at the top, the only way is down

So often in life we miss the big picture. We have become a society that starts at the top, and then works its way down. No one wants to go through the stages of learning that only experience can teach, let's start as a Master Tech by passing the test, then learn how to fix cars. Let's specialize in a certain aspect of the body, then learn how it works with the others. Or I'm a born manager, I'll learn the business from my subordinates as I go. Sound familiar? And then all too often we create more problems than we solve, and still have to find someone to turn on the lights so we can find our desk. Or our tools. So specialized or compartmentalized that unless there is someone there to help us, or follow us around with a mop and squeegee we will fail. And of course, it is never our fault. Lousy squeegee.

Sports has taught us to be a society of stats. ERA, RBI, and BA. People get paid big bucks for these. To perform. But the question that should be asked is-did you win? Did you know that some racers have won championships and never won a race that year? I have had techs who were great on one brand of car, but when switched luxury brands, had to relearn them all over again. What works on a Mercedes Benz may not work on a Land Rover. And I found out that Land Rovers are so weird who knows what it takes-just bring money and lots of it. But we don't wish to learn, just earn, so once we achieve a comfortable income level, we stay as we are. I had a tech once who wouldn't work on any newer cars, so his income dropped substantially. He was a whiz on the old ones, except no one ever brought them in. He eventually retired early, way off his retirement pace of money and time.

Talking with Ned and Missy yesterday, they had just added horsepower to their Harley. We talked of how dealers won't work on EVO motors anymore-they're more than 10 years old. And how when I hear about a HD mechanic being around for 40 years I wince, no way he could be current on new stuff. But worse is the new guy, who isn't taught to diagnose, but swap parts. And he can't work on anything older than him. So where do you turn for help? If you have one of the three people you never mess with-those that cut your hair, cook your food, or fix your ride-if you have one you can trust, they are better than gold. Just hope the price for their service doesn't go up accordingly.

Pride is a subtle thing sometimes. You can't brag about being humble, but you can have others do it for you. Same thing. I watch sadly as a new believer rises to the top, maybe based on being a celebrity, or his income value to the church. He excites some, incites others. And then in six months is gone. He found out the gospel isn't all about him, so he left. It wasn't a way to fame and fortune-so he went on to something that was. He needed physical and monetary gratification-not Jesus. And when he ran out of parishioners to prey on, instead of pray with-he left. Right before he was exposed, confronted and run out!

They never got past the "milk" part of being a Christian. Never got to taste the solid food of the spirit. And will continue to blame God for his failure, while others thank God for removing him. He was never part of the body. As Christians, at all and any level, we need to seek Jesus first. Without Him we are on a path, maybe not the path. And like a talented tech, we may have the education, but don't have the experience. We may have the tools, but not know how to use them. Or which part goes where. It takes the body to get us by! It takes Jesus.

So today I am thankful again for being part of a strong believing body of believers. I find I need them more than ever, and you do too. Brothers and sisters to encourage, to point you in the right direction. Consistent strong teaching to show us how to live, and show others. But mostly we need the Holy Spirit in our life-and a contrite heart to let Him lead us. It takes the Trinity of God to get us through. The Spirit to tell us we need Jesus, and to guide us. Jesus who is the way to His Father, and finally our Father who art in heaven-God! Please don't ask me to explain it-if I could it wouldn't be God! And you wouldn't understand.

Grow in grace and in Christ. Become part of a good fellowship that leans on Him, that depends on God, not their wealth, size, or celebrity. Make it personal-Jesus first. Then church. Don't confuse the two-that is why many blame God for their errors, when a church that has strayed from God is usually the cause.
Stay close to Jesus, stay in the word, and pray-all the time. Converse with God, and stay up to date with Him. And spend time in fellowship with others-you can never discount the power of the body when in the spirit.

Three things in life are for sure. You cannot have patience RIGHT NOW! You cannot brag how HUMBLE you are. And you didn't die on the cross for man's sins. Let the only one who did, and can, guide you. Grow in grace and in truth. You can't right click your way to heaven-it takes Jesus!

Why start at the end of the trip, when the ride can be the destination itself? It can be a long way to the bottom of the canyon. Trust God. Let's ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

if you think riding is dangerous, consider going to sleep tonight

It has been said that "I didn't quit riding because I got old, but I got old because I quit riding." Maybe that is why I always feel so young, the freedom of riding will do that to you. And yesterday I met two men who reminded me of that. I was crossing through an intersection, when I spotted a black motorcycle stopped for the red light. As I started pumping gas, I noticed the same guy next to me. "Hey, man, can I ask you some questions about your bike?" Nodding yes, he pulled over and waited. He was serious, but so was the Speed Triple R I was on. He went on to explain he had just gotten back into riding after being out for many years. And had no desire for cars anymore. He felt younger, had more energy, but needed more power than his CBR250 could provide on the highway. I let him sit on the S3R, and his smile was contagious. He had read about the bike, and wanted one-but had never seen one. After about 20 minutes of severe questioning-I've had lesser interrogations by a date's father, we parted, and he will call me. He can't wait to get a Street Triple, same weight as his, twice the power. But he kept emphasizing how he enjoyed riding again, felt younger, and how his attitude was much better. He was taking the long way home, and getting there in less time than the short way in his car. And wasn't tired when he arrived. The one complaint he had was his non-riding friends told him it was dangerous, trying to rob his fun. I told him we know that to be an unpleasant part of our lifestyle, but would rather die doing something we enjoyed than sitting on a sofa vegetating. Like his friends. Another huge smile showed agreement.

The other man was in front of me ordering his tube steak combo at Costco. When he saw my Triumph sweatshirt, he asked about the S3R. he just bought a new Tiger XC, and retired. And was enjoying riding, with all the time to do it. He and a friend were riding to Alaska this summer for 4 weeks, and then he was going to ride to Sturgis. He couldn't believe all the fun he was having, and places he had only read or dreamed about were on his itinerary of places to ride. He knew all the specs, had read the magazines, and knew all about riding. Now he was going to experience it first hand-and as he went on like a kid, I just listened. And enjoyed. And thought, "this guy is me!" He gets it! All the while his lunch partner listened, looking forward to his retirement of staying home with his wife. Guess which guy has life? And was looking forward to retiring more? No boredom or honey do's here-the road called, and there are so many roads, and only so little time. Let's ride!

Which made me think about another man I met at church. He has an old Meriden Triumph, and his wife will only let him ride it occasionally. Meeting her, I asked if she rode, and told me how dangerous they were. Where was Theresa when I needed her? So I asked what she did, and she told me she was in the medical field. "Great, so am I!" and as her attention piqued, I told her I was a patient. And watched as that same attention waned. But piqued again when I said I was glad to meet her, because I had a medical question.

"Is it safe for me to go to bed tonight?" I asked. "I have had four friends in 2 months die in their sleep, and didn't realize sleep was so dangerous." The husband smiled, as she grabbed his arm, and without answering walked off. He seemed like such a nice guy-just lousy taste in women. I'm glad I ride, that my wife rides, and that I will sleep soundly tonight-knowing I am not married to her! I could see this guy riding off and sending her a postcard from the road with no return address-for he wasn't going to return. I'd even buy the first stamp!

Fun is perhaps the common theme in riding. You enjoy a freedom of sights and sounds, of smells and feelings you don't in a car. Or can't. For cars isolate you from the world. And many have become like this in their walk with Christ. Just living out their days until heaven calls. Church, church, church, then repeat. But Jesus promises life more abundantly. Life worth the living. Life that when lived in the spirit is exciting! Yet when offered this, act like the woman in the medical field-she only sees the casualties. Not knowing she is one herself. My choice is to be as close to God as possible, to see all the action. To be part of as many blessings as possible, and walk with God-in His spirit! And to the "only go to church type," it appears too dangerous, too much adventure. Leave the fun to someone younger-I'm too old. But really the only safe place to be is where God wants you. So get out your pew, and leave your PU behind. Ask God to lead you, then let Him. So many blessings await those who choose to FOLLOW God, not just put in time. Like the man who was retired, or just got back into riding, they both looked forward to tomorrow. They had a reason to live, and a life to live. A hope and a future. Do you? Did you know that is one of God's promises for you?

Trust God today. Ask Him to allow you to do something for the first time-again. Then repeat. I was able to share the Lord with two men because I listened, we talked, and became friends. And as we agreed on riding, I was able to share how exciting Jesus is-just like riding. Left them thinking, now it is up to God to change their hearts.

Just two men who ride. Two men who enjoy life more because of it. Two men who when asked will tell you that riding is keeping them young. And will agree, that they wouldn't get old if they kept riding, but would get old if they quit. So get everything out of life God has for you. And ask yourself one question-why would anyone want to be like me? Jesus brings life and joy, and if you don't have it, are you enjoying being you? Get out and ride, at least get out! Spread the gospel through your life. And as God adds life to your style, remember no one has a testimony about sitting on a couch. Just two men, who get more out of life than some Christians, just because they ride-and won't ever get old.

Is it possible that the road to the fountain of youth begins on two wheels? I do know the way to life is Jesus. What good is fun if you don't enjoy it?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it is well (Willa) with my soul

An old co-worker gave me a paperweight that said "Autograph your work with excellence." A trendy line to say the least, but I have used it many times in my professional career. I would tell my techs when a service advisor or manager, do the job so well that whoever works on the car next will be impressed by who worked on it last-you. Double check your work, I rather delay having the job completed by a day correctly, than have the customer return with a problem associated with the repair. At that point it is on us, and no one makes money on comebacks! Take the time to check your work! To me it makes sense, am I alone with this?

We recently had our RMZ450 engine rebuilt. They gave us a fair price, actually a very good price, and we were told how good the tech was that was rebuilding it. But yet when we got it back, it was leaking. And because we got such a great deal, they wanted to charge us for fixing the leak, or take the bike. We took the bike! Why? Because like I told them, your tech might be great, but my bike is leaking, you didn't fix the bike. And no matter the discount, I paid too much, because the bike isn't fixed to my expectations. I rather have paid full price and had it done right. And this "great tech," can't say anything good about him, sad to say. We will probably never go back to this dealer, which is sad, because they were our friends before they worked on our bike. All I wanted was my bike repaired-was that too much to ask?

Obviously, and we have been turned into a buyer beware world. From cars to blenders, and contractors to motorcycles, few people say what they mean, or mean what they say. And last Sunday one of the few who did passed on to heaven. I first met Willa when she was in Sharp Hospital in Chula Vista. Waiting to get well enough for heart surgery, I had been told about her and her condition by someone at church, so rode the 80 mile round trip to see her. When I first saw her, I thought maybe she was dead, or in a coma, but she was resting. After identifying myself, and asking what I could do for her, she she asked me to read Psalms to her. And so our relationship began. And for over four years, I watched as this lady of God cheated death many times, while selflessly being part of a Senior Nursing Home Ministry with Pastor Mark. She made quilts-I still have mine, and little drink and "stuff" holders for draping over the senior's walkers-all on her own money. And would visit 2-3 times a week to see her flock, and minister to them. She was part of our Friday night Bible study, and knew her Bible, and asked some great questions, always trying to get closer to God.

She and I were special friends, when she would be hospitalized, I was the first one she would request, and we shared so many great times in the Lord. Her last time was last month, and Theresa's kids made her a heart with "Jesus loves you!" written on it, and then all the kids put their hand prints on it. It is a ministry to them, and Willa called it her valentine, and it was on the wall in front of her bed for all to see. And when we would see each other, she always was grateful for it, and reminded us. She lived to share God, and to get closer to Him, and last Sunday she got her wish. She finally was with her Jesus!

I got the e-mail, and by the time I got to Palomar, she was in heaven. She had a DNR-do not resuscitate order, and drifted off painlessly to heaven. All the dreams she had were now reality. And when I saw Pastor Mark, I told him how I had prayed with her Friday, and her last words were thanks for her valentine's day card. But when I told him I was praying for God to take her home, he smiled and said "you both got your prayer answered." I must admit I cried a little, maybe for me, but she is home at last, and no more pain.

God has built something into us, a hole if you will, that only He can fill. A personal hole in our spirit, that only Jesus can fill. And when He does, the Bible tells us we are born again, and going to heaven. And we can't wait to get there! But when we do, we also leave another hole, a hole that won't be filled. For we each are given a specific job by God to do while alive. Big or small, it is so important to God only we can do it. And it affects others we may never know about. Mordecai Ham, for instance. Who's he? Only the preacher that led Billy Graham to Christ. For we don't know the impact of our ministries until we get to heaven. For like Paul said, we only see in a mirror dimly. Big words for a time when there were no mirrors. So Willa is home, and has heard the words "well done my good and faithful servant." The rest of us are still waiting, and working. Our job for God is not done. We must carry on, keep loving, and keep sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost and dying world. And when needed, use words. Or quilts, or whatever God has us to do in the moment. Just love, He tells us.

So autograph your life with excellence. The excellence of Jesus Christ. You will make mistakes, but honor them by making them right. Do the right thing, no matter the cost. Jesus did on the cross. And He still does for us today. Realize that our reactions can be more important than our actions, and honor your response in love. Take the time to be the only Jesus that person may see. Forgive, because Jesus forgave you. Knowing that love covers a multitude of sins-yours too. Willa knew these things, and showed them in her life. She loved God, and you could tell without words. And she was my friend-the only thing we had in common was Jesus. In other words everything.

And you know, that made all the difference. Let Jesus make a difference in your life. Show love today to someone. Do it for you, do it for Willa. But do it for Jesus, and soon you will hear the same well done from Him she did. DNR-it must be in your DNA, to get to Christ. We need to want heaven more than anything else-so much we are willing to die to get there. Just like our Lord and Savior did-Jesus Christ. So do not resuscitate me-I don't want to be here one second more than I have too. Dying in the Lord-it is truly well with my soul. It was for Willa.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

an open letter to my Dad

Dear Dad,

How great to hear your voice and spend some time on the phone with you. I had promised myself not to cry, but joy will do that to you sometimes-I know it did us. And it brought back some precious memories, reminding me that the best ones aren't stored in the mind, but the heart.

I was about 4, and we were living on Westfield Road. For some reason a toy had been promised to me, and I remember you and Mom-she wasn't Chick yet, discussing how you were down to your last $2, but wanted to get me a toy. Going down to Drug Fair that night, in the store which later would become Bud's Cycle Center, I remember not wanting you to spend more, even if your heart wanted you to. I didn't understand numbers, but knew 2. You bought me a Tootsie toy rubber jeep, with trailer, and I remember how much fun I had with it, and the love it was bought with. I was careful playing with, and later as I learned the story of the widow giving her two mites, all she had, I recalled the love in a simple plastic toy that night. I would have many more toys growing up, but I never forgot that one, or you taking me to get it. A gift from a loving father to his only son.

I also remember walking with Chick to get your paycheck at school. We would stop by Martin's, and she would get me a stick pretzel for a penny. Then up all those stairs to your classroom, and how all the big kids-7th graders, would watch. You always made me feel like the most important person in the class, as a quick hug would send us off to the bank with it. Maybe the most important time I ever spent in a classroom.

I remember Saturday mornings when we bought the new house, and going to breakfast at the cafe at the Flying A station with you and Henry. While you had coffee, I had a bottle of 7UP, with a straw! A big event for breakfast for a 4 or 5 year old. And then trying to stay out of your way, so you and Henry could work on the upstairs. I didn't help much more than staying out of the way, but it was time well spent, just being with my dad. Somehow 7UP would never taste the same to me ever again, and when I drive by where the cafe was, I always remember those Saturdays. I still can see the before and after of the upstairs in my mind, playing before the walls were there. Maybe just one more trip to Hand Lumber and the smell of freshly cut wood...those were the days.

And I remember being sick and coming home from the hospital. You built me a garage for all my Tonka trucks, stained it red, even putting a roof on it using real shingles from the house. A special place to park special trucks-quietly deciding which ones got special treatment and were parked inside. And not one of my friends had one-just me! Not another one like it in the neighborhood. Built by you. Just for me. Bruce and Barry would have loved to own it!

So when I asked what I could do for you, and you said pray, I know you knew I would, and had been. Because it came from the heart. For relationships between a Father and a Son are special. And we are promised a long, rich life if we honor our Dad-and our Mother. God set the example with Jesus, His beloved son. He gave Him to us, so we could spend time with Him forever-in a religion free relationship. And Jesus honored His Dad in everything He did, including dying for us so we could know our heavenly Father. And that is my prayer-that you let Jesus show you how to spend time with God. No special prayers, services, rules or regulations. No religion-it's that personal. Just a simple crying out of "Jesus help me!" From the heart. Because like you love me, God loves you. Only in a much deeper and more intimate way. I can't describe it-it's that personal!

So let me add an amen to all you ask from God. God wants to have that special relationship with you, and it is available right now. And all you have to do is ask! For the best gifts will always be the ones from the heart of a loving Father. Given in love. In the person of His son, Jesus.

I have been very blessed to receive, now let God give to you the gift of His son. For the love of a Father is best expressed through His son, so all I can say is "thanks Dad, I love you." And enjoy the peace that surpasses all understanding in Jesus. The best gift that anyone can ever give-or receive. For the best things start in the heart-and only grow from there. A place where the memories are richest, where no mind could hold them, and no words can ever fully describe them. A place where the 7UP only comes in bottles with a straw. Where $2 toys are priceless, and all the trucks say Tonka. Where the smell of sawdust in in the air, and running up the stairs in school is fun, because you know who waits for you there. Where everyday is Saturday, and you never have to grow up. A place that when all the so-called important things are gone-the heart will still be full. And we look forward to spending time with our Dad in heaven. The best gift of all. Amen.

love with compassion, you son,

Michael

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

you'll shoot your eye out...

Times have changed since I moved west 37 years ago. Living in Albuquerque-where English is spoken, I had my first taste of the real west. Cowboys, cowgirls, country western music, and a freedom not found back east. And a freedom that looking back, I thought we would never lose.

I had limited access to guns living in NJ, despite what you may have learned on the Sopranos. Guns were for hunting, and hunters, and since I did neither, had little interest. But when moving to New Mexico, before pickups were designer vehicles, but real trucks, they all had gun racks. With guns. Probably loaded, for as my friend once told me, "what good is a gun not loaded?" Makes sense. So with my friend Mike, and his wife Carol, I went to buy a gun like his. A .22 pistol, to go shooting. And on this day of decision, I walked barefoot, tank top, and shorts, without my wallet over to H. Cook Sporting Goods, a large chain of sporting good stores. Walked right up to the gun counter, and was handed many pistols to see what I thought. After picking one out, with a holster, and 1000 rounds, I applied for credit. With no ID on me, they ran my license number I had memorized just for occasions like this, and in 15 minutes I left the store with a gun, bullets, and credit. Never having shown any paperwork, identification, or waiting period. And later went back and bought a .357 Magnum the same way, only 200 rounds this time, big bullets cost more.

And we had more fun shooting, which is very relaxing. And shooting with Mike and Carol, and with my gun toting friend Garcia was a weekly event. And I never saw anyone get hurt! Except Carol, when Mike decided to show her how to shoot a shotgun. He explained to this Pomona lady how it was powerful, so you need to be balanced. And he had her assume a catcher's position, crouched down, handed her the gun, and got her balanced. He said "FIRE!" she did , and ended up about six feet back, on her bottom, from the kickback! If looks could kill, no gun would have been needed. But Mike was smart enough to only load one shell. We told the story often, just not when Carol was around. Just in case she had time to reload.

My friend Garcia had been a bad dude before getting saved. He had a sawed off shotgun, named Oscar, that fit under a jacket, and a .44 Magnum called Jr., carried in a shoulder holster. Living with us at the lake, we shot 2-3 times a week, and Garcia always had Jr. on. With few neighbors, and only one nearby with a phone, he walked up to use their phone one day. And walked in on them drying pot! And they panicked, and ran, thinking he was a federal officer! No shots fired, but a new respect for Garcia, and Jr.

And my Theresa even shot Oscar once, blowing a 4" diameter branch off a fir tree once. And shooting many rounds from the .22. But like I said, things have changed, and today I couldn't walk into a bank wearing my sidearm like I did at the Bank of Durango. Did my business, visited, then left. With no one even mentioning my gun. Loaded as per my friend's advice. And when being stopped by law officers in Colorado, always had them get my registration, for my .22 mag was always in the glove box. And not one officer ever questioned it! Things have changed!

I have good friends who have CCW licenses-Carrying a Concealed Weapon. There may be many others as they don't advertise the fact. And although I haven't gone shooting in years, I remember the fun, and also the potential danger. Ask Brett, who when cleaning his "empty" 30-06, fired a shot, taking a hunk out of his marble end table, that then went through the kitchen wall, through the stove and dishwasher, then left the house. No idea where it ended up! I used to carry a gun while travelling-bet you didn't know that? Until one day a pastor explained to me about how God's protection of me was all I needed. I would deal with some bad people, in some bad neighborhoods in ministry, and had been told by others not to go, or to pack when I did. I could never see myself shooting anyone, but frightened and cornered-who knows. This man reminded me that since I am assured of heaven, I should not be afraid, where God guided, He provided. And if I truly cared about those lost, would I risk shooting a lost soul and sending them to hell? I was there to offer them life-not death. Never looked at it like that. So I haven't carried a gun for almost 25 years, and understand those that do. No opinion either way. I feel safer without one.

But as a man trying to show the love of Jesus to an unsaved thug, I rather let my love show than the barrel of a gun. I rather not threaten him, but show him love. And I am not afraid to die-but me shooting and killing an unsaved person to me is wrong. Jesus came to save! And that is how He sends us out to minister. Whether you pack is your decision. Guns don't kill, the bullet fired from it by a person does. And I desire to honor Christ by offering life-not death! I rather be a man of God, than a man of bullets! Consider this when you are called to minister to someone. Fear is not of God, His perfect love casts it out.

I am not anti-gun-believe me. And I love to go shooting. Just anti-stupid, for the same God who sends us, is the same God who protects us. And salvation was never won with a loaded gun. It took death on a cross. That is the message we should be bringing, one of hope, love, and salvation. Dirty Harry may have needed a gun, God has already armed you with His word, and His spirit. I'm already packing when I go with Him.

Let the only weapon you draw out of your holster today be one of love. Remember that showing love is like pouring hot coals on their head. Not threatening them. And that it is Jesus who saves-not you. We only have the ability to take life-not give it. We can only be the messenger of love, pointing them to Jesus. Leave it to Him to change the heart. There are no gun racks in heaven. Jesus Christ-how the west was really won!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

life after religion-renewing lost horizons

Looking out my window this morning, I am reminded how much boundaries play a role in our lives. Watching Dee Dee walking a cat and two dogs on leashes, listening to the neighbors small dogs bark from behind the fence, and noticing fences between our homes, we all are bound by something, and may not realize it. From the time we are born, we are bound. We look from our crib, and wonder what it is like on the floor. Later we look past the door, and wonder what it is like outside. We then want to cross the street, and wonder what it is like across Westfield Road. And it continues as we get older, another boundary to cross and conquer, wondering what is on the other side, and increasing our desire to not be fenced in. Sometimes for our own good, yes-but bound none the less.

When Bill and I first got our motorcycle licenses, the main direction we took was west out of Jersey. Late summer afternoons riding into the sunset-and no matter how fast we rode never quite caught up to it. It was always out of reach, so we continued on, without boundaries, excited about the new roads to ride, places to eat, and hopefully girls to meet. But first the road on the horizon laid ahead of us. And it still does today, and my heart more than ever wishes to ride places I have never seen yet. To wander down roads just to see where they go. To find a bench at the edge of the beach and watch the sun set. To eat breakfast from a skillet overlooking a mountain stream, and to end up in a small town not on any map, and feel right at home. I wish to ride into every horizon, form sun up to sundown, and all the horizons in between-for God has given me a desire to see this wanderful, and wonderful world He created. And with Him along to guide, the best is yet to come.

And being a Christian is the best way to see it. For we see it through God's eyes. For like the pamphlets and brochures I get, they are man's viewpoints-what they think I would and should see about them. But with God it is different. Jesus was against the religious types-the word religion means bound. And He came to set us free from the laws and Pharisee types who wanted to control us. He talked freedom in the spirit-where we could ride the horizons, and see life through His eyes. He guides us through life's roads, adding life to the road, and bringing an intangible into the ride-Himself. So often we see eagles, bears, or other scarcely seen things, just because He points them out to us. So often we see things that others miss, just because we are looking, and just because we let Him show us. Sadly religion is not like this,, and so many I meet think of church as rules to obey, and fun not to have. They are right-religion stinks. But that is not God! Don't confuse the two, and don't get sour on God just because of a bad church/religious experience.

If you are still looking at God from behind a barrier, or in a religious arena, remove it. Look to the horizon He has given you, and let nothing get between the two of you. Put those behind you who seek to contain God, and control you, and seek God only. And then follow Him, trusting Him. And you will find that God's ways are different. That God's ways bring joy, and a peace that only comes from Him. He is that peace. That the boundaries that others are trapped behind are now gone, and you can see the horizon, and have a new desire to see what is over it. And now have a way, and a person to go there with-Jesus Christ.

Jesus spent most of His time on the road. He may be the original and most famous nomad ever. He knew what was over the horizon, and wanted everyone to see it, and for everyone to be there with Him someday. He knew heaven awaited those who believed, and that religion would try to take them off course. So He showed the way, and today wise men still seek Him.

It has been said a rut is really just a grave with the ends open-a way of escape. Get out of your rut today. Do something again for the first time. Get closer to God, and spend time with Him. You will see roads that you passed by, never knowing they were there, or where they went. Seeing things God's way-but at your pace. With Him pointing things out to you that you missed before-things out of bounds to religion, but available in Christ. And just like God walked with Adam in the afternoons in the garden, you can ride with Him-and do it all day! Not just when the son sets!

There is a new horizon that God has laid before you for today. Let Him take you there. It may be miles, or it may be inches, but it is a place with no boundaries, a place of freedom, and a place of peace. A place where you can put your feet up, and watch, look, and listen. And taste and see that the Lord is good. A place that must be experienced, for no brochure, pictures, or words can describe it. It's that personal.

The choice is yours-bound by religion, or free in the spirit? Twist a throttle with God today and let God be the Captain Kirk of your enterprise. Go boldly where no man has gone before. Eat and see the things of God firsthand. Then tell someone else-for He who is free in the spirit is free indeed! You know Toto, I don't think we're very religious anymore! We're out of bounds! With God! Hang on for the ride of your life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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what good is grace if you don't enjoy it?

The times they are a changin'. And more than a Dylan song, it is prophetic. Right has become wrong, wrong has become right, and no one seems to know the difference between the two. Or for that matter really care, they only care if they get caught, then the finger pointing begins. Sadly we are all guilty of it, but with the biased media, lack of morals, and personal integrity lacking, we all too often are left to fend for ourselves. To feel alone, and to feel like no one cares. Even sadder is the truth contained within that statement.

The old saying "don't bite the hand that feeds you" used to refer to not turning on those who meet your needs. But today it is also a warning, for you don't know where that hand has been. And just like our dog Clemenza licking Mary's face, she was happy and saying "look how she is kissing me," until reminded that the dog drinks out of the toilet. You really don't want to know where her paws have been. Gone are the days of dogs licking faces, kids riding in the back of trucks, strangers helping strangers, and having someone in authority to go to. If "hi I'm from the government and I'm here to help" sends chills down your spine, welcome to America 2012. Former land of the free, and home of the brave. Not the people, just those who are in power to govern. Which we elected. Remember that old saying, "first time your fault, second time mine.." might just make a great campaign pledge!

God initially had no sin in the Garden, but then our ancestors couldn't keep it together. So God sent Moses, a murderer, and Jew to rescue them. But they didn't like the food, didn't like the 10 Commandments, and soon didn't like Moses either. And would rather go back to being slaves instead of trusting God, just because the food was better in Egypt. That would make an interesting series on the Food Channel! And after enduring judges, kings, and not-so-benevolent despots, we are now in the era of Grace-God's grace. Our sins are forgiven, He promises to take care of us, and we don't have to work for our own salvation, God offers it as a gift. Yet so many people are afraid of this freedom, and rather than live under grace, seek laws to live under it-or to enforce freedom. And with laws come courts, then policemen, and then finally attorneys, and we find no freedom in any of that. And yet grace just waits patiently for us to repent and turn to it, God calls it mercy. Not much of that in courts these days. When is the last time a law worked for you? Which leaves grace. What part of free don't you understand?

As we watch the Biblical prophecies unfold in the news every night, it is evident that government and man's rules just don't work, and won't work. Right now there are so many laws in the US that they quit printing the book listing them, and rest assured the US of A feels even the most patriotic citizen only breaks three laws daily-without even knowing it! And we need more laws, and more lawmakers? Maybe Barney Fife was right, "first rule is obey all rules..."

God's grace is free. It is so expensive that no one could afford to pay for it, so He offers it as a gift. Turn away from sin, turn to Jesus, and He forgives, and offers you a better way. And as depression, escalating food and fuel costs, and lack of enforcement of civil laws increases, the only safe place to be is in Christ. Our Rock, our Fortress, and our deliver. The Israelites called Him Jehovah Jireh, my provider. His grace is sufficient.

Need more grace, seek God. Mired in troubles, take the burden to Jesus. Alone and scared, with Him you are not. If needed He can send thousands of angels, some are watching you right now, and you don't even realize it. He cares for you that much. But what do you do when Apollyon, the destroyer aka the devil attacks? Turn it over to God. It is His battle, and He never loses! It takes trust, just a little, and today we face a battle that is not only at at our doorstep, but has found its way in. Please pray for us that God will prevail soon against the evil that confronts us.

As we sit each night overwhelmed by more tragedy in the news, and a lack of answers via politicians, look to God. While others seek solace in politics, none will be found. It takes Jesus. So vote for Him-choose Him right now! No need to cast a ballot, open your heart. God vs. man, a battle for the ages, and of the ages. I choose God, for I trust no man-only because they cannot be trusted. All it takes is a little faith.

The best definition of faith I have ever heard is trusting God when there is no evidence of Him. Feel like that right now? Let me agree with you in prayer, that God will show you grace. He knows how to solve the problem, will you let Him?

And pray for us also, we all need God. And in the depths of our problems He is with us. No need to fall asleep in fear, or wake up in fear. No need to fear during the day! Out of darkness into the light! Perfect love which casts out all fear! Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay with you.

The hand that feeds you! From a heart of love. Let's pray.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot