you couldn't fool Toto

The book of Proverbs tells us "do not be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals." Good advice, not only because it is Godly, but because it is true. And there is a great amount of deception out there today, and God warns us that even the elect can be drawn into it, if not careful. Some lies are subtle, some are pretty blatant, but all lead to one thing-destruction. And this is one sin that definitely isn't isolated. I was at a dinner recently when a man was telling a pastor how a friend of his had a vision of heaven. And how he was going to put it out on DVD for others to see, and he would get one for this pastor. And the pastor thought it was a good idea. And as I stood in shock, and embarrassment, I thought "here goes another spirit of antichrist, getting our eyes off of Jesus and onto anything else." Perhaps the scripture about heaven, "eye has not seen, ear has not heard, or the mind imagined the things of Heaven," doesn't apply to book tours and DVD sales. Or talk shows or Oprah, or cults either.

I was with a national ministry for 34 years until they started taking paths, unknowingly, against scripture. When men within the group started quoting Oprah, denying the Bible, and admitting heretical, cultic practices into the ministry, it was time to leave. And when pointed out these non-Biblical activities, I was branded the outlaw. Unity in the ministry is more important than unity in the spirit. Think our way, don't make waves-and what was once a ministry, is now a weakened social club-too blind to see the error of following lies. And wondering what went wrong? Sadly, proving scripture correct-bad company, those who follow man instead of God, ruin good morals, and relationships. And it is at all levels, and not just this ministry. A state leader told me once "don't ever say anything wrong about TV evangelists, I got saved by one." Funny, I thought Jesus Christ saves. Be wary, lest ye fall. Sadly, this couples life reflects the evangelist-I wish it didn't. No matter how much you believe a lie, it is still a lie. And just because you don't believe the truth doesn't make it not true.

Jesus came to separate the sheep-Christians, from the goats-the unsaved. It is just that simple, and any philosophy that preaches we all get along is calling God a liar. Cue in music-Kum Bu-a. He warns us not to fellowship with any such non-believer, don't even let them in your house, or bid them Godspeed. That little leaven, watch out, it is soon all through the loaf.

You see when Dorothy told Toto "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore," Toto knew it too. And despite meeting and making friends, she longed for home-much like Christians long for heaven. You see courage only made the lion stronger until he met a situation bigger than him. The scarecrow was only smart until he met some one smarter. And the tin man, didn't realize, yet , the fallacy of trusting your emotions. In each case, something that appeared good, was veiled in sin-letting something else substitute for a relationship with God.

Faith wallowing today? Abram believed the Lord, and God credited to him as righteousness. No acts, no monies, no TV evangelists, or club rules. Abram believed God because He is trustworthy, and knew He would see Him through. And it wasn't Abram's act that made him righteous. It was God, and the relationship he had with Him. He figured that God's adequacy would be enough to see him through-it wasn't about his faith-but God's love. His grace. His mercy. Funny-terms you never find in any other religions, or philosophies. And if they are mentioned, they are all about you. And your feelings. Try this truth. God is love. He is a noun, a verb, an adjective, and an adverb. He is infinite, and omniscient. He is smarter than Oprah, and on more channels. He is the way, the truth , and the light. His book is a best seller, and He never had a book tour. And He won't be found on DVD, as like heaven, no man has seen Him. It takes faith, not much, He does all the work. Look to God, not the situation. Imagine if Abram had looked to Sodom? And not trusted God?

So beware, like Dorothy, for she would never be happy until she was home. And we won't be either. Toto knew. Let nothing-from club rules to bike brands, to false teachings get between you and Christ. Find the truth in God's word. He doesn't change based on opinion polls-we are to change based on the truth, to be found like Him. Like Abram was found. So be counted with the sheep-who know the master's voice. Be counted like Abram, and be found righteous, because you know a righteous God. Test the spirits, and be careful of those whose gospel is not the one written in the Bible.

Sounds like ain't good enough. Looks like, don't work. Following visions? They are to follow you, if you are a Christian and believe. Seek the truth-it will set you free!

Take time to see where God is in your life today. Take your spiritual temperature. It may not be what you think it is. Seek God! Have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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only when empty are we full

If you grew up in the sixties, you remember the nightly news, and the opening lines were always how many dead or wounded that day in the latest fighting in Viet Nam. And if the numbers were high, we were all terrified, but if only light casualties, the newscaster told us it was a good day. Unless you were counted in that days casualties, then your perspective was different. And did you ever notice that on weekdays the numbers were always higher, lower on weekends, reinforcing how governments around the world choreograph wars, while soldiers still carry out the battles-but mostly on weekdays when the politicians are at work, never on a weekend when they were off.

The Iran Hostage Crisis, day too many, greeted us in the late seventies, until the day of Ronald Reagan taking the presidential oath, and trying to upstage him, downstage Carter, or realize that in Ronnie they would face a real foe, released the hostages. But we all can remember the opening lines. Today is----, day --- of the hostage crisis. And for 444 days, where after two weeks the news story is usually played out, the drama continued, an eternity in broadcasting, that was how the broadcasts were opened. And it was even longer for the hostages. Being held hostage by Iranians, and us by the news. Both prisoners-only we could change the channel. A solution not offered by the Iranians.

Today is day 49 of the oil spill disaster in the gulf. And as more beaches, eco structures, and lives are disrupted by the spill, politicians and oil companies alike are still looking for the answer. And of course, who to blame. Taking advice from an old Iacocca adage, "never put two number twos together to form a number one," we see the Obama administration now on the scene, and what physical damage is done, will only be exacerbated by the political implications. And as the oil continues to leak, does anybody really care about the leak? How about the men who lost their lives and their families? What does day 50, or 51, or 444 bring our way? And as we continue looking to man, to solve his own problems, we are reminded of the better way-in any situation.

God reminds us to look to the cross. The cross at Calvary. Where on that Friday afternoon, Jesus was crucified, for our sins. How many times I hear in hospitals, "the doctors have done all they can, we need to pray. " When the correct first aid would have been to pray immediately, why wait? So, how many of us look to the cross when problems arise? And how soon? And if we do, what do we see? Do we see Jesus on the cross, as depicted in so many crucifixes worn around the neck, or do we see an empty cross? Your answer may surprise you.
The answer makes the difference, as if you see Him on the cross, His work isn't finished. But if it is empty, historically accurate, then "It is finished, " just like He said, and He will handle the situation-but you must let Him. But if the cross is empty, then where is He?

Look in the tomb. If His body is there, then He is not resurrected, and you pleas/prayers may be in vain. But if it empty, which it is, then He has defeated death, and is resurrected! And you will be too, without your problems-they will be left behind. But you won't be! And He is ready to handle any situation you bring Him! Friends betray you-He knows about betrayal. Hungry, naked, without a place to stay, or sick? He has been there, and knows the way out-there again, you must seek Him first! Which raises the question, if the tomb is empty, where is Jesus?

The Bible tells us in heaven, seated at the right hand of God. The most favorable seat. And unlike Jewish priests, who couldn't sit, because their work was never done, His work is complete. He sits, and is waiting for you to call on Him right now!

What you do in a given situation, will either guarantee success, or failure. Or a prolonged agony that could have been dealt with long ago. Jobless? What day are you in? When will you look to the cross? Marriage a wreck. What do you see when you look there? Finances gone. If the tomb is empty, you are on the right path. But don't stop there-look up-set your sights on things on high. Look to Jesus-the answer for any and all situations. Follow Him-He is the way through, not around the situation. He is the way out. Far out, huh?

Simply put-look to God, and not at your surroundings. Look to Jesus, and not your situation. Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God! Unlike politicians, He works weekends. And unlike broadcast news, He doesn't report it, he makes it! And has some headlines awaiting your situation, so call on Him! Why wait-do things get better without Him?

Day one-I needed work, after losing my job, and Jesus gave me the desire of my heart, Matthew 25 Biker Ministry. Not anything I would have thought up myself, but for last 28 months a joy and a blessing, despite the headlines. And He continues to meet my needs-Grace, and take me through daily situations-mercy. In ways I never knew possible. Man plans, and God laughs. Isn't it about time you began to smile and laugh again, without being laughed at? You won't find joy in the news, politicians, or man's answers in crisis. Joy is only found in Jesus Christ-at the cross.

Your problem may seem big, but He is bigger. You or problem may seem too close-He is closer. None to small, or too big. Every problem you bring Him is like Goldilocks' bed. Just right, and you can rest in Him. Get a good day's rest, into night. With the Lord. And He doesn't need your help-or advice! Call on Him now!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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long live the man who lets his right wrist do the talking

In 2006 Triumph came out with their Scrambler. A replica of the 1956 TR6C, it has high pipes, knobby tires, and looks much like the bike Steve McQueen rode in the 1964 ISDT. And I had to have one. Besides the high pipes, and cool character-hey Steve rode one, I had their off road pipes installed, making it the first Triumph I owned that could be as loud as a Harley-without putting baseball cards in the spokes. Its exhaust note definitely had an attitude, so I set out to find one. But in the mean time, times were good, and Mickey and I discussed building a bobber, much like the Mission Impossible bike he had in his shop-he handles Triumph's press fleet. So one Saturday Andrew and I head off in the truck to Orange County Triumph, to buy a Bonneville which will be bobbed. And the plan is going good until we get there. Where we are greeted by Todd, the general manager. And he is all excited.

"Mike, this guy here is trading in this Scrambler-only has 1202 miles on it, just serviced. Here is what we offer him in trade, see if you can get it from him for the same or less. I know how bad you want one." And I talked with the man, and we did get it, for the trade in price, and he bought a new Tiger, just like mine from them. But it cost Todd a new bike sale to us, but he rather see us happy, and riding what we wanted. And that was how we did business. A relationship based more on a long term, than just buying another bike. In fact, when we bought our Tiger, Todd told Nathan, "see what we have in it." When Nathan told him the invoice price, Todd said "that's Mike's price." And over the years we built relationships- bought 12 bikes from them in 14 years, and we became friends, comparing best food notes, getting to know each other's families, and not minding driving 72 miles to do business. Family is how they described us, and we knew all the guys, and knew them well. We were able to minister to them, have them at our Christmas party, and were there for them when they needed it. All in all, a great relationship, one that any biker riding any brand would dream of.

But this weekend it is over. Sadly, it has been for a while. Lousy business practices, greedy owners, and the economy sunk the dealership. When Todd left, and the owner's son took over, he ran off all us old timers, the ones who showed up on Saturdays for free lunches. Who bought special order parts without deposits, who called ahead and were always fit in for service, without an appointment. We were the ones who didn't quibble over price, and supported them with our business and friendship, being their key source of advertising, selling more bikes than any ad could ever sell for them. But with the new manager, we all left. And in fact, we were scowled at when we did show up, all he saw was a discount to us, not the thousands we spent on our bikes-that went to another shop. and even down to the end, with their going out of business sale-advertised at 20% off, and 80% this weekend, ran off sales when guys were told to come back tomorrow-when 80% would be honored-as if there really was a tomorrow for them.

Out of business. History. A memory. Friends who no longer have jobs, and will have to try to find them within a motorsports industry that is off 40%. And without fail, talking with friends who patronized them, feel that the reason is that they were only after the dollar, and quit looking out for their customers. Bottom line was there is no bottom line without customers, and they ran us off.

Ecclesiastes tells us that the rich man never has enough money, and loses sleep worrying about it. The Bible also states the LOVE of money-not money, is the root of all evil. And sadly, when businesses operate like this, they are on borrowed time, and everyone from the vendors, to the employees, to the customers suffer. How many fail to understand the profit margin in a no sale?

Your life is about relationships, and it starts with God. Without Him you are on borrowed time, and I also got the news yesterday that Little Eric died last Friday in a bike accident. I had met him at OCT, and knew him for years. We loved on him, and stuck by him when drugs took over his life. We had seen him last month when in Brea at the Triumph/Ducati store, and embraced and visited as we always had. Never realizing it would be his last conversation with us. Now he's gone, and I feel empty-not for me, the pain is for him. You never know for sure, but his lifestyle and attitude was not one that revealed a relationship with Christ. And without Jesus, death brings hell for eternity. And it is a choice we all make-for God sends no one to hell-He sent Jesus so we would not have to go.

We never know when the ride we are on may be our last. We don't when our day of death is to be-but we can be assured of heaven when we do die if we accept Jesus. Besides all the earthly blessings of knowing Him, we get eternal life with Him, too. You see everything but your soul has a beginning and an end. And this weekend, 14 years of relationships with our dealer, and our friend came to an end. Memories is all that remain. You who are reading this are my friends, even if we have never met. And I wish that none go to hell. So please consider Jesus Christ-today. He wants you to go to heaven with Him also. Go past the religion and start a relationship. You may find you were wrong about Him, He was down on the religious people, for He is not a set of rules-but freedom. And who can't use more freedom and less rules?

Have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth? No preaching-just an example, I hope of Jesus, and what He can do for you. Sometime in everyone's life they are confronted with Him, and who He is. What will your answer be? There is no discounted salvation-He paid the full price so you don't have too. Start that relationship today, and watch as you become a new creation in Christ. Saying nothing is akin to saying no. It is too late for Eric-please don't let it be too late for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the dialogue

A popular saying that emerged from the sixties was "In God We Trust-All Others pay Cash." We saw it above cash registers, heard it in jokes, and there has even become a cult classic movie, based on the book by Jean Shepherd of the same title. And you have seen it in reruns on Christmas day, as it has become a classic-A Christmas Story. Which is based on the short stories in Shepherd's book. Never heard it? Look at your money, at least the In God We Trust part is still there. And some places even still take cash-if you have two forms of identification.

The great hypocrisy today is we are all hypocrites. The word, based on Greek actors, who held up masks to show happiness or displeasure, covering their faces while acting so the audience would know the story better. And today, the masks are in anything but short supply. And worn for various reasons. And some extend from head to toe, those wearing them not content to just cover their face. And I am not talking about the world, but Christians. I think of the woman who came in once and was in such a hurry, she all but told me she was the most important person in the world. When I commented on her "God has everything under control" sticker, and that it even took Jesus three days to complete His resurrection, she got irate-and even more impatient. And I find nothing shows a better witness of Christ in your life than cutting people off in traffic, with your rear window covered with Jesus stickers. Talking on your cell phone while doing it just adds to your lack of witness.

But we say we trust God, but do we? When faced with a financial situation, do we gripe and complain, or trust Him? Do we render unto Caesar what is his, or do we begin to cheat, manipulate, and lean on our own understanding? I am also reminded how recently a female, circuit judge ruled a national day of prayer unconstitutional-and so many got upset and didn't pray. Shame on you! Do you need a law to pray? Did you talk to your pastor? Was your church open that day for people to gather in prayer? But no-so many took the stand that our freedoms were being abused, but never went to the source of freedom, Jesus. And by the way, even memorials have a moment of silence-how many of you can pray silently? God is not deaf! But yet we still feel better when government or man or whatever takes care of us-and so many miss the boat-or the blessings. Who do you pray to when you are neither brave, nor free?

God has always raised up an answer to any situation. When He saw Adam had no one like him, He created Eve for him, so he would not be alone. When the disciples came to Jesus, not once, but twice, saying how can we feed this crowd, they didn't go to city hall. They went to Him, and He provided enough for over 5000, with enough left over for dinner. When the man was beaten on the highway, God provided a good Samaritan to take care of him and his needs. And an innkeeper to assist until he returned. And lastly, another innkeeper, who when a young teenager with child was about to give birth, and was out of rooms, gave her a place in the barn. Alone and quiet, so she could have her child. A child who would change the world. Jesus Christ-born in a stable. In each and every situation, God, not government-God, not VISA, God, not man, met the need, and provided the way out that they needed.

But I do pray! But do you listen for His answer? Prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue. Those who I consider prayer warriors, listen more than they ask. What soldier asks for direction, then doesn't take it? Simple enough-it is up to us to obey, and follow. Do you truly trust God? It is hard to trust someone you don't know. So get to know Him. It's easy, and doesn't cost anything. Keep your money in your wallet. He wants your heart, so He can impact your life, and give you blessings beyond measure. And to even involve you in His daily life-maybe you can be an Eve to a lonely man, you can provide a meal to a hungry person, tend to the needs of one who is hurting , or give a place to rest to one who is tired. But you will never know until you let yourself be led by God. so many ask, but so few receive.

Listen to God today-and trust Him. Be the blessed, and not the cursed. Live up to the bumper sticker on your car-and watch as God draws people to you to minister to-instead of watching people leave as you approach. God will provide you with a Lazarus today to minister to. Will you step over him, look for government aid, or address his need in love, like Jesus did?

No cash? Jesus still saves, and at today's prices that too is a miracle. If He can feed 5000 with two fish and five crackers, why not seek Him when hungry? If He can provide your daily needs, why go anywhere else? If He can raise the dead, why not be resurrected with Him? and if He can save your soul, why not give Him your life?

Still can't meet the needs? In God you trust?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the holy spirit-the ultimate luxury item

A Christian life is one on the go. Notice our relationship with Christ is even called a walk, not a sitting. And in His instructions to His disciples, He instructs them go-not sit and be comfortable, but go out among the people. It is supposed to be an active, mobile, engaging, and encouraging life-even referred to as a sojourning with the Lord. He then instructs us to walk in the spirit-and we see that in all these examples we are moving forward, for remember we are but pilgrims on this earth-our heavenly home awaits us, where our true citizenship is-heaven. So-o-o, let's move forward together with Jesus.

Lauren bought a used Sequoia over the weekend, and I advised her to read the owners manual. It has more buttons, switches, and gizmos, and I told her to read the manual, so she would know what they are, and take full advantage of them. I hope she does, but the book of over 200 pages can be intimidating. Compare this with the one I have for a 1966 Rambler Classic, with only 52 pages, and you get the picture. But still, it can be an exciting read.

Did you know the station wagon has a Power-Lift Tailgate Window? How about a Vibra-Tone Sound System? Heavy on the reverb anyone, can you say Crimson and Clover? Of course you can control your temperature with Weather Eye, the precursor to all modern heating systems. Unless you opt for All Season Air conditioning.

Put the shifter in D. Yours is not just an automatic transmission, but a Flash-O-Matic! And for you sporty types, Shift-Command Flash-O-Matic, where you can move the selector yourself, to simulate a manual trans, without the clutch. Cool, huh? And while Flash-O-Matic-ing down the highway, you can get comfortable in your Airliner Reclining Seat! And even lay them flat for the night, into a bed. "Hey Dad, can I borrow the Rambler tonight, I got a date..."

So here you are cruising to get your date, unaware that the Road-Control Power Steering is letting you use less effort, you may need the extra strength later, when reclining. You have adjusted your Adjust-O-Tilt Steering Wheel, and set your Cruise-Command Automatic Speed Control. So put it D, nail the throttle and feel that Twin Grip Differential spin your tires! Arriving at your date's house, assured your Air-Guard Emission System will keep the air clean tonight, and hoping your Powr-Guard 24 battery will last while parking and listening to the romantic songs it needs to play. And when it comes time to get her home by midnight, your Life Guard Safety Tires will get her there, and keep you out of trouble, until next Saturday night. "Hey Dad, can I borrow the Rambler, again...."

Did you know that there is no optional equipment with Jesus? You get it all, and yes, no extra charge. So read the owners manual-daily. So you get full advantage of all he has to offer. Some of these are lighting your path, and a light unto your feet-Guide-O-Matic. He gives us all the strength we need, via Jireh-Matic. Tired and need rest-Peace-O-Matic. Not sure which way to go-Guide-O-Matic. Messed up, and need help? Mercy-O-matic. And finally, assurance of your heavenly home-Cross-O-Matic. And He supplies these, and more via one simple source, the Holy Spirit. Think of Him as God-O-Matic. So put your life in His hands, He'll put your life in gear, and get you going. Walking in the spirit, but be ready. For life is not sprint, but an endurance race, til the end. Life-O-Matic. And you never walk alone, he is always with you, Lord-O-Matic. Now that's Grace! O-Matic!

Jesus Christ, by any other name, still the only, begotten, unique son of God. And the only way to heaven. Christ-O-Matic, buckle up, your heavenly journey is just beginning.

love with compassion-o-matic,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Abram-the father of riding-who's your daddy?

To some it's just another date on the calendar, and to others a three day weekend away from work. But to those of us with the romance of summer in our hearts, Memorial Day Weekend is the un-Official start to summer. Yeah, I know we still have a couple of weeks until the season officially starts, but that summer in your mind, that has laid dormant since last fall when you could ride, magically awakens on this weekend. And all the short rides, waving to the others who are just getting out again, comes together as we all get out, ride farther, longer, and remember how much fun it is, and the freedom that riding gives us. Somehow a tri-tip sandwich tastes better on a ride, eating with friends, while keeping an eye on your bike parked outside among others-a reunion of sorts for them, too. And each year, I notice more and more women riding their own bikes. Women, who have spent time riding buddy with their husbands, finally give into the urge, and get their own bike. And see weekends in a whole new perspective, and Memorial Day weekend is special now in their riding. Meeting more women like themselves, that realize helmet head is a badge of honor, that chaps and a leather vest don't make them less feminine, and that a true lady is one of the heart, not of the beauty parlor. Fake nails, hair spray, and Mary Kay can all wait-they're going riding!

A few years ago at a Hollister Rally, Theresa and I were invited to eat with a group of the Devil Dolls, obviously taking a different take on life than us, we all sat and ate tri-tip-they tolerated me as I was the only man-and as I listened it was evident that they weren't just weekend cowgirls-they loved to ride. And as I listened more, found they had the same likes and dislikes as men riders-fast cars in the slow lane, people tailgating, men who ride too slow, and other women thinking them less feminine because they rode-their own bikes! But without fail, they all understood the freedom in riding! Ride on ladies!

In the Old Testament we find Abram-the father of faith, and of the Israelites, before he was Abraham. And because of changes in his life, he was commanded to leave his household, his country, and his people-and did so in faith and was greatly rewarded by God-even when he was in disobedience we see God's grace in action in his life. It was only when he stopped listening to his family and trusted God, that changes in his life really began. It was only when he hit the road, going places he had never been before that he grew in God, and with God. And finally setting out for new horizons, leaving his country-representing where and how he had grown up-to go explore all things God had for him, did the miracles abound. Just like women who ride, who go from sitting and watching, to actively riding and participating, the view is different when taking the handlebars, and letting go-not the handlebars, and quit leaning against the backrest. When they stopped listening to all the negative, and hit the road, meeting new friends, and enjoying the freedom in riding God provides. And leaving the country of their birth-roads do extend outside of California, and the best roads are yet to to come, if you continually seek them-but you will never know until you get out and ride.

And Abraham found this out-and going from Abram, or exalted father, to Abraham-father of many. And only when God changes your life do you drop the inhibitions, and hit the road of life, and find out all God has for you. He has a road map for your life that includes roads you have never heard of, and rides you would never take without him. Women who ride find this out as they extend their borders, Christians discover this as they grow in God. And the ride may be the best part of it, until we arrive at our final destination-heaven.

Today if you ride, you will make a choice about the roads you take. In life, you also are faced with the way you go. Only one way leads to heaven-Jesus. And He rides, with women, and men, shows proper manners to all, and knows the best roads to take. Follow Him-He won't leave you behind like some women riders I know, I won't mention the names of those on Ducatis who embarrass me in the curves, but is a most faithful riding buddy, and also knows great places to eat and fellowship.

Be an Abram today, trust God and get out and live. Break the mold, be yourself, and find a loving God who wishes only the best for you. And on Memorial Day, as you ride, remember all those who died so you can have the freedom to live in this great US of A. But everyday, remember the one who died and rose again to give you life-a living, loving everyday to all who know Him.

Gotta go-Theresa has been waiting for me, we're going riding. Neat, huh? Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles. It just don't get any better! You may find out your whole life is just one big, three day weekend!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogdpot.com

how does your garden grow?

Young Alison was the boss's daughter, and born with a silver spoon in here mouth. One summer in between semesters at Wellesley, her dad assigned her to me to learn more about this business he owned. And for weeks I was the tutor, mentor, and often baby sitter of this Jewish princess, and although we were separated by many layers of fiscal society, we became friends. Many didn't like her because she was the boss's daughter, which she would remind you of, and there was more than once I knew she went and tattled on me to her dad. "What did mean old Mike do now?" I could hear her crying to him, and him consoling her. "Just marry a rich Harvard man, dear, and then you won't have to suffer the iniquities of working with a lesser class of people. Or working at all." Which may have been why he gave her to me-so she would be reminded that princesses don't work-they marry rich princes and tend the affairs at the castle. A summer where we both learned a lot, and was reminded that it was true what F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "the rich are different."

There is an old tale about a rich man who one summer decided to retreat to the family cabin at the lake. Owned for generations, it was used rarely, but kept up by caretakers, who assured him it would be ready when he arrived. And when he did found it much like he remembered as a kid, but older, like he was. Part of the deal was to have a young man haul water for him, as the well was sporadic, and had to be hauled up from a spring. At least for the time being.

The first day when this young man, in his early teens arrived, the old man gave him two buckets, and told him to keep the cisterns full. The young man excitedly started, but after a few trips was spilling more on the ground, than was getting into the cisterns. And when the old man chided him, responded "the buckets are old and leak. Only half the water gets there." To which the old man retorted, "then make twice as many trips." And noticing the water spilling on both sides of the ground next to the stony path, also told him to keep the path mud free.

After mildly arguing, mostly comprised of "can't you just buy new buckets?" and being told they were good enough when the old man was his age, shaking his head the young man continued his daily pilgrimage up the path-leaving a trail of muddy water on both sides of the path. But never on it.

This went on for the first month, and as the summer started, it got hotter, but the young man still carried those leaky buckets. And found that carrying that extra weight had grown muscles in him, and made the repeated trips easier as he physique grew. One morning, the old man went out for a walk, which was unusual, as he still did business from the cabin, and rarely left it, even having groceries and his other necessities delivered. And as he walked down the path, noticed both sides lined with beautiful flowers. Yellows, blues, purples, and greens that hadn't been there when he arrived. "When did you plant these flowers? I didn't ask you to,"he demanded. And the young man, looked at him very calmly and answered, "you must have sir. They may have been almost dead, but because of deep roots, and when the water spilling from the buckets watered them, they came back to life. Pretty aren't they, but are of a type that only grew here 30-40 years ago. My dad told me." All the old man could do was smile, almost in disbelief, as he remembered planting them, and nurturing them as a young man himself, remembering all the hard work he had put in, and he himself carrying buckets of water to nourish them. Except the buckets were new then, and didn't leak. Maybe it was more than the buckets that had sprung a leak.
Hard ground made soft, both in an old man's heart, and an old flower bed, just by consistent watering. You see God uses water in the Bible to refer to the Holy spirit, and how it softens a heart. And when a heart is soft, it grows, and produces beautiful fruit in a believer's life. Take time to look at the garden you live in-is it full of weeds from neglect, or dead and dry from life interfering with your plans? At one time did it produce beautiful flowers, or now is it hard and dry? Sometimes it takes a leaky bucket to bring the spirit back into your life and soften your heart. To grow where you are planted.

In the old man's case all it took was a persistent young man to carry the buckets, and while he watered the ground that the old man had planted, God provided the growth-and both were blessed.

Maybe Alison's dad was trying to show her about hard work, or about persistence, or how it is easier to marry rich-but she missed the lesson about growing where you are planted. She only learned about perservering a summer without the blessings of playing. Not what God desires for you. He wants your relationship with Him personal. Don't say when "I'm rich and when I can afford it I'll serve God." You won't. "Or I'll get my career going, then become a Christian." You're only lying to yourself-and God. So take the time now, and enjoy the blessings that only a relationship with Him can afford. Don't wait, or make excuses, or think your situation is hopeless. If God can bring flowers that were dead back to life, imagine what He can do in your life. It's just a matter of where your roots are, and how deep they go. And by your fruit, we will know.

Paul planted, Appollos watered, but it was God that provided the growth. Lesson learned... in the Jesus Zone!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com