motors by the mile

Once upon a time 10,000 miles was considered high mileage on a motorcycle.  With three bikes in my garage with over 70,000, and the Tiger with over 98,000, such mileages would have been unheard of outside of BMW’s years ago, who used to give out awards for going 100,000 miles.  Today 100k is not a lot, as Gold Wings go over 200,000, and even Harleys go over 100k.  Times have changed, technology is improving the breed, and horsepower only found on race bikes years ago can bought from the showroom floor and ridden daily.  Even cars that used to be worn out at 50,000, now can go 200,000, or 300,000 miles before being worn out.  The engines will outlast the rest of the car, or motorcycle, with interior parts, seats, paint, and other systems failing, but the motors keep going and going.  A friend who is a GM at a multi line dealer tells me he would trade for my 98k Tiger, it can be resold.  Amazing...

So today’s technology can build a long distance, high mileage motor on a regular basis.  But in racing, motors are built to a different criteria, think of it as motors by the mile.  Trophy Truck motors are build to last, to provide maximum power for 500 or 1000 miles, built to a race.  Then torn down and rebuilt, or replaced for the next race.  NASCAR motors the same, not built for high miles, but high rpm miles for a specific distance.  Even drag racing motors are torn down between heats, or switched out, only driven 1/4 mile at a time.  Beware the low mileage car with stickers, advertised as only driven on Sundays.  It may go 1/4 mile at a time like your SUV, but at a higher standard of speed.  So race motors can be built to go the distance depending on the distance.  Designed to run at high rpms for hours on end, not loaf along at low rpm like your sedan.  And with today’s fuel injection and computer aided tuning, higher fuel economy is available.  I watched a Chevy engineer years ago tuning a race truck from his lap top, not so much gaining power, but fuel mileage.  Going from 4 to 5 mpg may not seem like a big deal, but with a 100 gallon tank is one less pit stop, with more time on the race course.  Maybe the difference between winning and losing. Actual mileage may vary depending upon how you drive.  Or ride.

And so we all want all the power we can get when we want it.  When we need it.  When we were younger, we looked at life as a sprint.  But as we get older we are reminded of Paul’s words, that life is an endurance race, and we race to win.  Too many burnout from jobs, careers, drugs, or other things that rule their lives.  Happens to Christians too, who think they must live every moment for God, doing things for him.  Led by a subtle form of pride, not the spirit, for the spirit gives life, it doesn’t waste it.  A Hollywood producer once said “if I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself.”  While some diet, watch what they eat, exercise, watch their weight, we neglect the spiritual man that will live forever.  We are more concerned on the physical, the seen, while God is concerned with the soul, the invisible that is unseen.  Some live life as if it were to end tomorrow, and burnout early, limping along in life, low on power.  But Jesus tells us we can have all the power we need, when we need it in the spirit.  Meekness it is called, power under control, a fruit of the spirit.  We may drive freeways a 1/4 mile at a time, but under different conditions than a drag racer.  He needs all he can get for a short burst, we need to endure to the end.  And by living in the spirit, we can exercise meekness, and accomplish more while using less energy.  If only we follow God’s urging and not our own foolish pride.  We cannot make God love us any more than he does, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, yet many serve at the table of self, “look at what I am doing for God,” while neglecting family and what God has called them to do, love him first, and then others.  He provides all the power we need when we need it. 

The other side is those on cruise control, just coasting through life, doing little, or just enough to get by.  They too miss the blessings of a loving God because it is all about themselves.  They live life like the Borgias did, it is all about them.  Let’s see what God can do for me today, as they continue in sin.  Same motor as we all have been given, just no power because of the absence of the holy spirit driving their lives. 

Today God will give you all you need when you need it.  Do not neglect the spiritual aspect of him either.  He is a spirit and must be worshipped as such.  So walk  or ride or drive in his spirit, and find power you never knew existed.  Some build high horsepower motors, some by the mile, only God will take us the distance.  And scripture tells us it is not by might, not by power, but by his spirit.  NO matter how much power your engine has, someone else will always be faster.  Whose motor can last longer, 500 hp can leave you stranded or a DNF as easy as 100.  It is by the spirit we will win, and be guided as we need to go.  So beware the ad that  states “61 year old man, 1 million miles on two wheels.  New motor, runs fast, needs some cosmetics.”  I can do all things in Christ who gives me the strength.  The power.  Only by his spirit.  How long your motor will last depends on how you live, and ride.  You have no control over the day you die, just as you had no say in the day you were born.  But you have a say in how you live, and I choose to live in the spirit.  I will not win every race, but will endure to the end in Christ.  Where I will get a new body,with a new aorta, and live forever.  We will all make it to the end, just have different rewards.  Mine will be found in heaven, in Jesus Christ.  God doesn’t promise us tomorrow, so enjoy today in Christ.  Keep being fueled by the spirit.  It was only 5 miles from finish at Indy Robbie Gordon ran out of gas, in first place.  Don’t you.  Fuel economy will vary with driving style.  And the way we live.  Aren’t you glad your God has what it takes to go the distance?  And driven more than only on Sundays...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

riding your own ride

There is this road I know when certified fast guys come to visit I take them to.  It has curves, great surface, and for just under 7 miles you can prove just how fast you really are.  Then there is another road I know where I take beginner riders, or those who have little experience.  It too has curves, but not as many, stop signs, straights, and if you are brave enough sections to cruise at 80, or just cruise along at the posted 55.  It lasts about 35 miles, and like the first road, you can turn around and ride it back to where you started.  But then there is a third road, where you can test the top speed of your ride and yourself, and I rarely take anyone else there.  Too dangerous, and even speeds over 130 on it scare me anymore, so I avoid it except when riding a new bike and wanting to see what it will do.  Or I can do on it.  Just for my own knowledge of course.  But in each case I first give advice, which was given to me years ago and is still good advice today, ride your own ride.  Don’t try to keep up with me, and I don’t mind if you pass me.  Enjoy the ride at your pace, and we will meet up at the end.  And in doing so I learn more about the road and myself, and hopefully become a better rider. 

On one afternoon two guys I worked with on sport bikes came by to ride, and I took them to road #1.  But I took the Bonneville with Theresa on the back, and still shook them.  They rode their own ride, I rode mine, and all returned safe, if not a little embarrassing for the sport bike riders.  A fast bike doesn’t make a faster rider, skill and old age mixed with experience are a tough combination to beat.  But my main reason at first was to show them the lines I take, so they can get the most from the ride, and coming back, they definitely rode faster.  And reminded me of a question asked by a Marine when he doubted your BS, “thank you for your opinion, could you state your sources please?”  When you want to ride better, who do you ask?  Maybe you need to ask the above question before listening or heading off.  It just might save your life, or at least your ride. 

I have a friend who has over 150,000 miles on his Harley.  He may seem a good candidate for advice on how to ride long distances, except when you learn they are all commuting miles.  Maybe a good guy to ask if you commute with him, but the last guy to take advice from on a long tour.  At the other end is another friend who does a lot of track days, and is very fast.  He is used to run outs, fast laps, and after a few resting.  Watching him ride on the street one day, I thought he was crazy, he is and was, his skills tuned for the track, but leaving me behind on the street, with the thought I may find him in the bushes around the next corner.  Never did, he is an E ticket ride every time...not for me.  When he talks of lines, I find mine much different, and slower.  My rides are not races, or for time, only a good time.  Again know the professor before the question.  But the ones who I find the lesser riders are ones who ride like the group does.  They stick out by their conformity.  And you only are as fast as the slowest rider, and some are pretty slow.  And bad, who are first to point out how you ride too fast.  A sure admission of their lack of skills.  But yet many fall prey to their lack of skill and consideration of others, so I don’t and won’t ride with them.  I hope they enjoy their ride, and I want to enjoy mine too.  They are the ones to avoid when asking advice on riding, they don’t see what we do, and they are so hypnotized at times they may not be seeing anything at all.  So always consider your sources when asking, like the saying goes, “$20k and 200 miles don’t make you a biker.”   Beware shiny new leathers, and bikes that never lean more than their side stands allow.  But be wise of high mileage guys too, 200,000 on a Gold Wing may be all interstate, with only off ramps for curves.  I know, and now I ask.  And am asked.

We are all very impressionable, and it seems whenever a new situation occurs, we have much to learn.  As a young Christian, I admired a family who seemed to do everything right.  They had two teenagers, a boy and girl, and seemed so righteous at church, yet so friendly.  It was only after being the youth leader, I saw how different they really were.  The kids were normal teens, the girl wanting to date, and wanting to show off her developing body.  Her brother was athletic, liked cars, and wanted to ride motorcycles.  Normal kids.  Yet in church they had to behave differently, they were two different people living in the same bodies, in church and out of church.  And soon when they got old enough, went wild.  Too many rules, they wanted to find out for themselves, and when we cannot from the church, from fear of reprisal, they got into trouble.  Bring embarrassment to their parents in the body of the congregation.  I found this out later when I met the son, who turned out OK, loved God, but was burnt on church.  His sister had gotten pregnant, had a baby, he was an uncle, but the family had left the church in shame.  Where was all the love they told us about?  What example did they set?  What was the source of their relationship with God?  Church or with Jesus personally?

I don’t like religious movies, they give a bad example of how we really are.  We have the same problems, temptations, and desires common to all.  Yet in these movies we are profiled as goody two shoes, whose biggest problem is what new prom dress do I get?  Will I find time to study for my finals?  Who will I take to my youth group rally?  And then there is real life, kids found under pressure from peer groups, trying drugs, alcohol, and sex.  Unwed teen mothers, kids flunking out of school on drugs, and succumbing to other temptations.  Real life.  Real problems.  Who would you turn to for advice?  Put a group together in drug rehab, you find better places to score.  Fast guys in driving school, better roads to ride.  Car thieves, you get better skills shared.  But in all cases one ingredient is missing, Jesus Christ.  Who knows temptation, and how to handle it.  Who offers free advice,and can back it up.  Who shows the way because he is the way.  Who encourages you to ride your own ride in life, don’t be taken in by religion, and strive to live in the spirit.  We all mean well, and like to offer good advice.  After my open heart surgery I had many who would approach telling me they understood just how I felt.  Really, you ever been life flighted when on vacation?  Should have died?  So I started to answer “really, maybe you can tell me, because I don’t get it.”  Until you have the experience, you don’t know.  So get to know God, the way he intended, through Jesus.  Now when I encounter those who have gone through a traumatic time, I tell them, “I cannot imagine what you feel or are going through, I only know what I felt.”  And share my testimony of how God was there, never left me, and still cares for me today.  What witness does your ride provide?  God will never put pressures on you like the church will.  So consider the source when needing advice, spiritual as well as riding.  God knows best in all situations, going to church will not qualify you, listening to the spirit will.  And God does forgive....do you?  Christians sadly are known for killing their wounded, where does your guidance come from?  Above or from the congregation?

So I leave you with good advice, whether riding or in affairs of the soul.  Don’t ride like the majority rides.  Ride your own ride, the one Jesus has set before you.  It is hard to be yourself when trying to match up to others demands, allow the freedom of the spirit to guide you, and enjoy the ride.  Knowing if you get off the course, you are welcomed back and forgiven.  So keep going, for we will make mistakes, all of us, some accept forgiveness and ride on, others die a slow death trying to impress.  Search for the greatest source, God, and find him readily available.  The next time you consider that majority rules, remember the cross, and the majority that sentenced Jesus to it.  We probably would have been right in it, today we can find comfort in he who died for us.  Advising others to follow him, rather than the crowd.  When you come to Christ you find someone you can emulate, who you can live like.  Works in riding too, bet you never heard that one in church.  We are all on a road in life, with turns, straights, and potholes.  How you navigate them will show Christ in your life.  Could you state your source please?  Maybe your actions already have.  Time with God doesn’t necessarily make you a good instructor.  We all need to work on our rides, only in Jesus will you find what you are looking for.  The only source you will ever need.  In church or out, don’t be intimidated, listen to what the spirit is saying.....there is this road I know.....hope to see you on it.  Where we will all meet at the end.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

"...who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile..."

I thought of my friend Lance the other day when seeing a commercial for The Mary Tyler Moore Show.  He always had a crush on her, she was the prefect woman of the early seventies. To him and many others.  She was the girl who could take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile.  Which made me reconsider all the seemingly nothing things I do all week.  And looking back somehow they all seemed worthwhile.

The new Indian dealer opened and I wanted to ride a Scout.  When he saw I was riding an Explorer with manufacturer plates, and saw I rode for Triumph, I was in, and we set out.  Nice bike, but when he turned to go back, I pulled up next to him and told him “I’m not ready,” and got on the freeway.  He caught up and when we returned he figured I just had to get on it.  New friend made.  The day before I had stopped by to see Jerry at the Harley store, and met a new salesman, who liked my Bonneville.  So many Harleys sold, yet when I pull in on the Bonneville, they all gather around it.  Go figure.  He had a Norton, and was new to Harley...his first love British.  Nice to see young guys riding the classics.  Later in the week a stop at the BMW store and Phil, who used to sell Triumphs, and is always interested to see what press bike I have.  Offered me a ride on the new S1000X, the 160 hp adventure bike.  No time today, maybe next week.  We joked about owning a Prius, only to offend a guy standing there.  Sorry buddy, you bought it.  Maybe a motorcycle can get you back your manhood.  Looked at the Guzzis and Aprilias, cool stuff.  I’m still a sucker for Euro bikes.  And on the way home stopped by to see Mike at the Honda store.  We go back a long ways, and we talked of why certain bikes we thought would sell never did, crazy financing, and did I want to sell for him.  Sorry no, I’m retired.  Caught up on our kids, and I was off.  Thanked the guys in service who checked my tires, then home and put it on the charger, I really need to ride it more. 

An unplanned stop at a multi brand dealer and visiting with Tyson, who is the GM now.  He is going to England for the worldwide intro of the new Bonnevilles, and was invited on a private factory tour.  Lucky sucker.  So when I got home opened the teaser email again about them, and called Mick.  He is doing the US intro meeting next month, and although bikes aren’t on the water yet, he’ll have them soon, which means I’ll have one soon.  The Thruxton R in Silver Ice is driving me nuts.  Bikes are set for late spring intro, I will have put thousands of miles on them by then.  Earlier I had taken the Explorer back and got the Street Triple, and checked it out for my son who will ride it when he comes home next month.   My other son stopped by on his way to work and gave me some New Zealand bike magazines his girlfriend picked up there last week.  Rode the blue Tiger to Bible study, and made note to fuel the white one for our weekend ride tomorrow.  The blue one has gone from interstate tourer to grocery getter, and perfect for riding down to San Diego Tuesday nights to minister.  And stopping to look back, I was amazed at the impact of motorcycles in my life.  I had ridden over 600 miles on 6 different bikes, and never gone more than 85 miles from home.  Add in last weekend’s ride for another 220, and I had ridden over 800 miles, and hadn’t really gone anywhere.  Maybe my nothing days were worthwhile after all....because I ride.  And the people I know.

Fellowshipping is under rated.  Getting together with people of like interests reminded me of that.  At the Bible study yesterday talked with Pastor Glenn about prayer warriors.  Hassled Doug about his new BMW, who loves to ride it.  Talked with Ron about the week, and after the study visited with many of us seniors.  Older saints with lots of miles and years among us, with Jesus in common.  A treasure trove of testimonies shared, and without Jesus we never would have met.  You see Jesus takes a nothing life and suddenly makes it all seem worthwhile.  He adds life to your style, and purpose to you.  I have met more people from all different walks of life, who are my brothers and sisters in Christ.  He is our common denominator, and with him we have all things.  And it makes me reflect on all my motorcycle friends, who know who and what I am, and who I get to minster to.  Guys who would never set foot in a church, but can hear the gospel, and see it live through me.  Which really makes life worthwhile.  And if it can work for bikers, it can work for golfers.  Quilters.  Soccer moms.  SUV drivers.  You see God has appointed us to be his ambassadors in the world, not to keep the message just between the saved inside the four walls of the church.  My scope of friends goes from millionaires, to retired police chiefs, to 1%’er club presidents, to Marine officers, to hookers, prisoners, and retired pastors.  Today I will meet with Karl, just out on parole, and Ben, a retired pastor whose ministry was in the trenches.  These men love the Lord, and both are called to different audiences, like I am.  Without Karl many in prison would have never heard the word, and been given hope.  Ben stood the ground for many years defending the down trodden.  All from different backgrounds, who get excited when we talk about Jesus.  We just can’t keep him inside of us, we need to share him through ministering to others.  No preaching, but loving those who need it when it is needed.  And when is love never needed?

Maybe we all need to stop and look back at our week, and see where God was in it.  How he made simple things interesting, and gave life purpose.  Maybe spend more time meditating on him, praying and thanking him.  God has given me the desire of my heart, and it is him.  He has also given me a passion for motorcycles, and lets me be out riding and sharing.  A life within a lifestyle, no colors flying, no tracts to pass out, just meeting people on the street like Jesus did.  As I go, like he did.  Today you may think your life is hum drum, is boring.  Let Jesus make it exciting, get out and live for him.  With him.  There is action on the streets just waiting for you to make it happen, and your ministry field doesn’t have to be an ocean away.  People need to not only hear the message, but see it in real life.  If Jesus can take two anarchists, a tax collector, fishermen, and a banker, throw in a Pharisee, and change the world, imagine what he can do with you?  Let Christ into your  life now, and let him take that nothing life and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile.  Jesus and motorcycles, it just don’t get any better.  That’s my story, what’s yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

communication breakdown

Who can forget the immortal line from Cool Hand Luke, “what we have here is a failure to communicate,” and maybe truer words were never spoken.  Or to be more precise, converse,  thanks to the curse of texting people don’t talk anymore.  We have sound bites on the news, and anyone and everyone may be recording you, which I can guarantee will be turned around and used against you.  And it has even invaded prayer time over the years, both personal and public.  If you sound holier than thou you must have some special connection to God, or if you have a title or are in ministry.  I have known people over the years who follow a person because they got healed when they prayed, thinking there is power in prayer, and in this one man’s prayer in particular.  We even have prayer warriors, and people who line up for prayer after services with the pastor.  Recently I was reminded that when I had open heart surgery “half the people around the world were praying for you” and to them I say thanks.  But in a different way...let me explain.

Some believe the more who are praying, the more God listens, and somehow it jaundices his answers, and the speed of them.  Like one more and he will answer.  Many pray asking, but never stop to wait for God’s answer, and I ask, “so why even ask if you don’t want to hear the answer?”  Many times God does answer, we just don’t like the answer, or it is not what we expected.  More prayer, as if maybe God didn’t understand...But sadly a familiar scenario is like this.  Every night just before going to bed, the phone rings.  It is always the same person, who tells you how he hates his job, has no money, his kids are out of control, and his wife and him are on the outs.  He asks you for help, but when you go to answer, he says “gotta go, can’t talk now.”   Which is a fair representation of their prayer life, which represents their relation with God.  Sound familiar?

Some think prayer is only communication, or even a monologue.  It is a dialogue, with the God of the universe.  Try this next time you are on the phone.  You talk 5 minutes, then it is the other person’s turn.  Then yours again.  Communication, but not conversation.  True conversation is alive, and listens as much as it talks.  Still caught up making excuses, try this one.  Jesus says where ever two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them.  Since the person of the holy spirit is in you upon salvation, you are never alone, and have the perfect prayer partner.  And be real brave, let the spirit start your conversation, who knows better your needs, and then you speak.  Still lost for words, you can always thank him!  Did you ever consider just shutting up and listening the next time you call him Lord?

But prayer took on another dimension for me when I was sick.  I knew God had it all in control, the spirit was giving me peace.  And I was glad so many cared about me, love is a reassuring thing in the midst of turmoil.  But so many would say “I prayed for you,” implying their specific request made the difference in God’s answer.  Theresa had been reminded by a hospital chaplain of Isaiah 65:24, God is already answering before you ask.  So I asked him why was it important that others pray, and I pray for others?  His answer was so simple, and so amazing all a once.  “So that when I did my miracle in you, people could see my hand at work, and would worship me.” 

the answer was the most important part of the request.  And all the time, and every time, it is always about Jesus.  And when he gets the glory, you get the blessings.  You see there is no power in prayer, but there is power in he who hears and answers.  So why not get on a first name basis with him, get his daily updates and praise him even more?  No more communication breakdown, spend time with the Lord, who reminds us “why do you call me Lord if you don’t do what I ask?”  Can you hear him now?

Psalm 1 tells us blessed is the man who delights in the Lord.  Who spends time with him, and thinks on him.  Do we?  Think, who was Jesus thinking of when he was on the cross?  The worst scenario in history?  He was still calling out to his father, for us.  His eyes were not on himself, but on the one who could save.  And did and does.  At your next Bible study or prayer meeting, suggest silence, and listen for the spirit to start the prayer.  Scripture doesn’t say he who has a mouth let him speak, it does say “he who has an ear let him hear.” And did you know you can control your mouth, but not your hearing?  Are we onto something here?  And hearing is the last sense we lose before death, the spirit ministering until heaven, and then in heaven.   Praying more and getting less?  Ask God, then listen.  Two ears, one mouth.  One will.  So I ask you to pray for me, that I may hear more of the spirit, get closer to God, and see more Jesus in my life.  For others to see.  Maybe the St. Francis of Assissi prayer is a good reminder.  Preach the word daily, adding words when needed.  God will direct your paths, but will you follow?  Only if you hear what the spirit is saying...and all you have to say is “Amen.”  The spirit, whenever and wherever two or more are gathered...you are never alone, and you have the perfect prayer partner.  Take a few minutes right now to listen.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

the books on God's shelf

When the Ford Probe came out in 1988,I bought one of the transport when it first arrived.  Five years later it was stolen, and when it came time to settle with the insurance company, I had all the receipts for service, maintenance, and accessories added, with pictures, so I was able to negotiate top book plus when settling the claim.  Sadly the car was found on the other side of town a few days later, but now belonged to the insurance company.  So off we went to replace it, our choices either a Mustang GT, or Camaro Z-28.  After looking at dozens of cars, a theme developed for each car.  The Mustangs were all 5 speed manuals, and mostly owned by men.  They had higher miles, some options, well maintained, and like me, they had complete records.  The Camaros by comparison were mostly automatics, lower miles, not taken care of as well, dirty or low oil, mostly owned by single women, and had no paperwork.  Just one glimpse when lifting the hood and you could tell the difference, with some needing a bath also.  Which made me wonder, if you have a car for sale, can’t you at least wash it?  But it was the books, the records of Mustang owners that showed pride of ownership...the Camaros left no doubt either about lack of pride of ownership.

Now even Santa Claus has a list of all the kids in Boy and Girl Land, and has to check it twice.  Note it is a list and incorporates both good and bad. Who knows what he recorded or even missed.  Not so with God, who reminds us in Malachi 3:16 that he keeps a book of remembrance on us.  A book of good things we have done, and if you have a book, you are also included in the Lamb’s book of Life.  Now this book would mean something to the people at the time, as Persian kings would keep notes of good of their subjects, sort of like my kids used to bring home “caught being good slips” occasionally.  The teacher noted good things, and so did the king.  Many times it a long took time to remember, so the books were needed,  and it took great patience for the good books to be opened, as the kingdom was all about the king after all.  So God prepared his books on his people, to encourage the faithful ones, and keep track of their good deeds.  Today we talk of paying it ahead, and of money, God was looking at the heart, not the pocket book or FICO score. 

Maybe a better way to think of these books was to look at them as a yearbook, or scrapbook that God keeps on us.  Not to remind him, as if he could forget, but to remind us.  How many times after a trip do I look at pictures and not remember the place.  Or forgot and the pictures remind me.  And the precious memories flood my heart.  God’s book is like this, and is all good things, no bad memories included.  Or sins, as Jesus was to encourage his believers to rejoice because your names are written in heaven.  To encourage them as he knew their faithfulness would come under attack, and could result in heartache, trouble, and even death.  And so it continues today.  To encourage us so we can rest in confidence that we are remembered in God’s scrapbook of us.  Which happens to include no sin, for we are forgiven, as if it never existed.   No revisions, no updated context, our sin never exists or existed once we are saved.  Says so right in the Bible, and in the book God keeps on us.  And it is possible that this book on Job was paraded in front of Satan when he accused God of favoring him to gain his allegiance.  I am sure when reviewing it before Satan he had full assurance of who and what and how Job would react.  Is it possible God brags on the book of us?

Now while the book of Malachi gives a detailed account or Israel and her disobedience, anything from defective offerings, wrong teaching and errors, unfaithfulness to wives, and even complaining how it was futile to serve God, God knew the heart of each.  And while we look at the outer man, God saw into the heart, and our character.  And based the books on love, his love reflected in us, as evidenced by Paul.  Where he talks of speaking in tongues, prophesying, knowing all the mysteries of Christ, even giving all to help the poor, that if it was not done in love, but to build up himself, he had nothing.  Rather he rather boast of God and how Jesus changed his life. Reminding us in the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13, love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy or boast, and is not proud.  Love does not dishonor others, is not self seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs.  Always hopes and loves.  Love never fails.  And since God is love, we see the character of God here, and the things he counts as valuable to put  in our books.  Again repeated in the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, forbearance, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, meekness, and self control.  No laws broken among them.  The things that God remembers about us will amaze us, some of us with only a few pages, others with volumes.  But we will all be in heaven at the reading!  The same God who inspired the scriptures, has a written a book inspired by you, when you are inspired by him!  Your book is on his shelf, is his on yours?  Has he written his word on your heart?  By your fruits others will know.

And so it was easy to make the decision to buy the Mustang.  A 1986 GT convertible with 103,xxx miles on it.  Complete with books and records from new.  And when we traded it later with over 145,xxx miles, we got what we paid for it on trade in, verified by the records.  Before CARFAX, before computers.  We could prove our claims, and God can prove his.  And you can also.  And someday when the books are opened we will be amazed at the things God noted as important, as opposed to the things we thought were.  Get to know Jesus personally, start filling your scrapbook today.  A yearbook starting the day you were saved, right up and into heaven.  Start walking in the spirit today, guided by him, and start a treasure trove of testimonies.  You never know, God may be bragging on you!  Remember that the next time you encounter a trial...someone is watching and taking notes.  Home movies of the heart, that only a loving father could take.  Are your books up to date?

love with compassion,

Mike

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