The four of us set out on a 1000 mile ride from Farmington to Phoenix and
back. Leaving after work always takes longer, and wanting to get out of town,
so we decided to get as far as Gallup, that culinary capitol on the Rez, and
eat. Now being young and hungry, add in very little money and having not
developed a pallet for good food yet, we stopped at a Sizzler, and took
advantage of the all you can eat shrimp dinners. Which quickly got out of hand,
and soon our table was the center of attention as we kept ordering refills.
After the fifth, or was it sixth, the manager tried to be cool, explained we
were taking advantage of it, we were, so he offered one more round, which we
agreed on, to go. A full lunch bag of fried shrimp, which we intended to use as
our before bed snack. We made the mistake of letting Brett stay in the room in
Holbrook while the rest of us hit the Circle K for Cokes, and when we returned,
looking for the shrimp, they were gone. It took him 20 minutes, but he had
finished the bag himself! Which made us mad, him sick to his stomach, and we
took turns watching him around food the rest of the ride. But every time I pass
a Sizzler I think of him....and the shrimp.
Captain D’s is a fast food fish chain from the south, and right across the
street from Long John Silvers. We always preferred Captain D’s, and on our Coke
delivery route, after switching out the tanks, made the Captain our choice for
lunch. Where an all you can eat catfish lunch was offered....and 23 pieces
later, we decided to leave. Now I had never had catfish before, and haven’t
since, 23 was my limit that day, and also for life. I still look for a Captain
D’s when riding in the south, but never again an all you can eat gut buster.
Seems the first time your fault, second time mine applies, and I will not let it
be applied here. But I love them hush puppies.....
Now it is not mentioned if when Jesus fed the 5000 if it was a sit down,
cafeteria style, or buffet style. All we know was 5000 plus all the women and
children were hungry, and left full. With a forerunner of Brett, as twelve
baskets were left over, to be eaten the next day. Too many times when reading
the Bible, we are looking for an out in how to do things, some hidden or obscure
verse that tells us the magic formula, and all we have to do is rub the genie
and the wish appears. I know some who are like that, not any of us of course,
but still many study, and are able to make one verse, taken out of context, into
a religion. Taken out of context, you can make a case, rather an excuse for
anything, but the truth will still remain the truth. I wonder how many of the
study to find themselves approved crowd, are really searching for an excuse for
the sin in their lives, “see David did it, and he was a man after God’s heart.
Adam did it, Noah did it, how about Jonah?” and the excuse gathering expedition
grows in number and strength. But rather God has given us the Bible as a way to
live, with one important feature no other how to book includes, salvation and
forgiveness of sin. As I peruse titles in a Christian bookstore, the titles
tell me how to pray better, to study better, how to run a children’s ministry
better, and all the how to’s of being a Christian. But without Jesus, without
the holy spirit, without God as the center of the book, it may just be another
how to book, or religious manual. It takes the spirit to reveal the mysteries
of Jesus Christ, and from the fourth word in Genesis, to the last chapter in
Revelation, he is revealed to us,so we can be saved, and get to know him,to have
fellowship with him,and to minister in his name. In every book it is revealing
another side of Jesus to us, the only one who can truly solve our problems.
Something to remember when opening our Bibles to read. Some study, some read,
but it takes the spirit to provide the growth.
Next time you read the Paul’s books, remember they were written a letters,
without chapter and verse. How excited the church must have been to receive
them, and had them read and reread over again. They didn’t have the printed
Bible we have today, nor all the commentaries, so they depended on the spirit to
reveal Jesus to them, not some author selling a book. I wonder how many
bookstore shelves would be empty if the books were free? Would they still be
written? Yet the gospel is still available at 2000 year old prices, free. With
an all you can read guarantee-the truth will set you free.
In one book, God has provided all we need for every situation, with him as
the teacher, readily available to answer all your questions. There is no
quickie nirvana, no hidden messages, no hidden anything from God. Long ago he
decided to write his word on our hearts, in an easy to use package, our bodies.
Providing the logos, the written word, some over 6000 years old to be written as
scripture. Funny I swore off catfish long ago, but cannot get enough of Jesus,
he always has me wanting more. And like Brett and the shrimp, if left
alone......so pick up your Bible today, and eat a meal, an in between snack, and
a dessert. A bite before bedtime, and don’t worry about what you don’t know.
God will reveal it when you do. Which leaves me with a decision....Long John’s
or Captain D’s? I guess it depends on what is available, but given the choice,
it is California Fish Grill. No all you can eat, just the right portions.
Which probably tells us more about God feeding the 5000 than we know. Just the
right amount....but you knew that after all. Fish and chips. Pass the vinegar,
let’s eat!
Guess what I’m having for lunch....and yes, I’ll have fires with
that!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com