the great escape

When I used to date before I got married, over 36 years ago, I only had two rules.  One-never date a friend’s sister, which I broke with Joe’s sister Cathy, a long term relationship, and two-never date anyone you work with, which I broke in a short term relationship with Doris.  I met her at a company party, we both worked in the same facility, just at opposite ends in departments that would never cross.  She was the kind of pretty that women hated, and men were afraid of, yet we talked, and after a few minutes I asked her out, and I got her number.  Calling her after the three day cool off rule, we went to dinner, and I found out I was on the date from hell.  From the time I picked her up, to the time the meal ended, she never shut up.  One long, unabbreviated sentence, with a magic touch of combining various unrelated subjects.  I’m sure I must have tired to say something, but it fell on deaf ears.  And it went on, and on, and on, and soon I had had it.  No pretty face or great body was worth the pain, so after hurriedly eating my steak, I got up and excused myself.  “I’ll be right back, wait here.”  I think she heard me.  And off to the men’s room I went.  Looking for an escape route.  Without thinking I paid the bill, where she couldn’t see me, and then off to the men’s room.  I really had to go, in more ways than one.  What was I going to do, I had no way out, and then I saw the window, the open window in the men’s room, and I had found the way out.  Without hesitation, I barely made it through the window, ran to my car, and soon was heading home, she still in full sentence.  I had accomplished the great escape.  I was Steve McQueen in the tunnel, and I was him later jumping the fence on my Triumph.  I had escaped....silence never sounded so good.  And Monday morning at work no one asked how our date was, and I never heard from her.  As if it had never happened....and I never went back to see.

When I tell people Theresa and I never dated they look at me amazed.  With over 800 miles between us it would have been difficult.  But on our first night out, I took her to the Louisiann, a steakhouse in Albuquerque, where I knew the owner, who always fussed over my dates.   We had talked all day, and I had told her about the night of the living dead sentence, and we both laughed.  It may have sounded like an urban legend, but it was true.  But when I had to go after the meal, I said, “wait here, I’ll be right back.”  But she told me “no way are you leaving me here alone in a strange town.  You can hold it until  we get home.”  Was Doris’ sentence still going on?  would it never come to an end?  So I held it, I had to, and although only a few miles away, I also proved the theory that the traffic lights can conspire to keep you from your appointed destination by all turning red on you.  And yes seconds can magically turn to minutes, and minutes to hours in such cases.  It took forever, and a few more minutes, and I barely made it.  But I did somehow, and 36 years later we still joke about it.  And I keep coming back today.

Jesus had told His disciples to “wait, I’ll be right back,” but they didn’t get it.  And when He was crucified forgot what He had said.  The empty tomb only scared them more, and we find them hiding and scared in the upper room that night, all except Thomas, who was probably still out looking for Him.  What had happened to His promise?  It seemed they were in great danger, as the body was missing, and they were suspects.  When in comes Jesus, right through the locked doors and windows, without opening them.  Right through the wall.  The three days He was gone must have seemed like an eternity, but His message was one of eternity.  He had returned as He said He would, and empowered them to take His life saving message to a dying world.  And He appears to over 500 people in the next 40 days.  A message of salvation, backed up in scripture, a message that someday He will be calling for His church, and coming to take us home with Him.  And unlike before where He told them the time frame, this time He doesn’t even know when, but He spells out the times and the season in the Bible.  We are told to be ready, for He will return like a thief in the night.  If we had been ready, the thief would not have robbed us, and Satan still comes to rob and destroy.  We are told the parable of the Ten Virgins, to keep our lamps full and our wicks trimmed, for any day now could be the day.  And soon is always sooner than we think.  And for those who are left behind, there is no window to climb through, as Jesus was and is the escape route.  He saves us from the date from hell, the date with hell, and when we are saved never will know hell, but go to heaven.  But we must wait patiently, even more patient than my ride home after dinner with Theresa.  Someday we will go, but until that day we must hold fast to Jesus, knowing that relief from this world awaits us.  And so we wait anxiously, taking the same message of salvation that saved us to a dying world.  A world looking for hope, but not listening, as it has turned life into one long, run on sentence that until you meet Jesus makes no sense.  Keeping in mind that Jesus told us “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  If only Theresa had that much faith in me that night.

And so we await the return of Jesus, called the rapture.  Every day we are one day closer than we were before.  And after 36 years of marriage, we are closer than ever.  But she still reminds me when I have to go, that she rode her own bike, and can find her own way home.  Thankfully God has given us His love and we have never left or forsaken each other.  Just a trip to the men’s room changed my life, you never know when God will change yours.  Doris gave me a sentence of death, Jesus a sentence of life.  You choose,  now you’ll have to excuse me, I’ll be right back.  Gotta go....time for breakfast with my wife.  After 36 years some things are still worth waiting for.  “Do you want to take two bikes or one?”  But first I need to make a pit stop, to water a lemon tree.  And after all these years we have a bathroom with no windows, so I know she feels safe.  I’ll be right back.  Soon and very soon, so will Jesus.  Check please.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

coin operated tracts

The stuff that dreams are made of, coming across tons of free money, and all yours for the taking.  Well, maybe a dream of yours, but a nightmare when I came upon it.  I was leaving Cortez for Durango after finishing my Coca Cola route, when I came upon a literal sea of change.  An armored car truck had its rear door open, I was later to find by accident, and tons of coins had fallen out the back, literally inches deep in a 25’ radius.  Traffic was jammed at this intersection, and all four lanes were stopped.  As I pulled up, it had just happened, and I wasn’t sure what I had seen, or what I was seeing, I turned my bottle truck to block both lanes in one direction, and attempt to keep people away.  No police had arrived yet, and the armed guards were trying to get some semblance of order to the scene.  I was literally standing ankle deep in quarters at one time, trying to help, but not sure what to do.  From a repair shop across the street, a man brought some buckets, brooms, and shovels, and we began to sweep up and shovel the coins into the buckets, under the watchful eye of the guards.  Some others had stopped to help, and by the time the police showed up the scene was contained, traffic backed up for a mile, each way, and about a dozen of us were shoveling coins.  I am not sure how heavy a shovel full of quarters is, but my back hurt after 20 minutes, and after unloading my truck on my route all day.  And as the sun was setting, it looked like it was going to be awhile before the road was cleared.  I didn’t see anyone putting coins in their pockets, but the opportunity certainly presented itself.  I have heard and seen people hitting the slot, but this was way beyond imagination.  Funny, I never heard or saw anything about it in the news, I wonder if for days after stragglers would go by looking for coins not picked up in the mess.  I also wonder what tale the driver and his partner would tell their boss, and how it would look on their next resume.  Famous or infamous, this is one that they rather not have been involved in.  For me, I got a thanks, from the police for blocking traffic and helping to contain the scene.  I had filled many buckets, if only one was given for my effort, I would have been rolling in coins, and rolling coins all night.  And to this day when I hear of hope and change, I remember the change of that afternoon...

Now to some I told, they chastised me, I should have grabbed some, there were going to be some missing anyway, what would be a few dollars worth more.  But that day I was surrounded with the greatest tract disbursal I had even seen, for each coin had printed on it “in God we trust.”  Tens of thousands of reminders that we should trust God.  Each one a temptation, or a message about not taking what isn’t yours, and trusting God.  An event where for a few dollars I could have given in to temptation, who would have blamed me, and I would have sold out for change.  Yet at the time it never occurred to me to do that, or that the message from God was ankle deep before me.  A few dollars, yet many have sold out for less.  Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave.  I would have been a slave to my conscience if I had taken even one.  I even know of some who would have thought it was an answer to prayer for money from God, I was even reminded of Jesus pulling a fish from the sea, and taking a coin from its mouth.  Forgetting that Jesus told them to give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and the things of God to God.  I was a representative of God that day, and had done the right thing.  I was an effective witness of trial by fire, and being ankle deep in some expensive wood, hay, and stubble, chose the honorable thing.  I chose Jesus.  And like the Pharisees did with Jesus, I left in marvel at the event, and how Ihad handled it.  Only by the grace of God, did I not fall into temptation.

Scripture has much to say about temptation, from leading us not into temptation, to reminding us that all men have been tempted equally.  To temptation of the love of money is the root of all evil.  But Jesus also tells us that when we rise above the temptation, we find ourselves approved.  OKed by God.  And a crown awaits him in heaven.  A few coins now, or a crown later?  Yet many fall into temptation over the love of money.  Or it can be a blessing, just ask the brothers of Joseph, who filled their sacks with the coins they had brought to buy food in the famine.  the same brother they had kidnapped, sold into slavery, and told their father was dead.  That Joseph.  Another test, for he had survived Potipher’s wife, and his honor had brought him power.  No amount of money could buy the integrity back for the brothers that they had lost.  Suddenly the money was useless, and a burden they had to carry back.  Forgiveness had overshadowed any value the money may have had.  And even Jesus showed the value of money when He told the apostles not to take any money with them, and He would provide.  If only values could be used to pay bills, many of us would be rich men today.  But it still takes money to exchange for goods and services.

Today Jesus offers each one of us a blank check, fill in the amount, it won’t bounce.  But spend it wisely, as only when cashed in His name, and in His will will it not bounce.  The gift of salvation is free, it cannot be bought although many have tried.  Today a multitude of riches are laying at your feet, what you do with them will show your values.  A parable once told of three coins given to three men for investment, and what each reaped.  If you seek only riches, you will never have enough.  I wonder if I could have stopped at one pail, at two pails.  I am glad I rendered unto God that day the things of God, honesty, integrity, and overcoming temptation.  What each man did that day is between them and God.  I can stand here clear of conscience today because I saw the value of money in a new light.  I saw “in God we trust” like I had never seen it before.  Today we are offered hope and change by a faulty government.  They can keep the change, but they cannot give me hope.  Only in Jesus will I ever find that.  Render the things of God to God, your heart and soul, and the things of earth to others. The things not seen are eternal, those seen are temporal.  Anybody got change for a quarter?  I have seen change and been changed.  And I never will be coin operated ever again. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Proverbs 31-Matthew 25

Over the years I have been impressed by women who ride with their husbands.  And even more impressed by those who enjoy all aspects of motorcycling with him.  When Theresa needed a clutch cable for her Bonneville on Saturday, off to NCY I went.  Two women were ahead of me, usually not a good sign, having worked parts when asked year and model and told blue, you know you are in trouble.  But the couple, when she saw that the car was too small for the big order, told her husband, “I’ll go get the truck.”  I like that-teamwork.  She rides, maybe her own, and I was impressed.  The other young girl was riding solo, and after placing many items on the counter, gave Grinny a list, and when he filled it, called her husband and asked if he needed anything else.  She rides, and I again was impressed.  At the LA Hot Rod Show on Sunday, I again watched as couples were buying parts, asking questions, and enjoying the day together.  Some yuppie wife would think how weird, but she would be missing out on time well spent with her husband.  And maybe that was why so many men were alone-a break from wives who place the mall and themselves above their marriage.  When asked they would deny it, but we know the signs, and the symptoms.  Those who ride together stay together, and share time and stories together.  The rest.....

Years ago when Theresa started watching antique shows, and wanting to visit antique stores, I decided to go with her.  To support her, and found it interesting.  And I am often the only man in the store among women traveling alone, the husband either at home, or waiting impatiently on a bench out front.  I have more respect for the women who go along, and also the men, we are enjoying the time spent with our wives, and it shows in other things in our marriage.  And it can be fun too, as one yuppie woman was eyeing me in my leather one day in this upscale store, and when she was looking at a rooster lamp up high, I asked her if she needed help.  She said yes, and so I put my hands together, and offered her a boost up.  I thought it was funny, so did the other women who got it, she just stormed away.  I was only trying to help....

And so it is a good thing for men and women to do things together.  To ride, shop, travel, and even go to church together.  It brings them closer together, builds strength in a marriage, and they can even have fun.  We do.  Now I am not in any way belittling a Proverbs 31 wife, they truly are a prize.  I know many, sadly I know few whose husband is on the same wavelength.  They suffer never meeting their potential because the husband is not the head of the family spiritually.  And when she tries, she does well, but never sees the fullness of a husband leading her, and encouraging her.  I have come to meet many lately, and it saddens me, because if not spiritually connected, all the other things fail too.  And as I read the list of the Proverbs 31 wife, I am impressed, and also blessed that I married one.  And I am glad to say that I always encourage her in the Lord.  When there are times she needs a Bible study, I insist upon it.  Go on the retreat, spend time with God.  Sometimes selfishly, for when she is walking close to the Lord, our marriage is better, and I am blessed.  Husbands are you listening?  Wives, are these times with your husband a pleasure or a pain?  Is a Bible study just a night out with the girls, or are you serious about your relationship with God?  And your marriage?  We know the symptoms even before the excuses come from either mouth.

Now while you may have a Proverbs 31 wife, how many have a Matthew 25 wife?  A what, I never heard that.  Now you have.  While Proverbs spells things out individually, Matthew shows us how ministering can be done together.  How when it takes two, none better than husband and wife working together as a team.  When Jesus tells the church gathered to “be gone, I never knew you,” how many think they know Jesus, but don’t.  When you are late from helping a homeless man, did she keep supper warm, or throw it at you when you arrived?  When you bring home someone for the night who needs a bath and a bed, does she feed him first?  Does your wife welcome strangers, both at home and when out?  Does she give up her free time to visit those in prison and in the hospital?  Does she pass out water, bake cookies, and do it with a smile to those she doesn’t know?  And maybe even be afraid of?  And does she do it in love?  If she does, you have a Matthew 25 wife, all the qualities of Proverbs 31, but with heavy on the Jesus.  She is more than a list of who you want to marry, she is the perfect partner for you in all things.  She rides, she takes pictures, and she tells others about her trips with her husband.  She bakes, stays up late, and is patient when church is over, there are those who want to talk to her, who need advice.  She is up early, up late, and has a special pile of towels just for the garage.  She serves others with a smile, and does it all for Jesus, not wanting recognition.  And shows pity for those who do, how sad to be congratulated for doing the right thing.  She does it without reservation.  Men if you have wife like this, guard her and honor her.  For I don’t see any Proverbs 31 husbands, but do see Matthew 25 husbands and wives.  I see them not only in church, but at car shows, Walmart, antique stores, and out riding together.  They enjoy each others company, and stay strong in the Lord, for they know where their strength lays.

God has blessed me with Theresa.  Everything I ever need or asked for in a wife and more.  Men, don’t limit God or your wives.  Encourage them in the Lord, and enjoy time spent with them.  When you treat her like the lady you want, she will become the woman you need.  Now I am not sure about the two women buying parts, but they were shown respect because they were respectable.  Not complaining about having to buy parts, but both having husbands to ride with.  What do you and your wife have in common?  If Jesus, you have a great start, but learn her likes, and participate.  Invite her along for a ride, and show some courtesy.  A scared riding partner is never fun.  Have a bike that is comfortable for her, would you put your fat but on a skinny seat of metal with a vinyl cover?  Yet many do without complaining.  Show her some respect, and you might find the perfect riding partner was across from you at the table the whole time.  And if it works with motorcycles, imagine what else it can happen with.  Be the Matthew 25 man, and soon she will become the Matthew 25 woman.  And for those who keep score, at our house it is Proverbs 31-Matthew 25.  A win-win situation every time.  Remember that next time you need parts...or show up late with friends.  Or need cookies, or just a hug.  Ministry begins at home, your wife and family your first concern.  If you can’t do it there, why would you think you can do it anywhere else?  And if she thinks helmet hair is a badge of honor, and she has a ride her own, marry her.  Man up...a desirable wife may be only one trip to the antique store away.  Or at the parts counter.  And trust me, Matthew 25 wins out every time.  In love, as in horseshoes, close just ain’t good enough.  Men love your wives...now about the seat on your cruiser....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Weston was my friend

Weston was one of the richest and powerful people in La Jolla.  Besides owning many properties, he was active in the collector car hobby, and it was not unusual for his cars to be judged as winners at such events such as Pebble Beach and other top venues.  I met this self described “crazy Chinaman” when he was older, he was a customer of mine at Land Rover.  When we first met, he saw my Christian colors, and asked “are you going to bother me too about all this Jesus stuff?”  It turns out he knew a guy I went to church with, whose idea of spreading the gospel was annoying people, and arguing with them.  When asked if I believed what this person had browbeat him with, I told him I wasn’t sure what he believed, due to his arguing with everyone, but that I would be happy to answer any questions he had.  And he had many, and I did my best to answer him, and we became friends.  Such good friends that on his frequent trips to Hawaii, he and his wife, he always called her Mama, they always brought me gifts.  We would talk cars, Jesus, and many times he would invent a false problem, just to come in and visit, as if Land Rovers didn’t have enough real problems of their own.  This went on over a period of about two years, and then I lost my job.  Before I did, I heard Weston had throat cancer, and was very sick, Mama would call on his behalf.  And then I got the news from our mutual acquaintance, Weston was dying, and had cut off all contact with people.  Even the guys who did his Mercedes Benz restorations would receive no answer, so when I asked for his number to call him, I was told don’t waste your time, he won’t talk to you.  But after persistence, I was given the number, being told “maybe you can get him to come to Christ.”  I was calling a sick friend, who just happened to need Jesus, this wasn’t about me or my evangelism.

I was surprised when his son Russell answered the phone, and when I identified myself, he told me his Dad talked about me.  Would I like to talk to him?  You bet.  Russell told me he was resting, and he would call me back.  I thanked him, and told him we were praying for his family, and he thanked me.  Then some 20 minutes later the phone rang, it was my friend, the “crazy Chinaman,” and he was glad I called.  He heard I had lost my job, and in between telling Mama to get on the other line, he gasped, barely able to speak, but excited to talk to me.  When he was sure she was on, he got excited, “it’s Mike, see what car dealers are for sale, and buy him one so he can run it.  Call the guy back at Lexus Mission Viejo and tell him I will buy it for Mike.”  All the time I’m asking “how are you, I called to see how you and Mama are doing.”  He assured me he was dying, but wanted to help his friend, me.  I had gotten a raw deal and he wanted to make it right.  He finally talked himself hoarse, and hung up, the last time I talked to him.  Mama told me, she stayed on the line, and said he was very sick, very weak, and not expected to live much longer. But I had made his day by calling him.  I assured her we were still praying for him, and his family, and she told me she would give him a hug for me.  He hated when I did that, his smile would often tell me different.

I never heard from Mama again, but Russell called.  His Dad had died, and he wanted to thank me for being his friend.  The service was simple, and over, I told him to hug Mama for me,and gave him my love.  The last time we ever talked.  But I did get another phone call from our zealous friend, telling me Weston had died.  When I told him that I had talked to him, that he had called me, and Russell had called to tell me about his Dad’s death, he was amazed.  You got through to Weston?  He still didn’t get it when I told him it was because we were friends.  But left me feeling guilty, he accused me of not confronting Weston with the gospel and demanding an answer.  I was told I was his last chance, and I blew it.  And I felt horrible, what if I had, what if Weston went to hell because of me?  Such things pop into your mind when confronted with evil, evil from within the body.  But the truth is and was, we don’t send anyone to hell.  Nor does God, He sent Jesus to rescue us, and it is our decision.   I can only hope Weston made the right choice.

This bothered me, and I wasn’t sure if my pride was damaged, did I do the wrong thing not forcing Jesus on Weston, or had I done the right thing being his friend?  So I prayed, and waited for God to answer, if I was wrong I never wanted to be wrong again.  But while sitting on my Bonneville at the light on Centre City Parkway, while waiting for it to turn green, God talked to me.  He assured me that I had shared the gospel with Weston.  I had shown him in action what others failed to in words only.  That my words meant something to Weston because he knew I cared about him, and didn’t just want to win an argument.  That day the spirit assured me that I did the right thing in showing love.  That the gospel I showed was true, not of myself or any denomination.  And that Weston, like all others make their own decisions about Jesus. 

And so I was comforted by the only one who could comfort me.  I hold no malice towards those who preach and argue with the unsaved without showing love, it seems I follow them and have to explain many things they have hurt others with.  But maybe it really gives me a chance for God’s light to shine forth brighter, to see love in action, to see wrongs righted, and lives changed by Jesus Christ.  It is still popular for many to wear or ask “what would Jesus do?”  To them I say, “you have to ask?”  Do you really know Him?  If you do show His love.  Be compassionate, comforting, and answer the questions they ask.  They seek, will you help or hinder?  I showed Weston love, but also in truth.  My words meant something because I loved him, because I love Jesus.  If you are a Weston, Jesus loves you, and died for you.  The truth will set you free, free also from those who only proselytize.  And to those who only wish to win an argument, or prove a point, don’t waste your time telling me what a great Christian you are, show me.”  I tell people Jesus is my friend, can you?  Make His day by calling on Him today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

great pick up lines

Over the years there have been some great pick up lines.  Everyone recognizes the 48-54 Chevies, highly collectible today.  Ford with its first F1 in 1948, then the 53-56’s came along, nose heavy and cool, and customizers started customizing trucks.  Jeep brought us the 4 wheel drive Willys, styled after the Jeep, and even International showed a work truck could have lasting looks.  It is hard to overlook any Dodge Power Wagon, great name for a great work truck, 4 wheel drive and they could do it all.  Even their Job Rated series looked good then and now, and all the trucks we remember as kids at construction sights, delivering goods, and working on the farm are now highly collectible, and valuable.  I have always favored the 1960 Chevy with its heavy eyebrows, so ugly it was beautiful.  But then pick ups became more car like, even Ford with its Ranchero, and Chevy’s El Camino, both built on car chassis showed the styling was more important than the function to a growing suburban class.  They wanted good looks, but with more comfort than the ride offered the farmer.  And for the next 30 years became mainstream, as the F150 now is the best selling model of any vehicle sold in the US of A, and has been for many years.  Some 20 years ago Dodge brought us the big truck look, a Peterbuilt styled front end that has become their trademark.  Ford in 1997 brought us car like styling to the front end of its F150, setting the truck world on its styling butt.  So we have been blessed with many iconic trucks, from 1948-1997, highly desired and highly collectible today.  Who would have ever thought a truck built for work, would bring 30 times its purchase price 50 years later?  Worn out and abused, only to be resurrected again.  And be customized, lowered, hot rodded, and lifted-all in the same time frame?  Farmers driving pick ups, wearing blue jeans-maybe they were cool way before their time.

But not all great pick up lines are trucks, many are verbal.  And they vary from cool, to scared, to rude, from wishful to demanding, and all demanding an answer.  But not everyone is as suave as Bond, as cool as Bogie, or as taken for granted as Cary, but we all have used various pick up lines to meet girls. Some offered rides in their convertibles, some on their motorcycles, some would carry her books, and some would just ask to dance.  All classic lines, variations on a theme, but without that special magic they are just words.  It takes the contact between the two, to make it personal, to make a great pick up line work.  And while many escape success by not trying, others still are looking for that opening line that gets them the first dance or date.  Such classics as “Wannadance,” all one word, or “needaride,” again one word have worked for years.  “Whatchadoin?” demands an answer, but nothing works better than a compliment.  “Gee you look good Betty,”  but “those jeans sure make you look big on my bike,” are better left at home, where you would be if tried.  And then there was always the funny guy, who told her she was his “melancholy baby,” because she had a head like a melon, and a face like a collie.”  Classic, but even Lassie rode in the back of, you guessed it, a pick up.  So although there are some great pick up lines, it still takes two to make them work.  But when she says yes....then what do you talk about?

For all of us who are saved, someone used a line on us, maybe not a great  pick up line, but one to introduce us to Jesus Christ.  Maybe it was a friend inviting you to church.  Or to a Christian concert.  Maybe another Christian saw you down and out, and offered to listen, showing the love of Christ.  Some are faced with what happens after death, while others are just seeking, and looking for love.  Whatever the great pick up line that brought you to Christ was, all of them have one thing in common.  The Holy Spirit.  For you cannot be talked into salvation, although many try, more zealous than spirit driven.  For some it takes years, some just get it, and some don’t, won’t and just refuse the invitation.  No matter how great the pick up line, they refuse.  They deny the spirit.  How important is the spirit?  We are told that all sins are forgiven, except that of blaspheming the holy spirit-in a word, telling Him “NO.”  Reject the offer, you are still lost, accept the offer, repent, and you are saved.  Now slick talking preacher, no telethon, no telecast, or tele-anything can save you-only Jesus.  And the spirit points you to Him, and He points you to His Father, God in heaven.  The only way, so as not to be confused by some clever ads, or some guys bringing papers to your door.  Don’t be misled because they have Jesus Christ in their name-many will come in His name, but are liars, and counterfeiters.  You want the real thing-no greater pick up line than from the holy spirit.  He never goes out of style.

And unique to each Christian is that line that brought us to Jesus.  We share it through our testimony, and use it to bring others to Christ.  Evangelists, and ambassadors al at once.  Powered by the holy spirit, we watch as He changes lives through us, using us to spread the gospel.  Where actions and attitudes speak more than words, which we use only when needed.  So here is the invite to those not saved, to those not sure, or confused.  Jesus says, “tired, I will give you rest.  Seeking, you will find.  Thirsty, I offer water so that you will never thirst again.  Scared, I offer peace.  Lonely, I stand closer than a friend.  In trouble, I will defend you.  And “lost, I am the way...follow me.”  Sound like something you want, or need, that something is really a someone-Jesus.  It’s that simple, and I love the gospel because it is simple, like me, so I can get it.  And if I can, what’s your excuse?

Great pick up lines will come and go, styles change.  Jesus doesn’t.  Buy into a classic today, and never look back.  Grace never goes out of style.  What you drive may tell us much about you, but where you are going is more important.  Worn out and abused?  Wanna ride?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com