why there are no Christmas trees in the Bible

My Nana used to love to decorate for Christmas. Her house during the holidays would become an All Conference example of extremism in the defense of Christmas. Anything glass-windows, mirrors, table tops, or trays would be covered with white spray on snow. I always thought she was a stenciling maniac, as stencils of reindeer, Santa, and the baby Jesus covered almost every square inch. Just to look out her front window you would think it was a blizzard from the amount of snow she applied to it. But her real weakness was her aluminum tree, with the revolving colored light. Blue-cool, red-ok, but why yellow on a silver tree? But this is the precious memory I have of her house at Christmas. Just so you don't think I got all my Christmas decorating madness from my mother's side of the family, my Grandma also had a silver tree-with blue balls and only a blue light. My favorite color, how could I not love it! And also an early symptom that I might be color blind-aren't all trees multi colored? Or blue?

My parents always had real trees, until artificial became the norm. My father was never much on decorating-usually our tree was the last up and first down. On Christmas morning after all the presents were opened, you could tell by the look in his eye that tree would never make it till dinner, or maybe even lunch. And so when I moved out on my own, I decided to have my own Christmas tradition. A real tree-that stays up after Christmas Day, and no snow on the windows. A true rebel, with a cause. For concern.

The first Christmas that Theresa and I had-33 years ago, thanks for asking, we decided to cut our own tree. Trees in 1977 were selling for $5-10, so it only made sense to cut your own for twice the price. And after borrowing a Jeep Cherokee from work-full size they hadn't shrunk yet, drove up to Los Alamos National Forest, bought the $5 permit, and along with Doug Hart's sister and husband, looked for the perfect tree. A late start guaranteed us a short window of daylight ,so we started looking as soon as we hit the forest.

Now trees have an unusual effect before they are cut down-they are bigger than they look. Doug's sister found a nice one, but I was looking for tree nirvana. And there it was, perfectly shaped, and full. Cutting it down, I realized it was big, but hey, it was dark-it would be just right in the light. So with our trees tied on top, we headed home. Now leaving the forest on a dirt road, has its advantages, as it keeps your speed down. And as I kept thinking this tree was way too tall, and looking for a way out-there in the middle of the road lay this beautiful full tree-only shorter than mine. Perfection improving upon perfection. Now how it got there I don't know, maybe the people who left it needed something taller-I didn't stop to ask-or think, I switched trees-gloating over my good favor, and safe inside the heated Jeep, secure in the thought that this was to be the best Christmas ever-my wife to be, and the perfect tree. The things dreams are made of.

After dropping of Doug's sister-still can't remember her name, with their tree-we headed back to our second story apartment-anxious to set up our tree. Things looked good as we got a space by the front door, and excitement grew as I muscled it up the steps, and to the front door. Theresa went ahead to open it, and when I got there I learned why the second perfect tree of the day was in the road. While the first was too tall-this was too wide. Like the width of a single car garage door, and almost as tall. Not wanting to lose it in front of my bride to be-this was our first Christmas, I immediately threw it off the balcony-using cuss words that would have made the Ralphie's dad blush and beam with pride, at the same time. It would not fit through the door! That's it-Christmas was over. But Theresa, knowing the perfect thing to encourage me, said "I'll go get a fake tree tomorrow."

And that was all it took. If I had to take the door out-that tree was going in! And then it occurred to me-through the vile language, cold air, and embarrassment-take it in bottom first-and the branches won't stick out! And I did-and it did. And we set it up in the front window, decorated, turned off the lights, and all was at peace. Until we left the room.

I didn't tell you about Obie Wan Kenobee, our hybrid Siamese cat. Who at the first chance went up the tree, causing it to crash to the floor. The banging we heard was glass balls, glass bulbs, and ornaments flying everywhere in the room. I was so mad I would have decorated the cat if I could have caught him, but somehow they know just how long your arms are when hiding under a bed. Note-until the day after Christmas when we took it down, this was at least a daily event. At one point we even considered laying it sideways like we had found it in the road, but it took up too much room. All this tradition for only $40, when you included gas and meals, and of course the tree permit. Why would anyone spend only $5 and miss out on all this fun?

And that was the first and but not the last time I cut my own tree. I had one more sordid experience before I let Theresa go buy one. And that is why I believe there are no Christmas trees in the Bible. God wanted it to be a silent nice-peaceful and calm-so His son could come into the world. If my ancestors had been there with a tree, a hatchet, and a saw-who knows what we would be singing during the Christmas season. And I can promise you there would be no goodwill to men either.

So let's keep Christ in Christmas-He is the reason for the season. And it seems to make the season brighter just knowing how he came into the world-to save us. From our sin-and the ghosts of Christmas pasts. And from ourselves-lest we choose to celebrate with a tree.

We still have a tree-but the tradition has evolved into one that is fun-and not worshipped. We are blessed to know why Christmas is, and who it is about. And so we celebrate everyday the birth of Jesus. No tradition or tree could ever mean so much as He does. May your Christmas be merry, and bright-and may all your Christmases be white. And if not, see me after class for my Nana's secret.

He who is treeless-is tree indeed!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the flaw of perfection

Lance White, played by Tom Selleck, is one of my favorite characters on the Rockford Files. A PI, like Jim, he is the perfect antithesis to Rockford. For example, Jim takes the bullet when he and Lance get into a gunfight, the last shot fired before Lance tells them "drop your guns and come out with your hands up!", much like in an old western. And they do. After shooting Jim. When they team up to rescue a millionaire's kidnapped daughter, Jim catches the kidnapper while Lance rescues the daughter, who falls in love with him. Her father then signs over his multi-million dollar company to them as a wedding present. And when a bystander comments on Lance's character, Jim agrees, saying "Lance is perfect, it's his only flaw."

And we all know people like Lance in our lives, at work, school, or church-who always seem to do the right thing, sometimes without knowing it. As kids they never had braces, could wear white and not get dirty, and you got sick of hearing "why can't you be more like him?" from your parents. As adults they let someone with one item in front of them in line at the market, and end up being the 10,000th customer and winning a shopping spree, when the guy ahead really could use the food and this is their first visit to that store. They are always in style, they always have the right haircut, clothes, and car-and end up marrying someone just as obnoxious-at least to those of us whose only podium finish was second place in a two man race. They have 401k's that went up last year when everyone else's failed. Their bikes never fail to start, and they actually get vacation time to ride them, in between trips to their house on the Big island, or visiting the south of France. You never sit by them in a storm, because they never get hit by electricity, you will. Never buy a lottery ticket after them-you'll miss by one number, and their only saving grace is when they are single, you get the leftovers when the girls come looking for him-but will only date you to get to him. The female Lance's aren't much better, perfect hair, head cheerleader, and didn't date in high school-their beau was some Lance at an Ivy League school, and she was saving herself for him. They can wear mini-skirts into their 40's, and when someone sees them who hasn't for a while, always greets them with "you look just like you did in high school." And sadly they do. Tee hee!

And at church, these are always the ones who never seem to have problems. They do all the right things, not to be seen, but because it is expected of them. Seems when they were handing out raincoats, they got nice ones. Trouble never knocks at their door, and trials seem minimal if at all. It always seems to visit the guy in the pew next to them. And I used to be spiteful or hateful towards them-it didn't seem right that they had it all, for no apparent reason, and guys like me didn't. But I was wrong, and as I get closer to God, find their good fortune can work against them, and my misfortune for my benefit. Don't stop here. I haven't lost my mind, yet. 2Corinthians 12 tells us that when we are weakest, God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. The Lances miss out in their relationship with God, because in their strength they never get to know Him as well as those of us who constantly have to go to Him. There are joys they never get to know because of lack of tribulation. It is in our lowliness that we get to know God, and seek Him with all our heart. And Matthew 25 tells us about the double blessings of this relationship. Many just take up space in church and never get to know God-and when it comes to their heavenly reward are told "be gone, I never knew you." Not bad people, just not saved. And sadly they never knew Him. Maybe about Him, but there is a difference. But Jesus then talks of five points that grow and bless us. One-If I had never been hungry, and thankful for a diet of hot dogs and fried potatoes, I never would have reached out to God. Who fed me, and then gave me compassion to feed those who are hungry-spiritually and bodily. Two-If I hadn't spent time in the desert-thirsty, I never would have sought Him for relief, and then never reached out to others just as thirsty. Three-If loved ones had never been in jail, I would never have begged God for mercy for them, and having been shown it, now equip others in jail with the gospel, because He changed my heart. And now uses me to help change their's. Four-without being sick and in the hospital-I never would have reached out for a friend, and God was there, so now I visit others and see the blessings He gave me being given to them through me. Five-of course the best is last, when I was lost and a stranger, He took me in, as I am and saved me, taking a stranger and making me His friend. And instilling in me the desire to see others come to Christ. All actions a blessing when He blessed me, and then continuing because He blesses others through me. A relationship, that because of Lance's flaw of perfection he will never get to enjoy.

You may know a Lance, or even be one. And those of us blessed by tribulation don't know the loneliness they experience. I ask God to have us reach out to these seemingly perfect ones, in love. They just may be envious of you, after listening to your testimony, and wondering why they aren't as blessed as you. Seek them out, and invite them next time you go to the hospital, or jail. Let them distribute food to the poor, or feed the hungry. Perfection may be the stumbling block they need to overcome to be used of God. And He will give them a testimony that can reach out to other Lances, everywhere.

You see Lance wasn't perfect, only Jesus was, and is. He took the bullet for you. And only when you look into His face do you see perfection. And about those raincoats, He has one for you, just your size and color. A perfect fit, that never goes out of style. Maybe, just maybe Paul was right when he called our setbacks "momentary , slight afflictions." His pain is our gain. And for eternity we get to be perfect. Somehow now it all makes sense. I wonder if Jim is home, I'd like to share this with him, and Lance.

"Hello this Jim Rockford, at the tone leave your name and number and I'll get back to you." BEEP! "Hey Jimmy, don't hang up, I 'm a friend of Lance's, just like you...when can we get together to talk about real perfection?"

I hope he calls back. Pick up the phone to Jesus now. No answering machines here-just answers. He waiting for your call.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ps to Ken K.-you and your ministry inspired me to write this

loud cards save lives

It has been said that the best way to make a million in racing is to start with two. And the other question of how fast do you want to go is the answer to how much money do you have? And for many of us with desire, but no funds, there is always a substitute. From the time we were kids, we put baseball cards in your spokes. Cheap horsepower-or at least what sounded faster. At the time anyone with a nickel could buy a pack of them, chew the gum and learn about the players themselves. For instance, did you know that Elio Chacon earned himself the name of "Little Hot Dog" for his colorful clothing he wore while playing in the Venezuelan league? And today with everything being collectible, how many valuable cards gave up their value so we could sound faster? And cooler? Looking back, maybe that horsepower wasn't so cheap, but I would do it again given the chance. In fact, Dick keeps threatening to put cards in Theresa's spokes-if he can find the right player we just might let him!

And as we get older, we found that fast cars were fun, but loud cars got attention. The illusion of speed that so many bikers fall into today. Sometimes from the wrong sources, aka the police, but if you couldn't go faster, at least you could be loud. The theme of many motorcycles today, who seem to miss the message that an exhaust doesn't have to be loud to sound good-just ask my friend Steve Harper. Harp builds exhaust systems, and has for years for anything from Baja racers to Land World speed Record holding cars-tuning is the secret-not the volume. And depending on your money situation, you can go as fast as you want. Silence can also mean faster, and a well tuned exhaust will make its own kind of music. But somehow it can never replace the sound of baseball cards in the spokes of my Schwinn. Certain things are perfect from the get go, and should be left alone. Or at least in memory, protected from reality. But as long as there are bikers, racers, and kids looking for more of a thrill-louder pipes will be the number one antidote for mediocrity.

God's gospel is like that, too. No need to improve on it-it is perfect just the way it is. But yet I see and hear in many churches, pastors getting away from it. Too many churches turning to 40 days of this, or somebody's prayer, or the perfect truth this-when the Bible not only does a better job, but is written by God, not some man. And God warns of these things-not that they are so bad, but when taken on their own can take on the spirit of antichrist. Not the person, but something that takes the place of Jesus. Instead of-the truer meaning. How many follow Rick Warren and his writings-not knowing of some questionable statements not found in the Bible within? I talk to men who have made their gospel the search for the ark, and made it more important then the God who caused it. I hear and see young people get off on 2012-when the Bible tells us not even Jesus knows of the return-let alone a barbaric, cannibalistic race that doesn't exist anymore. There is no salvation in these beliefs-or for those that follow them-without Jesus Christ. Even the 10 Commandments have no salvation in them-only Godly advice on how to have relationships with man and God. You see, it is not how much you miss salvation by, just that you miss. That is the devil's plan. I have found that God's plan is simpler-and has no failure rate-except not to follow it-your choice. And just like we thought baseball cards made us kids go faster, soon they wore out and we were on to something else. Usually quitting when all you had left were the ones of players you liked. Jim Hickman , Tom Seaver, Elio Chacon, and other Mets never made it into the spokes of my bikes. I still have Elio Chacon from 1962 to prove it.

Be reminded-the entertainment value of the Da Vinci Code, the New Age, and other false religions will soon fade into obscurity-but not before they have made many captive or a casualty. I have found if you want the best-go to the best. Spend your money well, get what you pay for, and better yet what you desire. And even better yet, what you need. Jesus paid that price-a simple gospel for a simple people. Only outside of God do you find a system so warped and untrue that is designed to make you fail. So maybe today may be the day to take the cards out of your spokes, to put on a tuned and quieter exhaust and listen to God. Those who have know the falsehoods of loud exhausts-and how they only irritate many others. Leave the cards in the spokes in your memories-the worst thing you can do is try to replay your childhood as an adult-but that doesn't mean you have to grow up.

Come to Jesus as a child. Let him tune your life-and give it a sound it never had before. The old saying-loud pipes save lives may be true. Loud cards may have saved a few lives too, but no question-only Jesus Christ saves souls. A crew chief and engineer who knows all the hi-performance secrets to tune your life for the best. Short track, mile, TT, moto-X, or on the high speed banks of Daytona-His tune is always right for you. No matter what track you are on-He knows the specs-and He should, He wrote them.

And a simple truth I still marvel at-how He doesn't use volume to get your attention-just love. Unlimited horsepower from the ultimate source. And when it comes down to it-you can't beat love. And unlike the cards in my spokes-doesn't wear out. Now what was that about loud pipes?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

you've lost that lovin' feelin'

First off, I hope you all had a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Even without jobs, finances, and health we still have so much to be thankful for. Some of the talk this Thanksgiving turned to the state of the motorcycle economy, and how it is effecting the motorcycle community. Within the last 60 days the Love Ride has been cancelled due to low interest. Are things that tough in Hollywood that they can't come up with the $60 fee to ride in it? Seems so, as they had only about 10% response, this to a ride that has over 20,000 riders annually. I can see it now, WILL ACT FOR FOOD signs on Hollywood Boulevard. Leaning on their $100k custom chopper.

It also meant the end of Buell Motorcycles, as Harley pulled the plug on them, and has MV Augusta for sale. Seems their profits were off 83% last quarter, and their stock prices are reflecting it. I used to think the business of Harley Davidson was to make bikes, but realize now it is to make money. And that non-producers are expendable. And that the unions have taken over some plants, and forcing them to close. Dealers who had spent mega bucks to build large dealerships with freeway access are closing, and sales are off industry wide 50%. I hope that they learned from the auto industry-I would hate to see the government take over the motorcycle industry too. They did such a stellar job with cars, but a discount check of $4500 to buy bikes would definitely stimulate our economy.

And within the motorcycling community, we notice our numbers shrinking. Posers, who bought into the lifestyle, and actually rode 20 miles at a time, are gone. Their bikes are for sale, and some good deals are to be had. If you have the cash. I also notice that along with rally numbers down, the biker community in whole is down, the exception being the Toys for Tots Ride that had record numbers two weeks ago. Patriotism and motorcyclists still go hand in hand, and I hope always will.

But I also see some hanging on, when they should be moving on. Stuck in a rut-as my friend described as a grave with both ends open-hanging on to whatever vestige of what was still is. Tough decisions, when to move on, or when to change. And when I see churches losing attendance, and still living the same way, I wonder-do they get it? Are they listening to the spirit? And I wonder sometimes if I am. Decisions, as you get closer to God, don't necessarily get easier, but the access to the answers does. The key is being in the spirit. I see clubs losing their way, but not changing-becoming social clubs and missing their initial calling. Members being intimidated into participating, not realizing you cannot legislate a ministering spirit. And it is not they missed God, but became legalistic-becoming performance based, and cliquish-not allowing the spirit to guide them. Or in a more business-like analogy-they lost their purpose for being in business. And I know some who never got it at all. But talk a good game. Until asked to perform-then the excuses fly. And are so prevalent that they become truth-at least to them espousing them. Their emperor having no new clothes, but the club line says he did.

You see I wonder, why Pastor Chuck can still have three services of over 3000 each, but some can't get 30 people to a meeting? Why do the Black Sheep get 200 people to a breakfast once a month, and some clubs only have 3 or 4 patched members? I was told it is that there are too many things to do in southern Cal-tell that one to Pastor Chuck-or better yet tell it to God! No excuses-if God calls-GO! If He says stay-STAY! And if He says wait-WAIT! But listen to God, and not to our own desires. Quit planning, and start doing!

Remember this-as any company who has failed knows-it comes down to product. You put out a good one, you got customers. A lousy one, and you are gone soon. Is God in charge of your product development? And it also comes down to marketing-as Harley has proven. But what do you do when the image fades, and reality looks you in the eye?

But always leave things of God to God. No formulas, plans, or campaigns. Let the spirit guide. Look at what it was able to do with 11 itinerant, untrained heathens. But for Jesus in their lives, would have never been known by history. But in the spirit are main characters in the best selling book ever written. No excuse makers, no club issues-just Jesus! Do you think maybe there is something there for you? Remember God is recession proof, has never been out of work, never needed a bailout, and is just waiting for you to call on Him. We will know by your walk if you do.

The last person off the Titanic still went down with it. Today ask God, bravely-"where do you want me to minister?" And get your riding clothes ready. You see the spirit never stopped moving-we did! No more excuses-follow God now, and enjoy a life of excitement, and blessings. Or let's hang on to what we've got-even though it may not seem like a lot. It is your choice-but God's desire you follow Him.

Moving at the speed of God-are you? Only in the spirit will you discover the truth. Let the blessings begin!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and the survey says...

I had a beard for about 12 years when my kids were growing up. When I decided to shave it one day, Andrew walked in and looked at me. "Something's different Dad, what'd you do?" And after a a few seconds of looking at the quizzical look on his face I answered, "I shaved my beard off." "No, that 's not it, " and he walked off. So much for the truth being as plain as the hair on your face. Today many truths have been relegated to the opinion section of our minds, and hearts. When an overwhelming sense of common leaves a void, and we must make a decision, we go to opinions. Should I buy the bike? Asking friends who just bought new rides, but wisely neglecting to consult with his wife-who is still waiting for the new carpet she was promised five new bikes ago. An opinion poll of concerned riders-imagine the response if he asked motorcycle salesman! How could he say no then? 100% of Harley dealers believe you should by a Harley. The proof is there. Why ask anyone else?

And even the word all takes on a different meaning. All my friends have new bikes. Well I know two of the 40 riders in the chapter have new rides, at least in the past two years. Probably used the same line on his poorly carpeted wife. All used to mean all. "Do I have to eat all my Brussels sprouts?" "Do I have to answer all the questions correctly to get my license?" Until it was questioned, and back in the 1970's the US Supreme Court gave a definition of all. All includes everything, and excludes nothing. Simple enough, but think about the important court cases that could have been heard while they were doing fifth grade vocabulary. I wonder if someone had the smarts to call their fifth grade teacher, who just looked it up in their Funk and Wagnall's. Might even make a good show, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? No, but I know all the words to Mariah Carey's songs. Good, we'll put you in charge-that word all again.

Imagine if you would, the polls taken about Jesus the day He rode into Jerusalem. 88% per cent say He is the messiah, 10% deny it, among evangelicals. Good politicians would get on board. But only a week later, the latest poll shows only 6% believe Him to be the messiah. 90% opposed. Imagine Peter running to Jesus at the Last Supper, "Jesus, have you seen the latest polls? Now what do we do? Should you change your strategy?" At that point, things didn't look good for our intrepid savior. And soon, the polls would swell to near 100% of those who didn't believe Him. How quickly public opinion changes, while the facts still remained the same. Jesus never changed, just the situation. And depending on when you were polled, would have a major influence on your life, and many others. You see, sin will always be sin, no matter how many say it isn't. God doesn't operate by vote, poll, or proxy. He spells out the truth-no pun intended. And those who believe the truth know Jesus. And where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.

A few days later, a group is polled at the tomb of Jesus. Do you believe He will rise again after three days? It's been two already? 50% said yes, 30% not sure, 15% said no. Good thing Jesus doesn't love just those who love Him! You see He loves even those who weren't sure or didn't believe. It took an empty tomb to convince the others, and get a 100% yes to His resurrection. What will it take with you?

The tomb is still empty. And the truth still sets you free. If God asked you today "who do you say Jesus is," how would you answer? The correct answer is still He is the Son of God. And 100% of those going to heaven know that. And 100% of those that don't believe are going to hell. Maybe that is why Jesus encouraged little children to come to Him. And why wise men still seek Him. Those of all ages who believe find the truth in Him. And like those children, it helps to be smarter than a fifth grader. All who believe will find comfort in Him.

Just a note-the latest polls show of scripture 100% of all born are born into sin. And 100% will die. What happens in between will decide your eternal destiny, what will your vote be? Inquiring minds want to know. Jesus Christ-the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

are you a daily driver or a trailer queen?

Going to car shows, you often hear the word classic referred to anything on display that is older than you. And there is truth that some of us/you are classics, but the term is way overused. We have Classic Coke, I learned history from Classics Illustrated, and my dad had a Rambler Classic 770. All classic, by name, but maybe not by definition. When referring to Classic cars, note the capital C, the Classic Car club of America has noted certain cars built from 1925 to 1948 as Classics. You won't find the old Maverick you drove in high school, or the 57 Chevy that everyone seemed to own at one time. Popular cars, that evoke a certain charisma, and allow us to relive precious memories, but they are not Classics. Cars such as Hispano Suiza, Horch, Stutz, and Pierce Arrow head the list. The three P's-Packard, Peerless, and Pierce Arrow have many models-not all-listed among them, as cars are judged on an individual basis, by body, chassis builder and even ownership. When cruising these shows many cars may make us misty eyed, or bring a smile to our faces while looking at them, but the Classics are the royalty here.

And although they have their place, royalty among a group of commoners, it is the classics-small c-the ones that rekindle memories are the real classics to me. Learning to drive in my parents 1966 Rambler Classic 770-a four door sedan with a six cylinder-not the car of my dreams, but the car of my memories as it was the first car I ever drove legally on the street. Traded for a new Pinto-at least it had the 2.0 motor, with an automatic, it has memories, that let's just will remain buried, which is where they belong. My first car I owned, a used 1969 BMW 1600, bought from my dad when he bought a new one. The first Rabbit in 1975, which ran so bad VW had it more than I did. From MG's-two of them, to Chevies, to Fords, each one is filed in my memory, and is used as a bookmark to fill in the time period. For instance, we owned our 1984 T-Bird when we lived in Farmington. The 87 Escort, bought when we had no money-a price leader with no options, that survived being stolen, abused, driven hard, and finally traded with 115,000 miles on it for our first Ranger. Used to take us to Baja, when we were involved with professional Off Road Racing, SCORE. Each vehicle, a classic in our memory, that when used up either got sold, traded, or given to someone else to begin their memory lane with. Cars that when the memories of our lives are rerun, are bigger and better than they ever were in real life. A testimony to just being there, at a time when they were needed.

There was a group of religious men, Pharisees, at the time of Jesus, who were Jewish, and were charged with keeping the laws-all 613 of them. Try that someday for joy, all of you who don't live in the spirit. From ceremonial washing, to not letting their robes hit the ground, to not touching one who wasn't holy, they lived a life they deemed superior to all others. But sadly, their position, and their egos, were their own self prescribed prison. Trying to keep all the laws, and if you broke one God said you broke them all, is impossible. I've tried,and have gone as long as 10-15 minutes before slipping up. You see just as there are Classics, there are people today with an attitude of a Pharisee. They are superior to us-having titles as Most Excellent, or my favorite, reverend. Try that one on Pastor Chuck sometime and see the response. And it is sad because, these titled men never see the joy of being in the body like Jesus did. Their position keeps them from standing in line to eat at a pot luck. Or visiting men in the hospital without any fanfare. And their audience showering them with faint praise, respecting the title more than the person. Like a Classic, on display, ceremonious clean, and never used as designed. Both car and person missing out on the joy of holding a baby, or riding to a drive in and hanging with our friends. Menial tasks we take for granted, but events that are the basis for precious memories.

Yesterday I had one of those memories. Our senior Bible study has a lunch date each month to celebrate birthdays. Sitting with a couple, there was a divider between us and a lady, who I later found out was listening to us talk about Jesus. When I got up to leave, I said "please keep me in prayer." As I walked past her, she stopped me, and said she had heard my request for prayer, and did, and would. She also gave me a Christian newspaper, telling me to read it, as God has something for me. I thanked her, and told her how she was a Lazarus that hadn't stepped over me that day, and introduced myself. She smiled as she said her name was Emily Lazarian-and she was a Lazarus. Her last name meant from the family of Lazarus. A classic moment, just two people who love Jesus, in a coffee shop, but with a true Classic in common-Jesus Christ. Try scripting that one Hollywood.

Today you may only be a used Mazda in your own eyes, but to Jesus you are a Classic, a one of a kind, built for a purpose. So start acting like one-but do it among us non-classics. The mission field is where the action is, and where the memories are made. So get out and drive often-driven by a spirit of love that has you listed as a true classic too, the book of life. Here's to all you four door sedans in my life, who if you were a red convertible never would have made such an impact. We call you Classics, Jesus calls you friends.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a travel tip from David

Uncle Jed Clampett's not so bright nephew, Jethro Bodine went to Oxford. Needless to say his self effacing Beverly Hills neighbors were impressed when they heard that. But they changed their minds quickly when they found out it was Oxford, Tennessee-back in the hills. he wasn't lying, he did go to Oxford, the school was by the low point in the creek, where the ox would ford it. If you don't get, you may have gone to the wrong Oxford-it's up to you to figure out which one it was.

So often when watching the Travel Channel they will mention a place, and Theresa will ask "have we been there?" And I can see why neophyte travelers would get confused. Mention the Ohio River Valley, and they don't realize you can ride it and never be in Ohio. Jackson? Is that New Jersey, Mississippi, Tennessee, or California? Been to all, actually spent nights in two. You can never leave Pennsylvania and visit both Indiana and California-both towns in the western half. Been to Milwaukie, Oregon and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Been through Portland in Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

And going there is different than saying I have been there. You can go to Oklahoma City and stay 20 miles outside of town in a Motel 6, and say you have been there. So when talk turns to where you have been this year, I always ask qualifying questions. Like, San Antonio, been on the river walk? Huh-didn't realize there was a river. Wonder if it has a low spot with a school called Riverford? And like many tourists, they take the chamber of commerce tour, and miss all the non-tourist stuff-really missing the personality of the area. Staying at a Motel 6-it's cheap and we have kids, and eating at McDonald's-same lame excuse. I have found when asking where to eat, the question is important. I have never found a clerk who won't recommend his motel's diner, but when asked where he would go quickly changes his mind. Not that they can't have a good meal there, but we would never have learned about El Chollo, The Golden Rule, or Petey's if we didn't word our question right. And many others, like the Mexican restaurant in Salinas whose name I can't remember-way off the main road, but some of the best we ever had. Sometimes you just need to ask-a Big Mac will still taste the same no matter what time zone you eat it in, but you may miss a local delicacy because of your fear of the unfamiliar. And with each anticipated new meal, a chance to go places never gone before-hopeful dining. And I have never been disappointed. Does going out to eat afterwards count as satisfied?

Christianity is like that. Unlike any other religion, it gives hope and an assurance of where you will go when you finally die. Sorry Mormons-your heaven isn't real, and you have no promise of it. Jehovah Witnesses-no hope, how would you like to be 144,001 in line when they cut it off? And what about those who have no belief in heaven? Why would anyone want to be a Muslim, when they have no promise, and all this coming from a God who has not one characteristic of love? Imagine believing in reincarnation, and being faced with the threat of coming back as a cockroach? It seems there is no level that people will sink to just to avoid the promise of heaven. But it really Jesus they are avoiding. And why when faced with Jesus, why will deny Him? What has He ever done to you? What part of love don't you get? What part of a hope and future don't you like? I have watched people wait for an hour in line to get a free room, but leave when offered a $20 suite when the rooms are gone. Only God is the real deal-and grace is truly free. I have seen good people believe wrong things, or fabricated gospel, sounded good, living their lives in chains-instead of accepting the truth of the Bible. And sadly, it is their choice. God sends no one to heaven-Jesus is the way out! And God grieves when even the vilest sinner goes there-such is His love. He doesn't want anyone to go to hell! But doesn't force you into heaven. Love isn't love if forced upon you-it must be given freely-and remember the accuser-Satan, will tell you different. So check it out with God, in His word. Don't believe all the travel brochures about other religions, and false promises. Go to the source, and get the truth.

You see I have been to paradise twice, once in Pennsylvania and once in California. And neither one was. I have been to Canaan, too-even New Canaan-not what Joshua was looking for. You see to plan a great trip, you need a reliable map. And you need to know where you are going. That is why God made it simple when He said Jesus is the way-the truth-and the life.

Great food, good memories, and always room at the inn. Book your place in heaven today-give your life to Jesus. Rooms still available-but don't hesitate. A place of Hope. And yes I have been there too, Arkansas and New Hope in Pennsylvania. Trust God, and not your neighbor-and if his name is Jethro, offer him hope. He needs it!

love with compassion-there is no place by that name, it is only found in Jesus,

Mike

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