in the final moments of your life

"Thunder on the Mountain

Tread gently on our hills, be aware of where you are. You are welcome here among us. We were quiet once, secluded and alone. These mountains and our checkered fields are not much changed. Their appearance endures in much the same way as it has been for a very long time. Something is different now. It cannot be explained or defined. Our world is shattered and we have been touched even as the entire world has been shaken. From the terrible events of that September morning have emerged Giants who are specially honored here. Strangers to us all, they have become the Heroes of our towns, our people, of our nation and the world. In the final moments of their lives, they demonstrated courage, strength, purpose and commitment. Their message is clear: to be free, completely free, let no one, let no thing take control. We are Captains of our Destiny, Masters of our soul. We can make a difference in our own lives, we can make a difference in the destiny of the world.
These Heroes of Flight 93 have hallowed our land. We honor them and hold in our hearts a special gratitude for what they have done for us all. Their relatives and friends have walked among us, and for awhile we shared their grief. Our lingering grief is the sadness of the Nation and it will make us stronger and more determined to adhere to the principles that have made our Nation great. These are the very principles guiding the Heroic Passengers of Flight 93. Theirs is the Spirit of America, the spirit of human nature to be free.
There is a sanctity here. Be aware of the silence in your heart. Remember what they have done. Treasure the gift they have given, together with so many others who have demonstrated bravery, so many of whom will never be known to us. Honor the sacrifice they have made, and take from here the memories of your life. Honor this land and this place. It is sacred to us now. We see our sky in a different way, we travel our countryside in awe. There are tears in our hearts. We will remember the Thunder that has shaken our mountains. They traveled our sky for a moment, they have touched our land forever.
Tread gently on our hills, Welcome Visitor, tread gently. You are on hallowed ground."
The beautiful words you have just been blessed by were written by my friend, fellow patriot, and unknowing evangelist, Fr. Alphonse Mascherino, aka Fr. Al. They are found on the Flight 93 memorial website, an invitation to all to visit the vision God gave him after 9/11. A humble man, devoting himself to Jesus, who using the vision God has given him has allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to untold thousands over the years. A man with a similar vision of Billy Graham and Greg Laurie, but on a very humble level. Providing an arena for people to come and be blessed, while remembering the miracle of Flight 93.
I first met Fr. Al in 2005 when on Torches Across America I contacted him. He asked, not knowing me, to speak at the services, as many bikers were showing up, and he wanted them to be welcomed and feel welcome. As one of them, would I help to minister? And I became part of the vision, and was able to be blessed, and bless others at the chapel. A place I encourage all to visit. A place described better than I could by the opening paragraphs.
Over the years most of our communication was via e-mail, and staying at the cottage God had also provided via a miracle. Licensed as a bed and breakfast, he obtained it for his friends to stay at while visiting the chapel, and we have stayed many times. No charge, again God would provide, as He did so many times for this man who drew no salary, but truly depended on God for all his needs. A man who trusted God quietly, and was always marveling at the love of Jesus, and the miracles. He had been healed of three individual cancers miraculously, and last year opened the chapel on Sunday afternoons to all churches-bring your worship team and worship, then a time for prayer and healing afterwards. A man who had run against the tide as a Catholic priest, and was asked to leave his post when he served communion to believers who weren't Catholic. Who with another Catholic rebel were planning on buying up old churches, and letting all denominations use them during the week, in depressed areas where the churches had folded due to no money, and the people still needed a place to worship. A man who often wrote asking me for prayer, and who when wrote asking me to pray for him, he was offered the position as bishop in another Catholic group, wanted me to pray because I encouraged him. He once told me he marveled at how well I shared Jesus without pressure to others a the chapel. And who encouraged me by his answer-"the same God who offered me the position, will be the same God who will see me fulfill it." How many enter into ministry so humble? And are so successful A rebel among rebels, and last night when I found out hospice had been called, I felt sad. I will miss my friend, but will see him again. A long line in heaven to see him no doubt, as so many lives were touched through him. His will be a humble place, still pointing them to Jesus, with Jesus getting all the attention, just as it should be.
So please pray for my friend, who loved the Lord and liberty. Who when a young man visiting the Liberty Bell was told not to touch it, but did anyway, scraping a piece of its wood under his fingernail. A rebel for freedom from the start, who was able show true freedom in Christ. Please pray for the Chapel to continue, operated solely by donations. He never asked for money, if you do it wouldn't be a donation, just like you can't take an offering. And visit it soon, and often. I will miss my friend, but will just take the time until I do to minister as he encouraged me, until the next e-mail or phone call, this time from heaven. Reread the lovely words, and tread lightly-just as the Holy spirit does. Like 1 Corinthians 13 tells us, that love does not demand its own way. But after spending time with it in the person of Jesus, you see why it doesn't have to. Love will do that. Now can we?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
flight93chapel.com

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engineered to go the distance

The ad did its job, it got my attention. "ENGINEERED TO GO THE DISTANCE. Baggers ride a lot of miles." Showing a leather clad biker on his stripped down bagger, the tag line led me to believe it was about guys who went places, who rode into the sunset, but here was a guy without pack, without jacket, without helmet, and without any indication he was going on an extended ride. He was even parked in his garage, and this over chromed, too clean for the highway bike was not what I pictured when I read "to go the distance." Short distance? I know guys on Gold Wings who fill up once a month-just out of habit. While others have over 200k miles on their bike, and have no plans to trade. So what is a lot of miles, what is a touring bike, and what is a tour? And what do they have in common with the ad?

People don't know what to say when they see our 955i Tiger, our touring bike. Before the Adventure bike caught on, we were touring on one. Soft suspension, long travel, great handling, good brakes, light weight(for a touring bike), and it gets 45mpg@80mph! With the detachable hard bags, we go for weeks, and time zones. But still it isn't called a touring bike by many. When first riding, my CB350 got me out of town. And out of state-6000 miles in five months, when I bought a real touring bike, a 1972 BMW R60/5. But without bags was it a touring bike? When I got the R75/5 with bags maybe that was, but I put more miles on the 600. And moved from Jersey to New Mexico on my R90S, no bags, the first sport tourer. So tell me, what is a touring bike?

On a quick seven day ride from New Mexico to Pennsylvania, all I had was a small duffle bag, a gift from Cycle for subscribing-remember those cool gifts? I rode the same bike to Canada with Christopher on back with just a tank bag and knapsack for 14 days. I rode my Nighthawk 650 cross country the same way. And Theresa and I rode over 55k miles on my Sprint RS, a sport bike, all over the northwest. Touring without all the weight, and adding fun to the miles every time we hit the curves. Even one extended 300 mile afternoon, we all switched bikes, I had Theresa on back. We were on my Sprint ST-with bags, and rode an Ultra Glide-no room and it vibrated, lots of weight. And Mike's Gold Wing was smooth, but not as smooth as my triple, handled great, but again with the arm chair seat restriction was limited on space. And they used more gas than I did, paid a lot more for their bikes, and well, we won't even get into the prices to service a Wing or a Ultra Glide. Money not spent on maintence was spent on the road. Now, just what is a touring bike?

It must be all about the ride, it is for a lot of us. Like the Harley shirt proclaims, "if you have to ask, you won't understand." When really if we ask, they can't answer, they don't understand. And not just the HD crowd. From time to time I meet those who ride, and we share ride stories. Good stuff. And I also meet those who when they find out I am a Christian, so we share the Lord. With many viewpoints, just like there are many ways to tour. But what is a Christian? Much confusion over that today. The media tells us it is one who belongs to a major religion. Or goes to church, except for Muslim or Jews. Some share they are born into the faith, or my parents went, so do I. Since being a Christian involves Christ, let's ask God, via the Bible. But to be a Christian you must:

1-admit you are a sinner. 2-repent of your sin. 3-believe that Jesus is the true son of God-Deity, and died for your sins. That He rose again. 4-ask Him into your heart, and receive forgiveness of your sin, and gain eternal life. If you have done this, then you are Born Again, a Christian. If not, take a moment to spent with Jesus. Ask Him into your heart, not a religious ceremony, some do it in church, some on the side of the road. Jesus is wherever you are. And welcome to the family! You are a Christian! According to God, who set the the whole thing up anyway. And just like many choices to tour, their are many churches. And you will find one that fits you, and just like the perfect touring ride, you will go many places with God you never knew existed.

So just what is a touring bike? It is any ride that takes you on roads going places. Maybe just an afternoon, or all summer. Maybe across town, maybe all 50 states. Alone or with a group, it expands your horizon and stirs the soul. Maybe that is the freedom that we who ride enjoy, better than any words, and it cannot be explained. it must be experienced.

Just like Jesus. The best relationship you will ever have. No words for the joy, it is beyond that. Even beyond understanding. He must be experienced. By you, not through someone else or some clever ad. Give Him a try today. Take a ride with Him and ask Him questions. Spend time in the saddle going places with Him. Jesus spent His whole life on the road. Maybe that is what makes it so appealing to me. Jesus and motorcycles, Jesus and touring, it can't be beat. Jesus and anything-make that everything, hang on for the tour of your life. Jesus Christ-engineered to go the distance. No matter what you ride or where you go.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

dues and don'ts

While out ministering the other evening, a man came up to me and asked, "I hear you used to be a biker, what club did you ride with?" He was hoping I was an outlaw, but I explained I still do ride, every chance I get, but that I never was an outlaw, and never associated with any clubs. And that although I have friends in many types of clubs, 1%ers and citizens, I prefer to go it alone without all the rules, regulations, and group riding that goes along with it. I explained I can do more without colors than I could with them before. Which brought out the next question, "you said you never joined a club?" Now it was semantics time, for I was with a motorcycle ministry for years, and in the biker community it is not recognized as a club, for various reasons, and more rules. I further went on to tell him that we parted ways, I was not welcome any more when I chose to follow God rather than all their legalistic rules, and became a threat to them. I didn't expose their sin, it found them out. A rebel among rebels, making the right choice, and choosing God. A habit I need to follow more often, as we all do. Not to say there aren't Christians within Christian clubs, just too many restrictions when it comes to Jesus. The list would go on, so I will instead. All new religions, denominations and ministries set out to do it better than the ones that existed, but when you get off the path of righteousness, you will fail. Choosing Jesus over man's clubs or religion is always the best move to make. Motorcycle or not.

20 years ago we were attending a Pentecostal church, and yes the spirit of the Lord was there, not just in emotions. Until some men weaseled their way in, and soon what was free was now charged for. It was all about them, and how great they were. They knew best, I guess God's plan had flaws in it for them. The emphasis had gone from Jesus to man, from prophet to profitability. So we left, and didn't attend church for a year. Feeling the urge to go one more time, I was greeted by an elder at the door. "Mike, where have you been," asking as if I was out in some non-approved sinful activity. It was really a year I grew closer to the Lord daily. When I answered, "I had to make a choice between God and the Assemblies of God, I chose God." Flabbergasted, he muttered something while walking away, not the answer he was looking for. And today the pastor, and many pastors after are gone, and the church that once had two services, has half a parking lot full for one. Do not be deceived, God has closed churches and ministries before when they interfere with His plans, better to choose God over man every time. Success isn't found in programs, plans, or numbers-but in the obedience to Jesus, and following Him!

When I was part of a senior study-hey, I made it by one year, a woman started a ministry of making things for seniors in nursing homes. And it flourished, as God's plans do when we follow Him. But soon some discord followed, some Mormon women stopped by and wanted to help. Knowing their doctrines and beliefs are not Christian,they allowed them to stay anyway-with a new rule, we won't talk about God. And soon this time of fellowship, and sharing, praying, and ministering turned into a piecework for sale group. The Christian ladies who were part of it left, to fellowship and make items on their own, and soon this one time Christian ministry was now taken over by the Mormons. And it failed, sadly the pastors of the church did nothing, even when they knew of what was going on. Once again, straying from God, turning your back on Jesus, will lead to destruction. How many lessons do we need until we turn to Him?

So yes I ride, and have no problem with those who minister within clubs. Just a warning, are you following the club or the spirit of God? Do you follow God, down new paths, or just the same old activities over and over again? Do you actually mingle or keep within yourselves? How many non-Christians do you actually befriend and minister to? Lazarus may not have ridden, but that is no reason to step over him when you see him in need.

We have all been there, and if not will be there. For some of us again. God doesn't give up on us, even though we do on ourselves. Ask Him today, what is your will for me today. We ask in faith. But we obey in obedience and trust. Knowing that what He has set before us will benefit us, give glory to Him, and bring blessings to those involved. We don't need fancy talk, or to advertise we are a Christian by what we wear. Let our actions, attitudes, and words speak for us. I have learned when someone wearing Christian clothing comes along what to expect. So I tend to hide, I don't need evangelizing, if you were in the spirit you would know that-God wouldn't have you waste your time with me. God sends people your way, not your outfit. So my challenge to you, and to me, is simple. Don't waste your time bragging about what a great Christian you are, show me! It's called love. And I even here there is a ride, the Love Ride, that requires of you no club affiliations. All are welcome. A secular ride, but a good idea. A charity event, the single day's largest fund raiser. Could you imagine if it were clubs only? Money is stylish-it goes with everything. Jesus invited all who were weary and offered them rest. Biker, hooker, businessman, soccer mom, and kids of all ages. No dues or membership required. Welcome, come as you are. Follow God, he knows where He is going. Do you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

think nationally, ride locally

When the do-gooders of the late sixties reminded us that the air was dirty, but sex was clean, some groups centered in on motorcycles, and those that ride them. Suddenly the sound of a BSA, Triumph, or Harley was not to be recognized, as noise pollution became a hot topic, and before the government banned exhaust music altogether, these earth driven ads of less sound means more ground appeared in many cycle magazines. Wonderful pictures of long hairs in gardens, or dancing through woods were there to persuade us, and many neat sounds went away. Fortunately so did the ads, but not after exhaust sounds had been changed forever. Almost the day the music died.

For years I have thought nationally for our trips, planning them spanning time zones, purple mountain majesties, and over amber waves of grain. Having travelled in 49 states, and for periods of 5 weeks, we have seen much of the beauty of this country from two wheels. But this year will be different, as the past few months we have travelled locally-within California, and refocused our riding. Whereas before one mission was to escape California, we now will confine ourselves to within its borders. We will refocus and rethink eating-I will miss fried clams in Maine, BBQ in the south, and Steak and Shake in the Midwest. The 4th of July will not be in Quakertown, where traditions go back 200 years, and we will miss small town America. When I think of Mexican food it will not be New Mexican, for no one here will ask red or green-if you know what I mean. But many new opportunities open up, and my latest trip to AAA for maps was for counties and areas of California, not of the US. Towns that we passed through on our way out will now become destinations. I am thinking locally, and acting locally, and I like the challenge.

This past month has been one of day trips. 200 mile daily rides to Riverside-ever seen the Mission Inn at Christmas? Or watched the surfers from Sunset Cliffs in San Diego? How about a ride along the Coast Highway in Orange County, or the back wine country of Temecula? Did you know some of the best chocolate available is only 100 miles away-on back roads from home? So our mission has changed, and we will be riding locally-California if you will, with fond memories of nationally. The ride goes on....

Whenever you hear the word missions at church it stirs up visions of foreign lands, countries in Africa no one knew existed, lands like China, India, and Russia where the gospel is tolerated, not welcome, and many times illegal and a death sentence for those preaching it. We tend to skip over many places like major cities within the US of A, local food banks, pregnancy clinics, and high schools. We really forget our first mission is to our families, and have seen many strained over the years because of church doctrines, pastors visions-hey, why are they still home if it is the best thing to go out? and I have sat through mission speakers, dinners, pot-lucks, movies, rallies, and even missionaries themselves sharing about the work God has called them too. The difference being that God has called them, not some theocracy based on denomination, tradition, or guilt. They go because God has called them, and they are glad to obey-although some are a bit pensive at first. They know where God has guided them that He will provide, and home may be across the world, across the nation, and for some across town. But rarely do I hear of people being recruited locally, for local missions. The underlying message is the darker, the farther, or the most inconvenient is the best-our pride allowing us to forego any argument to the contrary. We forget about those in prison, senior homes, hospitals, and food banks. No glory in them for many-but they are exactly what Jesus has called us too. How many have neglected the rich-don't you think there may be a spiritual void in Beverly Hills? La Jolla? Rancho Santa Fe? Do missionaries ever get called to these remote areas? How about your spouse-do we consider their needs? Is it too far across the dinner table to reach out to our own kids? Yet we will neglect them for the great message of the church-to spread the gospel. Misinterpreting that Jesus said "as you go," meaning wherever you are, the fields are ready. Jerusalem, Judea, and the outer countries-places we go through to get to where we are going-being neglected, in the God's name, maybe using it in vain. How many will avoid a homeless person, placed there by God, stepping over a Lazarus who needs love? Don't we expect the same when we are down?

Who will go? Maybe you, I know me. So my vision for ministry that can be far sighted, has been changed to short sidedness. I am looking for more opportunities, and look forward to seeing changes in my neighborhood, city, and my church. But first my family, and yes me too. As I seek the vision that God gives me as opposed to following someone else's vision my rides change. And a new excitement is taking over. I will still think heavenly, but on a local basis. Local being wherever I happen to be. And as my library of maps grows from states to counties, I look forward to 200 mile days, and 2500 mile trips, but will miss the 11,000 mile treks.

Ask God where He wants you to be. Jesus ministered locally-for wherever He was, the gospel went out. Less miles, more smiles, and more blessings. Only in Christ will you realize that there is no place like home...and encourage people to get out more and find it. So to paraphrase the old Mission Impossible TV opening, "your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be a light wherever you are." The road will still be the best destination when travelling, so many roads and so little time. And so many just a day trip away waiting to be ridden. A mission I am glad to accept.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

long before the Internet, there was the Word

My mother used to tell me anything is easy if you understand it. Wise advise from my mother, and many times I have fallen back on it. Actually the opposite of it, more times than not. If you don't get it, it won't be easy. That sounds more like real life to many of us. So if you don't get it, how will you? Will you ever get it? And if life is just one long cumulative equation, what happens if I miss a step? Do I hold out until I get it, or go on hoping that someday it will all sink in, and let people think I am keeping up with others? Which just adds more stress, and yet another dynamic to the equation. I think I understand the concept, why isn't it easy? How could my mother have missed this one?

As my sons got older, I got stupider. I was good at doing all their homework until about the seventh grade, then they were on their own. I hoped it was them getting smarter, but I think it is really a combination of the two. For one, I had been through school, and really had no desire to go through it again. Yet I was picking up, i.e.. understanding things the second time around that I just took for it granted the first time there. Learning for the test, then forgetting it right after. Amazing how you can forget faster than you can learn. But I was actually gaining some understanding, and I find that every day I get some more of it, usually in the places I least expect it. Things I just assumed because I was told to, now had some relevance. The old dog was learning new tricks, and better ways to do the old ones. Maybe it was like real estate, you didn't spend too much, you just bought too early. And once again I could do homework, this time helping even younger kids, leaving them with the impression, "boy is that guy smart." My mum would be proud.

In Christian circles a great deal of emphasis is placed upon being in the Word. And it seems those that study more, wish to impress you on how much they know, or wish you to be blessed like they are. But when asked, "are you in the word?" I answer them, "is the word in you?" Greeted with a blank stare or a lie of "of course," not getting the question I just asked. They don't understand my answer. Could it be that they have knowledge but not the wisdom that comes with it?

Simple scripture tells us that in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word is God. Jesus-is the word! Not a book to be read, but a person to get to know. Question-how many times have you read the Bible but just didn't get it? Since being saved has it meant more to you? Do you read it now and want to, where before it was just a drag, and meant nothing?

The difference is the Holy Spirit, who reveals the mysteries of God. Who gives you understanding when needed, and helps you recall things you may have read. He gives you the desire to read the Bible, then fulfills it! Also scriptural! But what if you don't have a Bible? What if they are against the law where you live? How can you be in the word according to those who study but don't get it? Again the Holy Spirit is there to guide. So it really isn't all about reading, but all about Jesus. Better yet, without being in Jesus, the word may not be in you! So my question is, where are you at with Jesus Christ? Where would you like to be? If it were about education and understanding, very few would be of any use, or know Him personally. If it were about memorization-not mentioned in the scriptures, what about those with a poor memory? Lousy study habits? Or no Bible to read? Has God abandoned us? Once again, the spirit gives life. He gives us the words to speak when we need them, another promise, and the tools to accomplish what He wants us to do-every day. It is a very subtle form of pride that makes us read for our own benefit to impress others, when it is always better to be in the word-Jesus Christ. To rely totally on Him, to let Him reveal the things of God to you via the spirit, and use the written word, the Bible to back it up.

Note-I am not saying do not read your Bible, or attend church, or not to attend Bible studies. I am saying to reach out to Jesus-ask the spirit to guide you, and lead you into a deeper relationship with the Lord. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind imagined the things of God," 1 Corinthians 2 tells us, and then goes on to refer us to His spirit. So I ask, are you in the word? Is the word in you?
Where are you with Jesus? Do you have the knowledge with no power, know all the verses, and read up on your one year through the Bible? Do you know the Bible, or are you intimate with the one it is all about? Who inspired it, and lives today? You see the things of God that are available to you once we get to heaven, can be enjoyed now. The things written on tablets of stone, and pages of paper can now be written on your heart, so you can always have them with you. Another miracle of God, the spirit can live within you! And you can bear spiritual fruit-love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, long suffering, meekness, and self control. Things not learned, but that can only come from the spirit-since they are of the spirit.

So next time some well meaning Bible toting person asks you "are you in the word?" you can answer, "yes, and the word is in me." Refer them to Proverbs 3:5, "trust in the Lord with all your heart," where God has written his law of love on it, and "lean not on your own understanding." If they get it, then the word is in them. A miracle has happened! Now is the word in you? Don't bother bragging to me all you know about Jesus, show me how the Word is in you. For where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. And to Him that He sets free, they are free indeed.

No more pencils, no more books, no more.....let it truly be all about Jesus. Now, how could He know the word so well, even before it was written? What did He study from? Who did He listen to? See...He is the Word!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

only the captain speaks in the huddle

Today is back to normal for those who had an extended Christmas Holiday vacation. After all the excitement, family time, arguments, and happy memories made it is time to resume what is normal the other 50 weeks of the year. Yet for two weeks, really taken down to a 24 hour period, which is really then reduced to Christmas morning, we are already waiting for that day again. I saw an ad the day after Christmas warning those greedy shoppers only 364 days until Christmas-don't delay! The trash man has not even taken the vestiges of this year, and already they are spending or planning next year's event. Never fully gaining the enjoyment God has provided in the one they just had, or could still be enjoying. Yet in our impatience with the arrival of Christmas, we fail to rest in that time and enjoy it, missing many blessings that God has provided for us via His Son.

The ads are already out for baseball on TV, another snoresville for me. Right up there with golf, tennis, and other sporting/boring events. And after listening to an NFL referee and his viewpoint on the game, I can now add NFL football to the list. His take on the actual game was very simple, "five seconds of excitement, followed by 30 seconds of rest." And if you stop and think about it, he is more accurate than our NFL driven minds will let us admit. Football is exciting, isn't it? Why it only takes 3 1/2 hours on TV for 60 minutes of playing time. And the last two minutes can take a half hour. And why are the highlights over in 30 seconds? 15 seconds for you Charger fan types. Could it be this man has hit it-5 seconds is all you get? And we call it entertainment!

Using their math, an average of 60 plays on offense a game x 5 seconds=300 seconds, or 5 minutes. Double that for both teams, and for 50 minutes of playing time, no one is playing. So what are we really watching? Men gathered in a huddle, or on the sidelines? Or are we really waiting for that 5 seconds? And is it really worth all the waiting? Consider the times they test the running backs on-for 40 yard dashes. If they can go 40 yards in less than 5 seconds, why do they average less than 4 yards in 5 seconds? Shouldn't they test them in a real game situation of 4 yard bursts, how long did it take them? Yet in that 5 second burst more energy is used, and it takes more than 30 seconds to regain it. And these guys are in shape. Maybe that is why it takes so many weeks to get ready for Christmas, than more weeks to get over it, or for some to recover from it. What kind of shape are we in? Do we really want to live our lives like that, so why do we?

Many underestimate Jesus and what it took Him daily to do to do what He did. For thirty years He was in training, and like the priests, at age 30 began His ministry. But really was ministering all the time, and even during the three years was in training still. "Jesus," you asked, "training? He was God wasn't He?" Yet we find Him constantly spending time in prayer, asking His Father "what do you want me to do?" In scriptural terms, "thy will, not mine." Giving us the ultimate how to pray lesson, but do we listen? Are we willing to spend hours in prayer, time well spent with God, listening like Jesus did so we know what to do today? Are we willing to spend that time for the 5 seconds God may need of us that day? Are we using the resting time well, resting in God, or are we consumed with ourselves? Jesus only did what His Father asked Him to do, where are we in that conversation? In our prayers?

Christmas has come and gone, and will be here again in about 358 days. How will you be preparing for the celebration of the birth of Jesus? Will it be resting in Him, waiting on Him, or planning your own day? Only God knows what is going to happen today, how can you plan for something you don't know may happen? Perhaps asking Him, then listening, then obeying what He asks may be the best thing to do. His will, not ours. His day-not ours. Take that time between plays to spend with Him in the huddle. Only one person speaks in the huddle, the man in charge, the QB who calls the play. Who is speaking in your huddle? Who is in charge? Who knows and wants to prepare you for it? Are you even in the huddle?

The best play only works if executed in obedience. Every man must do what he is expected or trained to do on that play. Will you be ready for the 5 seconds God may have for you today? What if it is hours you are needed, will you be rested? Will you be prepared? Will you be ready? It all depends upon who is calling the play in the huddle.

There are 8760 hours in a year, and it comes down to a few on Christmas morning. All the waiting, planning, shopping, cooking, and excitement come down to that few hours. Just like Jesus' life came down to the final few hours on the cross-for us. And it was well worth it. Spend your time waiting on Jesus. Listen for the play He calls-the time spent with Him will make all the difference in how you spend the rest of your day. He spent 30 years for 3 years of ministry, for six hours on the cross, a team spends 30 seconds in a huddle for a 5 second play. How much time are you spending with the Lord today?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

scars and stripes forever

Every morning before I shower I have gotten in the habit of looking at my scar in the mirror. I don't need my glasses for this one, as it is 12" long, and being keloid looks like Dr. Frankenstein himself sewed me up. And at first it was tough to look, being as it was a life or death surgery performed on me. But as I watch in the mirror, I am filled with joy of the reminder that God has chosen to bless me with. You see He performed a miracle in me this summer, and when people see me it is hard for them to comprehend what I went through. I hardly can comprehend, so don't try-just give God ALL the glory. But to prove, and remind, and also serve as a testimony, He has given me this scar. And I consider it a badge of honor, a personal remembrance of how He never left me, forsook me, and how He healed me. One description of me was "you were the sickest person we ever saw who wasn't dead." And from being life flighted, to the surgery, to the amazing recovery, when Dr. Walinsky called me yesterday, and reminded me I was a miracle, it was special. He performed the surgery, telling PJ it was the hardest one he ever performed. I had four unique complications, any one of them could have been deadly, together they place me as unique in medical history, no one else recorded has ever had them. And I am here to testify of God's greatness-and you wonder why I love my scar?

On my last visit to my San Diego cardiologist, he remembered me as "the disaster." He told me I was lucky I wasn't dead. Yet luck played no part in any of this, and Dr. W when told of his statement, was emphatic I am a miracle! Living proof of the healing power of Jesus Christ! It is hard for even the hard core atheist to doubt my story, so personal are our testimonies.

So this year I am alive for Christmas, and having a great Christmas season. I came close to death, but the peace that surpasses all understanding wants me here. Grace, He calls it. Not so much for me, because death meant heaven, all the hospital staff knew I wasn't afraid to die. Had the DNR and all to prove it. Which Dr. W tore up, telling me "after all the work I put into you, I'm not ever giving up on you!" God also had the right surgeon in mind, too. But the grace God has shown me is for my family-this Christmas my wife is not a widow-I'm alive! My sons have their father with them-I'm alive! And the testimony I had told Theresa I would only share once, I have been able to tell over and over, and encouraged people to seek God!

I even got to visit with a man close to death, his heart was wasted and on dialysis. After visiting and praying with him I got an e-mail that his signs became normal-not because of my prayer, but because of Jesus Christ, who isn't done with me yet, and wanted to bless me even more-and the families and people associated with this man. So I wear my scar with great affection, a reminder that God is a God of mercy and love. And now I better get it why Jesus will wear His scars in heaven. Not so we can recognize Him, but always to remember what He did, so we can be there in heaven with Him. His stripes will remind us of what He took in our place. And suddenly the ugliness of what He endured become beauty marks-what an expression of love. Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another-He's alive and so am I!

So Merry Christmas-it is for my family. May it be for yours. This will be the last story I send this year, number 203. I will be taking some time to spend with my family, my first ministry, and to relax and rest. And put miles on the 2013 Street Triple I have to ride. Only God knows what lies ahead, and I want to be ready. And if you note the date, sorry Mayans, our God is in complete control. And He has a first name-Jesus. All yours scars were in vain, His brought life, abundantly. And today I have my own personal scar to remind me, and encourage others. Truly ALL things work out for those who love the Lord, and are called to Him. My prayer is that you hear the call....and someday see His scars and stripes...forever.

love with compassion,

Mike

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