bless the Lord all my soul...

After being discharged from rehab after my open heart surgery last summer, Walt and Pat were gracious enough to lend us their home in Rio Rancho. Having to rest, I watched a lot of TV on the non-cable set-up, being rescued by ME TV, Memorable Entertainment. It was all the old shows I loved, and some I didn't, thrown in to remind that all things in the past weren't memorable, at least not for the right reasons. I would watch Andy Griffith, Rockford Files, Perry Mason, Wild Wild West, Star Trek, My Three Sons, and others, and found not only were they good TV to me, and entertaining where you got to know the characters, but the themes to the show were great too. And not one great show had lousy music, or vice-versa. Hear the opening tune to Bonanza, and you knew you were at the Ponderosa, who can forget the scene of riding up to the front of the ranch. Hearing the sax on My Three Sons and you soon knew Steve would giving good advice to his sons. Hearing the driving tune to Perry Mason you soon knew that he would use all his expertise to defend his client,and that in all but one case, they were innocent. And within three notes of Rockford, here comes Jimmy's Firebird. Angel!

Tunes we came to know and love, and could be whistled. And in your mind could hear all the other instruments playing together to make great music as you whistled along. But how many know their are words to most of these instrumental greats? Bonanza, M*A*S*H, Andy Griffith, and others had words, but you never heard them, nor needed them, they were to be whistled and watched. And so they set the scene for the next 30-60 minutes. Good stuff!

Music is a great part of any "church" service. It not only helps set the mood, but sets the mood of the heart, the soul. And any great service starts with great music. For years I endured poor worship music, it was all about the leader sadly, not about who we were singing about-Jesus. But once I became part of great worship, the music spoke to my soul, and prepared it for the great teaching to come. For the music is about Jesus, and sung to Him, not for our entertainment. And whether it is an old hymn, or a new song, when sung in true worship it moves the soul, as it should.

Stop and consider the following-if you truly trusted God, and knew He was taking care of all your needs, what would be left to pray about? PRAISE and WORSHIP! And just like singing in church prepares us for the Bible teaching, it is also preparing us for heaven, where it will be all about Jesus, and not us or our mansions, or whatever other selfish whim we choose to include. On earth as it is in heaven should take on a new meaning, try that next time you sing to the Lord, instead of with Him. Keep it all about Jesus and watch as your heart changes, and you suddenly enjoy church. For just like hearing the great song to a favorite old show, and you know what is coming, worshipping Jesus prepares us for His return, and what comes next! And sets the mood for those we meet later on.

We tend to always remember the last song we heard before turning off the radio-which can be good or bad. Why not whistle or sing the last song you heard in worship all day-what a difference that could make! First hand I can tell you, for God put a song in my heart while in a coma. "Bless the Lord all my soul, oh-h my soul, worship His holy name, sing like never before, oh my Lord, I'll worship your holy name." In and out of consciousness I sang, like never before. And still do today, as I praise God for who He is, and what He has done and taken me through. Also for where I am going! And how the tears flowed my first night in back in church when we sang that song. Only God could choreograph that-so let Him.

So start now singing like never before. Heaven awaits those that believe, and we shall enter with the sound of a trumpet! The angels will be singing, and so shall we. Words you never heard before, the songs will never end. Even better than ME TV will be the time in heaven, no reruns, only great tunes with a great God. A great show with great music, and the show never ends. Remember that next time you are in church, or out and hear a song in your head-it is really your heart that is tuning in to Jesus. And get excited-for you know what is coming next! Praise and worship-where we will truly sing like never before-forever.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com  

if you don't ride it, it will never get dirty

They are called "rat bikes," because, well they look pretty ratty. They will stand out in a crowd more than spending $50,000 on chrome and custom work, and have a certain patina all their own. Yet some tend to look down at them, and their owners, just because they are different, because they may not be as pretty to look at, but we need to remember-at least they're riding. And you don't know what they have at home parked in their garage. So we must we careful before we comment, lest we become the "rat" in the situation.

I have shown up at biker events after riding 500 miles in a day, with bugs on bike, chain lube on the swing arm, and needing a shower. Only to be looked down at the shiny leather crowd, their chrome gleaming in the sun, and no bugs in their teeth. And when granted a conversation with them, find out that my day's mileage may exceed that of their month's riding. Whereas I filled up three times that day, they can't remember the last time they did. But somehow their appearance of cleanliness gives them a superiority complex. They look the part, may even talk the part, but have never ridden the part. They know the parts guy from buying all their chrome from him, and have the latest t-shirt. But all from local dealers. Even worse to me are those who got them while on vacation-they either flew, or drove the car. To me that is not a real vacation! I even have talked to guys who will rent a bike for the weekend, just to keep miles off of theirs. They just don't get it, better yet they think we don't. And both sides are right-it may be the question asked that is wrong.

We tend to congregate with those that we feel comfortable with, so I try to avoid these types. But somehow they are drawn to me, and I hear the question in my head that is on one of the HD shirts, "If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand." To which I now reply, "if you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it!" And as they go back to polishing their chrome, or moving their bike away from such a derelict, we both miss out. Maybe they would like to polish mine, or maybe they would like to go for a ride. Maybe they have a rat bike at home-only the ego makes them bring out the trailer queen to events. Maybe they would secretly like to ride an Adventure bike, but their peer group wouldn't accept them. Different flavors of the same ice cream-we all ride, isn't that what we should emphasize instead of our differences?

Their are groups even within our own Christian community that are superior to others-or so they think. Rather than encourage, their actions tend to segregate us from even each other, as well as other groups. When they introduce a friend as a super Christian, I wince. And here comes the polished chrome attack, and suddenly I feel inferior to them. But as I quickly get over it, as I listen to their foolish claims, I see no substance to what they do. I know of men who have fed the poor, given big sums to the church, or taken a Saturday morning to help someone move. Only because they brag about what they have done for Christ. When it is really themselves, a self aggrandizement that they are telling, the words of a Pharisee in a modern day world. They are trying to build up themselves, "look you too can be a winner like me,"and think somehow they are pleasing to God, but their words don't fit the actions. I find they invade churches, travel from church to church, and never contribute anything. They brag about their kids, how well they are doing in Christian school, or a missionary trip, but when you ask the kids later, their hearts weren't in it. Dad or Mom's berating or threatening tone made them give in, if only to get out of the house. Their chrome doesn't shine, nor is it covered with road dirt. But no testimonies are offered, to them it just got them away from their parents. The only reality they have of Jesus is being ordered around, it's not personal.

I have learned that I can do more sitting in the crowd and obeying God than standing on a street corner yelling out "Jesus!" That evangelism isn't inviting people to church, or bothering them with how great a Christian you are, but by listening and spending time with them. Finding out the need before trying to overwhelm them with what you think you know. Most successful Christians I know are just there, and are there for others. No shouting it out, no waving of flags, and no arguing with others. Loud pipes don't save lives, only Jesus changes lives, will we please let Him?

We live in a competitive society, the church doesn't have to be. And it shouldn't be. It should be a place to comfort the weary, encourage the downtrodden, feed the hungry, and visit those who can't get out. WE are the church, not the building, so ask yourself, would you want to go to your own church, the one your words and actions display? Would you feel welcomed and comfortable? Would an unsaved person want to be like you? Or would you rather see the Word in action, than profess how much you think you know? Are you walking in His way, or are you just in the way? What fruit do you bear?

Sometimes it isn't what you ride, but the fact that you do ride. Something to remember the next time another bike waves to you. And something to live, God gives us the chance to share His love. Many arguments have been won, and souls lost because of the selfishness of others. Don't be a part of that crowd. When the final toll is taken, just being there in heaven will be reward enough. Why not live like Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "on earth as it is in heaven?" And you will find that on earth it will be who you know, not what you know. So know Jesus. Trust Him. Use the still small voice He speaks with, and please, don't shout at me. Or others. You miss the chance to hear what we have to say too. We love you as you are, can you say the same to us? Or are you too busy polishing your ride rather than riding it?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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get 'er done-you should be riding

When I first moved to So Cal, I went to work for a fastener company. Dealing with anything from large car dealerships, to motorcycle shops, to small repair shops, I got a pretty good cross section of how business should run, and in many cases how it should not run. Many times I dealt with the owner, and he was spending his money, so it was personal. Other times it was a parts manager, who had to be schmoozed. But I always dealt honestly with them all, which often times took them by surprise. With everyone coming at them with a line, they had a thick skin when it came to salesman-I still do today. And many times because of how they were taught, or based on past experiences didn't do the right thing. I sold small parts, clips, screws, fasteners, and chemicals-things used to put things back together. And many would not carry them, "I'll just call when I need one," which was usually closing time on a Friday night. And would not be able to deliver the car to the customer because of it. Frustrating to both customer and owner, customer wanted his car back, and the owner didn't get paid until the job was done. And in the case of a body shop, thousands of dollars of income would have to wait over a 50 cent item. At 50 cents, the most expensive item he never had.

I am blessed by having a great car mechanic, and an even better go-to guy for my motorcycles. I don't wait for appointments, and it is rare I wait for parts. They know they can't fix things properly without the parts. These shops are out there, guys who "get 'er done" while others just make you wait. And over the years sadly many have gotten used to waiting, when they don't have to. SOP is fix the problem, so many don't resort to VOR ordering, Vehicle Off Road, which allows overnight shipment. Others are just creative, or resourceful. But in each case, get 'er done.

A few years ago, coming back from Oregon, my rear wheel bearing went out on the Tiger. I had been in two flash floods earlier that month, in Ohio and Oklahoma-what is it about the "O" states, and it finally let go in Paso Robles. No Triumph dealer, and no Mickey for 300 miles, so I called him, could he overnight me the part from Triumph? He called Shel at Triumph, who called me-they had no stock, and had never sold one-they are that good, I guess. So he called England to get me info, all bearings have a universal number, and then called me back. It would be a week to the colonies, check with a local bearing house.

In the meantime, the shop I took it too, who also rented trucks, I was about to truck it to Mick, told me he could fix the problem. He took out what was left of the old bearing, and found out it was a kit from Honda. Problem solved-while Theresa and I went to the water park. Both Shel and Mick were amazed, and glad to get me back on the road so soon. I was just thankful-for them going out of their way, but also to this little shop in Paso, where this old time motorcycle mechanic got the job done-and cheaper than a dealer including his tow bill.

Although this caught us by surprise, this was not a surprise for God. He had all the things and people in place I needed, I just needed to pray, listen for his answer, and then obey. Grace is like that-although it is all about God, without our obedience we may need His mercy later. We forget that God's repair shop is open 24 hours, He has the parts, and the knowledge of how to fix the problem in your life. Not seeking Him is a bigger problem. Problems can be good, the solution is better. You see if I had never been sick, I would not know Jesus as the great physician. If I knew it all, He would not be the ultimate rabbi. If I had it all, I would not know Him as Jehovah Jireh, my provider. If I was as smart as I think, I would have missed out of the wonderful counselor. And if I was without sin, as I am now because of Him, I never would have known Him as my savior. Something to consider next time a problem surfaces. Go straight to Jesus-and watch as He works things out.

Shel and Mick are friends, and a motorcyclist's best friend-don't wait until you have a problem to meet Jesus. Call on Him today, and maybe miss out on tomorrow's problems. But know that when you need Him He is ready and able to help you with anything you may encounter.

Or you could wait for two weeks for parts-I'd rather be riding. With Jesus. I understand He is pretty good with Harley parts too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

can't you see or are you just blind?

John was blessed with good mechanical skills. At a time when VW Bugs were popular, he became quite good at fixing them, and opened his own shop. And made a lot of money over the years, which allowed him and his family to live the So Cal lifestyle so important to him. He had all the desert toys, including a 30' trailer, which made him the envy of many desert rats at the time. His wife shopped at Nordstrom's, and his son had all the latest toys. He made good money, but like most of us, lived beyond his financial means, but the steady cash flow kept him afloat. And the more loans he paid off, the better his credit, and more offers for more cheaper money flooded in. And although he had made a name and reputation for himself in the VW community, he saw the market shrinking, and that more money was to be made in BMW and Mercedes Benz repairs.

So he decided to join in on the high end car repair trade. He closed his VW shop, rented some expensive property in downtown San Diego, and was going to show the other shops how to do business. He set up his shop rather well, and thought the appearance would be important, more than the techs to fix the cars. He promised what he thought was much to him, but in the market he now was in, it was standard procedure. And although he was a master around a four cylinder air cooled VW, he was in over his head on a 24 valve BMW. He got some cars to fix initially, and found out many things, to his disadvantage. One was what he thought was superior customer service, was the standard in this market, and he fell short. Where once he had credit with all the VW parts houses, now he had to pay cash, he was a new customer now, and if he needed a part, had to pay up front. Which if it was wrong, may take all day to get the right one, if they would take it back at all. Repairs that should have taken an afternoon, now would be hopefully done the next day-a level of service not acceptable. And soon his reputation began to get around as a nice guy who meant well, but was in over his head. And soon where the lot would be full, now there were empty bays. Less cars meant less techs, which meant less income. Everything went down except his overhead.

And then the cracks began to appear, noticeable to all but his ego. On one visit I found he had moved all his desert toys into one of the bays, not being used. They were all for sale, and finally at lower prices to move them fast-he needed cash. He was overextended, and without cash flow was living day to day, sometimes car to car. His credit lines evaporated after he closed his old shop, they were all based on what he had done, not on what he wanted to do. And on one visit, I found his once enviable 30' fifth wheel occupying two bays in the shop, leaving only one for repairs. Which was OK because he had to let go all his techs. The reason the trailer was inside was because they were living in it, and hiding it from the finance company. They had lost their home, and were reduced to the trailer, which literally was on borrowed time. Where he was once on top, he now was on the bottom, with more bottom to come. His family couldn't stand the strain of living a lesser lifestyle, and soon his wife left him, taking her BMW with her, and their son. John soon was living alone in the shop, sans trailer, and that was the last time I saw him. Bitter, his ego blamed everyone else. He felt because he was successful at one thing that he would be successful at all things. Truly pride went before the fall, the last I heard he was doing VW repairs again, at one of his competitors shops for flat rate wages. His business, family, toys, and all he had thought important were gone. He never saw what everyone else around him did, and had come full circle, back to where he had started out. Not at all like he had planned... and not alone in that arena either.

I attended a Bible study at a low end hotel downtown last night. Many nice people, just trying to get by. Where life had dealt them a bad hand based on poor decisions, they were making a go at it. They too had made mistakes, and now were paying the price, with survival higher on the list than their dreams. And as I watched, and listened, I was reminded of many things, among them except for the grace of God go I. As a group, I find many times people in desperate situations don't listen. Like John they thought they knew it all, look out world here I come! But as they sunk deeper, found out that no one listened to them. Which made them angry, resentful, bitter, and soon found solace in other destructive ways. Drugs, alcohol, and crime become the norm, as survival means me first, screw you, others don't even appear on the list. And sadly there is always someone who will listen to them, not for their advantage, but to further take advantage of them.

What I saw last night encouraged me. For one, those of us who went truly have a heart for these people. We listened, and in this world where they have to even ask to use the shared bathrooms, we were guests in their home. A role they didn't often get to share. They were able to call the shots, and I was blessed to listen to them read from the Bible. To watch them share their testimonies and thoughts on tape, and saw something rise in them-self worth. A sense of value, only found in Jesus Christ. They were a somebody, not a something. A person not a number, all because someone cared enough to show up and listen. To come along side of them, to be an advocate and love on them. They got to see Jesus in person, not in some sermon, and were loved as they were.

You may never sink so low as John did, or end like so many others at the bottom of the social scale. You don't have to hit bottom before turning it all over to Jesus, so don't wait. Let Him handle the small things before they turn into big things. Ask Him, then listen for His answer, and then obey. Grace works best when done in obedience. And watch as the small things take on a new importance. Watch as a hug can bring a smile that no sermon can. That they too have things to share, and may even end up blessing you. One bad decision may have gotten you into trouble today, one good decision to trust Jesus can get you out. It may not be instantaneous, so hang on for the ride. The things you endure for Christ will provide a witness to others of God's love and strength, a small example of having greater love-caring more about others than you do yourself.

And you can't do it yourself, just look at John's example. He started at the top, and worked his way to the bottom. Most of us are somewhere in between. Which way the elevator of life goes depends on which button we push. God tells us to set our sights on things on high-heaven. Push the up button. No one ever starts out to be a failure, but many do. Trust God, keeping your sights set on Him. And find that no matter where you are in life, He is there-listening. He sees and hears your cries. And is always willing to answer, and always does. Can we say the same thing about us? Do we hear and see God?

Isn't it strange how everyone else can see the splinter in your eye, but never see the log in their own? You can control your tongue, but not your ears. Listen...the answer may be only as far away as the next voice you hear...make sure the voice is Jesus! None are so blind as those that will not see!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

what hath Chris wrought?

Yesterday was one of those beautiful, cool Autumn afternoons that just begs you to go for a ride. So throwing a leg over the Tiger, Theresa and I rode up through Valley Center, on the back roads, and the twisties and arrived at Bates Nut Farm. Cruising past the hundreds at the pumpkin patch, and past the petting zoo, there was ample parking at the gift shop. Where we were greeted by the various witches, ghosts, and goblins reminding us that Halloween was only 23 days away. Past the other aisles filled with this holiday's gift items, we turned the corner and there was a Thanksgiving area-or harvest area, reminding us that it is only seven weeks until Thanksgiving. But it was surrounded by Christmas trees, and other holiday items reminding us that Christmas is only 78 days away-shop now! Or only 68 days if you are using the Wal-Mart Lay-Away plan. All of this on a beautiful Autumn day, Columbus Day, October 8th. Which we use to celebrate his birthday, which is really the 12th. Which falls in line with other American holidays, moved to a convenient Monday to make a three day weekend. Like Labor Day, a day we all take off to celebrate working, do the jobless celebrate that every day? President's Day, where we celebrate the birthdays of Abe and George, and Marty King Day, to celebrate Martin Luther King's birthday. Only the 4th of July is Monday independent, unless it falls on a Monday, thus interrupting/disturbing the three day weekend cycle for many.

Which makes me wonder, in the United States of America, why don't we celebrate Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian cartographer, who lent his first name to us-translation America. I guess we could have been the United States of Vespucci, thankfully we took his first name, but I rather not go there. So blame it on Chris, an Italian, financed by Spain, who was looking for a way east by going west and discovered America. If you discount the Indians already here, or the Vikings earlier trip some 500 years earlier. Way too many holidays for me, particularly when you add in the Hallmark days of Father's, Mother's, and Grandparents Days. Which when I heard the news last night that Hallmark was closing a Kansas City factory due to lack of business confused me. Another true American success story. Who will send out a card for that?

Only to be deluged by the various political posters and signs littering the sides of the road-can't wait until election day is over-over 28 more days until then. Am I the only one sick of political ads?And I ask, "What hath Chris wrought?"

Perhaps the most important day to come is being neglected in the secular world, and also by many churches. It is the day Jesus calls His church home, and out of this world, referred to as the Rapture. No date is given, per scripture, leaving May 21st, and the end of the Mayan calendar suspicious, and a lie. So to all of you who forward me articles about the possible date, don't! I trash them, they are the spirit of anti-Christ. Beside if you are saved, it won't matter-but if left behind....don't be. Not the end of the world, but birth pangs, as God will be creating a new earth for us! Someone left behind has to capitalize on that. Maybe another Hallmark holiday celebrating that day...but not for long.

God tells us to look for the season of His return, and it is upon us. The warning signs are-wars and rumors of wars. Heard any Mideast news lately? Pestilence-how about the West Nile Virus? We returned peanut butter to Costco yesterday because it may be tainted with salmonella. Spinal meningitis is spreading, a friend of ours was tested for it yesterday, spread by a tainted steroid she was prescribed. Inflation-how about $5 gas in California-look out Midwest, it's coming. A shortage of food, higher prices, and all you have to do is go shopping to see that. Join the club. Rebellious children, mothers against their own, and the headlines all speak of Jesus' return. Are you ready?

God has been sending out invitations for this event for over 2000 years-don't get left behind. If you missed the invitation, don't wait for a Hallmark card. Although they have Christmas and Easter covered-two other days not reserved for only a Monday three day weekend, read your Bible. Ask your pastor, and turn to God. Ask Him into your life, and then trust Him. Tell others-the time is shorter than we think, and each day is one day closer. Jesus is coming soon! And I wonder, how could Hallmark miss the chance to sell invitations to that? I hear this plant in KC may be available...

And after, will their cards reflecting this be found under Anniversaries, Births, or Deaths? I won't be here, so it doesn't matter. But what about today? Where will you be tomorrow?

When you care enough to send the very best, remember God already did.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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just how fast is 100mph?

The British refer to it as "doing the ton." Buick named a series of its cars starting back in the thirties "the Century," and for years it was the magic number to hit in the 1/4 mile. What I am referring to is 100 mph! That magic figure that we all like to brag about, that has a certain clout to it that 95mph just doesn't have. Or about 147 feet per second, or five first downs if you are Peyton Manning. That's quick. Can't count Mississippis that fast. A figure that the news loves to key on lately when talking about car chases and crashes. A number that although sounds good, may not be the case. It takes time and distance to reach that speed, more than you would think.

How fast is 100mph? For the new Speed Triple, it shows up in 5.8 seconds. Fast, but almost a full second slower than a ZX-14. 0-60 is 2.7, try that 0-100 against your car's 0-60. Hmmmmm? Remember how fast your favorite muscle car was in high school? A 1970 SS454 Chevelle was 0-60 in 6 seconds flat-with the motorcycle today hitting the ton in less time. Yes, no matter how fast you were then, it ain't that fast now. And with the new Boss Mustang running as fast as a 40 year old motorcycle, 100 mph is still fast, it just doesn't take as long to get there. But yet I was reminded this weekend again when a friend of ours was killed in a car crash, supposedly going 100mph, that that number is fictional in most cases. Time and distance were not on his side, or on the numbers they reported in the article. Good for a headline, but figure a high-po police Crown Victoria is only 8.7 seconds to 60mph, it's gonna take a long time for Joe Citizen is his Camry to get to 100. Just do the math, as the faster you go, it takes more power, you have more aerodynamic drag, and the road gets shorter-remember it will take a much longer time to stop! So when I hear about a high speed chase in traffic, of an SUV at over 100mph-I doubt it, and so should you. It takes power, more importantly power to the ground. Without the wheels on the ground you are losing speed. Power under control, which although few of us claim to have, few really do or ever get a chance to show it off.

The fruit of the spirit is meekness. Not some wimpy guy, but power under control. Put another way, being in a position to seek revenge, but choosing not to. Power under control. A choice we make, and which shows that the spirit lives within us. We can't brag about how humble we are, and we cannot have patience right now. And we have to screw up to see mercy. But meekness is always just the next action or attitude away. A bridge I just had to cross this morning.

When calling about a bill for incorporating the ministry, the man asked what Matthew 25 Biker Ministries was. As I explained, he also chimed in some other part of the verse-he was a believer. But for some strange reason-meekness, I hadn't gone off on them when I keep getting billed erroneously. I kept my cool-under control. And was glad I did as I would have been a lousy witness to another Christian, let alone a non-believer. Keep that in mind next time someone doesn't agree with you. Meekness-the fruit of the spirit shined brightly that time. If you need a reminder, just think of Jesus on the cross. he could have come down at any time, but His love for us was so great He endured it-for 6 hours! Mine was only a five minute phone call!

Keep this in mind when driving down the freeway, on your cell phone and cutting people off. With that big Jesus fish in your window. Is that really the witness you care to be? Maybe you are the reason that people speak harshly about us-who could blame them? So do us both a favor, show courtesy, and if wearing colors, or a decal, remember someone is always watching, maybe not around, but always up. God sees all things-which embarrasses me sometimes, but forgives.
Can we do the same?

Forgiveness-now that is true meekness, that is power under control. No matter how fast you travel, or they think you travel, keep your power under control. And at the same time exhibit self control, another part of the fruit of the spirit. By one choice you can exhibit at least two fruits, the rest then all fall into place.

Jesus never hurried, and was never late. Power under control. Remember that the next time you twist the throttle, or hit the go pedal. The life you save may just be your own! Do the ton on the track-and miss the 6 o'clock news. Jesus has many more blessings for you. It's your choice-meekness.

But Mike, my speedo goes to 180-see you in heaven-if you make it! Ride safe, trust God, and stay meek. Now that is a way to go out and witness.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

what kind of -American are you?

There has always been one thing that puzzles me, when you meet someone from your old home town, why do you reminisce on how great it was to have lived there? And if it was so great, why did you move? I ran into two men this week, one from the Fatherland-New Jersey, and one from North Carolina. First the Jersey experience, and Jersey was. I grew up there, but was born in Texas. Now does that make me a native Jerseyan? Although I am stamped with "Hecho en Tejas," and I feel a certain hominess whenever I go to Texas, I have no memories of it, leaving before the age of one. But the more we talked, the differences in why we moved here began to show. He bragged of the great schools here, must have been a long time ago, and when he told me where in the Garden State he lived, just about any other place would have been better. Anyone with kids in California public schools knows how bad they are, I have two sons who survived/graduated from them. But as we looked back fondly, we loved living here, especially as winter approaches. And have no desire to go back, except in our memories. And I wonder, if it was so good, why did we leave there?

The other man from North Carolina had just moved here, looking for work. It must really be bad there, as there is nothing here. We talked of BBQ, the lack of people, the slower life style, and the cost of living differences between the two states. And he was homesick, especially when I started naming places I had ridden there, and he knew of them. But we both were here, and after 25 years I feel like a native Californian. I heard that anything over 20 years make it unofficially official. It just doesn't make me a millionaire like people in other states believe. But the more we visited, there were times I had imagined myself moving there. Pretty state, great BBQ, great riding, and I have even spent a night in Mt. Airy, the home of Andy Griffith, who patterned Mayberry after it. We even stayed at the B and B owned by the guy who started AARP. One small town, with two famous people. I know why this man missed home, but he will make friends and do fine here.

It seems whenever someone moves, the letters they write diminish after a few weeks. The newness, the loneliness, and the getting acquainted take affect, and you don't miss your old home town anymore. And soon the new life takes over the old, and faces, friends, places, and memories begin to fade. Until we meet someone from there, and the process begins all over.

And so we continue to look back. Even as Jesus changes our life, we still look back. And sometimes with this bizarre fondness of what he rescued us out of. Something I cannot explain, but am guilty of. When in reality, those who are saved, are really returning, and will return someday to their real home-heaven. Says so right there in the Book of Life, our heavenly birth certificate. If listed, we know where we are going, just not when. But we look forward to it, and even though I came close this summer, I look forward to being there-soon.

But how do you know if you are truly a citizen of heaven, and your name in the B of L? Stop now, if not sure, and confess Jesus with your mouth, believing with your heart that He is God. Become born again, the only criteria for the free gift of salvation, and accept it via God's grace. And set an example for those of us who look back, encourage us to look ahead. To set our sights on things on high like scripture tells us. To be patient, yet excitedly wait to called home-yes home! You may have several addresses in life, but none beats knowing heaven is your home. Truly we are travelers, again a the Word tells us.

So if asked, "where are you from?" tell them with great authority and joy Heaven. And that you are excited that someday you will be going home. May be the best question you are ever asked, as your answer will be sharing the gospel. Your testimony. And an encouragement to those who don't know or aren't sure. That's being a witness!

In an age of hyphenated Americans, Latin-American, Native American, and African American, I prefer to just be an American. The best place on earth. But find true joy in being a Heaven-American, my true heritage. And I hope yours too.

Now, where did you say you are from? It has a greater influence on where you are going than you may think. Truly there is no place like home. Just ask Dorothy and Toto-I don't think I'm in Kansas either! Somewhere over the rainbow-heaven awaits! Destination and origin the same. Now that's truly going home.

love with compassion,

Mike

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