there's this place I know

I ran into an old accquaintance the other day who had just moved back from Arkansas. "Northwest Arkansas," he reminded me, as the locals say, there is a difference specific to that area. Seems living in the Ozarks in Arkansas is preferable to living any place else in Arkansas. In door plumbing does have its rewards. And I see their point, as I love riding there, the second best criteria for living there after the weather. And I thought of the look on people's faces when I tell them where I like to ride. Some places to consider.

New York-the state not the city. And if you have ever ridden up by the Finger lakes, or Lake Placid you know what I mean, great roads and scenery. Just the opposite of the city, but you can't tell by their license plates, you have to ask.

Ohio-not the urban blight of the north, where Cleveland can boast of its river catching fire, but the southern part of the state, the Ohio River valley and up Highway 7 into Wheeling, West Virginia. Great roads, neat small towns, and many places not yet spoiled by 4 laners. And Bob Evans Farm is a great place for breakfast.

Indiana-same as Ohio, except has the Hoosier National Forest. I pulled over-yes, that's right, a Indiana State Trooper one time when bored of the freeway, he gave me a map and sent me on some great roads. Twenty five years later the map is still taking me to great roads in the Hoosier State. Highly recommend Madison, grab some ice cream and sit on some chairs by the river. Middle America at its best.

Colorado-Denver right? No-for those of us who lived on the Western Slope, the Front Range is just not in the same league. And Denver is not Colorado, just a mile high city that happens to live there. Spent a three day weekend once, and never left the Western Slope, yet rode over 1200 miles. Only a tornado cut that trip short. Where else can you ride over seven passes within 400 miles at over 10,000 feet?

California-ever notice no one says there are from California-it's either the Bay Area or Southern Cal, very rarely just LA. And northern California can start anywhere from the northern end of the Grapevine to just north of San Francisco-which only the ignorant call Frisco. Great roads, great mountains, and lots of them. And most can be ridden year round. Try that in Vermont this Thanksgiving!

Oklahoma-yeah, Oklahoma. For me the rolling hills as you leave Texas are just the start of losing altitude, but picking up attitude. And taking farm roads will keep you smiling all day. Plus once you are east of OK City lunch can be at Steak and Shake. Ride the Oachitas and you can venture into Arkansas. Only downer is US 69 into Kansas, past a lead mine. The tailings look like sand dunes, but don't be deceived. This is no day at the beach. Yet there is, or was a town there until a tornado took it out last year. Please explain why anyone would raise their kids there? It sure ain't for the weather.

Seems each area has its reputation. The disciples also had this problem when they first heard of Jesus. Nazareth, they asked. No one of any fame has ever come from there. Why would we even consider him. "Wasn't the savior supposed to be born in Bethlehem. Oh, he was-well my argument stands, no one ever coming from Nazareth ever amounted to any good." A town with a bad rap, but with the most famous man ever as its premier resident. A must see place, based on that alone. A good example of poor judgment, just because I haven't been there it must not be worth going. Imagine Jesus saying that in the garden. Or at the cross. "Golgotha-that's a weird name. Google it and see. Hmmm, let's go south, better roads, and hey I know this restaurant..." And such is our attitude toward the things of God.

Seems those that deny Him know more than we do. Or think they do. They tend to be prople of great faith-I mean how can you not believe when you see all the evidence of Him? How can you deny His handiwork looking at the mountains, or a sunset? Yet to those who don't believe, it is all chance. Yes, it definitely takes great faith not to believe.

But it also takes great faith to take what Jesus has done for you out of your church, to Judea, Samaria, and the outer reaches-just like He commands. You see we are only limited by our lack of faith by the places God will take us-and the blessings He will pour out.

Today God may mention something to you that you never considered before. Ask Miles, how many years ago was it that God told him he would be our pastor? Now do you get it? Or why is Shanksville so special to me? Or why you are reading this, when only 20 months ago I had a real job, and nowhere near the chances to minister? God loves to show off His creation-you. And He loves to take you places, with Him. The choice is up to you. Just a little step of faith, one step or mile at a time.

My best criteria for a ride are the roads, weather, and the food-but most importantly where God leads me. Is He leading you? Maybe your friends are saying the same about you as they did of Jesus. Can anything good come out of Escondido? Take the road of your choice this weekend, and go places you never have gone before. Step out in faith and see the beauty of what God has created. And who knows, when you get home there may be a note on the door-sorry we missed you... And after all, isn't it nice to be missed? See you on the road. Postcards optional. Memories, precious.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25blogspot.com

oh baby I love your way-everyday

I made a sales call once on a man who I knew at his business. While waiting for him in the lobby, the receptionist and I got to sharing Christ. When I mentioned the man I was meeting was a believer, she said she had trouble believing that-his words, actions, and attitudes led her to believe different. Once again I had walked in after a man claimed to be a Christian-just not like the ones in the Bible. And I hoped they didn't think I was like that. I have enough trouble defending myself sometimes without taking on a subscription service. His life was not as advertised-or maybe it was.
Recently I have had three events happen to me, not as advertised. One was a ride, nationwide, but also coming in from Paso Robles. Stu and I met the people, and were going to ride, but when he had work, I went anyway, alone. No big deal, except when I arrived in Paso, the national hotel chain that was a sponsor knew nothing of it, and no one showed up. So I came home, the Bonneville showing 711 more miles than when I had left that morning. The next one was a patriotic ride, that only a few showed up for. After two stops to cover the 34 miles-one was because the guy leading it missed the exit, his excuse was he thought he was on his daily commute, which might have been ok except that the group reminded him he passed six other bikes-them-to miss the exit. Arriving at the ceremony, they all parked and went to eat, showing up after the event was over. Again, not as advertised. And the last one was a free meal-the flyer said so-and a silent auction for a slain officer, good idea. But when we arrived, it turns out it was a mandatory donation, a good cause, but I didn't travel 150 miles to be misled. Again, not as advertised. But I hope it did well, as I had hoped all these events did.
After spending time with Jesus, Thomas asked Him where are we going and how will we know the way? Jesus answered "I am the way, the truth, and the life." And because he had spent time with Jesus, he knew he could trust His answer. Rather than explain to Thomas the theological aspects, He very simply said, "follow me-I'll go with you, then you will know the way." Just like when you are lost, and can't follow the directions-and the person says "c'mon, follow me." It's much easier when you have someone show you. And Jesus is that way. He shows the way to the Father, who is the only way to heaven. And because Thomas had heard His words before, knew they were truth. And he had seen Him bring life to those who were sinners, so he had no reason to doubt Him-and didn't!
How would you have answered? Many are asking, but maybe because of the life you show-your witness, don't ask you because based on actions you wouldn't know. If I am hurting, why would I go to someone who would inflict more pain? I want answers, I need compassion and healing-not an education. When called upon by God in a situation, do you tell all you know, or rely upon who you know? Or put another way-are you in the word? But better yet, is the word in you? Are you such a student of scripture that you are legalistic, spewing forth all your Biblical training and knowledge, when you need to trust God in that situation-just showing love, remember you should have learned how the spirit gives you words when you need them. Where is your compassion? Or are you just a bag of wind, proving what they think of us already-just some pompous, arrogant Christian waiting to send them to hell. Who is your agenda? You may find it is the same as the gospel you preach-the one you live. We are always in our witness mode, as someone is always watching. Is your relationship based on study or of a relationship with God? When you are asked do the words flow from your heart, or your mind? Are you fed by the spirit or your ego?
Just like the man who thought he was a Christian, his worldly actions and attitudes branded him different. He represented himself, not Jesus. Do we as Christians love Him enough to represent Him, as He really is? Or do we just like to give our opinions, and watch it be all about us? And when they reject our arrogant attitude, tell ourselves, "well they are going to hell anyway." Thanks a lot, brother.
Do you know where you are going? Are you sure? Your life reflects that which you believe. Are you in the Way, or in someone's way, interfering with their walk with God? Do you speak the truth, or a truth-based on how it will effect you? Do you have eternal life-and act like a resident of heaven, rather than of earth? Do you really believe that the amazing grace that God saved you with can save others? Are you as advertised?
Today you will be tested, to see where your heart really is. Is your relationship with Christ just the words on your t-shirt, a Sunday morning exercise, or a life changing relationship? The choice is yours. But just do me one favor, don't waste your time telling me what a great Christian you are-SHOW ME!
And if no one has ever accused you of being a Christian, why don't I have any neat stories like my Christian friends, change your life with Jesus. Invite the Holy Spirit in, and walk with Him-and in Him.
Where are you going? The Spirit says come-are you going alone or can you bring some friends along? The choice is up to you. Just like the rides I did, they were my choice. And how I handled the outcome tells a lot about who Jesus is in my life. Help me to show more of Him and less of me. Help me to be that witness who can be accused of knowing Jesus by my walk. And I hope I can encourage you too. The law brings death-but the spirit brings life! Breathe some life into someone today-in the Spirit!
One last thought-all these events I was involved in were secular. Are you out where the sick and hurting are? The bait you use will tell a lot about what you catch, but where you fish is just as important. The sick need doctors, and the unsaved need Jesus! The workers are few, but the harvest is plentiful. Join us. There's room. And blessings that only by serving a living God you can enjoy. Go out and write some testimonies today.
They will only care how much you know, when they know how much you care. And the answer is always Jesus!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com