Although Albuquerque had set records this summer for high heat, most of my
stay there was in a hospital. And despite 100+ outside, I was in a climate
controlled room, which sometimes would get cold, and they would put those
wonderful heated blankets on me. So when a doctor would comment on the heat, in
my environment, he was talking a foreign language. The calendar said June/July,
to me it didn't matter. Who knew what time or month it was where I was.
So as I sit here this morning, windows open at home, all the signs that
summer is over are there. We are past Labor Day, the official end for tourism,
and the kids are back in school. It is getting darker earlier, but yet it has
been over 90-100 every day for the past few weeks. It feels like summer, yet
the calendar indicates October, not August. And to confuse issues even more, it
snowed in Yellowstone this week. Yet despite what we may see and hear, the
calendar is right-Happy October everyone-welcome to fall.
So often things are not what they appear to be. Or the impression we wish
to give is misleading to others, whereas we are a legend in our own minds. When
part of a patch wearing national motorcycle ministry, I quit wearing my colors.
And never wore a badge identifying myself as a chaplain. Yet I ministered as
much as anyone, as it wasn't the outfit, but the spirit that guided. And at one
time I wished to be recognized, when Jesus got the recognition instead of me or
my colors, I ministered much more, and more effectively. Some may argue the
colors lead people to them, take that up with God. It is the spirit-anything
else is a pretense, and about you. I've been there, and as they say I have, or
had the t-shirts to prove it. Now I minister more effectively just sitting in
the background, letting God guide. Like He wants to, for I have found just
because you have the colors, and you may represent a ministry or church, but
that doesn't mean you represent God.
The Pharisees were real good at expressing themselves publicly. The robes,
the loud prayers, and public displays of knowledge and giving many times were
all about them. Yet Jesus taught to listen to their words, which many times
were not backed up by their actions. He allowed the wearing of robes, but found
it wrong to wear one that drew attention only to yourself. He wants us to keep
the word in our head, and many would wear a little box affixed to their
foreheads to show this-yet some wore big boxes, to show themselves holier. And
He leaves the lesson with a widow giving two mites, less than a penny, all she
had. You see the tithes were put into a metal shaped trumpet, and when the
coins hit, you could hear them. The bigger the sound, maybe the more given.
"Look at me, and how much I give," the Pharisees would share, while the sound of
two mites would be imperceptible, to all but God. Who found favor with her
gift, as she gave from the heart, in private, not wishing to bring attention to
herself. But to honor the God she loved...who do you think was blessed?
Today I function much better obeying God, and prefer to sit in the back
unnoticed. Yes I still ride, and minister to those who do, and with those who
do. But my ministry is all about Jesus. And I hope that the world gets even a
small glimpse of Jesus in me. But I am more concerned of what God sees, for He
sees the heart-which now has a special meaning to me. For it is out of the
heart that the mouth speaks...And man looks upon the outside, while God sees
what is on the heart. So listen to the Pharisees, and to those who teach.
Match it with the Word, and keep them in prayer. Give hilariously, without
reservation, and trust God with all things. He knows what day, what time it is,
and just where you are. He doesn't need the calendar to tell, but we sometimes
do as what is seen does not match what is heard. So keep the word close to you,
in your heart. There's that word again-heart. Let it fill your mind, as you go
through the day meditating, or thinking of God, rather than worrying abut your
next appointment. Let His words fill you up, and sing songs of joy. Not
worrying about what your appearance is, but what your attitude is. Others may
tell you, sometimes when you don't want to know. Best to rely on God.
I read recently where the Crystal Cathedral went bankrupt. Very sad.
Maybe an external sign of an internal heart condition. What are you showing on
the outside? Are you spiritually broke, or rich in the things of God? What
does God hear when you give, and what does He see when you go out? I'm afraid
the answer will surprise us all, maybe even shock us. But will we let it change
us? And yet He loves us. Which only reinforces, what a loving and forgiving
God He is. Just like the song says... grace is amazing! Jesus-is the reason
for every season. It shouldn't take a calendar to remind you.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com