detoured, not deterred

I watched Pat Robertson being interviewed long ago by a man who travels. The man was telling that he very rarely if ever had trouble with anyone, and always seemed to meet the nicest people while on the road. To which Pat replied, "that's because you are a nice person." And somehow it all made sense. And as I sit here, I can think of the times and places that I travelled, that if a kindness had not been shown me by a local to where I was a stranger, that the time spent would have been different. And also brought up the sad memories of when I was a little less than a stellar traveler. I have found that a smile, and comments on how nice the area is can bring about a return smile, and lead me to places not on any map. It has fed me when I was hungry, and got me to where I was going, eventually after some great detours when meeting nice people along the way.

In 1974 Bill and I rode our bikes to Summer Jam-the Dead, the Band, and the Allman Brothers playing at Watkins Glen. Which turned into a fiasco for the locals, as people literally over ran their property and destroyed it. It was almost out of control for riding, so we left-spending the night along the road sleeping next to our bikes. The next day undeterred, or is it undetoured, we followed US 20 into a little town called Leroy, NY. Which just happened to be celebrating its 300th anniversary. Now how many of you have gotten to do that? We parked our bikes, and unlike the Easy Rider treatment that was still fresh in our minds, and sadly much of America, we had a blast. As the parade came down the street, we were shown into a parking space on the parade route, just in time. No one hassling, but excited that we got parked just in time. Young kids, at least to us seasoned 20 year olds, looked dreamily at our bikes, and asked questions. And the girls, well, we looked dreamily at them. Maybe a mutual admiration society, each desiring what the other had. But the whole town was that way. We ate fresh food, corn on the cob, and ate hot dogs. We drank Cokes, and watched the parade, as the old timers laughed and made comments to the new timers, which someday would be passed on to the next generation. Although we knew no one, and no one knew us-we felt like old friends, and it was hard to leave after the parade. It was just an hour or two in time, but it felt timeless among the celebrants of this friendly town. And in my heart, Leroy will always have a special place. It was Hometown, USA and they made us feel right at home. Long hair, motorcycles and all.

Last Saturday I was reminded again of how God puts people in our path, and us in theirs. We were eating at the Hat in Brea, after going to an old car show. Not much on pastrami, we ate onion rings, BBQ-guess who had that, and a steak sandwich. But we kept watching the chili cheese fries go by, heaped with pastrami and changed my attitude towards pastrami. While waiting my turn for the men's room, I watched as a young couple tried to empty their order, and commented to them that it looked so good that it should be illegal. To which they nodded, mouths full of chili and pastrami. Going back to the table, Theresa and I agreed next time up we would share a platter-this was no wimpy sized order. When looking up this couple walked over to us-and he said "would you like to finish these? There is no way we can-and I saw how you looked at them when we were talking." And you know, in a society where we should have said no, we said yes. And we were blessed, and watching as this young couple was blessed by sharing with us. In Brea, at lunch time, in 2010. Yes, such things still happen today. I don't find anywhere in the Bible where God's blessings have an expiration date. And my mind went back to Leroy, and how there are still nice people left out there today. You may even be one.

And very simply, this is how to witness. In the brief moment we saw the hand of God, blessing both couples. No scripture or tracts were exchanged-no where do you go to church, or even asking about Jesus. God chose to bless us-simple enough. And we got to show kindness-a fruit of the spirit and were shown kindness. Travelers in a new place. It was a loving father seeing His kids happy, and how often we forget that as we go "witnessing." To that couple-I pray continued blessings on you for your kindness-and may you grow in Christ. You reminded me that afternoon that I have many friends I haven't met yet, and offering food to a stranger is a great way to bless. "Witnessing " more and enjoying less? Let the spirit of God shine through you. It is His light not yours. Turn off the high beams, and turn on the smiles. This couple answered a prayer, a desire only God would know, and only He could meet. Let Him use you today-but be ready, for love shows up when you least expect it. Sometimes 3000 calories at a time!

The fruit of the spirit is kindness. Welcome somebody into your life today. Earn the right to share Jesus by sharing like Jesus did. You meet the nicest people when you trust God. And the benefits can't be beat. Think I'll start a chili cheese fries ministry. Any volunteers?

love with compassion,

Mike

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Christians-the real wild ones

I love being among bikers. In fact most of the time I prefer them to any other group. They respect me, accept me as I am, and generally don't want any hassles, or to be hassled. And at rallies it is popular to see a shirt on one of these social rebels that says "does not play well with others." And we take the attitude that this leathered up, tattoo wearing, biker type is advertising that he doesn't mess with anyone, and usually is implied on a physical basis. But I have not yet encountered one who didn't return a wave, say hi, or talk motorcycles if you commented on his bike. For that is our common denominator, and although what you ride is important, that you ride gives you membership in the brotherhood. Yes, some don't play well with others, but they don't need the shirt to tell you-just look at the attitude-it tells more than any t-shirt ever could.

But it also implies that if he doesn't play well, that the others do. And that is not necessarily true. As a Christian biker, I know many rebels, in fact the only rebel shirt I have tells me I am a rebel for Christ. And I find even many hard core bikers will respect that-if you respect them first. Their version of the golden rule. Try that on your co-worker instead of preaching at him-see the difference. But to be a rebel, you must go against the norm-the accepted, the rules that govern whatever group you want to be part of. And rules don't set you free!

I had a boss call me a rogue once-a polite rebel, because I got things done, not going by the rules-but not breaking them either. I prefer fine tuning them. I didn't play well with others, and my customers appreciated it-I got 'er done, and correct, while others still were on the treadmill wondering what was going on. Like when they invent a better mousetrap, the mice get together and invent a better mouse. And the beat goes on...

Many Christians I know and respect don't play well with others. As well as some historic figures in the church. Imagine how many t-shirts Martin Luther could have sold. They would have lined up for them. 95 Theses Enterprises. I'd like to have had that concession. He really didn't play well with others. Yet he wasn't playing well with others who were in sin-he chose to stand with God. Try that-it really makes you a rebel. And look at the repercussions some 500+ years later. Playing well with those who are wrong is the problem-not standing by God. 40+ years ago Pastor Chuck Smith broke away from a binding denomination and followed a simple premise God gave him, teach the word, the whole word. To everyone-hippies, bikers, and the religious types too. And placed him in the very midst of the Jesus Movement. Not playing well with organized religion, but trusting God-what a concept. And the t-shirts-you still see them today, just bought one last weekend. "His offer still stands," the words over a picture of the crosses at Calvary. And Calvary Chapel flourishes today not because of Chuck, but because men chose to obey God rather than man. And like Martin Luther, how the mainline churches still talk about him. And many just don't get it. When maybe they shouldn't be talking-but rather listening to God.

And in my personal testimony, God is taking me places I never thought I would go-obeying Him and breaking away from a mainline ministry, and following the vision He gave me. Becoming what He wants me to be in Him, not being molded into where they think I should fit. You can say that maybe I don't play well with others, but that would be wrong. Following Christ will always exact a response from the religious. Remember, you are breaking their number one rule-not following their edicts. Remember your mother saying "if all your friends were jumping off a cliff would you follow?" And you would have, just to spite her, but really just wanted the freedom to say no yourself. God gives us that freedom-not found in religion, denominational boundaries, and organizational rules. In fact, the first rule you make generally ruins the freedom to be in the spirit, which is where God lives and wants you to live-not just visit. And sadly many who follow God outside or independent of an organization, fall prey to the murmurings of that organization. But I find one-on-one, they really wish they had the courage to follow their hearts-peer pressure no matter what form can be dangerous.

Today you may the chance to not play well with others. Stop and help the homeless guy while all others laugh. Treat an old person with respect. Offer to let someone in line ahead of you. Simple stuff. Christians-share Jesus with someone, and use words when needed, risking possible embarrassment. And to those stuck between choosing God and an organization-choose God. Twenty years ago, I caught a pastor lying from the pulpit. We made eye contact-he knew that I knew. But that is between him and God. But we left the church, finding lies in other areas-and certainly not love. When Theresa after 18 months felt the kids needed to be in church we went back-although I had grown tremendously in God-read His word-you may be amazed. And at the door, good ole Bro. So and So met me-"Mike, where you been?" as if I had abandoned the church, and I was going to be the soul he saved that morning. And I wondered, if he really cared, why didn't he call? But my answer told him in one sentence. "I had to make a choice between this denomination and God-and I chose God!" I can still see him standing there-probably thinking we don't need his kind anyway-HE DOESN'T PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS!

Trust God today. Ditch the rules, regulations, and unfair pressures that the law puts on you. Jesus died so you can be free in the spirit. So don't play well with others who want to put you in a religious bind-just love them. And remember you were once like them, and enjoy the freedom only found walking in the spirit. God's kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Love. Your brother as yourself, thus fulfilling the commandment of Jesus. Rise up in a relationship-not an organization. Never has being a rebel been so rewarding. Does not play well with others-but prays well for others. And only God will only really know...

love with compassion,

Mike

mathew25biker.blogspot.com

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if not for the grace of God, there go I...

Fact-lost things are always found the last place you look. Now it is up to you inventive types to find a way to go to that last place first. Think of all the time and money you can save by inventing this. And it will give us more time to lose more things, and the vicious cycle continues. Ideas are welcomed, as lately, more things seemed to get misplaced, and amazingly are always found right where they were left. But not always where we think we put them.

I would like you to see who, or whom you identify with in the next story. It really happened to me two weeks ago. Be honest, and then see where you find yourself, and why.

The people at the tailor's shop were kind enough to sew on a patch while I waited. So I decided to walk around downtown Escondido for 15 minutes. While walking I noticed a tall, homeless looking man coming towards me, where the sidewalk was narrow due to a sidewalk cafe. As he came closer, I stopped and let him pass-it was too narrow for both of us. He had his head down, hood over much of his face, and was carrying a pillow. Not making eye contact. When he saw me, he looked up, and I said "hey man, how's it going?" And he stopped, started to cry, and told me he was having a lousy day. So I turned and started to ask him questions, not probing, just wanting help. What's up, etc. And how can I help? His name was Curtis and he was from Arizona. He had just gotten out of jail in Mesa, was 19 years old, and had been abused. His family did not want him, so he came to California with his 17 year old sister, Corinne, and her friend. The previous afternoon, they had gotten roused by the cops for hanging out, and he had lost his sister when she fled the scene. He had told the same story to the police, and they said he they were looking for her. He had no money, was hungry, scared, and after the police booked him, released him. And once he went back to Arizona, he would be under arrest for a parole violation, and he didn't wish to go back to jail. But was frantic to find his sister!

He also had walked from Citrus to Center City Parkway twice, about four miles each direction. He explained he met some guys in back of a liquor store who gave him the pillow and sweatshirt, and had slept in a cardboard box there-and it was cold that night.

And my heart broke. Very calmly I asked him if he believed in prayer. He said yes, and let me pray for him out on the sidewalk. I prayed for peace, calm, and that he would find his sister. And we felt God's peace. I then offered him breakfast, so we walked a couple of blocks to Champions. Never been there, but heard it was good. Now, just prior to walking in, we encountered a couple who walked so we could not pass them. He seemed ok, but she had an attitude. Best described as #$*&@. You know, the fat, nasty ones who have license plate frames that say "yield to the princess" or "foxey Lady. And they are anything but. And they entered the diner before us, and stopped to visit. As we passed them to sit down, she gave us a snooty look, even sticking her nose in the air. How dare she have to share this planet with us? And now the same diner? We sat down, and waited for a waitress-which seemed like an eternity. It was like the scene in Easy Rider where no one would wait on them, until Billy started singing "the man is at the door, the man is at the door..." except we didn't leave. Finally a waitress approached us-my homeless friend Curtis with his pillow and hood over his head and me in my biker lite mode. When she saw we weren't spreading disease, she loosened up while many citizen types stared while we ordered, and then proceeded to eat. I am sure we surprised many by our abilities to use a fork. We ate, he was starved, and scared, and after I told him to use the bathroom and clean up while I waited. Interestingly, no one made conversation with us the whole time including the waitress, who was good to us, but could feel the pressure from her normal patrons because we were in "their" diner. We have a reputation to maintain you know, can't have hungry people in here...

We left, I got my jacket, and Curtis told me he would be ok, there was nothing else I could do for him. I had assured him the police were not looking for his sister, as he thought they would be, and God would take care of it. I gave him some money, telling him I trusted him it wasn't for drugs, and gave him my card. Told him keep in touch then left. Doing all I could, but feeling like an incomplete task was done, but not finished.

Needless to say I thought of him all day. And to my surprise, while talking with my friend Bob on the phone, he called in and left a message. He said "this is Curtis, the man you prayed for. I found my sister and wanted to thank you. I'm ok now, thanks." Hallelujah! Prayer answered! But it was his words that stuck with me. Even though I had fed him, and given him money, he remembered me as the man who had prayed for him. Because God had answered our prayer from that morning! And I hope he knew it was God who had answered his prayer!

So who are you in the story? Are you lost, and scared? Are you a stranger, and hungry and homeless. Or are you an arrogant citizen who has no time for the downtrodden? A servant, like the waitress, scared to do her job because of social pressures. Or are you just someone who loves the Lord enough to feed a hungry kid, as the good Samaritan did, and pray for him? Some days I am all of the above, but that morning I was a good Samaritan. God knew exactly what this Lazarus needed, and chose me to use to bless Curtis. He is someone's son, could be yours, but to God he is a lost and scared soul. Just the kind He died for on Good Friday.

The man who prayed for me. What a way to be remembered. The intangible he chose to identify me with, not the tangible. Wow! And that is the way I see Jesus. Praying for us, then meeting our needs. He knows where the lost are, and uses us to minister to them. Would you take in a stranger? Remember Jesus took us in before we were saved. Just a thought for next time the spirit moves your heart, and you wish to hide or say no. Curtis was blessed, but I was more so. I got to see the gospel in action, and grew closer to Jesus. And that is why we minister to a lost and dying world. The love of Jesus, who went back when you were the one in 99 lost. When you were hungry, when you were alone, and when you didn't fit in and were scared. He didn't ask personal, probing questions. He just loved. May we follow His example as He changes lives-ours included. Lost and found-just a scared kid, but in the eyes of the Lord, doing it for Him, as when we do it to the least, we are doing it to Him.

Thanks Lord, for He is still praying for us-right now. And someone today will enter your life to bless you. And it is all about Jesus!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it takes a thief

I read the news today, oh boy, about a lucky man who got his Sportster back. Actually last week, as a man who had his 1972 Sportster stolen in the mid-seventies recently had it recovered. In a good news/bad news story, it had been auctioned off, and when the winning bidder came to claim it, discovered that it had been impounded as stolen. And since it had changed hands many times in the past 35 years, the only crime that seems to be committed here is against the man who won the bid. The old owner had been compensated by insurance 35 years ago, and gone onto other rides, and the guy who sold it didn't know of its dubious history. Only in today's environment could the police solve a crime and end up with additional victims. And a bike with too many owners, but no one with possession. Try that one on Hollywood? Meanwhile, the bike sits-evidence in a crime, without suspects. And you ask, what's the matter with this picture?

Commandment seven of the Ten Commandments tells us thou shalt not steal. And having been the victim of having two cars stolen and my house broken into, I can tell you that it is not always the things taken that are the most disturbing, but having been violated, and losing a trust in a security system, your fellow man, and the ones hired to protect. Insurance always more than covered us for the missing items, but for awhile the things that go bump in the night bother you. And even though you learn to trust again, you never fully regain what has been taken from you.

Now 2000 years in the Roman Empire they took stealing more seriously. Many times you would pay for it with your life-so when lusting for that item you may wonder if it is worth dying for. And the ultimate capital punishment was crucifixion, so cruel and nasty that it would be enough of a deterrent. But one particular Friday, three men were hung on crosses on a hill called Calvary, or Golgotha-place of the skull. Two men were convicted thieves, the man in the middle innocent of any crimes as charged. And in only a few verses we learn about these three men. First the thieves. Both did not deny their guilt. Both recognized their sin, but only one cried out to the only one who could save him. That third man being Jesus Christ-who by dying on the cross would save His people from their sin. For by the little faith the one thief had, he asked for forgiveness, and was told that he would see God tonight in paradise. And by receiving Jesus, was not saved from his earthly death sentence, but his eternal one in hell.

But little is ever said about the third thief on the cross-the man in the middle. It is always said, and scripturally so, that He was innocent of any crimes. The false charges that took Him to the cross, and the violent death He died are very often told, particularly around Easter time. But their is another story, not often told. When the Jewish leaders tried bringing false testimony against Him, they blew it. Even appealing to Pilate since the Jews had no power over life and death among criminals, they had to make up false claims-when the truth was right in front them, and Jesus even admitted to His guilt.

You see place between the two thieves on the crosses, the third one, in the middle, was the greatest thief of all time. And admittedly so, and still continues in His criminal activities today. You see Jesus promised to take away your sin, to take your burdens and pain. And has taken more sin and unhappiness than could be documented, and still continues in that today. He even admitted it to the Jews and anyone within hearing of His voice. And those who spend time with Him find that He will also steal your heart. More than millions, on a crime spree that has lasted for over 2000 years. Two convincing pieces of evidence, that any Christian can attest to. And be a witness of. You see that third thief, came to take away your sin, and as a final act showed in front of the guards and other witnesses that He was guilty. And that same evidence still continues today. And the witnesses of Him taking their sin, and stealing their hearts still testify about what He has done, and is doing.

Are you witness to the crime I speak of? Have you let Jesus take your sin and save you? As you get to know Him has He stolen your heart? For in His being a thief of hearts, He was unique in that He didn't leave your vessel empty. But filled it with something that was missing-His spirit. Love and forgiveness, the two things missing but promised by God that every man desires, only found in Jesus. You see it takes a thief. And you can live today because of what He did, and does. You see He took my pain, my sorrow, my sin, and my strife-and replaced it with His love and forgiveness. Guilty-so would be found not guilty. And unlike the story of Robin Hood who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, He takes from the poor and makes them rich!

Today I stand before you as a witness of a crime that happened 2000 years ago, and in my life 35 years ago. I was robbed! Of my sin and unhappiness! Jesus Christ stole my heart! Jesus Christ-guilty as not charged! And in His last dying moments, stayed true to His heart-still desiring to steal yours!

Jesus Christ who proved crime pays-by stealing your heart and taking away your sin. The evidence is there. Let Him prove it to you today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

sealed for your protection

Over the years I have found I like going to work more when I have fun with the people I work with. I don't and never have done boring, overly professional situations well, seems I am not quite adult to do their boring situations. Starting with an early job at Sears, this group of men I worked with on the receiving platform formed my work ethics-which led me to the belief of what good is fun if you don't enjoy it. So I had fun. We unloaded trucks, priced the items, and sent it to the appropriate part of the warehouse underneath the store. PC was our boss, who disliked us, but we were all so good he couldn't fire us, but the docks were really run by Dominic Ianucci-great name and a great guy. A bit older than us, he would tolerate quite a bit, realizing we would get the work done if left to our own sordid habits. Actually, there was a fear factor there, I can't tell you how many times he just looked at me and shook his head in disbelief, but we loved him. And respected him.

And because of letting us to our own devices, we made his life more interesting. Like the time my friend Glenn cut his hand on a metal band-those things could cut you so quick you could lose a pint before you felt the pain. Using paper towels and masking tape, we fixed him up and unloaded the trailer. And being funny, signed all the bills of lading in his blood, using a paper clip. And it was funny until the ICC guy showed up-seems anything signed in red means not received, and they were accusing him of hijacking the whole truckload. Fortunately Dom intervened, but we were reminded of how if you take a simpleton, give him a title with a clipboard and badge, how things can get blown out of proportion.

And I can still see Pete Busch standing under the NO SMOKING sign with the fire inspector-having a smoke with him, because that was where the ashtray was. Bending, as we thought, but never fully breaking the rules. We only looked at them as a challenge to our sanity-and being insane most of the time gave us a much different perspective of how things should work.

One of the guys was Richie, who at 5'8" and 330 pounds was built like a transformer. We called him "Big Fat Witzie," like a kid would mispronounce his name and he hated it. So of course that is what we called him. One of our jobs was to receive and unload a trailer each afternoon. Richie was known for unloading a section, then building a wall of merchandise and sleeping behind it. We all used this system for various nefarious plans, but one day Richie fell asleep behind a wall of 12 lawnmowers stacked to the roof. When the driver showed up to take the supposedly empty trailer, he put a seal on the door after closing it-thinking the mowers were returns, and then took the trailer. With Richie asleep behind them. With ICC law saying only at the final destination could the seal be broken. Bon voyage Witzie!

Now this trailer happened to be going to Pittsburgh, some 300+ miles away, so we didn't see Richie for a few days. And when someone asked where he was, referred him to Dom, who was trying to save his job and also his own. So we were told he went home sick, and would be out for a few days. And the plan worked, except Richie always thought I locked him in, and made me sorry I missed the chance. But afterwards, Dom had us unload the trucks in pairs, for safety reasons, he said, but really to cover each others backs. No more mid- afternoon naps in trailers-or any other fun! For a while. And not much was ever said about Richie's trip to Pittsburgh, I always wondered what the guys thought when they opened the trailer and found Richie there. With no papers-maybe that is why they sent him back.

But a brotherhood was formed that day, among us, of respect and trust. Based on enforcing a lie brought us all closer because of this. And even among ourselves, we would laugh-never when Richie was there-and definitely not when PC was in the room. But we stuck together through this episode, and actually built a trust with each other-I can say no one ever took a trip in a trailer again! And learned a great deal of respect for Dom and how he handled the situation. He was Richies' saviour that day-at least of his job, and at the possible expense of his own.

It is sad however, how we had to cover a sin with another to keep from more trouble. But that was our audience, and it worked for them. Give them an answer that fits a choice on their clipboard. The truth would only make things worse, as I'm not sure there was a box to be marked for sleeping on the job in a trailer. And Jesus knows your sin. And loves us despite it, so we don't have to make up another story to cover our sin. Yet I see myself and others when caught as kids, just make up a story that we think would appease our parents, or teachers, and make everything all right. And some still do as adults. Numbers tells us that our sin will find us out, not God. Ask David about Bathsheba. So why be afraid to tell Him, and be forgiven? Perhaps because of early lessons of how God is going to get you-wrong. Or how He will punish you and make you do deeds to get into heaven-wrong again. And because of this, and comparing Him to your earthly father-who could appear as both God and the devil-as well as Santa Claus, we learned naughty and nice was how we were judged. But in reality, He is much different. When we ask Him into our hearts, we are forgiven. Past, present, and future. He doesn't see it-although we still continue to make mistakes, our hearts have changed so we don't want to do the same things. And like Richie's trip, He doesn't bring them up-remember when you are accused, it is Satan-not God who does it. So bask in His forgiveness, and forgive yourselves. No rules can make you more obedient, but His love can. And get on with your life.

Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another was shown in a crude form by Dom that day. Jesus' way is pure. Read the gospels, and find how He forgave those in sin, in pain, and who did not believe. He showed love where others brought up the law. And unlike the trailer Glenn received in red blood, His blood atones for our mistakes, and our names are written forever in the book of life-by His blood we are saved.

I forgot to add this epeisode to the list of things I am forgiven for-don't you make the same mistake. All sin is forgiven at the cross. And no matter where you lay your head, Jesus is there with you. Even on your way to Pittsburgh in a trailer. Open your eyes and heart and receive Him into your life today. No excuses made or offered. He is the truth-I like that.

I just hope Richie, Dom, and the others from 40 years ago have, too. God touch them wherever they are, in Jesus name.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and unto them, a child was born...

I have always wanted two sons. And God has honored my request by giving me Christopher and Andrew. But what many of you don't know is that I have three children. No, not from another marriage, or out of wedlock, or before I met Theresa, or from her before she met me. In between my two sons, Theresa had a miscarriage, and we have a child in heaven, one we have never yet to hold, but have loved and will be united with some day. I can remember the news when Dr. Pirnat explained that she had miscarried. He explained that they don't know why, maybe the child had its thumb in its ear too far. But God knew, and knows, and in His infinite mercy allowed this child to by-pass the horrors of earth, and go directly into glory. No initial crying when born-that alone ought to tell us how we all come into the world, and no stress that living on earth provides. Just eternal bliss, without the pain we have here. God showed mercy, that while this child never knew this world, it was and is alive-and in heaven with Jesus! Not only a comforting thought, but a truth as well-with the promise that if we choose Jesus we will be united with him or her someday.

But like I said, I have two sons, and God gave us Andrew after we lost our second child. A true blessing, disguised in all the things boys can be, and then all the things you wish they wouldn't. But God honored my desire, and gave me my second son. Not as a replacement for the one lost before birth, but in addition to, as no child should ever replace another. He chose to bless me with three children, but keeps me patient, yet anxious to meet the child I have never seen. I believe He calls it love, and I cannot describe it, nor will I try. Words will only lessen it. But in God and this situation, I have seen mercy, I have seen grace, and a side of God I would not have known under different circumstances. I have seen a glimpse of a grieving father, and have an insight to what God felt when He saw His son on the cross-dying for us.

It is sad that the God who gives life, allowed Adam and Eve's second son to be taken by murder. Perhaps this speaks of the evil heart of man, but God showed mercy to Eve in her mourning, and gave her Seth, in place of her slain son Abel. And the Bible makes an interesting comment after his birth, that this was the time that men began to call upon the name of the Lord. And Seth was not given to replace Abel, but in place of the one who had been taken from her.

God also knows the tragedy of losing a child, as He gave His only son. Not to replace one lost, but in our place, because we were lost. And through Jesus we will be reunited with God in heaven. With Abel, and Seth, and our second child, and all the others who have preceded us into eternity in heaven. To those who have lost a child, I cannot, nor do I desire to understand what you feel, but God does. That hole in your heart can only be filled by a loving God, so you must let Him. And sometimes it means letting go, and holding onto that which you cannot hold, that you cannot see, or cannot feel. But your faith, your trust tells you Jesus is there, and only His tender spirit can comfort. I pray you let Him today.

Heaven will be filled with so many who never knew life on earth, but know life in heaven. God's mercy and grace extend to all the heavens, and are not restricted to earth. To those lost before birth, or aborted, or who died too early for us, they wait patiently for us. And will greet us, and when we are in the Lord's presence we will wonder why we ever doubted, or mourned-the glory will be so overwhelming. But as for now, we must be patient, and encourage others to seek Jesus-their only hope. Who tells us today is the day of salvation-let it be yours. And also says that He is patient that none should perish. But reminds us that no man or child is promised tomorrow. Don't confuse delaying with waiting-seek Him today. And let Him comfort you, so that you may comfort others. Pray for those who are considering an abortion-let them know of the precious life inside them. They may consider it not a child, but if it isn't, then are they really pregnant?

The gift of two sons God has given me has brought me closer to God than I ever thought I would be. A blessing sometimes through anger and pain, but always ending in love. And I must confess, I am a sucker for a happy ending. But also a sucker for a happy now. Enjoy your family while you can, they grow up too fast, and start their own. Share Jesus with them now, as tomorrow may be too late. And to those who have loved ones in heaven, remember King David's words when told about the loss of his son. "I can go to him, but he cannot come to me." Someday soon, going with Him, someday soon...

love from a compassionate father of three,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

family ties

How many of you remember the Patty Duke Show? She played Patty Lane, who just happened to have a cousin who could be her identical twin. And they would have fun sometimes at others expense, sometimes planned, sometimes accidental. But although they looked alike, they were completely different. Cathy, her well bred cousin was quasi-sophisticated, where Patty was described as a hot dog makes her lose control. Food must have been different back in the 60's. And I marveled myself at how much they looked alike, with the difference in their voices the main difference. I never told anyone, but I thought they were two different actors, and was amazed at how two girls could be so identical. Chalk one up for youth-actually ignorance, as they were both played by Patty Duke. And add that to the list of ageless questions about women at that age-Ginger or MaryAnn, Betty or Veronica, and now Patty or Cathy? To anyone who thinks growing up used to be easy, never had to deal with teen age hormones. For the record it was Mary Anne, Veronica, and the jury is still out on the Patty/Cathy thing.

Interchangeable cousins are nothing new, as even Mark Twain wrote the Prince and the Pauper, where two men exchange identities for a time, with a poor urchin taking over for a prince, and vice-versa. And you can imagine the many scenarios yourself. I prefer the fun ones, although Hollyweird has produced some wretched and perverse ones. But rest assured, even on the first date, most men could tell the difference between Patty and Cathy. Even today, two cousins recently switched identities to defraud someone.

Fortunately, all cousins are not the same. In Luke we find two sets of cousins, who are represented as mothers and their sons. Cousins Elizabeth and Mary. We find Elizabeth, barren in her old age, visited by Gabriel, the angel, and told she will conceive a child. And then six months later, we find her younger cousin Mary, the virgin, visited by Gabriel again, and told she will conceive, although a virgin. And the next time she meets Elizabeth, John, who is inside Elizabeth jumps and receives the Holy spirit. And Mary stays with Elizabeth until the birth of her son. And when Mary later gives birth to Jesus, it is John, who baptizes Him, and sees the Holy spirit in the form of a dove come upon Him. An interesting family to say the least. Wonder what their family gatherings were like? Not like mine, I'll bet. From the naming of John, no one had been born in that family with that name before, making it unique, to the common name of Jesus, like calling someone Joe today. And even their careers would mirror their fathers, John going into the ministry, and Jesus becoming a carpenter. But it was their mothers, the cousins, that would be the common thread.

And strangely, both would be hunted down by the evil Herods, who as a gift to Herodias, had John beheaded. Seems he came out publicly about brothers sharing wives. John would end up dying a martyr's death, and was buried in a tomb like his cousin would be. Today in some circles even his death is celebrated. And Jesus, who called John the greatest man ever born of a woman, dying on a cross-a finishing carpenter being nailed to two wooden beams-the world not realizing the significance of it. Gives some thought to the words "It is finished."

Two cousins, one worshipped and adored, the other shunned and crucified. With a common group of friends, the apostles. But with a relationship unique, because each knew who and what the other was. One doing the baptizing, but realizing the greatness and uniqueness of his cousin. Going against local and Jewish traditions, but forming a bond that today still exists into eternity.

I wonder today, if faced with the choice, which man would you follow? The well known John, whose followers still worshipped him after death, or his cousin Jesus, buried in a borrowed tomb? You see John the Baptist, as he was known, today has a denomination named after him. And Jesus, well He only has an apostate cult using His name-in vain. Although many worship Him in churches bearing His testimony around the world. And sadly today, many choose to be only a participant in a main line religion, or denomination before choosing Jesus. Choosing a religion before a relationship, don't want to get too personal, you know. Thinking this makes them acceptable to God. And although the name Christ will appear on many churches, some of these churches deny His deity. Two cousins losing their lives for what they believed, only Jesus being the son of God, and dying for our sins. One showing the way, the other being the way.

Who do you say Jesus is? Was He only John's cousin, or was He really the son of God? Was John, as Jesus said, the greatest man born unto woman, but Jesus truly the son of man? On the surface, it would appear John was the more celebrated, but truly it is Jesus who is the savior, and earned our voluntary worship. And as close as John and Jesus were, we can be closer, as we can be sons of God. Sharing a common Father, and not just cousins. Relationships mean something, that is why God sent Jesus to die for us, so we can have one again with Him.

And like Patty and Cathy, you can lose your mind-but these cousins, as close and similar-were not two of a kind. So don't lose control, or your soul. Choose Jesus, the ONLY, BEGOTTEN, son of the living God. Who died to save you from your sin. Jesus or religion? Can you tell the difference? Your answer...