reconstructive surgery

HEADLINE-Automotive News, week of 11-09-09. "Ford and GM Idle Plants Due to Transmission Plant Strike in India." Now reread it again, just to get the impact. India, a third world country, the country that worships cows, and believes in reincarnation, a nation that except for North Korea hates and persecutes Christians more than any other nation in the world, is effectively shutting down our US car factories, we are waiting on parts. From them, because of a cost savings in having them built over there. And you notice I didn't say American car plants, as any vehicle manufactured from Canada to Mexico is considered to be American built. All those Chrysler mini vans-Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The new Camaro, same thing. Chevy and Ford trucks and cars-Mexico. And here is a pop quiz. What car made in the US has the most US made parts in it? If you answered the Nissan Altima you are correct. A Japanese car, made in Tennessee. Just slightly, 600 miles south of Detroit, once known as the Motor City, aka Motown, aka the auto capital of the world. Detroit, where unemployment is now over 30%, and the average house selling there this year is $7000! Not a misprint. And we all stand by and shake our heads and wonder, that this couldn't be happening to us, as GM announces that they built more Buicks in China than the US last year, and that they are thinking of shutting down our US factory and importing Buicks from China. Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick-built in the USA?

You see there are many places in the US where the bus doesn't stop anymore. We have exported our strengths, our heritage, and become a slave, both monetarily and emotionally to others. We have lost who we are. And we wonder, how did we get there from here? And how do we get back?

Recently I have run into two friends who have had knee reconstruction for the second time. The replacement parts wore out, and to save the knees, have to be rebuilt. Inconvenience, sure-but when done, better than new-until they wear out again. Promised that they will be as good as new-again.

Many Christians live their lives like that. They have the attitude that "that will never happen to me." You see it's only a glass of wine, I quit before I get a buzz. How do you know? Or it's only a friendly flirt, then a latte at Starbucks, then a kiss, and you get the picture. It's only an R rating-I can handle all the sex and violence. Yeah, but how about your wife and kids? And it's only the F word-every body says it. No, everyone doesn't! And soon you become a slave to a sin that you thought you could handle, and now it handles you. Hey, it was just a transmission from India. And just like Detroit, you become bankrupt and valueless-lonely and alone. For your shame-which is really pride, keeps you from church and fellowship with other Christians-just the place you need to be. The one place you should be you avoid, and the spiral continues. You go offshore what you should be getting at home.

The Bible tells us to work out our salvation daily, with fear and trembling. It is not advocating works for salvation, or that you must be born again, again and again. It is like an athlete, working out. Staying spiritually in shape by being in the word, going to church, and fellowshipping with other believers. Like Kelly told me last week, he hadn't lifted in a while and was sore when he did again. He hadn't lost his strength, just some muscles needed to be exercised that hadn't been. And it hurt, but he will be ok. God knows we will stumble, and fall. He is there to pick us up and get us going in the right direction. But it takes the first step on our part, and soon, like old knees, or unused muscles, we can function like we should-a new creation in Christ. A healthy creation-one that enjoys all that God has to offer. Anyone not want or need more blessings?

I can see a day coming, when some corporate execs overseas will be discussing locations for new plants. Cheap labor, good resources, and a willing work force. An economy that needs rebuilding. And there is already an infrastructure in place, and they once built cars there. A city called Detroit. I just hope it is soon enough that no one says-where's that? Before you go the way of Detroit-repent. Seek God. Before you encounter someone who says " that guy looks familiar, I can't place him. Didn't he used to go to church here? Wasn't he a Christian?" Change your ways. No one sets out to fail, but if you do, God can do reconstructive surgery on your heart. It could happen to you. Let Jesus happen first. The bus may not stop here anymore, but Jesus still does-in fact He never left.

Welcome back. We missed you. God still loves you. Say, what kind of car do you drive....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the malachi papers

There is a code among organized crime, that you keep silent. Omerta. Set up as organized families by none other than Charlie "Lucky" Luciano in the 1920's, this organization ran crime throughout the USA under the auspices of La Cosa nostra, la Familia, or the Mafia. And its binding strength was in its silence among its members. They kept their mouths shut, and until 1962 had very few defectors, at least none who lived to tell about it. Today you see t-shirts proclaiming "snitches are a dying breed," but yet that year one man broke the silence. Joe Valachi.

Valachi, pronounced Va-la-chee. His book The Valachi Papers named names, and gave the public a look into organized crime that startled and shook the world-both good and evil. But with the finking on his friends, and family, became an outcast. A wanted man, as no one who betrays another can ever be trusted. He was done with the family at that point, and although they had given him asylum, the Feds had no great love for him either, and definitely not respect. He proved he could not be trusted, and stood a man alone. A snitch, and nobody, from the first grader to the adult likes a snitch. Breaking a trust that can never be repaired. The Valachi Papers told it all.

The last book of the old Testament is Malachi, pronounced Mal-a-ki. But today we will have it rhyme with Valachi, for it is another book, revealing truth. Malachi means messenger, and as God's messenger was a prophet who told some startling truths about men, and man. The Jews at this time, bout 440BC, were in a religious malaise. God had not shown up as promised, yet, to give them their kingdom, and they doubted His love for them. They had shunned His justice, and and didn't take the law seriously. Not getting their way, they began to mock Him, where is the God of justice?
The answer, He is coming, but first to judge, then to refine like fire. As Israel had turned their backs on Him, He advised only through repentance would they return to Him. And they better do it before the great day of the Lord comes, to be spared. But mercifully, in His love, God didn't name names. Too much paperwork. So He condemned all that were in sin. Because all are, and have fallen short. He was to the point, He hates divorce. Look what it does to families, churches, societies, and economies. He accused them of not keeping their commitment with their tithes. Paying taxes to the governments, but cheating God. And yet fully expecting God to honor them! And getting madder when He didn't. Telling them not to gossip, and to show love instead of hate, or harshness. Always reminding them of a coming judgment, and also of a messiah to rescue them from it.

God is a God of mercy-not getting what we deserve. And for Him to end this paper with a promise, that if fathers and children do not reunite, as unto Him, He will strike them with a curse. Ending the Old Testament-or the law-some 400 years before Jesus. And after waiting 400 years for their savior, didn't recognize Him when He arrived. They wanted relief from a government, when God sent His son, Jesus, to free them from their sins. How different the New Testament ends with a promise of life-free from the curse.

Joe Valachi's confessions never freed him from his sins. In fact they turned even his closest associates against him. Forced to live in a witness protection system, trusting the men who had cheated on for years to protect him. Living in a fear of what if they ratted him out? Where could he turn? Only to God, whom he should have turned in the first place.

God's protection program is different. He forgives publicly all your sins, and we need to hide from no man. Jesus tells us he who is free is free indeed, and no monies from book tours, or interviews can make you freer. Only His forgiveness. And He also gives grace-getting what we don't deserve, eternal life. All the things promised the Jews, but more personal-coming in the form of a person, instead of a society or government. Today you will be faced with a decision of where to turn in your sin. To God, and be forgiven-the spirit gives life, or the law-which brings death. Should be an easy decision. Don't be hard hearted like the Israelites, seek God. Let Him heal your divorce, repair your finances, and heal your body. Be under God's witness protection program when the judgment comes.

Malachi or Valachi. Two messengers, two papers, two men. One chose God, the other still hides from Him. Numbers tells us our sin will find us out. Isn't it refreshing to have God forgive and forget it? Now, why can't you? The gospel of Jesus Christ-good news to all who receive it! Read all about it!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ps-available in paperback too!

old school lessons taught in preschool

This is for all of you who thought one more turn of the wrench will secure the bolt only to find it spinning freely. And then decided to over tighten the next one, and end up with pieces in your hand. And to those of us who marvel at how much faster oil runs out the bottom with no drain plug than you can can pour it in the top, and how no pan under it to catch it only increases that velocity, you are not alone. Long before AC/DC's song Highway to Hell, we were told that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Congratulations to those of us who are living proof.

We are not a small group, as I have had trained technicians pour 24 quarts of oil in a V-8, not realizing the extra 18 quarts would cause a static lock up condition, bending rods. Physics lesson for the day-gasses and solids will compress, liquids don't. That is why hydraulics work so well. I have also been with guys who back when old school was preschool, not know about metric. 3.5 litres meant gallons to them, their helper even agreed. See story on 24 quart tech. I have also known men who run their bikes with one less quart than recommended. Saves wear and tear on oil pump. Their bike isn't the only thing a quart low. And I have also seen younger riders, looking to save weight-obviously no Harley owner, being told the reason the tire weighs so much is because it has 35 pounds in it. So they release the psi to 25 or 30 to save weight. And then wonder why their bike shakes in the corner. Chico Marx's advice works well here, "why don't you drill a hole in your head and let the sap run out!"

My family has learned that when dad fixes something, hide. Then get ready to visit urgent care. Which makes me wonder when I have finished fixing something, why do I have all these extra parts? But am missing pieces from my fingers? Think of the money and weight saving they could achieve by following my directions!

I have heard some interesting stories from churches, too. My favorite, God helps those who help themselves, well it just ain't in the Bible. Interestingly enough, Psalm 118:8 tells us to trust God and not princes. And it is conveniently the middle verse in the Bible. And more interestingly there are 1188 verses before it, and 1188 after it. And no extra parts left off.

So many people feel the need to advise God in their situation, as if God took a break from them. Aren't you glad He doesn't? Constantly seeking an answer, but never allowing God to get a word in edgewise. Listening, the most important part of prayer. And they wonder why they don't hear from God when their line is always busy. Others get hung up on works, or the law. Ephesians very simply tells us that we are saved by grace. But yet I see so many who have sinned, feel the need to read extra scripture, pray more, or attend more weekly services. Not bad things, but you can't earn grace. And if you could, would you be willing to hang on a cross to earn it? Aren't we trying to get out from under the law, remember Jesus said it brings death, grace brings life. Think about it, don't you ride for the freedom in it, the spirit, or is it to obey all the signs advising you along the way. Do this, don't do that-just obey the signs!

Life in Jesus is just that-free in the spirit. So next time you forget to put the side stand down-rookie, or try to fill your tank with diesel, because it's 10 cents a gallon cheaper, take time to keep your eyes on what's in front of you. Be patient, or you may become one.

And if when you have a problem, someone shows up with a tool kit of vise grips, hammer, and Phillips screw driver-and an adjustable wrench, say no thanks, I'll wait. And if he has adjustable wrenches in both metric and standard, start pushing-NOW! This may be the guy with the light tires, and missing nuts and bolts. Or he just may be a Christian, trying to help. But beware. You see Peter, back when he was Simon, tried to walk on water with Jesus. And he did, until he disobeyed and looked down. And sank. Like a rock. Few believers know that at that point Jesus decided to rename him Peter, the rock. It just wasn't the time to announce it yet. That was love. You see some sink like a rock, and some are standing on the rock. How you handle the situation will tell you all about the tools in your kit. And how you are using them.

Adequate is how Paul describes Jesus-not too much or too little. Just the right amount. Now if you would, hand me a wrench. Doesn't matter what size, but the bigger the better. I need to use it as a hammer....Sorry AC/DC, there is also another road I prefer to be on.

Grace really is amazing, isn't it?

love with compassion, and extra parts,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

funny, you don't look like the invisible man

You may not realize it, but the Invisible Man may be standing next to you. If you remember the old sitcom SOAP, Burt Campbell thought he was an alien, and would make himself invisible. Only he wasn't, everyone could see him except himself. And one of the skits on Amazon Woman on the Moon, Ed Begley, Jr. plays the invisible man-except again he isn't. And every night he goes into the pub naked, so they won't see him, and makes glasses and drinks move, and the people patronize him by saying "oh look, must be the invisible man! Blimey!"

Much like the emperor's new clothes, his aren't.

There are many out there today that feel invisible. They carry with them a private pain, no one sees them or their burdens. Carrying about a loneliness, they can't even comprehend. And finally when the pain becomes too much, we see the mass shootings like we did last week. Some say a sign of the times, but I realize it is a sign of the heart. God tells us what comes out of our mouth is what is on our hearts, and I shudder when I listen, or worse hear what comes from my own mouth sometimes. So often when people come to the end of their ropes, they over react. They can't tell what or when something will push them over the line. Not expecting to fail, but inevitably doing so. And always taking out others who are not intended targets.

Try that one on those who drink only until they get a buzz, not knowing when to quit because they don't know when it will occur. The result is still sin. Self induced pain is often the worst, but all pain, regardless of the source causes damage. Then repair is necessary, when often maintenance, like we do on our bikes and cars is required. Properly dealing with the causes, and not making excuses for symptoms, can stop many small problems before they become major issues. If only we heed the warnings!

Perhaps that is why we need to show love in all situations. You don't know if the cop who pulled you over just left the scene of a fatal crash. You don't know if the slow person ahead of you in line just left her cancerous husband in the hospital. And we don't know what you are going through either. Only God knows.

Visiting Kelly and Theresa in Yuma yesterday, we visited their church. Although only there for a short time, with Theresa's surgeries and needing help, they have been there with meals, clothes, fellowship, and prayer. And for Joan too, and you can see the results in love. Theresa asked us yesterday did we like her church service. Based on their actions, I did. And based on the teaching, I did. But it was leaving the parking lot where I made my final decision. The sign said simply "you are entering your ministry field." And these people showed it. And by showing love have covered a multitude of sins. And love also can cover a multitude of doctrinal differences.

Let your love become visible today. You may just shine the light of love on someone who has invisible pain, and needs to be loved. But remember to keep your high beams off. It isn't about you, it is about Jesus. Enter your ministry field with Him today.

Starting with those who you share a home with. Like charity, love begins there. Make sure that it isn't invisible. Some are just waiting to get their first look at Jesus-and it may be you!

love with compassion,

Mike

teach your children well

One of the benefits of getting older, and maybe wiser, is that you can say things you were afraid to or knew better not to say when you were younger. And get away with it. And I have been taking advantage of this liberty because I am amazed at the incredibly stupid, but well meaning things people say to me.

We have become a rather insensitive society-knowing that by saying that I have hurt someone's feelings. But we don't communicate well-we talk too much, and don't say anything-some lives becoming a long text message. Says all, knows nothing. Like today's weathermen. In the old days you looked outside, even I could tell when it was cold or raining. Now Doppler Radar is shown-and while this talking head is telling us about tomorrow's weather, shows the weather patterns in the background for the last 24 hours. Does anybody pay attention to the fact you are looking at the past while he is talking about the future?

At funerals, someone will come up and say "I understand how you feel." So I have been taking to responding "good, then maybe you can explain it to me, because I don't." Great way to end a conversation.

Or next time someone asks what they can do to help, tell them. We need bills paid, food, and an operation for Rosa Sharon, she's having a baby. Separates the well wishers from those who just give lip service. And lately when someone says they have been praying for me, I ask, "what have you been praying? I am broke, miserable, my leg hurts, and my kids are driving me nuts. Have you been praying all those things, because if you have God is answering your prayer!" I have learned to ask "how can I pray for you," then pray with that person now! And I mean it!

When working for Mercedes Benz I was usually given the tougher customers,the ones who couldn't get their problems resolved. One guy had bought his first Mercedes Benz, and had a list of 26 things this new E class had wrong with it. And since he was going to ruin us on a CSI score, it was important to see he was handled correctly. My attitude was fix the customer, and I did. I asked qualifying questions, and found out many things. He bought the car from another dealer, and got a good price, he told me so. But in his hurry to get home that night, the salesman did no predelivery time with him. One of the most advanced cars in the world, and this guy was handed the keys, and told to enjoy. He couldn't even turn on the radio-so the car was defective. Of the 26 complaints, 25 were user issues, found in the owners manual. The other was a trim piece he stepped on and broke-non warranty but I replaced it anyway. I went through the manual-at my speed-and reminded him that this should have been done by the salesman-it is part of his job. And when he tried to defend him, remember that good deal he got, I told him point blank he got ripped off. He paid too much. And it was not the service department's job to instruct him on what is in the owner's manual. He is taking time away from fixing cars that are broken, and to keep that in mind when he does have a real problem. he may have to wait because another guy got a good deal, too. Just like him. And I told him that unless he spent time with the car, not just washing and waxing, he would never learn all the things this car does that make it unique. That when he used the car to all its potential, then he had gotten a good deal. Right now he had paid too much, and the salesman had ripped you off. Shoulda bought a Toyota. And rather than hate me, he thanked me. Someone had told him the truth. He read the manual, then had real questions, that we helped him with. And he told us next time he will deal with us on a new car-we were professionals. Not just order takers. But it took telling him the truth. Sad because I had seen other advisors perpetually with the same customers, same complaints, with a non-fixable issue. Teach your customers well.

Aren't glad God doesn't change? That you don't have to change Him? That you can live life to fullness when you listen to Him? New believers-get into the word. Get to church. Get involved. Attend a Bible study. I have seen Christians get burned out, or burned up because they lost touch. Or went to non-believer friends for Christian advice. And soon took it, and backslid. The popular saying "what goes on here, stays here," can be applied to your relationship with God. He doesn't gossip, and tells you not to shop your problem around until you get an answer you like. Open the Bible and find the truth. Then enact it. Jesus says He forgives your sin. Act like it. You are a new creature, act like it. And don't try to understand it. When I do I get more confused, God calls it leaning on your own understanding-and advises against it. Be a wuss like me-go right for the peace that surpasses understanding. You see every time Mickey explains how something works on my bikes to me, I start hearing noises, or feeling vibrations. He knows they are normal, but I don't. But peace requires trust-and you don't trust someone you don't know. So get to know God-it's easy. Besides He wrote the book. "Oh yeah, I read it, " you say. Really-well I know the author! And I can talk to Him whenever I want. And He knows me! Top that!

And He loves questions. Can't say as you'll like His answers, but you will know the truth, and it will set you free. So read the Word, and find out how life really works, or should really work. Then ask questions. You will find life in Christ is an open book test, and the more you read the more you pass.

Cool Mike, I think I understand. Good, now explain it to me. I still don't get it. Maybe that is why we walk by faith. A faith that if you don't have is impossible to please God. For the things seen are temporal, the invisible things are forever. And trust me-I do know how you can feel. Aren't you glad Jesus does too?

Don't you wish you had said that?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

pain as punishment for purification

If pain is part of the healing process, and we are all a work in process, some may be healing right now better than others. Personally, I don't like to do pain, so when faced with having my right knee drained yesterday, I looked for anyway out. At this point a voluntary procedure, I was still hoping Mario, the PA would say it wasn't necessary. But it was, so he did it. Now I can't figure out, how in this day of miracle drugs and amazing procedures they can't make this process painless-or at least less painful. You see, I don't react to Novocain, or lytocaine. My dentist always introduces me to her employees that I'm the guy who took seven shots to get numb. And telling this to Mario, he gave me a double, with no results. Always buy the first round-the crowd never gets smaller.

Now if you ever have had a knee drained, you know-it HURTS! As the needle-14 gauge- sucks out the synovial fluid, it has to go into the knee joint, so it is hitting the bones-I can still feel it a day later where it hit. But it was a success, so I guess it was worth it-I picked up 30 degrees of knee movement immediately. So maybe the pain of the process is worth it for the purification. It is always easier to look back than look ahead. At least when it involves pain.

And it made me realize what a wuss I am. But also what extreme physical pain Jesus endured on the cross. Crucifixion was a harsh, tortuous, painful, and slow death perfected by the Romans. The medallions around your neck no way can express what he went through. To start with, the nine inch nails were purposely put through nerve ganglia in the wrist-lower hand-so that the pain would be excruciating-and burning. The single nail nailing the legs to the cross went through similar joints. But mercifully, He was given a little seat to rest on, so that the process would not rip your body apart. But in fact it only prolonged the misery, as He had to lift His body up so as not to suffocate-this all put pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing hard, and them impossible, as you finally passed out from the pain. Then you finally would suffocate. Death by asphyxiation.

And yet Jesus bore all this pain-voluntarily-so that He could take all our sin. It took pain to pay for pain-truly His pain was our gain! And it is interesting what Jesus died from. Unlike those who died on the cross, He died from a broken heart. A heart that was surrounded by a sac of water-a place where He stored up all the tears He had cried for us. Tears so close to His heart that is where he kept them. And when His heart was finally drained, the tears burst forth at the tip of a spear, one final outburst of love-giving new meaning to His advice to weep with those that weep. Heartbroken for those He loved-us. And for those tears He died.

And somehow my knee doesn't hurt so much after realizing what He did. And as I think of others in pain-physical, emotional, and spiritual, I realize He bore it all that afternoon, and I am well because of it. And all I have to do is repent-turn from my ways to His to accept it-and take full advantage of all He died for, so I can live.

Today you may have pain from surgery, or childbirth, or waiting for results of a biopsy/test. You may be heartbroken over a relationship gone bad, or wondering how you will take care of your family, since you are jobless. Let me point you to the cross. All these pains He took with Him when He died. They are buried, and like Him, we can be resurrected. And that is the choice I want-to be resurrected with Jesus. No grave, no hospital bed, no bill collector, no jail cell, no bad news can keep me from the love of God.

And it only took a 14 gauge needle in the knee to remind me. May your wake up call be less painless, but more rewarding. Can you in 25 words or less explain love? Try John 3:16, it says it better than I ever could. And Jesus shows it better than I ever can. I may walk with a limp, but my faith doesn't. Gimpy is better than wimpy. Jesus Christ-the toughest man I know.

Now that's love. With compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

there are no 700 FICA scores in Oklahoma

People make fun of me when I mention how I like riding in Oklahoma. I'm not sure why myself, but there are parts of the state that I feel "homey" in. Maybe it is because I was born in Texas, where when I go there I really feel at home. And Oklahoma lives next door. Go figure. But Oklahoma somehow intrigues me. And watching one of my favorite, but depressing movies, The Grapes of Wrath, reminded me of why. I can associate with the Joads, people of character, and conviction, whose lives are filled with adversity. And every time I ride Route 66, I look for landmarks from the movie, although it was filmed over 70 years ago, and probably not there.

Oklahoma for us is where the east starts to make its first appearance. Great Midwest food chains like Bob Evans, Steak and Shake, and Braum's make their first appearance when heading east. Beef starts to take on that distinct Midwest flavor, and portions are bigger-a tribute to the hard working ranch hands. It is wide open land, ride US 60 across it someday, and see how big the state is when the panhandle is included. But this part of the state, in fact a good part of it, also is a display of some of the worst poverty in the country. I always think of the Navajo Nation as the world largest ghetto, but parts of Oklahoma rate right up there with it.

Two years ago we stopped in Nowata, which by the way means where the water ends-no water. We know Maggie, Joe Sewell's mom, and visited her at the county clerk's office. It is the poorest county in the state, and over 70% of the population there is on some kind of relief. Shades of the Joads. We like to stop at Clanton's in Vinita-great chicken fried steak, then take old 66 up into Kansas. Where it is not bad enough a town is built over lead mines-the huge white tailings piles look like sand dunes, but the billboard warns of the lead poisoning potential. And I think, why would anyone live there knowing about lead poisoning? Perhaps a certain type of poverty, that of ignorance rules there. And to make matters worse, a tornado last year took out most of the town. Perhaps the words from a country western song were born here-if it wasn't for bad luck, we wouldn't have no luck at all!

Some people just seem born for adversity. But like Michael Landon once said, "success can be its own curse." And with today's economic climate, I see this everyday. My peer group was not used to being poor, we made money and bought the toys, took the trips, and filled the restaurants. And now with a class of people removed from jobs that don't exist anymore, are having to learn humility, and a gentler way of life. Values over valuables, a character being formed from a lack instead of an overabundance. Adversity used to sharpen, instead of destroy.

But with this has brought anger-an underlying anger, because with humility a breaking of pride occurs. I notice the discounted meal prices, buy generics, and will get by with the same car for a few more years. For in humility you see God, more precisely Jesus Christ. He never owned a home, but has a kingdom in heaven. He never owned a car, but walked the same roads as his contemporaries. He got bad press, his peer group was whores, thieves, and biker types. He only carried with him that which he owned. And owed no man anything! In his worldly poverty, He was heavenly rich. A lesson for all of us to learn. No wonder He says patience leads to salvation.

You see, it is better to be humbled than to be humiliated. To be angry, but not sin. And these lessons need to be multiplied to others. Jesus, in Matthew 25, put it like this. If you are one of his followers, He knows you. And He knows your heart, which will be reflected in your actions-and attitudes. Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, visit those sick or shut in, and don't forget those in prison. Simple. And maybe, since so many have more time on their hands, maybe we can get it together and do these things. Many hands make light work,and Jesus promises us a great harvest, but few workers. Don't miss this chance to show who Jesus Christ is in your life. A great witness, when no one is looking, to show love. Add words when needed!

Maybe that is why Oklahoma appeals to me-it is the Grapes of Wrath going on in my life, the things that are changing that we took for granted. Realizing family values, trusting in God for all your needs, and turning our hearts back to Him. Not in defeat, but back to the one who loves us. Although we may be financially ill, our spirit is alive and well, and prospering in the Lord. And our lives will reflect it. God calls it fruit.

Jesus said in your life you will have tribulation. If you have trouble with your faith I know that is one promise you can believe. Let God build in you a character you didn't know you had. Humble yourself in the sight of Him, and He will lift you up. For neither famine, pestilence, poverty, or disease will separate us from His love. And today is the best day to realize it, and live it. He changes lives, let Him change yours.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Somehow when you look at life through God's eyes, poverty takes on a whole new meaning. And so does wealth! True wealth-something the government can't tax, and no one can steal from you. The peace of God!

Jesus Christ-He is better to know than a rich uncle! Here's to all you Okies everywhere, in all states. We may be wanderers, but only because we are just visiting. And Route 66 is not the way out, try Jesus! And keep your eyes on His road-the highway to heaven.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com