vacation eyes

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I believe that you should take full advantage of the word vacate which makes up the heart of vacation. Get up, get on, and get out. And so I do, and have, and will continue to do so. Sadly I speak with too many who just stay home, not even resting or taking advantage of time off-it is meant to cause you to rest, not just sleep in late. I'm told, "it's the same everywhere, why would I want to go there?" And maybe they are right. If you're tired, catch up on your sleep at work. But just getting out of town, seeing new things and riding new roads gets me excited. Riding is very restful. And with so much to see, how can you just stay home?

A few years ago with the friends I made on Torches, we set out to find the perfect small town that doesn't have winter. Too many people out there to get you while riding, we prefer back roads with names instead of numbers, and family type restaurants instead of chains. Small towns where the library stays open later than the stores, where everybody knows your name, and knows you, but still likes you anyway. A place to call home, where taxes are low, and so is crime-why is it high taxes and high crime go hand in hand? A place where even as the new kid on the block you feel welcomed, and like you have been there for years. And we looked, for thousands of miles, only to come up empty. Weather always played a big part, you can't beat the roads in Wisconsin, if only it didn't have winter. The Rockies are beautiful and green, there must be a reason why they are and the desert isn't. So we started dropping things from our list of the perfect, and soon found out that where we live just turns out to be the best place. Not our #1 choice, but the best place for us. From Alabama to Oklahoma to Pennsylvania to California, home is where we live and it is the perfect place for us. Go figure....

But a major consideration of moving to the perfect place is us. Any neighborhood I ever moved into changed when I arrived. Motorcycles started showing up, accepted by many, but changing the personality. When I was younger it was late parties-which when I had to get up early I could understand why they weren't welcome. Kids playing in the streets, and more cars parked in driveways, the neighborhoods grow, the town changes, and we forget that we do along with it. And that the small town we want, exists only in our dreams. If I could make a big income there, why would I live in a big city? And weren't all cities small towns once? If it's that good, why don't more people live there? And if this town is so perfect, why would they let me in? Truly, when seen through the eyes of one on vacation, things are different.

How many times have we become disillusioned with the church, and decided to go elsewhere? Looking for that perfect church, which may be there until we show up. Not realizing, or not wanting to realize, that we need to change too. Maybe, just maybe we aren't as perfect as we like others to think. Maybe we are the problem, and the solution. And just like the perfect small town, there is a reason why some churches stay small, and some grow. The real question is do we stay small, or do we want to grow? So on a personal level, are you all you could be in Jesus? Have you matured to the point of perfection? Do the waters spread when you enter them, or is it people just avoiding you? And if you wonder why the church you are in isn't growing, could it be you?

A few years back I asked a pastor how his year was. He told me they had met all their financial goals. And now I see why the same church is in trouble, and people are leaving. It isn't about money, or we all would be millionaires. And programs, policies, trendy meetings, and perspectives don't grow the church. ONLY Jesus does, and we are told that unless God builds the church, we labor in vain. Why do we think of church growth in numbers as opposed to Jesus? Why can't we fellowship where God wants us, not where we only feel comfortable? So when God led us to another church, some at the old church were mad, or hurt. "What did they do wrong? What did we do wrong?" When all we did was obey God, instead of the church.

The reason too many are at odds with God are they confuse God and the church. We are the church, God's people, and we have a less than favorable history. When we fail so often God gets the blame, when really it is us, despite Him. So looking for the perfect church, just like looking for the perfect small town is often in vain. When we should be looking to God. Where the only perfection to ever be found is in Him. So..unhappy at church? Ask God, then act on His answer. You may find that you have to change, that the church is alright except for you. Or you may need to get involved, remember that great harvest with the few workers? Or maybe it's time to change, to go where God leads. In every case, it starts with you and God, and ends with your obedience, and again God.

Those towns are out there. And I still visit them, yet find that San Diego is the perfect small town for me-can't beat the weather. Yet I still keep my eyes open while on vacation. Keep your eyes on God, on things on high, as He says, and let Him lead. Stop, look, and listen-the perfect small town or church you have been looking for may be right where you are the whole time.

But in any case, sitting at home will never get you the chance to make the choice. Seek God, He's out there. The problem is you might be too! So seek perfection in Christ, not man. His way, not ours. You may be the only thing standing between you and perfection. Life can be a vacation-if only you go along.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and all I got was a lousy t-shirt

Deep within each of us is the desire for life, and to live it to its fullest, based upon our desires, then our needs. When things go wrong, some call it bad luck, and for some if there was no bad luck they would have no luck at all. But when things go their way, they call it good luck, and others will claim that it is better to be lucky than good. I guess it's like oats, it depends on which end of the horse you are referring to when you mention them. But sadly these terms seem to lack belief in God, an affront to those who think they are so good they can control this luck they speak of, and don't need Him, or so bad they just ride out one disaster waiting for the next, blaming Him. They practice random acts of kindness, as the bumper stickers proclaim, denying that a loving God could ever be in charge. But would believe in Him more if He like the Genie in the lamp will acquiesce to their demands. A coincidence to them if He would, something else that does not exist. Sadly Satan can duplicate God to a point where you look away from Him. That is no coincidence.

But to those of us who believe, we call them blessings. And they all come from God. No such thing as coincidence, it is called divine intervention. And throughout the Bible they are mentioned, and like Jesus, they are never early, never late, but always on time. And there when needed, thankfully. But oft times we don't even see the need, or forget that God loves to just bless His kids-us. Good gifts, to show His love. And anytime He wants to bless me is just fine with me.

After the many miracles of my open heart surgery this summer, He continued to bless us in small ways. It seems His care never ends. And we always can use more of God, I can. For instance, staticians tell us the odds are very high that any two men in a city of 650,000 would be best friends. When you figure one is a prominent cardiologist, and one owns a motorcycle store, a Triumph store for that matter, it gets more unbelievable. But when one was my cardiologist, and the other my friend, the odds increase when I am included. Unreal? Good luck? How about a miracle, a great blessing, from the God who continues to bless me today?

After surgery I was in a survival mode, and rightfully so. I didn't even think of riding, or of riding again. But getting out in the public, I spent time at PJ's, the Triumph shop, and sat on bikes, and the rehab had begun. He even offered me a bike to ride when I got released, how cool is that! But more was to come, unexpectedly. We decided to drive to Santa Fe, and stopped at the Harley store to get t-shirts for Ken and Ned, who in their Black Sheep HD for Christ vests went to Durango incognito, and trailered my Triumph Tiger back. I was passed by a man I recognized, and it turned out to be John DelValle, who I first worked with selling motorcycles in Albuquerque-in 1976! We talked, he had wondered what ever became of me, and he knew what the pillow was, his wife had had open heart surgery. We caught up on who's who and then he turned us on to a great New Mexican restaurant. After Theresa had met a woman working there, who was in tears over my miracle. Another believing woman who knew this wasn't luck. And we knew meeting John again was no coincidence.

But God wasn't done, as after my five week check up I was released from all restrictions, and would be riding again in two more weeks. More miracles-these things should take up to a year or more. But one more stop at a Harley store and one more blessing, not coincidence was awaiting. I was walking around carrying my heart pillow, when two big biker types were giving me the once over. Walking over to them, I asked, "you are probably wondering just how tough I am to walk around with this pillow? Well let me tell you, I just had open heart surgery 5 weeks ago, and I am a miracle." Giving some details, the tall guy looked in amazement, while the other guy-big and wide, named Bam, turned away. He started to tell me how he was scheduled for some arterial work in six weeks, and was scared. And he had many questions, and right there in the store I shared with him and answered all his questions. We hugged and as we were leaving, about 50' from where we had met I heard, "Hey Mike, God bless you man!" It was Bam. Magical words to my ears, as the blessings, just like rain had fallen on the just and the unjust. A divinely inspired time again, with the blessings that only can come from God.

And I finally got a t-shirt, again a miracle and blessing to me. Stopping in Bobby J's, the Yamaha dealer, Stan who I hadn't seen for over 35 years gave me a free Bobby J's t-shirt. I have always said Albuquerque was a great motorcycle town...

Believe what you will, I know the truth, and it is called Jesus. From getting me to Durango-a miracle, to Life Flight to Albuquerque to unique surgery, to biker and Cardiologists being best friends, to two old friends meeting over 30 years later, to Bam!, to Stan-and all those in between. No such thing as coincidence. Just a loving Father looking out for His kids. Showering them with blessings. Who was not surprised by any of it. Some would call it luck-I prefer Jesus. Nothing random about His love. Let Him shower you with it today. Psalm 1 states "blessed is the man who walks with God..." Funny, it never mentions luck.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

in the final moments of your life

"Thunder on the Mountain

Tread gently on our hills, be aware of where you are. You are welcome here among us. We were quiet once, secluded and alone. These mountains and our checkered fields are not much changed. Their appearance endures in much the same way as it has been for a very long time. Something is different now. It cannot be explained or defined. Our world is shattered and we have been touched even as the entire world has been shaken. From the terrible events of that September morning have emerged Giants who are specially honored here. Strangers to us all, they have become the Heroes of our towns, our people, of our nation and the world. In the final moments of their lives, they demonstrated courage, strength, purpose and commitment. Their message is clear: to be free, completely free, let no one, let no thing take control. We are Captains of our Destiny, Masters of our soul. We can make a difference in our own lives, we can make a difference in the destiny of the world.
These Heroes of Flight 93 have hallowed our land. We honor them and hold in our hearts a special gratitude for what they have done for us all. Their relatives and friends have walked among us, and for awhile we shared their grief. Our lingering grief is the sadness of the Nation and it will make us stronger and more determined to adhere to the principles that have made our Nation great. These are the very principles guiding the Heroic Passengers of Flight 93. Theirs is the Spirit of America, the spirit of human nature to be free.
There is a sanctity here. Be aware of the silence in your heart. Remember what they have done. Treasure the gift they have given, together with so many others who have demonstrated bravery, so many of whom will never be known to us. Honor the sacrifice they have made, and take from here the memories of your life. Honor this land and this place. It is sacred to us now. We see our sky in a different way, we travel our countryside in awe. There are tears in our hearts. We will remember the Thunder that has shaken our mountains. They traveled our sky for a moment, they have touched our land forever.
Tread gently on our hills, Welcome Visitor, tread gently. You are on hallowed ground."
The beautiful words you have just been blessed by were written by my friend, fellow patriot, and unknowing evangelist, Fr. Alphonse Mascherino, aka Fr. Al. They are found on the Flight 93 memorial website, an invitation to all to visit the vision God gave him after 9/11. A humble man, devoting himself to Jesus, who using the vision God has given him has allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to untold thousands over the years. A man with a similar vision of Billy Graham and Greg Laurie, but on a very humble level. Providing an arena for people to come and be blessed, while remembering the miracle of Flight 93.
I first met Fr. Al in 2005 when on Torches Across America I contacted him. He asked, not knowing me, to speak at the services, as many bikers were showing up, and he wanted them to be welcomed and feel welcome. As one of them, would I help to minister? And I became part of the vision, and was able to be blessed, and bless others at the chapel. A place I encourage all to visit. A place described better than I could by the opening paragraphs.
Over the years most of our communication was via e-mail, and staying at the cottage God had also provided via a miracle. Licensed as a bed and breakfast, he obtained it for his friends to stay at while visiting the chapel, and we have stayed many times. No charge, again God would provide, as He did so many times for this man who drew no salary, but truly depended on God for all his needs. A man who trusted God quietly, and was always marveling at the love of Jesus, and the miracles. He had been healed of three individual cancers miraculously, and last year opened the chapel on Sunday afternoons to all churches-bring your worship team and worship, then a time for prayer and healing afterwards. A man who had run against the tide as a Catholic priest, and was asked to leave his post when he served communion to believers who weren't Catholic. Who with another Catholic rebel were planning on buying up old churches, and letting all denominations use them during the week, in depressed areas where the churches had folded due to no money, and the people still needed a place to worship. A man who often wrote asking me for prayer, and who when wrote asking me to pray for him, he was offered the position as bishop in another Catholic group, wanted me to pray because I encouraged him. He once told me he marveled at how well I shared Jesus without pressure to others a the chapel. And who encouraged me by his answer-"the same God who offered me the position, will be the same God who will see me fulfill it." How many enter into ministry so humble? And are so successful A rebel among rebels, and last night when I found out hospice had been called, I felt sad. I will miss my friend, but will see him again. A long line in heaven to see him no doubt, as so many lives were touched through him. His will be a humble place, still pointing them to Jesus, with Jesus getting all the attention, just as it should be.
So please pray for my friend, who loved the Lord and liberty. Who when a young man visiting the Liberty Bell was told not to touch it, but did anyway, scraping a piece of its wood under his fingernail. A rebel for freedom from the start, who was able show true freedom in Christ. Please pray for the Chapel to continue, operated solely by donations. He never asked for money, if you do it wouldn't be a donation, just like you can't take an offering. And visit it soon, and often. I will miss my friend, but will just take the time until I do to minister as he encouraged me, until the next e-mail or phone call, this time from heaven. Reread the lovely words, and tread lightly-just as the Holy spirit does. Like 1 Corinthians 13 tells us, that love does not demand its own way. But after spending time with it in the person of Jesus, you see why it doesn't have to. Love will do that. Now can we?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
flight93chapel.com

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engineered to go the distance

The ad did its job, it got my attention. "ENGINEERED TO GO THE DISTANCE. Baggers ride a lot of miles." Showing a leather clad biker on his stripped down bagger, the tag line led me to believe it was about guys who went places, who rode into the sunset, but here was a guy without pack, without jacket, without helmet, and without any indication he was going on an extended ride. He was even parked in his garage, and this over chromed, too clean for the highway bike was not what I pictured when I read "to go the distance." Short distance? I know guys on Gold Wings who fill up once a month-just out of habit. While others have over 200k miles on their bike, and have no plans to trade. So what is a lot of miles, what is a touring bike, and what is a tour? And what do they have in common with the ad?

People don't know what to say when they see our 955i Tiger, our touring bike. Before the Adventure bike caught on, we were touring on one. Soft suspension, long travel, great handling, good brakes, light weight(for a touring bike), and it gets 45mpg@80mph! With the detachable hard bags, we go for weeks, and time zones. But still it isn't called a touring bike by many. When first riding, my CB350 got me out of town. And out of state-6000 miles in five months, when I bought a real touring bike, a 1972 BMW R60/5. But without bags was it a touring bike? When I got the R75/5 with bags maybe that was, but I put more miles on the 600. And moved from Jersey to New Mexico on my R90S, no bags, the first sport tourer. So tell me, what is a touring bike?

On a quick seven day ride from New Mexico to Pennsylvania, all I had was a small duffle bag, a gift from Cycle for subscribing-remember those cool gifts? I rode the same bike to Canada with Christopher on back with just a tank bag and knapsack for 14 days. I rode my Nighthawk 650 cross country the same way. And Theresa and I rode over 55k miles on my Sprint RS, a sport bike, all over the northwest. Touring without all the weight, and adding fun to the miles every time we hit the curves. Even one extended 300 mile afternoon, we all switched bikes, I had Theresa on back. We were on my Sprint ST-with bags, and rode an Ultra Glide-no room and it vibrated, lots of weight. And Mike's Gold Wing was smooth, but not as smooth as my triple, handled great, but again with the arm chair seat restriction was limited on space. And they used more gas than I did, paid a lot more for their bikes, and well, we won't even get into the prices to service a Wing or a Ultra Glide. Money not spent on maintence was spent on the road. Now, just what is a touring bike?

It must be all about the ride, it is for a lot of us. Like the Harley shirt proclaims, "if you have to ask, you won't understand." When really if we ask, they can't answer, they don't understand. And not just the HD crowd. From time to time I meet those who ride, and we share ride stories. Good stuff. And I also meet those who when they find out I am a Christian, so we share the Lord. With many viewpoints, just like there are many ways to tour. But what is a Christian? Much confusion over that today. The media tells us it is one who belongs to a major religion. Or goes to church, except for Muslim or Jews. Some share they are born into the faith, or my parents went, so do I. Since being a Christian involves Christ, let's ask God, via the Bible. But to be a Christian you must:

1-admit you are a sinner. 2-repent of your sin. 3-believe that Jesus is the true son of God-Deity, and died for your sins. That He rose again. 4-ask Him into your heart, and receive forgiveness of your sin, and gain eternal life. If you have done this, then you are Born Again, a Christian. If not, take a moment to spent with Jesus. Ask Him into your heart, not a religious ceremony, some do it in church, some on the side of the road. Jesus is wherever you are. And welcome to the family! You are a Christian! According to God, who set the the whole thing up anyway. And just like many choices to tour, their are many churches. And you will find one that fits you, and just like the perfect touring ride, you will go many places with God you never knew existed.

So just what is a touring bike? It is any ride that takes you on roads going places. Maybe just an afternoon, or all summer. Maybe across town, maybe all 50 states. Alone or with a group, it expands your horizon and stirs the soul. Maybe that is the freedom that we who ride enjoy, better than any words, and it cannot be explained. it must be experienced.

Just like Jesus. The best relationship you will ever have. No words for the joy, it is beyond that. Even beyond understanding. He must be experienced. By you, not through someone else or some clever ad. Give Him a try today. Take a ride with Him and ask Him questions. Spend time in the saddle going places with Him. Jesus spent His whole life on the road. Maybe that is what makes it so appealing to me. Jesus and motorcycles, Jesus and touring, it can't be beat. Jesus and anything-make that everything, hang on for the tour of your life. Jesus Christ-engineered to go the distance. No matter what you ride or where you go.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

dues and don'ts

While out ministering the other evening, a man came up to me and asked, "I hear you used to be a biker, what club did you ride with?" He was hoping I was an outlaw, but I explained I still do ride, every chance I get, but that I never was an outlaw, and never associated with any clubs. And that although I have friends in many types of clubs, 1%ers and citizens, I prefer to go it alone without all the rules, regulations, and group riding that goes along with it. I explained I can do more without colors than I could with them before. Which brought out the next question, "you said you never joined a club?" Now it was semantics time, for I was with a motorcycle ministry for years, and in the biker community it is not recognized as a club, for various reasons, and more rules. I further went on to tell him that we parted ways, I was not welcome any more when I chose to follow God rather than all their legalistic rules, and became a threat to them. I didn't expose their sin, it found them out. A rebel among rebels, making the right choice, and choosing God. A habit I need to follow more often, as we all do. Not to say there aren't Christians within Christian clubs, just too many restrictions when it comes to Jesus. The list would go on, so I will instead. All new religions, denominations and ministries set out to do it better than the ones that existed, but when you get off the path of righteousness, you will fail. Choosing Jesus over man's clubs or religion is always the best move to make. Motorcycle or not.

20 years ago we were attending a Pentecostal church, and yes the spirit of the Lord was there, not just in emotions. Until some men weaseled their way in, and soon what was free was now charged for. It was all about them, and how great they were. They knew best, I guess God's plan had flaws in it for them. The emphasis had gone from Jesus to man, from prophet to profitability. So we left, and didn't attend church for a year. Feeling the urge to go one more time, I was greeted by an elder at the door. "Mike, where have you been," asking as if I was out in some non-approved sinful activity. It was really a year I grew closer to the Lord daily. When I answered, "I had to make a choice between God and the Assemblies of God, I chose God." Flabbergasted, he muttered something while walking away, not the answer he was looking for. And today the pastor, and many pastors after are gone, and the church that once had two services, has half a parking lot full for one. Do not be deceived, God has closed churches and ministries before when they interfere with His plans, better to choose God over man every time. Success isn't found in programs, plans, or numbers-but in the obedience to Jesus, and following Him!

When I was part of a senior study-hey, I made it by one year, a woman started a ministry of making things for seniors in nursing homes. And it flourished, as God's plans do when we follow Him. But soon some discord followed, some Mormon women stopped by and wanted to help. Knowing their doctrines and beliefs are not Christian,they allowed them to stay anyway-with a new rule, we won't talk about God. And soon this time of fellowship, and sharing, praying, and ministering turned into a piecework for sale group. The Christian ladies who were part of it left, to fellowship and make items on their own, and soon this one time Christian ministry was now taken over by the Mormons. And it failed, sadly the pastors of the church did nothing, even when they knew of what was going on. Once again, straying from God, turning your back on Jesus, will lead to destruction. How many lessons do we need until we turn to Him?

So yes I ride, and have no problem with those who minister within clubs. Just a warning, are you following the club or the spirit of God? Do you follow God, down new paths, or just the same old activities over and over again? Do you actually mingle or keep within yourselves? How many non-Christians do you actually befriend and minister to? Lazarus may not have ridden, but that is no reason to step over him when you see him in need.

We have all been there, and if not will be there. For some of us again. God doesn't give up on us, even though we do on ourselves. Ask Him today, what is your will for me today. We ask in faith. But we obey in obedience and trust. Knowing that what He has set before us will benefit us, give glory to Him, and bring blessings to those involved. We don't need fancy talk, or to advertise we are a Christian by what we wear. Let our actions, attitudes, and words speak for us. I have learned when someone wearing Christian clothing comes along what to expect. So I tend to hide, I don't need evangelizing, if you were in the spirit you would know that-God wouldn't have you waste your time with me. God sends people your way, not your outfit. So my challenge to you, and to me, is simple. Don't waste your time bragging about what a great Christian you are, show me! It's called love. And I even here there is a ride, the Love Ride, that requires of you no club affiliations. All are welcome. A secular ride, but a good idea. A charity event, the single day's largest fund raiser. Could you imagine if it were clubs only? Money is stylish-it goes with everything. Jesus invited all who were weary and offered them rest. Biker, hooker, businessman, soccer mom, and kids of all ages. No dues or membership required. Welcome, come as you are. Follow God, he knows where He is going. Do you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

think nationally, ride locally

When the do-gooders of the late sixties reminded us that the air was dirty, but sex was clean, some groups centered in on motorcycles, and those that ride them. Suddenly the sound of a BSA, Triumph, or Harley was not to be recognized, as noise pollution became a hot topic, and before the government banned exhaust music altogether, these earth driven ads of less sound means more ground appeared in many cycle magazines. Wonderful pictures of long hairs in gardens, or dancing through woods were there to persuade us, and many neat sounds went away. Fortunately so did the ads, but not after exhaust sounds had been changed forever. Almost the day the music died.

For years I have thought nationally for our trips, planning them spanning time zones, purple mountain majesties, and over amber waves of grain. Having travelled in 49 states, and for periods of 5 weeks, we have seen much of the beauty of this country from two wheels. But this year will be different, as the past few months we have travelled locally-within California, and refocused our riding. Whereas before one mission was to escape California, we now will confine ourselves to within its borders. We will refocus and rethink eating-I will miss fried clams in Maine, BBQ in the south, and Steak and Shake in the Midwest. The 4th of July will not be in Quakertown, where traditions go back 200 years, and we will miss small town America. When I think of Mexican food it will not be New Mexican, for no one here will ask red or green-if you know what I mean. But many new opportunities open up, and my latest trip to AAA for maps was for counties and areas of California, not of the US. Towns that we passed through on our way out will now become destinations. I am thinking locally, and acting locally, and I like the challenge.

This past month has been one of day trips. 200 mile daily rides to Riverside-ever seen the Mission Inn at Christmas? Or watched the surfers from Sunset Cliffs in San Diego? How about a ride along the Coast Highway in Orange County, or the back wine country of Temecula? Did you know some of the best chocolate available is only 100 miles away-on back roads from home? So our mission has changed, and we will be riding locally-California if you will, with fond memories of nationally. The ride goes on....

Whenever you hear the word missions at church it stirs up visions of foreign lands, countries in Africa no one knew existed, lands like China, India, and Russia where the gospel is tolerated, not welcome, and many times illegal and a death sentence for those preaching it. We tend to skip over many places like major cities within the US of A, local food banks, pregnancy clinics, and high schools. We really forget our first mission is to our families, and have seen many strained over the years because of church doctrines, pastors visions-hey, why are they still home if it is the best thing to go out? and I have sat through mission speakers, dinners, pot-lucks, movies, rallies, and even missionaries themselves sharing about the work God has called them too. The difference being that God has called them, not some theocracy based on denomination, tradition, or guilt. They go because God has called them, and they are glad to obey-although some are a bit pensive at first. They know where God has guided them that He will provide, and home may be across the world, across the nation, and for some across town. But rarely do I hear of people being recruited locally, for local missions. The underlying message is the darker, the farther, or the most inconvenient is the best-our pride allowing us to forego any argument to the contrary. We forget about those in prison, senior homes, hospitals, and food banks. No glory in them for many-but they are exactly what Jesus has called us too. How many have neglected the rich-don't you think there may be a spiritual void in Beverly Hills? La Jolla? Rancho Santa Fe? Do missionaries ever get called to these remote areas? How about your spouse-do we consider their needs? Is it too far across the dinner table to reach out to our own kids? Yet we will neglect them for the great message of the church-to spread the gospel. Misinterpreting that Jesus said "as you go," meaning wherever you are, the fields are ready. Jerusalem, Judea, and the outer countries-places we go through to get to where we are going-being neglected, in the God's name, maybe using it in vain. How many will avoid a homeless person, placed there by God, stepping over a Lazarus who needs love? Don't we expect the same when we are down?

Who will go? Maybe you, I know me. So my vision for ministry that can be far sighted, has been changed to short sidedness. I am looking for more opportunities, and look forward to seeing changes in my neighborhood, city, and my church. But first my family, and yes me too. As I seek the vision that God gives me as opposed to following someone else's vision my rides change. And a new excitement is taking over. I will still think heavenly, but on a local basis. Local being wherever I happen to be. And as my library of maps grows from states to counties, I look forward to 200 mile days, and 2500 mile trips, but will miss the 11,000 mile treks.

Ask God where He wants you to be. Jesus ministered locally-for wherever He was, the gospel went out. Less miles, more smiles, and more blessings. Only in Christ will you realize that there is no place like home...and encourage people to get out more and find it. So to paraphrase the old Mission Impossible TV opening, "your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be a light wherever you are." The road will still be the best destination when travelling, so many roads and so little time. And so many just a day trip away waiting to be ridden. A mission I am glad to accept.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com