"what's the story?"

"Hey Jerry, what's the story?" And if you happened to be living in the New York Metro area in the early seventies, you knew his answer. Cheap, discounted appliances, TV's and stereos-if you had a union card. For dressed in his bib overalls and yellow hard hat, Jerry was the spokesman for JG and E-the first warehouse store of its kind in New York. He would rant and rave, and at the end, he would say with open arms, "That's the story!" And it was so popular it was in jokes, stories, and people found ways to use it in their daily conversation. And since there were so many hard hats at the time, we didn't call us ourselves Conservatives then, but the Liberals were already called Liberals, he appealed to many. We were Americans.

Working on a loading dock in 1973, we all wore American Flags on our cars, shirts, and on the hard hats many wore. The Silent Majority, the Nixon Administration had labeled us, and when the hippies were against what America stood for, we fought back. Some physically, some financially, and many spiritually. "Love it or leave it!" And as the amount of import cars came in from Japan, they would even be forced to park the farthest away, if allowed to park in the lot at all. America was under siege and its greatness threatened, and true patriots were not going down without a fight. And having the ability to look back, the same group, basically unions, have gone from defending America, to being part of the root cause of its demise. In one generation, they have gone from conservative, to liberal. Not willing to sacrifice as many have in previous generations, but willing to have others suffer so they may enjoy the greatness America still has to offer. The generation that followed what Tom Brokaw has labeled "the Greatest Generation," is now the all about me generation. And many look around, without Jerry's iconic hard hat and bib overalls, and ask, "what's the story?"

But because of God's love for America, like the song says, "God shed His grace on thee," a reassurance in values via Christianity, also took place a the same time. Not concerned with who you are, were, or were going to be in society, God loved a generation, and still does today. Calvary Chapel, fathered by Chuck Smith, when confronted by his denomination, chose Jesus over their doctrines, and the rest is history. Teaching from the Bible verse by verse, he reached the same group of hippies, but showed them a better way-Jesus. He showed them via God's love, and without any membership cards, that no matter your position in life, without the peace only found in Jesus, you would be miserable. You may be miserable with a better job, bigger car, and nicer home, but still missing the message of salvation. Such is God's love, and truly where sin abounds, does God's grace abound even more. "That's the real story," Jerry.

Great nations are never conquered, but do rot from within. They conquer themselves, and as I watch the US of A rotting from within, we can only turn to God. And as He tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if we turn to Him, repent, and follow Him, He will save our land. Can we take a minute and let that sink in? Where politicians continue to encourage strife, where the media continues to exercise its power as the fourth estate, and as more continue to succumb to the ways of the world, God, who created it, is willing to save it and you if you turn to Him? My only question is, why aren't we? And why aren't you? Throughout history those nations that have honored God have been honored by Him. Just look at our history until recently? And we have the audacity to have to ask, what's the story?

In every great battle, there is a turning point. Let today be your turning point, and choose to serve God. Let Jesus into your life, and as our nation walks in the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil. God's peace will guide you through any and all situations. His love will guide you, and bless you in ways no discounted goods ever could. He will heal you individually, and then as a land. And restore us to our former greatness if only we turn to Him now.

Sorry Jerry, but you came and went. But other discount houses replaced you, until they came and went to. It's all about Jesus! "That's the story!"

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

He strides across the home screen—a burly leprechaun in work shirt and blue hard hat. In an accent straight from the streets of New York he answers an off-camera voice that keeps asking: "So what's da story, Jerry?" The story is a hammering promotion for JGE (Jamaica Gas & Electric), a cut-rate appliance firm that sells only to union members, civil service employees and their families. As Jerry explains: "Know the model and number of the appliance you want; Jerry can get it for you wholesale." The voice concludes: "So that's da story, Jerry?" Roars back the pitchman: "That's the stawry!"

The commercial, which has been blasting from four New York City-area television stations 144 times a week, has made Jerry Rosenberg, 39, a local celebrity, renowned as the workingman's friend. It has transformed JGE, which Jerry owns with his brother Charlie, 44, from a run-of-the-crate appliance store into a wildly successful discount business that is expanding its unbuttoned merchandising methods far and wide. JGE's sales have gone from $1.8 million in 1971, its first year of discounting, to an expected $8 million this year. Operating on gross profit margins of about 12%, less than half as much as other appliance dealers, the Rosenbergs will post net earnings of about $250,000 from their single outlet.

The Rosenberg brothers are embarked on a new venture that could well balloon their business without risking a dime of their own money. They are licensing the JGE name to furniture and carpet retailers who want to go discount. The licensees pay an undisclosed percentage of their gross to JGE for its advertising and merchandising help; beyond that, they are on their own. So far, JGE has recruited eleven merchants in New York and New Jersey and is negotiating with 28 others whom the brothers expect to sign up this month. The Rosenbergs confidently figure to expand soon from coast to coast.

Big-time though it is, JGE sticks stubbornly to small-time style. Its "showroom" is a small, carton-crammed section of a warehouse in a sidestreet in Bayside, Queens. All sales are for cash. Except for the Rosenbergs, who sometimes help unload trucks, only part-time employees mind the store. They include moonlighting policemen, housewives and four or five high school basketball players from the Friends' Academy in Locust Valley, N.Y. Clerks make no effort to push a particular brand or persuade customers to buy a higher-priced item; they simply take orders. Yet JGE turns over $300,000 worth of stock about every two weeks.

Save a Bundle. The Rosenbergs saw the potential of reviving real discounting seven years ago, closed their regular appliance shop and set their sights on a specific target: union members and civil servants who are willing to travel 50 miles or more to save a bundle. Now buyers queue up to get in—and save. A 5,500-B.T.U. General Electric air conditioner goes for $149 at JGE v. $184.95 at Macy's; a compact portable dishwasher sells at JGE for $159 v. $199.95 at Macy's; a Sony portable color TV sells for $375 v. $470 at Bloomingdale's for the identical model.

the chocolate subway marshmallow overcoat solution

Remember the words to the song, Secret Agent Man? "They're giving him a number, and taking 'way his name..." How Bond, James Bond was known throughout the world as 007? Maybe in the spy business numbers rule, but in real life, names are more important. And from the multisyllabic names found in the Old Testament, to the shorter ones found in the New, they all have importance.

The late sixties gave freedom to call rock groups by some unusual names. Strawberry Alarm Clock. Creedance Clearwater Revival. Iron Butterfly. King Crimson. Jethro Tull. Quicksilver Messenger Service. Mothers of Invention. Steely Dan. 10cc. The Hawks, who when the Viet Nam war escalated, were just referred to as The Band. But did toy with the idea of Chocolate Subway Marshmallow Overcoat. Same music, different name. I guess it beats Atomic Rooster, but not Ambrosia. I think you get the idea. Unique names, some with meaning you understood, and some with meaning you hoped your mother never knew. But it seems the sixties gave rise to unique descriptions from these groups, and psychedelic names were all the rage. We had a clothing store, in Westfield, called a head shop, before that name too became drug related, named Dead Ice Cream. Cool name, and you could buy cool clothes at a premium price. The name lives on, the store closed. Wish I had kept some of the clothes. And if you didn't have a cool name, you could always have a cool motto, like Slegers Forbes, the motorcycle dealer that Malcolm Forbes was partner in. They were known as the "Cycle-logical Dealer!" Maybe the only place where being logical with a motorcycle was encouraged. In real life, most guys I knew who rode were "Psycho-logical." If you knew them, the name made perfect sense, just don't ask me to explain. Please.

But unless you were Bond, James Bond, where 007 carried more weight, or knew the words to Secret Agent Man, "they're giving you a number, and takin' 'way your name," names are important. And with each generation, the most popular names change. I never thought of my parents as trendy, but here we are Michael, and my sister Susan, very popular names in the fifties. I went to school with too many Jennifers-never Jen or Jenny. Remember Pat on SNL-a he or she? Same problem with her friend, Chris. Those genderless names always confused me. And names a hundred years ago were so stately-or boring. Names like Hamilton, Housely, Hermoine, and Geraldine. Were their nicknames Ham, House, Herm, and Gerry? I have a friend whose dad was a twin, Gerald and Geraldine. We had a friend named Valerie Valerie. I had a friend who named his son Mister, "they will always refer to my son as Mister..." Add in all the Bills and Bobs, John and Joes, and you would think we would run out of names before we run out of people.

Old Testament names have always been a problem with me. Adonijah, Bathsheba, Methuselah, Jehoshabeath, Jehosophat, Hezekiah, Nebachadezezzer, Sennacharib, and Zipporah. Obviously these kids had a hard time learning to spell their names in school, let alone pronouncing them while learning to talk. Or answering the phone. "Hey mom, can I go over to Melchizadek's house and play?" So I find it ironic, when Jesus' cousin is born, that his dad says, "we will call him John," and then is silent until his birth. For no one had ever had that name in his family before. And it started a whole new name game, that continues on even today.

Believe it or not, Jesus was a common name in his time. But He was anything but common. Emmanuel, God with us. King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Wonderful. Counselor. Descriptions of a man, who was really God-a true Godman, and unique in all history. Yeshua to His other Jewish friends, today just the mention of His name evokes emotion. To Christians, He is the savior. But sadly to many others, His is the number one name taken in vain. Trying taking Buddhas name in vain, and watch his followers get upset. But Christians are supposed to give and forgive, in love. Like Jesus did. A name to be remembered easily. And He even had simply names for His disciples. Peter, James, John, Levi, Andrew, Judas. Simple names, and names that were important to Him, because they were His friends. But there is still something about His name.

Today He offers you the chance to know Him on a first name basis. Yes, He is Lord. He is King. He is the Mighty Saviour. But those are all titles. When He introduces Himself to you, He makes it personal. "Just call me Jesus." Get to know Him. Become His friend. And let Him be yours. Jesus, like Yeshua for Joseph.

Knock, knock. Who's there? Joe. Joe who? Joe Savior, Jesus. Jesus Christ, the title. Or if you must, Jesus the Christ. But His friends just call Him Jesus.

What do you call Him tells a lot about who He is in your life. Bow to Him now, or bow to Him later. Now is voluntary. In hell, you will in agony. Wishing you had here.

Just a name? Then you probably think He was just a person.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

an open letter to William Shatner

Dear Bill,

Recently I watched a show called "How William Shatner Changed the World." And it seems that in this recent enterprise of yours-no pun intended, in achieving your new PhD in praise of yourself (Piled high and Deep), you claim that you and Star Trek were responsible for many of today's inventions. And since no one really cares, no one will dispute you, and the truth will get muddled, at least until some future generation reads it, and believes it. And in a sense you, or really your legend will live forever-in reruns. A legend in your own mind. But while watching TCM the other morning, I saw the first of 12 installments in Buck Rogers, filmed in 1939. Something you may have seen at the movies as a kid. And I was surprised at how many of the things you claimed to have originated were in this early film, at least 30 years before Star Trek-not sure what that is in Star dates.

When Buck and his zeppelin mate Buddy Wade crash their zeppelin at the North Pole-circa 1938, from a remote location Nirvano Gas is released into the ship to place them in suspended animation until they can be rescued. Seems without cell phones or GPS, it took a bit longer than expected, and they are discovered in the year 2440. Where a two man crew in a space ship, sees the zeppelin frozen in the ice, and explores it. Using what appear to be Phasers, they melt the ice and snow, and enter the cabin-retrieving Buck and Buddy, and taking them to their commander. Where they are whisked away in a transporter chamber-their atoms are treated with radiation and can be reconstructed anywhere the operator desires. Sound familiar? With apologies to Scotty, Bill you didn't invent either of these. To quote Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new under the sun. Is it possible that you have go where man has gone before?

We just got done celebrating Resurrection Day, Easter to those initiated. And of course the doubters, and story tellers are out in force. Claiming it never happened, and fabricating stories of how the tomb was empty because a man who had endured 39 lashes, then hung on a cross until dead, then had a spear stuck in his heart, wasn't really dead, but somehow when He revived, had the strength to move a 2 ton rock, by Himself, and escape-unseen by the Roman Guard set to make sure none of this happened. Now that's Science Fiction! And it must really take faith to believe that! But just to prove that He lives, He made Himself visible to many, including over 500 at one time! Who Paul records as seeing Him in one day-and who at the time of his writing his first letter to the Corinthians, would have been alive to dispute his writing if it was false. But they didn't-because it's true! He really was raised from the dead-Resurrected! And they did see Him-and knew who He was and what had happened!

Someday you fill face death too Bill, and I wonder, who is the Captain Kirk of your Enterprise? All your accomplishments, space travel, TJ Hooker episodes, and self aggrandizement shows will not get you to heaven. Beating Gorns, Klingons, and Romulans will not gain you entrance to heaven. You need to meet the same Jesus who revealed Himself over 2000 years ago. When you die, knowing Him will make the difference in beaming down to hell, or beaming up to heaven. We never know when our last day is, and the eternal transporter is standing by to beam you somewhere after death. No suspended animation like Buck and Buddy. No Science fiction writer to bring you back miraculously next week. Is there a heaven? To quote your Science Officer-"Indeed."

Don't let "He's dead, Jim" be the last words you hear on earth. Go boldly where many have gone before-based on a simple faith. All heroes will die-only those saved will go to heaven. Think about it Bill, even at warp speed you will never see it all! But first, you have to get there. Trust God, for Jesus is the only way.

love with compassion,

Mike PhD-(praying hard daily)

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the ultimate road trip planner

"It goes from Chicago to LA...more than, 2000 miles along the way...get your kicks, on Route 66..." The Mother Road it has been called. Route 66, officially named in 1926, and in 1985 officially decommissioned, when Williams, Az. is the last town to be by-passed by the interstate. Where one road took you on an over 2000 mile exodus, now it takes five interstates! And you miss so much of the fun and challenge of driving an old highway. A time gone by, where Mom and Pop motels have been replaced by chains. Where lunch counters have been replaced by fast food restaurants-funny we won't call them diners, although we refer to those who eat there as diners-rather than restaurateurs. And where gas station attendants used to check your oil, fill your gas, wash your windshield, and offer free maps and directions, toady we swipe a card at the pump, and never get the rest that the old gas stop provided. Using mileage markers and exit numbers to find our destination. No more Pecan Logs at Stuckeys, or gazing at snake skins in Arizona. No more signs warning you of the thousand rooms for the night in Tucumcari. Only the alert traveler today will notice Lucille's, and stop in to eat while in Oklahoma. Hot after a ride, stop by Ted Drewes Custard Stand in St. Louis. And for how many thousands has the Santa Monica Pier been there first time seeing the Pacific!

But today we have the Eisenhower Interstate System. Based on what Ike saw in Germany during WWII, he noted we needed a modern freeway system to carry Americans who wanted to travel, but also for military purposes of moving troops and equipment, should we ever have to fight on our own turf. Or move the same internally during times of war. A good idea, and it works, and an added benefit to guys like me, is that it frees up roads like Route 66 for the rest of us. Where we can ride and visit in a different era, at a different speed, and to a different melody. A few minutes where I can reflect on why I miss America.

I can't tell you how many times I have travelled 66, I used to live a few blocks off of Central in Albuquerque. But with its rebirth via local and state associations, much of it can still be travelled, and many old land marks still exist. You just need to be more patient-but they are there. And I can promise you, from riding most of it, except Illinois into Chicago, there is still plenty of life along the Mother Road. Just look at it through 1950's eyes, and enjoy the ride. Bumps, potholes, turns, changes in altitude, and crossing of state lines. Anything but straight and narrow-interesting and challenging, looking for new adventures, just like life.

So why does God tell us to stay on the straight and narrow road? Is He an interstate highway advocate? Does He not like the old highways and the small towns? Does He prefer fast food to a blue plate special? Is He in a hurry to get where He is going? Maybe the answer lies more with us, than with Him. He knows all the roads, and what is ahead for us on them. He sits on a peak, and can see around mountain curves we can't. He can see ahead past the dust storm or detour, and knows when we will need gas and food. He has that special memory just waiting for us ahead, and those appointed to share it with us. And because of that, and His love for us, He has given life to us. He has plans for us, to give us that life. He has ordered our steps-not commanded them, but like staying on a route to a destination, has laid out a plan. The ultimate trip planning service. And orderly plan, which if followed in the Spirit will give us a safe trip, and definitely not a boring one. Straight and narrow can sound so boring to a biker on vacation, but this plan is designed to give peace of mind. Think of a curve as a series of straight lines, at different angles, and it all makes sense. Stay on that road, and you won't end off in the bushes. No detours necessary if you follow the map. Don't be allured by billboards who promise one thing, when you know they will deliver another. Don't look for discounts that aren't. The temptations will always be there. Obey the warning signs, and enjoy the ride.

Things can change in a day's notice, or without notice. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into town, a hero's welcome. And by Thursday would be betrayed by a friend, and crucified on Friday-Good Friday. But by Sunday morning, His tomb was empty. Proving to all, including those who yelled "crucify Him!" that He really was who He said He was. And with His death and resurrection we can have new life in Him. A straight and narrow road to Heaven, no detours or road blocks. Maybe that is really the straight and narrow road He talks of, and wants us to be on. He wants nothing to get between Him and us, so makes a direct road to Him. Straight and narrow. Like riding I-40 from Bro. Willie's in Nashville. You will know to stop when you see the Pacific. It is only in life we experience the curves. His directions-simple and easy to follow.

Get out soon and get some kicks on Route 66, or any other road. See America while you still can. But get on the straight and narrow road to Jesus today. Don't wait! All roads lead somewhere, only one leads to Him!

Call it the Father Road! The only one who truly leads to our Heavenly Father. Another travel tip from His son, Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

final jeopardy

The answer is yes. And in true Jeopardy form, you must answer in the form of a question, just like your kids answer you. Huh, and what are not acceptable answers here. And the correct Jeopardy response is, "How did God respond to Cain when he was asked am I my brother's keeper?" Now Theresa and I were talking the other morning about an old story by O. Henry. The wife sells something valuable to her to buy a gift for her husband, and he does the same for her. And when they exchange gifts, both are finding how it is more blessed to give than receive, for the gift they gave came with a price. They both gave up something of value, that was worth more to the other than the gift it purchased. And when I asked if she had heard this story, she said, "remember it's on the Sesame Street Christmas Album." Burt and Ernie if I remember correctly. And it is, and I would love to think that O. Henry's version is a bit more sophisticated. Even if we're not.

In the biker community we understand about taking care of brothers who have gone down. Various "Biker Down" rallies are held each year, and special rides for those who have died, and to help their surviving families. Whether it be money, time, or muscle donated, it all goes to meet a need. And in times of despair or tragedy, we become a very needy people. And many do, through ministries, to their church, or even just reaching into their pocket to give. And God loves a cheerful giver, in fact the word He uses for cheerful is like you laugh out loud while giving. "Take it-make me happy! Isn't this fun! Let's encourage others to join in with us!" And those of us who do are richly blessed. It is not so much the amount, but the heart that it was given with. And in some cases, the cost is high.

It is not unusual to meet friends my age who have become grandparents. And they love it. But sometimes it comes with a heavy price tag. The mother is single, and cannot afford to raise the child herself. Due to sin, lifestyle, or economics-she must give it up. And after making the right decision not to abort, she is faced with what to do. And that is where so many grandparents are becoming parents to their children's children. At a time where it should be their time, and they should be enjoying time with their spouse and ease into retirement, they suddenly are called upon, and respond in love to the need. A lady friend of mine recently reminded me of how her mother was her hero, when she was forced to give up her four kids, and her ability to mother them, Rosalie, her own mom stepped in, and raised them and loved them. Looking past the sin that put the kids in danger, she loved them. And I congratulate her and others who have sacrificed in doing this. When Jesus tells us "greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another," he means these parent/grandparents too. And they are heroes, and when asked by God like Cain was, they answer correctly. Without taking the mark of sin upon themselves. Overlooking it, for love covers a multitude of sin.

Much has been offered in answer to what the mark of Cain was, but it was a stain that no man could eradicate. Sin will do that to you. So when Jesus takes away our sin, and makes us white as snow, He also removes the stain. Not like my white shirts, that after many washings still have traces of oil-stains,(why is it always my favorite t-shirts?) but the stain completely gone-like it never existed. And when God is asked, He doesn't see it or remember it-it truly is washed away. The stain of sin removed, and all it took was the giving over of His son for the sacrifice. I say all, because Jesus gave it, and all to Him we owe. Like the old song says, "sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." And since it is gone, not even God sees it. He calls it forgiveness, and how good a feeling it is to be forgiven.

Are you feeling guilty about past sins? Truly-give them to Jesus. And forget about them, He does. Don't remind Him of something He has forgotten. Listen to the spirit and when God puts a Lazarus-someone in need, in your path, respond in love, by giving. Meet the need. And like I tell people, "if my house is on fire, don't hand me your checkbook-hand me a fire extinguisher!" Meet the need!

Final Jeopardy answer. The category-ONE WORD ANSWERS. Master, saviour, Son of God, Son of Man, Emmanuel, God with us, brother and friend.

The correct response, Who is Jesus? I hope you bet it all-for He did for you. That makes you a winner-and stain free.

And for that special lady who inspired this story-remember you are too! Clean before your Lord. And a hero to me.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

half of all doctors graduated in the bottom half of their class

The 1962 Mets lost 120 games. For every four games they played, the lost three. Needless to say they were not a very good team, so to be the backup second baseman may tell you a lot about your talent. On a team with Elio Chacon, Choo Choo Coleman, Marvelous Marv Throneberry(who once dropped a ball a kid tossed to him to autograph,) Hot Rod Kanehl, Pumpsie Green, and Felix "Wrong Way" Mantilla, you may be hard pressed to under achieve in this group. And the next year they improved, winning 51 games, just 48 games out of first place. Helped by their newly acquired a backup second baseman from the Dodgers. Larry Burright. Lifetime .205 hitter, with 33 RBI's in his career. An instant hero among Met fans. A natural for Casey to manage. "Break up the Mets!" the fans cried. So when we heard that Larry Burright, that second baseman for the Mets was visiting our friend's sister, down on Newark Ave., we ran to see him. Peeking through the living room window, there he was-sitting on the sofa with her. Bigger than life, a real ballplayer-a Met! And rather than meet him, we ran away and giggled, because he was bigger than life, which can be very intimidating to an 8 year old. But I can still remember looking in the window with my friends, even if I can't remember the girl he was visiting. And somehow he was not as big in real life without his uniform as he was on TV with it.

Bikerjim and I were joking one day that even if a doctor graduates 312 in class of 312, he is still a doctor. So when his liver doctor came in, we got joking with him, and told him our theory. And where did he graduate in his class? We got a smile, which at first made me think we had just met #312, but it was even funnier. Or sadder, I wasn't the patient. The school he attended didn't have class rankings, it was pass/fail. Sorta like your driving test, don't hit anyone and you will pass. After you get your license, well that's different if you hit someone then. You're legal. And we all laughed, and he saw our point. Which I'm not sure was, but Dr. Pass/Fail would have to do for now. We didn't dare to ask what the passing score was, I know you can miss 30% of the questions in California and still get a license.

I took a course at UNM once on applying books to life. A great course, and learned a lot. I excelled, until I got my grade-PASSED! For in my haste, I had marked the application pass/fail instead of getting a grade. And in the only class I should have had an A, I got credit. The same as the kid who showed up stoned every day, and whose lifelong goal was to live in an adobe hut. The same as the ditzy blond, who giggled about everything, and the girl from New York City with 12 rings in her nose!

A-A-A-H-H-H!!!

For just as Larry had made the team, and Bikerjim's doctor made the staff, I had made the cut. I just had nothing to show for it. Read the small print, it may save you pain later. And embarrassment!

There are a lot of nice people out there going to hell. They think that based on good works, they will make it to heaven. And I have heard them argue how it is not right for God to show mercy to others and let them in, just because they got saved. Now I have never understood that gospel, which is not found in the Bible, but spoken from many pulpits. Just be a good person, and you'll get in. Say the right prayers, attend faithfully, and meet your tithing obligation, and you'll make it. And nothing could be a bigger lie!

You cannot influence God! You cannot earn your way to heaven. Just imagine if you could, like the doctor who was 312 of 312. There are no class rankings in heaven. It is a pass/fail. With a very simple final exam question, it can even be an open book test. Who do you say Jesus is? If you answer "He is the son of God," and repent, you inherit the kingdom of God. But if you deny His deity, say as cults like Jehovah Witnesses, and the Mormons do, you won't make it. You are destined to hell-whether you believe in it or not. No matter how many magazines you pass out, doorbells you ring, or missions you go on-you cannot work your way to heaven. No deals! It is a gift, and only if you accept it, for love does not force itself on anyone, and God is love!

I still love the Mets, although I haven't followed them for years. How can you ever forget game 6? And Bikerjim is still being treated, and everyday thousands pass their driver's test, whether they can drive or not. But no one gets into heaven without Jesus. But God is patient, and right now is a good time to ask Him into your life. No ceremony, no membership to join, just a simple prayer. Forgive me Lord, and I want to be saved.

The process is easy, and the rewards great. And even second string second baseman on a second rate team can get in. Doctors-God wants you, not your ranking. And for the rest of us-I am glad God chose a pass/fail, for I never would have made the grade. And either would you. Brings a whole new meaning to mercy and grace, doesn't it? How about them Mets?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

first rule-obey all rules

Henry Ford once said "history is bunk." But he knew who to bunk with, or better yet, who not too. Seems we are known by the company we keep, and first impressions still make a difference. When Jesus first met Andrew and Peter, He called them and they came. No credit report, or references, they came, when called. The Spirit urged them, and they obeyed. What a concept! Obedience. And if it worked then, do you think it might work now?

The law versus the spirit defines the Old and New Testaments. In the Old, everything was required from you in keeping the laws, some 600+ of them. No way you could ever keep them all, or even know what they are. So you were always in trouble. Just like a woman from Haz Mat told me, they are self sustaining, and need to fine people to exist. And since it is impossible to know all the rules and regulations, rest assured she could find one in even the cleanest shop. Guilty. Tell me, which law is your favorite?

That's the law, yet so many Christians desire to live under it, and can't keep it, and so are always in sin. Why even try when it is so futile? Just try to build a house, or even an addition, or start a business. You will be overwhelmed by laws, restrictions, and covenants-when all I want is to cover my patio, or make widgets. The law kills-but thankfully, the spirit gives life.

I used to bug Ken, our Bible study leader, about rules. He would pray "let your Spirit guide us tonight," then tell us the rules for the evening. Which was it? And many will argue you need rules, and you do-because we refuse to obey the spirit. God says very simply, obedience is better than sacrifice. Do you need to review all your problems from disobedience to get that one? What is your favorite part of sacrifice?

So walk in the spirit. Trust God, is how I put it. But how do you trust someone you don't know? Again simple-get to know Him. Read your Bible-God's gift to man. Pray-ask Jesus to help you. And let the Spirit guide you. He gave us all a conscious, and although most of us are unconscious, He forgives and shows us a better way. But it is up to us to make the decision.

Henry must have thought history was bunk, but it has also been said if we ignore history, we are condemned to repeat it. Stupid hurts, so seek to live in the spirit. Trust God and follow Him. And obey the one commandment He gave-love Him with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. That ought to keep us busy for awhile-say like until He calls us home.

Let God guide you-not control you like religion, but guide you. You get to make the choices, but make them based on God's knowledge, and watch as joy enters your life. Jesus hated religion, which means binding, and promises freedom from it. Seek the spirit today, and you will find Him. Just a little faith will go much further than any laws. History-His story-let it be found in the Holy Spirit living within you!

God shed His grace on thee. And where his spirit is found, there is liberty. What part of freedom don't you understand?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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