working both sides of the counter

When I was in outside sales, I waited at many a parts counter to see the manager.  And wasted many hours looking back being fed with lame excuses.  It seemed I was a stranger, and if I wasn’t there to buy something, I was only in the way.  Many a time I never got to see the decision maker, but did build relationships with the guys working behind the counter.  And in the all too rare occasion I did get to see the manager, I was looked upon as a stranger.  Which I was, as I was on their turf, I was the away team, and an adversary.  But over time I did pick up some customers, and eventually was allowed behind the counter.  I was welcomed among the new friends and business acquaintances I had made, and soon felt like one of them.  I was part of the team, providing goods and services, and soon I could watch and see the competition trying to get where I was.  Which encouraged me to work harder to stay where I was, the wolves were always at the door.  “Cheaper, better, fairer, and of course I wasn’t in their best interest” they were told, but I was in, I was a part of the team, and I could enjoy certain privileges because of it.  And the view changed, as did my attitude, no longer was I welcomed as a stranger, I was family.  A big difference.  A child, but a red headed step child at best.  Until I went to work for one dealership one day.

It is one thing to be invited as a guest to the party, it is another to be family.  And just wearing the uniform gave me certain privileges.  I now could make decisions, even on a limited basis, and had the dealership’s authority behind me.  I was family, not adopted, but grafted in.  I now engaged men and women who once dealt with me across the counter, now I was behind it with them, part of the team.  Our relationship changed, and I was no longer a threat, but if was threatened had them all behind me.  And when I was out of the store, the uniform shirt would identify anyone who saw me who I was aligned with, who I worked with.  I had their power and reputation behind me, I was one of them.  No longer a stranger, but now accepted and protected.  I was one of them.

Romans tells us how we are grafted in, and scripture goes on to say we were  once strangers to Christ, but now we are family.  We are part of the vine, and we need to abide in it if we want to grow.  It is in the vine where we find the family, the love, the protection, and acceptance from Jesus.  But we often don’t feel like family, many times we feel like servants, who can come in, but through the back door.  The employees entrance, with certain clearance instructions.  We are told that our body is the temple of God where the spirit resides in us, but we still feel like a stranger.  We take an attitude  like Moses did, where he was only a servant of God.  He had all the power of God at his fingertips, yet was only a servant, he didn’t take the attitude he was family.  He had the law, and as long as he lived right, he was OK.  Funny how you only are reminded of the law when you break one.  His body was a temple just like ours that the spirit dwelt in, yet he was restricted from crossing over into the promised land.  He was always busy, doing things, fixing things, repairing things, and planning things.  He was always anticipating things to come, and had to be ready.  He never got to rest, much like the priests, who were never allowed to be found sitting, as their work was never done.  Quite a contrast to Jesus and grace.  As the son he had power and authority.  He was to be honored, obeyed, and listened to.  As where Moses had charge over his house, Jesus was given and has charge over many houses.  When he dwells in us, we are his, our body being the temple, not a building made by man, but man made in God’s own image.  And with a spirit to choose who to let in our own house.  And when Jesus is our choice, we too have all the power and authority he has.  We are family, we now have access to all God has, and all he possesses.  We are property, better yet family, and we are the responsibility of Jesus.  He has been given charge over us, the house was made for him, and we are now living in it.  When we belong to the son, we have all the things of the son, but when we are only a hired hand, an employee, a servant, we only have certain accesses.  In Jesus we have it all.  And all because Jesus s faithful over all things his father has provided him.  We are his, what a beautiful thing to know.

But as we change jobs, our access level changes, not so with Jesus.  Once the name is in the book of life, it is in.  Forgiveness works forever, and although we will sin, we are forgiven.  Our hearts crying out when we do, not to be forgiven again, but to acknowledge that forgiveness.  To never let go of that claim, to wanting to please God, and be a product of his redemption.  Only in Jesus is this possible.  Nothing in the law saves, it only condemns.  God’s purpose through Jesus is to come into your life, to inhabit the temple you are, and to be reunited with him forever.  One tough assignment if you are only religious, but simple in Jesus.  And free, as no price could be paid except his life.  It takes life to replace death, and his death gave us life.  And since he was resurrected, we will be too someday.  Jesus works both sides of the counter, but wants you to be part of the deal.  You are welcomed, and he wishes you to know that, to get  your inheritance today.  We are no longer a  number on a card, but a full fledged member of heaven.  Dues paid, lifetime membership, accepted in full, just as we are.  But look out, we are about to change, and the change is incredible.

You may be on the outside looking in, wishing to gain access behind the counter.  The door is open, it is your choice to come in.  Check all your sin at the gate, be welcomes in, and abide in the vine.  Rather than hearing it through the grapevine, be part of the vine, be fed and nourished in Christ.  Quit looking through the window, and see what is going on.  No longer servants but friends, family.  Some still think the church is a building, we are the church.  The spirit live in us.  Moses served in God’s house, Jesus serves us over all our houses.  The master has given us dominion....he is over the house, and until he returns has given us authority.  We may still be called to serve, but now have all the blessings of the master behind us.  Which side of the counter you are on is your choice.  As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.  As family.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

leave a clean campsite

I used to always emphasize to my techs to autograph their work with excellence.  That whoever is the next person to lift the hood after they worked there, would be impressed about the work.  This would be the only chance, their legacy sort of speak to whoever had to work on it again.  And you would be surprised the things we found from the previous tech who worked on it.  Gloves, tools, sometimes covers not replaced or fasteners properly tightened. Sometimes missing altogether!  Yet this was what was considered acceptable by lesser stores, but never by me.  We wanted to go the extra mile, and give the customer a reason to return.  Sadly many times we would do all that, only to have a lot attendant lose the keys, leave dirty fingerprints on the dash, or leave the radio volume up, and not on the same station the elderly customer had it set to.  The final verdict being no matter how well or how reasonably priced the repair was, that was their lasting impression.  And based on CSI scores, which we all got paid on, the lowest man on the totem pole could either make or break you.  And in other businesses it works as well.  Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s built his business based on a simple philosophy, “the two most important bites of the hamburger are the first and the last.”  He wanted you to want another one of his burgers, how simple is that?

For years I told my sons “give me a reason to say yes.”  Because and everyone else is going is not a good argument.  Give me a reason.  And often times they did, and learned to play the game to win.  I also taught them to put themselves in the best position to make a decision.  Let it be your call, rather than being told.  Again good advice, when taken and applied.  And of course, never make a decision based on emotion, especially a high or low one.  No need to go into how I know.  And in most cases, listen then respond, the old measure twice, cut once rule.  Yet too many hurry, cut once, then try to hide or bury their mistakes.  And only end up making it worse....again, no references upon request.

Almost 50 years ago between terrorizing campsites, and finding the hardest way to not make Tenderfoot in Boy Scouts, we camped a lot.  Which is what Scouts do.  Today I rather go the Camp Marriot, or Camp Comfort Suites route, but back in my younger and less responsible days we camped.  Many times barely escaping sleep by the time the sun came up, and eating, laughing, and farting all night.  Still sounds like fun.  But one thing we were told, was to leave a clean campsite for the next camper.  Impress them about your skills, and maybe even show courtesy, be a good neighbor.  Which often meant obeying rules, and missing Sunday church services to do it.  But on particular trip, it was only BH and me, and we went out of our way once we were done.  Our spot was spotless, with one exception.  We left a courtesy pile of firewood, and drew praise from our surprised scout masters.  A simple expression of good scouting, but no merit badge involved.  But it was of merit, as it exemplifies the golden rule.  Do unto others as you would have them do to you.  Important-not as they have done to you.  And over the years, I was able to apply this simple God inspired lesson to my life both personal and professional.  Autograph your work with excellence.

Just like Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, who once was quoted after running out a grounder to short in a meaningless game, he explained “what if this was the only time the fans had seen him play.”  He autographed his work with excellence.  Leaving a clean campground behind for others to emulate.  A far cry from the overpaid entertainment industry sports has become.  I wouldn’t have minded camping out with Joe.  Or having him fix my car.  Yet too many leave it for the next guy to be their problem.  Never a good thing to do.  And often times Christians are like this.  They are so consumed with going out witnessing, that they fail in their daily witness.  Repeating only what we know or have heard as truth.  Hebrews 2 tells us “to pay the most careful attention to what we have heard, so we don’t drift away.”  Yet so many only have heard, or hear what they want.  I have friends who know Bible tracts inside and out, can quote the Four Spiritual Laws, and the Roman Road.  Yet when asked simple questions about their beliefs, cannot answer.  And end up arguing instead.  They prefer quickie sound byte Christianity as opposed to fulltime and in depth.  It is about them, then Jesus, and often believe anything they are told.  And sadly pass it on to others.  And then get upset when told to test the spirits as 1 John 4 tells us.  And tend to fall back on the laws of Moses, which were given by angels.  Rather than the grace and mercy given directly from Jesus Christ.  I don’t get it, angels who were created by God to serve, as opposed to Jesus who came to save? 

One true aspect of an apostle was they all saw Jesus.  They saw, heard, and could repeat what they learned directly form him.  Not via rumor or innuendo, no Facebook or Twitter gospel here, just one of truth.  They were eyewitnesses, how compelling is that?  And the gospel is the same for both saved and unsaved-for all to come to repentance!  Yet the legalists will study to find themselves approved, rather than trust the spirit.  True we are to be students of the word, we study to be approved, to confirm, not to be saved.  Jesus does that just fine, and without our help.  Many times despite our help.  He asks us to trust, not to depend on signs and wonders, but trust him.  Make it personal, know his voice.  Be a witness, and leave a clean campground for the next one. 

Jesus always delivered more than promised.  A good lesson for us.  Spend the time to handle the details, don’t give directions, walk them to the place they need.  Make them feel welcome, comfortable, and show hospitality.  Which is a gift.  I know you have received it, now pass it on.  Spend it ahead.  And no one has to know except you and God.  A great Ronald Reagan quote is “it is amazing what can be done when no one cares who gets the credit.”  Works in car repair, for Wendy’s hamburgers, for Joltin’ Joe, and for the Boy Scouts.  And most importantly it works with God.  Who has given us a reason to say yes, his name is Jesus.  Who has prepared a site in heaven for us.  Who loves us despite our emotions, and forgives us when we sin, again and again.  Today the way you leave a situation may be the only Bible some will ever read.  If you are identified as a Christian, they expect you to act like one.  So act like one, make it a part of who you are in Christ.  Joltin’ Joe has left and gone away, and Jesus left us to be his ambassadors.  Until he returns for us, autograph your witness with love, compassion, and mercy.  Do it for yourself, do it for God, and do it for the unsaved who are watching.  Ask yourself, would you like to be like you?  It may end under the hood, but it starts in the heart.  And what comes from your mouth tells us what is on your heart...now you were saying?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

Nick at Night

Talking with a father and son the other night, I mentioned that I worked for Coca Cola when the NEW Coke came out.  Both were too young to remember, and only got confused when I told the story of how we now have Classic Coke, which really was the original Coke before NEW Coke came out and failed on that fateful Black Tuesday.  They had always had Coke Classic, so that was all there was, and still is.  At least to them.  Today we find classic rock stations playing songs so frequent I don’t listen.  When is the last time you heard anything from Side 1 of The Doors album?  Any ELP?  Todd Rundgren?  How about The Beach Boys, The Kinks, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver, or any of the other true classic rock groups?  Yet like Classic Coke, so many have never heard of the original, and think what they are listening to are true classics.  But are so far from it. So as I sit night after night, with 200 channels to choose from, and nothing on TV, I am at least thankful for the remote control.  When is the last time you got up and walked across the room and changed the channel?  Would you be willing to do it 200 times in frustration?  Maybe technology was a good thing, and it has just gone on too long.

But in the midst of our selections we find Nick at Night.  Which at one time played great old shows, classics by any definition.  Shows like Leave it to Beaver, Get Smart, My Three Sons, Father Knows Best, Andy Griffith, and The Beverly Hillbillies.  But now has evolved into TV Land, and many of these shows have gone away.  Replaced with garbage like Hot in Cleveland, The Exes, and Jennifer Falls, all new shows that are decadent at best, with no classic overtones.  Reruns of Raymond, which I don’t like, and King of Queens, who isn’t.  Whatever happened to real classics like The Honeymooners, Sgt. Bilko, and Dragnet?  At least sometimes a spin off channel Cartoon Network shows the Flintstones or the Jetsons.  But the word classic doesn’t mean what it used to, and with us old classics fading from view daily, who knows what the new classic will be?  Justin Bieber?  I can almost hear Laura Petry, “oh Rob!”

But the original Nick at Night took place some 2000 years ago.  Let me set the scene.  Nicodemus, head of the Sanhedrin has heard about this teacher, Jesus of Nazareth.  It is the time of Passover, and many people are in Jerusalem.  Many crowding both Jesus and Nicodemus.  And Jesus meets with Nick at night, in the cool of the evening, which many did due to the crowds and higher daytime temps.  Nicky wants to meet Jesus, he is fascinated by what he hears about him, but is about to be captivated by what he hears from him.  Being in the Sanhedrin, he is well versed in the laws of Moses, and is a rich man also.  We would call him famous today.  A celebrity, yet this unknown, itinerant teacher has caught his attention.  And the ensuing conversation is famous, Jesus tells him “you must be born again to inherit the kingdom of God.”  Now Nicky knows of the prophecies of the returning savior, could this be him?  Yet he goes away confused, questioning, “how can a man be born again and reenter the womb?”  One meaning of the original Greek is again means from above, yet he still wonders.  And for another 16 chapters in John he is never heard of, yet when he shows up with Joseph of Arimithea at the tomb of Jesus with precious burial ointments, we see him here in chapter 19 a changed man.  Somewhere in the 16 chapters he has truly become born again, born from above, and is where once he met in secret at night, now he risks everything at his tomb in the light of day.  But what has happened, how did he become born again?  A term used only three times in the New Testament, quoting Jesus’ original statement.

Maybe Nicky’s original confusion came from the fact he thought he had to do it himself.  It has to come from above, and has to have incorruptible origins.  It is a work of the spirit, whose job is telling us “you need Jesus,” over and over again until our day of salvation.  It is a choice we make, based on the urgings of the spirit, based on faith in who Jesus Christ is.  A supernatural, magical transformation from death to life.  No wonder Nick questioned it, and so many do today.  For we look for outward appearances, evidence we can see to confirm the change, yet for each one of us it is different.  Individual.  Some get excited, it is emotional and immediate changes are seen.  For some it is a gentle transformation as told in Romans.  For some they are silent Christians like Joe of A was, but when urged by the Holy Spirit performed the task he was assigned, giving up his grave for Jesus.  So that famous meeting with Nick at night still has personal ramifications, everlasting ones even today. 

So today you still must be born again, born from above to enter the kingdom of God.  It takes Jesus, and he made it easy so I could get it, and free, so I could afford it.  Not cheap, for he paid a huge price, but paid it for us.  It is more than adopting a new philosophy, for if it was philosophers could debate it.  If it was a lifestyle, People magazine would promote it.  If religious, religion would embrace it.  And if a code to live by, men would form clubs to show their righteousness.  It is not a self help, for you cannot save yourself.  You need a savior.  Yet all come close, and we see evidence in the world of all, but Jesus saves, only Jesus is love.  And even nailing him to the cross couldn’t deter his message, for he rose again just as he said.  So it must be more than a belief system, it must be personal.  So personal he gives the invitation, and shows you himself.  An experience that must be experienced, for there are no words to describe it.  You can come close to the emotion of it, but it is impossible to relate a relationship with an infinite God in finite terms.  So many go away like Nick did that night, looking to understand, when all Jesus asks is for us to be faithful.  To trust, to try him out.  And he says “you must,” for there is no other way under heaven or earth by which we can be saved.  He is the way, the truth, and the light.  And in 25 words explains the meaning of life via John 3:16-17.  You must be born from above.  Are you?

That same Jesus that confronted Nick at night is calling out to you now.  You need Jesus, but perfect love does not demand itself.  It requires a decision, to be saved or not.  And since God is a spirit and must be worshipped as such, it takes a spiritual rebirth to be saved.  And in heaven we will get that new body, I get a new aorta!  I’m excited about that!  So have you been born again?  Born from above?  Or are you still channel surfing for a savior, and finding many channels, but nothing on?  Only Jesus is the way, classic before Coke, rock, or anything else.  He is the rock, make sure your name is on the role, be saved today.  It is just between you and him, but you will find you cannot keep him inside.  Nick didn’t, and couldn’t, going from night time in the garden, to daytime at the tomb.  Where all could see him.  But it started with the spirit urging him to meet with Jesus.  An appointment has been set for you, maybe today.  Maybe tonight.  Will you keep it?  What questions will you have?  Will you listen to the answers?  Will you be born from above? 

I don’t watch Nick at Night anymore, nothing on.  Don’t miss your night, your appointment with Jesus.  Be like Nick that night, make it personal, consider his claims, and let him change your life.  For Jesus, like the original Coke, is the real thing.  Jesus is it.  The most refreshing way of every day.  From above....so set your sights on things on high...only Jesus saves.  Still searching, over 200 channels and nothing on?  He comes to you...without a remote.  Before cable, before DTV, he was and still is the best thing on any channel.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when the road ends, the adventure begins

Growing up, Princeton Avenue wasn’t paved yet.  Nor had it gone through yet, and ended after about six houses with a big wooden barrier warning drivers the road ended.  Sometime in the mid-sixties they paved the road, hard to imagine any subdivision without curbs and asphalt today, but the barrier remained for years until it was removed and new houses built.  But for us kids on our Schwinns, JC Higgins, or Rollfasts, just the other side of the barrier the fun began.  Over the years a dirt path had been established, and it was only passable on foot, or skillfully navigated by our bikes.  A wonderful land where no cars or adults interfered, a place where we built tree forts, climbed trees, and played pirate, pretending a huge downed weeping willow was our ship.  In summer the weeds grew high, and in winter the snow covered it, with each season providing new challenges for us. I wondered if many adults ever knew of all the fun to be had just the other side of the barrier, as none were ever seen there.  Where the road ended, we didn’t nor did the fun.  Cars and adults knew enough to stay out, and when their road ended, our adventures were just beginning.  A pathway to unexplored woods, to new neighborhoods on the other side, and new kids to meet.  Who shared a common path with us, just coming at it from a different angle.  Their beginning was our end, our our beginning was their end, and we all met in the middle and played together.  Unsupervised, with no rules, having fun and letting only our imaginations dictate the adventures for the day.  We didn’t need to be entertained, as we were entertaining, and life had not told us yet we couldn’t have fun.  But as we got older, and the older guys in their teens would cut through with their girl friends, we saw new adventures as they held hands, and sometimes even kissed.  YUK!  And we were chased more than once for spying on them in mid kiss, even though they were right out in the open.  And then the day came when the fence came down, the bulldozers arrived and built a street.  With houses to follow, and suddenly the playground of our youth was gone.  Progress they called it, and for awhile we missed it, until we came of age when we walked with girls, hand in hand, and tried to sneak a kiss, but had no woods to do it in.  The barrier had been removed, the land was now open to all, and the adventures ended.  Or at least took on a new meaning, with new adventures to come.

As kids we never realized that the barrier was for our benefit, as it kept the world out.  But later we came to regard gates, fences, and barriers as preventing us from going where we wanted to go, they impeded our progress.  If only we could see them in the eyes we once did as kids.  Maybe that is why adventure bikes are growing in popularity.  They enable to keep going when the road ends, or the pavement stops.  We can no longer wonder what is down the path, but wander down it and see.  And so for many who have ridden for years, a new road awaits us, one where only our imagination and fears limit us.  To travel down the roads of our youth, but now at higher speeds than our Schwinns would ever see.  Maybe they are called adventure bikes for reason, as those of us old enough and able to remember remember when they were called dual purpose, or enduros.  High pipes and knobby tread, whoever thought we would return to our roots on them today.  Allowing kids of all ages to never have to grow up, if only our parents knew what really went on beyond the fence.  Adults were limited, as kids we hadn’t acquired that trait yet.

Many come to Christ today and see the barriers removed.  We are free from sin, have a new life, and it is exciting.  We can go places, see things, and see them through Christ’s eyes as we go on in life.  Yet for many this is where the adventure ends, as denominational barriers are put up.  Some concentrate on laws and legalism, robbing us of our new found freedom.  Thou shalt not is echoed in their belief system.  Some are bound by the new life by never being discipled, and never growing in Christ.  Wondering why some are so blessed, yet their own lives are on of drudgery.  And eventually fall back into their pre-Jesus state, saved but not enjoying all the benefits.  A fence has been erected between them and God, and they don’t see it, and if they do, are afraid to go beyond it.  They stay safe and secure on this side of the barrier, telling themselves this is all there is.  But for those of us who want all the Jesus we can get, we find ways over and around the barriers man puts up.  We find that when scripture says “we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us,” we believe it.  We see the miracles because we trust God, we see healings because we know Jesus is the great physician.  We have hope because he gives us hope, and way beyond anything we can hope or imagine he provides.  A paved road just becomes the beginning, and doesn’t end when it turns to dirt.  We just lean on God more, and follow him down the path, knowing he has gone ahead.  And when the going gets rough, we adjust to his speed, the holy spirit becoming the suspension and smoothing out the bumps.  We may not know what lies ahead, but we know when God is in it we will be blessed.  And since he is everywhere, and ever present, we look forward to new roads and new challenges, where God can be God, and all the other lies told to us by liars become just that.  Losers make excuses, we make testimonies.

It doesn’t take an adventure bike to be adventurous, it takes trust in Jesus.  Seems we had more faith in our old two wheelers to take us places than we do God sometimes.  No kid ever wanted to be called a scaredy cat, or a wuss.  We need to have the same confidence in Christ today.  We need to see the fallen trees and wonder how they fell.   Keep our eyes on the path before us, and keep going when we encounter others using the path for their own purposes.  When chased out know that sometimes it is for our own good, and choose another path, knowing God is leading.  We don’t need fear to become a barrier from all the blessings of Jesus.  Take the attitude that if God presents it, then he will take us through it.  Not around or over, but through it. Encouraging those who are scared, and leading those who are lost or confused.  For when sin ends, a life in glory begins, and when God gets the all the glory, we get all the blessings. 

Life is an adventure, what you make of it depends on your choice on who you follow.  Stay bound to laws and never grow, and always wonder why.  Or live in the spirit, and see the places that others cannot only imagine.  It has been said that only those who can see the invisible will do the impossible, we trust a God who reveals himself by is spirit.  We have faith, become obedient, then fully trust.  I get excited about new roads, and where they lead.  But I know I never travel alone, and when the road ends, Jesus never does.  Trust him to take you down some new roads today, become a dual purpose person, living in the world but not of it, become an enduro, enduring when others turn back, and find that in Christ, when the road ends, the adventure is only beginning.  Remove all the barriers between you and Jesus today....I dare you!  What are you, a scaredy cat or something?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when pain is good

“Where do you hurt?” your mother would ask.  Between the tears you would try to get out the words or at least the area.  Sometimes blood would be a give away, sometimes a black eye or bruised knee.  But sometimes the pain comes from inside, and you cannot describe it.  Your stomach could hurt, it may be bad tacos or nerves over asking a girl out.  It may be fear of anticipation, or for disappointment.  It may be physical, psychological, or even imagined.  I cannot even imagine imagined pain.  But as much as we hate the pain, and will do anything to avoid it, pain is created for one very specific reason, to tell us that there is something wrong.  Something not functioning as designed.  Something that needs attention, and the more pain the sooner.  Yet it is hard to think of pain as doing good...yet it may save your life.  Pain is not the cause, not the symptom.  It is a warning device to tell we have a problem, and that it must be dealt with.  Yet we often cry, “Lord, please take away this pain...” and maybe we have found the real reason for pain.  To draw us to God.  But first some examples of pain to guide us.

Years ago Jay Springsteen, AMA number 1 plate holder would get sick before each race.  A nausea would come over him just before starting, and sometimes he couldn’t race.  Experts blamed it on nerves, some neurological event they couldn’t find, or some internal malady.  After many tests over many years, they still didn’t have the answer.  It was only after a physical and a blood test they found him to be diabetic.  The adrenalin rush before each race sent him into overload, and he got sick, and blacked out.  Without the pain, he never would have known the cause, and would have eventually died from non-treatment.  Pain saved his life, although it took years.  Which is why doctors practice medicine,  and we wonder why didn’t they catch this in the beginning?  Wouldn’t a simple blood test have caught it?  How many times did they treat a symptom, never finding the cause?

And to me that is so familiar.  Too familiar.  Over three years ago I went to my family doctor complaining of a severe pain in my upper back.  I was told it was a pinched nerve, and he advised a shot he couldn’t give.  The pain would come and go, mostly come, and after riding 1000 miles in 100 degree heat, the pain was too much.  I was sick, throwing up, and wanting to sleep.  I had no choice, so going to an urgent care, they gave me doses of ringers solution, they thought I was dehydrated.  And 4 hours later was back out, just as sick.  The next day I was worse, so Theresa called the pain clinic in Durango, located at the hospital.  A cancelation had allowed me to get in, by now I was in a wheelchair.  And being pushed into the office, my head threw back, my eyes rolled back into my head, and she rushed me to the ER.  I would wake up almost 2 days later, being loaded on a life flight helicopter, they had found an aneurism on the back side of my aorta, 3% survival rate, and my pericardial sack filled with pus, I had a staph infection.  My kidneys were functioning below 50%.  I was told the pain was excruciating, and I yelled many times, my symptoms had been treated, who would have thought I was having severe heart problems?  And of course it got worse, when my aorta exploded.  But without the severe pain, who knows how far they would have gone?  How many have been labeled OK in the ER, then sent home and died?  Without the excruciating pain urging them on, I might be dead now.  I never want to experience that pain again, but it just may have saved my life. 

So God allows pain for our good, I cannot explain it, but talking with a friend yesterday, still suffering after a painful divorce, we agreed pain is part of God’s plan to keep us on our knees, and seeking him.  He will take us through, and even give us a testimony to share, and only he can soften the pain, for only he knows where the pain comes from and why.  2 Corinthians 12 tells about a thorn in the side given to Paul, and how God would not remove it.  To the uninitiated, that sounds harsh, but “thorn in the side,” was a colloquialism for a person God allows to harass you in your walk with God, to keep you seeking him, and never getting comfortable in life.  And because of that thorn, Paul spent years in jail, was beaten, flogged, shipwrecked, and finally beheaded.  Each time the gospel going forth, the reality of Jesus Christ becoming more real in his life, his testimony increasing.  Today I find many in churches, and outside, stirring up trouble.  Thorns in the side of me and others who believe.  Yet they keep us on our knees, and bring us face to face with Jesus every day.  And as hard as it may seem, without them we might not grow.  Remember history tells us that every time Christians were persecuted, the gospel spread, as they were forced to evacuate and migrate to other places.  So when James tells us to call it a good thing when we are persecuted, or endure trials, it all works for good, if only we can follow God through it.   And he does have a plan, grace and mercy, as today I am healthy with a new aorta, and a scar to prove Jesus was there.  Even my cardiologist told me “it is evident God intervened.”  In my pain, God shone through, and in the midst of my agony, Jesus never left.  It was all about him, and still is today.  I never want to go through that again, just take me home Lord, but my testimony is powerful, and I am the only one in medical history to have what I had.  And if anyone else ever experiences what I had, they will study my case, and my testimony will go forth again.  Today I have a glimpse of what being a unique, begotten son is. And my testimony God has given me has touched many.  Only a loving God could write a story like that, and he isn’t finished yet.  So be like it says in Revelation 1, where John bore witness of these things.  Tell of the wonders of Christ, bear witness.  Show the scars only God can heal, and encourage others.  Give them hope.  Love them in their adversity.

So don’t ignore that pain in the neck, or in the chest.  God may be saving your life, get it checked out-NOW!  But when the pain comes, run to Jesus, and  let him take over.  When others persecute you, criticize you, or talk harshly about you, turn it over to God.  Some people will come into your life just to irritate, love them.  Watch as the gospel goes forth and God changes their heart.  Avoid them when told too, you don’t want or message of hope to be associated with their questionable doctrines.  Seek Jesus in all things, cry out when it hurts, praise him because he has everything under control.  Remember that in Hebrews it tells us “he is the shining glory of God, and holds all things together.”  He kept Paul alive to write and testify, he held my heart so I am here today.  If possible, you would see the nail prints from the hands holding my heart together.  The doctors offer no response, other than it is a miracle.  He is so big he has the whole world in his hands, yet so small he can hold your heart together.  Your marriage.  Your pain and suffering.  Take heed in the old children’s song, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”  We will never be able to understand all the pain he bore on the cross, but he allows us a glimpse into it when we hurt.  And he is there.  At one time we had tablets of stone the law was written on, now God has written his love on our hearts.  And I can prove it, I have a beautiful scar to prove Jesus saves.  He held my heart in his hands, imagine what he can do for you.

Maybe that is why his hands will always be scarred, to eternally remind us of what he did.  He saved our lives, when no other way would or could.  So next time some other god comes before you, ask to see his hands.  Only the true God, Jesus will have nail prints in his.  Accept no substitute, or other diagnosis.  Jesus is the way, I know, I’ve seen him.  And I want to go back.  Momentary light afflictions the Bible calls them.  So where do you hurt?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Black Friday revisited

THE GREAT ESCAPE 2014

TRIUMPH PROMOTIONS

THE GREAT ESCAPE OCTOBER 9 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2014 

  

ON PURCHASES OF MODEL YEAR 2014 AND PRIOR MOTORCYCLES

GREAT BAY WILL ALSO PROVIDE OUR GREAT CUSTOMERS WITH WINTER STORAGE FOR $0.00 -With your purchase included with this special offer.

While so many were preoccupied last Friday, Black Friday, with getting up early, acting rude and being treated rudely, giving up sleep to save a dime, and walking miles in a parking lot, only to go face to face with other shoppers in a crowd, Theresa and I took advantage of the empty roads, avoided malls, and went for a ride.  We have never shopped on Black Friday, although we once did before it rivaled the Super Bowl for a National holiday.  And if I am like you, I got so many Black Friday ads in the mail, via email, and on TV, that I just changed the channel, deleted them, or threw them away.  But two email ads caught my eye, one from the Harley dealer in Cleveland, and the other a Triumph dealer in New Hampshire.  Both were offering free winter storage of your motorcycle if you spent a certain amount,  or if you bought it from them.  Now just the thought of storing any motorcycle for a season seems wrong to those of us in Socal, I actually did it once.  And never would or did again.  We lived in Colorado, where we got 15-20 feet of snow each winter, so one winter, not thinking, or maybe thinking too much, I put the Z-1 into winter storage in our basement.  Carefully preparing it per an article in Rider, I sat all winter, and into spring miserable and lonely, and so did the bike.  Now I have always ridden year round, you can dress for cold, and rain, even snow, just not ice.  And every day that was nice, I was snowed in, and the Z-1 in hibernation.  Truly black days, as I couldn’t ride, so many times were spent just sitting on it.  Anticipating spring, and really riding again.  Maybe the longest winter of my life, certainly the longest without riding.  And I vowed to never engage in hibernation again, neither man nor beast, and San Diego winters have helped me keep my vow. 

But of those times we can’t ride, we spend time reminiscing of rides past, and plan for rides to come.  Very rarely when riding do we just enjoy that day’s ride, for each mile away from home beckons us to ride farther and longer, and each mile towards home encourages us to take a longer route home, and wishing for more time to ride.  Sadly we do many things in life where anticipation is more enjoyable than participation, and for those of us who ride, we should know better.  We have a time in space, set aside from all the world, to enjoy the freedom of riding, the wind in our faces, and the excitement of curves.  Of seeing 100, then 120 show up on the speedo, but yet we anticipate the next ride.  I am just glad I don’t have to hibernate with my bike, but yet many do.  Maybe that is what makes riding that much more precious to them, I don’t want to find out.  Black Friday like any other day is meant for riding, not for shopping or storing of you ride, after all it follows Thanksgiving, aren’t you thankful you ride? 

Now it is Cyber Monday, and days that end in Y until Christmas to spend, spend, spend.  With deals not going away, and even all of last week was Black Friday week.  What’s next, Christmas Day shopping, late for this year, early for next?  So while the lesser of you shop, we ride.  You get bills in January from VISA, I share memories of a ride.  We get to find open roads, you find open businesses, starting at midnight.  You save a few dollars, I save my sanity.  And we each repeat the above each year, but I know I have the best deal.  Freedom, to ride, and to make the choice to ride or shop.  Which makes me wonder, if Black Friday is so called, because the businesses make so much money, at discounted prices, how do they not make so much money at inflated prices the other 300+ days a year?  Even Mrs. Parks math class taught us to add and subtract.  We learned percentages, and fractions, and what numbers were bigger, or smaller.  Maybe economics is for those who cannot add or subtract.  Or don’t ride.

Now the concept of Black Friday is nothing new.  It is a Jewish thing, started some 2000 years ago, but celebrated in March or April.  Months you can ride in.  As Christians today we call it good Friday,  a day when Jesus died on the cross, a day when the biggest debt we had was paid in full, a 100% discount.  Try that at Walmart, and they claim to be the saving place.  And not just for a day, or season, but for life.  At first it appeared to be a Black Friday, where all was lost, but by Sunday morning, the first ones to the tomb, up early, saw the real value in it.  And had to tell others, who told others, and the gospel spread.  And today we call it Good Friday, because we see the real value in it.  Yet so many neglect it, or even forget about it, no Good Friday shopping ads.  But only three days after we have Easter, and we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Yet it was on the cross the victory was won, so why don’t we celebrate Good Friday like we do Easter?  Why when God gave his son that day, the greatest present he could give, or ever would, do we skip over it?  Does it take an ad campaign to make it the day it should be?  Maybe call it Black Friday, see how the marketers react to it.  But to those who believe, everyday in Christ is precious, and we look forward to heaven, share testimonies of the past, and meet and encourage each other daily.  It isn’t about the day, it is about the man of Jesus Christ.  And a great day to ride and remember him, for I rather be riding thinking about him, than sitting in church thinking about riding.  And God has even provided Cyber days, long before the internet, he calls it him the Holy Spirit, and we can access him 24/7, without lap tops, i-pads, i-phones, or tablets.  Long before wifi Jesus was, and his spirit I still here today.  Guiding you, encouraging you, and telling you where the best deals are.  All from the convenience of wherever you are, for he never leaves you nor forsakes you.  And unlike winter storage, he never hibernates, no r sleeps or slumbers.  An eternal, everyday ride in the spirit, and no waiting for special days to cash in.  Jesus took a black Friday, and turned it into Good Friday.  What you do with it is your choice.  Just as choosing Jesus is.

Today many stores will compete for your dollar, and many things will compete for your affection.  Have no other Gods before you, seek him and have all other things added on.  No hibernation from sin, he makes it permanent.  And keeps you alive and alert so you can enjoy life, and ride more.  Just imagine if the churches were crowded on Good Friday like the stores are on Black Friday, the deals that we could find would change our lives.  Yet we rush to save, rather than be saved.  I just don’t get it...I hope you do.  If not, today is your Blackest day without Jesus, but it can be your best day.  Turn to him now for real value, for real deals.  He is the real deal, and no waiting for the ads to come out.  No wishing and hoping when you can have.  Naughty or nice, he loves you.  Try that one on Santa sometime.  Revisit Jesus today, find out why a black Friday 2000 years ago turned out for good for those who believe.  And how today you can enjoy that freedom he promises everyday, no matter the weather.  Some will tell you he is the reason for the season, but he is the reason for every season.  And even open on holidays just for you. 

So while some look forward to Black Friday for deals, or look back on deals past, we enjoy today.  A day that ends in Y, for as every Christian knows, the why is Jesus, and he loves us so.  You can’t have Easter without Good Friday, you cannot have eternal life without Jesus.  Black Friday revisited, what’s in your wallet?  Dead presidents or a living God?  Only Jesus saves.  Don’t be put away for the winter any longer.  The deal is here, long before the ads come out.  Wise men still seek him. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com