show me your faith, I'll show you my works

Proper first aid is do not panic in a panic situation. Pray first! Which is always the most effective first aid, and which can help you avoid a panic situation. But what do you do when you come upon one? What do you do when you are the first one upon a scene of an accident? Do you look away in horror, maybe pray, and then start to complain about the traffic? Do you call someone on your cell-911? Or do you stop and see how you can provide assistance? How you respond will tell us more about your walk with God than maybe even you want to know. Two examples-

I was coming home down I-15 when I saw traffic suddenly slowing down to a stop. Lane splitting I got to the front, where two cars had hit-one on its back still. All occupants were out, and someone was on the phone calling 911. I stopped to see what if anything else needed to be done, while praying the whole time, and saw traffic backing up-4 lanes of it! So I pulled across the freeway, and started directing traffic, away from the accident-making a lane for emergency vehicles to get through. Within a few minutes I had traffic flowing from a standstill and moving at 25mph. The lane was clear, CHP and a fire truck and an ambulance had gotten through, and the victims were being treated. Each one of us had done our job, and while directing traffic, many said "hey thanks!" grateful they weren't stuck in a worse traffic snarl. The CHP officers even gave me thumbs up, as I had taken control of the scene-no panic, and they could do their job. I had asked God what to do, and He showed me! A true lesson in obedience. And a lesson I was to be reminded of repeatedly when inn Joplin after the tornado. Do what you need to do with what is in front of you! And you must finish one step before going to another. It wasn't until afterwards that a CHP officer told me it was smart to clear an emergency lane. I had never thought of it, it just happened when I redirected the traffic-I'm glad God did!

On another occasion, God also reminded me of why not to ride with Pharisees. We were out and riding with some Pharisee types whose idea of evangelism was pushing the Bible in everyone's face they could. We came upon two new bikes stuck on the side of the road. Very low miles-what a bummer. They had tried everything, including running down the battery while trying to start the bike that had died. After asking him what happened, I checked for gas-he was empty! That had caused the bike to stall, and then the battery to die after repeated tries. While doing this, the Pharisee I was riding with had taken out his Bible and stuck it in his friend's face and was trying to tell Him about the mercy of God. He was more interested in his friend's bike, and finally took a Bible just to get rid of the Pharisee. When I told him what the problem was, he called the dealership where they had bought the bikes, explained they were out of gas, and the dealership was sending some out. At no charge. He thanked me-and looking at the Pharisee told me we could go-they would wait alone. I wish I could have waited with them, for at our next stop, the Pharisee bragged about giving away a Bible-which may end up in the trash. God had shown me a better way, for just like Jesus asked the Pharisees,"what is easier to say, rise up and walk, or your sins are forgiven?" That day it was what is easier, seeing god's mercy or being browbeaten with it? Which one of us do you think these riders will remember? The one who took advantage of them in this situation, or the one who met their need? Again-praying first helps, as I am no mechanic, and wouldn't have thought to ask about fuel myself. Years later when I ran out on a new bike with 3.2 miles on it, I was reminded and a man stopped to help, who had fuel and I was able to get on down the road. He didn't preach either-just gave me gas, would accept no cash, and waited until the bike started and then followed me for a few miles to the next exit-before honking, waving, and going on.

How do you handle panic? Join in or join Jesus? It takes a mindset of looking for God, and to God. Evangelism goes much farther than just passing out tracts, and then picking them off the sidewalk later. It is not about passing out Bible when someone is stuck. It is not about Pharisee types bragging about how they solved the problem. It is about Jesus, and letting Him guide you. When Jesus gave sight to the blind man, and he was asked about it, he replied, "all I know is I was blind and now I see."

Ask the guys out of gas, for they were blind, and I was able to show them the answer. Ask those stuck in traffic, they were blind but I was able to provide a way around the problem. And ask the people involved in the accident-who got the care because the ambulance could get through.

All because I prayed first, and let God show me what to do. Pray and obey. He knew the answers needed. Because I didn't know what to do, except panic too. And He did the rest. The right thing. Simple obedience from a man who just happened to be there, that God knew would be there, and who He had prepared before time began. Why panic when we have God? Seek Him first...it is so much easier, and He will take care of the problem. If we let Him.

How many Pharisees are ever written about that solved a problem by keeping a law? And how many did Jesus heal, in the spirit? Remember that, for you could be the next person needing help, and however and whoever responds may have a direct outcome on the event. Jesus Christ-the ultimate first aid kit. Don't leave home without HIM!

I don't care about your religion or politics while stuck on the side of the road. I just want to get going. So don't try to impress with what you know, but meet my need by WHO you know. Trust God. And let Him direct. Amazing this grace thing. But I'll bet you all knew that already anyway.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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whose team do you play for?

Howard Cosell's autobiography written back in the 70's was called "I Never Played the Game." In it he gives a very cutting, and very sarcastic look into the life and styles of professional athletes. Interesting, not only because he is interesting, but because like he said, "I never played the game." But he had been involved with the games, and from his legal background, and also his broadcasting venue, was let into places the average person would be excluded from. Yes, it is true he may never have played the game, but he still was involved with it, just not as a competitor. Which reminds me that there are several levels to making a team a winner, it is in the details the losers are separated from them.

Watching the Simon and Simon race team at the Barstow Firecracker 250 on the 4th of July reminded me of this. The truck was overheating, and despite its huge radiator, electric fan, and large coolant lines, it was in the red, and close to self destructing. While the other were looking at the obvious, Don Tebbe, the crew chief, jumped on top of the truck, and released a safety valve on the radiator. In doing so the cooling system burped itself, relieving itself of an air pocket. He topped the coolant off, the temp dropped to normal, ad they were back on the course. Don had put that valve in just for occasions like this, and although he may never have driven the truck in a race, the team would have DNFed without this trick. Reinforcing the value of a crew chief, his knowledge and experience, but also how it takes a team to win. And how important even the small things are.

The scripture tells us we all have a gift, or talent that God has given us. Something that He wants us to do, and it is special. I watched in the past as pastors who try to control the church, eventually go down in flames, as they do not give their flock over to the Holy Spirit, it is as if they are the only ones, at least in their own prideful heart, that God has allowed to serve. And I recently watched as a church who had supported a ministry for years, pulled out support. On the surface, these things happen, and the economy is usually mentioned. But in the background is the real reason, and we see how God protects those that are led by Him. Obedience is better than sacrifice, and a little leaven goes through the whole batch. The ladies used to make certain knitted and crochet items for the seniors in nursing homes. They would gather and enjoy a time of fellowship, sharing God, and serving Him. Until one day some Mormon ladies came, and were invited in. Rules had been set about proselytizing, but the spirit was quenched. Soon more Mormon women were admitted and outnumber the Christians. And they had an idea to sell the goods, rather than donate them, and suddenly those who gave of themselves were turned into piece workers, rather than peace workers. And those who left went on to serve God, while the leaven continued to go through the church. Not obeying God will have its consequences. And when the church attendance dwindled, so did the finances, and the giving had to be cut off to others. Just one sin caused the others to suffer. Remember that next time money comes up in regards to ministry, if God has given you a vision, He will supply all your needs according to HIS RICHES and glory. Did you ever see Jesus on a book tour or a fund raiser? Charging for refills? Or asking for travel money? And He not only played the game-He is the game!

Never underestimate what God gives you. Just like Mordecai Ham, the man who led Billy Graham to the Lord, he never knew the fruit that his one message of salvation would bear, and all the ones saved because of Billy's decision to accept Christ. Just like Don's knowledge of burping the cooling system, he allowed the race to go on, and they eventually won. We don't run to finish, but to win. And the battle is not against other Christians, or even men,our adversary is the devil, who seeks to destroy us. Read 2 John-do not even let those false teachers in your house-or wish them God bless you. Run the race to win, led by Jesus.

We do not know what today brings, but we do know who goes with us. Follow Him and watch as we are more than overcomers, we are victors! We get to compete with the family of Christ for souls, just by loving. We are only called to be witnesses, so let your light shine. A lesson my friend Dave reminded me of this morning. Stay the path, for all things work to our good, not just good things. Beware of those who let anything get between you and God. And rejoice as you get to be a part of the winning team. For like Howard, we may never get to play the game, but we still compete. And if you never endured two a day drills, be glad. Jesus saves-we are just told to love. For this is the will of God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Galatians 5:7-9

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion is not from him who calls you. ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

evangelical shirt productions-don't forget the stickers

Here I am sitting with my wife at the Yuma Prison Run, and a well meaning man comes up to me and starts telling me about the patch on his back. I listened, reluctantly, for I knew of this group, and knew of all the duplicity in it. He went on, oblivious to my lack of interest, and told me because the patch on his vest was there, people knew he was a Christian. And how people were attracted to him. Having had enough of his club of Sardis tales, I asked him a couple questions. One-why would you want me to be part of your club? You don't know me. His answer was that I must be someone important because so people were stopping to say hi. He didn't realize I was a Christian, and knew many in this club, which was why I didn't want anything to do with it. Two-I asked, if your patch drew people to you, why did you approach me? I was sitting here minding my own business until you came along and interrupted. No answer. Three-what did the Holy Spirit do to lead people to Christ before your patch came along? Who are you trusting, a club of rules and dissention, or God?

And he left and wished me a good day. I felt sorry for him, for he was sincere, but sincerely wrong. This club had fed him lies, and to fit in with them, he had to follow them. I never got a chance to tell him for 35 years I was part of this club until God rescued me from it, and now I had real freedom in the spirit! If it takes a patch, or shirt, or vest, what happened to God? Now I am not anti-Christian shirt, but when I see one coming, I tend to duck. I must look like a sinner, because I draw them, only to find they want to tell me how to live. By their rules, riding their kind of bike, at their speeds, to where they tell me to go...I think you get the picture.

NOTW shirts tend to bug me too. Put on a shirt, add some graphics, maybe even a scripture, and you are a Christian. Just like having Jesus on your dashboard, you are protected, and free to act as you wish. I have met Aurelio, and heard his testimony-awesome. But when I see people just wearing the shirt to be cool, and not even knowing what it is, I get concerned. And like the man at Yuma, they mean well, but on your own is exactly that-on your own, and alone. For unless the Holy Spirit guides, you are wandering alone. So I ask, who is the Captain Kirk of your enterprise? Are you at the helm, or Jesus? Do you follow club rules, or God? Do we need a t-shirt or vest, or bumper sticker to tell if you are a Christian?

I have found God sends people my way. I don't have to go looking, for I let Him. Not always easy, I really wanted to share Jesus with this guy, but he was more impressed by his patch. Mine were in the trash. And so many by their shirts. Now I wear motorcycle shirts all the time, but they don't need a shirt to tell I ride, my helmet look should give that away, or when I pull up on one. And anymore, I am tired of talking about myself, which is where most of these conversations end up. So I let God lead me, and find out I do much more and effective ministry when letting Him guide, or just sitting in the crowd. For like the Pharisees who were so bound by rules, and wanted to show how holy they were, if you have to tell me, maybe you aren't. For at that point it is about you, not Jesus. And for years I have told to anyone who will listen to have only one agenda-Jesus. For anything is sin. Good intentions or not. So let me leave you with this thought, or question.

If you are hurting, who would you search out? A group drinking, smoking, cussing, and carrying on, or try to follow who the spirit is leading you to? Or how about the preachy crowd who will not listen, but tell you how to live anyway. You see when I have a problem, I want God, not your story, or your rules. I want answers, and have learned to trust God long before I trust man. Over the years I have had people come up to us and pour out their hearts, not knowing us, or who we were-but sent by God. We have prayed, counseled, and followed up as God directed. All without a shirt telling them who we were.

I know many will argue with me about this, and how great their club, vest, patch, or shirt is. Don't tell me-tell God. Who works from the inside out. You cannot do anything more for God than what He asks, if you do you are in sin, His words, not mine. So dump the Pharisee look, and trust God. No t-shirt will ever effect your heart like Jesus will. No patch can save you. And check out your stories before you approach someone. They may just pop you just to let them know who they are, and what they think of you. RESPECT the person, and watch as Jesus touches their heart. Despite any damage you may have done.

For God so loved the world He sent JESUS! Not you or me! Long before t-shirts and back patches. For love is still more effective than any other form. Remember that next time you interrupt someone. Who may be doing God's work. And thank you for all your prayers-I will continue to covet them, for without Jesus I am nothing.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthw25biker.blogspot.com

a bike a year is all it takes

Over the past 40 years, I have owned at least 35 motorcycles that I can remember. Note that this doesn't include bikes I lusted after, or rode for a day in my dreams, or the 80+ motorcycles I have ridden for Triumph over the past few years. At first that number seemed low, but when I divided it by 40 years , it meant that I averaged a new-or another motorcycle every 13.7 months. A number which may be skewed because I am down to seven bikes right now, but for sake of argument, we'll use my numbers. Hey, it's my story. Which taking into consideration time spent in places where winter is a season, but not a riding season, that averages almost one bike per year. Please don't tell my wife, she thinks we spend too much on motorcycles already. Where did I get all the money to buy them? Where did I get all the time to ride them? Are these sure signs of MMD, Multiple Motorcycle Disorder? Please, someone get me a Cycle Trader, I feel faint. I'd have to live my life in dog years to ride them all, but somehow I did. Woof! Or is it bow WOW!

Now to the non-riding, financial, insane, boring mind, this would be heresy, and no way to build a growing portfolio. And they may be right. Just the cost of purchase, before tires, gas, oil, and accessories would be enough to pay off the house. But being a rider, I have to add in an intangible factor, the peace of mind factor. The fun factor. Call it the "I've never seen a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist's office" factor. And suddenly it all makes sense. How many people save their whole lives, only to die, get divorced, lose their job, or pay too many taxes and never enjoy life? From a fiduciary standpoint, riding is lunacy, which makes it all that more appealing to me. Add in the fun, friends, and places, and it has been a wise investment. Who can put a price on memories? At the end of your life would you say I'm glad I did or I wish I had?

If I never rode I would never have seen the US of A from the seat of a bike. I would never met people at rest stops, or eaten at places like Lucille's, Alice's, or Primonti Bros. I would never have enjoyed the scent coming off the highway after the rain, or smelled the wildflowers while passing through a field in Central Cal. I would have missed the rush of acceleration that few cars can match, and no one would come up to me on my Bonneville and share their memories. There would have been no Daytona, or Hollister, or Johnstown, and I would never have enjoyed the brotherhood of other riders. I would never have scraped pegs in a tight corner, frozen until the cold morning warmed up, or roasted riding across the desert on a summer afternoon. I would have listened to countless hours of talk radio, gotten bored by classic rock, and never realized that loud pipes save lives. I would have no life, and if asked about my investments, would have a savings account, my house paid off, and no signs of life coming from it. My garage would hold the two cars, and I would have had countless hours to waste from not cleaning, servicing, or trying to make nine bikes fit into a one car garage. And sadly, I would never have met Theresa, our first night out was on my R100S, without helmets in case you wondered. In other words, the main thing missing from my life would have been life. And when I think about life in those terms, you mean it was only 35 bikes? Only 40 years? Where did the time go?

So what do you do with your free time? I know too many that worry about their investments, but never invest in life. Dying secure in the fact that they had enough money to live however they wanted, only chose not to live. I find many people today so afraid of the future, they don't enjoy today. The news scares them, and it should. From wars to bankruptcies, to foreclosures, to unemployment, it's a lousy world. Which makes me so glad that 37 years ago I chose Jesus. And never looked back. One God for 37 years. I quit while I was ahead. Do the math on that one, and use the factor of eternity, and it throws off all your other figures. The wisest investment I ever made, giving Him all my sin, and taking on His grace. The deal made no sense to the financial mind, but it has paid off handsomely over the years. And will forever. For the joy of riding, like the joy of Jesus cannot be fully described using words. It must be experienced. Joy unspeakable, full of glory. Freedom of the road, and from fear. Able to live my life, enjoying it, not worrying about the future. Looking in the mirror to where I have been, not where I am going. Investing in things in heaven-you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead. And safe and secure in the knowledge that heaven awaits-my life doesn't end here, it only begins when I die!

Some people will never ride, but that doesn't mean you don't have to know Jesus. Not the religious one, the one in the Bible. The one who gave grace, and did away with legalistic laws. The one who gave His life for you, while you were still in sin. The one who promises an abundant life, and who shows why it is more blessed to give than receive. Wondering about life? Talk to a Christian. Wondering about riding? Talk to a biker. And if he rides, and is saved, listen carefully. The advice you will be given is not available at any price. And you will know life, and start to enjoy it more, by investing in it. For it is the intangibles, that last forever.

So a bike a year is all it takes. 35 bikes may be the third best investment I ever made. Jesus is the first, Theresa is the second. But the countless adventures in riding have made life worthwhile, and given me life. With many more miles, and motorcycles to go. So I suggest investing in Jesus today. The best investment tip you will ever get. You can brag about your investment portfolio, I'll get out the pictures and show you mine. You decide who made the better investment. I know I did, for it continues to pay top dividends, is inflation free, and has a guaranteed return. If you know what I mean...

a better class of people

My dad was always proud of me, but sometimes would hesitate to answer when someone asked "is Michael your son?" He had learned like I had, that if someone was going to get caught having fun, it was me. If something would get broken, and I happened to be in the state, it was me. And if some good deed was performed, and my name came up, it had to be another Mike. So over the years he learned to question these "do-gooders," only to respond to them, "he was with me." Or "he was on a camping trip with the Boy Scouts." "Or it couldn't been his motorcycle, it doesn't have loud pipes. (It was a BMW.) Which had the potential to open doors he didn't realize. "That was your son who was with you?" Raising more questions. "So that's what happened at the campout." Or "all motorcycles are loud, and only losers ride them because they have loser parents." And it seems that most everyone is ready to unload about you with some sort of bad news. You will always fail to meet their mark, to agree with their opinion, or make as much money as them. They just can't stand to hear that "he" did something nice. And can't wait to tell your parents when you screw up. As a public service, "no charge Mr. Mohn, thought you'd like to know." So many idiots, and so few villages.

So when I was in high school, I knew a woman Mrs. Spach who would let us hang out at her house, and party. We were young, stupid, and immature, all the qualifications for fun at that age, and took full advantage of it. Which all her neighbors knew, and couldn't stand. I had just gotten my license, and was driving the Pinto when Mrs. Spach's dad died. She was unable to drive, and had many things to do dealing with his death. So I offered to drive her where she needed to go after school, just doing what I had been taught, and helping out a friend. And she was able to get things settled quickly and get on with her life and kids. This is what friends do, and I never thought much of it.

Until I came home one night, and my parents wanted to talk to me. My instant memory told me I hadn't done anything that wrong for a week, maybe my past aggressions were finding me out. It seems they had gotten a letter from Mrs. Spach, thanking them for raising such a good son, and how she appreciated all the help I had been to her, and her son Billy. I think they were in shock, Michael? Their son? We weren't trained for letters like this? And they were proud of me, and it felt good. Until a few weeks later my dad ran into Gavin's dad, who knew Mrs. Spach and told him about the parties. Seems someone is always willing to steal and rob from you. Can't be nice to those kind of people. Which made my good deed even more better to my dad, for I was not helping out someone in the clique, but someone in need. Like I had seen him do before, also without being recognized for it. We talked about it, not happy about the parties, but proud of helping out a woman in need.

Satan comes to rob and destroy, even those who aren't saved, which I wasn't at the time. I am sure if I had helped the principal's wife, or the mayor's, Gavin's dad would not have tried to insult my dad. "Nice thing your kid did, too bad the woman is a loser." Like the Pharisees, he just had to try to show he was better, which he wasn't. Too bad he didn't realize he was in the same category as she was. Would it have been OK to help him or his wife? Or his mother?

Someone is always watching. They love to comment on what they see, or think they see us doing. Not a new situation. But God looks on the heart. Big difference. He sees our motives, our actions, and where and why we do the things we do. The Pharisees, which are the father of religion, and inhabit too many churches today, still carry on their traditions of look at me, I am so religious. And so do so many things to show how great they are. But God looks on the heart.

My particular complaint today is with the Super Bowl. Take a cool Christian man like Walter Payton, name a humanitarian award after him, and then nominate a man who makes $17million dollars a year for his good works off the field. And they call that man a hero? Almost like using Walter's name in vain. The Pharisees of football.

The Bible tells us what is in the heart will come out of the mouth, and reflect in our actions. I am reminded again and again how true that is. But I am blessed to see so many trusting God, and ministering in Jesus name. No trophy, no award, and no $17 million. For no award could add to what their Father in heaven sees. For just like He bragged about Job to the devil, He brags on us when we do something for the least of them-in love. No qualifications, no agenda, just meet the need. Like Jesus did. Again and again, today and tomorrow. Maybe that is why He hung with the low lifes of society, they were a better class of people. And why He hangs with people like us today. It is called love, just like I showed Mrs. Spach but didn't know it. Just like we do when we meet a need in Jesus name. For in doing so, we are doing it to Him. For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. And He is the only way back. And yeah, my heart is a mess sometimes, but God loves and forgives me. He wants nothing between us, so has forgiven my sin-like it never existed!

Let love be the only thing between you and God, and those created in His image. Don't worry what people say, the only words I care to hear is "well done my good and faithful servant." From my Father in heaven, courtesy of Jesus Christ. If you wish to repeat anything about me, tell about how He saved me and changed my life. I dare you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

church isn't just for Sundays anymore

Ride with me back some 35+ years, to the time of gas shortages, rationing, and stations closed on Sundays. Of days where filling up late on Saturday was the only gas you would have until Monday mornings. To a Sunday ride that was only as big as the miles per gallon in your tank. And to a time that saw more people stay home on Sundays, because they had no place to go, because there was no gas.

I remember those times, when my large tank on my BMW would take me over 200 miles, but the Wildman's small tank on his Mach III would only go half of that. So we sacrificed, and rode his distance, not choosing to leave him behind. And found local roads we had passed up, believing that the best roads were farther away. We met local girls, local bikers, and very rarely if ever pushed our bikes home from lack of gas. Although many times we were on reserve. We won't talk about going back Monday morning with a gas can to retrieve the bike that ran out and was left along the road. In a car.

Running out of gas once was more than enough for me. But I still have episodes of stupid, thankfully it has been years since my tank went dry. So now when the low fuel light comes on, I find gas. And hope the station is open. I can remember coasting into a station one night, only to find it closed-as in out of business. Can they at least take the signs down? I wonder how many of us they caught? No faster way to go from hope to hopeless than to think a place is open when needed, only to find it closed. Too bad it wasn't enough to stay open. Nothing worse than needing gas, and finding the station closed-when all signs indicate it is open!

W@Maranatha read the Wednesday night bulletins. And for me, it is a necessary refueling in the middle of the week. I can't go 7 days without church, I need the fellowship, the worship, and the teaching. So I am blessed that my church is open for business, like so many others, to be there for their flocks. To breathe life into a life that is run down by life by midweek. To top off my tank, so I can make it until Sunday. But on the way home last Wednesday, I noticed a church that was dark, and empty. A place that once shined brightly in the night, with people and life. But I hear now it is closed. No more midweek pit stop. No more light to a dark world. Only open on Sunday. Which I hope is not their epitaph. Sadly they are not an isolated occurrence. For too many churches, and church programs, and church people are suffering because they didn't follow God. They chose to let the world in, and when the world tried to leave, locked the doors. And like the schools, where God isn't allowed anymore, by law, have come up with laws, legalistic practices, and excuses. At a time when more people are hurting and needing Jesus, they close. It is 1963 all over again, taking the Bible out of schools, but this time it is churches. And the people suffer for it, where do they go to be fed? And what happens to the pastors? Sadly if closed on Wednesday, Sunday will soon reflect in lower numbers, and even cancelling services. Not the gospel I choose to follow.

In many cases God will close the doors. It is His church. If you care to remember, He builds the church, He can close it down if they don't follow His spirit. And too many have gone the way of programs, vs. the spirit. A local church I know of once had a food bank, but cancelled it. The reason I was told was because some family in a Cadillac was coming for free food. The pastor felt if they could afford a Cadillac, they didn't need free food. I guess if they came in a Pinto...But I was told of another church in town,who feeds the hungry-not the poor. Just like Jesus did, hungry, come eat. And like His church should be. Hungry-we'll feed you. Thirsty, have a drink. Tired, sit and visit awhile. Cold, here is a jacket. Lonely, let's visit-you talk, I'll listen. Simple ministry, just like Jesus did. I like that. And so when a church doesn't show His love, He leaves. And the building remains. Empty as the hearts who led them to this end. The light has gone out.

Sadly Jesus tells those religious types to be gone, He never knew them. It takes love, not programs, web sites, blogs, or gossip via Face book to serve God. If pastors spent as much time serving God as Tweeting, can you imagine the difference that would make? I even have gotten letters from ministries who claim to have lost their major donor. God abandoned you? Maybe if He was your major donor, you wouldn't be fund raising so much, but attending to business. Where God guides, he provides. So let Him. And pray for them, too many Pastor Millstones out there, they too need to repent.

And open the doors of their heart to the one who saves! And loves! We came through the gas crisis, but the crisis that looms today is more important-a battle for men's souls. So to all you churches cutting back, and blaming finances, low attendance, and even the people, can I ask in Jesus' name, could you tarry just one more hour? Is there any oil left in your lamps? Can you keep the light on for that 1 in 99 looking for home? If God was willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if only one righteous person was found, don't you think He can keep your lights on? For that person seeking Him?

Quit rationing Jesus. If you have told someone you are a Christian, act like one. Let your light shine. The light of the love of Jesus Christ. And if you need refreshing and refueling midweek, find a church whose lights are still on. Find life in Jesus. You cannot legislate love, nor can you ration it. A lesson learned 35 years ago from riding. Don't be one of the 10 virgins who was out of oil. Be prepared. Keep your tank filled.

Bet you didn't know that story spoke of motorcycles! See-God can do so many things we can't! Please let Him! And please pray for that dark corner, that light once again shines from it. The light of Jesus Christ. He's open 24/7. Are you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

special editions

Nobody wants the standard model anymore, or so we have been taught. Especially compared to the more expensive models with more features. So the industry has come up with Special Editions, to placate our selfish desire of one upmanship. Take the same model as last year, add paint, some chrome, and add a number plate announcing its special status, as in #456 of 15,000, and you have a Special Edition. That the manufacturer can charge more for, and hold on to a dated design for one more year to amortize costs. The Motor Company has led the way of marketing this, with such exclusive models as the 100 Year Anniversary models, all the same two colors of paint and badges. The next year you can get the colors you really wanted, on the same bike, just without the exclusivity of the other 300,000 who bought into this exclusive club with you. Repeat for 105, then 110 years, and watch as they line up to get them. Go figure. Don't mess with success.

Not a new concept, but Honda tried it with their great Interceptor for its 25th Anniversary in 2008, painted some models red, white, and blue like the originals. I still saw some priced $3000 less brand new on floors this last summer-somebody got a great deal, they just had to wait a few years. And let's hear it for 50th Anniversary Gold Wings, celebrating 50 years of Honda in the US of A. Or 25 years of Gold Wings. Yamaha recently celebrated the same 50 years, with paint and badges to match-at a premium. Their one catch, I noticed, was make the current model ugly, them paint the special edition like they should have looked, and the public will respond with wallets open. And not to be left out, Triumph has had the 50th Anniversary Bonneville, a Steve McQueen Bonneville, painted like the one in The Great Escape, and a 15th Anniversary Speed Triple. All cosmetics, isn't that the first thing we notice anyway, some numbered, so they can charge more, and bringing no more when it is trade-in time. But for the new owner at least he ahs bragging rights, if he can find someone who cares. And if numbered can brag about a low number, 1 of 1000, or a high number, 999 of 1000, depending upon who he is trying to impress. And just like he was once a sucker, there is a new generation waiting to fill his shoes when it comes time to sell. Anyone for the 10th Anniversary V-Rod? If it don't sell stock, maybe the faithful will flock to it with special paint and badges-seems the premium price will finally get them-who riding a Harley can resist the temptation to pay too much?

But it seems that we rather believe media hype than truth when it comes to real special editions, like us. When God created man, we were made in His image-that's special. No other creature created by Him has what we have-the ability to choose to serve Him and repent. We can have His spirit, and the will He gave us to choose. We are not forced to follow Him, that would be mercenary. If it wasn't our choice, it would not be true love. But we have a problem believing we are made in His image, and live like it-in sin. There are no two of us exactly alike, and God knows the difference between all of us. When we pray we don't have to tell Him who we are-He knows. We each fill a special place for Him, and He loves us dearly. But in creating us, He left a void that can only be filled by Jesus-the special part in your heart that only He can fill. Religion can't fill it, politics only distort, and our selfish desires counterfeit it. It takes Jesus to unite us with God! No special editions needed-all we need is supplied with us from the start as standard equipment. But it is up to us to use it-our choice. Our choice to believe the truth of Jesus Christ and believe He is who He says He is, or believe a lie, and end up in death.

There are no new models coming for salvation, or to reunite us to God. Don't believe the lies. God got it right the first time with Jesus. And how you live your life tells us about your choice. Does your God love you enough to die on a cross for you-while you still hated Him? Did He rise again after death on the third day? And is He still alive today, and wanting to save you? Blessed are those of us who believe without seeing, we are told by Him. That's us. Overwhelmed by religion and all its practices? Try Jesus. Tired of legalism and all its laws and thou shalt nots? Try life in the spirit! Not sure what you believe, but know that there is something better? Trust God-it's all about Jesus! Don't wait for an anniversary model that isn't coming. Don't buy into a numbered system that demands a price. Trust God! And be living today!

He know your name! And took the time to write it in the Book of Life Himself. He knows Mike M. from Mike J. No computer crashing, or name mix-ups. No second rate redo of last years model, and no additional pricing for exclusive colors. Nope-you get it all the first time!

Trust God today! Turn to Jesus his son. The most special edition ever created-for He alone can save you. And rest in the knowledge that He never changes-He is perfect from the beginning. The same yesterday, today, and forever. And ride knowing that no matter what else you come upon in life, nothing will compare to Him! Now that's a special edition I am glad I belong to!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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