pet peeves

Whoever started the rumor that dog was man's best friend was pretty close when they made the call. For throughout the ages, mine at least, dogs have been a loyal companion, a hero at times, there when no one else would be, and like the saying says, a friend. And many famous dogs, courtesy of Hollywierd, have become famous. Rin Tin Tin, Bullet, Scooby Doo, and of course Lassie, who never seemed to be far from danger when it occurred. Which makes you wonder, was the dog cursed? Why was it she was always there when danger occurred? But from mine explosions to runaway bulls, Lassie would save the day, and in less than 30 minutes, and at no cost to the taxpayer. Where is she now that we need her most?

But forgotten in this legacy of canines, goes a non-descript dog from Kansas, that preceded all of the above. Going by the simple moniker of Toto, he was not only all of the above, but well travelled too. So how could we have overlooked this furry little dog, so underestimated that his legacy is reduced to one sentence from Dorothy, "Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore." Which he already knew, by the way, for he was no dummy.

And it was after they landed in Munchkin land, and took up with her three, new outcasts, that his true character began to show. The Scarecrow who needed a brain-Toto already had one. He slyly looked behind the curtain to see the sham of a Wizard, if ever a wiz he was, Toto was more. He was able to unmask him, and allow the others to get their wishes. Stealth and cunning, he was also the first to find the Wicked Witch of the East. They don't make dogs like that in Hollyweird anymore.

The Tin Man only wanted a heart, again Toto had him beat. He stood by Dorothy when she was scared, and took her famous somewhere over the rainbow ride with her. And when no one else stood by her, he was ready to leave town with her-add adventurous to his credit list.

Ahh, the Cowardly Lion. Had it not been for Toto, who unmasked the great and powerful Oz, he would be still hiding in the forest. It took Toto's courage to make the Wicked Witch of the West proclaim, "I 'all get you, and your little dog too." If he was not a threat, why mention him? And he wasn't afraid to lead the way to Emerald City either. And when it came time for the balloon to leave, ran off the cat, and saved Dorothy from a ride to oblivion. Rescued finally by Glenda's words, "there is no place like home," which again Toto knew.

But few remember him as a fashion plate. So next time all you trendy types follow the latest 45 minute fad, and think you are so cool with a purse dog, remember it was Toto who started the craze. he was the first purse dog, way cooler than these rat sized, dog imitators that the trendy crowd insists on carrying. He rode on the back of bikes in baskets, and on the journey of a lifetime on the Yellow Brick Road-in a purse, carried by Dorothy. Take that Rodeo Drive, take that Guess jeans, and take that all you ego fed, trend following, imitators. Your purse dog style was originated in Kansas, by a farm girl, with a non-descript Cairn terrier, who looked more like a mutt. Maybe Dorothy was right, for looking back at what she started, truly Toto, you ain't in Kansas anymore. What a long strange trip it has been.

You see, Toto could have basked in all the fame, but like Abram, and his strange trip to Sodom, wanted nothing from the King, and chose not to ally himself with him. He would not accept even the smallest gift, thread from a flip flop, so he would not be in debt to him. Or owe him a favor in the future. for like Toto, Abram had character, but more importantly, he had Melchizadek's visit to intercede. He had the assurance from God that all would be taken care of him, just trust God. And I think the end justifies the means, as Abraham, his new name, made him Father Abraham-the patriarch of the Jews. Excuse me king, now what was it you have to offer?

Today you will be offered many things. Things that may sound good, that may bring you glory and recognition. Remember Toto. Unheralded, and more famous than all other screen dogs combined. And let your Abram experience with God remind you that it is all about Jesus, and not you. For if you believe in Him, you too shall do greater things, just like He promised.

Maybe dog is man's best friend, but I like it when God is my best friend. Jesus calls me friend. I like that. What does He call you? And what do you call Him? Purse dog carriers, what's in your wallet?

Heaven awaits those that believe. Dogs in heaven? You know Toto, I just don't think we will be in Kansas anymore.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

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we three kings...

Perhaps the best way to measure your success in life can be addressed by asking one simple question, "does the room get brighter when you enter it, or when you leave it?" And sometimes, we just don't need your help! Or desire it either. And as we watched from Joplin last week, a few events stood out in our memories, rooms, if you will, where we wish that a person would leave to brighten it, and times where we were glad to see help, and it brightened up the room.

Sadly the Pharisees are still alive and well in many churches. They wonder "how can God ever get things done without us?" And using their insensitive, and legalistic attitudes, remind us of why some people don't go to church. People don't have trouble with Jesus, but His fan club is notorious for running those in need off. Two examples, from one church. Three men who volunteered, one had the heart of God, the others the heart of a Pharisee. Your test, see which one you relate to.

A church in Tulsa had donated enough items for tornado victims it almost filled a 53' semi. We had formed firing lines, and were unloading anything from diapers, water, toilet paper, and hygiene items. We had organized pallets for each item, and then they were taken inside. hard work on a 90 degree, 90% humidity night, without lights, but the workers were eager, and we were gettin 'er done. When suddenly three men showed up. And in the midst of unloading this truck, wanted to call a meeting for volunteers. He had identified me as new, and said I had to go to the meeting. I replied, "I didn't drive 1600 miles to go to a meeting. We are here to help." When he again pushed the issue, I said "fine, I am no longer a volunteer. These people are my friends." And took off my name sticker. And the others assisting, said, "we're family!" And the truck driver and his wife said "yes, all these helpers are our family!" And as we continued to unload the truck, much to his dismay. I warned this man, "get out of the way, or you may get hurt," for these guys were handling two cases of water at a time, a work area where he could get hurt, not a scenario to prove your point. And so he left, and when I encountered him the rest of the night, he kissed up to me. Which I find even more reprehensible than his wanting to call a meeting. And I never did see him helping anyone.

The second man in the group, saw how it was a good thing to help, so joined in the line. And was doing OK until he came across a box marked plush animals. He then announced that toys were not allowed, and threw it over his head into an overfull dumpster. This group had decided to not accept toys, or blankets or things not in their factory wrappings. They were looking out for terrorist items! At which point, the truck drivers wife, who was next to me, started to cry. "I called ahead, and they said send toys for the children." The man never responded, except that the rules were the rules. I had opportunity to talk with her often after that, and she was so hurt by this callous man, and his rules. And unloving attitude. I cannot remember ever losing respect for someone so fast.

I assured her that this "cheese ball" of a person was wrong, and what she and her church did in love was right. God sees her attitude, but sadly He sees his too. Which one would He call good and faithful servant? And which one would He address as a Pharisee? But the damage had been done, and his sin had caused her to now have to forgive this callous Pharisee. There is no isolated sin.

The third man, was busy fixing plumbing in the only two bathrooms in the building. He and I had been talking, and when I told him of this he winced. "Mike, they only want boxed items. And yesterday I had a similar event happen to me. A little girl handed me a box of toys form her Sunday School class. When I saw them unwrapped, I told her that I would deliver them special, since they were given in such love. And I did. These people need love, not more rules." The little girl left smiling and making a difference. Encouraged to help others.

Two men, same scenario, one caught up in rules, the other in grace. One missed the blessing, one was part of the blessing. One had the heart of Jesus, the other the heart of a Pharisee.

What would your church have done? What would you do? Jesus got 'er done. Where sin abounded, His grace abounded even more. He handled things with compassion, thinking of the other person first. Sadly these two other men not only weren't a blessing, they robbed others of theirs. A lesson for those who are called to represent God. You see, if you have told others you are a Christian, they expect you to act like one. But if you act like one, when you add words they will have a stronger effect. And you don't have toa announce you are one.
For love covers a multitude of sins. Are your sins covered today? Maybe you need to let go and let Jesus change your heart. Terrorists in the rubble of a tornado? Doubtful. But the terror from not showing God's love can be just as tragic. You keep your rules, I'll keep my morals. You keep your programs and procedures, and I'll keep the Holy Spirit. For like a man once said, quoting the Bible without love is heresy. May God continue to forgive us all.

And whoever does this to the least of these people, does it to Jesus. You see, someone is always looking. Even in the midst of a catastrophe, Jesus still cares. Let Him care through you.

And both the room you enter, and the room you leave will be brighter. That's my decision. What's yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

last house on the right on Chris lane

After a night of no sleep, we met up with Tom and Tabitha from St. Louis. Fellow volunteers, they had also come to help, but were also not part of any group. Which put us at a disadvantage, as it seems to be part of a group was necessary to serve where we were. Good thing no one told us that last night when we were up past 230am, with Andrew leading a crew building a stage. So when I mentioned we pray, the three of us did, Andrew was out helping. We asked for God's direction, and to help us find someone to help. My prayer was immediately answered as Tabitha cried on my shoulder, "you are the first one I have seen praying since we arrived two days ago." So God had answered her prayer, by praying. And Tom told us The Bridge, a huge church, had Operation Blessing set up there, so we all went there to join up.

All the disorganization we had just left, was replaced by love and organization when we met the OB people. Filling out forms, for our benefit, not theirs, so they could attend to our medical needs, and also see what skills we had, within 10 minutes, a dozen of us, from five different states, were off after a short briefing with Sandy, who told us any injuries we may get they would attend to, including free tetanus shots. Just make sure to tell us-they were concerned for our safety. And so we were off to Chris Lane. Which after looking it up on Google Earth when we got home, had been a beautiful street with huge trees, and brick homes. A dead end, where neighbors knew each other, and it was a neighborhood. What we saw was much different. Yes, the homes were still there, sort of, but no evidence of brick. Or trees. Or neighbors. Except for two men and a young boy across from the house we were sent to clear.

I greeted them, his name was Tom, and he lived there, and the other man was his son, and his grandson Harley, 4 years old. Tom, his wife Margaret, and Harley had endured the tornado, laying on top of Harley in the hall. None were injured, but the home was totaled.

He had just retired as the IT teacher at the high school, and had Will, as a student. All his plans to retire were now changed due to the tornado. But he was full of the joy of the Lord, and was excited to share with me, so I let him. He showed me all the shop tools which had been his grandfathers, who was a wood worker. Somehow they had remained in the garage, although the door was somewhere next door. And he told me of his grandfather's watch, his prize, and how it was almost 100 years old, and damaged from when his grandfather had fallen on it. He had found the watch, which was displayed in a bell jar, just like my Grandpa's watch, but the glass cover was missing. He then offered me a tour of his home, or what was left of it.

Margaret was busy trying to find things, amidst broken furniture and debris. In the kitchen, a hole behind the refrigerator, where the storm had tried to suck it out. 2x4's were sticking through walls, like a pin cushion. He handed me a heavy ballast from miles away, that had come crashing through the ceiling. Cross stitching done by his wife, the set of 4, now 2, as only two remained. He showed me where they had layed down and covered Harley in the hall, only a few feet from where they had just been playing on the computer. The two bedrooms in the back of the house-unusable, but they were staying in the front two until they were able to move to Grand Lake. And then he showed me the watch, without the lens, and how sad he was it was missing. And then Margaret handed him the lens, intact, from the floor where she had just found it. Another prayer answered! And it fit perfectly!

Going outside, he showed us where seven huge trees were uprooted and had demolished a shed where he had all his brother's belongings. Which when shown to the chain saw guys, told him, "we'll get it clear, even if it takes all day." Which it probably did.

But it was time for physical work, so I asked him if I could pray for his family before going across the street, where he had rescued two women in their eighties. His face lit up between the tears, and he yelled for Margaret, "Mike wants to pray for us, get Harley!" And so the five of us gathered in front of what was once his home, and thanked God for their safety. And provisions. And the miracles He had performed. And between his tears, he thanked God for us-and this guy from San Diego who had come to help. Who had listened to him, and prayed with him. You see, so many times when you seek to be a blessing, God blesses you even more. And consistent with that, He did. A family of friends, where before we were just strangers separated by six states and 1600 miles. A disaster had brought us together. We had Jesus in common, and that was all that mattered. And I know that even though the road ahead may be rough, they will be OK. They are trusting God, a beautiful example of love rising from the ruins, and an example to Harley. And whoever else watches.

Too often we step over the Lazarus God has put in front of us. We need to remember that the best place to start to minister is where we are, and who is in front of us. Tom had made my day, and I had made his, just by listening. He had taken me into his heart, and his home, and shared intimate details with this stranger, who now he calls friend.

From Tabitha's tears, to the promise of clearing the trees to the shed, I saw God at work. Just by being there, and being available. No sermons, no theological discourses, and no denominational barriers. Just Jesus, the same Jesus who had taken Tom and his family through the storm, now ministering to us who were there to help after it.

Chris Lane, I'm gonna miss it. And although I never met the neighbors, feel right at home there. Thanks to Tom and his family. And to Harley-you see Tom had always wanted a Harley to ride, but instead chose to give him a Harley to love, and protect. Another miracle, from a God who hears, and answers far above all we could ask for, or imagine.

Good thing we prayed, huh Tabitha?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it's 543pm, do you know where your neighborhood is?

We never did hear her name. To Nick and his family, she was Grandma. To her sister Gladys, 101 years old, she was her sister. But to us, on Memorial Day, she took on a special meaning. While so many were off and enjoying a three day weekend, and hopefully honoring those who gave their lives for our country, Andrew and I were in Joplin, assisting the tornado victims. We had worked with Operation Blessing, but this day we chose to go out on our own, there is no limit to the destruction we saw. Driving down a street, no signs, as they were blown away, we saw a group of people starting to clean up this woman's home. It had been leveled, as had the entire neighborhood for as far as we could see, and when we offered to help they accepted.

But where do you start? We decided to find the sidewalk, and then work towards the house, or foundation, as that was all that was left. With two ladies raking and shoveling, we started throwing logs, debris, and wood onto a pile, which someday will be removed. With winds at 45mph, throwing a 2x4 would cause it to sail 8' off course. But we got to the house, and started sifting through the rubble. The owner, Grandma, had been found alive in a shower enclosure, which had then buckled around her. She was OK, but the house was gone. I can't describe the feeling of what we were doing, but at times it felt so helpless, as over 8000 homes, and 300 businesses were like Grandma's home. And it was when Andrew found her kitchen clock, stopped at 5:43, that it hit home-this was somebody's home! And we could not imagine the sheer terror she went through. And at 543pm, her world literally came crashing down around her. The winds, 200 mph, were so strong, that you weren't even sure what you were cleaning from her property was hers. And a true sense of destruction set in, when the smell of a rotting animal was found. 911 was called, and fortunately it was not a body, just cat, and not hers. But the smell of death was everywhere. Add to that some 8000 refrigerators with rotting food, asbestos and fibreglass in the air, and you had to be there. Wood, hay and stubble only glorify it. Just breathing the air sometimes would sicken you. But while we volunteered muscle, others brought by drinks. Two older woman came buy and gave us cold wash rags-a blessing. A man with his young son gave us Otter Pops. We had many snacks, and even some laughs in this somber scene. But Grandma was OK, physically, only God came cure all the other things. And we saw many miracles, just like this one first hand.

So what should you do? What can you do? PRAY! And pray again, this is so far from over, don't even think of rebuilding. How do you clear 72 square miles of ruin? We saw an area 12 x 6 miles just like this. But we also saw so many out volunteering, and assisting neighbors. One house we cleared had us with people from five states-all there because we cared. But you can also support Operation Blessing, and Samaritan's Purse. The many Christian ministries we saw in action overwhelmed any FEMA presence. But you can go to Joplin. Bring a place to stay, as there are no rooms, or motel rooms, or apartments. We slept one night on cots. Bring wheelbarrows, shovels, chain saws, and a desire to help. No pretty boys here. Even a guy nicknamed Princess, was up to waist in debris. Volunteers are needed-NOW!

But be reminded that God is giving us a warning of things to come. And only in Him, will you be safe. And hopefully not here, for as we see Bible prophecies as news, we don't even have to read the Bible anymore to realize times are short.

I will be happy to share with anyone or all our trip. A special time for my son Andrew and I, a time we will never forget. Maybe your next family outing may be to Joplin, where the memories will go beyond Kodak deep, but touch your life forever.

Just some people whose names I can't remember. But we became friends that day on a battlefield called life, in a disaster area called Joplin. What part of being your brother's keeper don't you understand?

5:43pm still happens daily. Andrew and I will never forget that.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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joplin excursion

First thing Thursday morning, Andrew and I will be heading to Joplin to aid in disaster relief. We ask for your prayers for safe travel, and that we are able to minister in God's name. Also please take time to pray for Theresa, as she will be taking care of the house without me.

I am sure to have some great new stories of God's miracles when we return, we will be gone for two weeks. Thanks for your prayers and your support of our ministry.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no names mentioned to protect the guilty

"A labor of love," is how he described his position, and he fulfilled it with a great deal of success. Being retired from construction, he had the background to be the facilities maintenance man for the church, and he lived for it. It was a ministry that God appointed him too, and he loved it. It gave him a reason to get up every morning, and the grounds showed it. The campus showed the love of God everywhere. So whenever a problem came up, they sought him out, and it was remedied. And since his was a volunteer position, he ran the facilities as God showed him. Being blessed by not needing an income, he loved what he was doing, and it showed. But one day the church board decided to put him on staff. He would be an employee, with a small salary, and the love faded. Now he had a job. Instead of God's inspiration, he had a board's direction, and reported to men, who of course had their own ideas, and rules. Whereas he would arrive early and stay late, now he had hours. And soon the love was gone, and he retired. The board never knowing how they had robbed this man of his joy.

"You're doing it anyway," we were told, "so take the position." And we did, working within a national ministry. And soon found out like my friend, that working for God is better than an organization with rules. And when the pressure came to the point of their rules versus trusting God, we quit the position. And soon were forced out of the ministry. And a great burden was lifted, and today we minister more, and more effectively, with no rules or interference-with take guidance from God, instead of a board, or men with titles, and watch as they keep God in a box, and wonder why they have meetings, and we have divine appointments.

So earlier this year, when I was approached, being told, "you're doing it anyway," a flag went up, a big, red one. I could give up my freedom in the spirit, and trusting God, to fall under some rules and regulations and minister within a set of laws and regulations, both of which hinder the spirit of God. Can't bring Jesus, might offend the Muslim. Or Jew. Or Christian. Or whatever. So what if what you do is in love-which perfectly describes God, by the way, we have programs and procedures to help you, but you will need to give up your freedom to serve man. And, after paying for this course, you even get a certificate to serve. Whee! I can just see Jesus passing out diplomas, to men and women who paid for their courses, skipping over those who couldn't afford to, and not getting the certificate. Unfit to serve without it, they would be told. And being graded on things like attendance-mandatory, following the rules, and reading a book. Not the Bible, remember that offensive thing? Which all may be good-but isn't the gospel free? Did Jesus charge for lessons? All so we could have more rules and laws-laws which the religious obeyed, the same religious that came to kill Him? And did? Maybe I read it wrong when He says He came to set us free from religion. Doesn't the law kill and the spirit give life?

So faced with another decision, I think I have already made it. I have been approved to counsel one on one at church. A good thing, and an honorable thing. But already the rules are showing up, "and you do it anyway," has been offered to me. A book to follow, not the Bible, but an aid to it, and a curriculum to follow, step by step. And I have asked God, what is more important, following the rules of this in church ministry, or following Him? I already know the answer, I hope you do too.

Years ago when God put it on my heart to go into ministry, I was given priceless advice from a man who walked with God. He told me simply, "do not fall under a church or an organization. For the vision that God has given you will only be tarnished, and turn into their vision with their rules and regulations, and you will lose the vision. Trust God!" And so I have, and maybe that is what people see, for I know that is what makes me successful. So why do they want to take me, and make me come under their rules? Don't they get it? Are their rules better than God's direction?

Ask God today where and what He wants you to do. If within church-do it. If outside of church-do it. But do it for God, not for a title or a position-and definitely not for the paycheck. Where God guides, he provides. And I have always found that He does it more abundantly than I could ask for or ever imagine.

"But we need rules, so we can function." No, you need the Holy Spirit! Keep your laws, I'll keep my morals. And walk in the freedom that God gives you-free from rules. And for a title, just call me friend. That's what Jesus calls me. If that's good enough for Him, it ought to be good enough for us!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the Arnold at the well

Personally I am way tired of hearing about Arnold and all the children he may have fathered out of wedlock. It is pathetic, to hear about his sexual indiscretions in public. What is even sadder to me, is our wayward press has vilified him, but is making this woman who he conceived with a hero, or a victim, just because he is Arnold, ex-governator. And perhaps what annoys me most is their pious attitude, and their blatant hypocrisy.

I am sure that any one of them would still be glad to be honored with an interview with him. That even though he has trouble keeping zipper zipped, anyone of the gossipers who seem to portray themselves as news people, which absolves them of any moral lapses, would probably jump at the proposition of spending an intimate afternoon with him, providing they didn't get caught. Man or woman, that is how far our society has fallen.

These are the same folks who don't believe in marriage, but will get so holy when it becomes a news worthy item that his is over. I hope Maria is the saint that the press make her out to be, but with all that Kennedy lineage in her, I would be surprised. Seems cousins Bobby and Jack were at least as proficient outside of marriage as Arnold, only surpassed by their legendary brother Ted. But somehow, in our white males can do no right mindset, only the men stray, and if a woman does, it is still the man's fault.

And I have trouble with that. I get embarrassed for these women who are scantily clad in public. Even worse the ones who come to church like that. And even more upset when men react to the bait. Girls-the type of bait you use will determine what you catch. Cheap bait will get you a cheap catch. But still it is the man's fault. No one seems to read and remember that afternoon in the garden, and how the woman fell into temptation, then lied to her husband about it. He was just as guilty, it was his decision to sin.

Sex outside of marriage, and the destruction it brings is nothing new. And it is the only sin that requires an accomplice. But the accusers have changed, but their accusation hasn't. 2000 years ago, a group of better than thou hypocrites were standing at the well, surrounding a woman caught in adultery. The Old Testament law required she be stoned to death-no prisons existed at the time. But fortunately, Jesus was there, and intervened. Definitely not pro-sin, He talked with her, and also the crowd of men. Question-if she was involved in adultery, didn't it take two? Where was her accomplice? That would have perhaps caused a riot, for the crowd may have known, and some in the crowd may have been willing accomplices. But Jesus, more concerned about repentance and restoration, got down and wrote something in the dirt. Words and figures that only can be guessed upon. But after His artwork was over, asked one question. A question we need to ask ourselves, next time we have rock in hand and ready to throw it. Jesus said simply, "he who is without sin, throw the first stone." And the crowd, facing the man of truth, dropped their rocks, and left. Only Jesus and the accused woman remained. And His loving words are ones we need to live by, "where have your accusers gone, I do not condemn you either, go and sin no more."

A personal message? Yes, but where were her accusers, who needed to hear the same message? Didn't Jesus extend the same mercy to them as He did to her?

Today you will screw up. Guaranteed. And you will need God's mercy. Sad, but the only way to get mercy is to screw up. But you also can have God's grace upon you. Jesus' words of 2000 years ago are still contemporary today, "go and sin no more." Forgiven.

Yes, Arnold, there is a penalty for sin. But also a God who sent His Son to ransom you. A news story I dare any of the gossip shows to share. Women on the View? Which of you was celibate before marriage? Or during? After? Only in love could Jesus tell us to go and sin no more.

Remember those who report these things, the same seed you have sewn may be the same seed that comes back to haunt you. Put down your stones, and pick up a Bible. Read the words. And repent. That would certainly be something newsworthy. If you want to be treated like a lady, act like one. And men, treat her like a lady, and she may become one.

Sin will always be sin, but we don't always have to be sinners. Arnold, seek forgiveness. It is ready and available to all who ask. Even politicians. Your time at the well is here. It is your decision. God will know, I only hope that your accusers hear the same message. You weren't the first one to say "I'll be back!!"

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com