the ballad of this easy rider isn't over yet

I was a jock in high school in 1969, when I first saw Easy Rider.  And had to sit through it twice.  I was so mesmerized, it changed my life from Clearasil to carb cleaner.  I had been riding Ricky’s Honda 50 in the woods, and Dave’s mini-bike on the streets of Fanwood, but this showed me riding in a new way, as a way of life.  To some it was the drugs, to others the music, all rock tunes you knew, perfectly enhancing the visual.  To others it was the road, or the motorcycles.  But to me it was the freedom of the road on motorcycles, it was about the ride.  A hook had been set, and I took it, and would never be the same again. A new passion for riding was born, and 46 years later the draw is even stronger. 

And so in 1975 I set out on my Easy Rider ride, on my 1974 R90S, leaving the past behind, excited about the future.  I was born again only a few months, yet my life was changing, and I didn’t get it, but I was free, and couldn’t explain it.  My route went from east to west, from New Jersey to New Mexico, and saw the ride through Billy and Wyatt’s eyes.  The south was still red neck, Texas still huge, and I had no idea what to expect in Albuquerque, only knowing it was my destination, much like Mardi Gras was theirs.  But with a much different ending....

If you ride you know freedom, but if saved you know true freedom in the spirit.  A freedom that cannot be described, as earthly words cannot explain a heavenly God.  And I have both, and sometimes I don’t get it, how 1%ers who love to ride and know that freedom, would do anything to have it taken from them.  You cannot ride in jail, and as much as I like the memories, I rather be making them.  So I stay clean, and enjoy the ride.  But my life has changed a lot since that cold November ride 40 years ago, a ride where freedom in Christ took over my life.  Where my passion for motorcycles has been grafted into my passion for Christ, and I both ride and live in the spirit of a loving God. 

You cannot separate Jesus and patriotism, where one is the other is found.  And in 2006, on my second Torches across America ride, we stopped in Groom, Texas, east of Amarillo on I-40.  Now Torches is a secular ride, to honor and remember those who died on 9-11, starting in Oceanside and ending at Ground Zero.  And on this year’s ride, we stopped in Groom, to see the world’s largest cross.  You can see it for miles in either direction, and in 2006 the site was still not completed.  But what was, was all that was needed that day, as the spirit directed us there, and then through the 13 steps to the cross.  Statues of life sized figures of Jesus, from his trial before Pilate to the grave are depicted.  In such detail you can see the agony in Jesus’ eyes when the 9 inch nails are driven into his wrists.  You can see him standing quietly before Pilate, and being scourged.  As you follow the self guided tour, this day God allowed me to lead it.  A small group of 8-10, some Christians, I answered questions and gave insight as God provided me with information as we walked in silence.  Love of country and love of God were being focused on love of Jesus, and many thoughts not expressed since Sunday school were brought to light.  Tough men, veterans who had seen death and war, some who used God’s name in vain, now saw his name in a different vein.  Tears were shed at times, as the horror of the cross came closer, and it was displayed at top of some concrete steps, on a hill.  Three crosses, empty, and it dominated the exhibit.  The cross still called out to men and women, more than just a tourist trap along the highway.  It was calling out to men’s souls, the spirit still calling us.  But at the last display, the tomb, it all became different.  Inside a life sized cave, sat an angel, next to neatly folded bedclothes.  Still under control, from trial to cross, to grave, Jesus took the time to fold them, to make his bed before his left.  And when one man exclaimed, “look, there’s no body!”  the truth of it all became evident.  We saw the victory at the cross, where Satan thought he saw his victory, but we know Jesus won there.  But we forget about the empty tomb, where his promise of resurrection was fulfilled.  He is risen!  And so shall you if you believe!

Now no altar calls, or prayer time was offered, I just filled in the details, it is the job of the holy spirit to guide and provide, who tells us always we need Jesus.  But that morning, I know lives were changed, and Jesus became real in a way many had not seen or considered before.  Some 37 years after Easy Rider called me to ride, and 31 years after the spirit called me to Christ, that spirit was still alive, and still is today.  I still enjoy the freedom God has given me in Jesus Christ, and the ability to ride every day if I want.  I have ridden the route we took on Torches many times, with different destinations each time.  Many times past the giant cross, and am still drawn to it.  Because of who it represents, and why.  But since that day I concentrate on the empty tomb.  Where the promise was fulfilled for all to see.  To remind us of heaven, when we are done with our earthly ride, a new one begins in eternity.  And since I believe, it will be heaven instead of hell.  And I have seen heaven, where there are no words to describe it other than I want to go back.  Jesus was the way in 1975 for me, and still is today.  The victory at the cross still fresh to all, new and old.  And the empty tomb still there to remind us of his promise.  Like I said, Jesus and patriotism go hand in hand.  Maybe that is the problem with the country and the world, they don’t see cross for what it is, it has become jewelry around the neck of many. But the tomb is neglected, we need to go there and see it, empty and calling out to us.  The spirit at work still calling us to repent and be born again.  Wherever you are, he is calling to you, to free you from your sin.  Look to the cross, it is empty, so is the tomb.  It is finished, as Jesus said.  But we still go on, taking the gospel to a lost and dying world.  Anticipating heaven, our retirement as never before.  Each day we are one day closer, and I want to go back.  To the peace, the quiet, the rest.  Only found in Jesus.

Wyatt and Billy were outlaws.  And so it seems are Christians today.  Rebels among rebels, we know the freedom that others are afraid of.  We are persecuted, but not beat down.  We carry Jesus with us, in us, and riding with us. And someday our tomb too will be empty.  We will have picked up our cross to follow, and won.  But for now the ride continues, and I have planned my next short trip.  Following the route that they took, from LAX through to Las Vegas, New Mexico where they finished filming.  Called back to New Mexico again, after 40 years.  New Mexico is special to me, I was a new Christian there in 1975, and got a new aorta there in 2012.  New hearts in different ways.  So many memories flooding back, with so many more to make.  This is still America, land of the free and home of the brave.  Where God still sheds his grace on us.  See it soon, but see it with God.  Let him guide you, and you are in for the ride of your life.  One afternoon at the Cinema changed my life.  Another night on the beach brought Jesus into it.  Now you know why I say “Jesus and motorcycles, it don’t get any better.”  Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself.  Starting at the cross.  The ballad of this easy rider isn’t over yet.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

motors by the mile

Once upon a time 10,000 miles was considered high mileage on a motorcycle.  With three bikes in my garage with over 70,000, and the Tiger with over 98,000, such mileages would have been unheard of outside of BMW’s years ago, who used to give out awards for going 100,000 miles.  Today 100k is not a lot, as Gold Wings go over 200,000, and even Harleys go over 100k.  Times have changed, technology is improving the breed, and horsepower only found on race bikes years ago can bought from the showroom floor and ridden daily.  Even cars that used to be worn out at 50,000, now can go 200,000, or 300,000 miles before being worn out.  The engines will outlast the rest of the car, or motorcycle, with interior parts, seats, paint, and other systems failing, but the motors keep going and going.  A friend who is a GM at a multi line dealer tells me he would trade for my 98k Tiger, it can be resold.  Amazing...

So today’s technology can build a long distance, high mileage motor on a regular basis.  But in racing, motors are built to a different criteria, think of it as motors by the mile.  Trophy Truck motors are build to last, to provide maximum power for 500 or 1000 miles, built to a race.  Then torn down and rebuilt, or replaced for the next race.  NASCAR motors the same, not built for high miles, but high rpm miles for a specific distance.  Even drag racing motors are torn down between heats, or switched out, only driven 1/4 mile at a time.  Beware the low mileage car with stickers, advertised as only driven on Sundays.  It may go 1/4 mile at a time like your SUV, but at a higher standard of speed.  So race motors can be built to go the distance depending on the distance.  Designed to run at high rpms for hours on end, not loaf along at low rpm like your sedan.  And with today’s fuel injection and computer aided tuning, higher fuel economy is available.  I watched a Chevy engineer years ago tuning a race truck from his lap top, not so much gaining power, but fuel mileage.  Going from 4 to 5 mpg may not seem like a big deal, but with a 100 gallon tank is one less pit stop, with more time on the race course.  Maybe the difference between winning and losing. Actual mileage may vary depending upon how you drive.  Or ride.

And so we all want all the power we can get when we want it.  When we need it.  When we were younger, we looked at life as a sprint.  But as we get older we are reminded of Paul’s words, that life is an endurance race, and we race to win.  Too many burnout from jobs, careers, drugs, or other things that rule their lives.  Happens to Christians too, who think they must live every moment for God, doing things for him.  Led by a subtle form of pride, not the spirit, for the spirit gives life, it doesn’t waste it.  A Hollywood producer once said “if I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself.”  While some diet, watch what they eat, exercise, watch their weight, we neglect the spiritual man that will live forever.  We are more concerned on the physical, the seen, while God is concerned with the soul, the invisible that is unseen.  Some live life as if it were to end tomorrow, and burnout early, limping along in life, low on power.  But Jesus tells us we can have all the power we need, when we need it in the spirit.  Meekness it is called, power under control, a fruit of the spirit.  We may drive freeways a 1/4 mile at a time, but under different conditions than a drag racer.  He needs all he can get for a short burst, we need to endure to the end.  And by living in the spirit, we can exercise meekness, and accomplish more while using less energy.  If only we follow God’s urging and not our own foolish pride.  We cannot make God love us any more than he does, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, yet many serve at the table of self, “look at what I am doing for God,” while neglecting family and what God has called them to do, love him first, and then others.  He provides all the power we need when we need it. 

The other side is those on cruise control, just coasting through life, doing little, or just enough to get by.  They too miss the blessings of a loving God because it is all about themselves.  They live life like the Borgias did, it is all about them.  Let’s see what God can do for me today, as they continue in sin.  Same motor as we all have been given, just no power because of the absence of the holy spirit driving their lives. 

Today God will give you all you need when you need it.  Do not neglect the spiritual aspect of him either.  He is a spirit and must be worshipped as such.  So walk  or ride or drive in his spirit, and find power you never knew existed.  Some build high horsepower motors, some by the mile, only God will take us the distance.  And scripture tells us it is not by might, not by power, but by his spirit.  NO matter how much power your engine has, someone else will always be faster.  Whose motor can last longer, 500 hp can leave you stranded or a DNF as easy as 100.  It is by the spirit we will win, and be guided as we need to go.  So beware the ad that  states “61 year old man, 1 million miles on two wheels.  New motor, runs fast, needs some cosmetics.”  I can do all things in Christ who gives me the strength.  The power.  Only by his spirit.  How long your motor will last depends on how you live, and ride.  You have no control over the day you die, just as you had no say in the day you were born.  But you have a say in how you live, and I choose to live in the spirit.  I will not win every race, but will endure to the end in Christ.  Where I will get a new body,with a new aorta, and live forever.  We will all make it to the end, just have different rewards.  Mine will be found in heaven, in Jesus Christ.  God doesn’t promise us tomorrow, so enjoy today in Christ.  Keep being fueled by the spirit.  It was only 5 miles from finish at Indy Robbie Gordon ran out of gas, in first place.  Don’t you.  Fuel economy will vary with driving style.  And the way we live.  Aren’t you glad your God has what it takes to go the distance?  And driven more than only on Sundays...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

riding your own ride

There is this road I know when certified fast guys come to visit I take them to.  It has curves, great surface, and for just under 7 miles you can prove just how fast you really are.  Then there is another road I know where I take beginner riders, or those who have little experience.  It too has curves, but not as many, stop signs, straights, and if you are brave enough sections to cruise at 80, or just cruise along at the posted 55.  It lasts about 35 miles, and like the first road, you can turn around and ride it back to where you started.  But then there is a third road, where you can test the top speed of your ride and yourself, and I rarely take anyone else there.  Too dangerous, and even speeds over 130 on it scare me anymore, so I avoid it except when riding a new bike and wanting to see what it will do.  Or I can do on it.  Just for my own knowledge of course.  But in each case I first give advice, which was given to me years ago and is still good advice today, ride your own ride.  Don’t try to keep up with me, and I don’t mind if you pass me.  Enjoy the ride at your pace, and we will meet up at the end.  And in doing so I learn more about the road and myself, and hopefully become a better rider. 

On one afternoon two guys I worked with on sport bikes came by to ride, and I took them to road #1.  But I took the Bonneville with Theresa on the back, and still shook them.  They rode their own ride, I rode mine, and all returned safe, if not a little embarrassing for the sport bike riders.  A fast bike doesn’t make a faster rider, skill and old age mixed with experience are a tough combination to beat.  But my main reason at first was to show them the lines I take, so they can get the most from the ride, and coming back, they definitely rode faster.  And reminded me of a question asked by a Marine when he doubted your BS, “thank you for your opinion, could you state your sources please?”  When you want to ride better, who do you ask?  Maybe you need to ask the above question before listening or heading off.  It just might save your life, or at least your ride. 

I have a friend who has over 150,000 miles on his Harley.  He may seem a good candidate for advice on how to ride long distances, except when you learn they are all commuting miles.  Maybe a good guy to ask if you commute with him, but the last guy to take advice from on a long tour.  At the other end is another friend who does a lot of track days, and is very fast.  He is used to run outs, fast laps, and after a few resting.  Watching him ride on the street one day, I thought he was crazy, he is and was, his skills tuned for the track, but leaving me behind on the street, with the thought I may find him in the bushes around the next corner.  Never did, he is an E ticket ride every time...not for me.  When he talks of lines, I find mine much different, and slower.  My rides are not races, or for time, only a good time.  Again know the professor before the question.  But the ones who I find the lesser riders are ones who ride like the group does.  They stick out by their conformity.  And you only are as fast as the slowest rider, and some are pretty slow.  And bad, who are first to point out how you ride too fast.  A sure admission of their lack of skills.  But yet many fall prey to their lack of skill and consideration of others, so I don’t and won’t ride with them.  I hope they enjoy their ride, and I want to enjoy mine too.  They are the ones to avoid when asking advice on riding, they don’t see what we do, and they are so hypnotized at times they may not be seeing anything at all.  So always consider your sources when asking, like the saying goes, “$20k and 200 miles don’t make you a biker.”   Beware shiny new leathers, and bikes that never lean more than their side stands allow.  But be wise of high mileage guys too, 200,000 on a Gold Wing may be all interstate, with only off ramps for curves.  I know, and now I ask.  And am asked.

We are all very impressionable, and it seems whenever a new situation occurs, we have much to learn.  As a young Christian, I admired a family who seemed to do everything right.  They had two teenagers, a boy and girl, and seemed so righteous at church, yet so friendly.  It was only after being the youth leader, I saw how different they really were.  The kids were normal teens, the girl wanting to date, and wanting to show off her developing body.  Her brother was athletic, liked cars, and wanted to ride motorcycles.  Normal kids.  Yet in church they had to behave differently, they were two different people living in the same bodies, in church and out of church.  And soon when they got old enough, went wild.  Too many rules, they wanted to find out for themselves, and when we cannot from the church, from fear of reprisal, they got into trouble.  Bring embarrassment to their parents in the body of the congregation.  I found this out later when I met the son, who turned out OK, loved God, but was burnt on church.  His sister had gotten pregnant, had a baby, he was an uncle, but the family had left the church in shame.  Where was all the love they told us about?  What example did they set?  What was the source of their relationship with God?  Church or with Jesus personally?

I don’t like religious movies, they give a bad example of how we really are.  We have the same problems, temptations, and desires common to all.  Yet in these movies we are profiled as goody two shoes, whose biggest problem is what new prom dress do I get?  Will I find time to study for my finals?  Who will I take to my youth group rally?  And then there is real life, kids found under pressure from peer groups, trying drugs, alcohol, and sex.  Unwed teen mothers, kids flunking out of school on drugs, and succumbing to other temptations.  Real life.  Real problems.  Who would you turn to for advice?  Put a group together in drug rehab, you find better places to score.  Fast guys in driving school, better roads to ride.  Car thieves, you get better skills shared.  But in all cases one ingredient is missing, Jesus Christ.  Who knows temptation, and how to handle it.  Who offers free advice,and can back it up.  Who shows the way because he is the way.  Who encourages you to ride your own ride in life, don’t be taken in by religion, and strive to live in the spirit.  We all mean well, and like to offer good advice.  After my open heart surgery I had many who would approach telling me they understood just how I felt.  Really, you ever been life flighted when on vacation?  Should have died?  So I started to answer “really, maybe you can tell me, because I don’t get it.”  Until you have the experience, you don’t know.  So get to know God, the way he intended, through Jesus.  Now when I encounter those who have gone through a traumatic time, I tell them, “I cannot imagine what you feel or are going through, I only know what I felt.”  And share my testimony of how God was there, never left me, and still cares for me today.  What witness does your ride provide?  God will never put pressures on you like the church will.  So consider the source when needing advice, spiritual as well as riding.  God knows best in all situations, going to church will not qualify you, listening to the spirit will.  And God does forgive....do you?  Christians sadly are known for killing their wounded, where does your guidance come from?  Above or from the congregation?

So I leave you with good advice, whether riding or in affairs of the soul.  Don’t ride like the majority rides.  Ride your own ride, the one Jesus has set before you.  It is hard to be yourself when trying to match up to others demands, allow the freedom of the spirit to guide you, and enjoy the ride.  Knowing if you get off the course, you are welcomed back and forgiven.  So keep going, for we will make mistakes, all of us, some accept forgiveness and ride on, others die a slow death trying to impress.  Search for the greatest source, God, and find him readily available.  The next time you consider that majority rules, remember the cross, and the majority that sentenced Jesus to it.  We probably would have been right in it, today we can find comfort in he who died for us.  Advising others to follow him, rather than the crowd.  When you come to Christ you find someone you can emulate, who you can live like.  Works in riding too, bet you never heard that one in church.  We are all on a road in life, with turns, straights, and potholes.  How you navigate them will show Christ in your life.  Could you state your source please?  Maybe your actions already have.  Time with God doesn’t necessarily make you a good instructor.  We all need to work on our rides, only in Jesus will you find what you are looking for.  The only source you will ever need.  In church or out, don’t be intimidated, listen to what the spirit is saying.....there is this road I know.....hope to see you on it.  Where we will all meet at the end.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

"...who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile..."

I thought of my friend Lance the other day when seeing a commercial for The Mary Tyler Moore Show.  He always had a crush on her, she was the prefect woman of the early seventies. To him and many others.  She was the girl who could take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile.  Which made me reconsider all the seemingly nothing things I do all week.  And looking back somehow they all seemed worthwhile.

The new Indian dealer opened and I wanted to ride a Scout.  When he saw I was riding an Explorer with manufacturer plates, and saw I rode for Triumph, I was in, and we set out.  Nice bike, but when he turned to go back, I pulled up next to him and told him “I’m not ready,” and got on the freeway.  He caught up and when we returned he figured I just had to get on it.  New friend made.  The day before I had stopped by to see Jerry at the Harley store, and met a new salesman, who liked my Bonneville.  So many Harleys sold, yet when I pull in on the Bonneville, they all gather around it.  Go figure.  He had a Norton, and was new to Harley...his first love British.  Nice to see young guys riding the classics.  Later in the week a stop at the BMW store and Phil, who used to sell Triumphs, and is always interested to see what press bike I have.  Offered me a ride on the new S1000X, the 160 hp adventure bike.  No time today, maybe next week.  We joked about owning a Prius, only to offend a guy standing there.  Sorry buddy, you bought it.  Maybe a motorcycle can get you back your manhood.  Looked at the Guzzis and Aprilias, cool stuff.  I’m still a sucker for Euro bikes.  And on the way home stopped by to see Mike at the Honda store.  We go back a long ways, and we talked of why certain bikes we thought would sell never did, crazy financing, and did I want to sell for him.  Sorry no, I’m retired.  Caught up on our kids, and I was off.  Thanked the guys in service who checked my tires, then home and put it on the charger, I really need to ride it more. 

An unplanned stop at a multi brand dealer and visiting with Tyson, who is the GM now.  He is going to England for the worldwide intro of the new Bonnevilles, and was invited on a private factory tour.  Lucky sucker.  So when I got home opened the teaser email again about them, and called Mick.  He is doing the US intro meeting next month, and although bikes aren’t on the water yet, he’ll have them soon, which means I’ll have one soon.  The Thruxton R in Silver Ice is driving me nuts.  Bikes are set for late spring intro, I will have put thousands of miles on them by then.  Earlier I had taken the Explorer back and got the Street Triple, and checked it out for my son who will ride it when he comes home next month.   My other son stopped by on his way to work and gave me some New Zealand bike magazines his girlfriend picked up there last week.  Rode the blue Tiger to Bible study, and made note to fuel the white one for our weekend ride tomorrow.  The blue one has gone from interstate tourer to grocery getter, and perfect for riding down to San Diego Tuesday nights to minister.  And stopping to look back, I was amazed at the impact of motorcycles in my life.  I had ridden over 600 miles on 6 different bikes, and never gone more than 85 miles from home.  Add in last weekend’s ride for another 220, and I had ridden over 800 miles, and hadn’t really gone anywhere.  Maybe my nothing days were worthwhile after all....because I ride.  And the people I know.

Fellowshipping is under rated.  Getting together with people of like interests reminded me of that.  At the Bible study yesterday talked with Pastor Glenn about prayer warriors.  Hassled Doug about his new BMW, who loves to ride it.  Talked with Ron about the week, and after the study visited with many of us seniors.  Older saints with lots of miles and years among us, with Jesus in common.  A treasure trove of testimonies shared, and without Jesus we never would have met.  You see Jesus takes a nothing life and suddenly makes it all seem worthwhile.  He adds life to your style, and purpose to you.  I have met more people from all different walks of life, who are my brothers and sisters in Christ.  He is our common denominator, and with him we have all things.  And it makes me reflect on all my motorcycle friends, who know who and what I am, and who I get to minster to.  Guys who would never set foot in a church, but can hear the gospel, and see it live through me.  Which really makes life worthwhile.  And if it can work for bikers, it can work for golfers.  Quilters.  Soccer moms.  SUV drivers.  You see God has appointed us to be his ambassadors in the world, not to keep the message just between the saved inside the four walls of the church.  My scope of friends goes from millionaires, to retired police chiefs, to 1%’er club presidents, to Marine officers, to hookers, prisoners, and retired pastors.  Today I will meet with Karl, just out on parole, and Ben, a retired pastor whose ministry was in the trenches.  These men love the Lord, and both are called to different audiences, like I am.  Without Karl many in prison would have never heard the word, and been given hope.  Ben stood the ground for many years defending the down trodden.  All from different backgrounds, who get excited when we talk about Jesus.  We just can’t keep him inside of us, we need to share him through ministering to others.  No preaching, but loving those who need it when it is needed.  And when is love never needed?

Maybe we all need to stop and look back at our week, and see where God was in it.  How he made simple things interesting, and gave life purpose.  Maybe spend more time meditating on him, praying and thanking him.  God has given me the desire of my heart, and it is him.  He has also given me a passion for motorcycles, and lets me be out riding and sharing.  A life within a lifestyle, no colors flying, no tracts to pass out, just meeting people on the street like Jesus did.  As I go, like he did.  Today you may think your life is hum drum, is boring.  Let Jesus make it exciting, get out and live for him.  With him.  There is action on the streets just waiting for you to make it happen, and your ministry field doesn’t have to be an ocean away.  People need to not only hear the message, but see it in real life.  If Jesus can take two anarchists, a tax collector, fishermen, and a banker, throw in a Pharisee, and change the world, imagine what he can do with you?  Let Christ into your  life now, and let him take that nothing life and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile.  Jesus and motorcycles, it just don’t get any better.  That’s my story, what’s yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

communication breakdown

Who can forget the immortal line from Cool Hand Luke, “what we have here is a failure to communicate,” and maybe truer words were never spoken.  Or to be more precise, converse,  thanks to the curse of texting people don’t talk anymore.  We have sound bites on the news, and anyone and everyone may be recording you, which I can guarantee will be turned around and used against you.  And it has even invaded prayer time over the years, both personal and public.  If you sound holier than thou you must have some special connection to God, or if you have a title or are in ministry.  I have known people over the years who follow a person because they got healed when they prayed, thinking there is power in prayer, and in this one man’s prayer in particular.  We even have prayer warriors, and people who line up for prayer after services with the pastor.  Recently I was reminded that when I had open heart surgery “half the people around the world were praying for you” and to them I say thanks.  But in a different way...let me explain.

Some believe the more who are praying, the more God listens, and somehow it jaundices his answers, and the speed of them.  Like one more and he will answer.  Many pray asking, but never stop to wait for God’s answer, and I ask, “so why even ask if you don’t want to hear the answer?”  Many times God does answer, we just don’t like the answer, or it is not what we expected.  More prayer, as if maybe God didn’t understand...But sadly a familiar scenario is like this.  Every night just before going to bed, the phone rings.  It is always the same person, who tells you how he hates his job, has no money, his kids are out of control, and his wife and him are on the outs.  He asks you for help, but when you go to answer, he says “gotta go, can’t talk now.”   Which is a fair representation of their prayer life, which represents their relation with God.  Sound familiar?

Some think prayer is only communication, or even a monologue.  It is a dialogue, with the God of the universe.  Try this next time you are on the phone.  You talk 5 minutes, then it is the other person’s turn.  Then yours again.  Communication, but not conversation.  True conversation is alive, and listens as much as it talks.  Still caught up making excuses, try this one.  Jesus says where ever two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them.  Since the person of the holy spirit is in you upon salvation, you are never alone, and have the perfect prayer partner.  And be real brave, let the spirit start your conversation, who knows better your needs, and then you speak.  Still lost for words, you can always thank him!  Did you ever consider just shutting up and listening the next time you call him Lord?

But prayer took on another dimension for me when I was sick.  I knew God had it all in control, the spirit was giving me peace.  And I was glad so many cared about me, love is a reassuring thing in the midst of turmoil.  But so many would say “I prayed for you,” implying their specific request made the difference in God’s answer.  Theresa had been reminded by a hospital chaplain of Isaiah 65:24, God is already answering before you ask.  So I asked him why was it important that others pray, and I pray for others?  His answer was so simple, and so amazing all a once.  “So that when I did my miracle in you, people could see my hand at work, and would worship me.” 

the answer was the most important part of the request.  And all the time, and every time, it is always about Jesus.  And when he gets the glory, you get the blessings.  You see there is no power in prayer, but there is power in he who hears and answers.  So why not get on a first name basis with him, get his daily updates and praise him even more?  No more communication breakdown, spend time with the Lord, who reminds us “why do you call me Lord if you don’t do what I ask?”  Can you hear him now?

Psalm 1 tells us blessed is the man who delights in the Lord.  Who spends time with him, and thinks on him.  Do we?  Think, who was Jesus thinking of when he was on the cross?  The worst scenario in history?  He was still calling out to his father, for us.  His eyes were not on himself, but on the one who could save.  And did and does.  At your next Bible study or prayer meeting, suggest silence, and listen for the spirit to start the prayer.  Scripture doesn’t say he who has a mouth let him speak, it does say “he who has an ear let him hear.” And did you know you can control your mouth, but not your hearing?  Are we onto something here?  And hearing is the last sense we lose before death, the spirit ministering until heaven, and then in heaven.   Praying more and getting less?  Ask God, then listen.  Two ears, one mouth.  One will.  So I ask you to pray for me, that I may hear more of the spirit, get closer to God, and see more Jesus in my life.  For others to see.  Maybe the St. Francis of Assissi prayer is a good reminder.  Preach the word daily, adding words when needed.  God will direct your paths, but will you follow?  Only if you hear what the spirit is saying...and all you have to say is “Amen.”  The spirit, whenever and wherever two or more are gathered...you are never alone, and you have the perfect prayer partner.  Take a few minutes right now to listen.

love with compassion,

Mike

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