the parable of the garbageman-what has 4 wheels and flies?

Even trash collecting has gone hi-tech.  As I remember growing up, it was always two men rolling two huge trash barrels across back yards, no curb service then, and trash cans were metal, then dumping them into the truck, pushing a button and watching it all get crushed.  A fun job we all thought, and these guys were fast, and thorough.  And friendly, too.  I can remember them waiting while my mother got an extra box, and being courteous to her.  A far cry from watching the trash man now sitting in his truck, and having an arm come out and extend itself around the standardized trash barrel, then dumping it overhead, all without leaving his cab.  Except to place a note on your barrel that you put in bad trash, or too much or didn’t place it at least 24” from another barrel.  And heaven help the person who expects them to pick up what they drop, not his job I guess.  And I miss the old time trash man, and the joke of “$20 a week and all you can eat.”  Hi tech, low interaction, welcome to the future, except it is here now.

I first got my license in 1971, and starting a car required more than just turning the key, and texting a friend to brag about your accomplishment.  Push down on the gas pedal twice to activate the choke, turn the key, but never more than ten seconds, it would run down the battery, then sit and wait while it warmed up enough to be driven away.  A far cry from turn key and point and steer.  And before CV carbs on bikes, it was depress the button to flood the carb with gas, no lights to go on when it was, your wet foot soaked with gas was all you needed to know.  Then pull in clutch, kick through and then kick start-usually on the second try, or your plans were to change for the rest of the day.  Fortunately electric starters changed all that, except for the wet foot part.  And even on my first car bought in high school, a 1969 BMW 1600, back when BMW had an identity problem, B stands for British what?, it had a hand choke, that you learned to work, and start the car easily.  So many things once done by hand, now done by a computer for us, maybe progress was a good thing, it just went on too long.  But we had a relationship with our cars and bikes, and even our garbage man, a far cry from today.  Remember the old joke, what has 4 wheels and flies?  A garbage truck....

Now I am not anti-computer, except when it crashes unexpectedly and takes all my work with it.  Why can’t they work as well as they do in cars, where they are subjected to cold, wind, rain, and bumps in the road, let alone the nut behind the wheel?  But many things done by computer have been money and time saving-take paper for instance.  Remember all the paper it was going to save, except now we need backups on guess what-paper.  They will save us time, “if only I could remember the password I used this time.”  I’m not sure if Windows shuts me and provides a way out.  But one thing it has accomplished, you be the judge, is it has allowed many to go online for church.  But it also has kept many out of church, when going on line.  Missing the fellowship, worship, and interaction with others.  Greeting friends and praying with them, asking the pastor a question, or finding out how such and such is doing, we miss them.  All nice and sanitary behind a screen,church without going to church, and neglecting to remember that we are the church.  Can’t upset anyone if you aren’t there, and you can fall asleep, and catch it later on line.  A whole relationship with God and His people, all just a right click away...And how about communion, how do I do that online? 

I also miss the turning of pages in church, a good and healthy sound showing interest and concern.  Today as I watch i-pads replacing i-phones, their large screen lights up the area, and I can watch what they are watching... being distracted by them...yes progress was a good thing, it has just gone on too long.  But that is just us, I hear, and some truth to that.  As I visited with Brother Andrew’s ministry, we were told of the persecution in North Korea and China and India of Christians.  Just owning or getting caught with a Bible is death or prison.  But yet how without the written word, obviously no i-pads, that a single page taken from a torn up Bible brings life to them.  How one page from Acts, read over and over has given them life in Jesus, without benefit of any other Bible or pages from one.  And how it gets passed around, even torn into pieces and shared, lest they get caught with it.  Willing to serve Christ and face death over one page in the Bible...and we can’t even get out to church?

And so the many take refuge in God via the Holy Spirit, who is always with them.  He gives them insight, words, and the Word...which God says is written on our hearts by Him.  For over 2000 years a way the persecuted church has kept in touch each other...and still is today.  But it can never happen to us can it?  Maybe it has already....

We have isolated ourselves from each other, and it isn’t good.  God still works in ways mysterious to us, but still loves to use that one on one ministry to grow us closer to Him.  The world of your testimony, and His blood are all it takes, and nothing beats a hug or a loving embrace.  Nothing beats seeing a life changed in real life vs. real time.  How many hug your computer, does it hug back?  My friends at church do...and I love to hear their testimonies.  So don’t let the evolution of trash removal and of starting a car interfere with you and God.  Go to church, we are the church, and quit hiding behind a screen.  Imagine prayer life if God answered “press 1 for yes, press 2 for no.”  And then being placed on hold!  Very personal isn’t it?  Or do you already face God each day that way?  Make it personal today...get to know Him, and get out among His people.  Fellowship, pray together, and worship-wherever 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Jesus He is among them.  Try that on Facebook-and they call it social engineering?  W need Holy Spirit engineering, available at the foot of the cross...it is that personal. 

Joe Stalin once bragged that if you gave him a generation, he would change the world.  Look at Russia and Communism today.  What if we are that generation sold out to Christ, the last generation, someone will be, why not us?  Give God your heart today, make it personal.  NO right clicking gospel, but one of love and forgiveness.  Try that one next time your lap top dances away...forgiving?  No downloads at the cross-time well spent.  Maybe that is why we look back so fondly to a time without computers, we were a part of it.  But unlike 40 years ago, we have an off button...don’t be afraid to use, and turn onto Jesus.  Call it the parable of the garbage man, who once provided service to your door and today won’t even get out of his truck to help.  20 bucks a week and all you can eat...if Jesus fed the 5000 with two loaves, imagine what He can do for you.  High interaction and low tech-it is written...anything man can do, God will do better. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

just another Saturday night

Due to illness and watching the kids, they weren’t the cause, we were home this last Saturday night.  Usually we go to church, but tonight we stayed home, and of course the TV was on.  And again nothing was on, big surprise, laying to rest any doubts about what we could be missing when in church.  But while channel surfing a show with the title church in it caught my attention, so we settled there for a few minutes, a few minutes too long.  It was about a black pastor needing money to build a larger building so his church would grow.  He had hired 4 crazy white men to guide him, and show him the way.  Certain things were missing, noticeable at first to anyone.  God wasn’t even mentioned, this was about church I guess.  And no one prayed...so you can imagine the outcome, which we didn’t hang around for.  But back to the show....

These four men in their Land Rover, were giving professional advice to this poor, as in resources, black pastor.  Who wouldn’t listen, why hire a consultant if you don’t take their advice?  So they interviewed the congregation, who all loved the pastor, and all agreed he preached too long.  He admitted he did, and church ended when he was done, and was too tired to go on, and many didn’t like that.  When they suggested two services, he got very upset.  NO way...and the argument continued.  They also found out he had no church board, he had fired him, the only guy, and had to do it all himself.  Do we see a problem here?  But he did succumb to one of their suggestions, and talk to this man, invite him back.  So while he did, with them watching, this guy wanted to know “what are you doing here, you’re the last one I expected at my door?”  And then I shut it off...the perfect combination for failure, bad advice, men trying to grow the church instead of God, and a pastor too proud to seek God.  Too bad he didn’t take the advice I am sure he gave his flock.  And you wonder why people don’t go to church?  Maybe my lesson that night was from God, just via the TV?

Some years ago while taking back roads to visit Brother Willie in Nashville, I got lost and travelled some beautiful back roads.  Starving I found a Captain D’s, fish and chips.  Good stuff, so I ate-alone.  Except for this group again of 4 white men, business suits, very church like-thankfully not my church, and one young black man.  Something different about him, He had the Holy Spirit.  They were interviewing him for a position at the church, he was obviously talented and gifted, and they wanted him.  And it was evident that church would not be the same if they hired him, and he knew it.  They wanted to mold him, change him, and make him more church like, but he resisted.  He talked on a Godly level, they talked religion.  They talked church, he talked Jesus.  He had a vision from God, they had a board of men.  And the twain were never to meet, for this man sought God, they sought man.  I sat appalled that this would go on, in a public place, but there again maybe just for me, I saw how the church and God’s way are different.  And why people don’t go to church.  Now these men seemed concerned enough, they weren’t bad men, they were this church’s board, but missed out on God’s way, and His will be done.  Which ultimately was why the man refused the offer...God had given him a vision, and when he started to explain it, the confused look on their faces told more than they wished to tell.  They were selling freedom in religion, He knew that Jesus offered freedom from it.  By the way, the fish was great....love them hush puppies.

For years I have warned about the world invading the church.  And I was right, but wrong.  The world hadn’t invaded, it didn’t need to, it had been invited in, then the door locked behind it so it couldn’t leave.  But fortunately they left the front door open so the congregation could, and does when they see God not taking the lead.  And so it was years ago when attending a church, until I caught the pastor lying from the pulpit, and he knew I caught him.  He had invited some businessmen in the church, new men on the board, and things had gotten pretty bad.  But the programs were better, he kept telling us.  And many left over it, as the Holy Spirit had left the place-it was that evident.  Even the families who had gone there for generations were upset, and leaving, and so did their tithes.  So we didn’t attend for two years, and grew in the Lord.  But under pressure from Theresa, the boys needed to be in Sunday school, we went back-one last time.  And we were greeted by some good old brother, who’s opening line was “where have you been?”  as if I was out in sin somewhere rather than there in sin.  My answer was simple, “I needed to choose between God and the Assemblies of God, and I chose God.”  And he was speechless-muttering something I am sure he hadn’t heard in church, and we left.  Yes we missed church, but really missed the teaching from the word.  And then met some other bikers who invited us to church-and we attended there for another 18 years, until God directed us elsewhere. 

You see we were looking for God, and looking to Jesus.  We didn’t want any religion, and most people don’t.  You can always tell I am the stranger in a church because I don’t stand up or sit down on cue, I guess I am not very religious.  Do you ever feel trapped by religion?  Jesus did, and came to set us free from it, to have a one to one relationship with His Father in heaven.  He made it that personal, and kept the world out.  And it was those same people who cried for His head, and then crucified Him.  But yet called us friends to the end, when asked where did you get those wounds, He answered “at the hands of my friends.”  Well meaning church folk, who didn’t follow God, but did follow the world.  So give yourself a quick check up today, ask God where He wants you to be?  Are you being fed?  Is there too much emphasis on church, and not enough on Jesus?  Are their too many programs and procedures, and not enough prayer?  And like loud pipes, does a loud pastor save lives?  Or is he just a loud pipe, that needs tuning?  Does he draw attention to himself, or is it all about Jesus?

Many churches are failing today because they may have God in their name, but not in their hearts, or in their congregation.  And like Jesus said, “if you are not for me, you are against me, “ and He is closing many churches.  Some old and established, some broke because of building a new building, hoping Jesus comes with the plans.  They have let the world in, locked the door, keeping Jesus out.  But God knows the plans...so listen to Him first.  And always.  And remember, when someone comes knocking, see who it is first.  And if it is the devil, just turn to Jesus and say “it’s for you.”  Turn to Jesus today....we are the church, and He is the head.  Where you go for advice makes all the difference.  Let God be God, and all men liars.  Even on TV, the truth will set you free.  Just another Saturday night.

love with compassion,

Mike

mtthew25biker.blogspot.com

the story of reindeer nose

It seems every year as fewer people want to recognize Christmas, as schools and towns now have Winter Holidays, that people seem to be decorating more and earlier for Christmas every year.  Go figure that one out, I can’t.  But even though it is still two weeks away from Thanksgiving, and I am already sick of seeing Black Friday ads, where millions of self absorbed will go and buy things early for Christmas gifts, maybe it isn’t too early to share a Christmas story.  One that warms my heart, and won’t cost you a thing.  So sit back and enjoy.

My Grandpa was a great man, to me the stereotypical grandfather.  He knew all about the trees and animals in the woods when we hiked.  He could fix anything, and had patience to do it when no else had.  He also loved trains, as the basement was filled with a track set up, and many Friday nights after dinner were spent there until it was time for bed...and way beyond, such are the fond memories of Grandpa.  But being born in 1905, he was of a generation that was pre car,pre world wars, and pre going to Walmart to replace things that had broken.  Grandpa fixed things, and much of his basement work shop, the old coal cellar, was a treasure trove of works in progress, of things waiting to be fixed.  And intermixed with the parts from other things to do it.  Things didn’t get thrown out, or even recycled as they are today.  They were repaired, and reused until literally they fell apart, postponing the inevitable as long as possible.  Which brings us to today’s Christmas story.  Grandpa had created Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from a concrete deer, much like you saw in many yards back east.  Remember the black men holding the lantern that graced many homes, those type.  But he had turned the baby deer into Rudolph by attaching a red lite bulb from some old Christmas lights, and when turned on, you had Rudolph with his nose so bright.  A holiday tradition for all who passed by their from porch, and many kids came to believe reindeer could actually fly by this example-it made Rudolph come alive.  Which he had for many years to us...and so when my older son Christopher was born, we told him the story, and he wanted to see Rudolph, or Reindeer Nose as he called him.  And his first Christmas there at age 2 was to be exciting, except for one thing, Rudolph had gotten old and fallen apart, and had to be put away.  Only my Grandpa knew he wasn’t thrown away.  And it was sad when we asked Grandpa if Rudolph was fixed and he told us no, but held back the news from Christopher.  All the talk was of Reindeer Nose, and going to Great Grandpa’s house to see him.  Why burst his bubble?  But true to form, Grandpa and his workshop were at work, unbeknownst to us.  He had rebuilt Rudolph, filling in the cracks and recementing him so he could stand again.  His nose had long since vanished, but another set of tree lights gave his nose life.  It had taken months for him to repair Rudolph, all without saying a word.  And so as we went to their house that Christmas, Reindeer Nose was still the focal point, but still hadn’t told Christopher he wasn’t there anymore.  So as we got out of the car, and he ran to see his great grandparents, all he wanted was to see Rudolph-and to all our surprise, there was Rudolph-red nose and all, just like he had been for years passed.  As Christopher hugged him, Grandpa beamed at his first great grandson, he had put hours of work into Rudolph, and even though Rudy was a bit wobbly, it was Christmas and Reindeer Nose made it complete.  He later explained how this would be Rudy’s last Christmas, he was literally falling apart, and we explained the next year how Rudy went to visit other kids, and Christopher thought it a good idea.  But he had met Reindeer Nose, red nose and all lighting up the night, all because a loving Grandpa was in no way going to disappoint Christopher.  Oh to be that 2 year old again, or to spend another day Christmas with Grandpa, or another Friday night playing with the trains.  And so that is my early Christmas story for you...a better gift than any Black Friday deal, and made with the love that Jesus would have for the season.

But as my Grandpa was a quiet man, when I got saved, we talked once about baptism.  His simple statement told me more about his life in Christ, than many sermons could have.  “Something happens when you are under the water, you come out different than you went in.”  A simple statement that sermons could be preached on, but one sentence saying it all.  And maybe that is why Rudolph was so important to him that year, he was able to show the love for his family in a way no big presents could, and yes, we got lots of them too.  But it is the things made from the heart we remember, and even though Rudolph is just a children’s story, to these children that Christmas it showed the love of Jesus. And knowing I will see Grandpa in heaven again just adds to the  excitement of going.  So I will leave you with some good advice he once ended a letter to me with, when I had first moved to New Mexico.  His advice was a simple and loving as the man himself, “be good to yourself and others.”  Maybe the gospel in 5 easy words, love God and your neighbor, as he did. 

Somewhere out there among the crowds waiting to get a good deal, is the best deal ever-Jesus Christ.  No Christmas without him, no reason to give gifts, but using His example of the greatest gift, should cause us to tell others.  A gift from the heart, a promise made and fulfilled, just like my Grandpa and Rudy.  The best gift ever...a story worth telling over again and again.  The story of Jesus.  And the story of a loving man fixing something that was broken and should have been thrown away.  Maybe that Rudolph represented us before Christ, something broken and unfixable, but with a little love made whole again.  The gospel of Jesus Christ, and we were all Rudy.

“Olive the other Reindeer,” could be the rest of us, a play on words, all of the other reindeer.  They used to laugh and call Him names, but Rudolph saved the night and that Christmas for my son.  Let Jesus do the same for you.  And to all a good night...oh how the others loved Him.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the $20 solution or getting your 80 cents worth

We were about 10 years old when Barry and I were walking back from a morning spent in the EJ Korvettes toy department.  It was huge, but we knew every aisle, and had spent precious time making wish lists if we ever had money.  But with only 25 cents between us, and hungry, we decided to stop at Snuffy, Jr.’s and get some of their killer glazed donuts.  Called killer because it was rumored they had actually killed someone.  Now at 5 cents each, or 25 cents for a half dozen, we were prepared to spend all our money, when standing in line we noticed a 20 dollar bill on the ground.  We had never seen one before, but was pretty sure this was what they looked like, and quickly picked it up, but felt guilty because it wasn’t ours.  So we walked to the cashier and told her what we had found.  It turned out to belong to the woman ahead of us in line, who was so grateful she bought us a dozen donuts, and we left feeling pretty good-until we ate the dozen, and still had our 25 cents.  Which we quickly bought two Cokes out of the machine at the Esso station next door with, and still had a nickel left after all the excitement.  Our first real lesson in economics, and also in honesty.  We had heard that crime doesn’t pay, but learned that day that honesty does.  A lesson we would have repeated to us over the years.

The other day a strange thing happened to me when I checked out, the cashier actually counted out the change, and handed me the coins first so they wouldn’t slide out of my hand.  I was further in shock when I thanked her, and she said, “you’re welcome.”  And other memories were stirred of values, and money, courtesy, and doing the right thing.  Now my career at Sears taught me many things, and my first real lesson was on a hot Saturday afternoon.  Security was holding a man who had walked out of the store with a portable air conditioner without paying.  He claimed the salesman had told them they were truly portable, and if he could carry it out of the store, he would give it to him free.  So he did, and when the salesman was questioned confessed he had, and the store gave the man the AC unit-no charge, and apologized for the inconvenience.  We soon wanted to go and get our own.... a mistake I am sure they would never repeat.

Customer service was always manned by a junior manager, and a new one, Al was on call that night.  As we walked through on our 15 minute break that always lasted 45 minutes, a man and his son were explaining to Al how their toboggan was defective.  It took both father and son to hold all the pieces, as it had hit a tree, and they wanted their money back.  Al took one look at it, smiled and gave them their money back-we were shocked as trees now were a reason for defects, but again Sears stepped up, and the man left with his son, sure to return again...

The catalog department was all a buzz because a woman had tried to return 80 cents she was given too much in change.  She had told the cashier about it, and wanted to return it, to be honest, yet was refused.  Too much paperwork involved, they already had to account or the missing 80 cents, and didn’t want to account for being 80 cents over, so she was told to keep it and she did.  Only when I got home that night, did my mother wonder how Sears could make any money giving away 80 cents so carelessly, and then I knew my mother was the source of the story.  Another lesson learned in honesty, and values.  A lesson in the value of the dollar, even if it was only 80 cents.

So when I rode home from eating 99 cents fish tacos, and not sure if I had given the cashier a 20 or a 10, she had given me $10 change, I wrestled with it.  And the next Friday rode to Bird Rock again and ordering my usual three, told the same girl that I think they had given me too much change last Friday, and I wanted to return the $10.  To my surprise she took it, explaining how they had come up $10 short that night, and wondered if someone was stealing, and they were grateful I was so honest.  And I felt good having done the right thing, even though $10 to an unemployed man was a fortune.  I had learned a more valuable lesson, and done the right thing.  I could have used that money, but realized I didn’t want to sell my soul, my reputation, and couldn’t live with myself for keeping $10 I knew wasn’t mine.  Only $10 you say, who would notice that today?  I ‘m glad I did, and so were they, what price would you sell your soul for?

Zacheus was a tax collector in the times of Jesus.  Tax collectors were at best dishonest, and never would have given back, but would have certainly overcharged.  Until one day, when he was in a tree, as Jesus was approaching, was called to and told he was to have Jesus for dinner that night...by Jesus.  Now this really upset the crowd, “look this man eats with sinners.”  And Zacheus was certainly recognized as one.  But in response Zac replied I am a sinner, and will give back two times what I have taken from the poor, and to those I overcharged-4 times!  All over one invite to dinner, by Jesus. His heart had been changed by a simple confrontation, more of a conversation.  And Jesus tells the crowd “today salvation has come tot this man, for the Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.”  No altar call, no four spiritual laws, no Romans Road, no catechism.  Just Jesus.  And His appearance changed the man’s heart, giving him a whole new value system.  For if the love of money is the root of all evil, this man found salvation from sin in Jesus, something no amount of money could purchase.  He learned true value that afternoon, while stuck in a tree.  Even willing to repay.  He had heard about Jesus, and wanted to see what it was all about...and got more than he bargained for.  He had finally done the right thing...and his reward was salvation.

So many times I have been tempted, and tried to do the right thing.  But greed or the fact that no one is watching will further tempt.  Zac had a great view from up in the tree, he could see what was going on.  And we sometimes forget God can see all that is going on from above.  But as he met Jesus, his heart was changed, and he repented.  He was Barry and I at Snuffy’s, he was my mother taking back the change, and he was Al giving back money on a damaged tobaggan.  But in each case a decision was made of to do the right thing, even if it cost something.  And it cost Jesus everything...eventually being sold out for 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave.  What is your breaking point?  What amount tempts you so much you will deny Christ and do the wrong thing?  We were all once Zacheus looking for something, but like Zac found out that something was really a someone.  And He has changed our lives.  As the old saying goes dollar to donuts, can we say we will be found innocent on judgment day?  There is an audience waiting to testify against us, but only in Christ will we be found innocent-as there is no evidence available.  For two little kids it was donuts, an overheated man an air conditioner, and a father and son a sled.  To my mother it was 80 cents-only 80 cents?  What price is your salvation worth?  What do you hold valuable and hold onto?  Come down from your tree and meet Jesus today.  Let the change in you be counted to everyone who is looking, and those who are listening.  Today you will tested, tried in the court of public opinion...what truth will you stand on?  Is it worth fish tacos, donuts, or 80 cents to let your witness deny Jesus?  Or will you let your light shine?  What is valuable to you will rise up when tested.  Jim Elliot once said “he is no fool who gives away what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”  Zac found that out that day from a tree.  Where you learn it is up to you.  Right now is a great time...and I’ll bring the donuts.  And no, you can’t borrow my sled.  Call it getting your 80 cents worth.  What are you holding onto that you can’t afford to lose?  Come for dinner stay for life.  Fish tacos anyone?

love with compassion,

MIke

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

money can't buy happiness, but it can buy chocolate which is the same thing

Although money cannot buy happiness, it has been said that it can buy chocolate, which is the same thing, and that is just as good.  So maybe we really just need more chocolate and that would make our world a better place.  Anyone with me?  Good.  but then I wonder what happens when the chocolate runs out, does the happiness go with it?  You see for some it is chocolate, for some drugs and alcohol, and for some it is motorcycles.  Anything that can take us out of a present misery and deliver us from it-but sadly happiness is based upon emotions, and many times mine let me down, or only make things worse.  Ever said something you wished you hadn’t in the heat of an argument, winning the battle, but losing the war?  You are not alone, and if you haven’t, you will-so be warned.  It seems that although the Constitution promises us the pursuit of happiness, it doesn’t guarantee it-only the chase.  And for some the chase is the happiness, I know men who only love to build things, to initiate them, but never see them through to completion.  They thrive on in process, and the promise of another project, never fully enjoying to see the project complete.  Which leaves it open to others who thrive on completing or correcting other’s mistakes.....and the world continues to go round and round.  As I watched in meetings, there were some who had good ideas, but had no application experience.  And there were others who were taskmasters, give them a list and it would be done, never straying from it, thank you sir, can I have another?  And then there are those who had to manage all those involved and make it all come together-each with a special talent, each happy in their situation, but who would be miserable if called to switch positions.

When I was as service advisor, I then became a service manager, and hated it.  The title was nice, but I was out of place, and given responsibility, but little authority.  Been there, done that.  So I went back to service advisor and thrived, and enjoyed it, and was able to buy Theresa more chocolate than ever before.  And we were very happy, but the job took a toll, the more the pay, the more hours required, and the higher the stress level.  Cracks began to show that weren’t evident at first, and soon I was relieved to go to another job.  Same thing, but less stress, less money, but more happiness-aka more chocolate.  It seems we all have a certain area we prosper in, some find it early, some never do.  Some listen to God, some go out on their own.  Some see the promise, some still wonder what it is.  And so it has always been...just ask Abram and Sarai.  The Father of the Jewish people, a champion of faith.  Did he ever have enough chocolate?

We all know the story of how God told them they would have a son and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.  A promise from God, and they believed it. But when it didn’t happen, and Sarai advised him to help out God, by sleeping with Hagar, he did and had a son Ismael.  To some a promise complete, but in reality a curse, for the same God who gives you a promise, should be the only one to fulfill it-not you and your devices.  Yet we often run off with the promise, and try to fulfill it ourselves, and like Abe and Sara, suffer the consequences.  For God promised it would be in His line, and from Him, not without Him.  He didn’t ask for their help, and they got a curse instead.  And a home divided when Isaac couldn’t live with Ismael anymore, and Ismael was forced out, and the battle continues today.  Mostly because of Sarai’s impatience, and of Abe’s decision to go along with it.  If only they had waited, after all it was only about another 13 years, what would you have done?

Philippians tells us that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.  When Jesus came into your life, that good work began, even though it had been being prepared for years.  But many use it to better themselves, Jesus as the new way to grow  business, make more money, and buy more chocolate.  And often times it will work, for awhile, until the promise comes along like Isaac did.  And then we wish we had waited, but fortunately our God forgives-and we can have chocolate again.  Except this time it has a different flavor, it has a different consistency, and we look at the chocolate differently.  It isn’t our first desire anymore, but pleasing God is, and we find when we seek Him first, then all other things, including chocolate are added.  And the chocolate takes on a new flavor, it tastes fresh, and we are thankful for it, not lusting after it. When chocolate is our only desire, we cannot get enough, when God is our desire, we will always have an abundance.

Do not let you testimony be one of “if only I had waited.”  Abram had two sons, but had to choose one over another, one was promised, the other was a consequence of trying to do it himself.  We are all guilty of it, so let me ask you, just how much chocolate do you want?  Do you need?  It comes in more than Hershey bars, and until God delivers it, you never know how good it tastes in other things.  Life is also like that, until we let God guide us, we never know how much joy and happiness we can have, but we sure can find out all about the suffering.  So let go, and let God...as the saying goes.

Today He knows the path you need to be on, and also the one you will choose.  And no matter the choice, sticks with you. The chocolate never runs out.  It is everywhere, and when you have eaten your fill, He still promises more.  Overflowing mercies, happiness, and joy.  His presence-but only if you let Him.  And His promises extend far beyond chocolate-imagine what He can do for your family, finances, career, and motorcycle?  Imagine a chocolate vacation, and then trust God.  I have been to Hershey, Pa. many times, the place reeks of chocolate.  I have taken the tour, but until I taste the chocolate, the trip isn’t complete.  Complete the tour today, trust Jesus in whatever you need, wait and see, you’ll know when to move, and watch as chocolate turns to happiness, which turns to joy in ways you never imagined.  Just think, if Sara hadn’t advised Abe where we would all be today?  They were only a Hershey bar away-how close are you?  You will visit the land of Hershey many times, but only in Christ will you have sweet day.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

the poor will always be among us

The minute it rains here in So Cal, which is about how long the average rainfall lasts, the number of those that come out and declare how much they love rain is overwhelming.  Or really underwhelming, so I suggest “why don’t you move to Portland, it rains all the time?” Which usually is returned by a facial expression, which  after 24 hours of said love of precipitation, is turned to “when is the sun coming back?”  Which readily identifies them as a native of So Cal.  Same thing with the cooler fall weather, “I love the cold,” read as 55-60 degrees, so “why don’t you move to Alaska?”  Which by the time it hits the 70’s by noon, all vestiges of love of the cold are gone....welcome to the hard life of So Cal weather.

So riding in the mountains around Idyllwild yesterday, we had fall weather, mid 60’s, and it felt great, but the 82 in Banning felt better.  No threat of moving, causing me to be reminded of why I live here-great weather for year around riding. But having lived where it got up to –10 sometimes, and where the car would regularly freeze to the road, I have been in cold temps, an although I miss the mountains sometimes, have no  plans to move back...and as far as the rain, every year on Torches we would look for the perfect small town that doesn’t have winter, and found we already lived there, San Diego.  Where the weatherman should have the easiest job, just look out the window and say sunny and warm.  How could they screw that up, you ask?  Watch tonight and see, then you’ll get it.  But that doesn’t mean that you cannot be cold, even in San Diego, if you live on the streets.

Working with those who help the homeless, this time of year when you put on your flannel sheets, or an extra blanket, some still build fires this early, those on the street get cold.  And right now the biggest demand is for blankets, jackets, and shoes.  Things we take for granted, but that can make a person’s existence, their daily survival that much better.  Imagine not being tucked into your warm bed, but laying under some cardboard, cold, hard ground under you, and maybe a bag of trash as a pillow.  “I’m tough, I camp,” you say, but then add the danger of having your few belongings robbed by another, or hassled by the cops and all your possessions confiscated...different story.  And no smell of bacon and eggs on the campfire, the sun comes up and you try to find a place that give out free meals, or dig through the trash-again, or go begging.  One day the same as the next, the same as the one before...just trying to survive...and repeat every night, anyone willing to change places?

A few years ago we started working with the homeless, and find out many times they are just like us, except for a bad decision.  No family, friends, or job to rescue them, they are out on the street.  And many don’t wish to deal with them, although one gracious woman telling me after coming out of Anthony’s and telling about her great fish dinner, told me of her compassion for the homeless, “ I hugged him and told him ‘God bless you,” what a humanitarian.  But many refuse to get the fact that except for the grace of God, go I.  Safe in the thought that that could never happen to me....until it does.

Jesus made many profound statements, but one that takes no faith to believe is He said “the poor will always be among us.”  Taken on many levels, it can mean the broken hearted, desperate, the broke, or those who have nothing. And they are everywhere.  And are often greeted with crude words like “why don’t you get a job?”  Well why don’t you hire them?  Remember how hard it was for you, and you had an address, phone number, references, clean clothes, and a resume.  What do the homeless use for a return phone number?  Where do they shower and shave?  Hmmm, never thought of it like that.

So Jesus has created the church to help them, to feed them, clothe them, provide shelter, and guidance.  But many times are just overwhelmed, or unprepared, or even don’t want to help-“when they get cleaned up, then they can attend here.”  All in the name of Jesus.  And when they failed, the government moved in with various welfare programs, and today it is out of hand, food stamps are epidemic and misused.  I used to watch them get a $100 check and cash it early at the Safeway in Durango, before they had any other food stamps for change, getting cash.  Then go next store to the liquor store and buy booze.   But I have also seen a mother try to feed her family on that same $100, and come up short.  And I have been there, when one time we received a $20 gift, and went crazy at the grocery store buying potatoes and hot dogs, and having change back-God multiplied it.  So today I am asking you for two things-both based on compassion, and the love of Jesus.  Consider donating clothes and food to the ministries that provide these services.  We have a food bank at Maranatha, and all clothes go to Such as I Have where we give the clothes away free.  We need blankets, backpacks, socks, jackets, and sweaters, and shoes.  Every week, as they get used and thrown away...no laundramats for the homeless either.  Food is stuff that can be eaten without heating, snack type stuff.  And soft foods, as many have few or no teeth, it has to be gummed before it can be swallowed.  And ask your pastor, and if you don’t do these things yet, start a drive to do them.  Feed the poor, clothe them, and show them the love of Jesus in action.  They will listen to what you say, when they see how much you care. 

I hear it’s going to be cold tonight again, the 50’s, do you have your winter sheets on yet?  Fireplace ready to go?  Good, they are blessings from God, now go bless those as you have been blessed.  It is almost Thanksgiving, show how much you are thankful by how much you can give...and even more.  Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another, or to clothe, feed, and provide shelter for them.  In giving you will tell us more about Jesus in your life than you may want us to know.  So bring things, but more importantly bring yourself.  Spend some time reading to some homeless kids-they don’t get to go to school.  Provide transportation as needed, serve through the church.  But get out and do something-Jesus also tells the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.  You never know who your heavenly neighbor will be, how would you like to live next to you?  Give until it hurts, then give some more.  The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few..be a worker and reap great benefits from a Father in heaven who is watching.  Oh, and by the way-bikers can become homeless too.  Poverty knows no boundaries, what boundaries are holding you back?  Sleep well-if you can.
love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com