We were buying some items for a trip a few years back when the cashier told
me my license had expired-the state had not notified me. So getting a temp
before we left-a permit, upon return from our 7500 mile ride I took the test-and
failed! Like many other experienced riders, I had found if you ride like they
say-you'll crash. So after explaining my last two weeks ride to the DMV woman,
she suggested I sit at her desk and take the test again. She disappeared for a
few minutes, conveniently, leaving the answers in plain view for me. And she
was pleased when I only got a 100! It seems passing the test was different then
real life, and after 35 years she figured I may have some experience. She knew
the real test was could I ride-not pass tests.
After my open heart surgery I had an infectious disease doctor, Dr. Ross,
and Dr. Walinsky who operated on me. Both got the same lab results, with Dr.
Ross's advice different. His was a purely analytical approach, do this to get
back within the boundaries, while Dr. Walinsky was more concerned about my
reactions after surgery. Both right, but both different, and both concerned for
my well being. Sorta like the law vs. the spirit-both right, but one gave me a
freedom based on background, while one was based on facts and figures-very
impersonal. Life in both cases was the objective.
Jesus tells us the law is death, while the spirit gives life. He also
tells us that He fulfilled the law!
And He desires we live in the spirit-which gives freedom! It is like a man
I once met, who was trying to get closer to God. He read the Bible more, did
more studies, prayed more, and was frustrated after 18 months. If only he would
have let the spirit guide him. After we talked, he realized he wasn't trusting
God, but doing what he felt would make God like him more. You see you cannot
earn God's grace, nor make Him love you more. And it is the spirit that reveals
all the mysteries of God. Not study, but spending time with God. Which will
include God. You cannot do things to make Him give you favor, but you can let
Him guide your life by the Holy Spirit! Grace is truly about God, and His grace
does not need us. It is not dependent on our participation-it is a gift that
cannot be earned. He loves us the same while still being a sinner, yet we try
to impress Him. He calls it pride, and it stands between us and Him. And God
wants nothing to get between us!
Give it over to God today. Trust Him. Because He is trustworthy. He sees
you as you are, and takes all things into consideration. When He says all
things work together, he means all! Not just what we think is convenient for
us. He is always there, has the right answers, and it all will work out for
us. If we are obedient. So quit arguing with God, and desire to come to a
point in your prayer life where it is all thanksgiving. For when you truly
trust Him, you will ask no more-only praise Him and worship Him. Talk with Him
today, and give Him a chance to answer. You may find that just like the DMV
woman, the answers are right in front of you, all you need to do is trust.
I think that deserves a ride, don't you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
the smiling doctor is Dr. Peter Walinsky-the best!