billions served

In a designer world of food, I am proud to say I am a meat and potatoes man. Blame it on my mother's pot roast, I can still hear the pressure cooker sizzling, and smell the meat and carrots and potatoes. So m and p it is for me. Meatloaf with melted cheddar cheese on top and scalloped potatoes at Lucille's on old Route 66 in Oklahoma. A sizzling steak with a baked potato at Cattleman's. Or the chicken fried steak at Lamberts with mashies-I am and p man for all seasons. But in So Cal, when you talk meat and potatoes, it means a burger and fries. And within a 100 mile radius of Los Angeles, just after WWII some great burger stands opened, and still flourish today. Grab your napkins, and let's check them out-

Tommy's-#3 with extra chili and onions. Great chili, big portions, and a standard since 1946, starting from one stand. Finally...now in San Diego. They use paper towels for napkins, need I say more?

Bakers out of San Berdoo-first double kitchen since 1952. Theresa likes their shredded beef burrito, for me a Papa burger please, supersized with the 1/2 pound of fries. Local to the area only, but only an hour by motorcycle. Great reason to get out of town.

Foster's Freeze since 1946. Can you say chocolate dipped cone? Added burgers and fries later, great locally owned for a cheap meal. It's ok to have the cone first-think of it as a three course meal, with all the important food groups.

Carl's Jr. still charbroils their burgers. Since 1946, first taste of California we used to encounter riding from Durango. When eating at the one in Phoenix, I got hooked on Western Bacon Cheeseburgers-bbq sauce instead of ketchup. With an onion ring.

The Double Double at In and Out still makes mouths water since 1946. The most asked for burger for those coming home, or getting out of jail or the hospital. The smell when riding by is intoxicating, and I'll have a strawberry shake-made with real ice cream. Killer fries, always a line, but worth the wait. Add onion, or go animal-the best in So Cal.

Mc Donalds, yeah that one. Started on Route 66 in San Berdoo, just like Bakers, Taco Bell, and others, and was the original fast food burger. The food that introduced me to 1.6 ounce burgers, and warm lettuce. Today prices are high, portions small, and they are trying to reinvent themselves as a Mac Cafe. The standard for fries, and sometimes you just have to have a Big Mac! Last on my list, but the largest in the world. Until In and Out goes nationwide.

Jack in the Box is San Diego based, too bad the food isn't as good as their commercials. Still a Sourdough Jack is never a bad choice. Too mainstream like Mickey D's. Original stand on El Cajon Blvd. is now a taco hut. Figures.

Bob's Big Boy is still serving their double burger, in a restaurant setting. The original they claim. Who from the forties remembers, or cares? And we could also include The Hat for pastrami, "World's Best" the sign says, for my taste it is. How about Taco Bell, Glen Bell, another San Berdoo boy who when encouraged by his friend Glenn Baker of Baker's fame grew and sold out to Pepsi, now YUM Foods. And the local list goes on and on.

So beware when you accuse someone of only being a meat and potatoes man. You are showing a lack of style when it comes to the most basic of the food groups. There is much more than meets the eye-or stomach. Jesus is like that too. Just a man some say. Some just consider Him a myth, or a legend, although contemporary historians talked of Him. Just a teacher, or rabbi, He was , but was the Rabbi of Rabbis. The ultimate, for He taught from a first hand basis. A great prophet? True, He did reveal many mysteries, and talked of the future. He was even the fulfillment of prophecy over 200 times. But He was who He said He was-the Son of God. Who was born of a virgin, died on the cross, and then rose after three days. Any one of those a boast by itself, He did all three! Meanwhile He healed the sick, raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, made the lame to walk, and is the only way to God. The Savior of the world. Just a man?

So let's meet over a burger and fries and share Jesus with you. In love. Your choice, just like when it comes to Him. More than just meat and potatoes, let's add a milk shake and have a true discussion of Jesus. Using the Bible as a reference. But no preaching. We can call it fellowship, but Jesus says wherever two or more are gathered in His name it is church. Burger church. Pass the fries, rather than the collection plate. For Jesus loved to eat too. And when we pray before the meal, we have invited Him to eat with us. And even In and Out puts scripture references on the bottom of their cups! And He has served more than Mc Donalds!

A burger, fries, and a shake-the trinity of meals. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-the trinity of God. Just meat and potatoes? Add a bun, for God tells us that man doesn't live by bread alone. Or Big Macs. Worship the Lord while eating at your favorite burger stand today, and you will never eat alone. Yup, call me a meat and potatoes man. Praise the Lord, and pass the ketchup, please!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthw25biker.blogspot.com

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love to ride, ride to love

Before I ride with someone for the first time, I like to ask them questions. How fast and how far are we going? Freeways or backroads? How many in the group? And then I make the final decision whether to ride with them or not. How fast can mean 55mph on a freeway-"gotta obey the law," they say, as cars go whizzing by giving us dirty looks, and how far can mean 50 total, or 200 miles to get there. Freeways-sometimes you just gotta, but back roads are still the best. And then the how fast issue-some can't handle turns, or have even come to the point in their riding where they enjoy them. Lean? Are you crazy? How many in the group is usually my excuse to go by myself. Sadly we have taught ourselves to be courteous to the slowest rider, dumbing down our speed and skills, when they should attempt to get better. I thought courtesy worked both ways. And why, I ask, do some take their only day off to ride, and ride with someone too slow, on roads they hate, and never leave the neighborhood? And grouse about it all week, until they repeat the same exercise the next weekend? Fun? Not for me!

With so many roads to ride, places to eat, and places to see you need to have a sense of adventure. A desire for more than what you already know, and more than where you have already been. Where does that road go? I wonder how good are the burgers there? Maybe let's spend the whole day riding-not stopping and talking every 45 minutes-we do call it a ride don't we? And when you do, you learn more about yourself also. How after 500 miles, a good meal can revive you, and how a strange bed can let you sleep so well. How waking up in a different place changes your whole attitude on today's ride, a cool morning on the road is invigorating, when the same temperature at home would let you stay there. Knowing in an hour it will be hot, so you ride to an unknown diner, and eat their specialty, and then back on the road, full and comfortable. And excited...the road lies ahead! And then you repeat the process, wishing you had more time-a weekend suddenly isn't enough. And end up passing on the same old rides your friends take. And when they wonder "what's the matter with you, is he crazy?" you know it is really what is the matter with them. And you can only hope they break out of their miserable syndrome of the same road, the same diner, with the same people. Realizing they may be crazy-the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting different results. It takes a miracle sometimes, or maybe just a simple invitation, maybe they are just waiting for you to ask.

The early church faced a similar situation. They were comfortable where they were. But God had told them to take the gospel on the road-to all nations. Jerusalem, your local roads. Judea-maybe a long day trip. Samaria-how about a 500 mile day, with an overnight? But since they resisted, He let persecution come upon them, so they had to flee, sometimes for their lives, but stayed true to God as they went. That is how the gospel spread. And that is the way to "preach the gospel everyday." As you go, let it be your example. Anyplace you encounter someone else, you have the chance to share Jesus. Maybe not by words but by attitude. Maybe not by your colors or shirt, but by your actions. Someone is always listening, I know I will be surprised in heaven when someone says I heard you talking about Jesus at the bike shop, or diner, or wherever....it is how you respond to them, how you interact. I have even found that just giving them a card after talking with a "call me if I can ever help" has led many to call for prayer-or to call with prayer for others. So many fail when they think that evangelism is inviting people to church. I have never met anyone who at sometime in their life didn't have a problem with church-or the people. Be a friend first-or don't you remember that Jesus calls us friend? Do you listen more easily to your friend, or would you rather argue with your enemy?

Listen to others. Show love, compassion, empathy, before you speak. Or advise. Jesus may have taught in the temple, but He ministered out on the streets. With whoever He met. Not a heavy theological diatribe to impress, but simple signs of concern showing He cared. Meeting them where they were, how they were, and with what they needed. He called it love. Don't you love to ride? Maybe there is something to spreading the gospel....

Today we are the temple that the Holy Spirit dwells in. Take the temple to others. Ride with them, listen to them, and sit and eat with them. What a blessing to those who are Christian bikers that we get to ride as we spread His gospel. That we have the freedom of the road, in the spirit, and that truly there are so many roads, and so little time.

So quit bragging about what a great rider you are-show me. And quit bragging about all the things you know about God-show me. Just simply love me. Keep it simple, and keep it on the way to your next destination. All my roads eventually lead to heaven. It's time to show the lost the real road to Christ. No preaching-let the spirit flow through you. Bring the church to them. Be the church, that refreshing water we all thirst for.

Never ever has there been a better time to ride and share Jesus. Now, where are you going to ride today? I hear there is this great road out of Judea, goes through Samaria...as you go, preaching the gospel, only using words when needed. Wanna ride?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the parts store

Old question from the seventies-How many people does it take to change a light bulb? Answer-it depends on how much the bulb really wants to change!

My mission last Wednesday was to fix little things on the company fleet that I had been neglecting. With winter temps and rain coming our way, it was time to get the S-10 and Uncle Buck ready to drive, when needed. Changed the oil and air filter on the Chevy, and decided to replace the headlight that was filled with water. So down to the auto parts store I go-trip one. Air filter-only took two tries. "I don't care if that is what the computer says-" as he hands me a round filter-"the one in my truck is square," so back to the computer, and looking it up correctly this time, finds the right one-at two times the price of the wrong one. Now for headlights.

"It's a 9003," he says as I stop him in midstride. I used to sell car parts-this is an old style sealed beam, not a bulb for sculptured lights. Again the computer excuse, then try two tells him its the square one. So I ask him, and he swears it is the right one-until I get home and it isn't. So jumping into Uncle Buck, my 1990 Ford Crown Victoria LX, I drive back and get the right one-after I called and the manager explains to me he has the right one I need. "Been doing this for 20 years." Didn't say if he had gotten it right yet. So exchanging sealed beams, I decide to replace the one on the Ford. "Give me two," and I'm off. Chevy done, lights work, all is well in the driveway. Onto Uncle Buck. But the sealed beam is wrong. Remember the old days when Ford and Chevy were still big enough to do things their way, even when the parts were the same? Well they obviously were still big in 1990, because although the bulbs fit, they used a different plug. So...back again after calling, and being on hold for over 8 minutes. They had it waiting, were apologetic, and we all learned something that day. I wish patience had been one of them, but I was reminded how perseverance can be a key to success when all other talents fail. And as we drove to church that night in Uncle Buck, I could see the road-I had lights! In one day I had brought light to both a Ford and a Chevy-they all got along. Never imaginable just a generation ago, but in today's world, they were at peace. And although I hear this Japanese company Toyota wants a piece of them....I'll stick with my made in the US of A products!

Have you ever given good advice only to see the person fail when it wasn't taken? Have you ever been given good advice and not taken it? And wondered why it cost more in time, money, and aggravation? Remember this when sharing Jesus with someone. And remember how long it took you. All the "intelligent" arguments you had, until you saw the light-no pun intended. So be aware next time you share. It isn't about your great Bible knowledge, where you go to church, your "gift" for evangelism, or anything you can do on your own. It is about Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit that changes hearts, and lives-not you. The great commission isn't to argue them into heaven-sadly this is misquoted, you are to disciple them after they get saved. Which can be a harder job-because there again it takes the Holy Spirit to guide them into all knowledge. So remember, when asked how many people does it take to make someone a Christian, it only takes one-the Holy Spirit! You can't save anyone! So be thankful that Jesus does change lives. Not by might-even though your arguments are sound and good, not by power-even though the promises are true, but by His spirit-the only thing that can save us! For change comes about from within, and affects without, not the opposite. And just a note of reminder-once you start to argue, stop! Just the argument shows you have lost it! So...let God do God's job, and watch as lives change-just like yours did when He saved you.

Patience leads to salvation-God's patience. Perseverance is not a bad thing-it just doesn't save, only Jesus does. And a note to us all-it only took three times to get the right lights-asking the right questions could have saved me two trips. So ask! And seek the truth!

God loves questions-it's up to us to go with His answers. Which by the way, are always right-the first time! Now, how much do you really want to change?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Mo'Jesus not Motown

John Kruk, ex-Padre and professional ballplayer, one time was asked by a woman at the airport if he was an athlete. "No mam, just a ballplayer." Good answer. So I just love it when this happens to me. I have on a Triumph t-shirt, with my Triumph leather jacket over it. Standing by my Triumph. "What kind of motorcycle do you ride?" she asked. As "like, duh" rings in my ears, I choose silence, hoping for no more questions, but based on her first question I knew they are coming. So as she asks "do you ride a Harley?" I decide to fight back. The other day when a woman asked me that question, putting down my helmet, I told her I didn't ride, I just found the jacket. And she wanted to know where did I find it? Sometimes there is no winning, so I just smiled, got on the Triumph and rode off. Knowing that somewhere out there, she has team mates, and they always seem to find me. Where is the target on me? Why could she see the jacket, but not the words on it? What would Kruk have answered?

What is Winnie the Pooh's middle name? How many cans in a six pack? Is the Pope Catholic? Obvious answers. Ever wonder why you couldn't see the invisible man? Because he was invisible! Yet put clothes on him, and wrap his hands and face, and you could see him-or the image of him. Now do you believe? Yet so much is visible and we choose not to. By the way, the T in Ragland T. Tiger stood for Larry, his father couldn't spell. That's his excuse, I'm not interested in yours.

Maybe that was why when Marvin Gaye sang "Heard it Through the Grapevine," we should heed his words, "believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear." Confused, he then pleads "if it's true please tell me..." After that advice? Yet-even rock lyric truth can be suspect when it comes to reality. And when trying to share God-who you can't see, feel, taste, touch-but hear, Marvin's advice may be more relevant than you think. That is why we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God. For instance-

The more people try to disprove the Bible, the more they end up proving it. Science can show why evolution is a theory, and not a fact. It can even prove there was a flood. Josephus, a historian, the contemporary of Jesus, substantiates that Jesus was alive-a real person. Even atheists believe he may have been a great teacher, or rabbi, and even the Muslims will concur with that. But God? He was seen by over 500 after being resurrected, by those who believed and those who chose not to. Just like he said He would do. And hundreds of prophecies foretold hundreds of years ago have come true, some to the exact date. Yet-many don't believe. Maybe, we are still victims of Marvin's lyrics, and don't realize it-yet. Maybe we believe the wrong half of what we see.

So I ask, why can't you see the Holy Spirit? First, because He is a spirit. Second, how many heard Jesus teach, saw His miracles, and were fed by Him-they could even tell what He looked like, and one even ate his last dinner with Him, yet seeing wasn't believing for them. The Bible paints a beautiful picture of Him, yet no pictures exist-no camera phones yet. When God talks of blindness He is talking of more than a physical condition-it is one of the heart, the soul. So He gave us faith, to believe the truth. It is based on who Jesus is, not what we do. And based on what He did, not who we are. Just a little faith goes a long way. Believing with our heart, and confessing with our mouth, that Jesus is who He says He is-the Son of God! Then we are saved! Not understanding, not requiring feats of faith to prove to others-but just believing. No paperwork or club to join. No volunteering to prove it. Just believe and receive! SEE!

And we don't save people! Contrary to church sermons, denominational doctrines, and lies-only God can save. And the only way to Him is Jesus. That is why we call Him Savior! The great commission is not us saving anyone, just us being a witness so others can see Jesus in us. The Holy Spirit points the way, and then convicts us of our sin. He then has us to disciple, teach, and fellowship with new and other believers so we are strengthened by Him. All without ever seeing who we are believing in! Too bad Marvin never got this.

While the world states "seeing is believing," God says "believing is seeing." While the world has faith in a switch to send light, we have the light that sends faith. The only switching we should be concerned with is switching to Jesus! So next time you are asked "are you a Christian?" don't just be wearing the t-shirt, or just carrying a Bible, or just be on the way to church. Stop and ask why they ask. Let God give them answers to their questions, and watch as the invisible becomes visible in their heart. As the spirit works a miracle right before your very eyes. Just show love, and care, and watch as God changes their heart. You just get to be the person God chooses to use. For somehow they saw Jesus in you, and not just the shirt. Share in love, for they have others out there like themselves. No coincidence God sends them your way. DUH!

And if you have told others you are a Christian, we all expect you to act like one. We shouldn't have to ask! Oh, and if you're wondering how I knew, "I heard it through the grapevine!" For you see, He means that much to me. And if you really care, why didn't you tell me yourself?

And that's why we have the Holy Spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

judging a country by the grain of its people

How my dad ever got this book, Ford at Fifty, I don't know since he was never what you would call a car guy, or a Ford man. But I'm glad he did. In 1953, for their 50th anniversary Ford published this book, and it is an amazing look into America, its people, its past, and its future-from Ford's perspective. Concentrating on people, and how the Ford automobile has affected their lives, it showed hope for the future of the US of A. A hope we could all use today. Some excerpts-

Russ Bengel owns a manufacturing plant that supplies parts for new Fords. He brags that on a recent shipment of 6 million precision machined parts, the standard was 60,000 rejects, or 1%. He was proud of they actually found only 1300! And of 341,000 water pumps produced, only 36 rejects. That's 2/1000ths of a percent. American manufacturing at its best! And as ex-mayor of Jackson, he never gave a speech to run, he learned to make decisions by keeping his mouth shut-from his dad. To judge men by their character. His dad was a lumber buyer, and learned to judge lumber by its grain, and to judge men the same way, and has used it to find the best men for the right jobs.

Ben Johnson is profiled after 28 years with Ford. He plans to spend his retirement with his wife and grandson fishing, and eating picnic lunches. With his retirement checks each month, including Social Security, he takes home $145.10 per month. A far cry from when he started at 61 1/2 cents per hour, finishing at $2.001/2! Owns his own duplex too.

We also see how the local Ford dealership, Burton and White Motors of Sacramento were important to the community. Not only employing 84, up from 31 in 1946, the owners sponsor a Junior American League baseball team, and the owners are business and community minded-directors of the YMCA, the Red Cross, the Retail Merchants and the Retail Credit Associations.

This is the America I grew up in. It had a hope and a future, as promised by Jeremiah-if you sought God with all your heart. It was a sterling example of how God shed His grace on a country and its people, just like the words of the song declare. Of how when a country turns to God, He will prosper them. And using the example of Israel, He declares that whoever is Israel's friend He will protect, but whoever is her enemy, He will turn His back on. Today, at least on paper, we are the only ally Israel has. But sadly our actions and our attitudes tell a different story. And like the scripture says, unless we turn from our wicked ways, we shall perish. God wants to heal our land, to prosper us again, will you let Him heal your heart, and your land? It is personal, like the Ford stories, and begins one on one with Jesus. Will you turn to Jesus today while we can still look ahead? Before we can only look back?

Henry Ford once said "it is a poor business that makes only money." Russ Benton's dad judged men by their grain-their character. While we look on the outer man, God looks on the heart. Which scares me-for our hearts are so wicked we have become a country that worships more money, and will do anything for a dollar. Where men's character is compromised, until they get caught. But Jesus seeks to save that was lost. US!

Don't believe the ads that say "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." For God sees all, and we will have a day of accounting someday. Look around, it may be happening now! Trust God. If character is how we act when no one is looking, I shudder to think what God sees. But His love is true. And without qualification.

Be a person of character today. Trust God, and let Him lead your life. From womb to tomb, He loves you. Jesus taught in the temple, but ministered on the street. You do the same. Get out and into the community, be people of character while you still can. Let others see your light shine. The old Ford ad told us "there is a Ford in your future." Make sure that Jesus is in yours. Today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the presence of cool

For me, it is that special moment in Bullitt, when the Charger driver looks into his rear view mirror and sees the Mustang. At that point he goes from the hunter to the hunted, and the chase begins. With no dialogue, and limited music-just the sound of the Mustang is music enough, we get to see how a star's presence makes the scene-without saying a word. Just like Duke Wayne entering a bar, and being outnumbered 10 to 1, you know 10 won't be enough to beat him. When Bogie's facial expressions say more to Ilsa in Casablanca than any words, you are sensing a presence beyond words. Watch Marilyn, she didn't need words, her sexiness exploded on and through the screen. Great personalities, great actors, and a greater screen presence. And Steve McQueen playing Det. Frank Bullitt proves it throughout the movie. You can't imitate cool. Can't teach it, imitate it, or fake it. Cool is a presence that must be-from deep inside the person. And can't be described.

Christians have cool about them too, or should. It is called the Holy Spirit, and is in each one of us who is saved. A presence, that without words, should tell the world we are different. That we belong to Jesus, and it should beg others to ask us what is different about us? And how can they get it. But many choose-it is our choice, to neglect the spirit, to try to live without it. They forget it was the Holy Spirit that pointed us to Jesus, reminding us of His love for us first. It was the Spirit that comforts us, prays for and with us, and never leaves or forsakes us. It gives us wisdom, words, and even insight when we need it. And it always points to Jesus, who always points us to the Father-God. A presence way beyond description-He is the person of love!

The spirit has come upon us, but we need to yield to it, trust it to have it be in us. Trust- the word that keeps us from a fuller relationship with God, for trust allows us to obey God, and not question Him. Trust allows us to follow God even when there is no evidence of Him. And to know that whatever happens, it will turn out for our benefit. That 's love-that's God! That's the Holy Spirit!

So worship Him in spirit-with your life. A prayer partner when alone, a comforter when not sure, and guidance when in the valley of the shadow of death. He is the table set before your enemies, and the joy that overflows from your cup in life. While we may still love, but not be in love, He is love. Unconditional. We may have happiness, but He is joy in the situations we rather not endure. And He is peace when all hell is breaking out around you. The Holy Spirit-do you trust Him?

Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. A presence that is cool like Steve. In command like the Duke. Concerned but not worrying like Bogie, and can create desire far more than Marilyn. Is this presence in your life? Or are you to busy studying to be approved? Not a bad thing, but did you realize that without the Spirit the mysteries of God are not revealed? Remember before Christ how you didn't understand the Bible, but now you are getting it? That's the spirit! Don't you understand your actions are futile without Him?

Ask God today to fill you with His spirit. Trust Him like you never have before. And see how cool Jesus really is. Cool enough to fill any situation without overtaking it. Cool enough to change water to wine. Cool enough to heal the sick and give sight to the blind. Cool enough to die on the cross for us. Yet cool enough to call us friend. WOW!

Just a chase scene in Bullitt? Tell me then, is it about the cars or the guys driving them?

Hint-it's all about Jesus! Now that's cool, too cool for even words! Gentlemen-start your engines!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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while praying is your voice the only one you hear?

Last month I met a man for lunch whom I have known, but never gotten together with. While talking over burgers, he told me about a book he was reading to increase his prayer life. So I asked, "what book did you read so you could talk to me?" The puzzled look that followed confirmed the answer that he hadn't read one, and didn't need to. Didn't even think he might need one. Maybe even made him think, maybe I should have. So I asked, "then why do you need one to tell you how to talk to God?" You see, as personal as God wants to be with us, we fall back into worldly ways, or incorrect teachings from the pulpit, or legalistic advice that keeps us from God, and miss blessings from not allowing God to make it more personal and intimate. Are we so far from God we must take classes on how to talk to Him?

Imagine if you would, a person who calls every night at the same time. He goes on to tell you all his problems, whining and complaining, and then asks for your advice. As you get ready to answer him, he has to go-his favorite show is on, he has to get up early, etc... And hangs up before you can answer. And the process is repeated night after night. Sadly this resembles most peoples prayer life. Complaining to God, then asking for help, but NOT waiting for the answer. And then they wonder why God never answers their prayer.

Prayer has been defined as communication between God and man. I can go with that, but to many it is a monologue, they speak. God is supposed to listen, and it ends there. But true prayer is a dialogue, a two way conversation. One talks, the other listens. Then he responds, and the other listens. Spontaneous, not in five minute increments. I have heard pastors say talk to God for a few minutes, then listen. For five minutes. Would you talk to a friend that way? Then why do you talk to God like that? "OK God, five minutes is up, your turn."

So it is apparent that good listening may be at least as important as good speaking. And God is always telling us something via His spirit-are you listening? A simple fact check tells us we have two ears, but only one mouth. Should we listen twice as much? Is twice as much enough? Also you can control your mouth, but not your ears. Maybe, just maybe is God trying to tell you something?

Two years ago on the National Day of Prayer I met with others at the fountain at Escondido City Hall. We broke into groups, and were given a booklet of things to pray about. They asked me to lead a group, and when we got together we prayed differently than the others. We listened. For answers from God. As I explained that God already knows what we need, our situations, and our desires, it is us who need to wait on Him. To listen. So as we sat there quietly, you could tell by the few words spoken that our hearing was working. God was talking to us, better yet with us. We were having a personal dialogue with the Creator of the universe. And we all were blessed. And while others were still asking, we were receiving! We were listening to God! If it works in a crowd, imagine how it can work when alone!

God, please talk to us today. Give us ears to hear, just like Jesus said to the seven churches in Revelation. Help us to be more like you-patient, kind, and loving. Help us to desire that still, small voice that calls out to us. And while others ask, thank you for allowing us to receive.

Get to know God better by listening. Imagine how special you are to God that He would want to spend time with you. That's love. So listen. Just think, if it works with a loving God, what it can mean to others while listening to them? You may be able to minister to them more effectively. Why are you so sure God hears you when you don't listen for Him?Life isn't like Jeopardy, we don't have the answers, we have questions that need answers. Those that walk with God, and listen to Him in the Spirit, shall have the answers. The right answers.

Till the day you die, your hearing will be the last to go. God has so much to share with you, would you please shut up and listen? Might even change your phone habits at night. The line to God has no caller ID, He knows your name and voice. When praying, is your voice the only one you hear? True blessings come when you listen, know and recognize His.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com