having the slime of your life

"100% all beef" reads the sign at your local burger stand. And even though you know there is no ham in your burger, you assume that what you are biting into is all beef. Sometimes it is, but a few weeks ago we were put on notice that "pink slime" has been being added to burgers in such bastions of culinary delight such as school cafeterias. The place where flavor always took a back seat to substance has now been found lacking in substance also. And since it is USDA regulated, we are in shock. Our government would never allow such a thing to occur! It can't be true! Say it ain't so Joe!

And as Joe chews then swallows this last bit of non-meat burger, careful not to spill any on yesterday's lunch stains on his shirt, he washes it down with 1% milk, to help the processed cheese on the burger go down easier, and then wipes his face with a 100% recycled paper napkin. It must be spring, for he usually wears long sleeves, but today a napkin must suffice. Paper waster!

Now we know that Mickey D would never use the stuff, could you imagine having to alter the anthem to a Big Mac? Two sorta beef patties-maybe that is what the special sauce has been? How about places that don't advertise 100% beef? Have we been being slimed all along? What is becoming of our All American food? The next thing you know they will be telling us the same about hot dogs! What's a person to eat? Chicken nuggets? Aren't they just parts like hot dogs, just not tube steak? Chicken-on the bone? Which makes me wonder what is the Colonel's special seasoning? Dung? Smells like it sometimes. Ever drive by a chicken ranch with your windows open? Fried in lard-which is animal fat! Are the mashies really mashies? How come all the corn on the cob is the same size? Home cooked? My mother never cooked like that! That is why we went out to eat...wasn't it? No wonder these recipes are secret-we'd never eat there!

We have not only become a generation/society of processed foods, but a generation of processes. Follow the procedures, don't get off the track, and you will be fine. Which works fine on a production line-did you know that interchangeable parts made the assembly line possible? It worked fine for Model T's, but for the food we eat? Surely this man-made process would never invade our churches? Would it? Could it? It has? No way, really?

Really. And as we approach Easter, those who only attend church on Christmas and Easter-CEO's, will get the same rehashed story of Jesus dying for our sins. Watered down for their protection by some churches. A great story, perhaps the greatest story ever told, and one which will have to have enough religion for another 6 months, for the CEO's to anxiously not await again. Maybe it is the slimed message and not the gospel some religions espouse that people are resisting? They need truth-not slime. But they too will be fed filler-things that aren't in the Bible, by many main stream churches, this is what tour church believes, which will vary from the Bible, legends and traditions passed down for generations that aren't in the Bible. Quote a great man in the denomination, it's easier. Things that Jesus never said, and that some preachers have made a career misquoting. Some will even try to include social agendas, being trendy to draw more people. We care about you. Some will have a youth type service, and then follow up via cards they left. Who were only there because their parents were there, and none of them wanted to be there. Some will not let any Christian take communion-violating Jesus commandment to do this in remembrance of me. Some will be told "not to give"when the collection plate comes around, but will because all are looking to see who doesn't. Guilt or guilty? How do you know the truth? After the pastor has told me Jesus came to set my soul free, why all the rules? This guy ain't my wife, or boss. Forget him. Does Jesus need to be regulated like fast food? Are we not more than slime? Evolutionists say we came from slime-could you be related to what you are eating? Quick-give me another chocolate Easter bunny!

The truth is Jesus came to set us free from all the above. To find freedom from sin, not in it. To show the way to God, not the way around Him. And anyone straying from the gospel is lying to you. Jesus and you must be baptized? NO! Just Jesus. He really isn't God? Sorry JW-hell awaits. Wear this cool underwear to protect you from the world. Sorry LDS, just Jesus. But the Sabbath-it's really Saturday, isn't it? Read your New Testament, the night Jesus met His disciples-all except Thomas who was still out on the streets being bold, and while the others hid upstairs Jesus appeared to them. On Sunday-and established Sunday as the Sabbath. Showing that He is more important than the day. Will Saturday get you to heaven? Friday won't either-although He died on Good Friday. And the list of slime goes on...

Seek God. Trust Him and no man. Desire only truth, which is only found in Him. Let Him fill you with His spirit, and watch as the slime in your life goes away. Make room for the real thing, Jesus Christ! 100% God, 100% savior, and 100% love-for you. Just the thought of that makes me hungry!

Maybe a burger, nah. Hold the pickle, hold the lettuce...hope they were wearing gloves. How about chicken on the bone? Nah. How about a taco-something with all the non-food groups? Chinese? No MSG here, only the finest spices and ingredients. Don't let religion process your life like it does fast food. No pink liquid needed afterwards. Choose Jesus. No slime. Just real food. For the soul. I wonder, pink slime, pink liquid, nah it couldn't be...could it?

bon appétit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

laws-they're not just for lunch anymore

Once upon a time, school teachers were good and old, refer to old black and white movies for verification. And the position made them respected. A rare combination, and available to me growing up-until 4th grade. When I got Mrs. Vanderbilt-and she got me-in more ways than one. She was the old part of good and old, and reminded me of a matronly, prison guard from Jimmy Cagney movies. She would be the matron telling the woman walking to the electric chair how to have poise-enforcing it with a stick. The one who had the law on her side. A woman who had the innate ability to suck the fun out of any situation, "you're here to learn," she made me wish for 5th grade, or to be back in 3rd. And she was able to take my favorite two parts of the day-gym and lunch and make them miserable. If she was a horse, you would have shot her.

She would leave us alone at lunch, probably to scheme with her other Hitler Youth teachers, and the teacher on duty would walk the halls and check into our classrooms in this pre-cafeteria era. And the teacher on duty wasn't looking for good, but to punish, using Gestapo tactics refined by the Nazis in WWII. So Mrs. V, and the other Hitler driven teachers, would encourage your classmates to rat you out-tattle we used to call it. Right after telling us no one liked a tattle tale. And then praise those who ratted you out. Always there word against ours, and ours was never heard. And for me and Skip-another rebel if there ever was one, Lisa was our nemesis. She sounded so sweet, and so pure, and was such a liar-or at least exaggerator. So Skip and I were always in trouble, or the illusion of it, thanks to Lisa, who took it upon herself to tell Mrs. V. "I saw Mike and Skip talking loud at lunch." My, how crimes and times have changed. And we had energy-as all 4th grade boys have, and couldn't wait to go play kickball during recess. But in Warden V.'s infinite wisdom, she took two boys who needed to get rid of their pent up energy, and made them sit during recess, after having us sit in the hall, with all the other "bad" kids that Lisa and her narc friends had ratted out. So we would go back from recess, with all the energy we had before lunch, and now a desire and a hatred of Lisa, teachers, and snitches. A lesson I never forgot. And they call that education?

You see the more laws you have, and with kids you need some, the larger the police force you need to enforce them. So they encouraged your classmates to rat you out, and then told you how good you were for doing just that. Making Lisa the most respected girl in the class by Mrs. V-funny how all her classmates hated her, and we were never polled on that. But it made those of us who ate lunch in the hall a tighter group, which when you add bitterness, is a formula for disaster. Fortunately in the pre-Kennedy assassination 60's we weren't revolutionaries yet, that was still to come. But the most important lesson this 4th grader learned was there are too many laws, uneven enforcement, and to hope that snitches would be a failing breed. If you wish to breed discontent, make another law. And that the any law, no matter how altruistic it sounded, was at best meant to control, and at worst meant to rob you of freedom. Too many cops, because of too many laws, and definitely too many Lisas. For the law brings death...

And it still does today. Politicians tell us to pay higher taxes, but neglect to pay their own. Ballplayers have a girl in each city they visit, but that's OK. Yesterday Peyton Manning signed a $96 million/5 year contract to throw a football-in the entertainment business known as the NFL, which now has become too rough, and needs to over regulated so players don't hit too hard. The opposite of what we were taught. Where have we gone wrong? Maybe Billy Jack got it right 40 years ago-"when the police break the laws we have no laws." Or as God puts it, "everyone does right in their own mind..." Only He looks at the heart. And as a woman I knew years ago from OSHA told me, "it is impossible for her to know all the laws, but I can guarantee I can walk into any business and find something wrong." This from an agency that at the time was self supporting-the only source of income was from fines. You do the math. Lisa now has an organization-from the government and it's not here to help! How do you sleep at night?

We need to turn to God and His grace. Where He doesn't expose our sin, but our sin finds itself out. Jesus is not a cop, looking to find fault and then prosecute. He came to seek and save. So when sin is exposed, we can either continue to indulge in it, or turn to God. Who is not like Mrs. V, and doesn't approve of snitches. He calls us to unite-a popular term today-in the spirit. The spirit being the key. Uniting in God! Becoming like Him. Seeing things His way, and leaning on Jesus to do it. Put drug offenders together in rehab-you get a better source for drugs. Put a group of car thieves together-you end up with a better car thief. It works in church too-put a group of people seeking God together, and the spirit is present. In fact it welcomes Lisas and offers them the same love, if only they repent like others. And the spirit guides-not forces us. No Lisa's there to rat us out, for where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. And just like the religious Pharisees who seem to inhabit some churches today, Jesus still sends them fleeing when they confront Him. Satan accuses-God forgives. You see darkness cannot stand in the light-God is light! So stand in it with Him, lean on Jesus, and avoid those who seek to rob and destroy you. Did you know that every book in the New Testament warns of false teachers, and those who seek to get between you and God? Who give a great appearance, but inside are wicked and evil? Whose thoughts are for their benefit, not yours? Using the laws they make to establish a power base, not knowing that someday the same laws will be used against them.

So live under grace-it's free. And when grace is used against you, it is from God, in love, and for your benefit. He forgives and forgets your sin-most unlike the lawgivers and those who feel they must report you for your own good. Turn to Jesus, let Him forgive you, lean on Him and enjoy His love. Where there is no condemnation, and no laws except one-to love God first, then your neighbor as yourself.

Lisa the fink was treated as she treated others. She never got it. Pleasing God is different, walk in His spirit, and enjoy the freedom. Remember He has called us to be witnesses of Him, telling others, not judges, reminding all of their falling short of the law. We can all use more love, compassion, and comfort in our lives. Seek the only one today who can provide that for you. Jesus Christ. And leave the laws behind.

Trust God, who came to seek and save-not remind and punish. As Jesus told many, "go and sin no more." Let that be your best advice today for yourself, and others. In the love that only comes via Jesus Christ.

Hey Lisa, Pharisees, and all you religious types-are you listening? Would it surprise you that God loves you too? It is not too late to change-today may be the day of your salvation-beats sitting in the hall during recess! Mrs. V never got it that in the hall we were free from Lisa. She wasn't in the hall-a bonus not revealed by us. You see, the world can provide justice in its own warped way! God's is better-grace. Your choice.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

rainy days and Mondays always get me down

The truth about the Bible is that it is truth. And when it tells us we walk by faith, not by sight-that is just what it means. If faith is the substance of things believed, but not seen, then it takes that faith to follow something we can't see, or touch, or smell, or taste-but that we know is there. And that something is really a someone. We know it is there because of the Holy Spirit-which operates in our life way beyond any sense or feelings we may ever have. He lives deep within our spirit to guide us, where it is protected, while He protects us. It takes obedience on our part, the walking part. Or in this instance, the riding part. For sometimes, we also ride by faith...

The best definition I have ever heard for faith is trusting God when there is no evidence of Him. It is that waiting time between asking and receiving in prayer that we must endure. The time when we must persevere, that we must keep going, when we hope He is there, but where? And without patience we will often accept an answer not of God, nor from Him. Just to get it over, when God has the situation in control the whole time. It is times like this that we must say to ourselves that nothing will keep me leaving the course you have laid before me. A time when we carry on, not knowing what lies ahead, just knowing God is with us. By faith, we ride...

If you have never ridden the Cumberland Gap in Maryland, it is beautiful. I had ridden it on old US 40, with twists and turns, although the road is great, the views are actually better on I-68, which after coming off the mountain turns into a two lane road-still I-68, and at one time still had a stop light. But the views from the top are awesome, and like the Smokies in Tennessee, can be very foggy. Even on a sunny day. It was a Monday, and on a ride that would take me to Jersey, from San Diego in less than 70 hours. As I approached them from the west, I had started the day in rain in Lexington, Kentucky, removed the rain suit in West Virginia, then riding I-79-what a road! Then stopped to put on my winter jacket before entering the fog, and the cold of I-68. Now I had ridden in fog before, and been in total white outs in blizzards. I had lived in real snow, not this wimpy So Cal stuff. Times and places where you lost all idea of where you were, but being in a car felt safe in your cage, at least the radio told of life, and you could see the dash. But as I entered the fog, and it got wet, and cold, the last thing I remember was a semi in the right lane just ahead of me, no vehicles in my lane ahead, and dropping from 70mph to about 45 mph. I say about 45 mph because I could not see the gauges, not even the light from them. My hands, less than 18" from my eyes were not visible. I was riding blind! And as we continued up the grade, I prayed. I had no idea where I was, where I was going, or where the semi was. I only hoped that he stayed in his lane, that no one was ahead, and that no one stopped or was going slower-I would have truly blindsided them! I hoped God had my back too. And for about 45 seconds, I kept a death grip on the bars, and also on God. I had never been so scared, or had a feeling of helplessness before. I was totally dependent on God, no money, skills, leathers, or luck was to save me now. ONLY GOD! So I kept praying-help! Help! Guide me! And He did. I just stayed in my lane, at a constant speed, and as I started to descend the hill-the fog broke! And off to my right, just where he was when we entered the fog, was the semi. And now I could see his flashers, and he waved as I went by. I was soaked, cold, a bit shaken-not stirred, but alive! God had taken me through the darkest time ever riding-a whiteout, and all I could do was thank Him. Even in the curves, He guided me. I was as wet inside as I was outside. All my skills and experience were useless that day-it took the love of God, and being obedient to Him while trusting, that He would guide my steps just like He promises. That hope and a future was only 45 seconds away-I just didn't know it at the time. Talk about eternity-I had aged in that short time! And I soon pulled over and took off my jacket, and as the truck sped I by was thankful again. What made Him stay in his lane? Was he afraid too? Did He trust God, or did it even matter, since God was protecting me? Us? Did God just throw in his protection as part of the deal? The answer is I don't know-but by faith I have to say a resounding YES!

God's promises are yea and amen. He is with you in the fog, just like Jesus is in your boat in the storm. He was there to grab Peter when he fell in the water, just reaching out and grabbing him. He provided a tree for Jonah on a hot day. He gave Gideon and his small, but fat non-fighting army a victory despite all odds. He even gave Samson one final victory, even after Samson had disobeyed God and was blind. In all cases, GOD never left them, or me. Or us. And He still hangs onto our collars, or handlebars today-many times when we don't even know it. So be encouraged as you walk in faith today. God's plan is already at work. You will win. But you will have to participate. You have to obey. Which sometimes means just hang on, be patient. Sometimes in a fog, sometimes on a clear and bright day. For God is not about situations, He is love. He is Jesus, dying for us when we still hated Him. And cursed Him right up until His death on the cross. That's love.

Trust God today. The darker or foggier, He is there. The scarier it may be-He is there. And on that cold, wet, foggy day, over Cumberland Pass He rode on a Triumph. With me. Just because He loves me. And you.

Though there be fear in the night-or fog, joy comes in the morning. Rejoice with me-about Jesus! Kicking, screaming, dragging you if He has too, or just riding with you-He will take you through the problems you face-to the other side, as promised. For we truly ride by faith, not by sight...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

at the signpost up ahead, next stop-the Comfort Zone

"What are you hungry for? Pizza?"

"Ah, maybe, but not Costco. I want some real pizza."

"How about Luigi's? We can cruise by Seaport Village after."

"I don't know. I'm not up for fighting traffic today."

"Let's see, Sammy's, Pizza Nova, Felippe's...."

"Nah, none of them sound good. Just call Costco, at least it's cheap..."

"Where do you want to ride to today?"

"Not sure, are we taking one or two bikes?"

"Two. Anywhere but Orange County, I was just there last week, and I need to do a bike swap next week."

"How about the Candy Store? Or riding out to Oak Glen?"

"Too much wind this weekend. You know we could always eat at El Cholo. come back on the Ortega..."

"Or down the coast. El Cholo sounds good, OK, Orange County it is..."

"We got invited to church again by Mike and Theresa. Said Evan Wickham is playing, supposed to be good."

"I don't know, that's such short notice. Maybe next week, unless you have anything else planned."

"No, but we keep putting him off. What do you have planned for tomorrow?"

"Nothing, but I don't wanna commit in case something else comes up. It's only church. No big deal. There is always something better to do."

"OK, let's just sleep in tomorrow, maybe go to a late breakfast. I just don't feel like doing something different anyway. Just more people making me feel bad. After work all week, I just don't need God messing with my life."

"OK-hey, I heard of a beer bash going on downtown. Let's try it."

"Now that sounds like fun. Let's ride down, party all day, then ride home."

"Sounds like a plan, much better than boring old church. Someday when I'm old and need God...nah, let's go have fun!"

And the more things don't change, the more things stay the same, to paraphrase "Engine" Charles Wilson. We all love to dream, to eat the best meals, travel the best roads, and some even have a desire for God. But when it comes down to it, it takes change. It takes a decision to do something different. To make something out of your life...but only a few do. We are told to "get out of our comfort zones," when really we are stuck in an "uncomfortable zone." It is just familiar to us, and we become like it, rather than dealing with a change in us. So I take exception to any pastor, teacher, or motivational guru who says we need to get out of our comfort zone. Hey man, it took me years to get there. And here's why...

The Holy Spirit is also known as the comforter. And for years, the old question would come up, "how do you know God's will for your life?" Great theological and philosophical discourses followed, and still do today. Until I got to know the Holy Spirit-1/3 of the Trinity. He is a person, and He is fully God. And I asked Him to guide and comfort me, and a funny thing happened-He did! I got to know God, and the more I do, the more I trust Him. And the more I trusted, the more I allowed Him to comfort me. I finally had the peace that Jesus promises surpasses all understanding. I was in a comfort zone with God, of God, and because of God. And I don't wish to be uncomfortable again. You can have your worry, your fears, and your doubts. I want the comfort that a loving God provides. And grace is the only way-and joy is the result. A fruit of the Spirit, and available to all. So when someone tells me to get out of my "comfort zone," you may not want to talk to me. You'll get it straight, and in love. You need the Spirit in your life! Submit to Him, and enjoy the things of God! Now that's comforting!

So if sometimes I appear to be careless, not worrying, and aloof, I'm not. I am really carefree. I am in God's comfort zone. I am sheltered from fear, worry, and all the other fun things that His comfort rescues me from. Yes, I still have problems, but knowing God is for me, that all things work out for my good, and that He loves me no matter what-yes, I have that peace. And it helps me make decisions. He knows my name! And I know His voice! Do you? If so, why do you live like you do?

And because God loves me, he has become the desire of my heart. And He fulfills the passions He has given me to ride, eat, and spend time with my wife. He has taken me from a dying church, to one that is alive, without asking, and without me knowing what was going on, and added life to my style. He reminds me even as I write, that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. To do what I choose, and I choose GOD! And He lets the blessings flow, because I want them, and because He lets them. He calls it grace-a gift!

Do something again today for the first time. Take the road never ridden, just to see where it comes out. Eat at a diner that you passed by, but never stopped in. And accept an invitation to church. Surely 60 minutes of love can't ruin your precious schedule. Seek God, because it is the Spirit seeking you. It isn't your idea to seek God-it is God and His love calling you.

If you have a better offer than God, I encourage you to take it. But don't expect a comfort zone anywhere else but from God. Jesus Christ is the best offer you will ever have. Eternal life-a comforting thought. Freedom from fear-a comforting thought. And oh, the chimichangas at El Cholo, another comforting thought. All from a God who loves us. Welcome to the real comfort zone...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

to tell THE truth

One of the game shows that was popular in the 50-60's was called To Tell the Truth. Three people would come out, and each would identify themselves as the same person, "I am Jon Doe, I am Jon Doe," and "I am Jon Doe." Then a celebrity panel would ask them questions, trying to figure out who was the real Jon Doe, while the "Jon Does" would try to impress them that they were the real one. For they won money for each celebrity that voted for them, as they appeared to be telling THE truth. And as each was telling a truth, only one could be telling the truth. The others spoke well, knew facts, and would even appear more convincing than the real Jon, but only one was really telling the truth. And of course when we guessed right, we were the smartest ones in the room, they didn't fool us. But truth be told, more often than not, I went for the wrong one, the better dressed, the one who seemed to know more, the one who presented his case the best. The one who sounded like Jon Doe should sound. And I still do today. And I am not alone. How much of our life is based on the truth, not just what sounds right?

Question-why do we bash a news reporter or program when we don't agree with what they say? But then why do we quote them when we do? Because they agree with us have they become more fair and balanced? Or the most respected? Or the most listened to-just because they agree with us? How can they be both-or better yet, how can we? Did you ever realize the smartest people you ever meet agree with you? Do you realize we have become just like them, picking and choosing truth to fit what we want? We rarely say we agree with "them," they always agree with us, because we are sooooo smart. Because we share a truth, which isn't necessarily the truth. For instance...why don't you ever hear an up and coming entrepreneur quoting scripture that says "it's all going to burn anyway?" But why do you hear so many who have lost anything or everything finding solace in the same bit of scripture? Both are true, and both are truth. Only the situations have been changed-not us! It is our attitude and outlook that affects our belief system, and how we express it. It is called life.

So much of what we do is based on outlooks and attitudes. Smart people agree with me, stupid people don't. And we know who you are! Sadly, you know who we are, too. Because so much of our personal belief system is made up of what is convenient for us. Jesus died for our sins-I like that. But what about picking up my own cross? What about sharing Jesus with others? What about doing what I don't want to, even though God tells me it is best for me, and will bless others? Is that fair and balanced? Jesus tells us that there will be tribulation in our lives. For many, that is the only thing in their lives to back up their faith. Do we build a theology based on that? It is the truth, but out of context. We are also told we can do ALL things in Christ Jesus. Not what we want, but in obedience to God's will, we can do all things. Sorry if I just upset your theology. No name and claim here. Get your own Genie in the lamp.

Who do you base your life on? If not Jesus, you are in sin. Never quote your pastor, church,teacher, wife, and please don't quote me! Quote Jesus! Quote the Word, for they are truth. A truth that sets you free, and when done in love, a truth that cannot be argued. You can debate philosophy, politics, fashion, and how far from first place the Padres will finish this year. Even what cycle is the best for you. But you cannot debate love. For God is love, and was willing to send His own son to die for you, while you still hated Him, so that you may live. Is that the basis of your truth? Is He the most respected? What isn't fair about His love? Are you sure you want to be balanced with another truth? Or popularly wrong?

God wishes us to know this, and so it is the basis of Christianity. Who you say Jesus is will influence how you live, how you make decisions, how you worship-and what, and where you spend eternity. Let Jesus be the basis of all truth in your life. Let Him be the guiding force, and who you lean on. Let Him be the reason you are who you are-because He is who He says He is!

Many imposters will try, some even just to gain a prize. Others are after your very soul. Only Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No opinions, polls, or "I think" involved. No whatever works for me in this situation. Someone you can believe in, someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth. Do you believe Him? Or has He become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Real Christians don't have to stand up-they already do in their lives for Christ. They stand out by their love. In love, from a loving God via His only Son. Good news-the gospel. Renew your mind and life today in Jesus. And let the truth set you free! And then go out "to tell the truth" to others! Will the real Jesus Christ please stand up!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

been there, done that? just where is there, and what is that?

About 20 years ago when 6 innings of softball took seven days to recover from, I decided I was more cut out to be a spectator then a participator. Between the pain in my knees, not being able to reach fly balls any more, and I dare you to prove they didn't move the bases another 5' apart just for me, I retired to the stands. With all the old people, kids too young to play, and where all the experts who never played but knew more than those of us who did resided. I was a stranger in a strange land for awhile, so I had to fit into their world, since I was the new kid in town. And even though I spoke the language, the interpretation was to come out different sometimes. But now looking back over the last 20 years, there are some advantages to spectating, that even when I was just warming a bench I couldn't take advantage of.

Football was once described as 11 men on the field in need of rest, while being watched by 40,000 people in need of exercise. So as I rested, I became one who needed exercise. Which I only got when it was my turn to go to the snack bar. If enough of your in need of exercise friends showed up, you may have to only make the trip once a game. While the rest of your new friends would each make an every inning run. Who says we didn't know all about teamwork? And as the ladies discussed such valuable items such as where to buy shoes and dresses, how to cheat another mother out of a better parking place when picking up their kids, and in-between "you're still eating!" comments, usually greeted by a grunt, if acknowledged at all, somehow the 70 minutes went fast. And you really weren't enjoying yourself, but for some reason couldn't get wait to get back, if only for more ammo to talk about your new peer group during the week. And to this day, I am still an avid spectator, which when added to my great skill of waiting in line, puts me into an elite group of men and women participating in the greatest of American sports. Ageless, color blind, and non-sex discriminating. I just hope that fat guy with his loud wife isn't there next week. Hey buddy, leave the oxygen tank and walker at home! "Honey, that man is sitting in my spot." Yup, watching is harder than I ever anticipated.

As in most things, I have also found in life some choose to only spectate, while others participate. A choice they make, and a choice sometimes they wish they hadn't. I marvel as I see the same folks in church each service, but never see them at any other church events. As spectators, they fill the pew, but eventually sit in their own PU. "I gave my 90 minutes to God," they think as they check off their attendance sheet, and bring their check. But sadly they never get out and get involved, and they never get to see where they tithe money goes. And inherent with this, they are always the first to complain about how it is spent. I prefer to participate. I want to be involved. I not only want to see where my money is going, I want to be part of it. When they talk about miracles that have happened, I am glad to say I was there. I am blessed to let God take me to nursing homes, hospitals, and rehab centers. I get to see people walk, learn to speak again, and so many times give their life to Christ. In church I get fed, on the street I feed others. I find I need both, but prefer to feed rather than be fed. But how do I get involved?

For years we attended the same church, and when God led us to another, we knew no one. And they didn't know us either, heh heh. So we signed up for a small group, and for discipling. But we actually met more people at the Harvest Festival. We took our bikes down, and while others just gave out candy, you got to sit on a motorcycle and then get candy. The line backed up at us, and soon moms, dads, and their kids left smiling. And encouraged to come to church. To learn about God. To see Jesus was not all rules and regulations to curtail your fun, but was there to encourage it and be part of it! And yes, motorcycles and those that ride them are welcome too! All in one busy afternoon, many were encouraged to go from spectator to participating. And enjoying the benefits that come with it. And soon spreading it to others-it is contagious!

I still spectate more than I should, but when out I am always looking for an opportunity to share the love of Christ. We let kids sit on our bikes, we wave to them in cars, and will talk to them when they ask questions. Kids get it, while parents hang back-must be something about leather and speed. But soon after the kids have warmed us up, the moms join in-why dads, are you always the last ones? For without talking to them, you will never have a conversation. With no conversation, no relationship. And with no relationship, no Jesus. All started because you got out and talked to others. You participated! And who doesn't want someone to compliment them on their ride?

Jesus only taught in the church. He spent His life on the road. Not a bad place to be. Both good places to be. And as He saw opportunities to minister, He did. So get off the bench today, and into the game of life. Get involved, and find out what you are missing! Exercise your faith in your daily life, and find yourself strengthened unlike no other exercise can do. Exercise your heart, which will wake up your mind, and then set your feet to walking. Or riding.

You tell me, which sounds better to you? "There goes Mike again on his motorcycle, wonder where he is off to now?" Or my view from the saddle, "poor Bill, still taking up space in the stands." If it works on the street, imagine how well it will work in church. You will never know until you try. Where you take up space is your choice. Keep that in mind when consider how it influences others. That seat you give up may not be the best one you ever had, you may just be getting the best seat in the house when you stop spectating-and get out and do it!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

at the top, the only way is down

So often in life we miss the big picture. We have become a society that starts at the top, and then works its way down. No one wants to go through the stages of learning that only experience can teach, let's start as a Master Tech by passing the test, then learn how to fix cars. Let's specialize in a certain aspect of the body, then learn how it works with the others. Or I'm a born manager, I'll learn the business from my subordinates as I go. Sound familiar? And then all too often we create more problems than we solve, and still have to find someone to turn on the lights so we can find our desk. Or our tools. So specialized or compartmentalized that unless there is someone there to help us, or follow us around with a mop and squeegee we will fail. And of course, it is never our fault. Lousy squeegee.

Sports has taught us to be a society of stats. ERA, RBI, and BA. People get paid big bucks for these. To perform. But the question that should be asked is-did you win? Did you know that some racers have won championships and never won a race that year? I have had techs who were great on one brand of car, but when switched luxury brands, had to relearn them all over again. What works on a Mercedes Benz may not work on a Land Rover. And I found out that Land Rovers are so weird who knows what it takes-just bring money and lots of it. But we don't wish to learn, just earn, so once we achieve a comfortable income level, we stay as we are. I had a tech once who wouldn't work on any newer cars, so his income dropped substantially. He was a whiz on the old ones, except no one ever brought them in. He eventually retired early, way off his retirement pace of money and time.

Talking with Ned and Missy yesterday, they had just added horsepower to their Harley. We talked of how dealers won't work on EVO motors anymore-they're more than 10 years old. And how when I hear about a HD mechanic being around for 40 years I wince, no way he could be current on new stuff. But worse is the new guy, who isn't taught to diagnose, but swap parts. And he can't work on anything older than him. So where do you turn for help? If you have one of the three people you never mess with-those that cut your hair, cook your food, or fix your ride-if you have one you can trust, they are better than gold. Just hope the price for their service doesn't go up accordingly.

Pride is a subtle thing sometimes. You can't brag about being humble, but you can have others do it for you. Same thing. I watch sadly as a new believer rises to the top, maybe based on being a celebrity, or his income value to the church. He excites some, incites others. And then in six months is gone. He found out the gospel isn't all about him, so he left. It wasn't a way to fame and fortune-so he went on to something that was. He needed physical and monetary gratification-not Jesus. And when he ran out of parishioners to prey on, instead of pray with-he left. Right before he was exposed, confronted and run out!

They never got past the "milk" part of being a Christian. Never got to taste the solid food of the spirit. And will continue to blame God for his failure, while others thank God for removing him. He was never part of the body. As Christians, at all and any level, we need to seek Jesus first. Without Him we are on a path, maybe not the path. And like a talented tech, we may have the education, but don't have the experience. We may have the tools, but not know how to use them. Or which part goes where. It takes the body to get us by! It takes Jesus.

So today I am thankful again for being part of a strong believing body of believers. I find I need them more than ever, and you do too. Brothers and sisters to encourage, to point you in the right direction. Consistent strong teaching to show us how to live, and show others. But mostly we need the Holy Spirit in our life-and a contrite heart to let Him lead us. It takes the Trinity of God to get us through. The Spirit to tell us we need Jesus, and to guide us. Jesus who is the way to His Father, and finally our Father who art in heaven-God! Please don't ask me to explain it-if I could it wouldn't be God! And you wouldn't understand.

Grow in grace and in Christ. Become part of a good fellowship that leans on Him, that depends on God, not their wealth, size, or celebrity. Make it personal-Jesus first. Then church. Don't confuse the two-that is why many blame God for their errors, when a church that has strayed from God is usually the cause.
Stay close to Jesus, stay in the word, and pray-all the time. Converse with God, and stay up to date with Him. And spend time in fellowship with others-you can never discount the power of the body when in the spirit.

Three things in life are for sure. You cannot have patience RIGHT NOW! You cannot brag how HUMBLE you are. And you didn't die on the cross for man's sins. Let the only one who did, and can, guide you. Grow in grace and in truth. You can't right click your way to heaven-it takes Jesus!

Why start at the end of the trip, when the ride can be the destination itself? It can be a long way to the bottom of the canyon. Trust God. Let's ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com