I'd rather be old school than an old fool

This is for all those who remember Saturday mornings as a kid. For all you guys who loved the smell of your new US Keds-United States Keds that is. Or their competition, PF Flyers. White high tops were my preference. Remember the smell of the denim and rubber, and how you would save the box just to smell it sometimes? It helped them stay new, at least in your mind. And then you would get on your Schwinn or Rollfast and ride-we never cruised, the neighborhood, riding past the fresh cut yards, even being able to tell the difference between the grass cut by the old push mowers and the new power mowers-all built, like your bikes, in the US of A. And sometimes , your dad would send you for gas for the mower, twenty five cents worth, that was pumped from American wells, and the tetra ethyl smell that came from it seemed heavenly. Invented by an American engineer at General Motors, the largest corporation in the world. American. And after that, the dads in the neighborhood would wash their cars, and the new car smell from the Morrokide-particularly strong on new Chevies and Pontiacs, would cause you to pause and inhale deeply. Somehow Fords and Chryslers with their nylon interiors never had quite the same aroma. Even on a station wagon. There again-made in the USA.

Once a month you went for a haircut-not a styling. And the aroma of the Bay Rum, or the talc was purely American. And no girls. This was for boys, 'er men only. And the aroma would only last until mixed with the sweat of running and playing with friends.

Playing catch with your friends, your glove, American cowhide, would produce its own pleasant aroma. Remember how you held it in front of your face, just to catch a whiff? I still have my Mickey Mantle Fastback model, the first one. Paid $7.99 plus got a book of How to Play Baseball with it, by the Mick. A big deal in 1967. And when mixed with the smell of fresh grass on your jeans-denim made in the US, you played America's past time with your friends. And your mom would have hamburgers for lunch, fried in a skillet-for it took too much time to light the charcoal briquettes-they were for steaks and barbeques in the evenings anyway, again, made in Michigan. On grills made in the states. You were an American, watching TV shows on your American made TV, eating domestic beef, and wearing cotton and denim clothes-all made in the US of A. We wore sneakers-never did the call them tennis shoes, and we were proud to be Americans. We were to find out though, as our 20/20 hindsight was to show us, we were the last great generation who consumed American items. We were producers, but about to become importers. Where price was more important than quality, and where it was produced didn't matter-no matter how many families were effected by the loss of their father's income. No on was offered a job in a Chinese factory, an Indian sweatshop, or a Japanese assembly line. But with no warning, we were the last generation of our kind-true Americans consuming American made products, powered by American gas, and enjoying all the great aromas that came with them.

But something stinks out there. It just doesn't smell right, and it certainly isn't pleasing. An odor, instead of an aroma. A generation that gave up all the pleasant aromas that prosperity bring, and gave them up willingly. Without a battle. Until it was too late.

Today a final generation waits for the rapture, when Jesus comes to rescue His church from the earth. And the warning signs are there, and even the movies cry out about the end of the world, but don't get it right. Something stinks,and it's us. We have given up everything we own, including our values, for valuables. We are being warned, and even given a way out. But we won't heed the message. While we wear designer tennis shoes, listen to i-pods, and complain about high taxes, we do not turn to God. The same God who shed His grace on America, but whose citizens have turned away from Him, and in many times against Him. It used to be all about Him, now it is all about us. And we cannot save ourselves from the stench we have created. We need the pleasant aroma that only Jesus Christ can bring into a life. Precious memories await us if we seek Jesus. If we turn from our wicked ways, God promises to heal our land. Maybe not take us back to a time of Schwinns and Keds, but a time of fellowship and devotion to God. If life stinks, it doesn't have too. Seek Jesus, and follow Him. Lay down on fresh grass, and take in the aroma. Open a box of Keds, and smell the canvas. Go to an old car show and stand next to a Chevy from the sixties, and inhale. But first, take a deep breath of Jesus. And hold it inside. Let it out and repeat. And experience aromas from life you never knew existed. Be part of a generation who may be the last one on earth-and can't wait to get to heaven. But you can also enjoy it now. Like the song says, the greatest treasure is for those who choose Him now.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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that something you're looking for is really a someone

Like most of you who ride, I used to watch Easy Rider for the motorcycles. But since it has become trendy, and after watching "Hi, I'm Robert Osborne," on TCM give me more details and insight than I would ever need, it has lost something to me. In fact I can take it down to about five minutes in the film that I enjoy, although it still is a great movie. For me, when Wyatt takes off his watch, and he and Billy head down the road to "Born to be Wild," I get excited. The beginning of any trip is exciting, and it reminds me of riding-out of California. When they cross over the bridge at Needles, into Arizona, a new freedom-that of less laws and more open roads, greets them, and me. New roads to many, and where will they lead. Watching the two without words exchange glances, and enjoying the freedom only found in riding, I know what they know. A great day of riding, airing out all the cobwebs and stresses that interfere with us, and maybe it is true what they say, even a bad day of riding is better than no riding at all. A scene that couldn't be done in cars. Individual freedom, without radio or junk food. And as they ride into downtown Kingman, and then head out of town on old 66, I sense their excitement as to what the road ahead brings, except it wasn't old then, I know that road, and ride it when I can bypassing the freeway. But for me the freedom ends, and I lose interest when they pull into the motel for the night, and the old man takes one look at bikers, and turns on the NO vacancy sign. At that point, I fully agree with Billy and his gesture and also his calling the old man a *&^%$@@! He was-God please forgive me.

I have ridden most of the roads they show in the movie, and sadly much has changed since I first did, 35 years ago. Freeways have taken the place of Route 66, chain motels have taken the place of Mom and Pop motels-although some still have a prejudice about bikers, and riding is still the best way to go. But without the motorcycles, this movie, well it just doesn't work. And so it bothers me that some existential try to explain the symbolism and what it represents. Or the arty types show how the cinematography and directing make the movie. If so, then how can you explain the poor quality photos you take that mean so much to you? Without the bikes, the movie lacks soul, and no matter how snobby you get trying to interpret the film, the bottom line is this-it's about motorcycles! Get it?

Just like the gospel is about Jesus! Get it! No religious interpretations, no finding the numerology in the Bible via secret codes, or guessing the day of His return. It is about Jesus. And although these other things may be interesting, when they get between you and Him, you are in sin, for they take the place of Jesus. Keep them in a proper perspective-and remember like in Easy Rider-keep the main thing the only thing.

Without Jesus there is no gospel. There is no forgiveness of sins, for there is no savior. There are no healings, no being born again. No Good Friday, no Easter. No empty tomb, and no Holy Spirit to come upon you. No baptism, and no first century, or other century church. Without Jesus, the whole universe changes. Keep that in mind the next time someone says he was only a great teacher. Mormon, He is God, not a brother to Lucifer. Read the Bible. Jehovah Witness-He is God. And there is a hell-but also a heaven. Don't bring life down to meaningless and nothing by taking a loving God out of it. God tells us-even the fool says there is no God. Only in mercy does He not mention you by name. I love you enough I will.

Next time you ride, enjoy being the easy rider that Jesus died for. Enjoy the freedom of the open road, or any road you happen to be on. Forget about time, and enjoy the ride. Like a true nature's child, we were born to be wild...but as a child of God we can be born again. Picture me as I ride into the sunrise...and you thought it was just a motorcycle movie.

And I hope you don't think Jesus is just another man. Life may not be an easy ride, but I wouldn't care to travel it without Him! I think I'll just go for a ride. Easy. Rider. And Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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"for who could be a better consigliere than my Father?"

Tom Hagen was family. Santino, aka Sonny, as Italians used to nickname their first son, found him living on the streets, and brought him home. The family took him in, and raised him as a Corleone, and despite his Irish-German heritage, he grew into the family, became family, and assumed his new found heritage. But in times of trouble, when wine or anger bring out the truth, Sonny blurted out "at least Pop had Genko, all I have is you!" Referring to the Godfather's counselor or consigliere, although Tom was like family, and the family lawyer, he was adopted in, and not even Italian. He had all the blessings, and all the power that came with the Corleone name, but didn't have the name. He was still and always would be a Hagen.

But the wise old Don knew much more than Sonny ever would. He understood because he himself had been taken in when forced to leave his native Italy. He understood how Tom would have an allegiance to the family who saved his life, and a debt that he knew he could never repay. So the only way Tom could honor the Don was by his dying devotion to him. He could call him Pop like the other sons, but to Tom he was much more. He was Tom's salvation and would also be his Godfather. But because of his relationship as a son, he always had ready access to the Don, and his relationship with the Don may have been more than Sonny's. Sonny was born into the family, but Tom was adopted in, despite all his sins and past. But in an interesting twist, the Don never formally adopts him, out of respect for his real father. And Tom would faithfully serve the family, and Michael, except for a short period when the Don would counsel Michael. As Michael said, "who could be a better consigliere than my father?"

Matthew 25 tells us that we were all once strangers until Jesus took us in. When we repent and give our lives to Him, we are adopted, or grafted into the family. We have all the love, respect, power, and access to the throne of God in heaven as the ones who have known Him for five or fifty years. No earning of respect, or making your bones with Jesus, all things are granted to you upon salvation. All our past is wiped away, and like Tom Hagen, we still have our old heritage, and old earthly fathers, but now have a hope and future and a relationship with our heavenly father. But unlike Tom, many do not take full advantage of our new found freedom in Christ. We still act like we are heathens, and the most we do is fill a pew-sometimes. We have this inheritance, that unlike Tom, we refuse to enjoy. When Tom used the name Corleone, it had power and authority, backed up by the Don. Do we use the name of Jesus the same way? Do we have faith in God to take us through tough times, or do we fret and worry as if still strangers? Jesus calls us friends if we do as He asks-love. Do we, do we really love our enemies like He asks? Do we trust Him when their is no evidence of Him? Do we love and respect Him? Do we have an allegiance to God the Father like Tom had to his Godfather?

When tested like Michael tested him, do we forego personal gain, and remain loyal to God, no matter what the cost? Do we really have the sense of family and love that God brings to us? Tough questions, that take a passionate heart to answer.

The Godfather is fiction. Jesus Christ is real. Today you will be face with decisions, and situations where you need to call on God. Will you find Him to be the loving Father He says He is, or will you just cry out to Him, and then lean on your own understanding if you don't like the answer? Questioning God is like telling Him you know better than He does, in any situation. We are told to trust, and obey. Not question Him or negotiate for a better deal. For what deal could be better than the one who saved your life's offer? You see Pop may have had Genko, and Sonny never appreciated what he had in Tom, but we have Jesus. Have you underestimated His love today?

Take full advantage of your new heritage today. Seek God, listen to God, trust God, and obey God. When confronted with having his signature or his blood on a new contract, a bandleader chose his signature. When confronted with all the sins of mankind, Jesus chose to shed His blood for us. He gave it all. What will your choice be?

For who could be a better counselor than your heavenly Father?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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hey Moe, hey Larry, I'm a kicker

I need some help with some things. I just don't get them, and I'm not sure anyone else does either. Take football, for instance. The first 58 minutes the defense has stopped the passing game of its opponent. No catches, no yards, and is ahead. Then, the last two minutes they go into a prevent defense, and watch as their opponent marches down the field. And then when within the twenty, really start to panic. Weren't you playing a prevent defense to start? Isn't that what a defense does, or is supposed to do? And the same goes for offense. The whole game you can't run off left tackle. Ten tries, ten yards. It ain't working. So at the goal, rather than a sweep, or a quick pass that got you there-remember their prevent defense, you go off left tackle-and lose yardage! Who needs a prevent defense when you have a prevent offense? And although it is true the players play the game, it is ultimately the poor play calling, or poor coaching that helps them lose. Why can we see it on TV, but they can't from the sideline? Why can't they be like Bart, who became a Starr by going over Jerry Kramer in the title game in Green Bay? Why not go with what works? Bart knew it then, do they know it today?

Did you know that in the entire world there are only 31 place kicker positions? Something that should be automatic-that's all they do. You should be able to blindfold them, and they should still make every kick. But yet, they don't, and it seems they don't know where to look to find one. The goal of every kick is to go between the uprights-so aim at them, or between them! Punters the same-all they do is kick. They should be able to put the ball where they want it. Why can't they? Do they have a prevent kicking game, based on a center who only centers for kicks, a holder who only holds the ball, and a kicker who only kicks? When parts are rejected in manufacturing when they reach a five times per million rejection rate, can we find guys who can kick like that? Maybe if they pay them only on success, then their success rate would improve.

This weekend is the Commercial Bowl, aka as the Super Bowl. For almost four hours, the NFL will try to compete with commercials for air time, interrupting them only when the commercials allow. And a bad commercial gets charged the same as a good one... do we see a pattern here? Why should I have to sit and watch a bad commercial? Or a bad play? Can anyone explain this to me? Racing ain't like this, and try this one on your boss at the office. Screw up a big deal, and watch as your paycheck joins you with it as you go to your next position. If your lawyer loses your case, he should compensate you. Doctor-if you don't heal me after "practicing" you don't get paid either. Do I hear an amen!

And I would add false prophets, aka psychics to this list. God takes a dim view on them, and you should too. A prophet, or one who would foretell a mystery, or event, had to be 100% all the time. One screw up-death by stoning. No second chances, God took what He wanted His people to know seriously. Clear out the psychics, and prognosticators, and seek God. Who is always right, by the way. And with a record like His, why would you try anyone else? Yet people do-everyday. And suffer needlessly because of it. And yet as all the warnings of the return of Jesus are out there, the world ignores them. Strange weather-how cold and how many hurricanes do you have to have to surpass the record set last year until it becomes evident? Famine-have you noticed the shelves at Wal-Mart, or your grocery store? And the prices-God predicted this too. How about wars, and rumors of wars? He knew this too. But sadly, the most evident, we choose to ignore. Those who betray Israel, God's chosen ones, are his enemies. And He has always punished them. Yet as we watch the Muslims carry out their objectives-to wipe out all Christians, the media, another word for ignorant, ignore this. In a historic Arab vs. Christian battle, they choose to ignore history, and the truth. Can't hurt anyone's feeling, so be politically correct. Or blame your parents, or whatever. Anything but the truth, which promises to set them free.

Right now the only thing standing between a one world government of power, money, and rule is the US of A. When we fold, then Israel has no allies, and we are done. We missed the extra point. And no prevent defense will work. The only thing you can do is seek God-individually, which He desires. Make it personal, not religious. Not attending church, being part of His church. Not just asking, but obeying. And watch as you will be protected against the coming night, and its nightmares. You will not go hungry, will be protected, and God will take care of you-in all things. But you must let Him! No promises it won't be tough, but God will prevail-and so will you.

End prevent religion-now. Start a life with Jesus. Follow His playbook, be guided by the Holy Spirit, and watch as something beautiful happens to your life-it is called joy and peace. Only found in a relationship with Christ. Avoid sudden death situations by following Him. And like the odds makers who claim to know the outcome, they still have to play the game to see how it ends. As Christians we know-we win! Is there anyone out there wants to touch those odds? I'll take God-you can have the points!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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postcards over the edge

My friend Dave's e-mail reminded us that it is only seven weeks until spring in Pennsylvania. And while they suffer with record snow and single digit temperatures, I am spending the days riding, and nights planning next summer's ride. And with the brochures coming in daily that I ordered during last month's rain, I am ready now. But a continuing phenomena bothers me. And that is the places I have been, when they are displayed in the brochures, seem much different than the places I remember. Was I really there, or am i in a dream? For instance, riding through Kayenta on the Navajo Reservation, the world's largest ghetto, is described as a breathtaking road, with the Burger King being the restaurant of choice due to its historic artifacts. And I don't think they mean their burgers. Due to Photoshop, and the ability to stretch the truth-propaganda, it almost sounds attractive, until you get there, and wish you hadn't.

Same goes for Atlantic City and views of the Boardwalk. Sadly two blocks away it is drugs and prostitution, and crime. Pictures of serene beaches in So Cal fail to show the sewage that Tijuana dumps into the ocean only miles away. Custer sounded good until you get there, and find his last stand more appealing. And with the advent of Scenic Routes, you are open to your own interpretation. And it seems the state boards of tourism propaganda machine is working overtime, as until you get there, you are blindly operating on blind faith. Fortunately web sites like Tripadvisor.com let some real life experiences influence, but usually they are only reported by the best and the vengeful. So bring lots of money, riding gear, and a map of back roads and let's ride.

My sadness even extends to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville. Once a very serene and private memorial, if you have been there you feel as though you are on holy ground, today is turning into a mega million dollar project, that doesn't reflect the truth or the heroes who died on the plane that morning. See it now, while dodging D-8 Cats before it is really too late. But life goes on, and there are still many places that tell the truth, and don't need to be exploited for visitors to come.

The book of Jude, written by Jesus's half brother, appropriately named Jude, warns of such wolves who lie to get their point across. Taking the truth of Jesus, and rewriting it to meet their own warped criteria, they lead people astray, if even by not much. If you miss the last ferry by one minute, you still missed it, and the liars that seek to keep people from the truth are out there. "It sounds good, or Jesus wouldn't want you to be unhappy, He wants you all to be rich," type lies come out of them. And while mainstream denominations roles are deteriorating, they look for trendy and inventive ways to get people in-when the answer is in the Bible they misquote. God builds the church, and if He doesn't they labor in vain. But they try, like the Chamber of Commerce using a Photoshop type of religion, making it Jesus appear as something He isn't. Beware!

A few years ago the Dragon was the ride to make back east. Over 300 curves in 11 miles, it was sportbike Nirvana. But today, photographers even line the route, willing to sell pictures of you when you crashed, or making the overcrowded road more dangerous than it is. I will not tell you where the Snake is for I do not wish to be a part of it turning into the sideshow the Dragon has become. There are still so many roads, and so little time. Don't let your relationship with Jesus become a statistic, or a destination with a t-shirt to show for it. Know Him personally, and He will make the road you are on the most interesting one, and lined with truth.

And somehow He can even make the winter months of not riding attractive. I told you He could do miracles-I hope my friend Dave can wait the seven weeks!

Not sure about Jesus? Ask someone who knows Him. Get some first hand experience. There is even a book written about Him-a best seller! But no matter what-make the trip with Him! For even the toughest road with Him will get you there-without Him, well you just might end up missing the ferry at Lake Powell and dining al fresco at Burger King in Kayenta. Have it your way-I hope it is His way!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

rip my friend, the babe magnet has passed away

It's Monday morning, and after being kept up for hours by the 20% chance of rain, the ground is still wet. Which still amazes me, despite the computer telling us only 20%, we still have to look out and see it was 100%. Have we come so far we can't just look out the window to see if it's raining, or not?

And I wonder where were the psychics, prognosticators, politicians, and those whose job it is to cover foreign countries when Tunisia, then Egypt, and now Jordan and others are protesting and their leaders falling. Egypt caught them all by surprise, no one saw that one coming, and from the look on Mrs. Clinton's face, this is more serious than we were initially led to believe. Just another reminder that only God knows what is going on, and that He has things under control. And no one knows the day.

This was also the weekend that my friend Lee went to be with the Lord. We knew it would be coming, but you never know when. He had been sick for quite awhile with liver cancer, believed to be tied in from exposure to Agent Orange, from his tour in Viet Nam, during his 20 years with the Marines. When diagnosed over a year ago, and told it may would be fatal, Lee and I would talk. He was a gentle, kind man, and I asked him, after being given six months to live, if he was afraid to die? He wasn't afraid to die, he knew Jesus, but the other love of his life was his concern. His answer, "who was going to take care of Sue." His wife, aka Ballerini to me, was his best friend, and true to Lee, his main concern before himself. When I asked him, "who was taking care of her now?" a peace came over him, and his smile let me know that He knew Jesus was, and is taking care of her. Even today. And all the other Ballerini's too. We had a joke, as Ballerini would always hug me good bye, then tell me she wanted to adopt me. And I would turn to Lee, and ask "can I call you DAD?" "NO!" was the answer, and we would all smile.

But Lee had a style all his own, he was a babe magnet. First he hooked Ballerini, and then her three daughters she brought with her when they married. Which Lee always loved as his own. Vicki, whom I've yet to meet, but loved Lee very much, Joni, who has so much of her mother in her, and Margaret, who lovingly caressed Lee's feet the morning of his death. She is ten pounds of sugar in a five pound bag. They all were loved, and loved Lee. And to the end, he was still the babe magnet.

We had stopped on our way to a car show in Orange county Saturday morning. And as Margaret massaged his feet, and Ballerini held him, Theresa and I prayed. His breathing was irregular, and once again I reminded him that Jesus was going to take care of all the Ballerini's, including his precious Sue. Hearing is the last thing to go, and the words comforted him. When we left, he was at peace. And within another 25 minutes, present with the Lord.

I miss my friend, Lee. We talked often of his recent motorcycle trip cross country, and his favorite riding place, the Black Hills. With all the Ballerini's always fussing over him, I was the male voice, when I could get my turn. For this babe magnet, was constantly cared for by all the girls in the family. Like I said, I miss my friend, and it was Joni's words that give me comfort. "Lee loved you very much," she said. And I loved him, too.

It has been said that the true measure of success is how your kids describe you to their friends. If so, Lee was a very successful man. Father, husband, friend, Marine, motorcyclist, and babe magnet. And the perfect example of a husband God tells us to be. As head of the house, he took his responsibility serious, and didn't abuse it. As the head of the house, he loved Sue as Jesus loves His church. And was willing to die for her. Knowing what lied ahead, and convinced that Sue was taken care of.

Ballerini is a richer woman today, as she also trusts in the Lord. My prayer is that all you husbands out there love your wives as much as Ballerini was loved by Lee. It is probably safe to say she never saw Lee as a babe magnet, but to the end, all the Ballerini women were attracted to him. He was hers, and she was his. And that is the way it should be-the two becoming one, in Christ. Till death do them part.

And I never got to call him dad. But something better-friend. Love you Ballerini!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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of thee we sang

9-11. Without even mentioning anything else, we know exactly what it means. The day that Muslim terrorists, carried out a brilliant, yet cowardly plan against the US of A. Two planes fly into the Twin Towers, another into the Pentagon, and if not for the heroes of flight 93, who knows where our country would be today. It seems wars are now carried out under different terms, although sadly some still die in combat on the battlefield. But, when a group of men, representing their countries formed the United Nations after WWII, all bets were off, and unknowingly to us, the terms of war were changed. And the next step in Satan's war against Israel had begun. We know about the Cold War, but how many know the other wars going on, that are leading to the planned destruction of Israel, and its allies? When the US of A flag, is topped only by the UN flag, the only place in our own country that our flag is not prominent, our sovereignty was forfeited, and the new world order won a major victory. Bet you didn't know that about our flag! You didn't know we are a UN member first, then a US citizen!

October 17, 1973. Does anyone remember the date? Or the day and its significance? To those who choose to forget history, it is the day that OPEC doubled the cost of petroleum to nations who were allies of Israel. And overnight, without going to war, or firing a shot, the US way of life was altered forever. From the cars we drove, to all the things manufactured with oil, we lost our sovereignty again, as now we were a debtor nation for oil. Our entire country's way of life altered forever. 55mph speed limits. Odd/even gas days, or sometimes no gas at all. OPEC, and the Arab nations, mostly Muslim, had declared war on Israel, and Israel's allies still pay the price. Suddenly our cars were obsolete, and foreign cars, touted by US journalists, and the government, began to sell it great numbers. Soon we were exporting our jobs all over the world, so others could build our cars, while decreasing the income of those who could afford them. A subtle war, and as long as gas was available, we would gripe, but live on. And as we continued to lose our sovereignty, the greatest nation in history, whom God had shed His grace, is the only nation standing in the way of a one world government . We are Israel's last ally, and on the day, which is coming when we turn our backs on her, we are doomed. Fact is, we already are, but due to our size and credit rating, and the grace of God, we still exist. Did you know 40 cents of each dollar spent is borrowed from China? Did you realize they built more Buicks last year than we did? GM-Government Motors! Can't happen to us? It has and is. We are as a nation no longer an important exportin' man. And who we buy from dictates the prices we pay. Along with Congress of course. Did I mention we are a debtor nation?

And while others partake in the spirit of anti-Christ, many unknowingly, that which takes the place of Christ, we need to center on Jesus, our only hope. Those who wonder who the Anti-Christ will be? You may get to find out, for who you are looking for, you will find. Those who try to figure out the date of His return, which God promises to no man? And those who focus on festivals, and numerology, genealogies, and cults-you have all come under the spirit of anti-Christ. Pastors, tell your people. It's all about Jesus. Not OPEC, not our enemies, or church teachings. Policies and politicians offer no hope. It is all about Jesus. And without Him you are lost. A lost and dying world holds no hope-remember that. So choose your weapons wisely. Stand with God, and even though times are and will be tough, He will protect and guide you through. The rest, well you continue trying to understand, which you never will, while others of us, live in the comfort of a peace that surpasses understanding.

Don't let your headstone read "We never did it this way before." Trust God, not politicians or policies. Resist the devil, and draw close to God. Recognize Appolyon, the destroyer, aka Satan, and avoid his tactics. The spirit of anti-Christ is alive and well. Sadly in many churches, who may not even know it. Avoid politics, embrace Jesus. Kings and their kingdoms shall all pass away, but Jesus is for now and forever.

Perhaps what Joshua said, says it best. And it is still good advice. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD! We are that much closer to what all Christians hope for, the rapture. Don't get caught up in anything but that!

And for those who seek the identity of the Anti-Christ, hope you aren't disappointed. You may be spending a long time with him. You don't have to miss Jesus by much, just miss Him. Take heed, today may be the day!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

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