testing...1-2-3

One of the first phrases we learned in Mrs. Weinberg's 7th grade Spanish class was "porque tenemos tantas pruebas?" Why do we have so many tests? And looking back, I don't remember the answer, which may have been one of the test questions. But life is full of tests. We test for jobs, in schools, for our licenses, and our love for our spouse is tested daily. We take the Pepsi challenge, really a test of our taste buds, and we test our patience with our lap tops. It seems Mickey D's is always testing some new McSomething on us, and if you are a parent, your kids will test everything you have, and some things you don't. See what I mean? That wasn't a test question.

And if we happen to pass the test before us, more advanced tests await us. Seems there is always someone who is willing to embarrass us, or at least prove to be superior to us. Another test. It's called pride. Just like the wise guy who told us "you're only as good as your last game." How many people have been robbed of the joy of victory by that lousy comment. " Back, back, back, back"-that's just where I wish he would go!

I have found the opposite of testing is trusting. I trust my motorcycle will start when I push the starter button. No one I know has ever tested the system by leaving the key on all night. Or maybe that is how Lucas tests their electrical components. We don't test our riding skills by riding way too fast for a situation-if you do you already know the results of that test. We don't test the accuracy of the cashier by mocking her when giving change, and we don't test the doctor by making him prove his diagnosis. We trust them, and when our trust is broken, take steps to see it doesn't happen again. Thus the phrase "first time your fault, second time mine " was born. No one ever asks about the third time. Tests are everywhere, and can be unexpected, and when we need them the least.

So the question is with God, is He testing you, or are you trusting Him? I get irritated anymore by those who are ready to place the blame for something they don't like on God, or even Satan. They look at every hardship or problem as a test, as if God if making them pass an exam before He will bless them. And they are wrong, and under the curse of a lie from Satan. Do you really want a simple answer to this? Can you handle the truth? Here goes-these situations are allowed by God because He loves you, and wants to show you His love in them. So for those who don't get it, it will be a test. But to those who walk with God, it is a chance to trust Him. To look to Jesus in the situation, and let Him handle it. Testing of the spirits is different, which is for another discussion. This is all about your relationship with Christ. Do you trust Him?

You see tests are all about us, and what we need to do. Trust is all about Jesus, and what He has done. It is His showing us the promises He made long ago, and then showing His love and truth by taking care of the situation. God doesn't need to be tested-base on being God should be enough. And if He can save our souls, cannot He deal with our finances? Our jobs? Our motorcycles? Even our relationship with Him is based on trust! And the more the trust, the more the blessings. The more the blessings, the closer to God you get. Didn't we all pray that at one time? And how better to know when a false teacher comes, than by knowing God, and His word. As I channel surfed the other night and listened to this preacher tell his audience if you only send him money, God will provide you a new car every year-for the rest of your life! Noticed he didn't say he would, he lied about God! So be as wise a this serpent, but gentle as a lamb-Jesus.

One final test-required of all who ever have been on earth. A simple question, and it is open book, with the question and the answer provided. The wonderful counselor even provides the answer. The question is the same one that Jesus asked His disciples-who do you say Jesus is? The correct answer is the messiah, the Christ, son of the living God-God Himself. Any other answer is wrong, and failing means hell. Even if you don't believe in it-so beware of Jehovah's Witnesses, they are neither of God, and are not a witness of Him. Jesus Christ is alive and well. They fail the test.

So why do we have so many tests? In English this time-an opportunity for God to show us His love in every situation we face. To allow us to trust Him, so He can bless us. So we can enjoy a deeper relationship with Him-forever. Did you ever think the reason you have so many tests is because you just don't trust Him?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

tank's a lot

Dear Tank,

I hope this letter finds you well, at least as well as you can be in your present situation. I hope you remember me, I am the friend of Kerry Lyn's who used to send you the weekly devotions. And at your request, quit sending them. We never have met, and I feel as though I owe you an explanation as to why I honored your request. I wanted you to know why I honored your request.

I admit my ego was hurt at first, when I received your request. I like others don't like to be rejected-it's that NO word that gets me. But God showed me to love you, and to respect you. Something that not too many people show you, and that by honoring your request, I was doing that. He showed me that no one ever asks you what you want, but always tells you when, where, and how to go. I do not wish to be part of that. But that doesn't mean that I quit praying for you, or forgot about you. As many others who receive this devotion still pray for you, friends you may not know you have, and may never meet. So I would like to tell you this story.

I do a lot of hospital ministry, and over the years only one person has ever denied me being allowed to pray with them. I always ask if I can pray with the person when with them, to me it sounds so impersonal saying "I'll keep you in my prayers," without taking the opportunity to do it. But this man I visited, had a very hard heart-not a medical condition. He was in long term for diabetes, and other complications. His wife was with him, and she was concerned who was going to take care of things while he was hospitalized. She was taking off work just to visit him, and that cost them more loss of income. So when I left, I asked if I could pray with him. She smiled, and he became angry-he didn't believe in that sissy stuff, and besides it doesn't work, he assured me. Denying the very God, the only one who could help him. I was taken aback at first, but answered, "how do you know that I haven't been praying for you while I was standing here, and that I'm not now?" He looked at me confused, I shook his hand and left-still praying. Silently-God knows the heart, He doesn't have to hear the voice.

But God knows our heart, and hears our prayers, even when we think he doesn't. Later that week my wife encountered this man's daughter, who was thrilled her dad was home. Home-wasn't he to be long term in the hospital?

The very next day after I prayed, all symptoms of diabetes, and all other illnesses associated with it were gone. They discharged him, because they could find no problems-God healed him. Despite his not believing in prayer, God healed him! You see God takes no pleasure in the death or discomfort of the lost. Jesus died for our sins long before we came to Him. He offers a peace and comfort that surpasses all understanding. That is how great his love and mercy for us are-and they are a free gift to us from him. And that is why I still pray for you. And why I can tell you honestly that Jesus loves me, and how I know He loves you too. You see where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more.

I am enclosing the last week's devotions. I hope you enjoy them, I know how much mail is appreciated. I will not send any more, until I hear from you telling me it is OK. I wish to honor and respect your wishes, a way to show the love of Christ to you. Rest assured you will always have at least one person praying for you-Jesus. He will never leave you, or forsake you, but only love you. But you must let Him. I also will continue to pray for you, and hope someday you will come to know Jesus personally-not the religious guy who others espouse, but the living savior of the Bible. Who died for your sins. And loves you very much.

Until I hear from you, I will keep praying.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Faith is the substance of things not seen, but believed. But what about faith when you do see something, but don't know what it is? Or you believe something with no evidence at all, yet can make a great case for something that's a lie. Too many people today just don't believe the gospel, but with incredible faith choose to believe in UFO's, ET's, reincarnation, and politicians. They exhibit a faith that is strong, but based on lies. Yet they believe it so vehemently that it dictates their lives, and keeps them from Christ, it is a type of the spirit of anti-Christ. Just as God warns.

While watching a TV show about secret government bases like Area 51, I was amazed to hear them talking about Dulce, and the "secret" base there. And watching the pictures, I knew just where the turn off was, I had been by it dozens of times. And suddenly things came to life I didn't know about, and led me to reflect on an incident I had there myself.

I was coming into town, and heard what could best be described as a plane crash, that was my first thought. Driving through town, which is only a few blocks, I came upon a plane, a Beech craft, on a small grassy area, in a neighborhood, nose down. Inside was what at first I thought was a black man, but when I got out to look, it wasn't-he was burned to a crisp! But his clothes were not burned or singed, and no other signs of fire were on the plane. It was just there. And from where it was, it was almost like it had fallen out of the sky, rather than landed. No place it could have landed, and the plane showed no damage, it was almost like it had been placed there. I waited a few minutes, no one had responded, so I went to my next account, Gomez Grocery.

I told Manual Gomez the owner, what I had seen, Manual, a serious guy who I had never seen smile, began to tell me stories of cattle mutilations on his ranch-a lot of them. Describing them in detail. And how there was a secret base his cousin worked on that took him 20 minutes on an elevator to reach-underground. He was not a man to tell tales, very serious, but this you could tell had affected him. And that he believed every word he was saying. But yet the plane crash story didn't phase him. Almost like he knew, and had said or knew too much.

Leaving his store, I went back to see if the police had shown up, and no one had-it was just as I had left it. And no spectators either. It was almost as if people had seen this so often it was no big deal, or they knew to stay away-and did. I am no UFO buff, or alien being believer, but this was strange. I knew what I had seen, but I am not sure what I saw! And watching this show brought it all back to me!

Which brings us back to faith. I know what I saw, I could describe it, and know what it looked like-but I am not sure what I saw. So I looked deeper, into FAA logs and for info on the crash. Nothing. Except two dates mentioning it, 3-30,1982, and 3-30, 1983. With no further info on either date! Yet a plane crash is listed for that date, but not what I saw. Yes it happened, but no further info is provided! Is seeing always believing?

As Christians we are warned of the spirit of anti-Christ, anything in place of Christ in our lives. And I can see how this could lead me astray, as interesting as it was. But I choose to follow Jesus, Him I know, not some unexplained phenomena. I choose to live by faith, knowing that is what it takes to please God. For the things seen are temporal, the things not seen are eternal. So don't let anything get between you and Christ-no matter how interesting or intriguing it seems. No sport, car, church, pastor, alien, politician, or motorcycle should ever come between us. And rather than thinking it is a test from God, trust Him instead. Too many see demons when they should be seeking Jesus.

At the tomb of Jesus that morning a angel explained what had happened. In detail, even leaving the burial clothes and Head cloth folded for all to see. Yet so many believe in the Shroud of Turin, which could never be true because there is no head cloth. You see, it pays to read your Bible, so as to not believe a lie. Just this simple ruse has led more people astray and away from Jesus, believing more in a suspect cloth than on His resurrection.

I know what I saw that March morning, I am not so sure what I saw. God gives us free reign to believe what we want, but provides us evidence that will provide a verdict of His truth. Walk by faith, it is much easier to believe a God we can't see than to believe in what we think we have seen. 30 years later I can still remember that scene, thankfully I will know Jesus into eternity. A lesson on seeing vs. believing-only one leads to heaven. I don't ever want to know where the other one leads. How about you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

don't be a Bob

Somehow we endure despite all the so called blessings we are surrounded with. Back in the 80's when the cola wars were going hot and heavy, I was a salesman for Coca Cola. When Pepsi started their challenge, we responded "if there wasn't a champion, there wouldn't be a challenger." And as the cola wars heated up, a funny thing happened-both Coke and Pepsi showed sales increases, it seemed the competition was good for both of them, but not the lesser brands.

I worked for a man called Don, who was described once as "the only man who could screw up Coca Cola." And perhaps the worst people handler of all times. No people skills at all. And a manager from Circle K once told me "any mistake you make isn't your fault, it's the jerk you work for," while he was standing next to me. But the salesman at Pepsi who I sold against was a guy named Bob. If you were to run an ad looking for an idiot for your village, Bob would be the best choice. He was a nice enough guy, but drove his customers crazy. And anyone else who came in contact with him-he never shut up. And was incredibly ignorant in so many areas, he was the opposite of the jack of all trades-he was an idiot of all trades. But we ran the same routes on the same days, on Tuesdays we went to Dulce on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, about 110 miles from Durango. Then through the Gobernador Natural Gas Fields, the second largest in the world at the time-this was wide open space, with little traffic, and during a time where the speed limit was 55mph, we ran at over 100!

I had seen Bob in Dulce, and after my last stop, took off for Gobernador. About 25 miles from town, or anything, I saw his blue pickup on the side of the road, but no Bob. I kept going, and on the horizon I saw Bob walking, as if he would get anywhere in the 90 degree sun, with 20 miles to the next phone. So coming up on him, he turned when he heard the truck, and starting waving, then a smile broke out on his face when he saw it was me. But looking ahead, not making eye contact, I kept going! The last view of him was all the joy leaving his face as I looked in my rear view mirror-not stopping! I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist-but after the next bend, went back to get him. And for the next 45 minutes wished I hadn't as he drove me nuts. For Bob never shut up! And I wonder to this day, did I make the right decision?

We call them "one-uppers," if you have a new car, they have a better one. Your TV is 52 inches, theirs is 60. You have a 1000cc motorcycle, they have a 1500. You go on vacation, they've already been there. And just like Bob, they never shut up. Says all, knows nothin'. And they never listen because they never shut up! They know it all, and like a shirt I saw Sunday says, "You who think you know it all bother those of us who really do!" They not only have an opinion on everything you do, but if only they had been there you would be in better shape. To which Mark Twain once said," if you have the reputation for being a fool, don't open your mouth and prove it!" But they don't listen, and some even give God advice. Proving Mark, and God correct.

But God is forgiving, and loves them anyway. Hey, He loves us, right? But when He made man, He gave us some unique characteristics. Among them was one mouth, which we can control, but two ears, which we can't. And even until death, your hearing is the last to go. Just maybe is He trying to tell us something, if only we would shut up?

Jesus is called wonderful counselor. I like that, and I need Him more and more each day. He is truth, and not an opinion to influence you. He loves you so much He will give you the best advice, and the only advice you should take. So He tells us to be "doers of the word, not just hearers." He expects you to listen. Before you act. And self control, including of the tongue, is a fruit of the spirit. And you didn't make Jesus up, like some claim, but were told abut Him by the Holy Spirit-again a great case for listening! Remember that next time you pray, it is possible you don't receive because you don't listen! You ask, but then never let God answer.

So don't be a Bob. You may be stuck someday and no one will respond to your call for help. But thank God He will. He will provide a way through your situation, but only if you listen to what He says. By faith. And then do it, by obedience. Ask and you shall receive. But obey, and it will be given unto you. Are you listening? We will only know by the fruit you produce. Like I said, if there wasn't a champion, there would be no challenger.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

signs and wanderers

I saw an interesting sign the other day while riding in a neighborhood. It warned of a deaf child living there. Big letters that could even be seen while talking or texting. But yet I was the only one who slowed, almost getting rear ended. Her dirty look said it all. For years, we have had the sign that says "Slow children," and I have always wondered what makes them children slow? But since it is ignored, I soon expect a politically correct sign to take it's place, much in the vein of the deaf child warning. It will say "Special education children," and we will all react different to it. At least at first, for we don't want to hit anyone. We can't have no slow children here. Remember that when driving too fast where kids are next time, they may be slow, but some grow up into slow adults. I won't mention any names here, the list would be too long.

For some it is just the lack of the sense of common. Or the inability to think for themselves. When my neighbor got a new truck, his wife was upset because she had to put the key in the door to open it, but was ok after being shown how. And her son had to learn, like a nephew of mine, how to open windows. "What are these handles for Auntie?" he asked Theresa when he couldn't find the switches. But our neighbors kid had already figured them out, the salesman had explained them, and he showed them off to his friends as a novelty. "Check this out, the windows go down with these handles..." And of course, all the kids had to try.

Still don't believe the signs? When about 10, we are at my Grandparent's house, and Christopher wants to use the phone. Only he can't figure it out-it has a dial instead of buttons. But with a little instruction he mastered it, and a whole generation was saved. And of course progress had taught us it is easier to change phones yearly than keep the one given to us for life that never broke years ago. But the latest one really scares me, and these kids must be really slow. You've seen the dishwasher soap that comes in a capsule, looking like hard candy? It seems many kids are being rushed to the ER after eating it, thinking it is candy. My question is, what kind of stupid kid after putting it in his mouth, cannot immediately tell it is not candy? How much chewing, and then swallowing of this soap must he endure before he realizes it isn't candy? Maybe the radiation from cell phones does effect your brain-or at least your taste buds. Rest assured it will have a warning on it soon-do not eat. I wonder does he have a slow children marker in front of his house? So here is the newest entrepreneurial opportunity-Start a fad-make the first slow adult sign! Sell them in packs of 10! But change the graphics-why is it the slow children are seen running on the sign? Put someone on it who can't dial a phone, or roll down a window. Nostalgia and safety-hope the government isn't listening.

The Apostle Paul in Galatians was writing to some slow Christians. People who had come to Jesus, but immediately fell into religion, or went back to their own ways. They had "Jesus and do this" added to the gospel, or you must follow these rules, or pay this, or whatever. Straying under the influence to other Gods. Instead of being rooted in the gospel via teachings and good fellowship, they chose to listen to false teachers, and then followed them. To which Paul's heart broke, and after issuing a warning tells them they never knew Jesus, and sadly He never knew them. He speaks of a personal relationship, that born again instant where you are saved, and wish to know Jesus better. You truly wish to know God, but go on living like before. Listening to those no smarter than you. "Just go to church, follow a family tradition and you will be fine." Like so many are told today. And sadly the so many are wrong-as Matthew 25 tells us. Here they are bragging to Jesus what they have done for Him-not ever knowing it is what He has done for us! "We cast out demons in your name, prophesied, had book sales, special programs. We even had mission days, or sold out altogether and now we are only a missions church. Just look at our programs, and the list of good men who are our elders. We met all of our financial goals last year, we are great!" And Jesus replied, "be gone from me, I never knew you." For there is no relationship there with Him. For it is not about us and what we can do for Him, but about who He is and what He has done for us. And as I am out and talking to many others who attend these churches, maybe a "deaf Christian" sign should be placed in front of their building. They don't listen to the gospel. Or more accurately-"Slow Christians!" For they just don't get it. They have chosen to follow a religion just as dangerous as eating dishwasher soap. And are stuck with a phone and no way to call out! They can't even open their windows to call for help! Beware these people and do not fall into the same trap they did.

The truth will set you free, and is a person-Jesus Christ. He is the door, He is the one to call in times of need. Let no person, church, religion, or habit stand between you and Him. He only wants the best for you, for there are no slow Christians in heaven-just Christians. We are warned that some seek signs and wonders, yet some ignore the signs and wander. Jesus is ready to accept you right now, as you are. Tear down the signs, and get to know Him personally. Get ready to hear "well done my good and faithful servant."

God travels at the speed of light, maybe we are slow. But we don't have to be. Trust God today, and watch as your whole world brightens. God didn't send a text message, He sent His son. He made it personal. Don't you think it's about time you do too?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

are you a statistic for the minute you were born?

P.T. Barnum is quoted as saying "there is sucker born every minute." Say to fill a city the size of New York with 8 million people, it would take almost 20 years, not counting abortions. So...theoretically every twenty years you could have a new set of suckers completely replacing the suckers before it. A perpetual sucker machine if you will. And they said it couldn't be done!

Los Angeles would only take 6+ years to regenerate its population/sucker base. California every 60 years would have completely recycled its population, replacing old suckers like us with new ones-who just can't wait to be lied to, led astray, overtaxed, underpaid, and then re-elected all over again. And we are the good guys! What about the bad guys, who suck us in and rip us off? Thanks to the Internet, they have become a worldwide source now. Ever called on a credit card problem, and had the phone answered by a man in India? Or Viet Nam? Are you licensed to do business in that country? Well then why do you have to call there when you have a problem? We have more Buicks made and sold in China than the US, and Chevy trucks come from Mexico, Nissans from Tennessee, Hondas from Ohio, and Chryslers from Canada. But how many of us know all these facts? Yet we know who what wore to Whitney's funeral, and you need more evidence? Doesn't anyone read books anymore? Texters are already proving they can't spell.

I refer you to Boss Tweed and his group of scoundrels back in the 1870's in New York City. In today's dollars he embezzled over one billion dollars, yet still wasn't in jail-the public loved him. And when he was finally arrested, they couldn't understand why. Until he started protesting the political cartoons being drawn against him. "Stop them!" he said, "you're hurting my public image. Most of my constituents can't read, but they understand pictures!" Remember that thing about repeating history if you don't learn from it-sometimes it just carries on. "As seen on TV!" seems to give credit to anything. "Oprah says..." now there's truth. Quote Jerry Springer, and any other cretin let loose on TV, and stand by as the media is so biased that both sides don't tell the truth, yet refer to themselves as authorities, trusted, and fair and balanced. And this year, 2012, they all are coming out of the closet for the end of the world. It seems more planning is taking place for the end of it than there was in creating it, and definitely more than in maintaining it. 2012-Year of the Sucker.

Yet most try to avoid the truth of the Bible. They rather believe Elvis' tomb is empty rather than Jesus'. They rather believe that just because the Mayan calendar ran out, so will the world. Unfortunately no Mayans are here to comment, they were eliminated centuries ago. Alien beings from other planets, talking to ghosts on TV, and whatever plays for money has become the norm. "We don't need truth, it is too narrow," yet reality shows are the norm from repos to picking. From buying storage lockers to dating. I guess you can have it both ways if you insist upon being wrong all the time!

Even Agent Mulder knew the truth was out there. Do you? Or are you a statistic for the minute you were born? THE truth is the world is not ending, but will go through birth pangs. Not death. But God will have a new, reborn earth for those who follow Him, in truth and spirit. Not by denomination, sorry. His church of believers is called the bride of Christ, and soon, just like in Jewish tradition, He will come calling for His bride, and we will be raptured off this earth. Then the worst 7 years in the history of earth will begin. Something Buddha, Oprah, Joseph Smith, the JW's, or the Democrats will be able to save you from. But look at it like this, you will all be a common people at that time-suckers who refused to believe the truth! Just like the bumper sticker says-COEXIST! Now that's TOLERANCE! Really it is spelled compromise, or believing a lie.

God puts it like this-believing is seeing. It takes faith. It doesn't take a follower of Boss Tweed to see that. So don't be like one of his followers, failing to read and not believe about coming events in the Bible. Don't be a scoffer like those who question why isn't He here yet? Be glad He isn't, or else you would be left behind! Be glad He is as patient as you are impatient. It's your choice-stay or go? Smoking or non-smoking? Saved or lost? Wonder what the polls will say about that!

And only suckers will be left, the rest of us who were foolish enough to trust God will be gone. Like Cheers, a place where everyone knows your name-sucker. Now if that isn't wealth redistribution, I don't know what is! What if what God says is right? Can you afford to be wrong?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

all aboard

There I was, caught in a moment of weakness, and a commercial got through the TV before I could change the channel. And as I endured the 60 seconds of propaganda, the message at the end brought me new life, and gave me the solution to all our energy needs. It stated that CSX railroads could move 1 ton of freight, 500 miles, on one gallon of fuel! And there was the answer to our energy problems-we should all drive trains! Think about it, if we could get that type of mileage on something that big, just imagine what we could get on just the engine, with maybe a caboose in tow. I just have to have a red caboose. Think about it, I might never have to refuel! And then all these great industries would spring up, tracks would have to be laid everywhere, thousands would have jobs created to go to, and the economy, the energy crisis, and the future of the world would be rescued-all just by riding a train! And here was the answer, that I would have missed, if I had not been remote challenged that evening. I wonder, how many other life changing ideas I miss because I don't watch commercials? Maybe driving the train last month up in Perris was just a hint of things to come. Do you think so?

Now before you again condemn me and call me crazy, I remind you I am, or at least can be. And the sane mind will tell me, "Mike, you don't understand." And like you, we have both been told that many times in our lives, and will until we die. As if understanding ever solved anything. When my father died, people would tell me they understand how I feel. "I don't, maybe you can explain it to me," has become my answer. And these well meaning ones go away. Not understanding. You see, Jesus never promises understanding. But He does promise a peace that surpasses it, so I became a wimp about understanding years ago, and just go right for the peace. You can have your so-called understanding, I have the real peace that only comes from Jesus.

And I can back it up with the word. Not preaching, at least to others, maybe myself, but when I am confronted with things I don't know or understand, I go to things I do know-and understand. When I wonder about those who hold signs begging for food and then say God bless you, I turn to God. Who tells us that He has never seen the righteous hungry, or their children begging food. So I trust God, and eat well. When told if you don't work, you don't eat, I tell them the truth. It says won't, not don't. And God meets my needs, the way He wants-but all blessings come from Him. He meets all my needs according to His riches and glory. So why beg those who don't have, go to the rich guy-who wants to provide, makes sense.

But Mike, you don't understand. You're right, I don't. Give it up. Seek and trust God first. Sick, He is the great physician. "Well I prayed and he died anyway." Perfect healing for those who are Christians is physical death, we go to heaven. No pain or tears. "My wife just doesn't understand." And you do? It takes two, maybe you both need to change. Trust God. Having trouble with your faith in a tough situation? Jesus said we will have trials and tribulations. How's that for evidence of Him? That oughta build your faith, but not your understanding. Now that He has proven Himself-again, will you trust Him with the problem? So when the devil comes a knockin', and I see him at the door, I just turn to Jesus, and say, "it's for you." And He handles it! Why do we make life so difficult? Are you beginning to understand? Or just trust?

"But God told me NO!" Did you ever think that is because you were asking for something outside of His will? That maybe He has something better for you? A no to me means that a better yes is coming. For God has promised me that all things work to good to those who trust Him and are called to His purposes. ALL! Good and bad work for me! There may be pain in the night, or on a TV commercial, but joy comes in the morning.

You may be right, trains may not be the answer. Remember the old line when you were a kid, "when they were handing out brains, you thought they said trains-and you missed them?" Just showing the frivolity of trying to understand something. It is easier to trust, the promises are surer, the rewards greater, and if God is for you, who can come against us? God+ us is a majority! And He never loses. But isn't it enough to trust Him just because He is God? He knows the path He has set for you, for a future and a hope. Follow Him and see the path. You may find that the rails aren't always smooth, so He takes you on the road. Just like where Jesus spent time ministering-on the road. Among the people. Who will think you are crazy for following Him. But they don't know Him. They are lost. They don't get it, they just don't understand. It's up to Jesus to change their hearts, not you. So let Jesus do what He needs to do, and follow Him. Lean not on your own understanding. Good advice found in Proverbs 3:5. Godly advice. Which only works if taken.

As for my idea about solving the energy crisis, scripture does tell us "He is high and lifted up, and His train fills the temple.." Is it possible that if we just turn to God, and lift Him high, that He knows the answer? If He can save a wretch like me, miles per gallon should be no big deal. I get 40-45 mpg on my motorcycles, no energy crisis here. Maybe it was something I heard years ago...Do ya think so?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com