Riding cross country on a motorcycle in 2005 with Torches Across America
was a new experience for me. Although I had done it before on four different
bikes, and the year before in under 70 hours, I had always ridden by myself.
This year would be in a group, and although the reason for the trip was
altruistic, I wasn’t sure of riding in a group. You only ride as fast as the
slowest one, and fill ups can take forever, but the group I rode with was great
and I would ride with them again, any time, any place. Although we each had
different riding styles and bikes, we decided to meet every night to discuss the
next days itinerary. We knew what time and place to meet for the day’s
ceremony, and the suggested route, so we met and compared notes. Who had the
smallest tank? Based on the route, how fast should we ride? Figuring in pit
stops for gas, potty, and pits-food, we would agree upon a speed, and go.
Stopping as planned, and we never had any problems. Nor did we get lost or
separated. No one got mad at anyone, and we all had a great ride. We
communicated well, and each had to adjust our riding style, which we didn’t
mind. And at the end of 3000+ miles, never lost one person, even in crowds of
over 200 to the 3200 we rode into Ground Zero with. Over 18 miles of
motorcycles! Our core group stuck together, rode together, looked out for each
other, and made the whole trip safely. If only life was so easy....
But I quit doing crowd rides as I call them after my third Torches, others
complained “You ride too fast,” “You fill up too slow,” “45 minutes to fuel up
and smoke?” and “I’m tired, I’m going back,” and one time the whole group
returned sans me, I know how 50 miles in a morning can wear you out, but kept
riding anyway. But in successful riding, as well as life, as well as a
relationship with God, communication is big thing. If you do it, or if you
don’t. And without a plan, with flexibility part of it, you will undoubtably
hurt someone’s feelings, make them mad if you don’t eat where they want to, or
ride too fast. And turning from the will of the group will only lead to
trouble....so I choose to ride alone. But I choose to have the Lord with me
always.
Churches over the years have split over petty issues such as what color
carpet do we need? Who is the youth leader? What time and how we worship.
Things we should never split over, but discuss them, with God. It is called
prayer, and after listening to his answer, many problems can be avoided by
following it. If it works on group rides, why can’t it work in churches? But
too many times, as in riding, churches don’t agree with each other , or even
God. Personalities get involved, and hurt, and problems arise. We become a
terrible witness to the world, showing anything but God’s love for us, and sadly
too many confuse Christ with the church. Like too many church folk do. And end
up hurt, dismayed, bitter, and apart from God. Leaving the church and leaving
him. Now changing or leaving a church is OK, but we should never turn our backs
on God. Yet many do, and wonder how they ever ended up like they do. Here are
three ways people get their own way....but don’t get the fullness of God’s
love.
Today many nations are suffering, such as the US of A, because we have
decided to turn our backs on God, as a nation. Wonder why schools are like they
are, Jesus isn’t allowed in, yet the devil and his practices are welcomed, and
taught. When we turn from God and refuse to listen to him, we turn rebellious,
doing our own thing. We take on a life of debauchery, and it effects every one
in the nation. Soon we become numb to the word of God, it is forbidden in
schools and public, and we each go our own way, based on what we think is right
or wrong. If we don’t want Jesus in our lives, he will not force himself into
them, for love demands a choice. And if you don’t want Jesus in your life, if
you believe there is no God, he will make sure you don’t enter heaven, he will
honor your will to be separated from him. Sound familiar....
Second we find society turning against the prophets of God, those who are
raised up to teach and instruct. Not only are churches torched, but pastors and
clergy are in physical danger. Two nuns were hacked to death last week, because
of who Jesus is in their lives. False religions or cults use God’s name in
vain, claiming to be doing his will, when it is really their own hatred. Soon a
callous attitude is formed against God, and his church, and the Bible is
forbidden to be read or even owned. Try China, India, N. Korea, and public
schools in America, get caught with one and it could mean expulsion or death.
Time is running short in history, and Satan doesn’t know when Jesus will come
for his church, so is stepping his hatred up. With his most subtle attack
being, let the people think it is OK, and wait until later. How many have
perished while waiting and never accepting Christ? Christian martyrdom is
already here in America....
And thirdly, many look to political ways to find peace. Ending up being
manipulated by rhetoric, lies, and distortions of the truth. Both in public and
within churches. Look how liberal some churches are, allowing sin into their
ranks, and welcoming it. We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Trading the
truth for contemporary lies, they give up God and get nothing in return. Worse
yet are those religions that deny Jesus as deity, some even using his name in
their title, but deny him in their hearts. Spreading lies, distorting the
Bible, and saying they are the way, not Jesus. Denying the holy spirit, they
are doomed to death. And want to take others with them. They appear outwardly
religious, even kind towards families, their ads showing purity and happiness,
but underneath evil and hatred. A form of God we need to avoid, as they
practice a civil religion, but are rotting from the inside. From nations, to
churches, to families, to individuals, we need Jesus and all we can get now!
It starts by seeking truth, Jesus is truth. He adds everything else. And
everything else is a compromise. So please understand if I turn down an invite
to your church, or to ride with you. I have chosen a better way, and try to
live in the spirit every day. Forgiven, and with a purpose, loved and knowing
where my hope lies. Not in lies. I will tell you the truth in love, even if it
hurts your feelings. You can hate me here and see me in heaven later. For your
feelings will let you down....today is the day of salvation. The spirit is
calling, Jesus is willing, but he leaves the decision up to you. And saying
nothing, waiting, or putting it off, is just saying no. And to those who
believe there is no God, that a big bang caused it all, answer me this, what
banged? Only God can save, he created us, and knows what it takes-Jesus. Only
Jesus can change your heart, let him today, and know heaven awaits, while
getting the benefits here, on earth as it is in heaven. Love your neighbor as
yourself, and forgive yourself too. Jesus did...and he knows you. He never
hurried, never rushed and was never late.....now about that ride you are about
to take.....make sure he is along too. Whether around the block or across the
country, we need Jesus...NOW!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com