passing grades

Riding home west through Tennessee we came upon an interesting situation, a sign on I-40 warned of the right lane closing in 30 miles.  But all the traffic was merging into the left lane now, causing a traffic jam.  Not wishing to be part of the jam, we proceeded to ride in the right lane for 30 miles, until it closed and we were forced to merge into the left one.  But along the way cars were honking, some showing love with a finger, and others shaking their heads in our irreverent action.  Maybe we were not observing a certain road courtesy, or maybe Tennessee drivers just obey signs better, but I thought it was weird.  Until we encountered it again, same state, same I-40, and same westerly direction.  and we got the same response when we failed to merge left for 30 miles.  Maybe a question on their driver’s test, “when you see a sign telling lane ends in 30 miles you A-proceed, B-slow down, C-roll down window and cuss at non-conforming riders, or D-pull over immediately causing traffic jam.”  And the correct answer is D.  And not only was it bad enough that cars and trucks of all sizes were merging left some 30 miles too soon, there were some motorcycles included.  Includes motorcycles also?  Anyway my passing grade that day was to pass, and a hearty thank you to Tennessee drivers for giving me a lane all to myself.

The Blue Ridge Highway is a must ride road.  Gorgeous sights, great curves, limited access, and all held hostage by a 45 mph speed limit.  Which so many SUV tourists interpret as 25 mph, with no regards for anyone else.  Passing is prohibited, but many of us do, it is hard to pass up such a great series of curves, for over 400 miles.  Early one Sunday morning on the Sprint ST we stopped at an overlook, to take a picture.  There we met another man with a blue Sprint, just like our red one.  He was excited to see another, and he had North Carolina plates on it.  He was a local, “his back yard” as he explained, and we could follow him for over 100 miles.  He was out for a Sunday morning ride before the Winnebagos and SUV’s took over, and so we followed him, using his lines.  Passing numerous cars, and also a few motorcycles along the way.  Not riding unsafely, or without courtesy, he got off, we both waved, and kept going at a similar pace.  Only to be shocked when coming upon a group of riders from a certain club.  Who wouldn’t give way to our passing, truly establishing ownership of what was their road.  Now cars full of parents under the influence of kids would move over, kids waving, and fathers wishing they were us, but our own kind, other motorcyclists out for their crowd ride took umbrage with us.  So much for the brotherhood of bikers, and riding your own ride.

If you have never ridden the Ortega Highway you should at least once.  The first road in California the CHP put radar on, with the new construction a few years back, it is great.  But also a commuter road for those living inland and working on the coast.  So traffic can be heavy at certain times, fortunately I can ride during the week.  But on one Saturday morning when construction was going on, we had to wait with a group of Gold Wing riders.  Nice folks, we visited, talked different bikes, and joked about their plush animals.   We were about fifth in line, the road opened and we took off.  Now some parts are marked are marked 55, some 25, and we proceeded to follow.  The Gold Wings ahead of us sped up to 55, no matter the speed limit and stayed there.  They were pretty agile in the corners, as skilled riders will be, but never went over 55.  Finally fed up with third gear, and second, we passed, they waved,and we met them later at a gas station on the coast.  Jokingly I inquired about their 55 mph cruise speed, saying “can’t you hear your radio above it?”  To which one answered quite honestly, “No.”  Which made me wonder, would a more powerful stereo allow higher speeds?  How would that work on Tennessee freeways when they merge, and how would that effect my riding on the BRP?  All three roads had situations where passing was required, but each one had a built in punishment from fellow bike riders.  I was quick to give myself a passing grade of A+, but to the locals, or tourists, or stereo bound Wing nuts, I got an F.  I still tell others, and advise riding your own ride.  But doesn’t that work both ways, can I ride mine too?

Call it religion of the road, and maybe learned in some churches.  You must obey the local rules, the denominational legalism, or you will not be welcomed.  And in many cases, if you don’t follow their by laws, you aren’t saved.  At least in their eyes.  And over the years I have visited many churches and felt welcomed.  While a stranger in others, and looking for an escape.  One such Sunday we were invited by a new member in the club to attend his church.  He was a little too weird for me, but we went along.  Before the service we mingled, they were nice enough, then the service started.  The pastor referred to the instruments on the stage, and that no one would play them, so as to not draw attention to themselves.  And then they cranked up the music to distortion, ear splitting volume,and began to hop.  Bringing attention to themselves.  Then a few ladies laid down tablecloths up front after the music, and members in the audience were called out and up front.  About 12 lined up, facing the crowd, and the pastor went to each one, and pushed them backwards, landing on the cloths.  One young kid stood out, and I went up to him.  I told him not to be scared, this was not scriptural, and he wanted to talk to me.  And then I felt some big hands on my shoulders, one huge white man telling me “go back, leave the stage now.”  Telling them I just felt compassion for this kid, and even bigger black guy told me “you don’t get it, you aren’t welcomed here.”  And so I left the stage, others with me, and we sat outside waiting for the others in our group with us to come out.  For an hour and a half, many questioning the lack of Jesus present, and almost a cult like atmosphere.  I would later be chided for my leaving, but this was not of God, but of a different spirit.  But one thing was mentioned to me, the kid I went up to see, when pushed did not fall.  He resisted, he knew what was happening was wrong.  And stood his ground.  To the congregation of not wanting to bring attention to themselves, he resisted, bringing attention to himself.  Much talk was devoted to the events afterward, some felt I was rude,  just follow the rules, one idiot told me I was unteachable, and a heretic.  And maybe not saved.  Just because I showed compassion.  And was right in discerning evil in the service.

Like the road captains who rode at one speed, condemning anyone else, I had been condemned, by fellow Christians.  Judgmental I was told.  Which brought up some questions.  Why is it only people caught in sin object and accuse others of being judgmental?  Aren’t we to be as wise as scorpions but gentle as lambs?  Aren’t we to have a discerning spirit?  Jesus never went along with the crowd, they went along with him.  He was holy, it is us that need to change, not him.  And not religion changing us.  It is the spirit that gives insight, guidance,and God provides the growth.  And as far as being critical, another deception pointed out when you discern, I replied “I am not judging you, I am describing you.”  I rather receive a passing grade from God than from man.  And in that sense I am a rebel among rebels, for to be a born again Christian you must rebel against sin, and turn to Jesus.  Yes we will all have a personal testimony, and be individuals in Christ, the key here is in Christ.  Loving and living outside the four walls of the church and religious rules.  Legalism will control you,and keep you from the spirit, I prefer to ride and live in the spirit.  I want all I can get from my God, the love and forgiveness I need daily, not a set of rules to live by.  I wish to be under the spirit’s control, my choice to make, rather than some man’s idea of decorum.  And it is ironic that the fruit of spirit has no laws against it.  So why do you have rules against me?  And my freedom?  So how you live your life is a witness of God in it, or God not in it.  Either way it shows where you are with Jesus. 

I choose to live free in Christ, to ride my own ride with him.  Let him lead, I’ll follow.  But some lesser believers who don’t have the freedom I do will cause trouble, my freedom they cannot control.  Don’t be bound by laws and legalism, trust Jesus and find true freedom in the spirit.  Funny how these same clubs that talk of the freedom of the road make so many rules of how to ride it.  Don’t let it happen to your ride, or your God.  Ride your own ride, and when you ride with Jesus you can hear the music above 55, a lane opens up for you to follow, and you meet others along the way while touring, who will guide you. Passing grades provided by a loving God, if it works on the road, imagine what it can do in church?  Maybe that’s why I rather be riding my motorcycle thinking about God than sitting in church thinking about riding.  Mt wave is friendly and uses all five fingers.  I hope you can wave back in love the same way.  If not, see you in church....did I tell you the one about the lady in the SUV who cut me off....and her one finger wave.  And sat in front of me in church?  Maybe she was just describing me, and I was #1 to her.  You think so?  Funny how God puts some people in your way.  Aren’t you glad Jesus is the way?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

finding true victory in defeat

The town I grew up in had a reputation for great basketball teams.  Just before I hit high school, they had been ranked #5 in the state, and it looked good for those of us coming up through the system.  The system consisted of our two junior high schools, who competed against each other also.  We only lost two games one year, and many of us set  school records, mine for rebounding.  We even beat one team 122-15 in a tournament, hit 100 points in another, my foul shot, the first one was nothing but air, and the future looked bright for SPFHS.  We were winners, we were used to winning, and had an attitude about it.  So when the two schools met together in high school, our sophomore year, hopes ran high, and we couldn’t wait for the season to start.  Between the two junior highs, we could field two teams almost, and combined we felt we couldn’t lose.  And win we did, the first half of the season we went undefeated, the JV that is.  Some of us could be playing varsity, me not included, but at the time varsity was only for juniors and seniors.  We had bigger crowds sometimes for our JV games, we were good, and the coach had an ego for winning.  He would strut out before the game and perform theatricals during it, he loved to win and show off his team.  His team, which he was quick to call us.  We were winning, having fun, and even though injured, with knee surgery, I was right there in the midst of it.  We were riding high, and then one night the wheels came off the train.  And we crashed...

We got beat bad by a lesser team.  Although it was only mid season, and many games left to play, the season was ruined. We no longer were perfect, but had a 1 where the zero used to be in the lost column.  The coach had actually thought we were invincible, and it was a blemish on his record.  But the players on the team’s attitude was what surprised me.  Many cried while sitting on the bench, grown up sophomores in high school bawling, and in the locker room it was even worse.  Some wanted to give up and quit, they had lost a game, and couldn’t face themselves.  Or parents or their classmates.  Their record was no longer perfect, and rumors swirled the team needed to be rebuilt, and the coach was looking for new players.  All because of one loss.  Now remember I said we came from two schools, two junior highs.  And that night it showed, as the school I came from we took the loss in stride.  We didn’t like to lose, but had lost before, and knew it would happen again.  Some nights are like that, but you are around to play again.  But the other school, where the coach had previously coached, had never lost, and they pride and ego was on display that night.  Rather their true character, as in losing we show our true hearts.  Every one loves a winner, but now the team had lost, and was left in tears.  Some of them, and even though the perfect season was over, we would win the conference championship.  We weren’t perfect, but we won it anyway.  Just as almost all others had in the past.  But the night of loss is what I remember, and I can still see my tough teammates and friends with tears coming down their cheeks, some uncontrollably, and I wonder what lesson their coach had rally taught them about life, and winning.  Not to mention losing. 

Unless you are not  living on the planet, you are going to have tough times.  You will not win every game, every battle, every argument.  Being the best team doesn’t guarantee victory, you still have to play the game, which is why we play them.  It is called life, and we all participate.  Whether part of a team or individually, we will never have a perfect record when our lives are looked back on.  Sure we will be found sinless and perfect before God when we are saved, but we still need to endure life on earth before we get there.  And those of us close to God, who walk in the spirit can attest to one thing, the tougher the times, the closer we get to Jesus.  If I hadn’t had open heart surgery I never would have known him as the great physician.  If I had not followed the guiding of the spirit I never would have known him as the mighty counselor.  If I never knew pain and suffering, I never would know him as the comforter.  And if I had never lost, I never would have known how good it feels to win, and develop my character.  For it is in the tough times when our true character is built and revealed, we all love to win, but how do we handle losing?  Would you rather be humbled or humiliated?  And in 1 Timothy, Paul points out that how we treat others, is how we feel about ourselves.  If we look down on others, made by the same God we were, we show insecurity.  If we must be perfect, we deny what God has said about us, that we were all once sinners, only Jesus is perfect.  If we must be first, we will be last, and we must die to self to be born again.  No egos in heaven, only the love of God, and we only get there when we repent, and realize we are sinners.  Less than perfect.  Like that season, it is in defeat or battle we see sides of God that in victory we don’t.  We find out how competitive we really are, and how Satan competes for our very souls, and only in Jesus can you, or will you win.  You must die to self, and become part of the family of God.  You must become part of a team of losers, to win the final victory.  And Jesus won the victory, and wants you to be part of the team.  And gives us some simple advice, that I have used in church and in business.  Treat all men as brothers, not as competitors.  All women as sisters, show respect not lust.  Treat the older ones as your grandparents, the younger ones as your kids, and show them all respect.  Which in my case takes a miracle.  But in Christ we can, and do, and will. 

If you have never lost, believe me it is coming, and will grow you in ways you cannot imagine.  If you have lost for so long you forget what victory feels like, remember in Jesus we have the final victory, even in a losing season we win the championship, we see Jesus in heaven.  No fantasies as in Fantasy Football, we don’t get to choose the team, Jesus chose us and when we are called, should answer “yes Lord, be kind to me a sinner,” so we can later hear “enter in my good and faithful servant.”  Servants, not the served.  Losers who are saved, not winners who aren’t.  Some put up great stats in life or league play, but the question is “did you win?”  We all fight or play to win, are you in it for the stats, or the final victory?  When David saw the Philistine giant with 12 fingers and toes, and 9 feet tall, he saw what no others saw.  While they saw defeat, he saw victory in a Lord who had been with him “against the bear, and against the lion.”  He had won both times, why should he worry now?  Are you worrying about your record, or winning the goal of heaven?  Do you see Jesus or your ego being bruised?  Do you see the cross as a place of loss, or of victory?  Do you know or does your life reflect that that was where our salvation was won for us?  That we couldn’t do for ourselves, no matter how great a record?  Do you concentrate on the one in the lost column, or the one in the victory column?  Are you in it for yourself, or in it for Jesus?

Maybe that loss that night could have been the best thing that  had happened.  The team, from the coach down had to go back to work.  We get lazy in victory, only in battle are our senses heightened.  Our spiritual senses, and where and who Jesus is in our lives.  I don’t always know when I am walking in the spirit, but I know when I am not, and need to return after losing.  Without Jesus you lose, with him you win.  Not every battle, so we constantly need to seek the spirit, and follow him, but the victory will be in heaven.  The real victory, where we will be surprised to see who else is there, and many will be amazed to see me.  But we go to heaven to see Jesus. The others will be reminders of his undying love for us.  No matter our record on earth, we are undefeated in heaven.  A record I am glad to know I have, despite all my losses here on earth.  So when he tells us to count all else as loss, stop and meditate on that.  Show him to reveal his fullness to you, and when he takes you to the cross, you will see true victory snatched out of the jaws of defeat.  Only Jesus can win the battle for your soul, are you more interested in your record or where you end up?  It won’t matter in heaven, as only Jesus has the bragging rights, and we cannot win salvation ourselves.  A gift....so quit trying to do it yourself, and turn to him.  Walk in the spirit, knowing you ultimately win, and face defeat looking to Jesus.  It takes all things to work for good for us, both winning and losing.  But they finally do in the end.  The scars of battle for your souls is found in his nail pierced hands and feet.  A body less than perfect so we can have one that is.  There are victories, and there are victors.  Only in Jesus you will have both.  Bet you never thought that the real victory would be found in losing? 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

living the life or is it the lifestyle?

I read the news today, oh boy.  Harley Davidson stock is at a two year low.  And sales of its new bikes are down significantly, both in the US of A and around the world.  No reason to panic, they are still making money hand over fist, there are few starving Harley dealers out there, the profit per bike is an industry high, and the marketing is still the tops, maybe anywhere in any product line.  So why the long faces at the Motor Company?  Well its leader and president is retiring, he was the marketing guru.  And while they still teach the company’s marketing in college classes, its customer base is dwindling.  I rode the new Indian Scout, and if Sonny Barger rides an Indian, he has a strong dislike for Harleys, per his book, and conversations I have had with him, Harley may need to worry.  Or maybe not over react, and just build some quality into its product.  They have gotten much better, but for value, so many other bikes from other manufacturers offer more.  And are almost as cool, perform better, and cost a lot less.  Are you listening Harley?  Where are the Sportsters that are sporty?  Where are the old values, where a 5 year old used Harley sold for the same as a new one?  Why do they weigh so much, and why are they so expensive to repair and maintain? 

I must admit if I was looking for a v-twin cruiser, HD sets the pace, but Indian is gaining, it may be a tough choice.  Feed the Motor Company and the lifestyle, or keep the cash and take a trip.  Which is cooler?  The view from either bike from behind the handlebars will be the same.  Same with parallel twins, it’s either Triumph or a copy, and the new Bonnevilles looks great.  I can see a Thruxton R in my garage soon from the press fleet.  No one else can copy that cool either.  When it comes down to all around sport bike racing bikes for the street, the Japanese still rule, except if you ride a BMW S1000R, which would be my choice.  So each bike manufacturer has its niche, its style of bike, but they must all have two things in common, value-what you get for your money, and affordability, will your wife let you spend the $15k on a used car or a new bike?  Motorcycles will win on cool, never on practicality.  Except if you argue with me, or some of my friends who ride. So maybe we need to ask, are we living the life, or is it the lifestyle we are more interested in?  With many Harley dealers taking on Indian or Polaris, maybe they know something.  And locally a new Indian dealer just moved in next to the Harley store.  Different owners, and you must pass the Indian store to get to Harley.  How important is location?  Cool?  Value?  Is is life or lifestyle?  Maybe the architect of General Motors, back when they ruled the world said it best, “you can sell a young man’s car to an older man, but a young man will not buy an old man’s car.”  And being older, I still want performance, handling, and value in my ride.  And at prices I can afford, and on one I can feel safe riding past the city limits. 

How do you describe Christianity if someone asks?  Religion?  Lifestyle?  Philosophy?  Is it a way of life, or a pathway to God?  Or is it none of the above, and needs to be recreated, to be resurrected, as church attendance in many denominations is down, and so is overall church attendance.  Has the value of church gone down?  How will it effect you?  Maybe basics should be the starting point, as Christians were once made fun of, the term meaning little Christ, and was derogatory.  Sounds like today.  Anyone who goes to church outside of Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons will claim to be Christians.  So does going to church make you a Christian?  NO!  Nor does it make you a pew.  Religious way of life?  Religion means bound, more rules and regulations to break, and be reminded of?  Is it a philosophy?  No, Jesus Christ is not debatable, his words and actions are true, he was who he said he was.  And is.  Yet many try to develop a lifestyle and philosophy around his teachings, and you end up at religion.  So while the world is trying to decide, Jesus stays the same, and will always.  We change.  The marketing changes, getting my weekly bulletin from church, they emphasize so many ministries, opportunities to help, and to get involved.  Could be a Harley ad for rides or poker runs.  These are not bad things in themselves, the government has tried and failed, industry has tried and as long as money flows will be successful to a point.  So what is Christianity, and why is it important?  Is it really clever marketing to get your money?  To control you?  To get you off your golf game on Sunday or keep you from a ride with your friends? What is a Christian?

Simply put, a Christian is one who believes Jesus Christ is the son of God.  He is deity, he is real, and came to die so we can get to heaven and be reunited with God the father.  And Christianity is the relationship we have with him.  Religion can come close, but without asking one key question, you may miss it.  Where is Jesus in it?  If he isn’t the main thing, you miss, you are not a Christian.  And he states if you are not for me, you are against me.  But is merciful, that he wants to save you, and still loves you as you are.  He gives you the choice, life or death?  Lifestyle or him?  Love or a substitute.  And while church attendance may be wavering, Jesus is alive and well, the spirit calling your name.  Jesus is love, and must be experienced rather than debated.  He doesn’t keep up with trends, his trend of love never changes.  While some try new approaches to God, his is still the only way, and simple and free.  I get it and can afford it.  But is he an old man’s God you are trying to sell to a younger generation?  Does marketing work with Jesus?

Churches seem to think so, and have over burdened us with programs, process, and ways to entertain.  But when we fall back on scripture, written by men but inspired by God, we see that unless God builds the church, we labor in vain.  Working harder, praying harder, attending more church and Bible studies and feeling no better?  Give it over to God, who offers rest.  Let the spirit guide you, not a spirit guide. Trust Jesus, and watch as his ways, different from ours, become our ways.  He will accept us as we are, and won’t leave us that way.  Without Jesus you cannot be a Christian, and there is no Christianity.  And the world is filled with the spirit of anti-Christ, instead of Christ ideas that will always lead to destruction.  I want all I need and can get from God, and it is only found in Jesus.

Check him out yourself.  Don’t take my word for it.  It is individual, personal, and like nothing else on earth.  Or in heaven.  And it starts with you answering the spirit’s call.  You make the choice.  Trends may come and go.  New models dazzle the eye, and pocketbook.  Last years best seller is today’s $1 bargain.  The Bible is still the best seller, despite being banned in countries around the world.  Jesus offers life, can you beat that?  And offers it for free?  Tune ups and maintenance included?  And will accept your trade, no matter how bad a shape you are in. 

And in my case, and in many others, I can be riding my motorcycle thinking about God.  I don’t have to attend special meetings to know him, but can if I want to.  No marketing from any church or religion, no philosophy can provide what Jesus does.  He is the only one.  So why settle for a lesser God, when you can have the only true God?  So are you living a life in Christ, or just a Christian lifestyle?  Do you know him personally?  Do you call him Lord?  Is he more than a Sunday diversion, or are you really saved?  Harley’s marketing is good, but cannot cover up for a lack of value or performance.  And others will step in that will.  Only Jesus can provide all you need.  Others try, and are clever, but will always fail.  Jesus never does.  Today he offers you life.  And your answer is....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

like on the cover of the Rolling Stone

We don’t remember most of what goes on from day to day, but when a high or low hits, it is like the needle skipping across a record, and it gets our attention.  We got the news our friend Frank died yesterday.  It had been expected, but still catches you off guard.  I hadn’t seen him for over two years, our friendship was based on quality of time rather than quantity.  And being both devoted to Christ, our conversations always seemed to end up there, no matter where they started.  The last time we met, I had just returned from Albuquerque and had open heart surgery.  I had made medical history, and should have been dead, but I am a bonified medical miracle and can prove it, I have the scar and the files to prove it.  I had been described as the sickest person they had ever seen who wasn’t dead, and came as close to death as you can come without dying.  Frank had recently been diagnosed with a rare lung disorder that would eventually kill him yesterday, and we talked at a level few dare to.  We had talked long before, over a decade before, that as Christians we are not afraid to die, and look forward to heaven.  But we are not sure of the process...which I think is what really scares people.  The how, not the why, and not the where, but again the how.  And as I shared how I had seen heaven, and all I could say to describe it was “I want to go back,” his interest piqued.  We hear theory, opinions, and promises, I had been there.  I had the experience.  My words carried the weight of truth.  Over lunch that day, we talked all about Jesus, the difference he had made in our lives, and how he was the difference in our situations.  He was not afraid, but concerned for his wife and kids, as he wasn’t going to be there.  He was the patriarch, the strength, the one who they looked too.  Theresa used to describe him as being like Dr. Dobson, calm under pressure, at peace.  And as we talked, we found that Jesus was the main topic, our love for him first, then our families.  In our deepest darkest hours, we were not afraid, we somehow knew it was all about Jesus, and were more concerned for our families.  Grace will do that, as I am alive today, my sons not orphans, my wife not a widow.  Today Kendal is a widow, his kids without a father for the first time in their lives.   But their father’s example, his legacy is all based on grace, found only in Jesus Christ.  RIP Frank, you now know first hand what I did, and all of your prayers are answered.

Frank was one of the few people I would ride with.  Different styles, but we loved long distance.  We did Torches together in 2006, and split off after in Pittsburgh on or way home.  We may separate while riding, but we never worried about each other, we rode our own ride.  Across time zones, and for weeks on end.  And our last one was visiting him and Kendal in Oregon.  We took a special day ride with him, and certain things were not said because when God is with you, the words are not found.  You cannot use earthy words to describe heavenly moments.  Theresa and I were riding with Frank another time when we were told a biker down, his brother Tracy.  Being the first on the scene, we got it organized, and established calm, through Jesus.  Later when in the hospital, Tracy would be hurt more than we knew, we got to pray with them and his other brother Mike.  Frank left in tears after I prayed, Tracy would be OK and ride again, but his brother Mike prayed with them for the first time.  Out of darkness, God brought light.  And later we were told by the CDF firemen who came, they never saw a more peaceful accident scene, and Christians doing what they tell others they do, loving. 

And so Frank went peacefully, and his future secure in heaven.  We will mourn his passing, as we are still doing a life sentence here.  But on the same day, as I hit a low, my son handed me a copy of the LA Times.  Dance Spirit, the group both he and Reagan are, was on the front page of Calendar section.  Like on the cover of the Rolling Stone, there they were, taking up half the page.  And it brought me great joy.  It seems life goes on, after death in more ways than one.  Hearing about their successes around the world is great, but being in the paper, in print is something else.  Proof.  Evidence.  And his career is growing, and we are so very proud and happy for them.  Faith too is like that, we believe, for faith is the substance of things not seen, but believed.  Frank now has the proof.  We still must have faith, as no one who has died other than Jesus has returned.  We won’t want to, and I want to go back.  Are you sure of heaven?  Are you at peace about your final destination, but unsure of the how?  I cannot tell you how or when, you have no  input on when you die, just like you had no input on the day you were born.  But you can choose Jesus, by faith and someday see him face to face in heaven.  We are not guaranteed tomorrow on earth, but can be assured of heaven after death.  Real life.  Frank knew, now he knows.  So do I.  Do you? 

The gates of hell are there to keep sinners in, because they would try to escape.  No one wants to escape from heaven.  I cannot describe it, I just want to go back.  And someday I will.  So will my family, who all have given it over to Christ.  What say you?  When you lay me down to sleep tonight, if you don’t awake are you sure where you will go for eternity?  But while here you can make a difference by how you live, by living for Jesus.  Showing love and forgiveness as he did.  Telling others about heaven, and sharing testimonies.  God told John in Revelation to bear witness to what he has seen.  To share about God and his testimony.  And see others come to Christ via your message guided by the holy spirit.  Frank is free from pain and discomfort now.  New lungs that breath heavenly air.  I have a new aorta, and someday will have a new one too.  Not manmade as it is now, but one from God.  Factory parts.  And my heart will be his forever. 

Life goes on. So does death.  You will live forever somewhere, only God gives you the choice.  Jesus and heaven, deny him and hell.  Your choice.  Because Jesus loves you.  This I know, for the Bible tells me so.  And I can too, and so could Frank.  Will you join us?  We know for sure.  We are sure of the where, we leave the how up to God.  To his process. But I will leave you with this, you just go to sleep.  And it is not a dream.  I know first hand.  I have Jesus.  I was there.  I hope you do too.  Don’t be caught off guard.  In that twinkling of an eye we will all be changed.  Forever.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

betting to win and choosing the winner

My friend Lassie used to play the horses for a living.  I never knew how well he did, I saw him rip up hundreds of dollars of tickets when he lost, and also stood in  line with him when he collected his winnings.  He played the thoroughbreds, and when living in Pompano Beach got us hooked on the trotters.  Low on money, but big on time, we would go down every night to watch the races, the trotters being much different as the horses pulled a sulkey with the jockey in it.  Lassie never played the trotters, but gave us advice one night, never bet on the horse, bet on the man in the sulkey, and although we never bet much, not having money can prevent you from losing it in this case, we picked winners on a regular basis, based on the jockey.  Like every gambler has his system, this one worked for us.  The idea was not which horse won, but where they placed, and betting on the jockey became a pattern we followed. 

This year the Chargers are 2-7, and have been called the worst team in football.  But their quarterback, Philip Rivers is having a career season.  He is putting up great stats, looks real good in Fantasy Football, another form of gambling, just not called gambling because it is not federally regulated yet, while the team is taking it hard.  Lousy coaching, poor play, no depth, and injuries are all listed as the reasons they lose.  But Philip still puts up the stats...Now I am 7-2 picking winners this year, I choose against them.  I could be 9-0, as they barely won the two games they did win, against teams with a total of 3 wins this year, but my system is betting against them.  I have confidence in them finding away to lose, and they have only let me down twice this year.  And stats are nice, they win great contracts, but do not necessarily win games, or a trip to the Super Bowl.  When Philip meets with other players, he may have better stats, but they have a Super Bowl ring and he doesn’t.  Therefore he is not a winner, for his team loses.  No matter how good, how many yards or touchdowns, you play the game to win.  Some boast in stats, some just hold up their hand to show the ring. 

A sure sign of a new Christian is coming to Jesus, and finding freedom in the spirit, but making a new list of laws for themselves.  Helped by religion or denominations, some will practice dietary restrictions, stay away from certain physical acts, and even divorce.  A friend once divorced his wife after being saved because he was taught incorrectly how Paul wished you rather be single.  I know people who will not eat any animals, because they might have been offered to idols.   They put themselves under religious scrutiny, and bondage by their self denial, much as certain orders cut themselves off from the world, just the opposite from what Jesus commands us to do.  We are in the world, just not of it.  And again they find no freedom, just more rules and more bondage.  The more rules you have, the more you have to break.  But the Bible tells of a difference between self denial, and denying self.

Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow him.  But some mistake that for self denial, “I’ll give this up for Jesus, that’ll show how great a Christian I am.”  Drawing attention to themselves, rather than letting the spirit shine through us.  When our actions become self denial to show something about us, we show how shallow we are, expecting God to reward us for doing something for him.  And we are warned we have already received our reward if we do.  The differences may be subtle, but the motivation is known by God, and us.  Self denial is an attempt to gain righteousness apart from God’s grace.  Denying self is not relying on ego, but on the spirit to guide us, and not bring attention to ourselves.  It doesn’t say “look what I did,” but witnesses to what Jesus did.  It is powered by the spirit, not by rules, regulations, denominations, or scripture taken out of context.  When it is all about Jesus, it is all about Jesus. 

And so while some put up stats, they may be good at contract time, we race to win.  Heaven is our goal, which is a gift that cannot be earned.  All the church you attended, money you gave, trips to Israel, time on TV, and knowing celebrities will not gain you heaven.  We may be impressed, but you will not win the race, or the prize of heaven.  And it is not even a seasonal won/loss record, but having your name recorded in the book of life.  God knows the heart, while we perform for the outer man to gain approval.  Some bet on the horse, some bet on the jockey.  Many religions have their system of how to gain eternal life, only Jesus promises it through his blood.  A choice you cannot afford to lose.  And he leaves it up to us, it is your choice.  Which is why I choose Jesus, and bet against the Chargers.  Both are a good bet, only one is a sure thing.  One team finds way to pull defeat from victory, Jesus showed his death meant victory at the cross.  Are you a systems player, or betting on a person?  Rivers scores with great stats, but loses games.  My stats may be lousy, but I have the victory in Christ. 

Self denial never pleases God, but dying to self does.  Something we must do everyday, the temptations are that strong.  We can follow Jesus, or follow the rules we are given, leaving them to interpretation of our own.  God loves us no matter what, and no action can make him love us more.  You can put up stats in the church, or win the prize with Jesus.  Sincerity in either one does not mean it will be successful, a commitment to Jesus, and letting the spirit guide you will bless you.  You can be sincerely wrong, and miss heaven.  Those are the rules.  So pick up your own cross daily, follow Jesus, and know you may not win every battle, but by choosing him you will win the war.  True winners have the ring, others have stats.  It is not what you do, but what Jesus did. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com