Like so many of you, Christmas will be different this year due to the financial impact. Fact is there just is no money to buy gifts. And for those of us who love to give, it hurts. It hurts me to think that a family tradition over many years of being Christmas to a family in need has come to an end. It hurts to think I cannot go shopping for my wife and kids like I want to. It hurts to be dependent on others, but I am learning I rather be humbled than humiliated. So when showering, God and I talked. My other time with God with no interference is 3am. I called out to Him and asked Him for blessings, my mind reduced to the financial kind. Seems my good looks just don't pay the rent. And God answered, as He so often does with that still, small voice. Not a rebuke-that wasn't needed, for I wasn't crying out for me. His answer was a gentle reminder of ALL the blessings He has given me throughout the last year.
"What about last night?" He said, reminding me of Lights For Laiken. What about the Toy Run to Children's Hospital?" And that was all it took to shake my heart back to realization. For God has tremendously blessed me this year-as He has every year since I was saved. Which caused my heart to praise Him, and the thanks I gave Him turned to worship. What a blessing! Just a few things I have to be thankful for this year. Blessings, God calls them...and when we look at them through God's eyes we see more clearly.
Our change to Maranatha Chapel has changed our lives. I have learned more in a year than I did the past 5! I love going to church again. Meeting new men, being on the discipline team, and being taught by Ray, and becoming his friend-what a joy. But I have learned to worship, and John Wickham was one I counseled with before we changed. My obedience to listen to God was the difference. Truly obedience is better than sacrifice.
Lynsay and Gavin have changed my outlook on miracles. A young couple, after a single bike accident Gavin was given 5% chance of survival, the best she was told was he would be a vegetable. Today he stands, walks a little, is using his right hand-the doctor said he never would, and they are expecting in July! And they are saved, and ministering to others!
Andrew and I got to assist victims in Joplin after the tornado. A heart wrenching, and heart breaking experience, it changed our lives. To be one of the 100,000 who got a hand written card from the city of thanks, we thank them. Again, we went to bless, and left the receiver of many blessings.
I just took back my 22nd new Triumph this year, and met Greg, the new CEO of Triumph. My passion is motorcycles, and God fulfills it like I could never imagine. Maybe we can go riding next year-28 new bikes arriving in January. And speaking of rides, we rode 8800 miles, spent some great time with my parents, and visited with Mary FNY last summer. 21 states later, we pray that next year we can again.
My heart is touched by the letters I get from the inmates who get my devotions. Thanks to them, the gospel goes forth currently in eight prisons, from county jails in San Diego to Death Row in Chowchilla. From Kerry Lyn's salvation, to those she sends them to or shares with other, like all the men and women a big thanks for taking the gospel to a dark and dying world. God knows, and will not forget. Like Dooley, special to me. And to you others-be blessed this Christmas. You are never far from my thoughts of you and always in prayer. And a special appreciation to Zmicer and the boys in Minsk-they translate my devotions to Russian, then minister to street kids using them and motorcycles. Only God...
I was blessed to do my friend Lee's funeral this year. And to lead the attendees-no mourners here, in Amazing Grace, sung to the tune of America the Beautiful. A stretch for me, singing to a crowd, and when we belted out "God shed His grace on Lee," no truer words were heard that day. And we gave life to a place of death-only God could do that. I am thankful I had the courage to listen to Him.
My friend Fr. Al continues to amaze me. Healed miraculously of cancer THREE times this past year, he still continues on with the vision God has given him for the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. He doesn't even know how many lives he has touched. His letters of encouragement point me to Jesus, and my most valuable friend who doesn't ride helps keep me riding. A very special thanks to him-only in heaven will he ever know how much effect he has had on this world. I am glad he is part of mine.
It has been a tough year for losing friends. From Lee to Mena, to Tammi and Don, to Alex and Bill, over a dozen of my friends went to heaven this year. Making this a lonelier place sometimes, but making the party in heaven more exciting. Through the Holy spirit using the ministry God has given me, I have been part of changing the population in heaven. Only Jesus!
This list can go on, from Conrad, to Bill, so many prayed for and healed in my hospital visits. To Bikerjim and his friendship, and his determination to trust God, I am blessed. I have learned to look to the cross in tough situations, not at the situation. God has everything under control, always has, always will. Can't explain it, don't understand it-just glad He does.
A special thanks to both my parents who still are there for me. Those special gifts always seem to come at the right time-and are so appreciated. Only God knows how much-all we can say is thanks!
I am most thankful for my best friend, ministry partner, pillion sitter, and co-rider, and riding partner Theresa, aka my wife. When asked which club I ride with, I answered my wife. How many of you can say that? I will gladly boast of it! God continues to bless us despite ourselves, and this will be our 35th Christmas together. Not bad for a couple who never dated and started out the night they met going for a ride. Without helmets. On a BMW! I couldn't do what God asks me to do without her.
But most of all-it is still all about Jesus. If your life isn't, it is not too late to give it all over to Him. Don't look at no money, foreclosures, cancer, death, or any other situation. They will consume you. Look to the cross. The empty cross. Then the empty tomb. And know that soon we will be with Him. He is risen! Until that day, He will take care of His own. An example that brings me great joy to tell people. No whining, no complaining. Like Job, just when we think we have God figured out, He allows something to happen so we don't. Let nothing get between you and God. Not religion, church politics, tradition, or families. It is all about Jesus!
I got everything on my Christmas list this year-and much more than I asked for. A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good ride.
love with compassion,
Mike
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