what hath Chris wrought?

Yesterday was one of those beautiful, cool Autumn afternoons that just begs you to go for a ride. So throwing a leg over the Tiger, Theresa and I rode up through Valley Center, on the back roads, and the twisties and arrived at Bates Nut Farm. Cruising past the hundreds at the pumpkin patch, and past the petting zoo, there was ample parking at the gift shop. Where we were greeted by the various witches, ghosts, and goblins reminding us that Halloween was only 23 days away. Past the other aisles filled with this holiday's gift items, we turned the corner and there was a Thanksgiving area-or harvest area, reminding us that it is only seven weeks until Thanksgiving. But it was surrounded by Christmas trees, and other holiday items reminding us that Christmas is only 78 days away-shop now! Or only 68 days if you are using the Wal-Mart Lay-Away plan. All of this on a beautiful Autumn day, Columbus Day, October 8th. Which we use to celebrate his birthday, which is really the 12th. Which falls in line with other American holidays, moved to a convenient Monday to make a three day weekend. Like Labor Day, a day we all take off to celebrate working, do the jobless celebrate that every day? President's Day, where we celebrate the birthdays of Abe and George, and Marty King Day, to celebrate Martin Luther King's birthday. Only the 4th of July is Monday independent, unless it falls on a Monday, thus interrupting/disturbing the three day weekend cycle for many.

Which makes me wonder, in the United States of America, why don't we celebrate Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian cartographer, who lent his first name to us-translation America. I guess we could have been the United States of Vespucci, thankfully we took his first name, but I rather not go there. So blame it on Chris, an Italian, financed by Spain, who was looking for a way east by going west and discovered America. If you discount the Indians already here, or the Vikings earlier trip some 500 years earlier. Way too many holidays for me, particularly when you add in the Hallmark days of Father's, Mother's, and Grandparents Days. Which when I heard the news last night that Hallmark was closing a Kansas City factory due to lack of business confused me. Another true American success story. Who will send out a card for that?

Only to be deluged by the various political posters and signs littering the sides of the road-can't wait until election day is over-over 28 more days until then. Am I the only one sick of political ads?And I ask, "What hath Chris wrought?"

Perhaps the most important day to come is being neglected in the secular world, and also by many churches. It is the day Jesus calls His church home, and out of this world, referred to as the Rapture. No date is given, per scripture, leaving May 21st, and the end of the Mayan calendar suspicious, and a lie. So to all of you who forward me articles about the possible date, don't! I trash them, they are the spirit of anti-Christ. Beside if you are saved, it won't matter-but if left behind....don't be. Not the end of the world, but birth pangs, as God will be creating a new earth for us! Someone left behind has to capitalize on that. Maybe another Hallmark holiday celebrating that day...but not for long.

God tells us to look for the season of His return, and it is upon us. The warning signs are-wars and rumors of wars. Heard any Mideast news lately? Pestilence-how about the West Nile Virus? We returned peanut butter to Costco yesterday because it may be tainted with salmonella. Spinal meningitis is spreading, a friend of ours was tested for it yesterday, spread by a tainted steroid she was prescribed. Inflation-how about $5 gas in California-look out Midwest, it's coming. A shortage of food, higher prices, and all you have to do is go shopping to see that. Join the club. Rebellious children, mothers against their own, and the headlines all speak of Jesus' return. Are you ready?

God has been sending out invitations for this event for over 2000 years-don't get left behind. If you missed the invitation, don't wait for a Hallmark card. Although they have Christmas and Easter covered-two other days not reserved for only a Monday three day weekend, read your Bible. Ask your pastor, and turn to God. Ask Him into your life, and then trust Him. Tell others-the time is shorter than we think, and each day is one day closer. Jesus is coming soon! And I wonder, how could Hallmark miss the chance to sell invitations to that? I hear this plant in KC may be available...

And after, will their cards reflecting this be found under Anniversaries, Births, or Deaths? I won't be here, so it doesn't matter. But what about today? Where will you be tomorrow?

When you care enough to send the very best, remember God already did.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

just how fast is 100mph?

The British refer to it as "doing the ton." Buick named a series of its cars starting back in the thirties "the Century," and for years it was the magic number to hit in the 1/4 mile. What I am referring to is 100 mph! That magic figure that we all like to brag about, that has a certain clout to it that 95mph just doesn't have. Or about 147 feet per second, or five first downs if you are Peyton Manning. That's quick. Can't count Mississippis that fast. A figure that the news loves to key on lately when talking about car chases and crashes. A number that although sounds good, may not be the case. It takes time and distance to reach that speed, more than you would think.

How fast is 100mph? For the new Speed Triple, it shows up in 5.8 seconds. Fast, but almost a full second slower than a ZX-14. 0-60 is 2.7, try that 0-100 against your car's 0-60. Hmmmmm? Remember how fast your favorite muscle car was in high school? A 1970 SS454 Chevelle was 0-60 in 6 seconds flat-with the motorcycle today hitting the ton in less time. Yes, no matter how fast you were then, it ain't that fast now. And with the new Boss Mustang running as fast as a 40 year old motorcycle, 100 mph is still fast, it just doesn't take as long to get there. But yet I was reminded this weekend again when a friend of ours was killed in a car crash, supposedly going 100mph, that that number is fictional in most cases. Time and distance were not on his side, or on the numbers they reported in the article. Good for a headline, but figure a high-po police Crown Victoria is only 8.7 seconds to 60mph, it's gonna take a long time for Joe Citizen is his Camry to get to 100. Just do the math, as the faster you go, it takes more power, you have more aerodynamic drag, and the road gets shorter-remember it will take a much longer time to stop! So when I hear about a high speed chase in traffic, of an SUV at over 100mph-I doubt it, and so should you. It takes power, more importantly power to the ground. Without the wheels on the ground you are losing speed. Power under control, which although few of us claim to have, few really do or ever get a chance to show it off.

The fruit of the spirit is meekness. Not some wimpy guy, but power under control. Put another way, being in a position to seek revenge, but choosing not to. Power under control. A choice we make, and which shows that the spirit lives within us. We can't brag about how humble we are, and we cannot have patience right now. And we have to screw up to see mercy. But meekness is always just the next action or attitude away. A bridge I just had to cross this morning.

When calling about a bill for incorporating the ministry, the man asked what Matthew 25 Biker Ministries was. As I explained, he also chimed in some other part of the verse-he was a believer. But for some strange reason-meekness, I hadn't gone off on them when I keep getting billed erroneously. I kept my cool-under control. And was glad I did as I would have been a lousy witness to another Christian, let alone a non-believer. Keep that in mind next time someone doesn't agree with you. Meekness-the fruit of the spirit shined brightly that time. If you need a reminder, just think of Jesus on the cross. he could have come down at any time, but His love for us was so great He endured it-for 6 hours! Mine was only a five minute phone call!

Keep this in mind when driving down the freeway, on your cell phone and cutting people off. With that big Jesus fish in your window. Is that really the witness you care to be? Maybe you are the reason that people speak harshly about us-who could blame them? So do us both a favor, show courtesy, and if wearing colors, or a decal, remember someone is always watching, maybe not around, but always up. God sees all things-which embarrasses me sometimes, but forgives.
Can we do the same?

Forgiveness-now that is true meekness, that is power under control. No matter how fast you travel, or they think you travel, keep your power under control. And at the same time exhibit self control, another part of the fruit of the spirit. By one choice you can exhibit at least two fruits, the rest then all fall into place.

Jesus never hurried, and was never late. Power under control. Remember that the next time you twist the throttle, or hit the go pedal. The life you save may just be your own! Do the ton on the track-and miss the 6 o'clock news. Jesus has many more blessings for you. It's your choice-meekness.

But Mike, my speedo goes to 180-see you in heaven-if you make it! Ride safe, trust God, and stay meek. Now that is a way to go out and witness.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

what kind of -American are you?

There has always been one thing that puzzles me, when you meet someone from your old home town, why do you reminisce on how great it was to have lived there? And if it was so great, why did you move? I ran into two men this week, one from the Fatherland-New Jersey, and one from North Carolina. First the Jersey experience, and Jersey was. I grew up there, but was born in Texas. Now does that make me a native Jerseyan? Although I am stamped with "Hecho en Tejas," and I feel a certain hominess whenever I go to Texas, I have no memories of it, leaving before the age of one. But the more we talked, the differences in why we moved here began to show. He bragged of the great schools here, must have been a long time ago, and when he told me where in the Garden State he lived, just about any other place would have been better. Anyone with kids in California public schools knows how bad they are, I have two sons who survived/graduated from them. But as we looked back fondly, we loved living here, especially as winter approaches. And have no desire to go back, except in our memories. And I wonder, if it was so good, why did we leave there?

The other man from North Carolina had just moved here, looking for work. It must really be bad there, as there is nothing here. We talked of BBQ, the lack of people, the slower life style, and the cost of living differences between the two states. And he was homesick, especially when I started naming places I had ridden there, and he knew of them. But we both were here, and after 25 years I feel like a native Californian. I heard that anything over 20 years make it unofficially official. It just doesn't make me a millionaire like people in other states believe. But the more we visited, there were times I had imagined myself moving there. Pretty state, great BBQ, great riding, and I have even spent a night in Mt. Airy, the home of Andy Griffith, who patterned Mayberry after it. We even stayed at the B and B owned by the guy who started AARP. One small town, with two famous people. I know why this man missed home, but he will make friends and do fine here.

It seems whenever someone moves, the letters they write diminish after a few weeks. The newness, the loneliness, and the getting acquainted take affect, and you don't miss your old home town anymore. And soon the new life takes over the old, and faces, friends, places, and memories begin to fade. Until we meet someone from there, and the process begins all over.

And so we continue to look back. Even as Jesus changes our life, we still look back. And sometimes with this bizarre fondness of what he rescued us out of. Something I cannot explain, but am guilty of. When in reality, those who are saved, are really returning, and will return someday to their real home-heaven. Says so right there in the Book of Life, our heavenly birth certificate. If listed, we know where we are going, just not when. But we look forward to it, and even though I came close this summer, I look forward to being there-soon.

But how do you know if you are truly a citizen of heaven, and your name in the B of L? Stop now, if not sure, and confess Jesus with your mouth, believing with your heart that He is God. Become born again, the only criteria for the free gift of salvation, and accept it via God's grace. And set an example for those of us who look back, encourage us to look ahead. To set our sights on things on high like scripture tells us. To be patient, yet excitedly wait to called home-yes home! You may have several addresses in life, but none beats knowing heaven is your home. Truly we are travelers, again a the Word tells us.

So if asked, "where are you from?" tell them with great authority and joy Heaven. And that you are excited that someday you will be going home. May be the best question you are ever asked, as your answer will be sharing the gospel. Your testimony. And an encouragement to those who don't know or aren't sure. That's being a witness!

In an age of hyphenated Americans, Latin-American, Native American, and African American, I prefer to just be an American. The best place on earth. But find true joy in being a Heaven-American, my true heritage. And I hope yours too.

Now, where did you say you are from? It has a greater influence on where you are going than you may think. Truly there is no place like home. Just ask Dorothy and Toto-I don't think I'm in Kansas either! Somewhere over the rainbow-heaven awaits! Destination and origin the same. Now that's truly going home.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

CADD-Christian Attention Deficit Disorder

Although Albuquerque had set records this summer for high heat, most of my stay there was in a hospital. And despite 100+ outside, I was in a climate controlled room, which sometimes would get cold, and they would put those wonderful heated blankets on me. So when a doctor would comment on the heat, in my environment, he was talking a foreign language. The calendar said June/July, to me it didn't matter. Who knew what time or month it was where I was.

So as I sit here this morning, windows open at home, all the signs that summer is over are there. We are past Labor Day, the official end for tourism, and the kids are back in school. It is getting darker earlier, but yet it has been over 90-100 every day for the past few weeks. It feels like summer, yet the calendar indicates October, not August. And to confuse issues even more, it snowed in Yellowstone this week. Yet despite what we may see and hear, the calendar is right-Happy October everyone-welcome to fall.

So often things are not what they appear to be. Or the impression we wish to give is misleading to others, whereas we are a legend in our own minds. When part of a patch wearing national motorcycle ministry, I quit wearing my colors. And never wore a badge identifying myself as a chaplain. Yet I ministered as much as anyone, as it wasn't the outfit, but the spirit that guided. And at one time I wished to be recognized, when Jesus got the recognition instead of me or my colors, I ministered much more, and more effectively. Some may argue the colors lead people to them, take that up with God. It is the spirit-anything else is a pretense, and about you. I've been there, and as they say I have, or had the t-shirts to prove it. Now I minister more effectively just sitting in the background, letting God guide. Like He wants to, for I have found just because you have the colors, and you may represent a ministry or church, but that doesn't mean you represent God.

The Pharisees were real good at expressing themselves publicly. The robes, the loud prayers, and public displays of knowledge and giving many times were all about them. Yet Jesus taught to listen to their words, which many times were not backed up by their actions. He allowed the wearing of robes, but found it wrong to wear one that drew attention only to yourself. He wants us to keep the word in our head, and many would wear a little box affixed to their foreheads to show this-yet some wore big boxes, to show themselves holier. And He leaves the lesson with a widow giving two mites, less than a penny, all she had. You see the tithes were put into a metal shaped trumpet, and when the coins hit, you could hear them. The bigger the sound, maybe the more given. "Look at me, and how much I give," the Pharisees would share, while the sound of two mites would be imperceptible, to all but God. Who found favor with her gift, as she gave from the heart, in private, not wishing to bring attention to herself. But to honor the God she loved...who do you think was blessed?

Today I function much better obeying God, and prefer to sit in the back unnoticed. Yes I still ride, and minister to those who do, and with those who do. But my ministry is all about Jesus. And I hope that the world gets even a small glimpse of Jesus in me. But I am more concerned of what God sees, for He sees the heart-which now has a special meaning to me. For it is out of the heart that the mouth speaks...And man looks upon the outside, while God sees what is on the heart. So listen to the Pharisees, and to those who teach. Match it with the Word, and keep them in prayer. Give hilariously, without reservation, and trust God with all things. He knows what day, what time it is, and just where you are. He doesn't need the calendar to tell, but we sometimes do as what is seen does not match what is heard. So keep the word close to you, in your heart. There's that word again-heart. Let it fill your mind, as you go through the day meditating, or thinking of God, rather than worrying abut your next appointment. Let His words fill you up, and sing songs of joy. Not worrying about what your appearance is, but what your attitude is. Others may tell you, sometimes when you don't want to know. Best to rely on God.

I read recently where the Crystal Cathedral went bankrupt. Very sad. Maybe an external sign of an internal heart condition. What are you showing on the outside? Are you spiritually broke, or rich in the things of God? What does God hear when you give, and what does He see when you go out? I'm afraid the answer will surprise us all, maybe even shock us. But will we let it change us? And yet He loves us. Which only reinforces, what a loving and forgiving God He is. Just like the song says... grace is amazing! Jesus-is the reason for every season. It shouldn't take a calendar to remind you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

on assignment

From the very start I never was fond of homework assignments. And as I got older, I only saw them as a way to deter me from my girlfriend, riding, and then my night job. Study hall-wasn't that the social hour of the day? Yet these annoying assignments would carry on into my adult life, and into my career. And still do to this day...it seems there are so many roads and so little time.

When managing a route for Coca Cola, I would be given the next week's assignments of Friday. Leaving me all weekend to grouse about, until I changed my attitude. Why worry until Monday and ruin a good weekend, especially when I could do nothing about them until Monday? So I didn't, and my attitude, and success rate changed-for the better.

I have a friend in the military, not sure who he reports to, but will be called on assignment to various places around the world. Mission accomplished, he goes home,waiting for his next assignment. His quality of performance measured higher than his quantity of performances. A lesson I would take to heart when going into full time ministry. I was used to putting 16 hours into each 10 hour day, now God would give me an assignment, and I would have free time in between. Which didn't always sit well with friends or family, who still worked by the clock, or it seemed around the clock. It wasn't fair I had all this free time. But only in obedience did I find it. But I learned that the quality of the job is what God wanted, and I needed the rest time in between to prepare for the next one. And what a great place to spend in conversation with God than riding.

Where God guides, He provides, and yet so many complain. "If God wants me to go, He better send me the cash," not understanding if He guides, the resources are already in place. Doubt God, why would I believe your words. Your walk is as important as your talk. And as He says, obedience is better than sacrifice, so obey. We can look to Jonah, who didn't, David who did against Goliath, Gideon, who won a battle against 185,000 with only 300 fat, overweight non-soldiers, and Samson, winning a battle, but blinded by his sin. He won, but never lived to enjoy the victory-or to see it. In each case the assignment God gave them, the outcome was known to Him. It meant victory, for them too, if they obeyed. The first rule, obey all rules. Start by obeying God. You may not need all the rules if you do. But sometimes we all must be dragged kicking and screaming into the Kingdom of God. Aren't you glad Jesus fulfilled His assignment, to seek and save a dying world? What if He had become lazy, or listened to His friends? What if he was late, or doubted His Father? Where would we be without salvation? But God....we complain. You don't understand. Maybe it is us that don't get it. After all, did He consult you the day He created the heavens and the earth? Sometimes it may look like it, it's always better to let Him lead. Following in obedience.

You see it takes trusting God, and then obeying. James puts it this way. You have faith, then show me your works. Prove your faith...others are watching, God already knows. And the truth is, God never fails, but we have that potential, when we disobey. Remember, it wouldn't be a miracle if you could do it yourself! It takes Jesus, and the guiding of the Holy Spirit to be successful. So He gives us a very simple, yet challenging assignment every day. LOVE. That's it. And despite our failures, still wants to bless us by giving us opportunities to do just that. Homework, or at work, play or display-LOVE. It is more than an emotion, it is the person of Jesus Christ!

"But I do," we offer in defense. The scripture also tells us these things shall follow them that believe. What is following you? What is your score? Who gets the credit for any of your success? If it is anyone but God, you fail. So go ahead and be a success today, in Christ. Trust Him in the little things, and they may not become big things. And after you trust Him in little things, He will assign you bigger things. Look at assignments as potential blessings, anyone have too many?

Your assignment may not be nine feet tall, with twelve fingers and toes, and may not be a trained killer, like Goliath was. But the same God who gave little David victory promises you the same, if you obey. I've read the book, we win. So start living like it! Have the attitude David had when questioned about his foe. "God was with me against the bear, and against the lion. Why would He not be with me now?" So there is your assignment for today, love the Lord with all your heart, and enjoy the day. Knowing that no matter what you are called to do, God has prepared you.

No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks. Finish your assignments on time. Let the blessings begin!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

---

Saturday morning smells

Tucked deep within the recesses of my memories, are the times spent on Saturday mornings, changing the oil, polishing the chrome, and hanging out with other riders. By 9am the garage would be full of riders, and the driveway full of bikes. And the conversations would be rich of Friday night date conquests, new roads you had heard about, or did you see the new Pirelli calendar-the rated X version that they used to put out in very limited numbers, with its artfully displayed semi-nude women? It took a connection to get on-and you had one. The talk would often be of which new bike was faster, and how someday you would own one-just about the time it became the second fastest as the industry was changing. But as rich as the conversation was, the smells from the garage were priceless. The smell of two-stroke oil from the Wildman's Mach III. The smell of the Gunk, as you wiped off all the oil that leaked onto the exhaust or engine, and as friends helped you wipe it down, you learned about other bikes. But the smell you enjoyed the most was one of Castrol Racing R, bean oil. Racing castor oil, the original synthetic. There was something that when it reached your nostrils and burned their insides, was appealing. Something missing today, in our ultra-clean protected world.

Today oil spills are wiped up immediately, and the bag of cat dirt to cover spills is gone. Where as a British bike, or the occasional Harley would mark its spot, now floors are antiseptically clean, and the smells gone. No bean oil, synthetic gives off no odor, no more two-strokes, and we use Simple Green instead of Gunk, as we are environmentally correct-not necessarily by choice. And as we got older, the crowd on Saturday mornings would thin out, as girlfriends and wives became part of our lives. But that special time of friends hanging out together, then going for a ride remains, if only in memories. A time where after the ride we all split off, but would meet up again the next week. A time of respect for the others ride, as you never asked if you could borrow another guy's bike. But if offered a ride, you understood that as soon as you sat on it, you took ownership-it was yours. And you were responsible for anything that happened to it. Which kept many off of other bikes, money talked even in these pre-401k days. We had respect for each other, and what we rode, although we all rode different brands. The Wildman rode a Kawasaki, Bouke his Z-1, Bill his 750 Honda, and I rode a BMW. Four guys, three brands, with one common bond-motorcycles. And after that, nothing else counted for anything. Fellowship among riders, who when alone on Saturday mornings would argue the merits of our own rides, but when out would brag on each others ride, how fast they were, or how great they handled. No one spoke of mpg, and we never had to speak of fun-if you rode you knew.

Fellowship is part of the Christian lifestyle. We love to get together, and with Jesus in common, the talk is of and about Him. But let me ask, would He feel comfortable in your garage Saturday morning? Would you feel comfortable with Him? Yet so many times we don't get it that Jesus would love to hang out with us. To check the oil, make a Slurpee run, and clean the chrome. Yet we don't let Him in-we turn our back on Him. Yet what a better place to share, or be a witness than hanging out, with Jesus. He rides, you ride. You need Him, He's there. And all talk doesn't have to be religious talk-some of my best times with God have been talking about rides or trips I've taken. He loves you as you are, and knows your likes-and dislikes. He won't force Himself on the situation, but has to be invited in. Do you invite Him in, into your secular world? Golfers, is He with you for 18 holes? Moms, is He with you at the mall, or hairdressers? Is He at work with you, commuting, and lane splitting? Is He part of your Saturday morning fellowship time, then the ride, or is He a Sunday morning, gotta spend an hour with Him friend?

Invite Jesus into your life-all parts of it. Watch as shopping, riding, and golfing take on a new meaning. Get out into the world, with Him along, and truly minister. How many of us are offended when preached at, but love to talk of the things of God? How many may come to church with us, or listen to our testimonies, if only we become their friend first? If we listen to them first-they too may have something to say, and that ride, or problem you may have may be within listening distance, but only if they are invited in. Try that one out when someone suggests you go out witnessing, be a witness every day like the Lord asks. When others see you having fun, they naturally want to join in, invite them in. And as Christians we should have more fun than anyone, so enjoy it. Be a witness to God's love for us, and watch as the gospel is spread to those who never would listen or visit. As you grow in the Lord, and make friends you never knew you had. As religion is passed over for a relationship, and the smells of Saturday morning are renewed.

Jesus and motorcycles-he gets it. Do you? You're invited over to my garage any Saturday morning, many will respond to that invite, but turn down church. Reach out to them, let the chapel of Saturday morning permeate more than bean oil, more than burning rubber. Bench race about your life, and find out how much Jesus is part of it. You may even find this time of fellowship ministers to you....only to be followed by let's ride!

If you miss the invite, you may miss the ride. And that would be a horrible thing....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it takes more than a hat to be a cowboy

It was while living in Durango I came face to face with real cowboys. Hats, boots, horses, and walking bowlegged, these were real cowboys, and just living among them I picked up many traits. Yes, cowboy boots are the most comfortable shoe you can wear, long before Nike Air. I even won a contest and had a real custom cowboy hat made, big feather and all like JR Ewing's. And my wife even had a horse, a palomino named Trigger. But no matter how I loved Roy Rogers, or watched Wild,Wild West did I become a true cowboy. I couldn't ride, or more precisely, the horse knew I couldn't ride. My last attempt was getting on, and it sprinting to the barn with me hanging on-not my choice! And so I never became a cowboy, although I could talk the talk, and walk the walk-just don't ask me to ride the ride.

Friday night we took the kids to Cruising Grand, the last one of the summer. It was Nitro night, and the highlight was dragsters firing off-I love that loud music, and then after dark, watching as they creeped down Grand with flames shooting from the exhaust. Four year old Landon had nothing to say but cool and awesome as he watched with his eyes glued to them. And waved from the crowd. And I remember Wednesday nights at Raceway Park in Englishtown, and all day Sundays watching the races-section E at the starting line. I knew guys who raced, and all the popular racer's names. Fearless Fred Goeske, Jungle Jim Lieberman, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, and others-heroes to all us horsepower starved youth. And our highlight upon leaving was racing in our minds next to other traffic, practicing our braking techniques when a cop car showed up. I knew the rules, could drive a clutch, even drive fast-just never got in front of any staging lights. But in my dreams-I was fast!

Over the years I have watched the great things churches have done. Feed the hungry, various mission trips, and giving a hand up and out to the needy. But I have also attended churches where they had a "Man of the Year," who I thought would be Jesus, but this was based on a man's accomplishments. And I never bought into it. You see Jesus even confronted the church, and when they bragged on things they did for the church, He rebuked them. And it continues today, so many doing good things for the church, but not necessarily for God. All things Jesus did pointed to God-are our hearts and motives as pure? These are not necessarily bad things, but can be good things. But Jesus looked at their heart, and saw they only wanted to please the church, doing things for the church-not fully realizing they were only helping themselves-we are the church! And despite doing many good things, missed doing great things in the eyes of God. A legalistic approach to ministry that should be spiritually based.

Did you ever wonder why Jesus didn't heal all the sick? Why only certain men in the crowd were healed? Maybe it is because He operated in the spirit-He did what His dad told Him to do. And what we do based on what God tells us to do can have profound ramifications! When we obey-in the spirit! You see even the best cowboy is going to get thrown from his horse, and a drag racer will red light. But if you ask them, they may not be able to put into words why they do what they do, but God does. It takes a heart, and a passion, which comes from dedication. A love for the life and lifestyle, something not seen, not tangible. It comes from the heart. Maybe Mother Theresa said it best, when being interviewed in a fly ridden ghetto hospital, filthy and over run with dysentery. The reporter said "I wouldn't do this for a million dollars!" To which she replied, "neither would I."

Guess which one gained favor with God?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---