn to make more electricity. Hey Prius owners, did you know that coal is burned to make electricity for your golf cart? You really are driving a coal burner, hmmm? And so things are not always as advertised, big surprise. And get used to fees, to pay for all the progress that has been cancelled, due to free enterprise running amuck. Fees are the new tax, oops can't call it that. Oh well...

The Romans had tax collectors in the time of Jesus. They had to turn in what they collected per the government, keeping whatever they could overcharge as their compensation. For example, Rome says you owe $100, Levi, who became Matthew, and one of the disciples would charge $115, maybe less if he liked you. A discount on being overcharged. Such a deal. Yet Jesus had a simple solution to being a good witness, give unto Caesar the things of Caesar. He will provide, as He always did, and does. And so we should, but do we? Do we cheat on our taxes, as almost all good Americans do? Sure we hate to pay more than we should, but do we need to cheat? Again, God looks on the heart, not the wallet. Did you ever wonder why we pay a waiter a 15% tip, but only tithe 10%? Are we cheating God, or overpaying the waiter? Rules, laws, and more laws...how much for a ten cent bag? Will we see them discounted soon?

God loves a cheerful giver, in fact He calls them hilarious. Laugh out loud, LOL for those of you who can't spell. Give from the heart, out of the wallet. Always hurting for cash, maybe you tithe, reluctantly, but don't give freely. Or give out of abundance, unlike the widow with two mites. Again use Jesus as the example of giving, who gave it all for us. Way beyond what was His right, but His responsibility. Remember that next time you become cheap. Does the waiter give better service than God? Take the hint, you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead.

Our lives need fixing sometimes, check yours for repairs before someone replaces you, or finds you're not needed any longer. Whether in church, or at work, or in your marriage, these things will need fixing. So fix them before they cannot be replaced. Or you find yourself paying a fee for what used to be free. Give generously to God, and meet other people's needs as needed. Teamwork-doing what needs to be done. As Jesus did, and we should. Before you go the way of the plastic bag...back to paper as God intended. Paper or plastic-works for buying too, not just what you bought to take home. Keep your life and relationship ship shape, the treasure of Jesus is too valuable to waste.

So here's to you Mrs. Robinson, and Mr. too. Jesus loves you more than you will know. He is the future, and the right now. How different if Ben had been told Jesus is the future instead of plastics. Jesus Christ, new and never recycled. Free book explains all-the Bible. See your church or a friend for a copy...before they too are against the law. Can't happen, did you ever think the words "paper or plastic" would be old school?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biekr.blogspot.com

things are different in a car

As I sit here this drizzly, cold morning, I have no problem shielding myself from the sun. It's out, but taken refuge behind cloud cover. And the ground is wet, I note that my neighbors are wearing jackets when leaving the house, this is not a normal So Cal morning. And due to the rain, and an overwhelming sense of common, we have decided to take our weekend getaway in the car instead of on the Tiger. A whole different mindset, way of packing, and an unusual travel attitude for us. Usually we are packed, light and smart, we even taught on packing a motorcycle for a trip before, and I marvel at all the things we think we need since we will be taking the car. things I know we won't use, and wouldn't take on the bike, but somehow feel needed in the car, or maybe it is just because we have a trunk we think we need to fill it. At least if the sun does come out, we can put the top down, not the same as on a motorcycle. But open air touring all the same. Or so some non-rider told me.

It is a novelty for us to travel by car, just the opposite of most who ride. We are confronted with decisions like what do we listen to on the radio. Two people, two opinions, two choices of music. We get to talk with each other, and miss the great conversations we don't have while riding. Simple pointing, hand gestures, or a poke in the rib that would alert each other to things seen will be absent. Even my speed control, Theresa squeezing me when I go too fast is gone, the Mustang has cruise. We will take longer, traffic becomes a problem, I still can't lane split with the car, and the weather just doesn't matter. Cold and rain-I'm safe inside. Hot, turn on the air. No helmet head, and I still instinctively wave to other guys riding when in the car, some habits die hard, some never do. We will still visit some motorcycle shops, and the welcome will be different, not where you're riding to, but just a hello. A stranger instead of a fellow rider.

The fiscal impact on the trip will be considerable, as the Tiger gets 45mpg, the Mustang 20. Do the math at $4/gallon. Also in a car when we visit antique stores, we buy more since we have a way to get it home, I guess the good side is the shipping charges we save. Parking is different, whereas many places we park for free, we now have to pay, and park farther from our destination. We will stop at convenience stores for a Big Gulp instead of a drive-in and visit-we can drink in the car while driving. Real motorcycles don't have cup holders. And the list goes on and on, not complaining, but knowing today's trip will be different. I have to admit it, I am spoiled and blessed by riding, which brings up the question of you guys in cars, I don't know how you do it? The why is still your problem.

Riding gives us a freedom of the road that few know about, if you don't ride you don't get it. Instead of watching the weather, you fall asleep, it doesn't matter in the car. Is it cold or hot, in the wind you know, in a car I touch the window glass to tell. On a bike we look at the skies and anticipate the conditions ahead, in a car we anticipate being back on the bike, looking ahead to that. We miss the true freedom of the road, but yet we are still a road traveler. Freedom is like that to a Christian also. We have this great freedom in Christ to be who we are, and we are free from rules. I really mean religion, and denominations who fill us with laws, rules, and ways to live. Jesus gave us one commandment, and if we follow it, great things happen. We enjoy the true freedom of the spirit in Him, not in religion. Rules cost us more than freedom, they bind us and we are bound to follow them or risk embarrassment, correction, or ex-communication from the denomination. I have found the more rules, the more rules there are to break, increasing my chances to sin. I don't need any help there. And I find many times that when you have morals, you don't need the rules. Live for Christ, and you follow Him via the Spirit, not a code or canon. Jesus came to fulfill the law, and also to rescue us from it. Where the law pointed out our sin, Jesus offers redemption from sin. He forgives, and we go on. So to me, a car can be like religion, bound by the surroundings, and that is why we refer to them as cages. But a motorcycle reminds me of Jesus and the freedom He offers. All five senses are heightened when riding-you smell the air, feel the coolness in it, hear the music from your exhaust, see things clearly, not from behind a windshield, and taste the things around you. And so I ask again, you guys in cars, how do you do it?

I wish more people would ride, but there is not enough cool to go around-and while riding may not make everyone cool, it brings it out of most of us. But I really wish more people would call upon Jesus as their savior. And for those who have, call Him master, and Lord-follow Him on the great roads He has laid out, and the trips ahead for you. Enjoy the freedom that only Christians know, and live life knowing that wherever the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Freedom. All because you made the right choice to follow Jesus.

I don't make many road trips in cars, this will be a novelty for us. But already I know that once the weather clears, I will wish to be on a bike again. You can dress for cold, dress for rain, and dress for hot. In a car, you just roll up the windows. Religion is like that-life behind closed doors and windows-looking out, just waiting for the sun to appear-when the Son already has. Enjoy life to the fullest, bask in the freedom only Jesus can offer, and ride more.

God knows about travel, and about the ways to do it. Acts 1:14 He tells us they continued in one Accord. But Psalm 92:4 tells us we will Triumph in the works of His hands. Tell that one to your non-riding friends. Scripture tells us we will Triumph...also on a Harley, Honda, Suzuki...et. al. You others go through life like a car pool in an Accord. And you wonder why we really ride? You guys in cars, how do you do it? The real irony is Honda started out making motorcycles. Where you used to meet the nicest people. And ended up in cars. Try Jesus for your next ride...end up in the freedom of the Lord!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

carrying a concealed weapon

The word from my sister this morning is that Jersey is surreal. After having no power after Hurricane Sandy for over a week, they have five inches of snow this morning. Sadly what is surreal is very real. And for those of us just watching on TV, in the warmth of our homes, we mutter how sad, then change the channel. Add in temps in the 20-30's, this ain't fun. And when adding the scope of it, is almost unbelievable. Sadly it must be seen to be believed, and then the pictures don't tell the whole story. Keep these people in prayer, this is going to take a while.

Marie Antoinette has been famously quoted as saying "let them eat cake," after hearing the people had no bread. She didn't know they had no bread because of poverty, and had no cake for dessert, she was so far removed from society. And we are not much better, as some of the advice I hear bantered about is stupid at best, cruel at worst. I think of those warm hearted who while bundled up warm, pass by those who are cold. "Get a job, take care of yourself," they think, not knowing the situation they are in, and really not caring. And after watching the news for the past week, I find my heart is back in Joplin.

When the tornado hit Joplin last year, Andrew and I went back to volunteer. We had no idea what to do, but had contacted a church, who welcomed us, but was way overwhelmed. No one teaches you how to deal with disasters like this, they just tried to do too much. We found that the organizations trained and experienced in this were the best equipped, best organized, and most successful. So just background if you wish to help-

Although it sounds righteous to just dig in, you are dealing with wounded people, on their property, so get the ok first. In this age of litigation, either party could be sued if you got hurt. Plus, would you want just anyone going through your stuff, some personal? One day we split off from Operation Blessing, and cruised what was left of a neighborhood. We asked a group if we could help, and they wanted us. Our actions with a shovel and rake showed more love than this church had, they meant well, but got bogged down in legalism, and religious dogma. Remember that the best definition of teamwork is "if it needs to be done, do it," and so many did. Where do we start? Whatever is in front of you! A shovel or rake can be faith in action.

Another thing was we unloaded a 45' trailer of various food and survival items from a church. Much could not be used. Best advice, give money to Samaritan's Purse, Operation Blessing, or the Red Cross, they have the infrastructure to get 'er done. A few cases of water were nice, but trailer loads by the pallet were needed-every day! Many small gifts of items became more work as they had to be sorted, and much of it not used. Things spoil in the heat, and cannot be cooked or warmed with no power. I also met some who were there to preach the word, but with little or no success. Representing churches, or denominations, they found a very small audience, proving what Jesus said, "if hungry feed them, if thirsty, give them drink." We found just being there, and helping was a much better way to spread the gospel. We listened, they spoke. God knew the whole time. Our concealed weapon was love, shown when needed, not used to threaten or influence.

It has been said that you are either in the way, or in "the way," God's will. Sometimes it is better to keep your Bible in your pocket, but put your love out for show. The tell comes later. One family stands out, as they were not part of the OB list of properties to help. When we showed up, they had been away, and were not contacted. As I went over to visit, they all had stories to tell. I was shown the 2x4's that came through the walls. The empty space where a bedroom wall had been. A hole in the roof where an industrial electrical part had come through the roof, from miles away. I watched, as they went through stuff, papers and photos all over their yard, and listened more. When I finally asked if I could help, they were thankful, and when I asked if I could pray first, they broke out in tears. I quoted no scripture, but the husband rounded up his family, excitedly. "This guy from California is going to pray with us!" And I did, and then helped a little more. Then left, knowing what I had done was what God wanted me to do. Tears, hugs, and love-based on Jesus, a weapon so easily concealed, but readily available. Found in the handle of a shovel. I still pray for them, and will never forget that house on Chris Lane. They needed two ears as well as two arms that day, I hope I was able to provide both.

So to those who wish to help in the aftermath of Sandy, pray first. Then pray some more. These are people's lives, homes, and memories you are dealing with. Listen, then respond. Become a first responder in love. Ask what you can do, then do it. The little things are the most important, and the healing of the heart and emotions go well beyond any psychiatric help. It takes love, it takes Jesus. Keep your concealed weapon ready, and watch as God meets the need. True ministry meets the needs of others via Jesus Christ. Evangelism is not inviting someone to church, but introducing them to a savior. A provider, physician, and friend in time of need. So...as you go, preach the gospel daily. And when needed, use words. Give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, and shelter to the lonely. Get out and visit...Jesus taught in the temple, yet ministered on the street. A lesson to keep in mind next time you feel the need to go out witnessing. Let your life be the witness of Jesus in your life, add words when needed. A hug can go farther to show you care than any memory verse. Take out your concealed weapon today, and show His love. Don't let it take a disaster to see God's love in action. Except for the grace of God go I.. or you!

And little did we know a year later my son would be seriously hurt in a MX crash, or that I would have open heart surgery. Today is a great day to turn to God, and then show His love to others.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

road tests, politics, and religion

It was with great interest I read the road test between the 1998 Sportster XL1200 and the Thunderbird Sport. I had just purchased the T Bird, and was thrilled when it beat the Sporty in every category. It was faster, quicker, much better brakes, weighed almost 100 pounds less, was more comfortable, and won the comparisons hands down. Yet the closing line in the article picked the Sportster as the much better bike, bragging about how since its inception in 1957-it was created to combat Triumph, even shifted on the right, so many parts were still interchangeable with the new bike 40 years later. Win the comparison, lose in the article. The next Saturday I was at Orange County Triumph, and Wayne was all over this guy. Seems this guy wrote the article for this leading trade magazine, and it brought people out of the service area to listen. When Wayne finally had him pinned down on the results, he admitted, "that is not the article I wrote. It is the article I was told to write." Harley Davidson advertises much more than Triumph, and threatened to pull their ads. All the writer did was lose his integrity, and any Triumph friends along the way, not because they are anti-Harley, just anti-lying. As are other brands, HD included. All for a buck...

A few years ago Honda started billing these same magazines if they wrecked a bike. When one totaled a new model, Honda sent them a bill. When they refused to pay it, claiming "you own it, we just tested it," Honda withdrew all advertising for almost a year. Putting the magazine on the brink of insolvency-such is the power of advertising. And recently when a WEB based magazine totaled a new Speed Triple R, wrote a scathing article about it. After Triumph sent them a bill. But offered to rewrite an article in a future addition if they gave them another. No one reads them anyway, I don't even remember their name. Pay the bill, and learn to ride. Money talks...integrity walks.

After standing back and watching this past presidential election, I see integrity doesn't count like it used to, or as it should. All who were paid off via bailouts, various rescues, and other political gifts, came through for their benefactors. Many voted with their wallets, filled with entitlement cash, and now the excuses run rampant this morning. Losers have excuses-we have another four years. Or maybe not...

To those of you who cannot understand politics, let me remind you it is man based, not God based. When some ask, "why hasn't God intervened?" they act as if He is not in control. Like He missed out on the election. Yet He knows exactly, and what seems harsh to some must happen for all-for it is part of His plan in the Last Days. A Biblical prophecy that doesn't mention the US of A. Who does mention an Israel with no friends. Who tells us that Jesus is the King of Kings, forever, and no matter how liars tell lies against Him, being the truth, He sets us free. Yet so many worry of the politics, stupidly, when it is always better to trust God.

And the stupidity found in road test articles, and politics is alive and well in religion, but not in Christianity. The relationship with Jesus. So don't confuse Jesus with religion. He came to set us free from it, and man's desires. An old story goes of two men meeting, and finding out they are of the same denomination. Southern or northern? Both northern. Liberal or conservative. Both liberal. Pay your tithes? Both do. Belong to the membership role. Yup, both do. How about Baptism styles and communion? They both split-going different ways, now enemies, of doctrines not leding to salvation. Religious yes, maybe even a Christian-but walking with Jesus, do you have to ask?

And so it goes on...and will until Jesus returns, taking His church out, and leaving those who don't know Him behind. Still arguing over the truth, but missing out on He who is truth. I have read the article, and heard the reports. I have met Jesus. Have you? Life is more than journalistic integrity, it is about the integrity of God, who loved us so much He sent His only son to die for us, so we could be reunited to Him. God tells us not to impede the gathering of His saints-us. Think about your words and actions today, your advertisement about Jesus. Does it tell the truth, or what you want people to hear? Is it based on religious dogma, or the truth? Four more years compared to eternity, didn't the Israelites have some bad and evil kings along the way? But God...brought them along, just like He will those that follow Him today.

I rode the bikes myself-big difference, that doesn't take a road test to explain. Lying I get, misery I wish I didn't. Find the peace that surpassed it all in Christ. And woe to those who try to edit God's book for their own benefit. Road tests, politics, and religion. The truth is out there somewhere, only found in Jesus Christ. Truth wins out, will you ?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it's all over but for the voting

It is hard to believe, but Election Day is finally here. After months-way too many of rumors, lies, innuendoes, promises, attacks, accusations, and downright dirty politics, today we get to vote. And despite the fact that the liberal stations all say one thing, and conservatives say another, we know that the truth is out there. And despite what the polls have told us, and the political pundits have espoused, and the experts have predicted, we still have to vote. So get out and do it-it may be one of the last rights we still have left.

It may be my own pet peeve, but am I the only one sick of political ads? I can tell you what kind of loser, liar, miserable, low life human being their opponent is, but what do they believe? What have they done, and what will they do if elected? And for the incumbent, if your plans are so good, why aren't they in place now? Does anyone run on their record, or do they just hope that the other guy is worse? Do we vote for someone because they debate well, or because their wife is a good speaker? What do Letterman, Leno, and MTV have to do with truth? And why can't what happens in Vegas, stay in Vegas-and not go to Washington? Where does all the money come from-billions of dollars spent, what kind of stimulus package could this be for those hungry, out of work, or homeless? Maybe only a few days, but living one day at a time can feel like an eternity.

How about all those do gooders who are Green? And EPA heavy, keeping America beautiful? Why does it take so long to remove the litter of campaign signs after the election? And how many trees died for their campaigns? Does the Sierra Club follow that one? We hear claims the rich should pay more, from the crowd who demands equal rights for all. And racist undertones from the black caucus, when 90+% of blacks voted for a black candidate last election? No wonder racism isn't dead, but just a political tool. Perhaps the one reality we must admit to is that whoever wins, won by majority, so whether he is a jerk or a hero, the people have spoken. Are they the ones who are jerks or heroes?

Lastly I find too many prejudice Christians who would not vote for a Mormon, or a Muslim. We are electing a President, not a pastor. If we have economic woes, we need someone who is a good businessman. If social issues, someone who is adept at handling social issues. And today as we stand more divided as a nation than ever before since the Civil War, we need to be united as a country...we need a leader! We need to remember that we are Americans!

So even though today we vote for a new president, 37 years ago I voted for Jesus, I made him my choice to be my leader. Apolitical, He is for us, not what is good for Him. His campaigning, forgiveness and love. His stand on jobs-if you won't work, you shouldn't eat. Foreign policy, love thy neighbor as yourself. Crime, He's against it. Sin hurts, still does today. Clean air-as Christians we are shepherds of our planet, we shouldn't need rules when we have morals. And as for campaign speeches, He never accused anyone, Satan did. He stands for truth...He is the truth. He delivers on all His promises, and has the most accurate outlook on the future. His call on taxes was easy, if you owe it, pay it. Note it was the tax collectors who were the lowlifes and overcharged. And He lets you choose whether to follow Him or reject Him-telling up front the ramifications or rewards before you make the choice. And His kingdom goes on forever-you don't need to go through all the nonsense every 4 years.

Does anyone ever notice that politicians go one way with the truth, when Jesus is the truth? If we followed Him, would we need politicians? Yet God ordained politicians years ago to govern us, sadly we follow them just like many follow God, whatever is in their best interests. Then change when the situations don't work out the best for them. So vote today, preserve the right to choose our elected officials. But cast your vote for Jesus, or if you have fallen away, welcome back. His campaign needs workers, a great harvest is coming. Be part of the blessings-and then the promise that awaits.

And if you still choose to follow man instead of God, may I recommend the old Chicago political mantra-"Vote early, and vote often!" Today we will elect another president for the next four years-we already have a King forever!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

ps-You do pray for our elected officials as the Bible advises, don't you? Remember to pray for your enemies, too!

of late I dream of Plasticville

If you were a boy growing up in the 50's or 60's trains played an important part in your life. From a small oval you could take down to the intricate display set up in the basement, you could be engineer, conductor, and brakeman all at once. For me Friday evenings spent with my Grandpa in his basement were train filled eves, as we spent time routing all the trains, seeing they got to their next station on time. But part of the realism built into any train set was Plasticville, a staple for any true train man or kid since 1947. These plastic villages that snapped together-no glue needed, helped you bring your hometown to your basement where your were the mayor, town council, and the biggest and richest business owner in town. From setting up a neighborhood, then around the corner the train depot and downtown, to the rich bucolic farmland, it was all within your reach, and your pocketbook. It was a place where a kid could be a man, and a man could be a kid again, all surrounded by O gauge tracks, plaster of Paris mountains, trestles, and Plasticville. It was home, and everyone was welcome...provided they liked trains and it wasn't your little sister. Somehow the appeal of trains hadn't quite bridged the gender gap yet-another trestle yet to be built.

But Plasticville gave your train set a personality. It added life and realism. The Fire Station with the doors that opened, the old train car on railroad ties used as a work station, and the train depot itself added realism. Later as you added the grocery store, power plant, the motel-complete with pool, and various styles of homes, you had a town and a place of your own. Plasticville may have been representative of anyone's hometown, but in your basement it was your hometown. Your rules, your trains, and your imagination-the only limiting factor on how great a town you would build. It was Mayberry with small town values, a bank with no guard needed, a firehouse where no fires occurred, and a motel with new guests every night-welcomed just like the sign said. It was a downtown where the grocery store still made deliveries, parking places with no meters, a town hall where the mayor was always in, and his door was open. A place where it was OK to be a kid, and adults welcomed them. Yes sir and yes mam were correct answers, and may I and can I were expected questions. It was the streetlights at night guiding you home, and the lightning bugs you gathered in jars. It was neighbors being neighborly, strangers being greeted and made welcome, and it was like no other place on earth, it just happened to be in your basement. A place to get off of the train of life, and find rest, peace, and solitude. It was heaven on earth..and of late I dream of Plasticville.

Adam and Eve used to walk with God in the cool of the day. Imagine if you would, just walking with God, animals all at peace, no bad weather, and no set of laws to guide you, just you and God. You could be yourself. A special time Adam must have looked forward to every day, and Eve too. But then they decided to go off on their own-and it all came crashing down. Sin entered their perfect world, by their choice. And although God offers them and us forgiveness through Jesus Christ, the remnants are there to remind us. We see the crime, the broken marriages and homes. We see the empty buildings where once business thrived, and empty stations where trains no longer deliver American made goods made in American factories. Who deposit their paycheck in an American bank, and pay their taxes to a fair American government. We have become consumed by ourselves, and when we hear God offers us rest, think it is a day off to sleep in. But His rest is from within, and affects the outside-not the other way around. He gives our soul rest, our emotions a break, and our bodies time to recover. Freedom from worry, fear, hunger, and life...He gives life to those on life support. His offer is free, but few accept it, although so many ask for it. It takes a recognition that the life I built isn't working. My Plasticville is in pieces, the fire burned down the fire house, and we no longer can set our watches by the train whistle-for it stopped long ago. It has left us frustrated for how things were, could have been, and how we wish they were again. Maybe that is why we long to go back to the garden.

Heaven awaits all who believe. Jesus tells us that if it weren't so He wouldn't have told us. Good advice, which only works if taken. So trust Him today...watch as while the trains in the world never run on time, that yours, like Jesus, is always on time, and is never late. He never hurried, yet was always on time. So take the time now to stop what you are doing, get onto a different route than the express. Don't complain about the many stops it makes, enjoy the Plasticvilles along the way. And when you come to a hill called Calvary, make that your next stop. Enjoy the view, and remember what happened there, it just may be the most important stop you will ever make. And it is OK to go back and take others...their Plasticville may be waiting for them there to be built. Is yours?

I can remember many times my Grandma calling us up for bed, and not answering. I was fast asleep, resting in my Grandpa's arms. Many times I never made the stairs, he would carry me to bed. Let God carry you up those steps today, resting in His arms. Knowing that all is safe and well in His world, and that tomorrow evening you will be back in Plasticville again, playing out your dreams as God sees that all your wishes come true. No glue needed, for like Jesus, He just snaps together and fits perfectly, and His love will hold you together.

All aboard for Plasticville! Next stop...His rest is up to you.

love with compassion,

Mike

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