girls ride too, get over it

For the first 27 years of our marriage, Theresa was my buddy seat sitter. Then one day, she and Christopher decided to take riding lessons, at the suggestion of a friend, to see if they really wanted to ride. When I received a phone call on their first break advising me to "get me a bike of my own," I knew it was serious. And so I did, a used 2003 red Bonneville. Which they shared, with Christopher riding it 95% of the time. But one day she was able to pry it from his hands, and took her first solo ride. The next phone call I got was not as encouraging. While sitting at a light, someone had run into the truck in back of her, and then the truck hit her-sending her up in the air, and the bike traveling over 60' without her on it. Totaled! But she was OK. A hit and run no less, but they caught the loser, and he did more jail time! But would she ever ride again?

After being told that she didn't do anything wrong, and encouraged by the other three riders in the family, we took the money from the settlement and bought me a new bike-she wanted my blue Bonneville. Funny how God works things out. And she decided to ride again, despite bad advice, and any personal fears she might have had. She had to trust God. And a wise decision it was, as she has now ridden over 45,000 miles herself, and almost 100,000 addition miles as my buddy seat sitter since then. Her commitment was displayed when Pastor Fred offered to trailer her bike to the Hollister Rally that year with his, a 1000 mile round trip ride. "No, I'm riding," she said, and did, and has more than once. But the change came when she had to deal with her fears of riding. Or more precisely, of being hit again. A decision not made easily, as it would have affected our lives, lifestyle, ministry, and our marriage. But her fear of God-aka respect, far outweighed her fear of danger, and her trusting God has led to countless trips, in over 48 states, and ministry opportunities beyond description. A lesson for all who fear injury, but not God.

Ezekiel 47 tells of a man who is walking by a river with God. A river flowing from a holy mountain, and then into a sea that is alive. A sea alive with the Lord. At first the man walks on the shore, ankle deep, and is blessed. But as God leads, he is soon waist deep. More blessings, but still he can touch bottom. Still walking on his own. God is just along for the walk at this time. Finally he is tested when he is told to go where he must swim, where he cannot touch bottom, and to trust God. And when he does, the best blessings are there. The water being a symbol of the Holy Spirit, it is only when fully immersed you see the greater things of God. It is when you trust Him, and not your situation, so you see the love poured out. And multiple blessings unfold, blessings not found when your feet are secure. Ask Peter, for when he walked on the water to Jesus, he could have bragged how "he" walked on the water, when really it was just an act of obedience. But when he fell in, and the water was deep, over his head, with a storm raging, that Jesus reached out and grabbed him to safety. Then, it became personal.

Today you will have the chance to join those who quit under adversity. I hear too many "real bikers" who never will ride again after a small fall. And let a passion that God has given them be taken away. When really, if they trusted God, the results would be much different. Too many blessings missed by giving up. Fearing situations rather than revering and trusting God. So fear God, just like the gospel says. Not out of fear, like falling, but out of respect for who He is. Trust Jesus. If He can save your soul, don't you think He can ride with you?

Ask my wife. For her decision that day, like yours, will impact others. A decision I am glad she made. For ministry is one thing, but like riding, it is much better when you do it with the one you love. Together we do both together. But came that close to losing it all. Just ask the man who walked on the water, which event changed his life more. And trust Jesus in all you do.

Seven more years of riding together, 48 states, 45,000 miles on her own bike, and the endless times we got blessed-together. With more to come. All based on one decision-trusting God. No excuses-you can either ride or trailer your bike through life. As for me and my family, we choose to ride with the Lord. Make the right decision today-and let the blessings begin. Ride without your feet touching the ground, lean deeper into the curves and see more of Jesus and His blessings than you ever could from behind a windshield. Immersed in the love of the Holy Spirit. Whoever says Jesus doesn't ride never asked Him along. He does and loves to. Your choice....Like her license plate frame says "Girls ride too-get over it!"

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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what colors is blue?

Sitting at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and the PCH in Malibu is a Von's with a patio overlooking the ocean. And on this afternoon, as we sat drinking our Coke with the latte crowd, our view of the afternoon sun on the Pacific was beautiful. With the sun hitting the blues, it created so many hues that they were difficult to take in. Just tilting your head a bit caused a whole new spectrum to appear, and the light show on the Pacific that afternoon was incredible. But in contrast to what God offered that afternoon, were the cars sitting at the light on PCH waiting for it to turn green. With some 30 cars waiting, they were all black, white, or shades of grey. In a complete contrast to the ocean, these cars were boring. They were almost depressing to look at, so we cast our eyes back upon the ocean. And even to these color blind eyes, I may not know all the colors I see, but give me color anytime.

Before this generation of drab colored vehicles, we had colors. Blues, reds, greens, yellows, and variations on all those themes, colors giving personality and life to what we drove. Colors with names, just to share a few from the 55-57 Chevy color charts. Colors that would liven up any plain sedan, and give it the illusion of the reddest of convertibles. Poetic colors, romantic colors, bright and alive colors. Gypsy red, India ivory, Dusk pearl, Sierra gold, Nassau blue, Crocus yellow, and Laurel green-a color pallet that even the names spoke excitement. And as late as 10 years ago I even had a truck painted Atlantic Bright blue metallic clearcoat. Maybe the prettiest blue ever-definitely way ahead of anything at that Malibu intersection that day. Colors that told about us, that gave us life, and helped us stand out from the crowd. Colors that gave life,and boy do we need more life and color today.

God is light, and that is where color comes from. Reflecting through a glass as in a prism, or reflecting off the ocean, or watching a New Mexico sunset, these all reflect the unending color range that God has available. No blacks or grays-but real color. As shown via Mr. ROY G. BIV. The colors of the rainbow-red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. But with millions of hues in between when God shines His light on them. Which leads me to the question, what color is your God? What light of God's shines out from you? Is it the colors of the rainbow, with all the possibilities in between, or are you shades of gray? Is there color to your life, or just the background of daily life? For what shines in you, reflects what will shine out of you. Do you want more God in your life? Get ready for more color. Do you really want Jesus to be Lord of your life? Get ready for colors you have never seen before-a spectrum of love that no artist could duplicate. Colors with names that reflect who God is, and who you are. The colors of love, joy, peace, and patience. Blues that relieve the blues. Kindness, goodness, and meekness. Greens that reflect a truly green environment, not just an ecological slogan. Reds that glow from the heart, and yellows that give light to the darkest day. Colors-a message from God long ago via a rainbow to Noah, and a reminder that He is beauty and light-no darkness at all!

Today may be the crocus yellow morning you are looking for. Or that Nassau blue afternoon you so much desire. A gypsy red evening may be awaiting you, but only in God will you see all the colors of life He has for you. Only through His eyes will the infinite color spectrum be available, and visible. So trust and try it God's way today. You may be a four door sedan in life, but let the colors of the gospel show you off as the red convertible you long to be. A world with and of color, provided by Jesus Christ.

What color is your God? All the above colors and more. Colors that you will never see if you don't know Him. Maybe there is a reason hearses are black. So let your light shine wherever and whenever and whatever you are driving. Or riding. And remember that even on the cloudiest day, just on the other sides of the clouds is the most beautiful blue you can imagine. Let Jesus reign in your life-He is truly the colors of the day!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

RIP 2011

Good morning, this is my last devotion of the year 2011. Number 224! That's right, 224. And I am understandably tired. And you should be too. We have been through a lot together. But 224? If your pastor preached every Sunday last year, and if you attended, you would have heard 52 messages about God, I have written more than FOUR times that this year. To say the least, the Holy Spirit has been busy many mornings this year. If you don't believe in miracles, try that one yourself. There you go, proof of the Holy Spirit, for without Him the number drops to zero. So I am going to rest and spend time with my family. We will be wearing name tags the first few days, until we get familiar with each other again, but we all need a rest. It has been a year where I have seen God do more with less, aka me, and I am amazed. Somewhere between your prayers, my occasional obedience, and His mercy and grace, I made it until today. So much to reflect on and be thankful for.

But He also reminds me to rest, for next year the challenges are going to be greater. Just watching the news shows us how scripture concerning the last days is unfolding. The rapture of the church is imminent-are you ready? So many times this year God has reminded me of the urgency of this, and instructed me to be about HIS business, and He will take care of mine. So I pass that good advice on to you-be about God's business. For all conventional ways of doing business may fade away, or be taken away in the next year. No wonder it is written in 2 Corinthians that the things seen are temporal, but the things not seen are eternal. So I will be resting up, for 2012 will be an exciting year.

Not because of the Mayan calendar, or Hollywood movies, or who is in the White House, or even perverse, satanic uttering's from so-called Christians predicting the end of the world. It is because of Jesus Christ, and the wedding feast with Him. He will soon call for His bride-us, and like a Jewish bridegroom, doesn't know the time or date until His Father tells Him. Then the trumpet will blow, He will call for His bride, and the party begins. In heaven. With us! Beware of anyone who tries to figure or tell you a time. NO ONE but God the Father knows. And He ain't telling! So if Jesus doesn't know, what makes you think He would He tell you?

This past year I have spent time with some incredible people, who have impacted my life. Gavin and Lynsay-wow! Alex who only last week went to heaven. Fr. Al whose friendship I dearly covet, and who God has spared yet another cancer so He can minister to others. The population in Heaven has grown through God's grace by more people I know and loved this year than ever before. From Lee, Don, Tammi, Bill, Alex, Randy, Mena, my Shirl girl, and others, God showed mercy and took them home. At the feast, just waiting for the guests to arrive. My prayer-make sure you are there, it takes Jesus. Make sure you are on the guest list, aka the Book of Life. Trust God.

For 224 times this year I hope that I have been an encouragement to you, and others. From my writings, to John sharing them in prison through air vents, to my bikers friends in Minsk, to all of you who claim Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior-Happy New Year. Keep up the good work. Man may not notice, but God does. And some of us do also.

Keep my family in prayer as this month has brought many challenges.
But it also brings more opportunities for God to be God, and to make new testimonies. Keep both my sons in prayer as they both lost their jobs this month, through no fault of their own. We had a small fire and will have parts of the house redone by insurance. Keep our financial needs in your prayers. When God called me He promised "manna in my garage, my refrigerator, and for my mortgage." And not to ask for money. HE has been faithful, and allowed me to do His work instead of asking for money via letters, e-mails, and support mail. No major donors here, just a benevolent Dad, who wants to be God in my life. Just like the apostles, He sent me out with what I have on, and has met all my needs. A lesson to all, and especially for me-it ain't always easy. But the benefits are incredible!

So trust God this next year. As houses are foreclosed more than ever, as jobs become scarcer, and as world events spell catastrophe, remember that God takes care of His children. So let Him! As things get tougher, His return is closer!

And pray for my wife, who has faithfully, but not always understandably stood by me. Good thing she trusts God more than me. So we're going riding. Not sure where, but alone together. My best friend, my co-minister, and more to me than words can say. My sweet and my love. We all should be so blessed.

224 times this year I have written via the Holy Spirit to all who read. I cannot say I love you better than to point you to Jesus via the spirit right now. With compassion that only Christ can offer. So for the 224th time, let me say I love you.

with compassion,

Mike

Happy New year

matthew 25biker.blogspot.com

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speed limits, God doesn't

Triumph just came out with a cool tag line for its retro ad about Bonneville, the Salt Flats, not the bike. "The finish line is wherever your speedometer maxes out." I like that, but sadly too many max out long before the speedo needle pins itself. Death we call it, and as a society we are afraid to use the word. "Arrested," the doctor told me of my friend Bill two weeks ago. The Bible mentions that we will all sleep. Passed away I often hear, or that the person has gone to a better place. Not here any more. He is resting with the angels. And I think you get my point, we are afraid of death. At least as a group. Individually some of look forward to it.

But with a certain caveat, although we are not afraid to die, we are not sure of the procedure. And maybe that is what really scares us. We all wish to die in our sleep, if for some reason we expire before the rapture occurs. But using the analogy of a speedo, how many of us use all of the numbers on it. How many although it says 120, ever hit the 100 mark in life? How many find a safe speed, and no matter the road condition maintain that speed? Just because it makes them feel safe. Like an old slot car, just staying in the groove until the power goes out. With no regard as to what it makes the other traffic feel.

The opposite is the ones who brag about pinning their speedo needle at 120 or above, and think they really went that fast. I hear guys all the time tell me about how their Kawaharleyhondumph went 150mph, and they still had plenty of throttle to go. Then I see their bike, and recognize it is federally governed to 105. And when pointing this out to them, I am amazed at how they will argue-sadly never seeing 150 in real life, only on a wildly exaggerated speedo. Which only upsets those who have been there. A legend in their own minds. Never allowing reality to taint their legacy.

Maybe that is why racers don't have speedos on their bikes, but ride by engine speed. Which can translate to road speed if needed. They ride to use all of the engine they can, with only the redline stopping them. Then upshifting and repeating the same. But even better are those who ride by sound-the engine tells them when to shift, and when it has gone far enough. And for those who have grenaded an engine, it will also advise when you have gone too far.

And on any given street, if you are really curious, open up the throttle and let her go. Sooner or later an officer of the law will be happy to comply with your wish to know your true speed, and will even document it on paper for you. Even make it public record in court for you. Just another service they provide. Is that what those little white numbers on black really mean?

Life is for living. And for all not at the max. Some are content to never know all the blessings God has for them. They never trust, never twist the throttle of life wide open, and are suspicious of those who do. They want a 150 mph God, but never get out on the freeway. They live like they ride, safe and secure in their own little world. They are noticeable by their presence in the fast lanes-holding up everyone else by their slower speeds. They have the same potential as other high performance bikes, yet never use it. They have the cc's, but not the JC's for life. Stick with something you can ride-like a moped. You are missing out on what Jesus has for you.

At the other end of the spectrum I have seen moped riders, use every last bit of their bike's potential. Never looking at the speedo-that would only ruin the illusion. They get every bit out of their ride, and if 25 feels like 100, so much the better. They get everything out of that moped they can, and more than it has to offer. They are the ones who trust God more, and who see His blessings. It is not the potential they are interested in, but what the bike will do on any given day-in any given situation.

Take a look at your odometer. How many miles have you ridden never knowing what your bike will do? And take a look at Jesus. How many years have you lived not knowing what He can do? Maybe today is the day to take both of them out for a ride. Find a stretch of road and see what the bike will really do. It may be scary, but I guarantee it will be exciting. And do the same with God. Today a situation will occur where only He can handle it. Let Him.
Watch the numbers go higher in your faith than they ever have before. Watch as the needle pins itself, and feel the presence of God. Repeat as needed. And watch as 120 feels like 60, not the other way around. It is only when your odometer quits turning that life is over. Until then, find out what life really has to offer. Ride at redline, in faith. And watch as the new normal is represented by your ever increasing faith. And ever increasing blessings.

True joy is best experienced when all its potential is used. Live life with a firm grip on the throttle, and get the most Jesus has to offer in every situation. And start enjoying the ride that Jesus promises. Wheelies optional.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

putting up with the Kardashians

Robert Kardashian was a very successful music attorney, who gained notoriety by being OJ's friend. He is the man standing by OJ at the trial with the skunk stripe in his black hair. Which would have been enough to guarantee Hollywood celebrity status, but when he died from throat cancer, his name, but not his legacy has become even more popular by the horror classic, "Keeping up with the Kardashians!" In this well known real soap opera, billed as a family show, Kris, who divorced Bob, marries Bruce Jenner, who other than having bad taste in woman, divorced also after his gold medal, is still a hero to me for his decathlon victory in the Olympics. So these two divorcees, meet and have a combined total of six children. Then add two more of their own, when Mom decides to parade her princesses before the world, for a price. And the price seems to be paying off, as when channel surfing it is hard to find it not on some channel. Just not mine.

But this family show has highlighted in the past such values as divorce-see above, pre-marital sex, taped and then bootlegged for millions-how's that compare to your home movies?,children outside of marriage-why get married, we are still in that period of seeing if we're compatible, and the Princess Kim and her Princess Di-like wedding. Only to find after a few months they divorce. Was it a set-up for millions? Is he gay? Is she? Is he really an alien, or a gay alien? Who cares? Why are my little sisters such jerks? Must be in the family genes. Maybe the show should be called "Putting up with the Kardashians!" The central theme is Me First, then me, then what can you do for me? And you wonder why parents divorce? No-it is not to have their own tv show. Just to add more episodes to their series. Gotta keep the ratings up! Family TV has never sunk lower.

"Keeping up with the Davidsons" has been popular for years. Triumph has been into it, too. Market a high line of clothes, change it enough every year, and the loyal line up to buy them. From the retro-look, to women's fashions, they both have it all. Nice stuff, have a few leather jackets myself. But the Kardashian factor is out there, even if they don't ride. When looking at my Triumph leather, a woman commented on how she liked the distressed look of it. "Did it come like that?" When I explained it only took 100,000 miles of riding to get it distressed, she seemed distressed. "You wear that nice jacket riding?" To quote a Harley shirt, "if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand." Ask a Kardashian. Not Bruce, he's distressed enough already. To quote the old Barry McGuire song, maybe we are on the "eve of destruction!"

Some twenty years ago the church I was attending was in a growth mode. Setting out to prove how a building program will split the church, they told how they were following God's will, and would not borrow any money. So come across with more giving. Even had a nice banner, "Building to share, sharing to build." Trendy. And I bought into it, until while in Vegas visiting a friend he had the same propaganda on his refrigerator-seems his church was building too. And when I confronted a friend of mine on the building committee about it, he told me they had already obtained a loan, and were going ahead whether they got more giving or not. Just because they needed more classrooms. To fill with 3-4 people rather than combining the old ones. Building for those who would come to their nice new church-only they didn't come, the church split and today the once filled lot for two services is now half empty for one. If only they had asked God first....or a Kardashian!

Jesus Christ is the original reality show. He tells us to be head of the family as He is head of the church. To love our wives with respect. To not inspire our children to wrath. To love one another, forgive, and serve. Just like the Kardashians-NOT! And when He talks of church building, He means building up the flock from the inside out, because no building could ever hold the love He has for us. He is not trendy-if anything His is a trend we all need! And He has never gone out of style, and His message is free-a gift! All you need to do is accept Him-He is who He says He is.

Oh, and that distressed look. Not here. You may come to Him distressed, but you leave with a peace that surpasses understanding. The ultimate family man, He refers to us as brothers and sisters. And calls us His friend. And in His attitude, He loves you just as you are. No competition, no trying to keep up with Him-He came down from heaven for us!

If you find that you cannot keep up with the Kardashians, or afford the trendy jackets of Harley and Triumph, that your church growth program is about the building, try Jesus. That's reality. That's truth. Better than any TV show, He is the real thing. And He's not just for Christmas anymore!

Trust Him today. Your salvation will be shown on the biggest screen in heaven when you do. And while Kardashian wedding ends in ruins, and in reruns, the mercies of Jesus are new every morning. Welcome to a real family-the family of God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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what if Joe and Mary had a reservation

As agents of the devil's lies, the Jehovah Witnesses still are out there preaching their false gospel. Many nice people have bought into the lies, many unsuspectingly, and are even today out proselytizing those who do not know THE truth. Quoting their misinterpreted Bible, the New World Translation. Avoid it. And many well meaning Christians, when they encounter them, argue and debate with them in contradiction to what 2 John tells us to do with them. Were you argued into heaven, or was it by the Holy Spirit? Don't you know that all you have to do is compete in an argument and they have won? So when the latest pair-even sent out in pairs like the disciples, showed up in my driveway Saturday, I cut them off immediately. I am nice and kind to them, fruits of the spirit that should be in us, but address them simply with one basic question-Is Jesus Christ deity? Is He God like the Bible says? These two young men emphatically said no, then tried to explain-I cut them off. I will not listen to their lies. To their deception. do not give the devil a foothold. I told them by denying Jesus as God, they were going to hell-and it was their choice. Jesus died so they didn't have to, and God loves them-the reason Jesus came in the first place! To seek and save those that are lost! I assured them that I loved and cared for them too, and it makes me sad when someone believes a lie and chooses it over the truth. For I wish no one to go to hell. As I wished them both Merry Christmas, and we shook hands, the older one turned to me and said, "you know he wasn't even born on December 25th." As if that statement would absolve him from any sin. But my answer, a factual statement, could still be seen on their faces as they looked back.

Funny we know Lincoln's Gettysburg address, the address of Santa is the North Pole, but we know very little about where Jesus was born. In a stable, laid in a feeding trough, wrapped in burial clothes. The Bible never mentions the date of Jesus birth. We choose to celebrate it when we do. No one is exactly sure of the date, but it can be tied down pretty close to another season. So I asked these two who advertise themselves as studiers of God's word, "how can you base something of God based on something of man? Are you willing to bet your eternal destiny on a date chosen by man, rather than the facts provided by God?" I don't know if anyone had asked them that before. Read THE Bible, I advised, and ask God to show you the truth via His spirit. I know that will stick with them-and I pray the Holy Spirit is talking to them right now. The shocked look on their faces-almost that of fear, tells me that the Spirit is already at work. No coincidence they showed up that Saturday morning in my driveway.

The truth is we are all going to hell. It is the good news, aka the gospel, that you don't have to. It is your choice. Jesus gives you the only way out. Admit you are a sinner, repent, believe with your heart, and confess with your mouth Jesus as savior, and you are saved. No courses, tests, memberships, book tours, or pay per view event-trust God. Have you ever prayed that prayer?

I find it interesting little information is given about Jesus' birth in the Bible. It is only when studied, the truth is revealed by God to us. He kept it simple, like the gospel, for we get easily confused. We get more swept up in the event rather than the person. And it is all about Jesus. We know Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but not the name of the inn. Was it a chain, or mom and pop motel? Was there a bellhop? Never mentioned either. Valet parking? What was the innkeepers name? Were they admitted by some student going to college? Who happened to be working Christmas-and he just didn't know it. Did they have a reservation? Did they get a AAA rate? Did they have to show ID? Were they offered a complimentary cup of coffee? Did they visit the gift shop? Imagine what those postcards would be worth today. The animals are not identified in the stable, and who were the wise men? Who knows how many there were, the song incorrectly names three, the Bible never says. So much to know, but so little told. And so much incorrectly assumed. Maybe the lack of information helps us keep Jesus the main thing. And keeps us seeking. As it should. I could easily see a chain of motels named after the inn in question. I have stayed at Route 66 motels that aren't even on Route 66. Some you couldn't even see the famous road from. "Stay where Jesus was born-a nationwide chain." Neglecting the one who was born that night. Maybe even have a special "Savior's Birth Room," at a premium price. Animals extra. Make it the special "birth package." comes with a free continental style breakfast. Bet that would be booked on His birthday. And not being sure of the date would allow premium rates on other days. Maybe Christmas week, or month or ... all at a premium rate. All the hoopla, but never knowing the truth. "I slept where Jesus was born," would show up on t-shirts, bumper stickers, and hats. Just like many have slept in old inns back east, where George Washington was supposed to have slept. And in Memphis where they have a king, and a shrine called Graceland. "Thank you, thank you very much."As for me, I rather rest in His eternal arms. Although I have slept in places named after George. Let's stop and thank God right now that He protected His son from all that. That's love.

Christians need to remind a dying world that it is THE TRUTH that sets you free-not some religious lies by some well meaning employee of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. There is no salvation in their lies. Love them, but don't engage them. Obey the scripture, just love them. Their knowledge is based on lies, and no matter how any times repeated it doesn't convert into the truth.

So as we celebrate Jesus' birth on December 25th, seek Him as the wise men did. Ask Him for the gift He offers 365 days a year, His love via eternal life. Trust Him and Him only. The liars and deceivers are out there, lying in wait as vicious wolves to keep you from heaven. Avoid the lies, seek truth. Don't let them take away who we celebrate.

I will pray for these two young men, for their salvation. They are the reason Jesus died. There is only one question I wish I had asked them. In the song Silent Night, three people are mentioned in one verse. "Round yon virgin, mother, and child." Three people. I wonder if these two know what a round yon virgin is? Or who she was? Do you?

More importantly do you know Jesus? Might just change the whole way you celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas Jesus! Happy Birthday, too!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

checking God's list twice

Like so many of you, Christmas will be different this year due to the financial impact. Fact is there just is no money to buy gifts. And for those of us who love to give, it hurts. It hurts me to think that a family tradition over many years of being Christmas to a family in need has come to an end. It hurts to think I cannot go shopping for my wife and kids like I want to. It hurts to be dependent on others, but I am learning I rather be humbled than humiliated. So when showering, God and I talked. My other time with God with no interference is 3am. I called out to Him and asked Him for blessings, my mind reduced to the financial kind. Seems my good looks just don't pay the rent. And God answered, as He so often does with that still, small voice. Not a rebuke-that wasn't needed, for I wasn't crying out for me. His answer was a gentle reminder of ALL the blessings He has given me throughout the last year.

"What about last night?" He said, reminding me of Lights For Laiken. What about the Toy Run to Children's Hospital?" And that was all it took to shake my heart back to realization. For God has tremendously blessed me this year-as He has every year since I was saved. Which caused my heart to praise Him, and the thanks I gave Him turned to worship. What a blessing! Just a few things I have to be thankful for this year. Blessings, God calls them...and when we look at them through God's eyes we see more clearly.

Our change to Maranatha Chapel has changed our lives. I have learned more in a year than I did the past 5! I love going to church again. Meeting new men, being on the discipline team, and being taught by Ray, and becoming his friend-what a joy. But I have learned to worship, and John Wickham was one I counseled with before we changed. My obedience to listen to God was the difference. Truly obedience is better than sacrifice.

Lynsay and Gavin have changed my outlook on miracles. A young couple, after a single bike accident Gavin was given 5% chance of survival, the best she was told was he would be a vegetable. Today he stands, walks a little, is using his right hand-the doctor said he never would, and they are expecting in July! And they are saved, and ministering to others!

Andrew and I got to assist victims in Joplin after the tornado. A heart wrenching, and heart breaking experience, it changed our lives. To be one of the 100,000 who got a hand written card from the city of thanks, we thank them. Again, we went to bless, and left the receiver of many blessings.

I just took back my 22nd new Triumph this year, and met Greg, the new CEO of Triumph. My passion is motorcycles, and God fulfills it like I could never imagine. Maybe we can go riding next year-28 new bikes arriving in January. And speaking of rides, we rode 8800 miles, spent some great time with my parents, and visited with Mary FNY last summer. 21 states later, we pray that next year we can again.

My heart is touched by the letters I get from the inmates who get my devotions. Thanks to them, the gospel goes forth currently in eight prisons, from county jails in San Diego to Death Row in Chowchilla. From Kerry Lyn's salvation, to those she sends them to or shares with other, like all the men and women a big thanks for taking the gospel to a dark and dying world. God knows, and will not forget. Like Dooley, special to me. And to you others-be blessed this Christmas. You are never far from my thoughts of you and always in prayer. And a special appreciation to Zmicer and the boys in Minsk-they translate my devotions to Russian, then minister to street kids using them and motorcycles. Only God...

I was blessed to do my friend Lee's funeral this year. And to lead the attendees-no mourners here, in Amazing Grace, sung to the tune of America the Beautiful. A stretch for me, singing to a crowd, and when we belted out "God shed His grace on Lee," no truer words were heard that day. And we gave life to a place of death-only God could do that. I am thankful I had the courage to listen to Him.

My friend Fr. Al continues to amaze me. Healed miraculously of cancer THREE times this past year, he still continues on with the vision God has given him for the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. He doesn't even know how many lives he has touched. His letters of encouragement point me to Jesus, and my most valuable friend who doesn't ride helps keep me riding. A very special thanks to him-only in heaven will he ever know how much effect he has had on this world. I am glad he is part of mine.

It has been a tough year for losing friends. From Lee to Mena, to Tammi and Don, to Alex and Bill, over a dozen of my friends went to heaven this year. Making this a lonelier place sometimes, but making the party in heaven more exciting. Through the Holy spirit using the ministry God has given me, I have been part of changing the population in heaven. Only Jesus!

This list can go on, from Conrad, to Bill, so many prayed for and healed in my hospital visits. To Bikerjim and his friendship, and his determination to trust God, I am blessed. I have learned to look to the cross in tough situations, not at the situation. God has everything under control, always has, always will. Can't explain it, don't understand it-just glad He does.

A special thanks to both my parents who still are there for me. Those special gifts always seem to come at the right time-and are so appreciated. Only God knows how much-all we can say is thanks!

I am most thankful for my best friend, ministry partner, pillion sitter, and co-rider, and riding partner Theresa, aka my wife. When asked which club I ride with, I answered my wife. How many of you can say that? I will gladly boast of it! God continues to bless us despite ourselves, and this will be our 35th Christmas together. Not bad for a couple who never dated and started out the night they met going for a ride. Without helmets. On a BMW! I couldn't do what God asks me to do without her.

But most of all-it is still all about Jesus. If your life isn't, it is not too late to give it all over to Him. Don't look at no money, foreclosures, cancer, death, or any other situation. They will consume you. Look to the cross. The empty cross. Then the empty tomb. And know that soon we will be with Him. He is risen! Until that day, He will take care of His own. An example that brings me great joy to tell people. No whining, no complaining. Like Job, just when we think we have God figured out, He allows something to happen so we don't. Let nothing get between you and God. Not religion, church politics, tradition, or families. It is all about Jesus!

I got everything on my Christmas list this year-and much more than I asked for. A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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