why we pray-it is more than a failure to communicate

Every night at the same time the phone rings, and it is the same person.  They go on to tell you what a lousy day they had, how they don’t like their job, and all the things they need.  They ask for help, guidance, and maybe even direction, but just as you begin to answer, they have ben doing all the talking, they have to go.  They are tired, their favorite show is coming on, and they hang up, after telling you they will call later.  And then tomorrow comes and the same process takes place.  Night after night, you can tell by the time who it is, and never do get to answer.  Or even talk.  Sound familiar?  This is what most people’s prayer life is like,  we beg, cry, and ask God for advice, but just when He is going to give us the answer, we hang up.  We leave, never having a dialogue, only a monologue, which really is not a conversation at all.  But yet God is patient, and is there time after time, just waiting to answer, or to talk to you, but we don’t listen.  If a person did this to you, you would get upset with them, fortunately God doesn’t get upset with us.  But still wants to get a word in edgewise every once in a while. The bottom line is we don’t listen..even in real life, to real people.  yet God ahs created us with some divine characteristics.  One is we have twice as many ears as we do mouths.  Maybe so we can listen twice as much.  But yet the mouth overrules.  Second, hearing is the last thing to go.  I have prayed over people in comas, only to have them respond, one girl in particular Dick and I visited.  She was in a coma, yet when we joked with her, while I held her hand, you could see the heart monitor skip as the spirit in her laughed.  And she woke up then, laughing and wanting water for her parched throat.  And there are others.  Thirdly, you can control your mouth, but not your hearing.  Try not to listen-it doesn’t work, but you can shut up.  A manifestation of self control, your choice to speak or not.  But the hearing goes on.  Fourth-it is a conversation, not a monologue.  Imagine a phone call where you speak for 3 minutes, then it is the other person’s turn for 3 minutes.  Try that one on your spouse...yes dear is not the proper response.   Can you hear me now?

We also have this false impression that God is waiting to hear from us about problems, so He can act.  When I was sick and life flighted, it happened so quick I couldn’t pray.  I had gone into a coma.  Yet god had everything under control, and had the situation well in hand.   Isaiah 65:24 tells us that even before we pray, He has begun to answer.  So why do we have prayer chains?  Why do we desire to have so many praying for us?  Is there one critical voice to be heard by God and then He acts, or when we come up short does He fail to answer.  If only one other one prayed, we were only a few prayers short of an answer.  But again God has everything under control.  And when I had literally millions praying for me, I asked God why so many?  And His answer was simple, and made sense.  So that those who did pray could see the glory He was working.  It was for His benefit for glory, and for us to be blessed and witness the miracle.  And like I told Lucia who came out to help, God had you there for your benefit too, to see His glory and boost your faith.  To testify like John did of the things He had witnessed.  No one can ever deny you of what you have seen, although they may not believe it themselves.  She saw it firsthand, and to all who prayed, may God’s blessings be upon you.  For the more you pray for, the more answers you will get, and the more of God’s glory you will see.  We call them blessings, and God hands them out freely....but you must listen for the answer.  Sometimes it is yes, and we think how smart God is, He agreed with us.  Sometimes it is no, and we wonder, did God hear us?  Did He understand, because we obviously told Him what we needed.  gain we don’t listen.  In my life every time I was told NO, it was because a better yes was coming.  But what when He says wait?  For what?  How long?  That’s when we have to trust Him, for we don’t know what is going on in the heavenlies.  Job is a good example of that, and look how he ended up being blessed.  Are you that patient?  I wish I was.

And yet sometimes we wrestle with God like Jacob did.  We get tired and let go, give up, hang up, or rephrase our request.  But god hangs onto us, His really wrestling with us to get our attention.  So He can bless us.  So although it appeared Jacob was wrestling with God, God was really wrestling with Jacob.  A new way to envision how He will never leave you nor forsake you.  How He stands closer than a brother.  And how He never gives up, never gives in.  It is us who  need to change, not Jesus. 

But the final component is obeying, doing what God says.  And experience has taught me the harder the answer, the bigger the blessing.  And that if God says it, it is done.  Finished, like Jesus said.  And we should obey out of trust, rather than obedience.  When God says jump into the pool, He is there to catch us.  He is that honorable, are we with Him? So if you aren’t hearing from God, maybe what we have here is a failure to communicate.  God has never stopped talking, His word doesn’t tell us He who has a mouth let him speak, but it does say “He who has an ear, let him hear.”  And God’s answers are always right and for our benefit.  Maybe we ask incorrectly.  Paper or plastic?  When He has a better way altogether.  Red or green chili?  Maybe the answer is Christmas-both red and green.  Or none at all.  Don’t give Him a choice, don’t limit God.

Tonight when you lay down to sleep, and after asking the Lord you soul to keep, lay still and listen.  He is speaking in your language, a still, small voice.  “Be still, and know that I am God,” He says, not “be still and no that I am god, we say.”  What a difference correct punctuation makes.  So add some exclamation marks to your prayer life by listening.  And may he words of your mouth be pleasing to God.  You will only know when you hear His voice.  And only His sheep will and obey.  And that is why we pray, and maybe some insight to a closer relationship with God.  Jesus did all His Father told Him to do, He heard His dad’s voice.  Can I hear an ABBA Father to that?  So drift off tonight in prayer, listening and wake up amazed.  Good morning Lord, instead of good Lord it’s morning.  Listen to what the spirit has to say and be blessed.  And you can tell Him you heard it here.  Sure beats being the jawbone of an ass-another story for another time.  And never stop praying for me, and I will honor God by doing the same.  Amen?  Amen.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

where have all the red convertibles gone?

I am considering the fact that I will buy one more car before I die, and with limited funds, have set my goal at $20,000.  Not a lot of money in today’s market, but only if you are buying new.  For about $20k you can get anything from cheapo Toyota, Ford Focus, various Nissans, and other sedans we recognize as rental cars.  Good cars, but not the one you want to impress anyone with.  Or be buried in.  But yet that is what the market has to offer-unless you get creative and look at pre-owned, the trendy word for used.  For $20 you can find lots of cool cars, with low miles and in great shape, if you are patient and have the time to be patient.  I have both, sometimes.  But for example how about a Corvette, maybe 10-15 years old with low miles for under $20?  Mustang convertibles for less than $10k?  Like Chevies, used Camaros a little bit more?  Top up or top down, anything with cool to it has to be better than a new rental car.  For instance, did you ever beg your dad to buy the blue sedan?  No-and that wasn’t what was in the showroom-it was red, and usually had its top down.  At Chevy it would be a Corvette, red with lipstick interior, any questions on what color that was?  Ford would have you salivating over a Mustang, Pontiac in a Firebird, and Dodge in a Challenger.  All with the top down, just begging you to take a ride and see if you couldn’t live without it.  And today many of these cars can be bought for the same price as a new rental car, used of course.  And will start to appreciate, they have hit the bottom of the depreciation cycle, that your new rental car has just begun.  Some at auctions, some in Autotrader, and some parked by the side of the road.  Mileage may vary, but buy the best one with the lowest miles, and maybe pay a little more, and drive it, just like it was intended for.  But sadly most go the safest course, and miss out on all the fun.  Maybe that explains all the grey, black, and white cars.  And people.  Remember Marina blue Chevelles?  Roman red Galaxies?  Ever put your buns on the black and white hounds tooth seats of an Rally Orange Camaro?  Gripped the wheel behind a hood full of horsepower-damn the MPG.  And any girl who would rather ride with the guy in a Prius probably isn’t worth taking home to mother.  Growing up it was blonds in convertibles, having fun, no particular place to go.  The beach, mountains, or just a cruise.  Nobody with any cool went to the mall, these cars cried out for outdoors in the fun sun....and they still can and do today.  What does your heart cry out for?

While a service advisor for KIA, a lady brought hers in and wanted a rental car.  Our service manager told her “you own a rental car.”  No such mistaken identity in a shiny red sports car.  See who gets the best treatment, and the loaner car.  While others brag about miles per gallon, you brag about smiles per gallon.  And you never get asked to car pool, let someone else’s kids mess up their car, but yet ask the kids whose car they rather ride in?  Hmmm, maybe there still is hope for this generation.  And just like those who own a house at the beach, or a built in pool, they get more friends than they could ever dream of.  So come on America, let’s go out and have fun, top down, pedal to the metal, and smoke them BFG’s.  And never have your son or daughter afraid to pick them up at school.  Grandpa-you’re the coolest and your grandkids will know it, and tell their friends.  Cruisin’ Grand-would you ever date a guy in a Prius?  Leave the golf carts at home-this is all about real America iron, real horsepower, and real value.  This is what every kid dreamt of in school, and begged his dad to buy.  And for the price of a new compact, you too can join the fun.  And what is fun if you don’t enjoy it?

Now I have only owned three 4-door cars in my life, and each one was replaced with something cool, with more power.  The Escort, traded for a Citation X-11, big power and handling for 1981.  Bought used.  The Mazda 626, sold and replaced with a 1980 MGB.  Overdrive, Theresa used to put our son in his car seat and cruise.  And finally Uncle Buck, my 1990 Crown Vic, bought for winter use, and sold to a kid, who loved it.  And never replaced, we already have a Mustang convertible in the garage.  So see, there is forgiveness for wrong decisions, and one bad choice can be corrected by one good choice. 

A lesson seldom taught about Peter is that he never looked back.  He made many mistakes, but kept going forward.  He was all about the power of the holy spirit, and even after denying Jesus, some 7 weeks later at Pentacost changed the world.  Powered by the holy spirit.  Walk on water, he fell in, got up, and was immediately on shore with Jesus.  He knew firsthand the importance of being forgiven, and not looking back.  Maybe Lot’s wife was an influence.  Yet I encounter many today who have slipped up, and cannot forgive themselves, sometimes aided by others who will not forgive them either.  No matter your situation, and no matter who you have to blame, turning to Jesus is the best first step.  He is the way out, and is willing to forgive you.  And sometimes forgiving another is your first step out of your problem.  And sometimes it takes breaking out of the accepted practices, and being bold, and trusting God.  It takes meekness, power under control.  Knowing when to nail the throttle WFO, or to feather it.  To burn rubber, but not your soul.  When to show off and when not to....and to remember that someone is always watching.  It takes boldness, and when you give God the glory, you get the blessing.  And God knows a thing about cars and cool too...

Moses and Aaron both had Rods.  Cruised them for 40 years.  Pontiacs and Geos-God tells us to pursue our enemies with a Tempest, and terrify them with a Storm.  David in Psalm 23 tells us thy Rod comforts us.  No mention of a four cylinder here, he was turbo charged.  And God didn’t drive no rental car, for in the garden He drove Adam and Eve out in a Fury.  For all you MOPAR fans.  Bet it was white, with white vinyl, no leather yet.  And even Jesus may have rented a Honda, for He tells us He speaks not of His own Accord.  So you see Jesus was cooler, and is cooler than you may think.  And forgiveness is cooler yet. 

But one secret remains that many have not known for years.  WWJD meant to the world “what would Jesus do?”  But really it stood for “what would Jesus drive?”  And as today still have a plastic Jesus on their dash, He still resides in the heart.  And I would like to think when he returns, it will not be in a four door sedan.  Or Hybrid, no hybrids in heaven, either you are saved or .... But He will return with a mighty Ram’s horn blast.  And never forget how cool was King David, his Triumph was heard through out the land.  So maybe you are what you drive, and the deals are out there.  But never forget the best free deal, with an endless warranty, and no payments will always be the gift of salvation.  What will it take to put you with Jesus today?  Still wondering what would Jesus drive, He is in any car you are.  But personally, I hear that He has been looking at this red Corvette, low miles, V-8, and super clean...only driven to church on Sundays.   So, you still wonder where have all the red convertibles gone? 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

the great escape

When I used to date before I got married, over 36 years ago, I only had two rules.  One-never date a friend’s sister, which I broke with Joe’s sister Cathy, a long term relationship, and two-never date anyone you work with, which I broke in a short term relationship with Doris.  I met her at a company party, we both worked in the same facility, just at opposite ends in departments that would never cross.  She was the kind of pretty that women hated, and men were afraid of, yet we talked, and after a few minutes I asked her out, and I got her number.  Calling her after the three day cool off rule, we went to dinner, and I found out I was on the date from hell.  From the time I picked her up, to the time the meal ended, she never shut up.  One long, unabbreviated sentence, with a magic touch of combining various unrelated subjects.  I’m sure I must have tired to say something, but it fell on deaf ears.  And it went on, and on, and on, and soon I had had it.  No pretty face or great body was worth the pain, so after hurriedly eating my steak, I got up and excused myself.  “I’ll be right back, wait here.”  I think she heard me.  And off to the men’s room I went.  Looking for an escape route.  Without thinking I paid the bill, where she couldn’t see me, and then off to the men’s room.  I really had to go, in more ways than one.  What was I going to do, I had no way out, and then I saw the window, the open window in the men’s room, and I had found the way out.  Without hesitation, I barely made it through the window, ran to my car, and soon was heading home, she still in full sentence.  I had accomplished the great escape.  I was Steve McQueen in the tunnel, and I was him later jumping the fence on my Triumph.  I had escaped....silence never sounded so good.  And Monday morning at work no one asked how our date was, and I never heard from her.  As if it had never happened....and I never went back to see.

When I tell people Theresa and I never dated they look at me amazed.  With over 800 miles between us it would have been difficult.  But on our first night out, I took her to the Louisiann, a steakhouse in Albuquerque, where I knew the owner, who always fussed over my dates.   We had talked all day, and I had told her about the night of the living dead sentence, and we both laughed.  It may have sounded like an urban legend, but it was true.  But when I had to go after the meal, I said, “wait here, I’ll be right back.”  But she told me “no way are you leaving me here alone in a strange town.  You can hold it until  we get home.”  Was Doris’ sentence still going on?  would it never come to an end?  So I held it, I had to, and although only a few miles away, I also proved the theory that the traffic lights can conspire to keep you from your appointed destination by all turning red on you.  And yes seconds can magically turn to minutes, and minutes to hours in such cases.  It took forever, and a few more minutes, and I barely made it.  But I did somehow, and 36 years later we still joke about it.  And I keep coming back today.

Jesus had told His disciples to “wait, I’ll be right back,” but they didn’t get it.  And when He was crucified forgot what He had said.  The empty tomb only scared them more, and we find them hiding and scared in the upper room that night, all except Thomas, who was probably still out looking for Him.  What had happened to His promise?  It seemed they were in great danger, as the body was missing, and they were suspects.  When in comes Jesus, right through the locked doors and windows, without opening them.  Right through the wall.  The three days He was gone must have seemed like an eternity, but His message was one of eternity.  He had returned as He said He would, and empowered them to take His life saving message to a dying world.  And He appears to over 500 people in the next 40 days.  A message of salvation, backed up in scripture, a message that someday He will be calling for His church, and coming to take us home with Him.  And unlike before where He told them the time frame, this time He doesn’t even know when, but He spells out the times and the season in the Bible.  We are told to be ready, for He will return like a thief in the night.  If we had been ready, the thief would not have robbed us, and Satan still comes to rob and destroy.  We are told the parable of the Ten Virgins, to keep our lamps full and our wicks trimmed, for any day now could be the day.  And soon is always sooner than we think.  And for those who are left behind, there is no window to climb through, as Jesus was and is the escape route.  He saves us from the date from hell, the date with hell, and when we are saved never will know hell, but go to heaven.  But we must wait patiently, even more patient than my ride home after dinner with Theresa.  Someday we will go, but until that day we must hold fast to Jesus, knowing that relief from this world awaits us.  And so we wait anxiously, taking the same message of salvation that saved us to a dying world.  A world looking for hope, but not listening, as it has turned life into one long, run on sentence that until you meet Jesus makes no sense.  Keeping in mind that Jesus told us “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  If only Theresa had that much faith in me that night.

And so we await the return of Jesus, called the rapture.  Every day we are one day closer than we were before.  And after 36 years of marriage, we are closer than ever.  But she still reminds me when I have to go, that she rode her own bike, and can find her own way home.  Thankfully God has given us His love and we have never left or forsaken each other.  Just a trip to the men’s room changed my life, you never know when God will change yours.  Doris gave me a sentence of death, Jesus a sentence of life.  You choose,  now you’ll have to excuse me, I’ll be right back.  Gotta go....time for breakfast with my wife.  After 36 years some things are still worth waiting for.  “Do you want to take two bikes or one?”  But first I need to make a pit stop, to water a lemon tree.  And after all these years we have a bathroom with no windows, so I know she feels safe.  I’ll be right back.  Soon and very soon, so will Jesus.  Check please.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

coin operated tracts

The stuff that dreams are made of, coming across tons of free money, and all yours for the taking.  Well, maybe a dream of yours, but a nightmare when I came upon it.  I was leaving Cortez for Durango after finishing my Coca Cola route, when I came upon a literal sea of change.  An armored car truck had its rear door open, I was later to find by accident, and tons of coins had fallen out the back, literally inches deep in a 25’ radius.  Traffic was jammed at this intersection, and all four lanes were stopped.  As I pulled up, it had just happened, and I wasn’t sure what I had seen, or what I was seeing, I turned my bottle truck to block both lanes in one direction, and attempt to keep people away.  No police had arrived yet, and the armed guards were trying to get some semblance of order to the scene.  I was literally standing ankle deep in quarters at one time, trying to help, but not sure what to do.  From a repair shop across the street, a man brought some buckets, brooms, and shovels, and we began to sweep up and shovel the coins into the buckets, under the watchful eye of the guards.  Some others had stopped to help, and by the time the police showed up the scene was contained, traffic backed up for a mile, each way, and about a dozen of us were shoveling coins.  I am not sure how heavy a shovel full of quarters is, but my back hurt after 20 minutes, and after unloading my truck on my route all day.  And as the sun was setting, it looked like it was going to be awhile before the road was cleared.  I didn’t see anyone putting coins in their pockets, but the opportunity certainly presented itself.  I have heard and seen people hitting the slot, but this was way beyond imagination.  Funny, I never heard or saw anything about it in the news, I wonder if for days after stragglers would go by looking for coins not picked up in the mess.  I also wonder what tale the driver and his partner would tell their boss, and how it would look on their next resume.  Famous or infamous, this is one that they rather not have been involved in.  For me, I got a thanks, from the police for blocking traffic and helping to contain the scene.  I had filled many buckets, if only one was given for my effort, I would have been rolling in coins, and rolling coins all night.  And to this day when I hear of hope and change, I remember the change of that afternoon...

Now to some I told, they chastised me, I should have grabbed some, there were going to be some missing anyway, what would be a few dollars worth more.  But that day I was surrounded with the greatest tract disbursal I had even seen, for each coin had printed on it “in God we trust.”  Tens of thousands of reminders that we should trust God.  Each one a temptation, or a message about not taking what isn’t yours, and trusting God.  An event where for a few dollars I could have given in to temptation, who would have blamed me, and I would have sold out for change.  Yet at the time it never occurred to me to do that, or that the message from God was ankle deep before me.  A few dollars, yet many have sold out for less.  Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave.  I would have been a slave to my conscience if I had taken even one.  I even know of some who would have thought it was an answer to prayer for money from God, I was even reminded of Jesus pulling a fish from the sea, and taking a coin from its mouth.  Forgetting that Jesus told them to give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and the things of God to God.  I was a representative of God that day, and had done the right thing.  I was an effective witness of trial by fire, and being ankle deep in some expensive wood, hay, and stubble, chose the honorable thing.  I chose Jesus.  And like the Pharisees did with Jesus, I left in marvel at the event, and how Ihad handled it.  Only by the grace of God, did I not fall into temptation.

Scripture has much to say about temptation, from leading us not into temptation, to reminding us that all men have been tempted equally.  To temptation of the love of money is the root of all evil.  But Jesus also tells us that when we rise above the temptation, we find ourselves approved.  OKed by God.  And a crown awaits him in heaven.  A few coins now, or a crown later?  Yet many fall into temptation over the love of money.  Or it can be a blessing, just ask the brothers of Joseph, who filled their sacks with the coins they had brought to buy food in the famine.  the same brother they had kidnapped, sold into slavery, and told their father was dead.  That Joseph.  Another test, for he had survived Potipher’s wife, and his honor had brought him power.  No amount of money could buy the integrity back for the brothers that they had lost.  Suddenly the money was useless, and a burden they had to carry back.  Forgiveness had overshadowed any value the money may have had.  And even Jesus showed the value of money when He told the apostles not to take any money with them, and He would provide.  If only values could be used to pay bills, many of us would be rich men today.  But it still takes money to exchange for goods and services.

Today Jesus offers each one of us a blank check, fill in the amount, it won’t bounce.  But spend it wisely, as only when cashed in His name, and in His will will it not bounce.  The gift of salvation is free, it cannot be bought although many have tried.  Today a multitude of riches are laying at your feet, what you do with them will show your values.  A parable once told of three coins given to three men for investment, and what each reaped.  If you seek only riches, you will never have enough.  I wonder if I could have stopped at one pail, at two pails.  I am glad I rendered unto God that day the things of God, honesty, integrity, and overcoming temptation.  What each man did that day is between them and God.  I can stand here clear of conscience today because I saw the value of money in a new light.  I saw “in God we trust” like I had never seen it before.  Today we are offered hope and change by a faulty government.  They can keep the change, but they cannot give me hope.  Only in Jesus will I ever find that.  Render the things of God to God, your heart and soul, and the things of earth to others. The things not seen are eternal, those seen are temporal.  Anybody got change for a quarter?  I have seen change and been changed.  And I never will be coin operated ever again. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Proverbs 31-Matthew 25

Over the years I have been impressed by women who ride with their husbands.  And even more impressed by those who enjoy all aspects of motorcycling with him.  When Theresa needed a clutch cable for her Bonneville on Saturday, off to NCY I went.  Two women were ahead of me, usually not a good sign, having worked parts when asked year and model and told blue, you know you are in trouble.  But the couple, when she saw that the car was too small for the big order, told her husband, “I’ll go get the truck.”  I like that-teamwork.  She rides, maybe her own, and I was impressed.  The other young girl was riding solo, and after placing many items on the counter, gave Grinny a list, and when he filled it, called her husband and asked if he needed anything else.  She rides, and I again was impressed.  At the LA Hot Rod Show on Sunday, I again watched as couples were buying parts, asking questions, and enjoying the day together.  Some yuppie wife would think how weird, but she would be missing out on time well spent with her husband.  And maybe that was why so many men were alone-a break from wives who place the mall and themselves above their marriage.  When asked they would deny it, but we know the signs, and the symptoms.  Those who ride together stay together, and share time and stories together.  The rest.....

Years ago when Theresa started watching antique shows, and wanting to visit antique stores, I decided to go with her.  To support her, and found it interesting.  And I am often the only man in the store among women traveling alone, the husband either at home, or waiting impatiently on a bench out front.  I have more respect for the women who go along, and also the men, we are enjoying the time spent with our wives, and it shows in other things in our marriage.  And it can be fun too, as one yuppie woman was eyeing me in my leather one day in this upscale store, and when she was looking at a rooster lamp up high, I asked her if she needed help.  She said yes, and so I put my hands together, and offered her a boost up.  I thought it was funny, so did the other women who got it, she just stormed away.  I was only trying to help....

And so it is a good thing for men and women to do things together.  To ride, shop, travel, and even go to church together.  It brings them closer together, builds strength in a marriage, and they can even have fun.  We do.  Now I am not in any way belittling a Proverbs 31 wife, they truly are a prize.  I know many, sadly I know few whose husband is on the same wavelength.  They suffer never meeting their potential because the husband is not the head of the family spiritually.  And when she tries, she does well, but never sees the fullness of a husband leading her, and encouraging her.  I have come to meet many lately, and it saddens me, because if not spiritually connected, all the other things fail too.  And as I read the list of the Proverbs 31 wife, I am impressed, and also blessed that I married one.  And I am glad to say that I always encourage her in the Lord.  When there are times she needs a Bible study, I insist upon it.  Go on the retreat, spend time with God.  Sometimes selfishly, for when she is walking close to the Lord, our marriage is better, and I am blessed.  Husbands are you listening?  Wives, are these times with your husband a pleasure or a pain?  Is a Bible study just a night out with the girls, or are you serious about your relationship with God?  And your marriage?  We know the symptoms even before the excuses come from either mouth.

Now while you may have a Proverbs 31 wife, how many have a Matthew 25 wife?  A what, I never heard that.  Now you have.  While Proverbs spells things out individually, Matthew shows us how ministering can be done together.  How when it takes two, none better than husband and wife working together as a team.  When Jesus tells the church gathered to “be gone, I never knew you,” how many think they know Jesus, but don’t.  When you are late from helping a homeless man, did she keep supper warm, or throw it at you when you arrived?  When you bring home someone for the night who needs a bath and a bed, does she feed him first?  Does your wife welcome strangers, both at home and when out?  Does she give up her free time to visit those in prison and in the hospital?  Does she pass out water, bake cookies, and do it with a smile to those she doesn’t know?  And maybe even be afraid of?  And does she do it in love?  If she does, you have a Matthew 25 wife, all the qualities of Proverbs 31, but with heavy on the Jesus.  She is more than a list of who you want to marry, she is the perfect partner for you in all things.  She rides, she takes pictures, and she tells others about her trips with her husband.  She bakes, stays up late, and is patient when church is over, there are those who want to talk to her, who need advice.  She is up early, up late, and has a special pile of towels just for the garage.  She serves others with a smile, and does it all for Jesus, not wanting recognition.  And shows pity for those who do, how sad to be congratulated for doing the right thing.  She does it without reservation.  Men if you have wife like this, guard her and honor her.  For I don’t see any Proverbs 31 husbands, but do see Matthew 25 husbands and wives.  I see them not only in church, but at car shows, Walmart, antique stores, and out riding together.  They enjoy each others company, and stay strong in the Lord, for they know where their strength lays.

God has blessed me with Theresa.  Everything I ever need or asked for in a wife and more.  Men, don’t limit God or your wives.  Encourage them in the Lord, and enjoy time spent with them.  When you treat her like the lady you want, she will become the woman you need.  Now I am not sure about the two women buying parts, but they were shown respect because they were respectable.  Not complaining about having to buy parts, but both having husbands to ride with.  What do you and your wife have in common?  If Jesus, you have a great start, but learn her likes, and participate.  Invite her along for a ride, and show some courtesy.  A scared riding partner is never fun.  Have a bike that is comfortable for her, would you put your fat but on a skinny seat of metal with a vinyl cover?  Yet many do without complaining.  Show her some respect, and you might find the perfect riding partner was across from you at the table the whole time.  And if it works with motorcycles, imagine what else it can happen with.  Be the Matthew 25 man, and soon she will become the Matthew 25 woman.  And for those who keep score, at our house it is Proverbs 31-Matthew 25.  A win-win situation every time.  Remember that next time you need parts...or show up late with friends.  Or need cookies, or just a hug.  Ministry begins at home, your wife and family your first concern.  If you can’t do it there, why would you think you can do it anywhere else?  And if she thinks helmet hair is a badge of honor, and she has a ride her own, marry her.  Man up...a desirable wife may be only one trip to the antique store away.  Or at the parts counter.  And trust me, Matthew 25 wins out every time.  In love, as in horseshoes, close just ain’t good enough.  Men love your wives...now about the seat on your cruiser....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com