If you never have been to the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley I
strongly urge you to go. Quite a place, about quite a man, who from actor to
President was a great encouragement to those around him. Filled with momentoes
from his early radio days to a piece of the Berlin Wall, history unfolds and you
leave feeling very patriotic. A good dose of an America that was, and sadly by
many is forgotten. But one item that stuck out in my mind was his daily
schedule as President. Many of us have calendars where we write down
appointments and rides so we don’t forget, his was down to the minute. Two
minutes here, 12 minutes there, a meeting lasting 21 minutes, no wonder they age
so quick, just the pace without the burden of responsibility would be too much
for me. It seems every waking, and some non-waking moments in his presidency
were spoken for, I can see why he retreated to the ranch for solace. And after
all the mental exercise he got, that an hour chopping wood, baling hay, or a
quick ride was so invigorating and relaxing all at the same time. Go and go
again...so much to see including Air Force One inside with cars and
motorcycles. God Bless America and Ronald Reagan.
While after a hard day some relax stuck in traffic on the way home, looking
but not seeing, hearing but not listening, we ride. Take an hour for a 20
minute ride, and air out. A great mental and physical exercise that brings
comfort and joy. And it is fun when you see new riders experience it, the
non-riders think it is all about transportation, getting one place from another,
but the ride is the reason. Destination optional. Ministry can be like that
too, and when involved in motorcycle ministry with a club, it was all about the
events of that weekend. Where the club was going, what they wanted to do, and
your calendar was filled. A full schedule, many times an empty heart. Like a
commute, you are along for the ride, just never on one. When we left, we found
freedom to ride when and where we wanted, rode more, saw more, and amazingly
ministered more. Rather than be under the laws of a club or ministry, we were
led by the spirit, and the joy of a ride came back. A burden had been lifted,
we did more with less, enjoyed it more and had an open schedule for when things
came up, things we wanted to do. Instead of performing for a ministry, or those
in it, we found we were led by God instead, and it was OK just to go for a ride
without a mission. It was OK to answer “nothing” when asked about our weekend
plans. We went from performer trying to please God, and an audience, to serving
God by listening and obeying. Too often we try to please God by doing more,
when all he asks is simple. Acts 1:8. You will be my witnesses. Witness of
him, not of yourself. Him, not me.
Sarai got it backwards, and we follow her too often today. God promised
her a child, though barren, and then she set about doing it herself. And
without God’s leading look what happened. Just watch the news tonight, from
Abraham’s tent Ishmael and Isaac never got along. When God has given us a
vision, we need to let him work it out, not us. Ever been told “if I don’t
raise enough money I can’t go overseas like God told me I would?” How about “we
will have to shut down a ministry if you don’t come through.” God’s vision that
leads to our lack of vision, to disobedience, to failure. How much simpler it
would be to ask God what he wants, then wait on him for an answer. Obedience is
better than sacrifice, not important how I know....
And when we get saved, we want to please God, do things for him, to be that
witness, but find that like Peter did, without the spirit guiding we are a
witness, but one of what happens when we don’t obey God. Peter denied Jesus 3
times before being in the spirit, even though he was willing to die for him, his
words. But at Pentecost led over 3000 to salvation just by sharing his
testimony, the gospel of Jesus Christ. When John was given Revelation by the
spirit, he was told quickly “to bear witness of these things.” Share the
gospel, and when needed use words. But yet we follow Sarai’s example, rather
than being under the spirit. God loves us, every day isn’t a test to see what
you can do for God, even he rested. And he wants us to rest, maybe just go for
a ride, empty out. Let him minister to you...he likes to bless us, why not let
him. We tell others God blesses, when is the last time you just went out for a
ride with no agenda? No plans? No destination? And found the blessings of God
riding with you, maybe not even meeting another? Why do we need to have
recognition by our church, ministry, or friends to be approved? Why do we think
we are more faithful when they approve, rather than seeking God first? What
fruit do you bear, the spirit or the flesh? Careful with your answer...when is
the last time you followed God’s direction, knowing that without him you would
fail?
One of the many quotes at the Reagan Library of his is “it is amazing what
man can get done if he doesn’t care who gets the credit.” True, greater love
has no man than to lay down his life for another. But true success, true peace,
true spiritual fruit comes when we give Jesus all the credit. When he does it,
not us. We share, he saves. We pray, he heals. He speaks, we listen. We
obey. We trust. And his fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness,
kindness, longsuffering, meekness,and self control show him in our life. These
things shall follow them that believe. What is your legacy, your testimony?
Now look at your schedule for today? Where’s God? Don’t have a full schedule
with an empty heart, be filled with the spirit and walk in love. Jesus told
us”as you go make disciples,” and “he has plans for you.” But be reminded that
just as Sarai disobeyed, God forgave and blessed her. Jesus forgives, our
schedule may not. Trying too hard, try Jesus, his yoke is easy. Life is an
endurance race, not a sprint. Don’t burn out when you don’t have too. If you
are too busy it may mean you are just not organized or lousy at priorities.
Busy and productive do not mean the same thing. Maybe a ride to clear your mind
and heart is order, a ride with Jesus to be forgiven, and put back on track.
When he gets the glory, we get the blessings. Enjoy the ride.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com