the last man standing

Remember dodge ball, that seemingly innocent game we played in elementary school?  Where a group of kids were placed in a circle and the others surrounded them rolling balls towards them trying hit them and take them out?  I wonder if they still play that today in our politically correct schools?  But do you remember WAR, where in Jr. High we split into two teams, with volleyballs placed in the middle, and then when the whistle blew we ran to them and picked them up, throwing them to hit the other team?  And at a time where a teenaged hand could palm it, they could be thrown with great velocity, trying to inflict pain on whoever you hit.  But if they caught it, then you would go out, until like the lucky checker making it all the way across the board, you could come back in when your team mates caught one they threw-the checker that had been jumped now came back as a king.  And as the teams got smaller through elimination, it came down to the last man standing, and being pummeled by multiple balls, and the remaining team winning, and then we started all over again.  And this game was a staple in Jersey schools, where on rainy days, what else was there in Jersey, your gym class stayed in and this is what you did.  Ridding yourself of all aggression, leaving with bruises, red marks, and floor burns-wishing gym period had lasted longer.  Why didn’t we have this much fun in science-maybe let us smash a few atoms? 

A similar game, but not using balls, was called GORILLA!  In our neighborhood you could usually gather 10-12 guys easily, and one would stand in the middle, he was “it”, and the rest ran at him, while he would try to tackle one.  And as they were tackled, they joined in on the tackling, until one last kid standing would run across and be gang tackled by all-think of it as an 11 to 1 disadvantage both in the beginning and the end.  Bloody noses, bruised, and tired, it was fun, and one ever wanted to be the first one to quit.  Some would play king of the hill, fun but not enough hitting, Red Rover, I think the girls played this, but for us it was GORILLA!  And for us on rainy gym class days WAR.  Right to the end where only one man standing was left, and then to the showers and off to class, or repeated until the period ended.  And we all tried to be the last man standing, even though the punishment could be harsh.  To the victor belongs his bruises...what games do you remember?

Every time you take a stand for something you become a target of those who don’t agree with you.  And so it was with the 12 Apostles of Jesus.  But a strange thing happened, that whenever Christians got persecuted, Christianity spread, and the more persecuted, the faster and more reaching it was.  But yet all 12 apostles were to die a horrible death, and all not as martyrs.  Judas took his own life, hanging on a tree, then falling to earth, his guts bursting out.  But for the others, not as simple.  Peter, the tough guy who once was intimidated by a teenage girl who accused him of being with Jesus, was crucified upside down, claiming he was not fit to be killed like his savior.  James was put to death a day before Passover.  Andrew who was known for bringing people to Jesus, was put to death, by crucifixion.  Bartholomew and Phillip’s deaths are unknown.  Matthew lived many years and penned a gospel, becoming a missionary and dying in Ethiopia.  Thomas, anything but a doubter, started churches in India that still exist today, and was killed by a lance, and his death is both celebrated in India and Persia.  James Alpheus was stoned and beaten with clubs until his brains gushed out.  No word on Simon the Canaanite, and it is said that Jude was martyred in Persia.  Finally John the Beloved was boiled in oil, and when this human french fry didn’t die was exiled to Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation.  All these men died for the stand they took on Jesus Christ, and even Paul, an apostle was beheaded, but like the others after taking the gospel to everywhere they went.

Do you have what it takes to be a Christian?  Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow Him, and for those that do, heaven awaits.  But that doesn’t mean an easy life.  Do not believe the lie that all will be perfect, someday it will, but expect to lose friends, be the butt of jokes, and be singled out like the last kid in war or GORILLA!  This is no dodge ball game where threats are rolled out at you, they are slings and arrows meant to hurt and kill, just like they did to Jesus.  Consider the risk, and even more consider the risk if you don’t choose Jesus.  Are you willing to become a target for Jesus, to take a stand for Him, to risk being the last man standing?  If you are, consider the eternal rewards, and as many today are martyred worldwide for the faith, one killed every six seconds, think about your witness for Jesus Christ?  Are you showing enough love to invite aggression from the enemy?  Are your actions and attitudes done in love so that others will want that special thing you can only have in Jesus?  Or do they wonder about your words because they don’t match your actions?  Is there enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian? 

The first shall be last, and the last shall be first, we are told in scripture.  But those who are stuck in-between, going either way and never taking a stand, are repulsive to God, He vomits them out of His mouth.  Is all your life in Christ have to show is puke?  Take a stand for Christ today.  Show love, compassion, and forgiveness.  Just like He did.  Share, don’t preach or force the gospel on anyone, but share in love, be the witness the apostles were, and be willing to share His love even unto death.  Which you will never experience, as heaven awaits.  Are you willing to live enough for Christ on earth so you can live with Him in heaven?  Or are we like Peter, who was afraid of a teenage girl’s accusations?  Hs anyone accused you of being a Christian lately?  We are at war, but we have won, yet battles remain to be fought for the souls of others.  That one last man standing who hasn’t heard the gospel yet.  Will you be the one?  Or are you the one not having heard the gospel yet?

Politically or spiritually correct, which do you want to be?  Either way you are taking a stand...are you wiling to be the last man standing for Christ?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Psalm 23 revisited

I’m not sure why, but there is a competitive spirit in each of us that wants to win, no matter the contest.  And I am not sure that in winning I am not really losing, or vice-versa.  We were sitting and talking about things we wish we hadn’t said, and been embarrassed about.  I sat and laughed mostly to myself, thinking I have done enough stupid things to fill a column, which can be related to daily.  But I sat quiet, and at the right time proceeded to talk.  I was in high school working for Sears in the warehouse.  We would help out in customer service when it got busy, and one afternoon we were swamped.  It was more accurately called customer pick-up, for this is where the customers would pick up their larger purchases not found on the shelves.  So when deciding which story to tell, the ping pong table, the water heater on the conveyer belt, or the Tard, I started to tell about that busy Saturday afternoon.  Usually 5-6 people would be there waiting, today it was 20+ and backed out the door.  We would take their receipt, call it in and wait for the merchandise to arrive, have them sign the log book as having received it and they would go with whatever they bought.  Sounds simple...but that day in the heat of battle one man just stood there waiting his turn, and I was his luck of the draw.  As I wrote it out in the book,  I said “here buddy, sign this,” and he replied  “I can’t.”  “C’mon man, we’re busy, just sign here,” and again he said “I can’t.”  Losing patience, an innate trait among Jerseyans, I asked “ whattsa matter, you blind?”  To which he replied “yes.”  I had neglected the white cane and dark glasses in my hurrying, and felt horrible.  So I did the honorable thing, and walked out the side door, leaving him standing alone to deal with someone else.  Coming back some 15 minutes later he was gone, and so was the crowd, and we all had a good laugh.  And so did those I was telling the story to that day.  When someone made the comment, well at least he didn’t see your face, and laughed, until someone said “but I bet he’ll know your voice.”  Something I had never considered before...I think I’ll call it Psalm 23 revisited.

Psalms tells us in various places that the sheep-us, know the shepherd’s voice-Jesus.  In real life, all sheep are herded together into one pen, and each shepherd then calls out and only his sheep respond.  And so it is, or can be, or should be with us and our relationship with Jesus.  He speaks to us in a voice we can hear with more than our ears, and calms us, reassures us, and  comforts us as needed.  Then we as sheep, who often go astray, can follow Him and be restored and forgiven.  But also like sheep, who are so stupid they make cows look smart, sheep have no defense, aren’t smart enough to get in out of the rain, are dirty, and always straying away and getting lost.  Without a shepherd they are prey to all aggressors, and in danger of dying.  I guess Jesus pegged us pretty good with that one.  But He also pegged it pretty good when He is described as our mighty fortress in times of trouble, mighty King, Lord of Lords, and as we read in Revelation can and will destroy Satan just by speaking the words,  no great Hollywood type battle, His words are that strong, just as He is.  And as the great shepherd, just like any good shepherd, He goes ahead of the herd, clearing a path, finding water and nourishment, and giving them safe passage.  He is the great shepherd as He does all these things for us, too, and even knows our name, and our voice.  And much unlike me at Sears that day, is patient, kind, considerate, good, meek, and exhibits self control.  All fruit of the spirit, characteristics of God, that as Christians we can have as gifts when we obey Jesus.  Even works in New Jersey I hear, and if it can work there, imagine what it can do in the real world.   Or even yours!

As a forever wandering sheep, I am glad I don’t have to ever wonder about my great shepherd, Jesus.  There even when I can’t see Him, and always willing to help and talk with me.  In the age where we still want to do our own thing, sheep are still miserable, but we don’t have to be.  Make your thing Jesus, and quit wandering away from the things of God.  Hear His voice and follow and obey, knowing that when He directs your path, you will make your destination, and when you encounter trouble along the way, as we will, He is the mighty God, awesome in power, to guide and protect.  So, ask yourself this, if God is for us, who or what can be against us?  And remember whoever or whatever is, is also against Jesus, and He never loses.  So why would you choose to follow any other?  If you have, or do, you may not want to share about the stupid thing you did, that’s pride, but use it as part of your testimony, for all of us like sheep have gone astray.  And it takes the great shepherd to get us back.  His name is Jesus...and He knows your voice.  Isn’t it about time you get to know His?

Just another day in the day of a life....stupid hurts, Jesus heals.  Now the only question, what was that blind man going to do with his color TV?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

blokes, chaps, and mates

The one thing I love about the English is that they are so English.  And although we have a direct heritage to them, we the US of A, who they refer to as the colonies, many words have gotten lost in translation over the years, of course our fault.  All this from the country who drives on the right side of the road, or the wrong side of the road in most countries.  But their terms for automobiles can leave many wondering what they are speaking of.  Have you ever ridden in a saloon?  Most popular body style sold in the world, we call them sedans.  My wife loves her drop head Mustang, a convertible to you colonists.  When we buy our petrol, we should take a look under the bonnet, our hood, and check the spare tyre, kept in the boot, our trunk.  But my favorite term for a car is the shooting brake, which we call our SUV, which has evolved from the station wagon.  How many soccer moms, football those in the UK call it, would lineup to own the latest shooting brake?  And the list goes on.

Mechanics use spanners to take things apart, Snap-on calls them wrenches.  Cars are made in works, not factories, and spares are the parts we replace when they wear out or break.  Talked to your spares counter man lately?

Now suppose while waiting you run into some bloke, a man, who is waiting for his mate to pick him up.  His mate is not his wife, but his friend, although a wife can be a friend and should be.  A decent chap if he is a mate to both-friend that is.  And so it goes that while learning to speak English, we must deal with the English language.  The Queen’s English if you will.  Oh, and by the way, if one of your mates talks about dropping a few pounds, he is losing money, or a few quid, the English equivalent of our dollar.  But the exchange rate will kill you if you think all pounds and dollars are equal.    And ministering is also different, as their government has Ministers of Defense, the Interior, and other government functions, here ministers minster the gospel.  A huge difference, a mistake you don’t wish to make in either country.  Why don’t you blokes take a break, lean against a wing, your car’s fender, hoist a pint, and let’s talk cars.  Jolly good...don’t you think?

And so it is easy to see how the same words can get you into trouble, but maybe not out of trouble.  I am reminded of a conversation with a young Navajo girl on the reservation in Shiprock.  She was of the new generation, and spoke new Navajo, much different from the old Navajo, that the US used for codes in WWII as it was not a written language, and couldn’t be translated.  And she explained that one word in the current language could mean nice, but in the old could men you have a face like a horse.  OK if you are another horse.  Careful here mates, or you chaps could get in a world of hurt.  So imagine the situation God faced on the day of Pentecost.  Different men from different backgrounds speaking different languages.   Imagine Peter addressing the crowd, with his thick Galilean accent, the same one that gave him away to the little girl in the Garden of Gethsemane, and God had a task on His hands.  But being God, He was able to solve it and make it work for all-he had them hear Peter’s words, each in their own language, so they understood.  They would have known the difference between a saloon and a bar, or a bonnet or a hood, and those in shooting brakes would have been able to ride in the commuter lane.  They understood because God wanted them to, He holds no secrets to those that seek Him.  And the biggest secret He has ever revealed is Jesus, so we can return to fellowship with Him.  He doesn’t want to be separated from us, He wants to be close and part of our lives-the most important part.  And He leaves it up to us, as real love demands a choice, not a demand or a law to enforce it.  Love conquers all-and is a noun, God, a verb, He loved us first, an adjective, his loving kindness, and the list goes on.  So you might say we are mates, friends of Jesus.  But sadly some blokes aren’t, yet on the Day of Pentecost, 3000 blokes came to be mates in Jesus.  And it continues today...

God speaks to us in many ways, His word, pray, via the Holy Spirit, and through other blokes, if we are listening and looking.  Seeking and finding, just like promised, to all in abundance.  So after praying today, listen to God, and for His words.  They will be in a language that makes sense to you, and He will provide an understanding when needed.  You just have to trust and obey.  Don’t get it, refer to the owner’s manual, the Bible, and ask Him again-and keep listening!

He knows your number plate, your name.  And He wants to bless you, with spares in abundance, and works never ceasing.  Petrol for the soul, and air in your tyre.  So climb in your coupe, drop head, saloon, or shooting brake, and seek Him today.  He is a dynamo, an alternator of power, and never ceases.  Be like the 3000 who came not speaking the language, but left united as one in the spirit.  They came as blokes, but left as mates and chaps.  Friends.  May we all do the same.  No matter which side of the car the wheel is on.  Don’t keep His love hidden in your boot. And you thought a shooting brake was just a time to reload.  Bloody colonists.  Now can anyone please explain Whitworth bolts to me?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

not guilty doesn't mean innocent

Jim Woods, Mayor of Oceanside gets it.  When first approached by Torches Across America, he proclaimed September 11th as a First Responders Day, and then was there to send us off on our cross country ride.  Now not being a biker, he stood out among the leather and denim, tattoos, and earrings-that is just the men, and wearing a three piece suit got a suspicious eye from many.  So when I introduced him, I advised him publicly, that most people in suits remind us of court, and they are usually against us.  On the other side of the desk against us.  It got a laugh, and Jim went with it.  He loosened his tie quickly, and opened his vest as a show of support, a politician to the end.  But next year I was greeted by the same man, this time in a Hawaiian print shirt, still no denim or leather, but being greeted by “look Mike, no suit and tie,” I knew he got it.  At least he didn’t show up in brand new leathers like a newbie.  Maybe a man I would like to have in my corner if I ever went to court.  I can just hear him explaining my leathers to the judge...

Going to court can be a scary thing.  Just walking in the courtroom you feel guilty about something, and those being tried are really at the mercy of a judge.  One of four scenarios can play out-being proven not guilty but still having done the crime, found guilty, but not having done the crime, innocent and being found innocent, and finally guilty and being found guilty.  Not guilty does not have to mean innocent, just getting off when the evidence is not enough, the judge is not convinced or a jury feels not guilty.  Sadly many go free when they are guilty, even sadder is those who are innocent, but convicted.  But sadder still is those innocent of the accusation, but found guilty, and told “ well you got off for other things, your reputation finally caught up with you.”  And they call that justice?  So just mention court to some and they get an upset stomach, or judgment, and the tempers flare.  Voices rise, and those who are accused start boldly telling us how the Bible tells us to not judge.  But does it really say that?  And why do you only hear it from those caught in sin?  Where is the rest of the Bible they misquote so well, like you must be born again?  Like Jim, overdressed, but still willing to fit in. Guilty as charged.

Psalm 84:10a tells us “better is one day in your courts,” and the song goes on “than thousands elsewhere.”  Someday we will all go before a righteous judge, God almighty, where we could all be found guilty of sin.  All men sin and fall short of the glory of God, but some have chosen Jesus as their wonderful counselor, and taken His advice, and given their lives to Him.  When they are before God on judgment day, Jesus will represent them, us, and although guilty as charged, we will be found innocent by God, and a free pass into eternal life in heaven.  Others will not be so fortunate, as they will try to argue before God, but find Him just and right, with no argument to rescue them from hell.  They had their chance on earth, but chose other things over the things of God-they denied Jesus, and so He denies them on that day.  No parole, probation, or hung jury-judgment is swift and harsh-hell forever.  No chance to change clothes to fit in and no excuses accepted.  The truth that has set others free will be used to condemn you.  A day of judgment all Christians should be looking forward to with great anticipation, as heaven awaits, all troubles are gone, and no more lies or excuses will ever be heard.  All coming to an end in that one day in court.  Truly I rather spend that one day in court with Jesus to represent me than try to go it alone on earth without Him. 

How wonderful is your attorney?  Is he called the wonderful counselor by the Bible, or is he a $400/ hour servant of the court?  Is he court  provided, or just a friend pro bono?  Only Jesus can save you on that day of judgment, He is the only wonderful counselor, and one day in His court leads to thousands elsewhere.  He is what depends on the elsewhere you spend eternity in.  So today call ahead, ask Him to forgive you. Have your name written in the Book of Life.  We are all guilty, but only those who are in Christ will be found not guilty.  Not guilty doesn’t mean innocent, it does mean forgiven.  Remember that next time, or this time.  Ask forgiveness before that awesome day when we will be free at last-not guilty, for no facts will be there to support the accusations, all because of Jesus.  Not guilty as charged, but not innocent either.  Forgiven.  Justice and judgment never looked so good.  So, how’s your day going?  We all have a court date waiting for us, I can hardly wait for mine.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the 8% solution or vote early and vote often

One Harry Callahan, inspector, philosopher, marksman, and he of memorable movie lines, when asked once to rate a woman, his candid reply was “on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give her a two, only because I’ve never seen a one.”  High praise from a man who has probably seen more than a few twos in his time.  And no, 5 twos do not equal a ten!  So much for public school math.  So yesterday, when listening to the latest on the government shutdown, the most recent poll showed an 8% approval rating-92% disapproved of the job the Congress was doing!  Which brings up some rather interesting questions.  First, who elected them?  Us.  Second, what’s the matter with the 8% who think they are doing a good job?  These two groups are the ones that scare me, they were all elected by majority vote, makes you wonder about the other candidates who lost.  Remember the old Monopoly Community chest card “collect $10 for winning second place in a beauty contest?”  And of those elected, only 8 out of 100 are doing an approved job?  Has the dumbing down of America finally hit home, via our elected representatives?  And although Harry’s observation was over 35 years ago, have we finally seen that elusive 1?

My best friend in at TJHS, Terrill Junior High School was Bill Moore.  His older sister Debbie was an over achiever, and so when it was Bill’s turn to run for school president, it was natural he would.  And running against Roger it was to be a tough race, both were popular, but Bill had the gift of expressing himself better.  Today we just call them fast talkers, but Bill being of the high IQ set, could verbalize himself very well.  Until that fateful assembly in the spring of our 8th grade, when the candidates spoke.  The posters had been hung, all the school was a buzz about the election, and Bill was the last to speak at the assembly.  And it was a speech few would remember, but many never forget, at least his opening line.  Everyone else was polite, formal, and courteous, Bill was Bill.  After recognizing Mr. Dezort the principal, and the vice principals, he then went on to mention “and all you grease, clique, and soul brothers.”  And the few that laughed were soon overcome by the deafening silence that followed.  He had called the spade a dirty shovel, and although he was right on, he was way off.  And Roger won going away....maybe the beginning of the 8% solution we need today.

Irregardless of who you voted for, these people represent you.  Or do they?  So we only have ourselves, and each other to blame with the current Congress.  Which gives us a chance to rectify it next year.  Keep the 8% in mind when you vote.  Now, in other news, a man was tried and convicted, of no crime, and sentenced to death, with only one man not voting guilty, his an abstention, he took no stand on the matter.  But the man was crucified anyway, and today, this man chosen to represent His father in heaven, is down in some polls, but still the best man for the job available.  The man of course, is Jesus Christ.  Who was appointed by God to be His representative of Him to us, and who many call Savior, and are appreciative of His representation.  But we are also called to be His representative in this world, and that is scary to some.  As I look around, I wonder why a great God who chose a perfect man would choose us, just the complete opposite?  What was He thinking?  And His command is simple, “represent me on earth, I’ll represent you in heaven on judgment day.”  If you don’t, He won’t.  Simple enough, but then the religionists get into it, and pretty soon the polls will be slanted against Him, and His representatives.  While all of us who voted with our lives for Him will be condemned, but only here on earth.

So let’s take a look at Jesus’ qualifications.  He was a man of the people, although he preferred the down and out, a better class of people.  No MBA, although He was the wisest man ever, sorry Solomon.  He cured the tax problem when He pulled a coin from a fish and told the people to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and could virtually eliminate welfare feeding 5000 with meager means-He was the Surgeon General, the Agricultural Secretary who advised on the planting of seed via a parable, and had full control of inflation, and the supply of money.  Sounds like a man I would vote for, and besides that He could offer and guarantee life after death-and freedom from religion.   With a direct line to God!  Wisdom so great that our great US of A used His principals when forming the Constitution, good words to live by then and now.  His bill of rights was even simpler, love your neighbor as yourself, and go out and enjoy your life.  Loving Him first, which should be easy based on His success rate.  So would you vote for Him?  Have you?  If not, what are you waiting for?  There is none better than the best...and ask yourself, who are you representing with your witness?  Why would He represent you in heaven?

Of all the campaign promises ever made, all His are yes and amen 100%.  No excuses, no tricky promises, or campaign slogans.  You must be born again, He told Nicodemus, and Nicky got it-He of power and wealth.  He gave it all up for Jesus, will you give it up to represent Him?  Try His website, directly to Him for healthcare, and see what happens, a direct line to the great physician.  Food for the hungry, clothes for the naked, and security for the scared.  King of Kings, Lord of Lords, yet many don’t cast their vote for Him.  Your chance for politics, to be a representative of Jesus among His constituents, are you up to the task?

Today many of the grease, clique, and soul brothers Bill addressed represent Jesus.  They see a promise in Him few can offer, and no one else can deliver.  So let Him into your heart today, and let this majority of one enter your life and heart.  And represent Him in all you do.  Who else would have His Father’s endorsement, and full and complete trust, with the most valuable commodity on earth, us?  It only takes one vote, for Him in your heart to change things.  A 92% failure rate is not good in anything, and once again for the very first time many will be re-elected.  The time for change is now, today is the day of salvation.  Over 50 years agao a famous President in His inaugarual speech told us “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”  Still works today, and who can be better for America than Jesus Himself?  Choose Him today and start a whole new House of Representatives....or choose the old Chicago mantra...vote early and vote often.  The choice is yours, who represents you?  Do you represent Him? 

Vote Jesus today, the only chance for the dead to vote.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

half the distance to first base

I remember well that hot July night in Scotch Plains when we all sat around the TV watching Neil Armstrong take his first step onto the moon, and speak those immortal words “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”  Taking a giant step, as they believed the moon to be billions of years old, and the dust covering it miles deep, and afraid he and the lunar landing module would sink in the dust.  So much for theory, as we know he didn’t, and the Bible tells us it isn’t, but that night when he took his leap of faith, very few of us knew the perceived danger...but Neil did.  And he took that step in faith.  I can associate with small steps, and the importance of them after my open heart surgery.  At four days after surgery, they have you up and walking, hard for me as I was still in a coma, and later found out they were just trying to keep me alive.  But four days after that, when Nurse Jackie told me “today we walk,” I was scared.” I hadn’t walked in over two weeks, was very weak, it took two nurses just to get me into a chair right next to my bed, and my legs were weak, as was the rest of me.  I had no clue as to the beating your body took from the surgery, but I was learning...fast.  So as she helped me stand, and I was ready to sit again, we began to walk, very small steps, more shuffling than walking, and after about 20 feet I couldn’t go any farther.  I was ready to give up, but she kept telling me I could go another five feet.  Which I did, and then turning around the room seemed miles away.  But she kept insisting I could do it, telling me how strong I was, boy was she wrong, and finally I made it back to room 14, and to bed.  I had travelled maybe 50 feet, half the distance to first base, no even the distance to the pitching mound, and I was exhausted.  I had taken one giant leap, and many small steps, and was to learn how important small steps were to be in my recovery.  And how excited others were as I progressed.

The Cardiac Critical Care was on a square, with the hall inside 3 laps to a 1/4 mile.  The next time I went a bit farther, maybe second base, and when I completed my first lap, Carol a nurse, who stood up and applauded when I walked by, greeted me at the other side of the lap doing cartwheels!  No one had expected me to even live, and here I was doing a lap-many, many small steps, and many more to go.  But I was walking and growing in strength, but with no regimen yet.  While walking with Nurse Candy, she kept telling me “go further, do more, you need more strength,” but still no goals given.  So I stopped her, and asked “what was the date of your open heart surgery?”  And after she admitted she never had one, I confessed “well I have, and I am trying as hard as I can.  But I have no goals, I’m not even sure how well I am doing.”  And it was quiet until we got back to my room, where she and Theresa made up a walking regimen for me, with 4 days of goals, written on the board for me to see, and the nurse to help with.  And Candy was met with a surprise, when she came in the next morning to walk with me.  The board had been erased, and when she asked why, it was because I had surpassed them.  Four days of regimen had been completed in one day, and I was ready for more.  Only God and those who counted the steps while walking me knew how many small steps I had taken.  What had begun as a giant leap, just getting out of bed, was made strong by many small steps.  Urged on by caring nurses, a wife’s love, and a loving God, my healer Jesus Christ, who knows all about giant leaps and small steps.  I was to take many more small steps, and another leap the day I walked out of rehab after 5 days, instead of 4 weeks as planned.  Between not being outside for almost 30 days, and not wearing shoes, when Nurse Jessie asked for a wheelchair, I wanted to walk out.  As I grabbed her arm as she told me, I was about to make another giant leap of small steps.  Neil may have walked on the moon, I was overjoyed to be walking in Albuquerque.  And it all started with half the distance to first base.  Never had such a short walk required such endurance.

As all Christians know it took a giant leap of faith when we came to the Lord.  We were going into uncharted waters, and after that giant leap, were not sure always how our lives were to change.  And so in discipleship we took many small steps, and looking back were amazed at how far we had come.  But after the leap, come the steps, yet many are unwilling or unknowing of how to take them.  I get put off when I see some celebrity on TV declare how they have come to Jesus, and how He has changed their lives.  And then a few days later read about their drug bust, or DUI, and I wonder, were they willing to take the small steps.  Or were they so used to being treated special that Jesus was just another photo op for them, and a stepping stone in their career?  But sadder still are those who promote these big names in the name of God, showing how if they can do it, so can you.  And then covering them in adulation for what they have done, when it was Jesus who has done it all, and He gets second billing, if at all.  I can name the names of those who profess Christ publicly, but by their lifestyles show no evidence of it.  Men and women who even name ministries or charities after themselves, and are praised publicly, but wonder about their heart condition.  No small steps, they come out running, and burn out fast.  And I wonder, where was the church, a pastor, a friend to disciple them?  But more importantly, where was Jesus?  Was He even invited along?

They had taken the big step, the small ones must be easy, and how wrong they are.  My big step was having open heart surgery, the walking should be easy, I’ve done it for years.  Boy was I wrong, as I found I needed Jesus even more in my daily walk, as I had become more vulnerable to all types of aggressors, both spiritual, physical, and emotional.  It took Jesus to get me through the surgery, into a chair, and then out of bed and walk.  I have some insight as to the man whom Peter told to rise up and walk, but even more into Jesus when He says take up your cross and follow me.  Walk with me, lots of little steps, and grow in me.  It is always God who provides the growth, and has also laid out the path for us.  As the Good Shepherd He has gone before us and cleared the way, our part is in following, or being obedient.  And when the path gets dark, following Him in faith, because we know His voice and trust it.  Because of many small steps.

Jesus Christ is no one hit wonder.  Many today come and go in fame, sadly many newly saved Christians do too.  Take the giant leap of faith with Christ today, and then follow in small steps.  Many lead to long distances, for me it started as half the distance to first base, and ended up walking 1/4 of a mile.  No big deal to an athlete, but to an open heart patient, a marathon.  But I never walked alone, and still don’t today.  Let God guide your steps, and be the light for your path.  Don’t neglect the small steps for the famous large ones.  My one giant leap of faith in Christ has led to many small steps for me.  I hope you never know how good it feels to walk or ride a motorcycle again like I did after I couldn’t, but rest assured Jesus is there every step of the way.  We walk by faith, not by sight...the same faith that saved us will guide us in our daily walk.  Jesus Christ, it’s the small steps that make Him great.  What was the date of your giant leap?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

all in a day's ride

Traveling in the south, and parts of the southeast, once you are off the freeways, referred to as the Interstate, you find yourself on these magnificent back roads.  Roads that take you past farms, people’s homes and roadside businesses.  Traveling at a blistering 55mph, the speed limit, life goes by at a slower pace than we are used to in So Cal.  People leave themselves more time to get places, and on weekends the roads can be filled with country folk going into the city, and city folk heading for the country.  But in the last 15 years, a new highway system has encroached many previously secluded areas, it being the 4 lane highway, or as the locals will call it the 4 laner.  It doesn’t necessarily have to replace the old road, in many instances it runs parallel to it, where the old roadside businesses still exist, until some major chain opens up a Denny’s, Mickey D’s, or Subway, circumventing traffic to them and away from the old businesses.  And soon the old ones cannot stay open, and soon we get to travel coast to coast, or county to county like we do on freeways, never leaving home, some franchised system guaranteeing our visit will not provide any excitement, or local flavor.  Only the license plates on the cars change, and the price of a Happy Meal.  Isn’t this what we wanted?

But traveling in West Virginia, where it seems 1000 feet of straight without curves is the limit, we have ridden across both ways, never touching a 4 laner, until our last trip.  The Robert C. Byrd Expressway system had been completed, and miles of interstate type highway welcomes you, taking you through mountains and over canyons you previously had to go over or through.  Many roads going to places before only the locals would go, because they led to nowhere, except to where they called home.  But now hour long rides can be turned into a few minutes that to RC Byrd, who by the way was the longest man to sit in the US Senate, and understood pork better than anyone, and now it seems roads.  But while riding on them, you notice a peculiar absence of traffic, you can go miles without passing anyone, or anyone appearing in your rear view mirror.  And if lost, locals will be happy to give you directions, using the old roads, which to us is OK, that is where the best roads are.  Or like a man in Hew Hampshire asked, “do you want the quick road or the fun one?”  But I imagine that too will change, as new places to eat and gas up will appear by the 4 laners, and even the locals will frequent them. The land of the not so free, and the home of the franchised, and we wonder what ever happened to America?  Better yet, what has happened to us?

On one very rainy morning we were faced with a decision on which road to take, stay on the new 4 laner over the New River Gorge, or the old one down into it.  45 seconds or 45 minutes?  So we took the long way across, down and under.  And it took more than 45 minutes, in fact it took us back years.  Past waterfalls, over a single lane bridge, past streams, summer camps, and people living in the country, all with the new bridge over it in sight, at any time less than a half hour away, but really years ahead.  And while many looked down at the gorge, we looked up at the bridge, and its magnificent construction.  And we knew we had made the right choice, as if there was ever any doubt.  And once back in civilization, felt we had lost 30 years going in, but regained it coming out.  And something we would have hesitated to take in the car, was natural on a bike.  All roads go somewhere, but not all roads lead to anywhere.  And that is the roads we choose to ride.

Our walk with Christ is the same way.  We tend to take our relationship with Him seriously, and wish to enjoy life, not just get from one place to another.  The time spent in between is precious, and it is on the back roads of life we get to know Him better.  Radio off, cruising at a lower speed, taking in the countryside, we see God’s handiwork in blooming flowers, thick woods, and flowing streams.  You hear things with the motor off, even the tinkling of the muffler is the loudest thing, but can’t cancel out insect and birds-or the rushing stream.  It is in the quiet times we hear Him best, but He also speaks on 4 laners and other roads too.  I find you cannot go anywhere without Jesus, so why would you try to?  Yet some only consider Him when in trouble, and they cannot get themselves out of it.  Some only religiously, sometimes reluctantly making an appearance for a whole hour on Sunday.  For some He is used to curse others, and not acknowledged as God at all.  While others try to do good things to please Him, while really trying to make themselves look good.  See how good I am, giving a brief aside to Jesus.

But it is in the times spent with Him, we not only get to know Him better, we get to know ourselves too. Cruise set, AC on, and our favorite tunes on the stereo, He is far away.  But creeping along at 20 mph, He becomes more real, more evident.  And we get to see Him as He is, and as we are, and realize we need Jesus more and more.  That life is not a freeway, or an expressway.  It is the back roads with people where He lives.  The apple pie made with love, the extra scoop of ice cream, and getting sweet tea, you mean there is any other?  It is talking families, learning history, and feeling at home, rather than a stranger at a Denny’s.  The menu is local, the flavor is local, and you are but a stranger once.  The way to ride, the way to live, and a good example of Jesus.  We are but strangers once, then family, and soon He calls us friends.  A first name basis, just like saying Bill sent me, or I was told to ask for Shorty.  Friends based on who sent you, and who you send.

And so God sent His son Jesus, so we could get back to Him.  Says so right in John 3:16.  He loves us, and wants to spend time with us.  Maybe just an extra half hour, but one you will remember all week, or years from now.  Take the time to spend with Jesus.  Take an old road home.  The shortest distance between two points may be the longer ride.  We bikers know this, and would rather spend an hour riding home than 30 minutes stuck in traffic.  A time to get away, and get with God.  A time to look up under the bridge, and get a whole new look at life. 

Spend some time with God today, don’t be in a hurry.  Bob Evans Family Farm is just off the new 4 laner, but accessible by the old roads.  History they call it, why not write some for yourself today to share with others.  There is this road I know, and with Jesus along it gets even better.  You may be what is happening to America right now, and wondering what has happened to us.  Long after you arrive home, it is the back roads you will remember, not the interstate exit number.  There is still time to look ahead, why not do it with Jesus, the best road you will ever travel.  As speeds you thought impossible.  I never knew you could have so much fun in third gear.  Jesus like America is out there, you don’t have to look very far.  All in a morning’s ride. 

By the way, the Bob Evans Farm is in Ohio.  Just off the 4 laner.  All in a day’s ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com