Dave and I were talking at church last night about how blessed we are. And also how God does so many things in our lives just because He loves us. And how when we turn our hearts to Him, He uses us to bless others. You see we are nothing special-both without incomes, but working for a God who loves us and meets all our needs. So I want to thank Him again publicly, and share some of the great things He has included me in this year. This is not one of those sickening letters people insist on sending out every year telling how great their lives are, but a true testimony to God. Give Him the glory-believe me, He can do all things without me if He chooses.
We started out the year with only Theresa working, me on unemployment making less per week than I used to make a day, and with Brandon living with us. His own family would not take him in, and he was living in a tent in back of Home Depot. He stayed with us a while, and was getting himself back on his feet, but needs prayer, as the world's grip on him has pulled him back into it. Pray for him and his daughter Hailey, and also Hailey's mom, who is not Brandon's girlfriend. She needs Jesus.
David Hammond went to be with the Lord this year, while riding- a heart attack not an accident, we always joked about me doing his eulogy-which I got to do before 300+ bikers at his church. Thanks to Pastor Jim for letting all these bikers into his church-if you are looking for a church home, these guys are right on. Keep Sally and the girls in prayers, as they miss David, and so do I. You won David, but I'm coming soon.
I was hit in my first motorcycle accident on March 24, then hit again on October 17, my poor Bonneville! And due to sloppy police reporting had to vindicate myself-she hit me, not like the wretched cop reported. Using Blaine's contacts, I met Dana Ray, who investigated the accident himself, and found the only way it could have happened was how I said it did. Vindicated-but still limping, my poor Bonneville repaired though. And pray for Dana, as he has taken early retirement due to falling from a ladder-and damaging both ankles.
I met Richard, one of the inmates I write too each week with the same devotions you read, and we have become friends-he calls me his mentor, I hate that term, I am just his friend, but have seen him grow in the Lord, and we were blessed to have him with us on Christmas. Keep him in prayer as he adjusts after 11 years in prison, has started his own cleaning business, and grows in the Lord. By the way, I started out with 19 inmates receiving my devotions, and using them to start Bible studies or prayer circles-down to 14 now as they are getting out. One man, John Dooley, has been moved to 5 or 6 different prisons this year, and at each location starts a Bible study-leaving the study he started in God's hands and with someone who God has raised up. From death row at Chowchilla, to seven other institutions, these men and woman are finding the answer to their lives is Jesus Christ. Even a few of them are using the song sheets and Bible studies I send from my men's study-although behind bars they study each week with us-free in the spirit. And my senior study group sends cards and letters to each of them. The blessings when we hear back bring many tears to our eyes-all family, just with different mothers, but the same savior-Jesus! And yes, only Ken Pilbin can tell how many gray hairs I have given him-not all are hereditary!
I was able to visit with an old girl friend in NJ, and spent a day with her family. Keep Larry and Cheryl in prayer for salivation, and also for healing as he has cancer. God is not done with them yet, such is His love. I also got to visit with my parents, between flash floods, water got as high as my tank back on the Tiger-about 34",and had the best time. And then Theresa and I were able to visit Frank and Kendyl in Oregon. Although our roots are in motorcycle ministry, God allows us to minister to so many others. And travel via bike to 25 states and over 30,000 miles this year. Blessing and being blessed-it truly is all about Jesus.
I could go on about my second accident-just pray for Beverly, or about the two other men we had stay with us, pray for Rob and Brent. I could tell how God has sustained us without any income except for Theresa's, but instead I rather point to Jesus-who takes care of all these things. He has given us a peace that surpasses understanding, and a group of friends to keep us encouraged. To our church and staff-thanks for encouraging us outside of the dove. And in it.
And for those who still wish to do battle with us, we pray for you even more-as if you wish to become our enemy, we turn you over to God. We wish you peace, comfort, salvation, and all the blessings you can handle. And keep me in your prayers, also. We all serve the same great God, let's show the world our unity in the spirit-the Holy Spirit! May the next time we meet, we are able to reconcile in Christ! I hold no grudges or ill will to anyone-I pray you get over it too!
Keep my sons in prayer as each one has had a motorcycle accident this year-we may limp a little, but we still ride-the testimonies continue. I could go on about the kindnesses of the Black Sheep, and our CMA friends, Fred and our friends at BFC and Biker Church, and our church family-but then it might sound like one of those letters I find so distasteful, so I will leave it with this-I love each one of you for who you are-and pray that God blesses you even more in 2010. Be open to Him, and watch the blessings explode in your lives as Jesus uses you to change hearts, feed, clothe, visit, and love on others. Workers needed, but for those of us called, there is plenty of work, and no job shortages. Apply now-just ask Jesus, how can I help, and then get ready for the time of your life.
John ends his gospel saying that if all things that Jesus did were written down, no library could hold them, and now I understand better-as my library of testimonies increases, I find I am out of room.
We love each and every one of you-how can we be of assistance to you? Always praying, and read to serve, we wait. Maranatha-He is coming soon! Be ready!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com