Theresa and I were sitting eating breakfast in a Black Bear Diner, I was
enjoying my lingiuca and eggs, when a couple with two kids sat across from us.
They were young, the kids not the parents, and immediately each one got on their
cell phone checking messages, playing games, and generally not communicating
with each other. I see this so much anymore, but they continued to do this even
after the waiter had been by a few times to take their order-and they had yet to
look at the menu. Not only rude to each other, but to the waiter, and the
others waiting in line for a table. We continued eating, and when we left they
were just ordering. The only plus was the restaurant was loud enough we didn't
have to listen to their phone conversations. Oh, and the linguica...
I have taken up the habit of whistling the Star Spangled Banner, as loud as
I can, when in line and someone is talking on their cell phone. I really don't
care to hear of all the stupid things you are doing, and if you wish to bother
me, I will express my patriotism even louder. Rude and stupid is no way to go
through life, and we really don't care to hear it. Which is why I guard my
privacy so much. It is well known that all cell phones also act as a GPS
device, and all info will and can be used against you. Did you know that your
new car also has a black box set-up, and if the insurance company wants, can
access it and see your driving habits, up to and including the accident. And in
a no-fault state, you can be found guilty. Apps on your phone-they can work
both ways, just like someone is constantly monitoring your internet choices. We
marvel at what can be done, but fail to understand it is not for our benefit-but
to be used to control us. And when the government tells us we need controlling,
they can point to these statistics, which we give them at no charge, and use
them against us.
When having lunch a while back, my friend was excited to tell me about a
book he was reading that was showing him how to pray better. When I asked,
"what book did you read to talk to me," his blank look said none. "Then why do
you need a book to talk to God?" And my point was well made. And taken.
Imagine that every night at the same time, a friend calls. After
complaining about his day, he goes on to ask for advice. But just when you are
to answer, he has to go. The news is on, or he has to get up. Fact is-he
really doesn't want your advice. And this sadly shows how many pray to God.
They ask, but don't listen. If the lamp is rubbed right, God will answer. If
not, they will continue to be miserable, and add that blessing to you. But true
prayer is conversation-a dialogue not a monologue. Why ask, if you aren't
interested in the answer? How many would talk to you if you didn't listen to
them? Another example of God's love and patience. Also imagine a conversation
where you talk for 15 minutes, then another talks for 15 minutes. That's not
conversation! Interact with each other. Not like a text waiting for an
answer-but make it personal. God has. Maybe that is why He has given you two
ears, and only one mouth. But more importantly the reason you can control your
mouth-but not your hearing! Self control speaks of the holy spirit in your
life.
So spend some time praying with God. Thank Jesus for what He has done and
watch as your prayers change. And you don't even have to talk-just think it,
remember God is a spirit, and must be worshipped as such? He knows your
thoughts, and tries to answer. His is that still, small voice you can hear
above the music, the exhaust, and above above those on their cell phones.
Listen to it, He already knows the plans He has for you-do you? How do you know
if you don't listen?
Which is why I love to spend time with God while riding. No cell phones,
no radios, and no interference from others talking. If any of the above occurs,
you may not be on a motorcycle, even though it has two wheels. Share the time
with God, share the road, and tell Him how you feel. Then listen-interact.
Make it precious, it is to Jesus. Spending time with God-one of the first
examples given in Genesis, walking with God in the cool of the day. With-not in
front, not behind, but next to Him. At the same pace. Try that with your cell
phone! Are you spending more minutes on it than with God?
Does listening work? A short lesson from a friend with a radio on his
Harley. He would speed up and slow down unexpectedly, until we tied his road
speed to his music speed. His sound system had more power than his bike! You
see-listening does change your life. And if works on a Harley with a loud
radio, imagine what you could hear if you really listened! To God?
Let your prayer today be one of a desire to hear from God. Start now by
stopping everything else. God I wish to hear from you. No TV, no cell, no
radio or i-pod. Just Jesus. Spend some time with your best friend. He did
call you friend if you do those things He asked, didn't He? Well if you can't
hear, you can't hear Him. And you might miss a blessing. From your friend. If
you were God, would you like to be put on hold?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
