we're riding our children's inheritance-standing on the solid rock

There was a popular bumper sticker back in the 1980's. It was often found on motor homes, and said "we're spending our children's inheritance!" And they were! And rightfully so! A generation that had endured the great depression, survived WWII, and the Korea Conflict, and who had managed to somehow get through all the changes of the '60s, was now enjoying life, and the rewards that retirement had to offer. A unique generation, one that actually had retirement benefits, something their parents could only have dreamt about. They were able to retire at 65, or 62 if they wanted, and could do all the things they had dreamt about while still young enough to enjoy them, and could afford them. And I could remember the advice we were given by our parents, "work hard, get an education, get a good job, marry the right girl, and save a little money and everything would turnout alright." And for many in this generation, things did.

Fathers actually stayed with the same company for their working lifetime. It was not unusual for a man to work 35-40 years for the same employer, raising up from clerk to assistant manager, to manager, to vice president to president. I knew men only 10 years ago who worked over 40 years and had accomplished this goal. It was the American dream, it was a God given right, and in the land of opportunity and prosperity, something was the matter with you if you didn't. And because of their work ethics, now could enjoy the fruits of their labors. And we all wanted to be like them, for these were good and moral desires. Prosperity brought a type of security. The company I worked for would be there for me, and generally it was.

It was virtually unknown to me and my friends of anyone who came from a divorced family. And kids were looked down on, as if it was their fault and something was the matter with them if they did. Mom's stayed home, met you after school with cookies, and took care of the home. Dad's left early, and got home late, with dinner waiting. Boys played baseball, and fathers could always find time to get to your game. Girls were cheerleaders, yelling for the boys, and we loved it, even though it would take us into our teen years to admit it. We were all defined by who we were, and what we were. But things were about to change. We were all unequal, and enjoying the roles life had given us. we just didn't know it. It would take equality to show us how good we had it.

Slowly Coca Cola introduced youth soccer to the US, and now boys and girls played sports. Girls had basketball leagues, and some were better than their male counterparts. Boys could become cheerleaders and moms didn't stay home, but had what they called a career, as if motherhood and raising a family while maintaining the home wasn't one. They got jobs, and the family unit slowly dissolved, and so did their dreams. They were wasting their inheritance, the values inherited from their parents, and in an indulgent, me first generation would leave nothing for their children to inherit. And sadly, we are spending our children's inheritance today, leaving them with the debt as our legacy to them, for our lifetime of work.

In California, the average person changes jobs every two years. Nationwide you will have 10 jobs before you retire at 65, if you can afford to. Currently nationwide, there are 600 people for each job advertised, I shudder to think what it is in Detroit, where they have 28% unemployment. There is no inheritance anymore. We have lost sight of our dreams, and lost our vision. Bobby Kennedy, a liberal in his day, who would be a conservative today, said "You see things as they are, and say why? I see things as could be and say why not?" And as we try to understand what went wrong, we seek answers, that just aren't there. How can we be secure in an insecure world? What is it going to take for us to seek God?

God tells us that the people perish for lack of a vision. And we have lost our vision, after a generation of myopic values. Prosperity, or the desire for it brought about hope, and the promise of security. I will do better than my parents, and parents encouraged it because they wanted their kids to. Not an if, but a when attitude. Sacrifices would be made so they could have an education, and many took advantage of it. Only to find it today's economy the rules have all changed. But God's haven't. He tells us that as the inner man prospers, then does the outer man. That prosperity comes from God, and like the Doxology says we should "praise God from whom all blessings flow." He tells us to seek Him with all our hearts, for He has plans for a prosperous future for us. To seek Him first, then all these other things will be added. And all the time He talks to us about spiritual things, while all we can see is the physical. A security denied, because we can't spend it-yet.

And as the rain continues to fall on the just and the unjust, he still desires us to seek Him, and be prosperous. God is above the questionable economy, and our questionable morals. He hasn't changed, and won't. And that is a good thing. And He isn't spending our inheritance, but still adding to it in heaven for those who believe. He tells us the things seen are temporal, the things not seen are eternal. And right now we are in a heavy overdose of temporal. A right now, what can you do for me mentality. And unless we turn, and repent, as individuals, and a nation-and a planet, we are doomed. There is no inheritance of man other than death, and all the frustrations that go with it. Jesus still saves-and in today's economy that is a solution we all should be seeking. But it starts with you-and a choice to make. Who's inheritance will you be spending?

Today is the day of salvation-trust God. Your government is proving daily it can't provide, or give you a future. 401k's are now 201k's, the home of your dreams is worth half of what you paid for it, and your college education can't even get you a job at Wal-Mart-as a greeter. The things of the world and its values are fading, while God's are still desirable. They are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness, long suffering, and self control. And when applied with a relationship with Him, bring eternal rewards, and prosperity along the way. And a security that the world and all it insecurities cannot duplicate, but can counterfeit-if only for awhile.

A long term contract, with a no-cut clause included. A prosperity truly worth leaving for your kids to inherit. Security in the fact that God honors His contracts-and His contacts. Start enjoying your inheritance today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

less filling. tastes great? this Bud's for you!

Frank C.'s choice of painkillers was alcohol. And his pain was so great that he used to mainline vodka directly into his stomach to get his buzz. The most extreme alcoholic I ever saw, and yet I know Frank didn't set out to be one. A gifted musician and good friend, he started with just a few, and escalated from there. When I last saw him he was a lost, lonely, and broken person. And my heart still breaks for him.

No one sets out to be an alcoholic-"I can control my drinking they say." And finally when their family and careers are in ruin do they listen. I was reminded of this fact today as another good friend, a brother, has succumbed to drink. And so far it has only cost him his family, his wife is filing for divorce and taking the kids, and his business, which is doing great in this economy will also suffer. All because he just had to have a drink.

Thirty years ago Theresa and I gave up drinking-pouring a full quart of Cuervo Tequila and a case of Busch beer down the sink. No waiting until it was gone-we stopped NOW! And haven't touched it since. The first reason was it was hurting our Christian witness. We cared more that someone would see Jesus in us than the freedom to drink would give us-and we can drink-we choose not to. I also want nothing to get between me and God, our relationship is that important. And like I told my son Christopher the other night-I want nothing to come between us. How would both of us feel if he needed me and I had been drinking and couldn't help? A question I never want to answer. So I don't-drink. And any one of the above reasons is good, and the rewards great.

As I sat in court supporting a couple whose son is on trial, alcohol induced problems, I talked to another man, Eldon, who was going to court. A Christian man, who only drank once, and got caught for a DUI that has ruined his life. Professionally his underlings can't look up to him, he had been demoted. The court knew of him, and now his reputation is damaged-they can't believe he got drunk. Imagine what his witness is like to those lost? Thank you sir, may I have another? Will we ever get it?

And as I deal with men and women whose families, careers, and lives are in ruin, I wonder is it worth it? Not for me. And like I shared with a girl at the Honor Run, she asked if I could drink in my club? Are there rules? My answer-no rules, I can if I want. I can also cheat on my wife, do drugs, and break any laws I want to. My answer was simple-and is simple. I CHOOSE NOT TOO! It is a choice. And based on basic business principals, I.e. if your opponent is drinking-don't. It gives you an edge. As Larry Peoples, hit man and now saved by the grace of God tells girls-DON'T! Don't put yourself in a position where you can be taken advantage of. Good advice from a man who killed 28 for profit, and 7 for revenge. But now saved by grace.

You only drink to get a buzz. Sorry-no excuses. And the breweries know it. Six packs replaced by 12 and 24 packs. Liquor by the half gallon, wine by the case. And eventually it leads to ruin.

Have you ever met a person who was a total loser, then becoming a drunk saved his life? Or made it better? Or just had a few before bed? Or killed a bottle of wine with dinner? Stop the excuses and turn it over to Christ. I did 30 years ago with no regrets. No hangovers, no DUI, no ruined relationships or careers because of it. Today I love the sinner, but hate the sin. I do not condone it, but will not condemn you either. You will be caught in your own sin-just like the Bible says.

Good Lord it's morning-or good morning Lord tell about last night. I like falling asleep with God, and then seeing him first thing in the morning. Beer didn't make Bud wiser, just richer. Start your own savings plan today with the money you used to drink with. Could just be enough for that new chrome thingie you desire for your Harley-or the new ride you desire. Ride safe and sober. Stupid hurts, don't let it kill and destroy. Self induced stupidity is the worst. Let your friends accuse you of self proclaimed smarts. And you can be there for them, just like Jesus-when you are needed. Do not be deceived-bad company corrupts good morals. Be a good company-and stay in good company, with Christ.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

season's greetings

While you were sound asleep last week, a major change took place and you may not have realized it. Summer ended, and fall began. Although here in So Cal with 100 degree heat we may gloss over it, other states with real seasons have noticed. Trees change, leaves fall, we go to bed earlier because it is dark-although it is only 900pm it seems like midnight, and it is just as dark now when we wake up. But fall can also be exciting-baseball winds down, and the World Series is only a month away, Monday Night Football begins, hockey and basketball are to start soon, and the riding season gets shorter for many. But let me take you back to a season of an 11 year old-back in the day as they call it now, or old school, because no one wants to go to a new one.

As much as you wish it wouldn't end, summer does. No more late nights out under the streetlights talking or sleeping out, school has begun and your mindset has changed, slowly. School means seeing friends you may not have seen all summer, seeing who is in your class, and the ever important decision of who to sit next to, if it isn't assigned. Boys have grown taller, and girls have grown-elsewhere. And for the first time you notice, hopefully without getting caught. Classes jockey for kickball supremacy and new friendships are formed.

But for young, and old car nuts, fall means new cars. And back in the day, it was a special event. When people used to buy a new car every other year, trading they called it, the dealers would cover the front windows, and the new cars world come covered on trucks, then covered in a yard until the special unveiling. And special it was, as there would be spotlights, school bands, food, and even the mayor might speak, as the new cars of your dreams would be uncovered. No spy shots or internet-you would truly see them for the first time that night-and would die to have a new one. In 1965 that meant Mustangs, Chevy Impala SS with their new fastback styling, and GTO's. Engines with 426, 396, and 389 cubic inches, and power to match. Cars with more horsepower than you could handle-or so the ads would say. Cars with Flash o Matic transmissions, Get Away Power, and Vibra Fonic sound to listen to the Beatles and the Four Seasons. The old was old, and the new was new, and we looked forward to it all, even though summer was gone. And even though the owners of that new convertible would have to wait to put the top down till spring, they could listen to all the someday to be oldies with the top up. And GM was in jeopardy of being broken up, as they had over 50% of the new car market. Cool guys rode Triumphs, and cops rode Harleys. The nicest people were on Hondas, and you could Solo Suzuki-whatever that was. You looked forward to tomorrow because all the promises of today wouldn't fit into it.

In 1969 Honda blew our minds with a four cylinder 750 with a front disc brake-these were only found on race bikes. Triumph and BSA tried to sell faster, but uglier triples-the Trident and Rocket 3. Harley soldiered on , but with a 1000cc Sportster-still the fastest thing on two wheels. SS396s ruled, GTO and Boss Mustangs were the hot set up, and $2 to cruise all night was in-check the gas and fill the oil for many of my friends. It was also the year the Mets won the World Series, and the Jets were to win the Super Bowl, upsetting both worlds forever. We had walked on moon, and the Aquarian Arts Festival had transformed a generation-Woodstock for you not in the know. And as the fall season began, high school, and a whole new set of rules, and girls.

Seasons. Your life is seasonal, and many seasons are undefined. Some you know are coming, and many arrive unannounced. They may have begun suddenly, and they have no ending date. When I lost my job last year, I met with Miles, and we talked of seasons. I am in a season now of no income, but ministering more than ever. And loving life more than ever. A season, that if it ends, I wish to look back and say I enjoyed it. But for many, unemployment has meant hardship. No paycheck, foreclosure, and bankruptcy rear their ugly heads. But for those of us in Christ, this is a season to get out and share the gospel-not that it isn't all the time. But if God has allowed you time off, use it for His benefit. Visit nursing homes, get involved in a Bible study, and go to the church-see how you can minister, believe me, there is always something there that needs to be done. Be part of the solution-as we used to say, and not part of the problem. Spend time with your kids, the time you needed with them has been afforded you now. Someday soon they may not want their uncool dad to hang with them. Spend time with your wife-have intimate times together and do things around the house for her-while she gets used to you being in the way. Don't look at yourself in your misfortune, but in the time God has given you to grow, to be more of the man He desires of you. Hope is a season that has no end. Take time to ride-roads are empty during the week, and maybe meet others in your situation-minister to or with them. Let this be an exciting time like new car announcements-or like when you first saw the new Z-1! Or R90S! Let it be a time that you can't wait until the next day, so you can start it all over again. This can be the best season of your life-don't blow it! Thank God for it and be blessed.

But Mike, I need a job. No, you have needs, and need an income. God will provide, unless you think He doesn't know what is going on. Maybe your faith in the economy is more than your faith in Him. Use this time to change that-and be blessed. In your life you will encounter, and endure many seasons. But one season will endure forever-those who have given their lives to Jesus. And when you have, all the other seasons are better, and the new ones more exciting. He adds life-abundantly. And you don't have to wait for the new cars to arrive-or spring to enjoy the top down and wind in your hair. Life in Him is exciting-right now! In the day for Christians is happening right now! Don't miss it! For another season is coming-read 2Peter 3, and really get excited.

If you still get excited over a 4-speed, dual quad, Positraction 409, stay excited, Drive it more, and listen to those 4 barrels open up. If your old Bonneville still excites you, tickle the carbs until your shoes are wet, clear the clutch, and start it on the first kick. Feel the wind in your face, and God in your soul. Get out and enjoy the season-for we do no know what tomorrow may bring. Make today the best day you ever had, and allow God to share it with you. He may have allowed this season just for the two of you to spend more time together! See the USA, with God today! Heaven awaits. Enjoy your seasons of the soul, today.

love with compassion,

Mike

the longest day

It was 1030pm, CST, when I rolled into my motel in Oklahoma City. It was Saturday night, and I had left home Friday at 530pm, PST. In the past 27 hours since leaving home in Escondido, I had travelled through three time zones and five states. I had slept at my motel in Kingman, AZ. for seven hours, fully refreshed, had heat as hot as 120 degrees on the Chiarico Summit, and ridden the last 300+ miles in the rain. I had ridden my Sprint ST 1125 miles in the first 24 hours, and over 1325 miles total when I hit the bed in OK City that night. Not a bad first day for a trip, and as I looked at the map of the US, I found myself almost in the middle of it. And looking back over the days ride, realized I had put more states, rain, and time zone in one day than most bikers do in a lifetime. So, how was your day?

This past Saturday we attended a rally in Escondido for Set Free Ministries. They take people from the street, and tell them about Jesus. Then train them up so they can tell others. As I looked at the young men, who recently had been selling and doing drugs, all tattooed up, raising their hands in praise to the Lord, I realized how far they had come, too. A life changed by Christ, something that no social or government program could do, had made freaks into people. People that may not be welcomed in Main St. churches, but who love the Lord more than many who just fill pews and call themselves Christians. As we listened to the music, and testimonies of families reunited, relationships repaired, and lives changed, I knew that the ministry to be among them is where God wants me. I feel so at home among these brothers and sisters. I also feel welcome wherever the church is gathered, but somehow to see how far they have come, thrills my soul. These people I once would have crossed the street to avoid, now they will be my neighbors in heaven. Consider that next time we make a quick judgment based on looks, Jesus loves them as much as He loves you! I know they look back and see how far they have come, and never want to go back.

As I laid out my map that night, I contemplated my next day's ride, an easy 969 miles to Lexington ,Kentucky. Another day of rain through the entire state of Missouri, and then clouds and high humidity the rest of the way. Adding to my total in 51 hours I had traveled over 2300 miles. And would finish the next day with a short run of 700 to my parent's house in New Jersey. Just under 3200 miles by the end of the trip there. Within 70 hours I had seen both coasts, 15 states, and had the ride of my life. I will never forget the biker who ran the Sunoco station in West Virginia where I stopped Monday morning for gas. He told everyone who came in how I had been in California that Friday night, and here this Monday morning. Even impressed me as I listened. And reflected.

I also thought of the road ahead for those who have had their lives changed by Jesus Christ. Before life was just a repeat of yesterday-another time to get high and scam others-a time to blame the world for their condition. But now they faced life knowing that God would guide them through, they had a purpose and reason to live. As families would reunite they would grow in the Lord, and kids who once just wondered the streets, now had parents to come home to. And wanted to. All because Jesus Christ had entered their life. Like the old Bill Gaither song-Because He Lives, we can face tomorrow. Better yet, we can face today. And look forward to it-never alone. And on the offense rather than defense. Because He lives, all fear is gone. And we know He holds the future. And life is worth the living. And I was reminded of all this on a 100+ degree day by a group of ex-addicts, junkies, and criminals, who had come to Christ.

Maybe you have led a good life, but know something is missing. It is really a someone, and He wants to show His love to you. Trust Jesus today, and let Him into your life. Just as I read the maps at night, and see how far I have gone, it also shows me how far I have to go. So ease up, we all aren't as perfect as you-yet! And I never ride alone, no matter how small the group of one is-Jesus is always with me. Whether cross country or across the street, he is ever present. Before you leave the house today-ask Him to guide your steps, and enter your life. Feel a freedom that you never knew existed before. And if you already have given your life to Him, realize the pressures that face you today are already answered by Him before you have prayed about them. He loves you that much. If you believe in Him start acting like you do!

1000 mile days are milestone in a biker's life. I do 600 mile days as a standard any more. But the more I ride, the more I never ride alone. Time well spent with the Lord, riding with me. Through the storms of life or weather, in traffic or between problems, you are never alone.

Thanks to the Set Free Ministries, who God has given this ministry of love and hope. There are many others out there, some known, some not-but God sees them all. That is what Matthew 25 Biker is all about. Ministering. Just like Jesus wants us to do in Matthew 25. Feeding, giving water, visiting in jail and hospitals, and taking in strangers. All in His name. Taking care of the Lazarus He has placed in our lives, so they may know that Jesus loves them too. Meeting the need in Jesus name. WE share with the least, which is the same as doing it for Him. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. To ride. Or just be wherever He wants you. See you on the coast, just not sure which one. Or even in between, I may the guy riding solo, but not alone. Jesus Christ changes lives-let Him change yours today!

Even a short day riding with Him is better than a long trip without Him! Be set free, no one else can make that claim except for Christ. Free at last!

Oh, and my trip. After meeting Theresa at my parents house, we rode over 7500 miles in the next two weeks, through 28 states. And greater rides were to come, and still are!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the $64,000 question-are we one nation under God?

When we lived in Durango I used to work for Coke. Part of my route took me onto the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in Dulce, New Mexico. A beautiful area, 60 miles from anywhere and with a very business like tribe running it. The reservation just happened to be partly on the Gobernador natural gas field, at the time the second largest in the US. And two times a year, if you were at least 1/8 Jicarilla you got a bonus check. That means if your great-great grandfather was Jicarilla, and had married a non-Jicarilla, you would qualify. And each one in your immediate family. In dollars and cents it meant that twice a year, each member of your family got a check. And in the early eighties each portion was worth about $8000. For a family of four, that meant $32,000, times two times year or $64,000 a year. When the average income was about $21,000, this was big bucks! And for no more than your heritage!

When this would happen there would be a spending spree there. Even car dealers from Santa Fe would bring pickups and park them along the highway-only requiring a thumbprint and an X to get a new truck. And if the check was not big enough to cover it, you signed a contract. No credit checks, as the Jicarillas had a rule, if you wrote a bad check, they held your bonus until it was taken care. Everybody would take a Jicarilla check-it was like a golden guarantee! And at your next bonus the finance company got paid before you got your next check.

But it also led to poverty, as the money many times went to drugs, and alcohol. And since you didn't have to work, many didn't. There was no incentive, so they became lazy. Even to the point of destroying a beautiful lodge they had built-no one would work it, and when no one came, they vandalized it. Imagine the scene-a lodge on a lake among the evergreens in the mountains-clean air, clean water, and no people. Just graffiti and broken glass-how sad. And this reflected many lives there. But the few who lived and ranched there did well-as the few bad always seem to outweigh the majority of good.

There is coming a time, after the rapture called the great tribulation-times so tough that they have never been seen on earth, and will never be duplicated. And to buy anything you will have to give allegiance to a man-who will claim to be God. And take his mark, the mark of the beast if you want to purchase anything. The technology for this mark, which will be imbedded in your right hand or forehead, is already in place. Chips in your dog, horse, etc, are already common. Some communities already want to place them in children to track them-sounds good, but wait, there's more. Companies in England are making them right now-wonder how they will do in the rain? Hopefully they will be Lucas chips. But seriously, those non-Christians left behind, and not saved after the rapture, will be required to take this mark. If not-they will guillotine your head off. No down to 1/8 allegiance-100% or death. And the signs of this coming are in place. And I believe God has put out warnings to the world of the next major events in world history.

It warns of the spirit of antichrist-anti meaning instead of Christ. And a scary example is socialism-let government, a man based and inspired system take care of me. Whether UI checks, food stamps, or any of the dozens of entitlements, anything that makes you depend on someone other than God. And once you are hooked, you can become a socialized government junkie. They tell you what is best, who to marry, when you need health care, where to live, and work if necessary. And like a sign in the Southern Ute Indians tribal office says, "if you take away a man's desire to work, you take away his desire to live." There is no free lunch, the bill will come due someday.

And like the Jicarillas, there will be nice people who will pay the price for the many who turn against God, and live subsidized. And in a generation or two, you have become a socialized society, and your freedoms are gone. The government owns you.

But to those who choose God, the treasures begin to become of our lives now. We will be taken out and miss the great tribulation. No marks for us, God will already have marked us for heaven. No government of man telling us how to live-we serve a benevolent despot, a king who loves his people and does the best for them, even at his expense. It is called love, and Jesus loves you-so much He died to make the way back to God and heaven available to all. And no matter where you live, how you earn your income, or your ancestry, he is ready to accept you in-now! Repent, turn from the world and turn to Jesus. Ask Him into your life, and earn bonus checks right away. With one condition-they're paid in heavenly dividends, and we will be rewarded when we get to heaven. As for now, He places us in the world to bring this message to others. And meets our needs while we are here. No thumbprint, no X. Just his nail pierced hands, holding onto you until you sit with Him in heaven.

Today is the day of salvation-start your investment now. Dividends, bonuses, and eternal life. Plus a peace that the world would never see. And no chips or marks. His name will be written in your heart, and your name in the book of life.

The warnings are there. Where are you with Jesus? Who you choose to worship and serve will tell your ultimate outcome. Don't have to say "I wished I had listened." It will be too late. Find God-now! Let's pray.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

naughty or nice? God forgives

Next time you go to San Francisco take the boat tour of the bay and visit Alcatraz. For just the price to the island, you get a trip on the bay, and it is neat to see the city from the water. But a different view is afforded from Alcatraz, so take the tour. A bleak island surrounded by civilization-if you consider San Francisco civilized, it is so close as to be local, but so alone it seems a million miles away. The perfect prison, so to speak, and a very historical one. To be invited as a criminal, you had to be the worst of the worst. This was the last stop and held such notorious felons as Robert Stroud, canonized as the Birdman of Alcatraz. Actually he was a sex pervert, who was kept alone, and was known for flinging dung at the guards. Burt Lancaster he wasn't, but then who of us are.

Only a 15 minute rider from Pier 37 to the north side of the island where the dock is, on a clear day you can see the city perfectly, if your cell faces that way. And that could be a blessing, or a curse. For while locked up in your cell, you could not only see life, but could hear it. The sounds of the city travelled better at night , and the sounds of cars, people, and parties was evident-and a reminder to the one in the cage that life was going on, while he was incarcerated for his crime. And when taking the tour you are given a headset, so you can walk through the rotting prison at your own pace, and hear and see the sounds as they did. Cold, damp, lonely, and isolated you get to see life as the inmates did-although the condition is horrible, you can still see what it was like in the tiny cells. But the part that is really upsetting is the hole, or the isolation cells, the punishment tank for the disobedient criminals-how's that for a description. In a cell with no toilet-they give you a bucket, no bed or chair, you are forced to sit on a cold, hard concrete floor-naked, with no lights-except for the light coming through the small window, the only light coming in there is from the city at night. And with no glass in the windows, it is generally in the 50 degree range. A temp too cold for some to ride, and for others to wear their winter gear. Think of isolation next time you ride in the cold-are you really that cold?

But this is Club Med compared to what prisons were like 2000 years ago. Chained to walls in unsanitary conditions, the only food you got was from someone who brought it to you. If you didn't know anybody, you would probably starve. And they tended to be in dungeons, so they were dark, smelly, and run by tough characters. The guards were usually pretty tough, as if you escaped, they paid for it with their lives, if they were lucky-if not they took your place in jail. Let's say that the escape rate was negligible, if at all. Maybe that is why when the disciples were praying for Peter to escape, and he showed up at their door, they didn't believe it was him at first. Remember that the next time you pray for a miracle and God answers-and it is not what you expected, but what you desired.

But there are other prisons that we find ourselves in, sometimes self incarcerated. Although we would never admit it. Theresa likes watching the HGTV channel, and we watch the first time buyers. "I must have it," she says, as her husband relents, although they are only $50k above their budget, which is only $50k above what they can afford. And they end up with a house that owns them. That after the facade of new ownership erodes, which coincides with their first payment, find the house owns them. All the dreams that danced in their heads of expensive cabinets, and picnic decks go out the window as their new dream is just to cover all the bills, and have enough left to super size their next big night out. And somewhere down the road, after finally redesigning their home to what they had originally seen it as, they put the home of their dreams up for sale, and begin the process of broken dreams, and broken wallets all over again. Not learning from their first experience. "I just must have a new home," she says, and as her husband relents, thinks of all the free time he earned that he just traded away. "Yes , dear."

Cars and motorcycles are no different. Growing up back east it was not unusual to see brand new Cadillacs in the ghettos, next to houses made of tarpaper and crates. They would finance your car up to 10 years, and if it was still running, or hadn't rusted away, would finance you for the next decade. 20 years, which equals a score, and you still hadn't. The car owned you, the only enjoyment was showing it off to those who didn't have one, and thought you were cool-but secretly glad they didn't have your bills for it. Motorcycles are no different, as I see young servicemen, turning over half their pay to a motorcycle payment. For something they sell at a loss when deployed, and have to store outside, and watch it rust away as the salt air eats it up-just like the payments eat up their income-slowly and painfully. Suddenly how fast it goes is changed to how fast can I get rid of it-sad.

The last group of prisoners are ones who have a concession to style-the trendy ones. They always have the latest style-but hey, so do I-when are jeans and t-shirts out of style? And when has leather been not cool? But you know the ones, never see the same outfit twice, and it must be a brand name-the correct name or her friends will talk. When at Land Rover we used to laugh at them-first buying a $70k, 4 wheel drive car when living in San Diego, and not being able to afford it. Wearing all the right clothes when bringing it in for free service, the only time you saw many of them, and then complaining to their husbands, whose main weakness is poor taste in women. And the cycle continues.

God tells us to be content with what we have-we do not know what tomorrow brings. And when I see the prisons we find ourselves in when we don't obey, I wonder if we ever learn. We get so upset when God tells us no, but forget how he is trying to protect us from what lays ahead. We forget how the economy shifted, and those who paid $1million for a $500k house are losing them. The luxury cars sit for sale, or repoed, and the designer clothes go to Goodwill. Where some of the best bargains are found and being worn by the same people we used to make fun of-now they look trendy and you don't.

God says he desires that no man be a debtor, and as a society we are learning that. But are we learning the spiritual application? Do we turn to God, and thank Him when the answer is no, knowing that a better yes is coming? Do we wait patiently for His answer, and thank Him when it arrives? Do we recognize His answer? Do we believe Him when He says as the spiritual man grows, so does the outer man? Or are we living in a spiritual prison, where the sins of the world and the flesh have taken us over-and where once fruit of the spirit blossomed, now the weeds of sin have taken over? Today is the day of salvation. The same bad decision that got you in, can be turned around by a good decision to get you out. It is not too late to change the road you are on. No matter what denomination or creed you live by, the answer is the same-repent! Turn it over to God, and go the right direction. Get released from the prison you have willfully entered into, and be set free! God has an escape route from every sin-Jesus, and when calling on Him you will be set free.

But remember there are consequences for sin, and like those in jail, you must pay man's price for the sin against man. Foreclosure, repossession, and unemployment run rampant-consider them next time you must have whatever it is you must have. Remember what ever you worship, owns you. Now for the final question-what or who do you worship? Who owns you? GMAC or GOD? I have found God's way more forgiving, and He accepts no credit-all of you or nothing. No free interest-only a 100% interest in you. All paid in full at the cross. A debt you could never handle-and a release from a prison you could never escape from. So turn to Him today, no matter your circumstances, and watch as when you turn your debt over to Him, He will balance the books, in your favor for a change. But you gotta let Him. Can you? Will you? Some prisons don't have walls or water surrounding them, only a hard heart. That no man can break down. Be like Peter, let God find you a way out! And stay out! Make God the only desire of your heart-and watch as you grow richer than you ever thought possible-in Christ.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a chosen few, and the few that chose them

It was easy to identify bikers in the early '70's, they were the ones with the black leather jackets, unless you rode an English bike, then you wore a Belstaff jacket. Never heard of one, don't feel bad. They were a concoction of the British-the land of liquid sunshine and sun breaks. To ward of the cold and wet, they took a heavy cotton and dipped it in wax. And when they started to not repel water, you melted a candle on them, and then the musty odor from not repelling rain, combined with the candle wax would repel you, and others. And sometimes the rain. Did I mention they weighed three times as much, and stunk? Not for the faint of smell or stature. Much better, and without the weight and odor, black leather jackets were not yet readily available, Army Navy stores had surplus, and the occasional Harley store might one-they sold motorcycles back then, and hadn't become boutiques yet. You never found leather in a Honda store. They were the nicest people, and didn't ride in the rain or cold, we who wore leather weren't. Don't even ask about the Belstaff group. And if you found one you didn't have much choice, just the Brando style-so we all looked alike. And it got harder to tell all of us non-conformists apart because we all looked the same. The few, the black jacketed, the bikers. Never realizing that someday Harley would have a parts and accessories catalog bigger than the old Sears Christmas catalog. We grow older, just not up, the price and cubic inch of our toys the main difference.

About that same time long hair on men became popular. Looking at my senior picture, taken in the summer of '71, and then the one at my prom the next May, my hair had gone from just covering the ear, to inches below my ear-parted in the middle of course-as per the standard of the day. All seeking to be individuals, and again all looking the same. Even the rednecks, with their standard issue CAT-Diesel Powered hats wore long sideburns, as style erupted from out of their caps, which hid longer hair where crew cuts once lived. Again, the few, the bigoted, the rednecks. And we all could pretty well tell who each other was, our politics, and our morals just by looking at our looks. And when long hair, leather, sideburns, and a CAT hat combined you moved to the other side of the street when one came at you. Peace brother, before you became pieces, brother.

But more than styles, the attitudes were changing. And it was more all about me more than ever before. We just used the mantra about loving our brother, it was good for picking up easy hippie chicks. And before when we went looking for a job, you got interviewed by a guy high on Vitalis, and what can we do for him, now it was our same attitudes, but with sideburns starting to show, and hair just starting to touch the top of the ear. Things were changing, and soon we were asking "what can you do for me?" The answer-benefits. Now no 21 year old cares about retirement, and medical was not even in our vocabulary-we were going to live forever. But it was nice to say to those without them we had them, a point of superiority-even if we had to get sick or retire to use them. But things were changing-still, and still are today.have

The Bible tells us many are called, but few are chosen. And this applies directly to ministry. I know so many who when they get saved want to go to seminary-or think they have to. Or are afraid they will go to Africa-where do the Africans go? And even look at ministry as a career. When it is a calling, and is as close as your family, your first ministry. And is local, how many step over the Lazarus place before you on your way to your ministry?

Father Al tells me of a man who came to the Flight 93 Chapel. Seems he had a heart for this ministry, and since Father Al was looking for help, and a man to eventually turn it over to, he spoke with him. The man explained his desire to serve there, and how his heart was in it. All the things Father Al wanted to hear. But when he found out there was no pay, and what about benefits, discovered his calling might be somewhere else a little more mainstream, and seemingly secure. He was looking for a job, God was offering Him a ministry. You see the few that Jesus speaks of are called. We have been given a vision, and follow it. A desire so personal that to others they cannot understand it, and we seem careless, when really we are carefree-casting our cares on Him. Our salaries are measured in heavenly terms, and our earthly needs met by a loving God. Benefits-all that the kingdom has to offer. Like a Christian man once told the woman in the seat next to him on the plane, when asked what he did, he replied "I work for the world's richest Jew." She didn't get it, and after he explained thought he was crazy. Ever wonder why God has no line of credit? Doesn't need it. But this man was just crazy enough to follow a God that he can't touch, see, or hear-except in the spirit. One of the few, the chosen few who answer the call.

Today we have the few, the proud, the Marines. My friend Guy in the Hells Angels is a Filthy Few. And God is still calling those to come to Him. Many are called, but few choose Him. Whether in leather jacket and colors, or tie and jacket-he overlooks your style and desires to give you one just like His. A style that never goes out of style, and has always been in style. It is called love and forgiveness-two things he built into every person on earth, and that only He can fulfill. And without His peace, you don't have it. Despite the income, houses, job, and benefits-you ain't got it without Jesus! A peace not looked for as hippies, because drugs, sex, and rock and roll can't compete with God. But some let them compete for their soul, with disastrous results. When all they had to do was turn to God, and accept His peace. Many are called, but few choose Him.

So God has given us a choice also, love being not demanded by Him, just freely given. And I thank Him that I chose Him when called. For many are called gods by the world, and other religions. But I chose the few-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The only few that make a difference. A few like no others. With eternal promises offered like no other.

And we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and we even ride motorcycles-in black leather jackets, with long hair under our expensive Arais. But we have made the choice to follow Jesus-and don't want to turn back. But how do you tell us apart? The fruit-for the few that have chosen Jesus bear fruit in the spirit, fruit of the spirit. His spirit! Where before we were confused, doubting, and insecure in our beliefs, and it was all about us, now we show in our lives love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, long suffering, meekness, and self control. And the cool thing is there is no law against being like that! And you can keep your long hair, and your leathers! or your crew cut. And even your colors if you want. It is your choice! And finally be the individual you want to be, but never dreamed you could be. But it is sad to think there are those that turn away.

Jesus is calling you now. He chose you, and wants to bless you like you never dreamed. Will you let Him? A few of us have. The few, the chosen, the blessed-Christians. Being different never felt so good!

love with compassion, wearing my leathers, in ministry,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com