all in a day's ride

The ad looked good, and the destination an easy days ride. The cause seemed worthy, and the opportunity to minister was a good thing. So off I rode to Paso Robles, to meet up with this group dedicated to honoring 9-11 victims and their families. Usually a 375 mile ride, I was excited to take the Bonneville, and then ride back with them the next day. Usually it is the Tiger or a Triumph Press Fleet bike for longer rides, but the Bonne and I needed some seat time together, so off I went. Turning a 375 mile trip into over 500 miles by dinner time, taking all the back roads without consulting anyone else, and riding my own pace-fast. And arriving at the motel on Paso just in time for the ceremonies to start. Except the only things missing were other bikers, and the ceremony. Even the motel manager knew nothing about it, so I went off to eat, and then checked back. No one else, except for over the road rigs, so it being early, still light in August-100 degrees, I decided to return home that night.

I was making good time, only stopping for gas, and was over Lake Cachuma and into Santa Barbara at nightfall. Only 225 miles and two tanks of gas to go. But in Thousand Oaks the smell of IN-and-OUT overwhelmed me, and I braved the crowds of the cheerleaders, their camp had just let out, and all the rah rah was just what I needed for the last leg of the trip. One more fuel stop, then bed for me. And I was home and in bed by 11pm, riding 875 miles that day, a long day, but longer on the Bonneville, not the touring bike everyone else would have taken. But my choice, and a good one. More miles than I had anticipated, but the true meaning of the road being the destination was on my mind as I fell asleep that night.

And the next night at Biggs I found out they had detoured, too many 300 mile days had worn the group out, and they took the freeway on the last leg. Which made me wonder, did the others planning to meet them find out, or was I the only one planning to meet them? A bit upset, but happy about the ride anyway, I finally realized God had done me a favor and I had missed the chance to ride another freeway. It took them 10 hours to go just over 300 miles the last day, not my kind of riding. You do the math. And the Bonneville would have to wait another day to ride great roads, if I had. So in the end, God had known, but provided me with a great ride, a great day, and a great bike to do it on. What to me was a change of plans, and a detour, to Him was no surprise.

Isaiah 65 tells us that before we even ask God is answering our prayers. Nothing surprises Him, but most of life does us. And just like there are good and bad surprises, God shows us favor in them all when we trust Him. Which can be easy to do, or difficult, again our choice. I could have stayed in Paso at the Melody Ranch Motel, our usual overnight place and a trip back to the 50’s, but I got to enjoy the ride, the cheerleading, and slept in my own bed that night. Next to my wife. Better than any ride. So when Jeremiah tells us that God knows the plans for us, for good things, I like to trust Him. But did you ever wonder, why doesn’t He tell us ahead of time? I thought I was listening to God, when all I found was a surprised motel clerk?

I have found that God doesn’t tell us so that it avoids an argument. Whining, crying, and then arguing with God about His plans for us, would only led us into trouble. We do that well enough on our own, have you ever had to ask for more trouble in your life? But have you ever had to ask Him to rescue you? Also have you ever been able to negotiate with God, thinking your ideas are better, and His are just the starting point? Why argue, when you could be riding? How many blessings do we miss each day, because we complain rather than obey?

Take Peter for example. Imagine if when in the garden, and the little girl accused him of being with Jesus, he said “yes, what of it?” What if he was taken away with Jesus and crucified? Would there have been four crosses at Calvary that day, or only three, and the thief would not have encountered Jesus, and missed Paradise that night? Yet God knew, and still knows, knowing what Peter would say and do, and turning it into something good. Like Joseph related to his family, what the devil meant for evil, God meant for good.

We can all use some more good, can’t have too much. Start by asking God what His will for you today is, just like Jesus advised in the Lord’s Prayer. How about God’s will rather than your own? Did you stop to realize all the blessings you miss by not asking, and how you can interfere with others when you go off on your own selfish way? When the good roads await when you ask. You see I had a great ride until I was told no in Paso, then had to make a decision. I could have been bitter, and missed a great days ride back home, the cheerleaders and waking up in my own bed the next day, by my wife. But I chose to go on, and found myself to be blessed. Calling on God the entire day, alone with Jesus, good stuff. It seems the best testimonies are born out of tragedy, when you let God intervene. Why ask God why when you can be spending time with Him on really important things, like “hey God, where do you want to go riding tomorrow?” Man plans, God laughs. All in a day’s ride...may you have many more of them.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

I'm going to miss that clown with the red hair

It has been a long day, you’ve missed dinner, and all you want is something fast, cheap, and NOW! Pulling into a fast food place, the Golden Arches welcome you, but seeing the drive-thru line long, you gamble and go inside. Where the lines are shorter but not moving so fast. A burger, fries, and a Coke sound good, so you tell the person waiting on you, “gimme a burger, Coke, and fries.” Whereupon the bi-lingual clerk, English is his second language, asks, “what kind of burger?” And you notice there are a dozen choices of burgers. “Just a hamburger.” “Cheese?” “OK.” “What size fries? Small medium, or large?” “Medium,” a good middle of the road answer. “What kind of Coke? Classic, Diet, or Zero? Caffeine free?” “Classic.” Now, do you want to Super size it?” “NO!” a quicker answer than yes, and as you look at the small amount of change from your ten, you realize why the line is so long, and moves so slow. All you wanted was a quick meal, a basic burger with fries, and a Coke t wash it down, and you spend more time in line, making decisions, than eating it. Remember when fast food was fast, it meant fast service, not the time it took to go through you? And all you want to do now is go home, to escape. And as you sit next to a man sipping his latte, on his laptop, you notice you ‘re not in McDonald’s anymore. You’re in a Mac Café, trendy. And you notice how McDonald’s, the father of all fast food, has morphed into Mickey D’s, and now into a Mac Café. What next, Ronnie D’s? Or Café Ronaldo, giving it an international flair, to match your designer coffee? Happy Meals with little plastic iPods, sitting next to their parents, each one on their own cell phone, talking but not to each other. And all you wanted was something fast to eat?

There is an old story about dog food, where the company is introducing its new dog food to its sales force. They are excited about the new packaging, the new ads, and the new commissions they will be earning from the new sales. But in the midst of this, someone asks, “what do the dogs think of it? Do they like it?” And the room gets quiet, for no one asked a dog, or even thought to ask. Woof! My manager at Bowman used to say “unless you are the lead dog, the view never changes.” Trying to spur us on to take the lead. But I also find the hamster on the wheel always has the same view, and he is not leading anyone. And maybe, he would like some backup help on his ride to nowhere on the wheel. So why am I surprised when all I want is a burger, yet get confronted with so many choices?

It had been a busy day, a busy week, for Nicodemus. Among all the religious activities and ceremonies he had to perform, a new player had come on the scene, Jesus of Nazareth. A man who claimed to be God, met all the criteria, was at the right place at the right time, but wasn’t whom they had expected. He had to see for himself. So after all the crowds were back at the inns for the evening, Nicky D. plans to meet him after dark. We aren’t told how he arranged it, but he just needed to meet this Jesus. And when he did, all his ideas about religion were about to change. Nicky D. was a Pharisee, head of the Sanhedrin, and also a rich, powerful man. A famous man who could be recognized, and yet was willing to gamble, to risk it all to meet this rebel. And when asking questions, the answers only led to more questions, and confusion. You see as a Pharisee, Nicky was a very public man, and had to obey all of the 600+ Mosaic laws. Any slight indescretion of one could be deadly to his reputation, and also to his belief of reaching heaven. Faced with so many choices, he had to be worn out by the end of the day. Yet, Jesus met with him, privately, and gave him some great advice, advice we all need to take. “You must be born again to inherit the kingdom of God,” spoke this man who was God. And when Nicky could only think in physical terms, how can I go back into mother’s womb, it took a while for him to consider the spiritual message that Jesus gave him. For once he had been told the truth, without religion and its snares. And he had to make a choice, the law of Jesus, to love God first and then our neighbor, or to obey all laws, and correct the ones who broke them. 2000 years later we would have the US of A, who in the Constitution promise freedom of religion, Jesus was offering him more, freedom from religion!

Now we don’t hear about Nicky for 18 chapters in the Book of John, but we see him at Jesus’ grave. His heart has been changed, and he is willing to risk it all-the power, position, riches, and fame for eternal life. He chose one way, Jesus, over many ways. He chose the spirit over the law, and found new life, eternal life. He was born again. From a garden to a tomb, he followed Jesus all way. Now the question is, do you? Will you? Are you stuck in the line of fast food religion, Mickey D’s, too many choices, and still not what you want? Or would you prefer Nicky D’s choice, to be born again? Does your religion leave you hungry or wanting more? Maybe you need to go with Nicky rather than Mickey. A Super sized God without asking. Not trendy, but eternal. A happy meal, with a happy relationship, God calls blessings happinesses. All the Jesus, without all the rules. Less chances to slip up, and when you do, He’s there to catch you, not discipline you. Hands to hold you-nail pierced hands that understand your pain. Shoulders to lean on, arms to hug, and it’s all paid for! All you need to do is step up and receive it.

Too many choices lead to too many wrongf decisions. Make the right choice today-Jesus. Nicky D. did 2000 years ago. Jesus or religion. Have it your way. You deserve a break today. Have a real happy meal. I’m going to miss that clown with the red hair.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

a "Mose" by any other name would still be a "Mose"

I recently read an article about the top 10 collectible Oldsmobiles from the fifties. My personal preference is Toronados, the first ones with the long hoods, and 68-72 442’s, my friend George had a 68, Fucci had a fast 1970, and Richard the last year of that old body style in 1972. All fast cars, ones just an afternoon ride in one today would be a treat. But 1950’s Olds were never my favorite, I tend to like the 1956 Chevies more, as did most of America at the time. But jumping off the page at me as I turned them, was a red and white 1956 Oldsmobile 88 two door hardtop. It was Uncle “Mose”’s car, and I remembered it from riding in the back seat when a teen. I ‘m not sure if he was really my uncle, he was my Nana’s sister’s husband, and my mother’s uncle. Confused, I am. But Uncle “Mose” was a cool guy. Whenever Aunt Evelyn, Nana’s sister would send a card, it was always Aunt Evelyn and Uncle “Mose.” So uncle he was. And his 1956 Olds was his prize. A victim of many afternoons under trees hiding from the summer sun being Simonized, it was the shiniest car I ever remembered. With a certain bubbling noise from the exhaust, nothing at all like my Dad’s Rambler. And coming from a family where cars weren’t the stars, his stuck out. My Grandpa had a cool 1962 black Cadillac Coupe DeVille, and later a 1972 Lemans coupe, he used to shift the automatic floor shifter making us feel like he was racing, and pinning us back in the seat. But other than that, it was sedans, Ramblers, and station wagons. So I was naturally drawn to Uncle “Mose” and his Olds.

My cousin Steve and I would jump at the chance to ride with him on the infrequent family outings, riding in the back seat, while Uncle “Mose” would drive with his arm out the window. His short sleeves rolled up in the custom of cool in the day. He was a muscular man, and the warning was always that he drove fast, and got speeding tickets-the unforgivable sin in this conservative Methodist family. Are you sure you want to ride with him? Let me think, Rambler or fast Olds, where else would this young gearhead get his fix? A chance to go fast and maybe get pulled over? Which only made us want to ride along with him even more. Always on the lookout for the motor cop out to get him, for we were all sure they knew the car, and were just waiting to nab him. We later found out his real name was Arthur, just like “the Fonz,” but he was always “Mose” to us, a “Mose” by any other name, he would still be a “Mose. “ He lived in Warren Glen, how’s that for a town, two first names, and worked at a large paper mill on the Delaware. His visits always included boxes, 1000’s of sheets of paper, they made poster board, which was used in all school projects, its shininess and toughness only adding to any good grade I would get. It was expensive, but free from Uncle “Mose.” And we could just see him loading it into his trunk after work, maybe having to sneak it out past the guard, and putting it into his trunk in plain sight of everyone, everyone knew that Olds could get you into trouble. He was cool, the way “the Fonz” was cool, without the motorcycle, and even his name was in parenthesis just like “the Fonz;” Uncle “Mose.” Now how cool was that? Sadly as we got older, and “Mose” and my grandparents generation faded away, and so did the memories, but how cool it was to think of him again after seeing the picture. And I wonder how many memories of good times have been lost over the years through death of loved ones. And I am thankful for the cars that tie me to them, and remind me of good times, when we were young and all was right with the world. And the only real danger was riding with Uncle “Mose” keeping a look out for cops. Maybe with the trunk full of contraband paper, and the music too loud. Or the sound of the pipes waking up he citizens. Yup, there was no better way to spend with your uncle than going fast, in an Olds.

Kids today are tethered in the back seats of SUVs, minivans and four door sedans. Mufflers muffling any sound that could cause excitement. And with AC on, windows up and DVD in place, there is no need for conversation within the car. Mom has her iPod, and Dad has his. No driving with the arm out the window, no cool sound of exhausts. And with radar detectors that look out for the cops for you, many just point and steer, with great difficulty. Surely driving ain’t what it used to be. Which makes me wonder, what will the kids of today remember in 20 years? Will they get excited when looking at an old minivan? Will they remember all the good times in the SUV? Remember that movie we watched on the way to Grandma’s house? And where will all the stories of outlaws like Uncle “Mose” be? Who are your kid’s heroes today?

We are told that Jesus had four brothers, by their father and mother, Joseph and Mary. Jesus never had any kids, but his siblings did, making him Uncle Jesus. A way you never really think about Him. So many think of Him as so pious and having no fun, not my kind of God. Yet I can see Jesus at family gatherings hanging with the kids. Checking out handiwork of others, remember He was a carpenter just like His dad. I could see some parents, aunts and uncle and others warning kids to stay away form Him, He has weird ideas. But seeing the kids being drawn to Him despite the warnings of others. You see Jesus will do that to you. He will draw you to Him. Something about Him makes Him cool, and you want to be with Him. Which is why maybe the hookers, junkies, tax collectors, those with tattoos, and those who ride are drawn to Him. And we aren’t afraid to ride along with Him. We see a certain freedom in Him, not a set of rules. A true rebel, but one against sin and those who try to keep us enjoying life. He leads by example, and long after we forget His words, we still remember His actions. He would hang with the biker, the hot rodder, and show a cool that is not found anywhere else, or in anyone else. A cool “the Fonz,” or even Uncle “Mose” didn’t possess. He would love the sound of loud pipes, drive with the windows down and arm out the window. He would talk to those in the car with Him, and tune in the radio with the best songs. If asked which car He wanted to ride in, He wouldn’t mind, but secretly would rather ride with Uncle “Mose” than in a family of religous types. Can’t be heard when a earphone is stuck in your ear. Either can you hear your kids. Listening? He loved them too, but they didn’t much care for Him. Sadly today the Pharisees are still alive and doing too well. Those who know all the rules, and you better obey them, or timeout. Doors locked from the inside, just like their hearts, not allowing anyone in.

Jesus tells us He stands at the door and knocks, He wants to be invited into your life. Funny how He wants to to join you in your hot rod too. Right up front, arm out the window. He wants to ride along with you too, on back if needed, but rather ride beside you, on His own motorcycle. How you see Jesus will make a huge difference in who He is in your life. Sadly to many He only lives within the walls of the church, but you find although He taught in the temple, He ministered on the street. Where the action and the people were. And He is still knocking today? Will you ask Him in for a ride? Let Him throw a leg over your bike?

Jesus was cool long before ducktails, Buddy Holly, “the Fonz” and even before Uncle “Mose.” He was the coolest hippie, the coolest biker, and the coolest hot rodder. More like us than we ever thought possible. Give Him a chance today, open your door and let Him in. He offers us a chance to be like Him. To paraphrase Ringo, “let Him step into your car and into your life...now He’s your angel divine.” More than an angel, He is who He claimed to be. And loved us anyway. All this remembrance because of a picture in a magazine. He asks you to “do this in remembrance of me,” all things. And they all work for good to those who love Him. Pedal to the metal, pipes wide open. Throttle pegged, wind in your face. Arm out the window. That’s Jesus. Now that’s cool.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

I can't be overdrawn, I still have checks

There is an old story told of one man’s disastrous day, and the unhappy ending. The man is first called into his boss’s office late in the day, and is told he is fired for something he didn’t do. In shock and depressed, he goes out to find his car is gone-stolen. Looking to drown his sorrows he goes to the neighborhood bar, only to find his wallet missing, where the spare car key had been. Borrowing some change, he takes the bus home, only to find his wife with another man, she didn’t expect him home so early. At this point he decides to end his life by hanging himself, but the knots keep coming untied. In desperation he calls his best friend, and tells him of the day’s events. And asks for help. Which the friend provides, by explaining to him how to tie a proper slip knot. Ever have a day like this, or friends like this, that meant well but just didn’t get it?

Last week my computer started acting up, better yet it quit acting at all. Deciding it was time to replace it, I took it to J and B Computers, where Jim the owner helped me out. But what was supposed to be an overnight visit, turned into five days of no computer. And in the mean time, life went on. The rains continued so I couldn’t ride, and with no computer, which I consider only a tool, just like a hammer is only a hammer, and was cut off from the outside world, and from writing. But Saturday morning arrived, and the new computer Jim had for me wasn’t ready, my old laptop was dead, the hard drive corrupted. It would take more time, and maybe Monday, which went into Tuesday. But the blessings were still there, and not in the form of know tying. He knows I am in ministry, and to help me out added another 500 bits of memory-for free. A great blessing as you not only know how computer geeks can be, but how much it can cost. But the storms continued. On Monday the rain quit, and it got cold. For So Cal that is, highs in the 50’s. So I took the Trophy back to Mick, and was going to pick up a new Scrambler from the Press Fleet. All was well tucked in behind the huge fairing, until within a half mile of his exit on the 91, a warning light came on, saying low voltage, no audio. And I ended up coasting to a stop. Crank, no start. No gas maybe? But after pushing for almost a half mile, I decided to try and start it again-and off it went, to the gas station. Putting in a gallon just to get me the last mile, I told Mick about it. “Of the three Trophy’s, one battery wouldn’t fully charge, I figured it would after riding it.” Sadly 1200 miles later it wasn’t, but I was safe. And on my way on the Scrambler.

And on it goes, without the computer, no e-mail, so I didn’t find out until Tuesday about Larry’s funeral, 130pm on Tuesday until then. And that Pastor Doug had e-mailed me wanting me to teach at the Dustin Arms Ministry that night. We did connect, after his persistent phone calls, to my “old lady',” and I was able to share that night. Tired from all the above, I came back to find a flat tire on my car, at about 900pm. Fortunately Doug gave me a ride home, but today, after a doctor’s appointment for Andrew, I will try to call AAA, find a new tire, and get it towed. By the way, did I mention it will be warm today, and I have this new bike to put miles on?

We just started Deuteronomy in our Thursday Bible study, and the first two chapters have been very revealing, to me. It amazes me how our loving God continues to take care of this grumbling and complaining people He calls His own. And as Moses relates the stories of how God rescued them fed them, and led them after 40 years to The Promised Land, I am amazed. One, because whenever the obeyed God, they won the wars. When they didn’t, trouble followed. Just like us. But how after all this time, and even coming face to face with God on the mountain, Moses didn’t enter the Promised Land himself, because of disobedience. But even more amazing is how he is found on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus! He may have missed the Promised Land, but not the Promised One! And how often do we look for the something we need when really it is a someone, Jesus? So be encouraged, we may forget about God, and we won’t win every game. But He never forgets about us. He never promised to take us around the problem, but to be with us and take us through it, with the promise of heaven awaiting those of us who believe. So keep your eyes on Jesus, and not the situation. He sticks with us on the trip, when out of gas, money, battery, or direction. He never fails. Can our faith ever be as strong as our memory?

Andrew just reminded me about his doctor’s appointment. Oh, and can I loan him $40 till payday? He spent his last $200 fixing the truck. And we are out of milk...but I still have some checks left, dare I open the letter from the bank? Life goes on, and on sometimes, it is these little reminders of how much we need God in our daily lives. Seek Him today, and for more than a knot tying lesson. Whether in the valley, on the Mount, or wandering after the Holy Land, seek after the Promised One, and watch as all your needs are met. Did I mention it is also tax time?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no room left in the garage

My friend George on the corner spends more time cleaning and polishing his cars than I do. He has no motorcycles, but does have five cars, to which he just added a sixth. He tends to like Fords, but has an early 70's Chevy Nova in prime condition. He works local so they don't get many miles put on them, but they all look better than new. Any Saturday morning you can see one car getting the full treatment, then back in the garage or under a tarp in the driveway. Now collections are a personal thing, and mine would not interest many others. And some contain many vehicles, while others may be just one or two, limited by income, storage space, or a spouse who has other priorities on her list. But George's new car, a 1966 GTO, is rare according to him, for it only has a three speed manual on the floor. I remember those, some 47 years ago, and they were rare then. No one wanted a three speed, it was all about four on the floor, even three on the tree was more poetic than three on the? But his newest car sits under a cover, valuable to him. Which brings up its value, and the value of anything-it is worth what you pay for it. And now with another car, I'm sure it will get all the love and attention of his Fords and lone Chevy, but rare is maybe not a fair description. When the precursor to rare is because no one wanted one when new, it brings a whole new meaning to rare. Edsels, do you call them rare? How about the Pacer? A Gremlin? But beauty being in the eye of the beholder, George's car is valuable to him, and that is all that matters. How rare is that?
While wiping down my latest ride in the garage-it's raining out, I had the TV tuned in and caught a show about Paul Newman. Great actor, but few outside of Hollywood realize he was a pretty fair race car driver too, into his late 70's. A next generation Steve McQueen, but rarer was his marriage to Joanne Woodward for over 50 years. Rare-these things don't happen in Hollywood, or even other places much anymore. But when she was to comment on why they lasted so long together, she cited racing. She was afraid for him, but knew it was his passion, after her, and she would relent to his passion to keep him happy. And the marriage lasted happily until his death. A rare wife, married to a a rare man, and an example to all of us married, or to be married. These rare things were valuable to them, and gave their marriage value. This is one case where rare meant valuable, not because of the rarity of them, but the love between them-and an understanding wife.

So it seems old PL Newman and I have one thing in common-great wives. Years ago when I decided to get into motorcycle ministry full time, Theresa knew it would be more riding and biker events than she was used to, or wanted. But after prayer decided to join with me, and we have been abundantly blessed. We ride more together, attend more rallies and meets together, and minister more together, based on her commitment. My passion was for the Lord and motorcycles-without her love and support, and participation I could not, and would not have done it. Sadly I compare this to many whose wives will not mess up their hairstyles for even a short ride to support their husbands. Or even give them room in the garage for a motorcycle. "My wife won't let me," tells me more about who is in charge of the home, and who they follow. It is hard to have respect for someone whose wife runs the house, and their lives. Even sadder is a few years ago meeting a man through another man whose wife tolerates his motorcycles. This new friend told me how this old friend bragged about ministering with his wife, and how supportive she was of him. Now I tend to get out and around, yet I have never met her, even during a church visit to their church she was absent. I was later told that she doesn't even go. And as much as I want to confront this man on his living a lie, I feel compassion for him, for he feels he must lie to be part of ministry. Trying to tell the world about the God of Truth while telling lies about his family. It won't work, and maybe explains his always in process life.

Ruth Graham, Billy's wife, was once asked if she ever got mad at Billy. He was gone a lot, and that can put a strain on any relationship. Did she ever think to divorce him? "No, but there was a couple of times I wanted to kill him!" But the commitment to each other, and to God kept them both effective until her death, and set a pattern for their children and countless others. Truly love covers a multitude of sins.

So what is in your collection? What do you consider rare? My wife is my rarest and most precious valuable. After Jesus. How many other wives would let her husband have 7-8 motorcycles, when you can only ride one at a time? Or buy most gifts from a motorcycle store. Or attend rallies, travel across the US of A based around motorcycle destinations? Mine does, and so I have learned to visit stores she likes, and other places that I never would have gone without her urging. You see we honor our commitment to each other, for love when drawn down to just an emotion will leave room to talk divorce, murder, or selling off some bikes. But honor the commitment, keep Jesus in the midst of your marriage, and you will be blessed. And keep the collection intact.

Some consider my wife rare, and to me she is. She is like no other. But valuable because of Jesus Christ in her life, and her love for Him. So take heart, honor your wife, and your marriage. Just like the commitment you made with your vows. Keep Jesus first, and watch as your marriage will grow, and blossom. You two will be more in love than ever, and setting an example for others.

Oh, and it helps that she always has space in the garage for her Mustang. Right next to her Bonneville....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

who gets what? or someday this may all be yours

Freedom is an interesting thing, at least in concept. To many it means being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want, with whoever I want, and however I want. I-yi-yi. But true freedom requires some restraint, we call it responsibility, or we have anarchy. Imagine a group of 5 year olds running the world, funny for awhile, but after 5 minutes of 5 year olds, it takes 5 hours to fix it. And sometimes we enter into these situations innocently, not knowing the future effects. But God knows, and to many like me who have been turned down earlier in life to have married the wrong girl, we are very glad to have waited.

My Nana was a sweet lady. Hard worker, she worked piece work in a blouse factory in Pennsylvania. She was originally from Brooklyn, her mother killed by a trolley car when she was very young, and having my Mother and my aunt while still a teenager. Note-did you know the Dodgers were named after people dodging trolley cars-in Brooklyn? But when her husband, Charlie Murphy died of lung cancer in 1965, she was a widow for 20 years. She loved to bowl, and soon started spending time with Charlie's brother John. They married and he was very good to her. But he was also a widower, and like Nana, had a family of his own. And when the two married they brought them all together. We used to joke with my mother,"do you call him Uncle John or Dad?" John seemed to work best for all of us.

But Nana preceded John in death. And inherited all of Nana's stuff, which was his by marriage. Which was fine. Until John died, and then his family inherited all his stuff, including that which was Nana's, and that her family, us had wanted. But somehow it got lost, and many things of value-not valuables were lost forever. My Nana who used to love to take pictures, had many albums, which now were gone, and with them, some of my family's history. I never thought that John's family ever did anything mean, or kept these from us, it was just the spoils of war, or inheritance at this point, and like Andy Jackson used to brag, "to the victor belong the spoils." Losers are never so boastful.

Now God knows many things, all to be exact, and He warns the Jewish girls in Numbers to not marry outside of their tribe. And that if they do, the land they inherited will pass on to their husbands from another tribe when they die, depleting the tribe of its land. But adding to the property of the stranger's homeland. Good advice to remember today, as we don't know tomorrow. Even psychics are taken by surprise, as God confuses them. As if they weren't confused enough themselves. But God's plans for a future and a hope, can get derailed by bad decisions. I never thought Nana's was a bad decision, and we never waited for her to die so we could live, but I know she would be upset that her things never got passed down to her daughters, and then to their children. But...that's the rest of the story.

So when Jesus tells us to watch for the return of the Master in His parable, He is referring to watching not so much for the Master, the Savior, the Messiah, but to watch out for those who will steal from you, mislead you, or lead you astray. "Do not be deceived," He warns, and yet many do, entering into relationships without going to God first. And they may be OK, for a while, but the damage can be passed onto future generations without knowing, and without wishing to. God knows, and gives us the chance to be successful based on His knowledge, and guidance, so why don't we use it? Too many good Christians get led astray by becoming prophecy addicts, and miss the gospel's message. They feed their own curiosity, rather than fulfilling God's order to make disciples. They themselves cannot even be disciple. And particularly sad are those that argue over the date of Jesus' return, neglecting basic scripture, when Jesus Himself doesn't even know. Or worse yet, are more concerned about who is the anti-Christ, when if save they will not be here, and never know, so what does it matter?

So Jesus says watch. Are you? And who are you looking for? Do you keep your eyes set on things on high-heaven? Or are you so entrapped in the world that you adopt your own gospel? And miss the true calling? Watch...Nana's innocent action was a loss for us. It was only some photos and memorabilia, but valuable to us, and it was to her. Think-what are you leaving behind? Are you taking good care of what is yours, or doesn't it matter to you what you leave behind? It is important to God, who set the example. He sent His Holy Spirit to guide us until the return of His son, Jesus Christ. What legacy are you leaving? Where you lead, others will follow. So who are you following? And where does it lead? Strangers in a strange land, with no legacy to fall back on. Thankfully God has given us His arms to fall back on. Freedom to be passed on, not used for personal gain. God knows all about it, and wants you included in it. The offer is His, for you. Where you end up is now up to you. And the things of God...it all comes down to a Last Will and Testament. God's will for you is...and His New Testament is all about Jesus. Are you watching? Your legacy will tell more than you think...does it include Jesus? What are you leaving behind? No matter your wealth, you will leave everything. So pass on some love while you can. God knows, do you God?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Rich and Gloria and Will

We used to laugh at the old joke, "did you ever read the book 40 Miles to the Outhouse by Willie Makit, illustrated by Betty Wont?" And we would laugh, most of us never seeing an outhouse, or knowing what one was, a long drop to our South African friends, and most of us could associate more with Betty then Willie. Funny names for a funny joke, and a play on words. But every day we call on two people whom we have never met, and don't exist, Rich and Gloria. Maybe not by name, but by need, or desire, or even greediness.

And we do it via prayer. My mother used to ask me "how did God choose to answer one over the other when two teams each pray for a victory?" No good answer for that one, yet we see in victory athletes praising God, they knew He would come through. But what about the guy who didn't win, did God fail Him? Did He not ask correctly, or loud enough? And why was he so upset with God, when the other guy who won so pleased with God? You don't have to be a race car driver, athlete, or businessman to ask God, maybe just hungry, tired, out of work, broke, sick, or in need. And when we do, we often go to God after we have hit up everyone else. Using our own resources, our own Rich and Gloria, neglecting God's. I get many e-mail requests for money, sometimes using guilt, "if you don't give money, I can't go to Africa where God is sending me." Like it's my fault, that God doesn't know what He is doing, and let's not seek the same God for guidance who gave the vision. Why would you ask a poor man for money? A starving man for food? A cripple to carry your/my load, yet we do. We go to Rich, and Gloria. Seeking them from man rather than from God. We neglect the fact that it is His riches and glory that provide, His bank account is bigger than mine, and yours combined. But yet we only go to God after all else has failed.

Yet all the misery could be avoided if we went to Will, and asked. God's will that is. If He knows the plans He has for us, why don't we go to Him? And why doesn't He tell us all the details, so we can change them? God's will is not a first draft to be improved upon, it is God's will for us, and for our benefit. Yet we go to Rich and Gloria, instead of His riches and glory, and neglect Will, when we need to follow His will. He knows the end from the beginning, and the middle. So why not ask one who can supply, who has the power and knowledge, and has the reputation of success? I can hear the excuses now....

Sometimes we are like the man who stands up and donates a big sum of money anonymously. We want the attention, we like being in the winners circle to draw attention to ourselves. Yet it needs to be all about Jesus. He is the great provider. The great physician. The only savior. He provides riches and glory to Rich and Gloria, and Mike and Theresa, too. Seeing too much of Rich and Gloria, and missing Will? You won't see them as much without God's Will, the three seem to travel together. So...want more blessings? Want your needs met? Looking for excitement? Ask God, who gives graciously, abundantly, and lovingly. Ask for His Will, and watch as your needs are met through His riches and glory, and you won't need to hit on Rich and Gloria anymore. And you can ask and listen for His reply wherever you are, not just on Sunday mornings with an "Oh I have to get up and go to church again" attitude. God knows what you need, do you? I don't, so isn't it better to ask of Him who can provide, than trust man, who is just like us, and in it for ourselves?

Psalms tells us that "he has never seen the righteous go hungry, or their sons begging bread." Hungry, He is food. Thirsty, He is drink, so turn to Him. And maybe encourage Rich and Gloria to turn to Him too, for they too will hunger and thirst. And Willie Makit? God does every time. But on your own Betty Wont. So why bet, when in Jesus you have a sure thing? For it is for HIS riches and glory that all things should be done. Jesus Christ-the sure thing. Now, you were asking?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com