what good is fun if you don't enjoy it?

I love my old truck.  Old being 2003, bought new, a Ford Ranger Edge.  I wanted a simple, basic truck and that is what I got.  The only concession to luxury an automatic, due to prolonged driving in freeway traffic taxing my left leg.  But it has rubber floor mats, crank windows, and to adjust the outside mirrors, I have to roll the windows  down.  All things that have broken on other trucks I have owned....I just like simple.  Maybe that is why I like my Bonneville also, simple.  Two cylinders, one front disc, and no bags, computers, or extras.  Everything I need, and nothing I don’t.  So I can enjoy the ride more.  Same with my 1978 Suzuki, simple.  I like things I don’t have to worry about, things that don’t challenge me, and things I can enjoy.  Life is so complex today, I still seek a radio that only has on/off and volume.  A TV with only the old shows I watch, and my old LP’s.  It seems technology is a good thing, but for me it has just gone on too long.  And entering into a conversation the other night with three friends I was reminded of how complex life has become.  My grandfather born in 1905, pre Model T, grew up without radio, TV, computers, cell phones, only the rich had phones, he walked everywhere, and read by electric light, if he happened to live in a city.  He might have to hand pump his water, grow his own veggies, and his mother bake her own bread.  Wash by hand....I think you get the point.  And he turned out OK, today’s generation has never had a TV without a remote, a computer, cell phone.  Washers, like refrigerators are run by mother boards, telling them when to change cycles, or when it gets too warm.  Put a dial phone in front of them, they cannot operate it, and wouldn’t know to dial the operator like we did for help.  911 another thing they have never lived without.  But another thing was being discussed as I entered, the topic was scriptures, and arguing over meaning.  Maybe not an argument, but a heated discussion.  And then I was brought into it...

They were tripping over words, and not getting the context of the scripture.  And areas that didn’t have anything to do with Jesus.  It had become religious, and I pointed that out.  These three men knew the Bible but were each quoting it for their own edification.  Or to win an argument.  And when I pointed it out, they agreed.  You see, I like my religion simple.  And religion seems to add many unnecessary items to scripture.  Or discount important ones.  If you have three ways to salvation, and I have four, my religion is better...an emphatic no!  Christianity is simple so I can get it, and free so I can afford it.  Jesus is the way.  Period.  One way.  The truth.  Not many truths to satisfy your argument.  And the life.  He is life, without him you are spiritually dead.  Yet so many religious types today expound even more, and we also discussed how you can take anything in the Bible out of context to satisfy your sin.  And many do, in fact we all do at one time or another.  And with help from the pulpit, denominational differences, and religious prejudices, somewhere Jesus gets lost in the translation.  Leave it to man and his pride, his ego to make something like the gospel difficult, when Jesus makes it so easy.

God emphasizes to me the application rather than the education of scripture.  Today we have so many over educated Bible reading authorities, who have no idea how it should be applied to life.  Men and women who study relentlessly, but don’t know the author of the Bible personally.  Who wear out the seat of their pants before they do the soles of their shoes.  They are locked into church, and are prisoners, they just don’t know it.  They study to find themselves approved, just not by God.  They live the theory of Christianity, they just don’t have the application to show for it.  They are missing the holy spirit in their lives.  Religion has taken over, it can in any denomination, or at any spiritual level, and they think knowledge is God.  Maybe a scripture for any situation, as long as it is controlled.  But when out of their peer group, they are lost and scared.  Useless to show Jesus, as he is strictly an intellectual exercise, rather than a personal one.  They may understand the widow giving two mites from an intellectual basis, but never have seen her in action in their lives.  They tithe, give when under guilt, and avoid the spirit all they can.  For the spirit brings liberty, and they are safe and secure in their intellectual prison.  So close, yet so far.

And so they argue rather than minister. They know scripture, they may even be saved, they just don’t know Jesus.  All about him, yet when Jesus talks about the least of them, and if you minister to them you are doing it onto him, they never have.  Avoiding all interaction they are dead spiritually, while those who live in the spirit enjoy the blessings.  We see Jesus in the hard times, the sick times, the times of unemployment.  Of being on the street, outside the church.  They grasp the fact Jesus taught in the temple, they just fail to recognize he ministered on the street.  His friends were hookers, junkies, bikers, and low lifes. Yet in their Pharisee way they don’t get it, and they don’t get him.  Study to find yourself approved, but not to be saved.  Only Jesus saves, which is only revealed by the Holy Spirit, and then backed up in scripture. 

So just like my roll up windows, and rubber floor, I like my religion simple.  It allows Jesus to take me deeper, rather than spread thin.  Knowledge may take you more places, but at a depth only a few inches deep.  So keep it simple, ask God what is his will, instead of arguing for your viewpoint.  When we see things through his eyes we see things how Jesus does.  Uncomplicated, simple, and to the point.  So don’t let your religion become like your stereo or car-over complicated.  Maybe that old time religion was good enough for my grandparents, so it should be good enough for me.  There are no new revelations, Jesus is still the way.  He still forgives, he still loves, and he still offers life.  No amount of knowledge can pass for God’s grace.  Whenever you get religious you are drifting away from Jesus, the world has become complex, don’t let your relationship with Jesus become the same.  Jesus is the main thing,so keep him the main thing.  Joy and peace are simple concepts, don’t make them difficult.  And if you want to show God’s love, apply what the Word says rather than studying it.  And you will find something else I do when riding my Bonneville, it is fun.  And what good is fun if you don’t enjoy it?  And as Christians we should all have more fun than the world, we are going to heaven! 

So rather than argue scripture, pray with your intellectual adversary.  Let God show how simple the gospel is, and how love covers all.  Let the spirit guide.  Nobody wins an argument, to lose all you have to do is become involved.  Jesus never argued, how about that?  He showed love, simply.  By meeting needs he showed who he was.  Master, teacher, Lord, and savior.  Life is tough, don’t let it enter into being a Christian.  Answer like the man who was given his eyesight, “all I know is I was blind and now I see.”  Only the spirit can remove the scales from your eyes.  Jesus saw the problem, and was the solution.  No eye exams, no studying to make sure his words were correct.  No doctorate of religion.  No seminary or cemetery.  He just healed and saved the man.  For all to see.  What do people see in you, the sin or the savior?  Education or application?  Jesus or ? 

Only in the spirit will you ever be set free.  Ask him today...his simple answer may surprise you.  And he writes it on your heart, not your i-pod.  Simple so I can get, free so I can afford it.  Any questions?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the price of fame

We as Americans have an affinity for owning something that once belonged to a famous person.  From houses to bridal gowns to cars to motorcycles, previous ownership by a big name will bring big dollars when put up for sale.  Add Steve McQueen’s name on the title of even the most pedestrian car, the value goes through the ceiling.  Add a poster, maybe proof of registration, and those who want it will bid way over the head of us mortals.  And like Elvis, Michael, and other dead celebrities, their possessions are often worth more when they are dead than when they were alive.  Such is the price of fame, but yet the price goes up whenever a name is added.  With the buyer being the fool, after all sometimes it is just an old car with bad tires.  But yet some will ooh and aah over the fact Steve once owned it.  Or Elvis sat on it, or Michael...well you don’t want to know.  But an article in Hemming’s caught my attention today, which puts this all in perspective, or more out of reach and focus.  The 1958 white Impala driven by Ron Howard is American Graffiti is coming up for sale at a Hollywood auction.  Documented, and in storage for 25 years, this car that the studio advertised after the movie for sale for $325, and sold for less, is reported to bring between $800,000-$1,200,000 next month!  All because it was in a movie!  Maybe I underestimated the value of tuck and roll, or the feel of vinyl in my short pants on a hot summer day.  Or of three on the tree, or maybe even 1958 Chevies, I knew friends that over paid at $300 in high school.  And for years the 1958’s were not highly collectible.  I guess if you hold onto it long enough, it becomes valuable.  Being in a movie helps...celebrity ownership the ticket to real lottery winnings.  A lot of money for a used car that will never be driven.  But giving bragging rights to its new owner, “I have one and you don’t.” 

Personally I am tired of the old saying on bumper stickers “he who dies with the most toys wins.”  I never liked it to be truthful, wins what?  And does it matter, except to whoever inherits them, you are still dead and cannot take them with you?  But yet I know guys who collect, and maybe I am guilty to a certain degree.  We own 6 motorcycles, does that make me a collector?  Or inflicted with Multiple Motorcycle Disease?  As I am reminded, you can only ride one at a time...maybe if I introduce myself as a collector I will get more respect.  Maybe a little...only time will tell when it comes to sell, if my name on the title has any financial impact?  After all they are really just used bikes...but to me a lot more in memories alone.  So how important are memories, and how important are yours?  What will you be remembered for?  And will it add value to whatever you leave behind?

Who will care if I rode it?  Drove it?  Slept in it?  Wore it to a dance?  Yet many place value on such things, and we all can fall into the trap.  Call it stupidity, or what it really is PRIDE, but we all can be guilty of it, and caught up unaware.  Over the years I have met or attended many who were of a celebrity status.  For the most part it was more impressive telling of the meeting rather than meeting itself.  And even though pictures show me with them, do they remember me?  To me that would be more impressive...for example, at the Baja 1000 in Tijuana in 1995, I ran into Ivan Stewart before the race. I was a vendor of his when he started building his trucks.   I had a group with me from SONY in Mexico, and he was their hero.  While Ivan and I talked, I introduced him to them, and they all got pictures with him.  Later they told me, “you said you knew him, but we didn’t know he was your friend.”  Being my friend was the key,  that was what was impressive.  Introducing a famous racer as my friend.  And they told the story “Mike and Ivan are friends,”  and being my friend brought them closer to Ivan.  Yet the Bible tells us there is one who stands closer than a friend.  One who you can know personally, and even though introduced by someone, you can have a relationship with him.  Of course I am talking of Jesus, who wants to meet you.  And get to know you, and be more than a friend.  To be Lord and savior.  To be the go to guy in all situations.  To call out to you by name, not having to get your number from someone else.  It is that personal...even on the streets of TJ.

And he brings value to the relationship, and to us personally.  Next time you fell like a nothing, remember who you are in Christ.  And how valuable you are, for if you were the only sinner he would have died for you.  For God so loved you personally, he sent his only son.  While lost and wandering, you had value.  Before you were a child of God, he loved you.  The world may underestimate your value, Jesus never has, or will.  But what about what he owned?  What would his personal belongings bring at auction?  You may be surprised, for he owned nothing, he was a borrower.  He had no home, staying with friends.  No property, going to the hills to get away.  Even his tunic was borrowed, to the one the soldiers drew lots for.  Could that one truthfully come up at auction as belonging to Jesus?  In fact he owned no earthly goods except for you.  What are you worth that he would die for you?

Yet Judas sold him out for 30 pieces of silver.  The price of a slave.  Imagine what those pieces of silver would be worth today?  Genuine silver used to buy Jesus.  What would you pay?  Better yet, what was the price Jesus paid?  The price of fame may add value, the price Jesus paid adds life.  So maybe a better bumper sticker would be “he who lives with the most toys wins.”  Or better yet, he who dies with Jesus wins.  Period.  And we all are offered the chance to win.  And the odds are in our favor.  You see there are names that add value, only one brings life.  In love.  A name unique unto heaven, where even the demons bow and worship.  While some bow at the altar of Steve McQueen ownership, I rather worship the one who saved me.  Whose name is written on the title of my soul.  Who wrote my name in the Book of Life.  Who calls me friend, and who I can call on at any time. 

All over New Jersey and Pennsylvania you can find places that advertise “George Washington slept here.”  But who wants to sleep in a 250 year old bed?  When you can sleep in the arms of a living God?  So maybe the one selling the car for over a million is not the fool, the one who pays it is.  So quit paying the price, and give it up to Jesus.  Salvation paid in full.  Heaven paid in full.  Peace and love paid in full.  There is a bidding war for your soul, don’t settle for anything less than Jesus.  There are no deals to be had, only one.  In Christ.  So introduce Jesus to someone today, as your friend.  And when they get to know him, they too can say “I know you knew him, I didn’t know he was your friend.”  And he knows my name too.  For it is only he who dies with Jesus who wins.  Toys optional.

love with compassion,

Mike

mattehw25biker.blogspot.com 

just another ride around the piddly subdivision?

My friend Nathan, aka “50 State Nate,” just returned from a 111 day, 50 state, 21,000 mile motorcycle ride.  Living my dream, he was given a new 2015 Indian Roadmaster to ride, his goal to hookup with state representatives at each state capital to get 2 questions concerning motorcycle safety on each state’s driver’s test.  For cars.  Sponsored by Allstate, he has many stories to tell, experiences to share, and time to reflect back, and also look ahead for the 2.0 version.  But the one thing overlooked was he did it without any accidents, and I for one am glad he made it home safe.  Like a second son, I hope he gets to ride more and more, although now a simple ride to the beach, or for lunch may have a different attraction, or no attraction at all to him.  He has seen the US of A, plus provinces in Canada from behind handlebars, and the audience he can relate too just got smaller.  Having ridden in 48 states I can relate, and having had a 37 day, 31 state, and 11,000 mile ride with Theresa I can associate with him, but for many his ride will seem like fantasy.  The uncool will complain of a sore butt, road apples of bad weather, the jealous of but he got paid and a new bike to do it on, while most will in no way associate with him.  They ride from Harley dealer to Harley dealer, poker runs the biggest trial, and pack for an overnight like most of us do when we move.  They will never enjoy fresh lobster in Maine, real Texas BBQ, fresh pasties in the Yupper, and many of the local drive ins that are spotted along the back roads.  To them it is all like So Cal, one big homogenized freeway exit, a Wal Mart at every corner, Mexican slop for lunch and dinner, and they will never know the freedom they talk of.  Of the highway, of riding beyond their own preset boundaries, of seeing what is over the next hill, around the next curve, or what exists beyond the rainbow.  If the weather isn’t great, they stay home and shine their rides, or hang at the dealer.  Nothing the matter with that, it’s just I bought my bike to ride, and so ride it I do.  And Nathan is my hero...and someday I will ride beyond time zones again.

A BMW ad in my garage boasts “Go somewhere for a change.  You two are definitely not local yocals. You like a ride that lasts longer than just a piddly afternoon around the subdivision. You like exploring this big, bad slab of a continent, instead of putt-putting around the subdivision, revving your pipes going nowhere.”   If that doesn’t describe you, maybe you have never ridden?  You may have never experienced true freedom on a motorcycle.  You may live a life of despair, or no dreams, of a nagging wife, or of associates who tell you “it’s the same everywhere.”  The same words I was told 40 years ago when I told my friends I was leaving Jersey and moving to New Mexico.  On a motorcycle.  In November.  At age 20.  “You’ll be back,” they all claimed.  And I have been, but for only a short visit.  I could very easily have written that ad, but instead I chose to live it.  It didn’t take Toto to remind Dorothy “we’re not in Kansas any more,” and it doesn’t take much to remind me I’m not in Jersey any more.

To be honest, it was the weather that drew me to So Cal, and the weather that makes me stay.  On each ride across country, 12 now, we look for the perfect small town that doesn’t have winter.  San Diego is it, so I’ll stay.  But still long for a ride over the Continental Divide, a ride over the Astoria Bridge, and putting my toes in the Gulf of Mexico.  Knowing it will be hot, may rain, be cold and maybe even freezing, but you can dress for all those things.  You just need to  leave home to do it.  To leave the so called safety of your local ride, to go where you have never gone before.  To dare to find out what it is like to escape being a local yocal, and expand local to both coasts.  To 50 states.  To all kinds of weather.  You may be revving your pipes and not knowing it, your neighbors wondering “oh it’s him again, doesn’t he go anywhere else?”  You may be riding in your sleep and not even know you are asleep.  $20,000 and 20 miles don’t make you a biker. 

Many ride never knowing what there bike will do.  Or what they can do.  Works with Christ too.  Many get lulled to sleep by living a life of leisure.  Of being satisfied with life as it is.  Doing all the right things, feeling secure in their accomplishments, but always being insecure with God.  Their entire ministry experience may be giving to missions, and maybe visiting with a missionary when they come home to visit.  Asking questions, but never knowing what they are talking about.  Not relating.  For some church is Sunday morning TV, and when the lesson doesn’t please them, changing the channel.  Some will make commitments during a pledge week, then forget about it later.  My favorite, the man who stands up and donates $1000, anonymously. “See what a man of God I am?”   If you know someone like that, or if that is you, you need to quit putt putting with Jesus.  Your religion may only be a Sunday morning outing, you may have become a local yocal in church.  Your alarm may go off just in time every morning, your routine so routine you can do it in your sleep, and many times do.  Without knowing it.  You may have even dreamt of better things, but life interfered.  You once wanted to live for Christ, now all you want is for him to live for you.  And with each passing moment sink deeper into a religious coma.  From which many succomb.

But then there are those who seek Jesus, and all he has to offer.  They are not satisfied with being blessed, they want to bless others.  They don’t give offerings, they give themselves.  They get out and see Christ in action, seeing the blessings others only hear about.  They offer testimonies, while others offer excuses.  Both may be saved, but only one is truly alive in the spirit.  They find that it isn’t the same everywhere, because religion has separated believers.  They operate in unity with God, instead of trying to get God to unite with them.  They read the scriptures, maybe even memorize some, but it never gets personal.  And when their kids ask about Jesus, they point them to the church, instead of having a testimony to share with them.  They need to go somewhere for a change, not realizing that somewhere is really a someone, Jesus Christ.  They have been denying the spirit, even ignoring him for years, denying the life god offers.  But when they finally give in to Jesus....it all changes. 

My first overnighter was only 60 miles away at age 17.  BH and me on our Honda 350’s.  But it opened up a door I didn’t know I was stuck behind.  The road called, I answered yes, and never looked back.  Except to remember.  Same with Jesus, when the spirit called, I finally answered, and never looked back.  I want all I can from him, and for you too, but you need to operate in the spirit.  God’s spirit, not your own.  Not someone else’s.  Not even the church’s.  When Jeremiah wrote about God having a plan for you, it was so you would find it out.  To seek it with your heart, and know it in your spirit when you arrived.  It may change from day to day, flexibility with Christ is a good thing, for he knows.  The weather, the traffic, and the road.  For some 200 miles may be a long ride, 2000 for me a warm up.  The roads go on even if you don’t.  So does God.  And the best ride of your life may be the next ride, or the next corner.  Still some complain it is the same everywhere.  You can only imagine their vision of heaven...the same.  Maybe that is why I am so excited, for heaven is where Jesus is, and where I want to be.  And when he says “on earth as it is in heaven,” I want him now.  I have great expectations of heaven, and I want Jesus now and then.  No matter where the road takes me.  Ask God what he wants for your life, ask for a vision.  Remember we are told the people die without one.  If you are dead, you can be born again and have life in Christ.  You can ride beyond the neighbor hood gates, beyond the church parking lot.  You can get to know Jesus personally, not just as a character in a book.  Some have become CEO’s of their own life, Christmas and Easter Only, give up the title and start to live. 

Nathan’s ride had a purpose.  What is your purpose in life?  Just waiting to retire?  Or to retire because your tires are worn out from riding?  Live life to the fullest, only found in Jesus.  Never wonder where that road goes, wander and find out.  Same with him.  Quit wondering, and start getting to know him.  The spirit is calling, your flesh is crawling.  Maybe it should be riding.  If you don’t know where you are going, you may not recognize it when you get there.  So have Jesus along for the ride.  Some think West Virginia is heaven, or Texas.  Oklahoma.  The beaches of Malibu.  Only when that river of life flowing out of you is Jesus will you know.  Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.  Go somewhere for a change, go with Jesus.  My trip has lasted for over 40 years....sorry I cannot hear you over you revving your pipes.  Ride and live with Jesus.  Loud pipes save lives, he saves souls.  And gives life.  Just the other side of your subdivision.  But you will never know until you try....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a day in the life of a sales rep

I am not a meeting person.  To me they occupy time wasted when I could be doing something constructive.  Yet a whole subculture has risen wasting our time, and perpetuating their self importance.  Mercedes Benz was big on them, and they were at least catered very well.  Some ate like I did, some used it to sleep, while others used it to kiss up to the boss, “Great idea, JB, inspired.”  Excuse me while I go back for seconds.  But to me new model introductions were different, but still too long.  And one stands out in my memory.  Mercedes Benz was introducing a new hatchback, a model that for whatever reason never sold in the luxury class.  The day long meeting was run by Frank, out regional service manager who was super smart, if not a bit strange.  He had a wry sense of humor, and his jokes were wasted on most of us.  While always trying to remind us of his title and position.  While I looked for an escape route....But this one morning would turn out special, and memorable. 

Frank was showing us how Mercedes Benz had just equipped all their new cars with inside trunk releases, in case you got locked in.  My Jersey experience told me the only ones locked in trunks were not supposed to get out, but our Federal Government had made them a new law, so Mercedes Benz would take the credit.  We watched as Frank climbed in the trunk, pointing out a red tether strap to pull for release, then shut the lid behind him.  Still talking he explained how he would escape...and pulled the tether.  But nothing happened, he couldn’t see me off to the side leaning on the lid, and as the group began to giggle, he became frustrated, and when I finally quit pushing, it exploded outward.  Frank all red and flustered, no one ever ratted me out.  He would later examine the system and find no fault in it.  Maybe the perfect crime, at least joke.

Now throughout the day one elegantly dressed Chinese man was shadowing me.  Straight faced, never showing expression, he was beginning to freak me out.  As I was with the jokers, he stood aside and watched, never showing emotion.  Until it was time to take test drives, and I grabbed the driver’s seat, while the rest folded their way into the small car.  Tough for two, it advertised seating for 5, and so three folded themselves into the back.  With my Chinese friend in the middle, with the only thing I saw looking in the mirror was him.  Still no expression...a scene from Alfred Hitchcock.  Now one of the features on this car was a panorama top, the entire roof was tinted glass, with a large sunroof that would open.  After a few miles of grunting from being packed in, my Chinese cohort spoke.  “Look Mike, grass everywhere, windows are grass, roof is grass.  Grass is everywhere, car have a lot of grass,” he spoke in pigeon English.  And I wanted to laugh, but couldn’t.  About to wet my pants, at the first stop I climbed out and rode with one of the chase vehicles.  And started laughing, and then explaining to this young girl driving what had happened.  And she laughed, but not with me, but at me.  It seems my Chinese friend was a joker, and loved the pinning of Frank in the trunk.  In fact he had to leave the room when he saw what I was doing laughing.  He had been admiring my joke from afar, and his pigeon English was his way of joking with me, and showing appreciation for a joke well done.  He was a service manage for Beverly Hills and couldn’t wait to demonstrate to this crew when he got back, with a volunteer in the trunk.  His English was perfect, his use of grass for glass priceless, and both of us never recognized the other for their skillful prank.  But such was a day in the life of a sales rep,  Frank never knew what I did to him, and my Chinese friend never knew I knew his joke on me.  Such is the way it should be, but given the chance, we both would do it all over again.  I know I would....just look at all the grass, and I never have climbed into a trunk since.  Tether or not.

I don’t do retreats either, a form of meeting.  After attending a family retreat for husband and wife, being told of how we need to bond together closely, we were herded off to barracks, men and women separate.  Keeping us apart.  In a room where old men snore, young men stay up late talking, others run out to get food after the tasty meal of stringy roast beef, rubber green beans, and an over baked potato.  Some of us talked about getting our wives and leaving, and no one got a good night’s sleep.  So I don’t do retreats either, I rather spend time with my wife on weekends.  Maybe the fact you need these retreats is because you don’t.  Too many times using worldly ways to influence us when we need spiritual applications.  From God, not some best seller.  Not some intern teaching, and not from some man locked in the trunk of a car.  Paul tells us in 2 Corinithians we have divine power to demolish the evil strongholds.  While some prescribe 12 step plans, he tells of four spiritual ones we all can do.  And should be. 

The first weapon is truth.  Truth is realism, truth is that wonderful thing that we see when we understand the Bible, and see the world through God’s eyes because of it, rather than our own.  While the world bombards us with illusion and opinions, we know the truth, and he has set us free.  We may not like all things true, but knowing the truth gives us an advantage over others who don’t.  And it is only found in Jesus.  The Bible talks of love, God’s love, and when we see love as more than an emotion, but as the person of God, we love more.  Anger lessens, we forgive, we are courteous, and the fruit of his spirit shows in us.  We love him because he loved us first.  That is truth.  And seeing things in love we get a better grasp of the situation, they may be mad, not at us.  So we don’t take it personally, yet seek to minister and aid.  Faith provides us with the facts of God throughout history, and gives us hope for today.  Jesus sits in control over all the nations, and we need to expect him to do something.  Faith assures us he has, does, and will.  Which is built on love, and trust.  Faith reminds us of people just like us throughout history doing great things in adverse situations because of our faith.  Where to lean on in times of trouble, instead of times of hatchback.

And finally from those we have prayer.  We ask, we trust, and wait because we know God loves us. He who offered his only son will fulfill all his promises to us in him.  So we ask expecting to receive.  And again history shows that those who ask receive from God, yet his grace is sufficient for all, saved or lost.  But because we pray and listen, because we have that personal relationship, we see the blessings.  Jesus is our representative, and we are to be his.  No meetings required, just Jesus.  His truth sets us free in his love, and will have our faith grow into even more trust.  More love, which draws us into the word, and we pray more, thinking of him all day long as we live.  Psalm 1 calls it meditating on God.  All driven by the spirit, directing us to the cross where Jesus won the victory over sin and claimed our souls from hell. When some ask “are you in the word?” I reply “is the word in you?”  See the difference.

All without retreating or meeting.  So meet Jesus today, at the foot of the cross.  Don’t see the situation, see him.  And trust, love, build faith, and pray....while others are stuck in the trunk wondering what happened.  Let him minster to both husband and wife together, and separately, but unifying them in the spirit.  Remembering who your representative in heaven is, and representing him here on earth in those four things.  And never forgetting the greatest thing is love.  And who he is.  More than an emotion, be in love.  Be in Jesus.  Be in the spirit.  To some still a mystery, to you the mysteries revealed.  No secrets in heaven, God is awake while you are asleep, preparing the world and you for the next day.  Sleep well, in Christ.  You may be stuck in a trunk and not know it.  Or surrounded by lots of grass.  And still not know it.  Mercedes Benz may be engineered like no other car in the world, I know the creator, who engineered me like no other in the world.  And that’s the truth.

love with compassion,l

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

like a cook with no recipes

My wife loves the beans at The Golden Rule BBQ in Birmingham.  And when mentioning this to the waitress, she explained how they are concerned for the recipe, as the same lady has been making them since the 50’s, and she is the only one who has the recipe.  In her head.  It is almost on a par with the recipe for Coca Cola, designated 7x.  Legend has it that only six men within Coca Cola know the secret recipe, and they are never seen together, travel together, and even not identified as to who knows the recipe and who doesn’t.  The same goes for Miracle Whip, and many other products unique enough to be a standard.  And some are even discovered by accident, like Nutrasweet, rumored that a chemist was working on another experiment, spilled it, tasted it and and it was sweet.  And was a proprietary product for 17 years until the patent ran out.  Now they have competition....but all artificial sweeteners are still referred to as Nutrasweet.  Just as I used to watch someone open a cooler door and ask “what kind of Coke do you want?” referring to soft drinks in general.  And so it goes, and for what it is worth, I prefer mayonaise over Miracle Whip.  And I don’t eat baked beans.  And Coke is still it for me.

As I sit through the Cooking Channel with Theresa and watch them cook, the really good ones know just how much a pinch is, or a half cup is, or a 1/4 pound is by sight or feel, rarely using measuring cups or scales.  Just like the old Brylcream commercial, “where a little dab will do ya” they know just how much to put in, and what brands to use.  They know the recipe by heart, and although it may be written on some recipe card somewhere, they might get confused if they had to bake from it.  Cooking from the heart, they know when 2 1/2 minutes at 400 degrees is over without a timer, and when to poke in the tooth pick to see if it is really done.  They are so familiar with their cooking, it is part of them, and why my Grandma’s dressing just doesn’t taste the same, although it is the same recipe when cooked by anyone else.  Some intangible makes the difference....let’s just call it love.

Years ago when touring a warehouse that distributes nuts and bolts, I was amazed at the accuracy of those who repackage them into smaller quantities.  After much repetition  they could grab the desired amount almost all the time on the first grab.  Verified by weight, they had done it over and over so much they knew the recipe of weight, the count didn’t matter, because they were filling the order by weight.  And were very good at it.  Like a cook with no recipes it didn’t matter how many, how long, or for who they worked for, they knew it by heart.  And it became am acquired skill rather than a habit over time.  Good when baking the same thing, or weighing the same thing, but what happens on an assembly line when the product changes?  Like automobiles for example?

We all know about the Edsel debacle, and many books have been written about it, and the car.  Quality wasn’t Job 1 anywhere at Ford in the 50’s, and one reason given for the Edsel not selling was lack of quality.  A trained and experienced manufacturing manager once explained, “the assembly line would be 100 Fords, then an Edsel.  Just different enough that the worker had to bend different, reach farther, or was so caught up in routine he didn’t care, and would skip a nut or two.”  My personal view is they were ugly, and not all new as promised.  Like the 1958 Chevy Impala...sad words from a Ford guy.  But no matter the reasons, they didn’t build from the heart, but from the head, and the 18” difference can be a long journey to success.

Character can be defined as who we are when alone and how we react.  Or just how we react under pressure.  As a Christian I would not like to base my salvation on that.  I blow up, lose my cool, and the seven words you cannot say on TV will come out of my mouth.  Expressing who I really am, at least for the moment.  For what is on our hearts will come from our mouth scripture relates to us.  Are all of our hearts really so bad?   Are we really living a double life, Jesus and the situation?  Or am I like a cook with no recipes, just making the cookies for me, and if you don’t like them, don’t eat them?   Probably all, but as a work in process, I can tell you I feel remorse when I act out of character...or is it in character?  But I know that when I know what I say or do is wrong, then I repent.  If not, I just mumble something religious like “I’m sorry, “ until the next time. 

Many run right to the word, which is not bad, but need the spirit’s guidance.  Like you, I can find an excuse in scripture for anything, any sin I have committed.  A favorite is “well David did it and he was known as a man after God’s own heart.”  Or “be still, and know that I am God.”  Dangerous when not quoting God as it is written.  So we need the spirit to guide us, to reveal the mysteries of Christ to us, mysteries meaning not a who dunnit, but things we don’t know yet, and need to.  Only by the spirit will the words of the Bible come alive, and insight and understanding be given.  If you think you can do it alone, read Leviticus and tell me all about it!  It was and is the spirit that tells us we need Jesus, and the spirit that tells us God is a spirit and must be worshipped as such.  And where we can truly be ourselves in Christ, not some denominational victim who is rubber stamped by what they are told.  God likes us to ask questions, and even tells us to question the spirit?  Does any religion advise you the same? 

So unlike Coca Cola, the recipe for salvation is known to all.  In one word Jesus.  So it is easy to remember.  No other way.  But just as there are other colas, there are other gods, but only one real thing.  A Hydrox may look like an Oreo, but anyone can tell in one bite.  Mayo or Miracle?  Easy to tell the difference.  So why do we allow ourselves to be confused when it come  to Jesus?  The difference is the Holy spirit, given at salvation, but not readily called upon.  Sadly we can be in the spirit, and not know it until we are out of it.  But things to look for are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness, long suffering and self control.  No law against any.  If these describe your character, the spirit is within you showing Jesus.  If not, we all need some homework.  And again Jesus is the answer.  The guidance counselor, the comforter.  Found in the spirit!  There will come a day when the beans will taste just different enough that the old timers can tell who isn’t making them anymore.  Coca Cola is now Classic, Edsels are collectible, and I still prefer mayo.  And Oreos.  Still don’t care for beans.  But I know Jesus, and I know the spirit.  He gives me life and freedom to choose.  To deny also.  So unlike a cook with no recipes, I know the recipe for salvation.  Jesus.  And only Jesus.  All others are a fake.  But only by the spirit will you know.  Backed up by Gods word.  Where he doesn’t say study to find yourself saved, but study to find yourself approved.  The word confirming the spirit, and the word is Jesus.  Where the three will bear witness, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Don’t be an assembly line Christian, let the words from my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to God.  And find they will be pleasing to your heart.  And you don’t have to ask the cook for the recipe....you already have it.

love with compassion,

Mike

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