sealed for your protection

Over the years I have found I like going to work more when I have fun with the people I work with. I don't and never have done boring, overly professional situations well, seems I am not quite adult to do their boring situations. Starting with an early job at Sears, this group of men I worked with on the receiving platform formed my work ethics-which led me to the belief of what good is fun if you don't enjoy it. So I had fun. We unloaded trucks, priced the items, and sent it to the appropriate part of the warehouse underneath the store. PC was our boss, who disliked us, but we were all so good he couldn't fire us, but the docks were really run by Dominic Ianucci-great name and a great guy. A bit older than us, he would tolerate quite a bit, realizing we would get the work done if left to our own sordid habits. Actually, there was a fear factor there, I can't tell you how many times he just looked at me and shook his head in disbelief, but we loved him. And respected him.

And because of letting us to our own devices, we made his life more interesting. Like the time my friend Glenn cut his hand on a metal band-those things could cut you so quick you could lose a pint before you felt the pain. Using paper towels and masking tape, we fixed him up and unloaded the trailer. And being funny, signed all the bills of lading in his blood, using a paper clip. And it was funny until the ICC guy showed up-seems anything signed in red means not received, and they were accusing him of hijacking the whole truckload. Fortunately Dom intervened, but we were reminded of how if you take a simpleton, give him a title with a clipboard and badge, how things can get blown out of proportion.

And I can still see Pete Busch standing under the NO SMOKING sign with the fire inspector-having a smoke with him, because that was where the ashtray was. Bending, as we thought, but never fully breaking the rules. We only looked at them as a challenge to our sanity-and being insane most of the time gave us a much different perspective of how things should work.

One of the guys was Richie, who at 5'8" and 330 pounds was built like a transformer. We called him "Big Fat Witzie," like a kid would mispronounce his name and he hated it. So of course that is what we called him. One of our jobs was to receive and unload a trailer each afternoon. Richie was known for unloading a section, then building a wall of merchandise and sleeping behind it. We all used this system for various nefarious plans, but one day Richie fell asleep behind a wall of 12 lawnmowers stacked to the roof. When the driver showed up to take the supposedly empty trailer, he put a seal on the door after closing it-thinking the mowers were returns, and then took the trailer. With Richie asleep behind them. With ICC law saying only at the final destination could the seal be broken. Bon voyage Witzie!

Now this trailer happened to be going to Pittsburgh, some 300+ miles away, so we didn't see Richie for a few days. And when someone asked where he was, referred him to Dom, who was trying to save his job and also his own. So we were told he went home sick, and would be out for a few days. And the plan worked, except Richie always thought I locked him in, and made me sorry I missed the chance. But afterwards, Dom had us unload the trucks in pairs, for safety reasons, he said, but really to cover each others backs. No more mid- afternoon naps in trailers-or any other fun! For a while. And not much was ever said about Richie's trip to Pittsburgh, I always wondered what the guys thought when they opened the trailer and found Richie there. With no papers-maybe that is why they sent him back.

But a brotherhood was formed that day, among us, of respect and trust. Based on enforcing a lie brought us all closer because of this. And even among ourselves, we would laugh-never when Richie was there-and definitely not when PC was in the room. But we stuck together through this episode, and actually built a trust with each other-I can say no one ever took a trip in a trailer again! And learned a great deal of respect for Dom and how he handled the situation. He was Richies' saviour that day-at least of his job, and at the possible expense of his own.

It is sad however, how we had to cover a sin with another to keep from more trouble. But that was our audience, and it worked for them. Give them an answer that fits a choice on their clipboard. The truth would only make things worse, as I'm not sure there was a box to be marked for sleeping on the job in a trailer. And Jesus knows your sin. And loves us despite it, so we don't have to make up another story to cover our sin. Yet I see myself and others when caught as kids, just make up a story that we think would appease our parents, or teachers, and make everything all right. And some still do as adults. Numbers tells us that our sin will find us out, not God. Ask David about Bathsheba. So why be afraid to tell Him, and be forgiven? Perhaps because of early lessons of how God is going to get you-wrong. Or how He will punish you and make you do deeds to get into heaven-wrong again. And because of this, and comparing Him to your earthly father-who could appear as both God and the devil-as well as Santa Claus, we learned naughty and nice was how we were judged. But in reality, He is much different. When we ask Him into our hearts, we are forgiven. Past, present, and future. He doesn't see it-although we still continue to make mistakes, our hearts have changed so we don't want to do the same things. And like Richie's trip, He doesn't bring them up-remember when you are accused, it is Satan-not God who does it. So bask in His forgiveness, and forgive yourselves. No rules can make you more obedient, but His love can. And get on with your life.

Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another was shown in a crude form by Dom that day. Jesus' way is pure. Read the gospels, and find how He forgave those in sin, in pain, and who did not believe. He showed love where others brought up the law. And unlike the trailer Glenn received in red blood, His blood atones for our mistakes, and our names are written forever in the book of life-by His blood we are saved.

I forgot to add this epeisode to the list of things I am forgiven for-don't you make the same mistake. All sin is forgiven at the cross. And no matter where you lay your head, Jesus is there with you. Even on your way to Pittsburgh in a trailer. Open your eyes and heart and receive Him into your life today. No excuses made or offered. He is the truth-I like that.

I just hope Richie, Dom, and the others from 40 years ago have, too. God touch them wherever they are, in Jesus name.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and unto them, a child was born...

I have always wanted two sons. And God has honored my request by giving me Christopher and Andrew. But what many of you don't know is that I have three children. No, not from another marriage, or out of wedlock, or before I met Theresa, or from her before she met me. In between my two sons, Theresa had a miscarriage, and we have a child in heaven, one we have never yet to hold, but have loved and will be united with some day. I can remember the news when Dr. Pirnat explained that she had miscarried. He explained that they don't know why, maybe the child had its thumb in its ear too far. But God knew, and knows, and in His infinite mercy allowed this child to by-pass the horrors of earth, and go directly into glory. No initial crying when born-that alone ought to tell us how we all come into the world, and no stress that living on earth provides. Just eternal bliss, without the pain we have here. God showed mercy, that while this child never knew this world, it was and is alive-and in heaven with Jesus! Not only a comforting thought, but a truth as well-with the promise that if we choose Jesus we will be united with him or her someday.

But like I said, I have two sons, and God gave us Andrew after we lost our second child. A true blessing, disguised in all the things boys can be, and then all the things you wish they wouldn't. But God honored my desire, and gave me my second son. Not as a replacement for the one lost before birth, but in addition to, as no child should ever replace another. He chose to bless me with three children, but keeps me patient, yet anxious to meet the child I have never seen. I believe He calls it love, and I cannot describe it, nor will I try. Words will only lessen it. But in God and this situation, I have seen mercy, I have seen grace, and a side of God I would not have known under different circumstances. I have seen a glimpse of a grieving father, and have an insight to what God felt when He saw His son on the cross-dying for us.

It is sad that the God who gives life, allowed Adam and Eve's second son to be taken by murder. Perhaps this speaks of the evil heart of man, but God showed mercy to Eve in her mourning, and gave her Seth, in place of her slain son Abel. And the Bible makes an interesting comment after his birth, that this was the time that men began to call upon the name of the Lord. And Seth was not given to replace Abel, but in place of the one who had been taken from her.

God also knows the tragedy of losing a child, as He gave His only son. Not to replace one lost, but in our place, because we were lost. And through Jesus we will be reunited with God in heaven. With Abel, and Seth, and our second child, and all the others who have preceded us into eternity in heaven. To those who have lost a child, I cannot, nor do I desire to understand what you feel, but God does. That hole in your heart can only be filled by a loving God, so you must let Him. And sometimes it means letting go, and holding onto that which you cannot hold, that you cannot see, or cannot feel. But your faith, your trust tells you Jesus is there, and only His tender spirit can comfort. I pray you let Him today.

Heaven will be filled with so many who never knew life on earth, but know life in heaven. God's mercy and grace extend to all the heavens, and are not restricted to earth. To those lost before birth, or aborted, or who died too early for us, they wait patiently for us. And will greet us, and when we are in the Lord's presence we will wonder why we ever doubted, or mourned-the glory will be so overwhelming. But as for now, we must be patient, and encourage others to seek Jesus-their only hope. Who tells us today is the day of salvation-let it be yours. And also says that He is patient that none should perish. But reminds us that no man or child is promised tomorrow. Don't confuse delaying with waiting-seek Him today. And let Him comfort you, so that you may comfort others. Pray for those who are considering an abortion-let them know of the precious life inside them. They may consider it not a child, but if it isn't, then are they really pregnant?

The gift of two sons God has given me has brought me closer to God than I ever thought I would be. A blessing sometimes through anger and pain, but always ending in love. And I must confess, I am a sucker for a happy ending. But also a sucker for a happy now. Enjoy your family while you can, they grow up too fast, and start their own. Share Jesus with them now, as tomorrow may be too late. And to those who have loved ones in heaven, remember King David's words when told about the loss of his son. "I can go to him, but he cannot come to me." Someday soon, going with Him, someday soon...

love from a compassionate father of three,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

family ties

How many of you remember the Patty Duke Show? She played Patty Lane, who just happened to have a cousin who could be her identical twin. And they would have fun sometimes at others expense, sometimes planned, sometimes accidental. But although they looked alike, they were completely different. Cathy, her well bred cousin was quasi-sophisticated, where Patty was described as a hot dog makes her lose control. Food must have been different back in the 60's. And I marveled myself at how much they looked alike, with the difference in their voices the main difference. I never told anyone, but I thought they were two different actors, and was amazed at how two girls could be so identical. Chalk one up for youth-actually ignorance, as they were both played by Patty Duke. And add that to the list of ageless questions about women at that age-Ginger or MaryAnn, Betty or Veronica, and now Patty or Cathy? To anyone who thinks growing up used to be easy, never had to deal with teen age hormones. For the record it was Mary Anne, Veronica, and the jury is still out on the Patty/Cathy thing.

Interchangeable cousins are nothing new, as even Mark Twain wrote the Prince and the Pauper, where two men exchange identities for a time, with a poor urchin taking over for a prince, and vice-versa. And you can imagine the many scenarios yourself. I prefer the fun ones, although Hollyweird has produced some wretched and perverse ones. But rest assured, even on the first date, most men could tell the difference between Patty and Cathy. Even today, two cousins recently switched identities to defraud someone.

Fortunately, all cousins are not the same. In Luke we find two sets of cousins, who are represented as mothers and their sons. Cousins Elizabeth and Mary. We find Elizabeth, barren in her old age, visited by Gabriel, the angel, and told she will conceive a child. And then six months later, we find her younger cousin Mary, the virgin, visited by Gabriel again, and told she will conceive, although a virgin. And the next time she meets Elizabeth, John, who is inside Elizabeth jumps and receives the Holy spirit. And Mary stays with Elizabeth until the birth of her son. And when Mary later gives birth to Jesus, it is John, who baptizes Him, and sees the Holy spirit in the form of a dove come upon Him. An interesting family to say the least. Wonder what their family gatherings were like? Not like mine, I'll bet. From the naming of John, no one had been born in that family with that name before, making it unique, to the common name of Jesus, like calling someone Joe today. And even their careers would mirror their fathers, John going into the ministry, and Jesus becoming a carpenter. But it was their mothers, the cousins, that would be the common thread.

And strangely, both would be hunted down by the evil Herods, who as a gift to Herodias, had John beheaded. Seems he came out publicly about brothers sharing wives. John would end up dying a martyr's death, and was buried in a tomb like his cousin would be. Today in some circles even his death is celebrated. And Jesus, who called John the greatest man ever born of a woman, dying on a cross-a finishing carpenter being nailed to two wooden beams-the world not realizing the significance of it. Gives some thought to the words "It is finished."

Two cousins, one worshipped and adored, the other shunned and crucified. With a common group of friends, the apostles. But with a relationship unique, because each knew who and what the other was. One doing the baptizing, but realizing the greatness and uniqueness of his cousin. Going against local and Jewish traditions, but forming a bond that today still exists into eternity.

I wonder today, if faced with the choice, which man would you follow? The well known John, whose followers still worshipped him after death, or his cousin Jesus, buried in a borrowed tomb? You see John the Baptist, as he was known, today has a denomination named after him. And Jesus, well He only has an apostate cult using His name-in vain. Although many worship Him in churches bearing His testimony around the world. And sadly today, many choose to be only a participant in a main line religion, or denomination before choosing Jesus. Choosing a religion before a relationship, don't want to get too personal, you know. Thinking this makes them acceptable to God. And although the name Christ will appear on many churches, some of these churches deny His deity. Two cousins losing their lives for what they believed, only Jesus being the son of God, and dying for our sins. One showing the way, the other being the way.

Who do you say Jesus is? Was He only John's cousin, or was He really the son of God? Was John, as Jesus said, the greatest man born unto woman, but Jesus truly the son of man? On the surface, it would appear John was the more celebrated, but truly it is Jesus who is the savior, and earned our voluntary worship. And as close as John and Jesus were, we can be closer, as we can be sons of God. Sharing a common Father, and not just cousins. Relationships mean something, that is why God sent Jesus to die for us, so we can have one again with Him.

And like Patty and Cathy, you can lose your mind-but these cousins, as close and similar-were not two of a kind. So don't lose control, or your soul. Choose Jesus, the ONLY, BEGOTTEN, son of the living God. Who died to save you from your sin. Jesus or religion? Can you tell the difference? Your answer...

the Stepford Ministries

Growing up we had Wildcats, Cougars, Mustangs, and Chargers for names of fast cars, they were names you could associate with, and sounded cool. We could picture them in our minds. Today we have Camry, Civic, Altima, and the ever exciting Escape. And we had SS, SST, AMX, and GT. Today we have Limited. Just doesn't make it for a testosterone laden young car guy. But 40 years ago the cars of our dreams were different, and just out of reach when we were still too young to drive. So we retreated into the world of models, and we built the scale models of them, making the engine noises, and dreaming of the day we would have one of our own. AMT, the model company, sold theirs as 3-in-1 kits. They could be built as stock, like the ones you see on the street, racing, with slicks, fat tires, and decals, or custom, with styling influenced by George Barris, Dean Jeffries, or Darryl Starbird. And you could customize to your heart's content, making it custom, looking like the picture on the box, provided the parts came with the kit. Individualized like the thousand others just like it.

And the boxes were collectible too, although we didn't use that word. Cool pictures on them, they weren't graphics yet. We just saved them. And I learned from the older guys, the 10-12 group, to save the old parts for use on other cars. Don't throw the unused parts away, they could be used on another model, just like real customizers did. Put a Ford grill in a Pontiac, Olds wheels on a Chevy, or stick a blower out of the hood from another car and you were up there with the best of the customizers. Use more than the parts that came in the box, and don't limit yourself to what came with it. Let your imagination take you places that your other friends didn't go. And when they would comment that "I didn't get those wheels with my model," you were King of the Kustomizers, like George Barris, at least among your prepubescent peers.

And this was perhaps my first experience of thinking outside of the box. Not limiting myself, or being limited by what came in the kit, but using all resources available to me, and doing things that others couldn't, and didn't due to being limited to what was in their box.

In my walk with Christ, God encourages me to worship and build a relationship "outside of the box." Don't be held down by a denomination's interpretation of the Bible, but go straight to Him, and find an infinite God who loves you. When I think of religion, man has made it so hard. Ask a Lutheran, what they believe, and you may get a different answer than a Baptist, or a Presbyterian. Explain what your club or church is, spending more time with the differences than sharing what you are about, and what you signed up to do-minister. And that is sad, because we all have the same Jesus, and the same Bible He has given us to read. And left us the same spirit to guide us. But sadly, some get hung up on the religious and legalistic side of God, or even create one. Honoring the laws, but neglecting to know the person who fulfilled it. Recently I broke away from a ministry I was with for over 34 years, and found a freedom that only God can give. I found that rules, quotas, and performance figures that were set up on the other side of the country, didn't fit what God was showing me. Board rooms were boring, and God wanted me to operate under is plan, not someone else's vision for me. And that I was becoming an outcast among my peers, because I was not allowing myself to be boxed up or boxed in with them by their rules and religion. I had found freedom in the spirit, and sadly it caused a schism among some who I ministered with. Those who thought they were doing a good job obeying their ministry's goals, but neglecting what God had for them. Monthly reports which when analyzed only showed the failures, even a column for missed opportunities. Just following orders from whoever was above them, and thinking they were doing God's work, if you met their criteria, when oft times sidelined by a superior officer just following orders from above. Pleasing man, and substituting his goals for God's. I had become molded into a ministry, instead of God molding me how He wanted-and the differences can be huge. There is no peace found in the law, and I see ministries today dying because of their relationship to big business. Who wants more laws in their life? Please explain the freedom in the law to me if you can! Quotas to meet, and limitations put on them due to religious differences, not focusing on Jesus, but the differences in denominations. And this grieves God, for He didn't set it up this way. And makes true rebels out of those who choose God over an organization.

Since following God, and forsaking a ministry's bounds, I am more effective and more joyful than ever before. And I find myself referring to advice I was given years ago when God gave me a desire and vision for ministry. I was told "don't follow any organization or church, but be true to the vision God gave you and to the God who gave it to you." Good advice. And although I still believe these ministries to be viable and God influenced, I find serving God and not man is where the blessings come from. Answer to God, not some organization. Every rule an organization has goes contrary to operating in the spirit, and limiting God.

There is a freedom walking in the spirit, that if you haven't I can't explain. And it will upset some people, because they are stuck in their religious boxes. It's like Wyatt and Billy around the camp fire in Easy Rider, when George explains to them that people are afraid of them because they are free. And will kill them to protect themselves from the same freedom they could be enjoying, and desire. Does that sound like where you are at? Is your church behind your ministry, or are you constantly being told to fit in better? Is the organization you minister with trusting God, or limiting Him by rules and legalistic men who claim to follow God, but really are just following a corporate dictate? Is your peer group getting smaller as you get closer to God? And are experiencing a joy and freedom in the spirit that your friends don't get?

Escape the box, and trust Jesus today. Ditch legalism, and trust God. Know His character, and instead of a good ministry member, be an obedient servant to God. Go places, see things, and experience the joys talked of in the Bible. And get to know a God so personal that He sent His only son to die for you. Think outside of the box that you are stuck in, and watch as God molds you into the person He wants you to be, and the joy it brings.

Two kinds of ministers out there-moldy or molded. I choose to be molded by God, not to fit into an organization. The changes they make in your life are temporal, the changes Jesus makes in your life are eternal. He who is set free in Christ is free indeed! There will be unity in the spirit in heaven, where does it say we have to wait till then?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

name that tune

One of my favorite albums is by the Beach Boys called Stars and Stripes, Volume 1. On it, Jimmy Webb, arranger extraordinaire takes their hits and rearranges them for country western stars to sing. And it works-and this from me, a guy who when he gets a new radio has country western surgically removed from it. But good music is good music, and this albums rocks! But the song and experience on it that is most memorable is Willie Nelson singing Warmth of the Sun. The documentary made of the album shows Mike Love telling Willie how to sing the song, and the basic mood of it. Willie looks at him, two legends head to head, and reminds him of who he is, don't tell him how to sing. And then goes on to sing this beautiful, moving song, getting it on the first take. And the miracle is he had never heard the song before. Just reading the music before he went on, and going with the band, it is incredible. Even though on the first words he stumbles, the stumbling seems preplanned, as the rest of the song is pure Willie. Being in tune, I believe they call it, and Willie was that day. Don't play it as written, sing it as the spirit moves you. And the look between Love and Willie at the end confirms it.

Ball players call it being in the zone, and I have talked to my friend Kevin Mitchell, the one who hit 49 homers one year and led the National League, he of the one handed, bare handed catch. And he tells me when you are in the zone, the pitches seem slower, you see more, you adjust better-but it all just seems automatic-natural, and you are just part of the action.

A popular line among Christians is being in the spirit. John wrote Revelation being in the spirit. Jesus ministered in the spirit, and we are to be guided by the Holy Spirit. So what does it mean? My first experience being led by the spirit, I didn't even realize it. We were attending the Spirit of Love church in Durango, Dal was our pastor, one of the few men I have ever met who truly was a pastor. He had asked me to share my testimony, about 15 minutes before he spoke one Sunday. Now true to the churches I feel most comfortable in, this was old hippies, homeless, those looking who hadn't found yet, and a group that if they walked into your denominational atmosphere, may be asked to leave, or placed by the door-certainly not next to Brother So and So who is a major donor. But a magical thing happened to me that morning, as I began to share I could feel God's presence like never before. I heard the words before I said them, and I felt a peace that I had never felt before. Only being saved about four years, I had been in denominational churches where you follow the program-here I was following God-I was in the spirit. And instead speaking for 15 minutes, it seemed like five, I shared for 45 minutes. And Dal, sensing the spirit, didn't chasten or hasten me, but led God's message unfold. He followed up with a 15 minute message tying it all together, and had an altar call-and 19 young people went forward and accepted the Lord! Unbelievable! But in the spirit, all things are possible. And to show my heart it just wasn't an emotional experience, for years after we would hear or get visits from these men, still walking with Jesus. It was, and is that real. And all about Jesus.

You see the spirit does what the law cannot-save. You cannot embrace the law, for it only focuses on your shortcomings. But there is life in the spirit, and when you yield to it-a peace that surpasses understanding. Trying to figure things out? Spending a day making plans that only get superseded by life? Live in the spirit. Enjoy the peace God offers. And the closer you get to God, and the more you walk in it, the more carefree you become-cast your cares on Him for He careth for you. Almost to the point of appearing careless-when really all you care about is Jesus. Want more blessings-spend more time with Jesus. That simple-even a caveman or biker could do it!

Harmony in music takes a group effort-all with the same goal, and with no one more important than the others. To harmonize, you sing together, feeding off each other-and end up making music-where others just sing a song. Today harmonize with Jesus-sing along with Him, walk with Him, meditate on His word with Him, and watch as the peace that surpasses understanding surpasses all.

Huey Lewis sang about a new drug, when it's really about a relationship with Jesus. In tune, harmonizing, in the zone. But really it is just being in the spirit. Letting Him lead, and you harmonizing to His tune. Being in step with the Lord. Jesus Christ-a song that never ends-no matter who sings about Him! And the words-they just seem to come naturally...hint-they are really coming supernaturally! In the spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

such a deal I have for you

We love to negotiate. And from my many years in the automotive field, I felt immersed in it sometimes, although I was in service. Why even have prices? It seems though, in car sales, the sticker is the starting point. And we always try to negotiate down from there. The dealer owes me because I want to buy his car. I blame this on Chrysler, at least for the current generation, as they introduced rebates. Instead of trying to sell you a car at a fair price for all, we are going to offer you money off up front. A discount before you ask. And thus created the notion that they are overcharging. And depending on which side of the sales desk you are on, either they are ripping you off, or making a shrewd deal for the dealership. And working in dealerships the last ten years, in service, they all want to negotiate.

"Jiffy Lube will change my oil for less." My answer, "take it there, we repair a lot of Jiffy Lube oil changes." And I would tell them when they asked for a discount, "let me see if the tech will work for less. But he usually doesn't like to discount his quality of work to match the price." Now try that sometime at a restaurant, just before they ask you to leave. Or at Vons. Or ask the cashier at Wal-Mart, and you may even get to practice the second language you learned in high school.

Now we all like a good deal. And a basic premise between buying and selling is found in the following statements. "That jerk SOLD me that car." Or "Check out the new car I just bought,what a deal!" We never commit to stupid deals, but sure want to tell the world of our negotiating skills when we put one over on the salesman. Pride, they call it.

And over the years, I have noticed a phenomenon when discounting a product or service. The more that you discount, the more the customer thinks you have ripped them off. They always think they could have gotten a better deal, and their friends tell them so. "Shoulda taken me along, coulda got you a better deal." Not with me. And thanks for not bringing your pinhead friend along. But the converse works when charging a fair price, or even one that seems too high. I had customers bring me gifts, and introduce me to their friends-only deal with Mike, he will treat you fair. When the customer knows what he is buying, and understands why the price is what it is, he is more comfortable with the purchase. And finally you learn a common denominator, if you don't provide the service the customer needs, no matter the price you have charged too much.

And for over 6000 years we try to negotiate with God. Lot, when God came to rescue him from Sodom and Gomorrah, pleaded with God from 50 down to one righteous man to be found and save the city-but none were found. Perhaps because God's idea of righteous and ours is different. Helps to negotiate on the same thing. Imagine Jesus in the garden, asking God if there is any other way. Maybe the outlook would be better if God had given Him a trained set of twelve. "Father, how about another dozen, rather than this dirty dozen. Watch as I can find those righteous Lot was talking about." But God had already found the one righteous man He wanted. Fortunately, Jesus was that righteous man God was talking about, and I am thankful for what He did. No deals, no let me talk to my manager. He made it simple-He died for all. Do I hear anyone volunteering to take His place? Let me show you the nails. Any questions?

Only Jesus was the right deal. The fair deal. The best deal. And the ONLY deal. And still is today. You cannot work your way to heaven. And although our fleshly, worldly ego tells us what a good job we do when we happen not to screw something up, you cannot negotiate a better deal with God. But you can trust Him. Maybe that is why you are so unhappy, because the best deal is offered, and you won't take it. Who knows better than God what you need? Who knows better your desires? If there is a person, e-mail me. For now, I will stick with the one and only-Jesus. Begotten, unlike any other. Negotiated your soul out of hell by giving up His life. He paid the ransom. Bad deal for Him, incredible deal for you. And now you only owe Him your life, so give it to Him. And don't try to tell us how good you are, we know more than we are telling. And God knows even more!

Trusting God, you are in the spirit. Negotiating, or whining to God. Legalist. Bet you didn't know that. Now you do. So you can get the best deal every time. Trust God. Quit living in futility, and you can do it now. And before 5pm and before 55-no senior discounts. Oh, and you don't have to be a certain height to go. Trust God. Don't talk to me, listen to Him. Let Him tell you about the deal He has made-for you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

mama said there'd be days like this

It seems Hollywood is never content to leave anything alone. Take a successful movie, then make a sequel, and watch it go down in flames at the box office. The exception is Godfather II, and of course Rocky-if you like Rocky. Personally I don't, so I wouldn't include it on my list. But a film, French and filmed in South America, has been remade called Sorcerer, made in 1977 it is a cult classic. But the original film, made in 1953, is far superior. Called the Wages of Fear, it takes place in a small, poor village, in a jungle surrounded by desert in South America. Where a US oil company has a compound, and is known for exploiting locals. When an oil rig fire breaks out across the jungle, and the only way to extinguish it is by using nitro, the union workers will not drive the dangerous route through the jungle. So four men, with the promise of $2000 each if they make it, a fortune in this village, take off in two trucks. And for the next hour the suspense is incredible.

The four men are sent out in pairs, and generally do not get along. Each has a specific and not entirely altruistic need for the money, and they even compete with each other. The nitro they carry is in jerry cans, and cannot sweat or will explode. That and it is very unstable, even the vials hitting can cause an explosion, as it does with one truck, killing both men. But the other truck soldiers on. Through mountains, jungle, having to explode a boulder in the way, and finally as they get close-encounter a bridge over a swamp. The bridge is old, and they know it won't hold the truck, but they have no alternative route-over the bridge it must be. Using their winch, one man wades across the swamp, and attaches it to a tree, and they try to pull it across, since the bridge is slick, and they cannot get traction. Finally the truck slips off the bridge, and into the quagmire. This quagmire is oil that has begun to fill the old riverbed from the oil leak and fire, making it all black and slippery. One man must get out of the truck to guide it over, wading chest deep in the oily mess, and slips-the truck running over him and mortally wounding him. The sight and sounds give you chills, as the driver had no other choice. Only one four makes it, and I won't reveal the ending. Being French it is a bit existential, but watching it for the truck scenes are worthwhile alone.

Does their trip sound familiar? Ever have a day, or days like that, where things are so bad that death is welcome? If it wasn't for bad luck you would have no luck at all? When you get so close to your destination, yet it seems farther away? And alone, where everyone seems to be your enemy, or at least your competitor? Discouraged, and then when you do send out invitations for your pity party, no one accepts, or even shows up to mock you? Well, you're not alone. Seems there was this man named Elijah, who after seeing God do great things, ended up in a cave. His prayers were good, no rain for three and a half years, and it didn't. So how and what was he doing alone in a cave? The wages of fear set in. Not getting your own way, you turn from God. Subtly known as pride, he cried to God that he was the only one doing anything for God, so he deserved special consideration. I mean, look at his prayer record. But God put him in a cave, a special consideration, for there with no outside influences, he could hear from God. And it seems that in we hear Him best in bad situations. Or when alone in our cave. And even when God reminded him that there are over 7000 men who have never turned to Baal, he doesn't cheer up.

In life's situations today, I hear from Christians saying a lot "well, it's all going to burn anyway." Referring to Revelation, where God burns up everything and we get a new heaven and earth. To me, a cop out, making an excuse for them not trusting God in the situation. And my question is, why do you only hear that stated when you've lost, or are losing? Why don't you quote that when you start your career, buy your first house, or get married. Try telling your new wife, "let's just live in a tent, it's all going to burn anyway," and see how long she stays with you. Tell your boss, "sorry I won't be in today, it's all going to burn anyway." And make sure he has your address right to mail you your last check. But yet we tell that to God, using excuses when He doesn't carefully follow our instructions laid out by us in our prayers. If only God really understood...

Broke, homeless, hungry, jobless, in sin, or whatever trials you are in now, God loves you. It doesn't depend on your situation. And He has many blessings for you, if you trust Him. He has a way out, and you must follow Him or you will fail. So how do we get back to God?

Like the two men stuck in the quagmire, a man must be sacrificed for the mission to be accomplished. Oops, almost revealed the ending. And God sacrificed His only son, so we can make it back to Him, and out of our quagmire of sin. Jesus went to the cross selflessly, so we can live. A plan I never would have dreamed of, but exactly the one we need. So simple only religion can screw it up.

So-come out of your cave, and listen to God. Jesus is the way through deserts, jungles, and quagmires. Yes, it is all going to burn, but you won't be here if you choose Him. And out of the ashes comes a new earth, and heaven...no excuses-Jesus is the way!

Payday is coming soon-what will your wages be? Hint-the wages of sin is death. Don't wait for the sequel!

love with compassion,

Mike

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