heroes, loyalty, unity, and Jesus

Unity. It is a hot topic today. I worked for United Auto Group, and could fly anywhere in the United States on United Airlines. They could take money from my paycheck for the United Way. When our troops come home they are re-united, and I think you get the idea. Toyota actually produced cars in the US of A, built by NUMMI, National United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. Somehow, the title of something with united in it makes us feel, so united! And when we have society telling us to have "Unity through diversity," well I give up. Try that with Raider and Charger fans! But at any given time we can give in to unity, when it meets our needs.

Years ago the Albuquerque Dukes had 25 cent beer night. And there was unity in beer drinkers that night, as all the Bud, Miller, and PBR drinkers were unified in 25 cent, brand didn't matter, the price did! So much for brand loyalty! Whenever the Chargers are winning, they draw sell out crowds, but in times of 1-15, the city had to pay for the empty seats so that the home games could be televised. So the so-called loyal fans could unite at their homes, in front of their TV's, instead of paying $40 per seat. So much for team loyalty! And I watch at motorcycle rallies, as bikers unite, with the bar and shield crowd over here, the Wing Nuts gathered together, and the Beemerphiles still yet segregated. But we are all bikers, I guess that gives us unity, right? Or is that unity through diversity?

It seems society loves to talk unity, but can be easily swayed. My friend Peter has actually sponsored a Unity Ride, where all Christian clubs come together in various locations for the day, uniting in the spirit of the Lord, in a praise and worship day, after a ride and of course food. Church on motorcycles, not a bad thing.

But when God talks unity, He is talking of a special unity. Not a unity of togetherness by brand, price, choice of ride, or team loyalty. His is a unity of the Spirit, where we Christians become like Him, agreeing with Him, being part of a unity where no bonds can be broken, and are unique in the world. Where just because a group has things in common, and unites, in Christ it is a unity where we agree with Him,our commonality, Jesus, and our guide the Holy Spirit. A unity that doesn't change based on situations, as it is based on Jesus Christ, who doesn't change, but changes us when we let Him. A unity based on love and trust, administered in faith. Walking in His Spirit. No better place to be.

But weaker souls can be like society, changing with trends, conditions, finances, and doctrines. This is not unity in the spirit, and should not be called as such. True unity comes through Jesus Christ, and no other. You may differ on where to eat, what to wear, or what to ride-but true believers never differ on Jesus, and who He is. And will seek Him, and not the situation, when troubles come. Look to the cross-show it with great joy in your life. Seek God's spirit, and walk peacefully in it. Confident that the same God who told Moses "see you on the other side," was faithful to meet him there. It took unity with God for Moses to trust the way that God would provide.

Today your car may be broken, or your legs, or you marriage. God can heal all these things, if you let Him. Trust Him, ask Him, and then let Him. His way, not your prethought out schemes based on a night of losing sleep over it. That is not trust. Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Seek first the kingdom of God, then all things will be added. Trust God.

Unity in the spirit. More than matching team jerseys. More than all riding the same brand. And more than just attending the same church. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty! God made the first move when He sent Jesus. The next move is up to you.

And with 9-11 coming up, remember the Flight 93 heroes, 40 people who united in the spirit of the Lord, and saved our country. Heroes who took the scripture, "greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his brothers," to heart, and in a brilliant, loving unity gave their lives. No one else but the Holy spirit could unite 40 strangers in a common bond-one that meant giving the ultimate sacrifice-their lives. So as we remember them, God bless America! And may we bless God! In the unity of love!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

postcards from the edge

The first long ride I ever took was a 150 mile round trip ride to my grandparents' house in Pennsylvania. Taking the same roads that I had travelled with my parents on countless times, somehow they took on a whole new meaning for an 18 year old on his 350 Honda. Seeing things I couldn't from the back seat, I had all the senses going, including the sense of adventure. And surprisingly after 40 years of riding it, it still heightens my senses while riding it today. Maybe because it was my first, or maybe the destination, but I always enjoy that ride when back east.

Having just completed an 11,000 mile trip around the US of A, rides take on a different meaning. To many, trips are measured in mileage to make them successful. A trip to Orange County, long for some, seems boring-160 miles round trip. All the way to LA, wake me when we get there. It seems that after experiencing all I have, the local rides have lost some of their appeal. Almost not worth putting a helmet and gloves on for. It always happens after a long trip, but I am adapting better this year, as God is working on my heart.

When Jesus gave the great commission to His disciples-"go into all the earth, sharing the gospel as you go, and doing it in Jerusalem, Samaria, Judea, and the outer lands" please excuse freedom of not quoting the text exactly, many have gone all around the world as missionaries. While some have gone as far as Grape Day Park. Each a ministry field of its own, one no more important than the other. The important thing being going where God directs you. Maybe a statement about your heart condition than your physical location. But once again, I see too much influence on the outer lands perspective-location wise. China, Russia, Africa are all fertile fields, if only someone would go. The equation being the farther you go from home, the more God blesses. While neglecting the poor and wretched that are in our own home towns. And we are all guilty of it.

It is a mind set that can seem more adventurous the farther from home we go. Like we have to trust God more in a foreign land, than at home. God has blessed Theresa and I as we get to minister on the road. Wherever that road leads. Our Jerusalem may be Escondido today, but has expanded to So Cal. We can go to our Judea with Father Al in Shanksville some 3000 miles away. Or anything in between. And each ride is just as special, no matter the length, when guided by God. The excitement of seeing His will in our lives can happen on a five minute ride, or a five hour ride. It is in our hearts that the true outer lands are. And that outer land may be as close as your spouse, who rides with you. If you've never gone there with her before.

God has given us a heart for riding and being on the road. And while our freeways may seem boring, stopping for that one along the road,can open up a ministry field you may have overlooked. Or you may ride 1000 miles to a destination, neglecting to enjoy the blessings God has prepared for you along the way. But the seminar was great. Maybe if we see the destination of where we are now, and enjoy each mile for its own, we would be blessed more. Don't rush across South Dakota, take an old highway and enjoy the farms. Take an old state highway across Wisconsin, and meet the ones God put there for you to meet. Get off the 5 while in Orange County and take Santiago Canyon Road instead. Each one becoming a ride, instead of a trip. To be enjoyed. Wherever you are is local.

Your true location is more of a condition of the heart than a location of the body. Some only trust God with small things, and never venture beyond Jerusalem. Some go as far as Samaria, and live to get back. But then huddle in the security of home. Some may even go as far as Judea, stretching the limits they put on God. But it is the ones who seek the outer lands-all the blessings God has for them, that experience more of His glory. God is not so much a God of outer lands positionally, as He is conditionally. In your heart. So take a brave step today, take a trip with God. Venture into the outer lands of your heart. You may find that the message is the same, and be rejuvenated, knowing that God lives outside your locality. It takes faith to please God, and faith to venture out. Be blessed and take a road to somewhere you've never been. Samaria has much to offer, so does Judea. But only if you have the heart of Jesus.

Who was always on the road. And wherever He was, He called home for the night. Knowing His ultimate home was heaven. Can we remember that on our trip?

"I may spend my life upon the road,

just trying to add to what I know,

and some day I may settle down,

and all my friends will be around."

Just an old verse from an old Eagles song, Twenty One. But what a way to live. Realize you are on the road of life, and in heaven all your friends will be around. Settle for nothing less than what God has to offer. He is everywhere-make sure He is in your heart!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

just a chance meeting on a sidestreet in TJ

My last selling job was with Bowman Distribution, the same one that now goes as Barnes Group, the blue and white sticker on the fender of NASCAR racers. They are a major contingency sponsor, paying big bucks to have their sticker on that fender. And at the time being far removed from any tracks, PIR was the closest, I put together a contingency plan for SCORE and FUD, the two biggest race series in off road desert racing. Difficult at first, have you ever tried describing a desert to someone in Cleveland, their home office? And how do you race with no track? But they overcame it, I think my enthusiasm had something to do with it, but probably the thought of more business was the persuading argument.

I dealt with all the classes, but my favorite was the Trophy Trucks. Factory backed, and using NASCAR motors, these trucks could go over 140mph, in the dirt, and had suspension travel of over 38"! An E ticket ride in any competition. And you may recognize the names I dealt with. Paul and Dave Simon, Robbie Gordon, Ricky Johnson of MX fame, Jimmie Johnson-he used to call me sir, Jimmy Smith-whose dad helped start NASCAR, Larry Ragland, Rob Mac Cachran, The Herbst brothers, and the Ironman himself, Ivan Stewart. All heroes to those who followed desert racing. With Ivan himself, more well known than all the others. Especially in Mexico, where he had won the Baja 500 and 1000 so many times he was legendary. E-von they called him in Spanish!

I did business with plants in Tijuana at the time, and got posters and stickers for my accounts there. These off road racers were legends there, and at the races fans would flock the booths during contingency just to get a sticker. Sometimes waiting all morning in line. So when the 1000 went out of Tijuana in 1995, I arranged for some to meet me at contingency, and meet the racers. They got to sit in the trucks, have pictures taken, and get behind the scene views that they could only dream about. Things that never would have happened without my connections. But one person was absent, the one they all came for-Ivan.

But walking down a side street next to contingency to avoid the crowds, Mario and his family walked with me. Carrying posters, stickers, and wearing huge smiles, this was better than Disneyland. Better than they could have ever dreamed, they were on sensory overload. Memories that they would cherish, and make their friends idolize them, for they had a first hand experience with the drivers, teams, and the trucks. They got to be backstage, on the other side of the barriers, and were welcomed. And then as so often happens in story books, Ivan comes walking up the street. Trying to avoid the crowds that mobbed him, he had walked up a side street, and called to me when he saw me, happy to see a familiar face. We visited for a few seconds, and then introduced him to my friends. He took pictures with each one of them, signed posters, and the shirts they were wearing, talked with them, and they left in total shock. The look on their faces showed somewhere between total disbelief and awe. Wait until there friends saw they actually met him, and they would tell their friends they know him! Just look at the pictures. But the words that Mario said that day, stuck with me. "Mike, you told me you knew him, but I didn't realize he was your friend." Being his friend made all the difference, as Mario was also my friend.

Jesus calls us friends. Where we were once strangers, when we give our heart to Him, we become friends. And He is able to tell us things, show us things, and we enjoy a special relationship with Him, because we are now family. And the things He tells us we now understand, because we are His friends. And although we have Peter times, where we ignore Him or don't listen, why is it always women who lead men astray, He forgives us, and wants to be our friend, even when we aren't His, and long before He became ours.

Is Jesus your friend? Wouldn't you like to have Him call to you when you see each other? The choice is yours. Stranger or friend. You can't be both. And there will be no strangers in heaven, just strange people who got to know Jesus-a group of friends of His in heaven. But you can hang with Him now, and be blessed.

Ask Him to forgive you, trust Him, get to know Him, and watch as your life changes for the better-and is blessed. Mario and his family that day met their hero, and I know the stories and pictures live in their hearts today of a chance meeting with Ivan Stewart. It is no chance you are reading this-turn it over to Jesus, be born again.

Posters and stickers are optional, and He has even signed you into the book of life. Now that is one autograph I'm glad to have-and will never see on E-bay!

He calls us friends. Get over the religion, and get on with life! His contingency plan pays for all who enter, and is good for all eternity. NO FEAR! Or as my Mexican friends say SIN NIEDO!

Be His friend today!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

full line-single source

As I look around I used to think it was me, but I'm pretty sure it's not anymore. As motorcycle shops have turned into super centers, or motorsports dealers, I feel left out. Just 20 years ago when I moved to Escondido, we had a Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dealer. Except they were four dealerships, owned by four different people, and competed against each other. And when you went in looking for Honda, you talked Honda. Suzuki guys talked Suzuki, etc. Parts guys carried more stock, only one brand to account for, and it was simpler-much simpler. If you wanted a big bike, you bought a 750 or 900. Touring, buy a Windjammer and add bags. Racing, strip off turn signals and lights. And when you went into the dealer, they sold only motorcycles, for they were in fact a motorcycle dealer.

Today we have mega dealers, who are failing at a mega rate. Motorsports have replaced motorcycles, and you can walk into any full line store nationwide and buy a motorcycle, personal watercraft-remember when only Kawasaki sold Jet Skis?, off road vehicles, boats, and four wheelers. And somewhere in there you find the motorcycles. Just ask the greeter at the door. How trendy!

From coast to coast motorsports dealers have replaced the old single line motorcycle shops. The only exceptions are some European brands, such as Triumph, MV Augusta, Ducati, and MotoGuzzi-which are still doubled up due to low sales volume. But motorsports it is, and motorsports it shall be. Except someone has forgotten to tell Lyall Sharer that. Lyall, a legendary racer in his own right, is the owner of Sharer Cycle Center and Stables, just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. Shop on the left, service in the back, stables on the right, and a huge barn in the middle, with a Union Jack and Triumph logo painted on it! No motorsports here, one horse or 150 horse-he has you covered. John in sales, Nate in parts, and Louis in service, with help from customers just hanging out and it all works. Can't tell you about the single horsepower vehicles-we just don't get along. But the two wheeled vehicles do very well. Triumphs are it, although he will sell a Guzzi or Aprilia if you insist.

They know their product, and know it well. And unlike so many others who have to be big to meet a payroll, have learned that success is found at all levels, and that they are more successful than most. Staying within their parameters, and not becoming motorsports oriented. And perhaps a lesson for those struggling today, and seeking to grow in God.

Are you able to get what you need at your church? Or is too much focus put on denominational issues, and not enough on God. What does the council say? Headquarters called, the superintendent is coming. How is attendance? How is giving? Are you meeting your building fund numbers? How do you like your new BMW?

Where is Jesus? Is He the head of your church, like He says, or do you center on social issues? Is your ministry catchy sayings on a sign, or are you serving the Lord? What is more important, building funds or saving souls? If I came into your church, would I know you as Christians or as Baprescathluthists? Where is Jesus? Are you trying to be a multi-line church, catering to all, when in Jesus you already have all, and can cater to individuals?

Are you getting fed? And what is it? If it is not Jesus, maybe it is time to change brands. And experience Jesus in a whole new way as you get to know Him personally. I am not denomination challenged, but I am against anything that divides the body of Christ. I have friends in many denominations, and send people who are looking their way, to those churches who put Jesus first. We all have Jesus, the same one, don't we? We call ourselves Christians, can we act like one? Talk to your pastor, ask questions, ask God to challenge you, and get to know Jesus better. Mega church, or mega dealer, it is still the one-on-one service that brings you back. Only in Jesus will you encounter that personal intimacy you desire.

After the parts man stops laughing at you when asking if a Honda part will fit on your Yamaha, go to the right source. Denominational parts don't always intermix, either. Stick with Jesus. His parts fit, His service department is open Sundays, and He is always available to talk. A specialist just waiting to help you with your problems, a loving God who wants to spend more time with you.

All dealers aren't multiline, or have horses. Find the one that is right for you and get involved. Do the same at church. Look to minister, and grow with a group who loves the lord like you do. At, after, and between church-any time and all the time. And get ready, for the ride of your life.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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keepin' the shiny side up

A common practice among many bikers is to polish their aluminum instead of having it chromed. Cheaper, you get a great shine, but it takes maintenance to keep it looking shiny. For aluminum, like many other metals, will lose its gloss if left without maintenance-aka polishing. Now on a bike, it can be time consuming, only because of the small areas and access to them. It looks great when done, but more time polishing means less time riding.

I am attracted to shiny tanker trucks. That is why when we come upon one while riding, I like to tip my helmet to him. It must take hours, or at least hundreds of dollars to make it shine, only to know that in a matter of weeks it will need it all over again. But for the short time I see it, I am thankful. For I get to see my reflection of what we look like while riding. A moving mirror. And when coming up from the rear, get a full frontal view, and then while passing, get a side shot. And with some ultra shiny tankers, we get a pretty clear picture of what we look like to the rest of those on the road. And I must admit we look pretty good, as to me the most beautiful bike is one that is loaded for a trip. And these momentary glimpses of ourselves reflect to us how we look, and how we feel. Big smile here.

But most tankers are dull, with only a fine oxidation between the aluminum and the viewer, but enough to ruin the shine. And negate your reflection. Maybe lack of maintenance, or the driver just doesn't care, but the tank is dull, and we can't see ourselves.

Sin is like that. It makes us dull, and also hides the shining glory of God from us. Underneath we are the same person, but that fine layer of sin keeps the glory of God from shining from us-the shine is there, just a little sin can hide it. But it takes regular maintenance, think of it as a spiritual workout, to keep us glowing. You see, God never fails to shine, it is us and our sin that dulls the shine. Staying in the word, effective prayer, church, and Bible studies keep us glowing. And just like the athlete who takes the summer off, you get out of shape and it is hard to keep up with those who stay in shape-physical and spiritual.

This dulling doesn't happen overnight, it is gradual, and too late when you are without shine. The promises of "I'll deal with it tomorrow," only make the film harder to remove. But God, once we repent, removes the film, and we can see Him clearly again. Only to begin the dulling process immediately. That is why the Bible tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Not to be saved, it is a gift, but to maximize our walk with God.

Theresa has some great pictures of us riding next to shiny tankers this last trip. I hope we are the same no matter the tanker condition. What people see of God in us is important, don't hide your shine under a film that needs to be removed, or a tank that needs polishing. Keep the shiny side up, and the rubber side down, and live as one with Jesus, and watch as the shine draws others.

Through a glass dimly, is how the Bible says we see God when in sin. Don't let anything ruin your shine, or hide God's shine from you. You may be the only glimpse of Jesus some people see, this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. I hope you do too!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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we should have seen it coming

Buddy Miles sings "my mind is going through these changes..." The Chambers Brothers sing "that change has had to come..." Bowie sang "time may change me, but I can't change time..." And Santana told us "you've got to change your evil ways, baby..." And as we have been shown quite enough of for the past two years, change can a difference. Ahem...

I worked for a national company once, who was super successful, and people stayed for 40-50 years. The company was even referred to affectionately as Ma, and took care of its own. A family of 3000, that was successful to a man, or woman. Then they were sold a bill of goods, by a management team, telling how business in the 90's would be different. Technology, new management principals, and a new way to do business, and they would lead the way. And within 90 days of the new plan, the company was in turmoil. Communication lines were severed, the management was out of touch-inaccessible, and running for their careers, and we went through CEO's at a rapid rate. Good employees, who bought into the new corporate mantra, were ostracized, when the imminent disaster became imminent. Men who had been successful, suddenly were stumbling around, not sure of how to do business. The product hadn't changed, but the way of doing business had. And it cost sales, destroyed careers, confused the customer base, and took an industry leading company to its knees. Our competitors loved it, they swooped in and took away accounts, long time customers, who were used to a person, not a procedure. The only winners-the lousy management group that sold them this bill of goods. And then the excuses flowed, and we were told that it was just your perspective. The emperor really did have new clothes. And if you didn't like it, leave. So over 1500 men did. And took their business contacts with them. Leaving those remaining but a shambles. Shaken, and stirred.

At about the same time, the church I was attending was growing. In particular the men's fellowship. And the growth in the men spiritually was noticeable, and it flowed into their business lives and their families. But with success, came a new man into the group. Who knew people, celebrities. And told us that there was a better way, and got some excited. There were Christian Padres, and would come and speak. For a price. And so the plan was implemented. Where we would have 50-75 men to a meeting, the numbers dropped. The free meal, now was $7, and some didn't have it. You see we were hungry for Jesus, not some pitcher signing autographs. Charging for something that was free was an offense, and like a bad movie, many got up and left. And didn't return. The reply, "well if you want better speakers you must pay for them." I don't remember Jesus charging for any speaking engagements. The focus went from Jesus, to the celebrities, and them instead of the Bible. And men quit coming, and were upset, but no one listened to their cries. This fellowship that had been productive, and kept men in the word, suddenly was ruined by one bad decision, and a pastor that rather have his ears tickled, then his flock fed. You didn't like the new way, complainers, they were labeled. And finally this man had such an impact on the pastor, that his messages changed. And when he was caught lying from the pulpit, it was time for us to leave. Right before he was shown the door. And that church has never recovered in almost 20 years! Such a deal for only $7.

The world is invading the church. Programs, procedures, rules, and regulations. Movies and technology dominate the latest generation, and without an entertainment value, they think who will come. Funny, the message stays the same, why do they change? And we end up confused, and looking for somewhere else where we can be fed. And the world? We not only let it in, we invited it in, and then shut the doors behind it. It can't leave. And the enemy sleeps better that night, knowing that his job is going well. With a little help from his enemies...

Billy Graham has been successful for over 60 years, keeping the message the same, the gospel. Not charging, not selling programs, not introducing new procedures. Just speaking the timeless gospel in love. For free, just like Jesus. Why mess with success?

Success has been defined as the completion of a preset goal. Beware of this. Success in God's eyes is obedience. Numbers are not important, Christianity should not be a numbers based, performance based relationship. When it is reduced to that, you've already lost. Ask yourself, has that truth set you free? Jesus does.

Be as gentle as a lamb, but as wily as a serpent, the Bible advises. And it is good advice, but only if taken. All things are not profitable, and in the end the Word will endure. Don't be left standing without it. Man plans, and God laughs. Church leaders take note-your congregation is! Feed your flock, we are hungry!

Bob Dylan wrote "the times they are a changin'," aren't you glad the gospel hasn't? And at prices you can afford!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

your life-a maze or amazing grace

Did you ever wonder about the signs that say SLOW CHILDREN? What makes them slow? Is there something the matter with them? And, do they grow up into slow adults?

One of my favorite Bible stories is about Dagon, a pagan god, and the people that worshipped him. And how when put to the test, was found every morning to have fallen from his perch. This carving, if you will, their god, had fallen down, and had to be picked up and set back on his pedestal. Now what kind of god is it that can fall and then have to be picked up by his worshippers. Is there something wrong with this picture?

A man gives his all for his job. Works late, goes in early. Misses kids games, family functions, and puts the job first. Spends vacations taking home work. Lives for the company. And then one day, he is laid off. His god, the thing he lived for, deserting him, when he needs it most. Not there to pick him up. An outsider. Is there something wrong with this picture?

The man's has two classic cars, nice, but over maintained. Every weekend they are waxed, and shines better than it ever did when new. Never has to lift the hood, except to wax the engine compartment, as the car is never driven. Maybe only driven twice a year, gotta keep the miles down. What if something happened while driving? A magazine hears about his cars, and invites him to bring them to a rally for a photo shoot. Except he is late, and misses the shoot. His car wouldn't start, and he had trouble finding the proper battery for it. The machine he worshipped and adored let him down, when it was needed. Under or over maintained? But it sure is shiny! Is something wrong here?

Finally, the Christian couple tells us how it is OK to drink. Socially, and they are very social. All their friends do it. Even the pastor says it fine, just a little won't hurt. Need to unwind from stress at work. The job you know. And so they drink a little, but how do you tell when a little is too much? And when they get word that their daughter is in trouble, and needs them, they can't go to her. They're impaired by the alcohol. That little has become too much, and has gotten between her and them, and she suffers. When she needed her parents most, they were impaired by another god. The drink they worshipped has become a prison. And others have suffered because of their selfishness. Is anything wrong with this picture?

In all the cases, where were the gods of these people when they needed them? What kind of God do you serve that needs to be carried by you? Who do you call out to after your job has ended? Or your car leaves you stuck? Or your daughter suffers because you couldn't get there when needed? We don't look at these things as gods, but anything you worship, or put first in your life, can control you, and will if you choose to let it. Or even not let it. Your life style will tell you much about what you worship. When it should be a who. God is a somebody-not a something.

A man encountered Jesus, and wanted to know about eternal life. He was young, rich, and had much. And had led a good life, keeping the commandments. He thought he was in for sure. But when told to sell all he had, and give it to the poor, he found he couldn't. And wouldn't. His riches were his glory, and kept him from heaven. His good works, and charitable deeds meant nothing, if he had other gods before the one true God.

What are you stumbling over today? Are car payments killing you, because you just had to have the ultimate driving machine, that sits in the garage weekends? Does your house own you, because you must have a 3000 square foot house for the two of you? Are you exhausted on weekends, and miss out seeing your family, because you just had to have that job, and find out the company owns you, take it or leave it, their answer when you ask for time off. Do you look to some federal program to sustain you, instead of the living God? Not too far fetched, and if you aren't in one of these scenarios, you may know someone who is.

Paul admonishes us to be happy in every situation, and when trouble comes, look to God. And not the situation. The victory won at the the cross, is still celebrated today. That still small voice is still speaking today, wanting to direct and bless you. But it is your choice. You can either go out every morning and pick up your god, or you can have God pick you up. A simple choice, but not simply made.

You shall have no other Gods before Him, is the first commandment. It means cars, jobs, the Padres, and yes, even your wife. Put Him first, and get a true perspective. Be truly in love with him, trust Him, and watch as He adds everything else to you. The right house, right car, right job, and right wife. Too bad you can't ask the rich man who refused Christ-you'd have to go to hell to find him, and no one returns from there.

Heaven awaits, eternity begins now. Will your God get you to heaven? On earth, as it is in heaven. And that's a promise, for those who have chosen Jesus. The only true God.

love with compassion.

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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