fans don't boo nobodies

Having at one time played the game, and now being too old to do anything but watch from the stands, I have seen the agony of defeat, and the thrill of victory.  I have seen great disappointment when I failed, and great joy when I succeeded.  But again, today like many of us, and all of us at ne time or another, we were just spectators, and able to comment from the stands when we would have made a different decision, which would have led to victory.   We would have made the catch, called the right play, not run out of gas on the last lap, and sunk the free throw.  We would not have struck out, or fouled out, nor got called for a penalty.  For we are all  blessed with 20/20 hindsight, the ability to look back and say “I would have done it different.”  Maybe the #1 thing I have learned from the Chargers, to not do it the way they do.  To not have defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.  To learn from their experience of how not to do it. 

But yet each competitor sets out to win.  An old team mate Chris Richey used to dream of getting the rebound and sinking the shot with two seconds left, winning the game.  How many dream of being rich, and already spending it?  Of going that much faster than the other guy, or having got gas when you could have, instead of running out and wishing you had?  So we all have the gift of looking back, of seeing what failed, and bragging how it would have never happened to us.  A Reggie Jackson quote here seems appropriate, “fans don’t boo nobodies.”  For every boo Reggie earned, it was because of hitting a home run before.  He had succeeded once, they expected it every time.  And so did he.  But as much as we watch from the stands, there are times we need to make a stand, to stand up in the face of adversity, to not back down from a bully, or to stand in there when we really want to run and hide.  Daniel faced this, and it is written there were four ways, or four stands he took.  And the results.  Sometimes with a crowd, or sometimes alone as Paul faced Nero.  He was alone, like Daniel, no one standing up for him, but he was never alone because God was with him, and never abandoned him.  Right or wrong, God never abandons you.  It is us who leave the game early, and miss how God changes the score from one of defeat, to one of victory.

The first stand is to stand down.  To do nothing, when you know to do something, to act like a secret agent Christian, no one ever knowing you are one.  Agreeing with the crowd for fear of embarrassment, or ridicule.  Being the nobody that nobody boos, but never making it to the victory party afterwards.  Never seeing how we can do all things in Christ when he is the strength, our pride not allowing us to fail.  So we act in silence, both in words and deeds, and attitude, too many church folk are like that.   Filling a pew, and not realizing the stench they cause, to the cause of Christ.  Suffering in silence, we never know, only God does.  They claim to be waiting on God, really they are delaying any contact with him.  No trust in God....

The other stand we take is to stand aside, doing nothing.  Or worse yet always arguing over some part of scripture, never knowing Jesus.  All talk, no action.  They know the word, just not the author.  We are saved, so we need to act like it, others outside the body do, so why don’t we?  Too many don’t wish to get involved, to go where they have never gone, and miss seeing a side of Jesus they don’t know about.  They avoid others different than themselves, and give when it doesn’t hurt, but when someone else sees only.  Let someone else do it, or worse yet, watching as no one comes to another Christian’s defense.  They are always calling for prayer, never offering it.  They never see victory, and never face defeat, they are like the mugwump, who sits on the fence, his mug on one side, his wump on the other, going with the crowd.  And wondering why God never blesses them.  I listen to the pastor, done all the right church things, why doesn’t God hear me?  He does, and because you are lukewarm, never taking a stand for anything, never listening, he spits you out.  Better for that one to have lost, realized they were a failure, repented, and be consoled by Jesus.  “But God.....” Testimonies of excuses made, and looking the other way, just not to Jesus.

There will be times we need to stand against evil, to take a stand.  To defend someone who is innocent, or not abandon one in need.  To go against the crowd, to stand out, maybe in a majority of one with God.  To say not to that next drink or drug, or to tell the truth, no matter the circumstances.  To be open about God, to share Jesus by our actions, using words when needed.  To walk the walk of your talk, hopefully in the Lord, rather than someone guessing  you are a Christian.  A sad moment occurred when I called on a brother in law’s business, and the secretary and I got to talking Jesus.  I mentioned my brother in law was a Christian, and it surprised her.  She never would have guessed it.  He never showed it, nor would admit to it.  A place where we spend most of our waking hours, he never took a stand.  Or maybe he did, just not for God.  And so evil creeps in, do not give the devil a foot hold, do not be afraid to call a spade a dirty shovel if it is.  Stand for Jesus, he stands with you.  Remember if you deny him here on earth, he will deny you in heaven at judgment time.  Jesus who?

Finally we need to stand up for Christ, and for his people.  We are one of them, and we cannot do it alone, we need good Samaritans to help us, and God sends them.  He sends people like us, to come along side of those in trouble, to stand up to the bullies of the world.  To declare Jesus by love, maybe to someone unlovable, probably the hardest message you will be called to send today.  To be in Christ walking in the spirit, so you know when to hold them, or when to fold them.  When to argue, when to speak.  Better yet, when to listen to the spirit so you will be guided correctly.  Today you will be called upon to share Jesus, and someone less bold may need your help.  They may be the one bullied because they openly share Jesus, and get picked on for it.  You may be the one God calls to be the Samaritan for them.  Or to wake up the secret silent one.  Today may be the day we see Christ in action in their lives, maybe ours, for the first time.  We may face the boos for taking the stand, but plant a seed for another who is listening, and wanting to know.  But without love the boldness is just us, a clanging bell, or a loud pipe annoying others. 

Standing down, who are you really standing for?  Standing aside, who is really your Lord?  Standing against, where does your power come from?  Standing up, are you getting all you can from God?  There are times we will be all of them, it comes down to who we say Jesus is.  Are we afraid of hearing the boos for standing for him, or hearing the boos for denying him?  Daniel was never alone against the lion or in the fire.  Before man who knew when to be bold, to tell the truth.  He was guided by the same spirit Paul was before Nero, the same spirit Jesus had before Pilate.  And the same spirit that wants to guide you now.  God will provide the words, knows the situation, and is with you.  We cannot do it alone, when we do we fail.  Yes we will strike out, miss a free throw, or drop the pass.  Maybe even run out of gas on the last lap, but God is still with us.  We are never alone, nor face life alone.  And the boos we hear, or Reggie heard, are nothing compared to those Jesus endured for us.  So be prepared in season and out, walk in the spirit.  Someone is watching, God always is.  Your message of hope may be based on how you handle failure, rather than victory.  Knowing it all will never supplant showing the love of Christ, application rather than education.  Offer hope to those standing down, courage to those standing aside.  Support those who stand against, and always stand up for Jesus.  He did for you, what better example of love do you need?

No coulda, shoulda, or woulda in heaven.  And we can have it on earth as it is in heaven.  Jesus said so, what’s your excuse?  We are safe in the Lord’s hands, no matter what.  One day closer to heaven each day, could you maybe find a few minutes to love someone in Jesus name today?  Fans don’t boo nobodies, they look to them when needed.  The victory has been won, the game still needs to be played.  Are you in it to win it?  Nothing will ever sound as good as hearing God welcome you to heaven.  Tell someone today, they are waiting.  Just like you were.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

"throw in the chrome rims and you have a deal"

While looking at the new Bonnevilles on the Internet, I sat and began to count all of the motorcycles I have ever owned.  Somewhere in the thirties, add in all the other bikes I have ever ridden, and it is well over 100.  But for each of the ones I have owned, there was a decision to be made, do I buy it or not?  Some were based purely on an “I want one” attitude, while others were when I needed to replace an older one, and in some cases one that had been wrecked or totaled.  So many roads, so many bikes, and so many decisions to make...I’m glad I ride.  I need one.

But when it comes to cars, the feeling or reason to purchase was different.  Too many times based on logic, fuel economy, or where to take the family when they ride along were major factors in the purchasing process.  Checking ads, reading reviews, asking friends, only those who are gearheads, and finally going to the dealer.  And trying to find a salesman who knows more than I did, good luck, and then the negotiations.  And the process can take most  of a day, when I could or should be riding.  And being on their turf, you can see how an away game is harder to play than one at home, they have the home field advantage, and have no problem pushing you into the vehicle of their choice, when it should be yours.  I win most of the time, have lost on others, but still play the game.  Which is why Theresa will not go with me to buy a car, it is brutal.  When she wanted a new Mustang convertible, circa 2001, we found the one, candy apple red, and began to negotiate.  I would call them back, and did after checking prices.  They accepted my offer, and Andrew, Paul, Theresa, and I went to pick it up.  But after arriving the price had changed...over $1000 for the chrome rimes that were on the car when I priced it.  Seems the salesman had failed to include them, so we walked.  No rims at the price agreed, no sale.  The young sales manager was tough, and couldn’t believe with all his charm I was passing up the deal, but when we were about to get into our other car, Andrew and his friend started giggling, “here he comes..” and after the standard of “you’re getting it below cost, and it might cost me my job,” he agreed to sell me the car, chrome rims included, at the price agreed upon.  With one understanding, in F& I, if anyone tries to sell me something, I walk.  No undercoating, stripes, fresh air cleaners.  Nada, nothing, zippo.  And she didn’t and we bought, and we all lived happily ever after.  With no word from the dealership, they still are in business, must not have been too bad a deal for  them.  So I operate on the definition of a good deal, where both parties benefit. 

Right now if you aren’t saved, there is a battle in the heavens going on for your soul.  Until you are saved and belong to Jesus, the devil owns you and doesn’t want to give you up.  So he will try to entice you with things of the world, like new cars.  Or worse motorcycles.  A great job.  All the things your FICO score can provide you.  Even eternal life, just not in heaven.  The things of the flesh, how much did you spend on clothes last year?  Cosmetics?  Riding gear?  Only to look good temporarily, at least on the outside.  And he promises himself, counterfeiting the claims of Jesus, until you die. Slicker than a used car salesman, he will tempt you until you give in either way.  Doing battle with the holy spirit, who is telling you how much you need Jesus.  You need a savior from your sin, not another payment you cannot afford.  He promises the things unseen, while our wandering eye wants all that is seen.  And both Satan and Jesus will chase you offering you things in exchange for your soul, only the truth is found in Christ.  His deal is real, no hidden charges, or “oh I forgot to tell you,” and he isn’t pushy.  He wants you to make the decision, for true love demands one.  But don’t delay, for no man is promised tomorrow, but yet he is patient that none should perish.  He is life, anything else is a poor substitute, and brings death.  So in choosing a god, it is different than choosing a new car.  Or bike.  When it comes time to buy, choose Jesus.  His claims are true, his burden light, and he is the way to his father in heaven.  He died for you, while Satan wants you to die to him.  Don’t be misled by any false claims of his, he is a liar, and will continue to lie and confuse you as much as he can.  Only in truth, in Christ will you know the truth and be set free.  Buy now and pay later?  The price may be too high to pay when it is time to pay, and you cannot save yourself.  All loan agreements have a due date...only the deal you make with Jesus is forever.  And you don’t have to renew it every year, and your FICO score, and all the things that matter her on earth don’t to God.  Whether the CEO, or just the janitor, both need the same Jesus.  All are sinners, no matter their income. Or lack of one.

And if you stop and think about it, buying a car is harder than coming to Christ.  His deal is the real deal.  No closeout sales, and no upcharge for hidden accessories, like chrome rims.  No buyers remorse either, unlike once you sign for the car, it is yours, you have all the freedom you need in Christ.  But why would you want to change after having it all? 

Which is why I haven’t bought a new car in over 12 years.  Or changed gods in over 40.  Jesus gave me the best deal, I took it,and never looked back.  If only I wasn’t so fickle when it comes to motorcycles.  I have had many rides in my life, only Jesus gave me the ride of my life.  And into heaven when he calls....but yet the temptation still exists.  And it will, so don’t buy into a pretty face, look for the nail pierced hands.  Look into his eyes, and see truth.  Don’t fall for religion, don’t settle for less.  For anything less than Jesus.  When it comes to your soul, demand the best.  And only one can supply it, Jesus Christ.  Few figure in the price of insurance when buying a new car, it comes included with salvation.  We all want the best deal, Jesus comes with a gift.  Salvation is a gift.  Even only cars and bikes came the same way.  But I have Jesus, and I still ride.  Two good choices, only one will get me home to heaven.  Make the right choice today, and never look back.  Jesus Christ, the same as last year, the same as tomorrow.  He never goes out of style.  Chrome rims included.  By the way, the Mustang still calls our garage home.  With 6 motorcycles....HELP!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

more than a ride, less than a race

Over the years I have ridden with many different people.  Some I never knew their name, but can remember what they were riding, and the road we were on that day, others I can see their face, but cannot remember anything else about them.  It’s funny how when I meet someone, and we look familiar to each other, I ask them either “where do you go to church, or what do you ride?”  It is never if you go, or if you ride, it is where and what.  Cruising over to see Tyson, my friend the GM at the local Triumph store, I met up with a young guy at a light, who loved the Bonneville I was on.  I cannot remember his name, because we never got that far, or his face inside his helmet, but I remember his Honda 919, that he said he loved.  Just another encounter, how many have you had that seem meaningless at the time, but you cannot forget?  Another young guy, Nate who sells at a multi line store, reminded me of me when we met.  He is young, and wants to ride with me, if he can keep up, he said.  He has more years ahead of him than me, but I have more miles, somewhere in between we’ll meet.  It also allows me to look back to when I started riding, and how it was all new and exciting.  Still is.  But the men I met then seemed so much older, tougher, and hardened by the rides.  Until the electric kick starter came along, these men had to kick everything, and some walked with a limp, from not finding TDC and the bike kicking them back.  I can still remember bruises from my encounters...I can remember how we would meet Friday nights in Bouke’s garage, and tune our bikes for the next day.  They didn’t need it, but when not riding, we could bench race while spending time with our bikes.  How many do that today?  But we did....and again faces fade, but I can remember the bikes.  No last names when introduced, just Mike or Bill, Slow Eddie, Gino, Biker Tony, BH, The Wild Man, or well, you get it.  Just by being there you were friends, and with bikes in common, you always had something to talk about.  Into the wee hours of the morning, and even though we got very little sleep, we rarely waited the next morning, no one was late more than once.  Being left behind and missing out on the stories of the ride next Friday night was just too much to bear. 

We never called them group rides, sometimes 3 or 4, sometimes as many as 10.  No rules, no pre-ride meeting, we rode.  We knew and respected each other, even if we rode different brands.  Or had different lifestyles.  It was expected you knew how to ride, and no one complained of someone going to fast, but you would hear about those going too slow in the corners.  Leaders changed positions, we all fueled up before we met, and when someone needed gas, he went ahead, pointed to his tank, and we knew to stop.  Very few destinations were planned, suggestions came from guys who had just taken a new road, or found a new place to eat with pretty waitresses.  We would stop at Harley stores, Honda shops, Kawasaki shops in old garages, and peel off as we each had a different schedule later.  We would just wave, no long good byes, and meet again next Friday.  No phone calls or invites, no one needed to be reminded, and we all looked forward to it.  And after a long week of work, bosses, rules and regulations, we rode in total freedom.  Our Friday night bench racing sessions and Saturday rides were more than a ride, but less than a race.  They were special...and the words to fully describe them escape me.

I don’t do group rides any more, I call them crowd rides.  Road captains, pre-ride meetings, always someone who forgot to get gas, or slept in to wait for.  Too many times only riding as fast as some newbie, or following someone so righteous they never speed, but find joy in having traffic back up behind them.  No bench racing, as many do nothing more than put gas in their bikes, and email or Instagram their news during the week.  No fiddling with setting the idle, checking tire pressures, or checking the oil.  They ride, but have no relationship with what they ride, and barely have one with who they ride with.  Maybe that is why I don’t do them, but ride alone.  Or with a certain few, who ride like I, Or we used too.  And still do.  No reminders of the time or place, or to get fuel, a mutual respect is their, never spoken, but shown to whoever cares to look.  Or who doesn’t.  A brotherhood, that today is missing, substituted by clubs, colors, rules, meetings, and crowd rides.  Maybe I am showing my age, but also my brotherhood. 

Being a Christian is more than ride, and less than a race.  It is personal, and too many don’t want it to be.  I find my private time with God to be valuable, I can listen better without a crowd, or someone telling me how to live or worship.  I find the freedom in riding a great precursor for a relationship in the spirit, with a lot less explanations.  Today so many have the education, Bible study note taking junkies, and their social schedule revolving around church events.  But very few get out and apply what they know.  We bench race on Friday nights, then got out and live it the next morning.  Today so many lack the application of their education, and seek more of God by more reading.  More teachings.  More church.  More prayer.  Not bad things, but it like sitting on the new bike in the show room, if you never ride it, you’ll never know what it can do.  Works with God too, if you never get out of the four walls of the church, you will never see all that Jesus can do in your life.  You will never get to meet fellow brothers who go to a different church, and get their insight.  You become religious by just listening to your pastor, your way of worship, your way to pray.  You miss encounters like I have, meeting fellow riders in parking lots, stop lights, or in showrooms.  You miss the fellowship you think you have by not getting out.  Your walk has become less than a ride, and little more than walk, maybe even a crawl.  I know too many men who are strong at church, but weak outside it.  They neglect to walk with the spirit, having to meet in groups.  They don’t share, they only invite others to church, where the pastor will tell them about Jesus.  Their walk never gets out of the box.

I try to be the same person in church as I am everywhere else.  If I need to apologize, maybe it is you that has the problem.  I have met and made many friends that I may never see again by being out in the world, just not of it.  Just like Jesus tells us, the great commission, as you go, share the gospel.  Jesus never invited anyone to church, he took the gospel to them.  He spent his life on the road.  Is it possible my pre-Christian riding was a great influence for taking Jesus out to the world? 

Next Sunday  you will meet in church, and sit in the same spot, with the same people.  With a service following the same procedures, you always know what is next, and a quick check of your watch tells you when it will end.  Please explain the freedom in that?  Where is the holy spirit?  The spontaneity of seeing God at work, instead of choreographed?  Are you among the first to leave so you can get to the store, and wait impatiently in line there?  Is that all you get out of church, getting out?   May I suggest a different way.  Listen to the spirit. And let him guide you.  Be bold enough to sit in a different area, meet new people.  Pray for them, maybe invite them to coffee after.  They may be waiting for an invite and you may be it.  Bench race about Jesus after church, and find it will become part of you outside of church.  The spirit is always with us, you are never alone.  But sharing Jesus makes it special.  More special outside of the church.  Are you listening?

So if you ask me to go for a ride, be warned, I have only one rule, ride your own ride.  And the same applies to Jesus.  Ride your own ride, get to know him, and quit being so religious.  You will find that the application of what you learned in church is more fun than hearing about it.  You can live it, and see others live it too.  Meeting together with a group of believers is fun, but living the life one on one with Jesus is where it is at.  Many times I have been able to share Jesus in non-Christian groups, without preaching.  They get to know God through me, not a church experience.  A sign hanging in my house simply reads, “live life in such a way that those who don’t know God, will come to know God because they know you.”  May I add riding, too.  Over the years we have gone to church with many people...how many do you remember?

love with compassion,

Mike matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the thrill of ownership

How many times were you out in your Dad’s car, feeling cool driving a car way above your income and social level, when you met, or hoped to meet the attractive girl standing in front of the bowling alley, or Korvettes?  You drove a little slower, maybe cranked up the tunes from the powerful AM radio, and made sure she noticed you, well really the car you were driving.  You finally make eye contact after your third or fourth trip around, and she notices.  Finally.  Stopping you ask her “wanna ride?” she says yes, and the next thing you know she is in the front seat, riding next to you, even if it three feet way.  She likes the car, notices how cool it is, and asks if it is yours.  Being a sophisticated 17, you lie Yes, do you like it?”  She nods approvingly, you decide to go get a Coke, and you head out.  She is beaming at you, others notice her in the front seat, and you drive, really cruise, as you want everyone to see you with her.  Or is it her with you?  Well, almost everyone, stopping at a light, your wise guy, read immature friends pull up in their multi colored VW bug, radio blaring, and notice you.  And the girl.  But notice the car first, “Hey man, your dad must be outta town to let you be driving his new car....” the light changes, and suddenly so does her attitude, and she asks to be dropped off.  The thrill of a successful pick up gone, along with the first thrill of ownership.  It will be awhile until you don’t want to kill your friends, even longer until you feel confident enough to go cruise for girls at the shopping center, obviously the word is out about you by now, and back to driving your mom’s grocery getter.  It is tough to pick up girls in the station wagon, and no one would ever admit it was their car, at least not at 17!

But the day comes, when you buy your first car.  Bought and paid for by you, even has your name on the title.  And on the insurance.  But to own it, and keep it running and insured, you work a lot of hours nights and after school.  Little time to cruise, and free time means washing and polishing, even if the paint is thin, the tires without white walls, and the radio sitting next to you, a portable, the dash one lights up, just no sound.  But it is yours, and soon you are doing little things.  Seat covers, a used radio now works, you fix the oil leak, so you no longer smell like burning oil, and one night , you actually encounter a girl who wants to ride in your car, just for you. And inside you wonder if something is the matter with her.   It shows pride of ownership, and although a little rough, so is your sophistication.  And no embarrassing friends to make fun of you at a light, in fact paybacks have been sweet, and often.  It may not be the car your father drives, but it is yours, and your pride of ownership shows.  You drive it different, notice where you park, and it becomes an extension of who you are.  You date girls who are faster than it is, but it is classier.  A few speed shop decals, one from Honest Charlie’s show you are cool, even if the header sound is because the muffler has a hole in it.  Soon an 8-track player follows, a steady girl, and most of your money goes to her instead.  But you never forget your first car, your really true first love.  There will be more, but it will be the one all others will be judged against.  The thrill of ownership, and it is all yours.

But along with being all yours goes repairs, insurance, which you are told will go down at age 26, if only you make it, so much maintenance is done by you and a friend who knows about cars.  You have control of what goes into the car, or rather your part time pay check does.  Both the good and the bad are yours, and an occasional loan from your dad helps you along.  “I’ll pay you back next payday dad,”  read maybe at 26, when I have the money due to reduced insurance rates.  You are growing up, the car growing old, and you are learning about life while living it.  Much different than in social studies, where you read about the perfect family.  Did Ward Cleaver ever go through such turmoil?  Did Father really know best?  Was Howard Cunningham ahead of the curve with his De Soto?  How did Archie Bunker ever meet Edith without a car?  And TV looked so real at one time....

And you find out life is more than a 30 minute sit com.  That it is real, with bills to pay, girl friends to budget for, and cars to maintain, all while trying to impress your friends.  “If only I was rich...” but dream on.  The rich kids don’t have the same problems, or do they?  When we come to Christ, many are told everything will be alright.  Jesus will take care of everything, then after church one night, you go out and you have a flat.  “Thanks a lot God,” you think.  “I thought you would take care of everything.”  Were your friends and Bible study teachers wrong?  I don’t remember signing up for trouble?  But this is exactly what you signed up for, for a God who loves you, and will be there when you encounter problems.  Even self inflicted ones.  Jesus told us “in this world you will have tribulation,” aka troubles.  And every problem you have should boost your faith, as it is written you will.  Being saved doesn’t give you a free pass on problems, but someone to turn to when you encounter one.  To show you the way.  Like a phone call to your father when you run out of gas, he will answer.  But it takes obedience to follow his solutions.  And as you get closer to God, you stay out of messy situations you once would drive head long into.  You rely on the spirit guiding you, your conscience reminding about who you date.  Where you park, and what you spend your paycheck on.  Even down to what you ride or drive, God is involved, but only when you let him, for his good advice only works if taken.  Remember that when you call out to him “Lord help me!”  As you patiently wait for his answer.  Patiently, remember. 

For as you get closer to God you see sin differently, and when you do, you change your lifestyle.  Maybe even your car, as you spend your money wise, and God knows your desire for a cool car, and some how fulfills it.  In a way you would never expect.  You see when you come to Christ, you enjoy the thrill of ownership in God.  You belong to him, and you become a child of God.  And because you are his, you gain access to all things of God, including wisdom.  Which you find more valuable than gold.  And the closer you follow, the deeper the relationship, and when the tire is flat, you give it over to Jesus.  Who reminded you to check your spare that afternoon....were you listening?  God takes care of his own, remember to thank him the next time that jerk, I mean person stops suddenly in front of you.  And you miss him by inches.  Thanks Lord, for he knew and stopped you.  That girl you have been eying, and thinks you are a jerk.  She has two kids, and is looking for a father.  The job you had to have, you lose out on, only to find the company moves out of state 6 months later.  From jobs, to cars, to girls, you find God knows best.  And who knows, that one that has been eying you, just may have a father who owns a huge business, loves his daughter and will see her husband is well taken care of, and given a company car.  All expenses paid.  But you have to know where to look, and looking to Jesus first, letting his spirit guide you is the best first step. 

Just like it was a thrill to see your name on the title of your first car, your name written in the book of life by God’s own hand is better.  The best actually.  And he has the resources to take care of you, unlike your first car.  You may be rough around the edges now, but growing in Christ will take care of that.  And when Jesus tells his father that you are his, the love is sealed forever.  No more cruising for God, he is right there with you, and will never leave you.  If only cars and girls was so easy.  Skirts and wheels always have and always will be an invitation to trouble.

Like the TV show, Father in heaven Knows Best.  And you don’t have to leave it to anyone else.  Happy Days are here in Christ, aaayyy!  And maybe Archie should remember something the next time he calls her a dingbat.  She chose him!  And God chose us.  Will you choose him?  The thrill of ownership never will mean so much as being a child of God.  Now about those tribulations Lord....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com