When having the engine rebuilt last week on the RMZ450, we had to wait an additional week because of the wrong part. And since it was internal, no work could begin until this part arrived. Not the most expensive, and not even part of the original repair, but a part that should be replaced so that it won't fail soon after the rebuild. And again I am reminded of how the small things, though small in stature, can affect the outcome of a bigger event. And how starting from the inside out is how you rebuild a motor-the very heart of a motorcycle.
War of the Worlds-the 1953 version, was on last night. One of my favorites, great special effects, and a great Gene Barry who played Dr. Clayton Forrester-sound familiar all you Mystery Science Theatre 3000 fans? Great scenes of LA over 60 years ago, and a reflection of core values found not too long ago. With the ending even taking place in a church, where get this-they are praying! To God! Even worshipping Him in the midst of a crisis! All from a movie made in Hollywood! Pinch me-am I dreaming? But like all science fiction, and all lies, the story is based on fact, then massaged for its own use, today we call it "putting a spin on it," but that is the beauty of fiction, it doesn't have to play by the rules. And so we see the Army bombing in close range, and even an A bomb set off that has no effect. Well almost, at least not on the Martians, note-we never know where they are from. And as they attack all earthly beings, no weapon is found that can destroy them. Except one little scene, where Forrester and the femme fatale are hiding in a farm house. When the long antennae enters the house investigating, Dr. Forrester beats the glass lens with a broom handle, rendering the Martian vehicle useless. Too bad they just didn't arm the villagers with ax handles like they did in Frankenstein, but that's another story. Once again the simplest of things would end up destroying the over technological alien invaders. Ever wonder what will happen when the lights go out?
But in the movie, after praying, and the people having no place to turn but God, the aliens begin to die. The people have given it all over to God, and then He intervenes. It seems the Martians cannot handle the bacteria in our atmosphere, and they die of an air type pollution. And we are reminded of how the simple things of God can overpower and outwit the largest of enemies. I just find it ironic how the Martians die of smog, in LA! Maybe a political message? How did Al Gore miss that one?
But once again God, rescues us after praying, in His way. A true life experience brought to life via the Martians. And like rebuilding the engine, it starts from the inside out. A regeneration that the enemy is ill suited for, and when we get saved we have the ultimate warrior fighting for us-GOD! And in Romans 12 it tells us to no longer conform to the things of the world, but to renew our minds. And again, like renewing the engine, it starts from the inside. Just the opposite of what the world tells us. Look good, be skinny, be buff, a $100 hair cut, and $200 jeans are what it takes. Putting manure in a clean bucket, as if the manure will somehow change because of its package. But the truth is Jesus Christ changes lives, from the inside out. Look at things from God's perspective, not your own selfish desires. Seek ye first, the kingdom of God. Lean not on your own ideas or experience. Obey God and watch for the victory! It may be a tough fight, but God has a perfect record-He never loses! Can you say the same?
And then after the trial, don't forget Him. Too often after a tough battle we stumble again, not letting God continue to be God. Remember in all situations that God's wisdom is always more powerful than any weapons used against you. But good advice, Godly advice only works if taken. And the simplest of ways can be the most effective. Simple because we are, not because of God's endless defense budget. Simple so that we can get it, by faith, then do it. More precisely, let God do it! And if it works in movies, imagine how it can impact real life! Without a script, but God Himself to follow?
And a note to the military, if attacked by Martians, arm yourselves with ax handles and broomsticks. Worked against Frankenstein, and is the only battle won by the humans against the Martians. Think of the savings to the Defense Department. But keep it simple, or else we might end up having $10,000 ax handles. Built to a spec. With electronic sensors, and laser accuracy. Maybe even a right and left handed version so the minorities aren't affected. Sound familiar? I'd rather follow God, for like the movie reminds us, it is the simplest things of God that overcame the enemy. It will still take someone to swing it-the simplest things of God-us.
Renew your mind today in Jesus Christ. Rebuilding your heart-from the inside out. Not by might-no bombs or ax handles, not by power-no great Armies needed, but by His spirit-which may be unseen, but is so large that we can't see it! The things which are seen are temporal, the things not seen are eternal. From the scriptures, via Hollywood, courtesy of the Martians. Not of this World!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com