the little old ladies from Pasadena

When I was young people my parents age seemed so old, and those of my grandparents generation seemed ancient.  Now since I am of grandparenting age, but still with an empty quiver, people of my generation who are grandparents don’t seem so old.  Maybe the eyes are starting to fail a bit, and maybe I am getting older but refusing to grow up, but I don’t feel old.  And I have fooled many a younger rider when I takeoff my helmet exposing my white beard, “how did that crazy old man keep up?”  While I am thinking “can’t you go any faster?”  So perceptions can be misleading, and ruin many a good time, if we let them.  Some 10 years ago we were invited to a Nazarene church in Pasadena, to hear an ex-Hells Angel speak, Barry Mayson.  A man with a tremendous testimony, he had been invited to speak at this church.  It seems the pastor had a friend who insisted he hear Barry, and when he did, insisted he come and visit and share.  Now Barry wasn’t what the congregation was used too, this was an old, very staid, church steeped in tradition, much different from churches today, who try to keep up with a contemporary service, repackaging Jesus, with mixed results.  But invite Barry they did, and he was as surprised as they were when they met.  Boy were we about to be blessed.

He travelled with a small group, if you can call my new friend Tiny who weighed 350 pounds small.  But as big as he was in size, his love of Jesus was bigger, and set a tone I wish to use as an example.  Pulling into the parking lot, a group of 10, we found it already filling up with bikes and bikers, and we were being greeted by little old ladies from Pasadena.  Ladies who were excited to minister, who had preconceived ideas about bikers, but were prepared to show love.  And show love they did, where a clear distinction of social groups was evident, leather and denim, and loud pipes, these ladies with their coiffed hair, expensive clothes, and manicured nails were excited.  To say we were greeted in love would be an understatement, as when these two groups met, they did anything but clash.  Think of bikers being met by these LOLFP in their church clothes, versus our standard of denim and leather, and somehow it all worked.  They hugged, they shared, they answered questions.  They wanted to sit on the bikes, they wanted rides, and they had questions.  A group of church folk of two kinds had met together, and Jesus had made us one.  We had the common foundation of Jesus Christ, and that made the difference.

Pasadena is definitely different than some of the places I have ministered, this was a church of rich people.  But they opened their hearts to us, and they were excited to hear the testimonies.  It was all about Jesus, and a guest speaker who had a bad history, but whose life had been changed by Jesus was welcomed.  Tattoos and all.  I cannot tell you how many LOLFP hugged me, showed me love, offered me food and drink, to say all would be accurate.  And when the day was done, I left with a much different opinion of their church.  I had been wrong, I can only imagine if we both had taken a different stance towards each other based on preconceived notions.  It took Jesus to break down any social, financial, ethnic, and brand specific notions.  An example we all need to follow.

Would Jesus feel comfortable in your church?  Would he be welcomed?  Would you recognize him if he came to one of your services?  Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking we need to teach people about Jesus, and when they know enough, they will be saved.  Special speakers, big events, free programs-that will get them in, that’ll show them about Jesus.  But when the words don’t match the actions, troubles begin, or are reinforced, and the church instead of being a place to gather, becomes a country club, with preferred membership. 

I am blessed to be part of a fellowship that meets in an old hotel, a sort of flophouse.  Previous churches tried to minister, free meals, teaching, and little one on one contact.  When they pulled out, God allowed me and a few others to step in.  And when we asked what they wanted, they answered “we want the word.”  They wanted Jesus, to hear about him, to pray and be prayed for, and to fellowship.  When asked about food, the answer was “we eat the other days of the week,” and what once was the focal point, wasn’t important at all.  So with no budget, we have God supply the needs, and do a short teaching, get them to interact, share cookies and water, pray and fellowship.  And in doing that, I am reminded of Jesus telling us that whoever does this to the least of them, does this to me.  And an important lesson is learned, for just as the LOLFP greeted and loved on us, as different as we were, on Tuesday nights we are no different, we are loved, and get to love.  We see lots of little steps, and we see Jesus in action.  The spirit moving where no program or process could. 

As an example, one man who is on medications, is excited about his new Bible study, he is doing on his own.  He wanted to get closer to God, and wanted to know how to make it personal with Jesus.  Another man and woman do a daily study together, they are in Romans.  And told us last night, how a few verses can be so exciting.  While yet another man, another castaway person, when hearing of my new diet, ran up to his room and got me some salad and dressing.  Barely able to feed himself, he wants to give back.  A heart changed by God.  Another lady needs a Bible, some need a bed, and God is meeting all the needs.  And we get to see him in action changing lives.  We go to bless, and leave blessed.  They want to hear about Jesus, better yet they want to be part of him, to be part of the action.  Just like the LOLFP, Jesus makes all the difference in their lives.  Where religion had made it impersonal, Jesus changes all that.  Would Jesus feel welcomed at your church?  Your house?  Driving to work with you?  How would you introduce him to your friends?  Is he personal to you?  Sorry, I didn’t hear what you mumbled....

How many little old ladies from Pasadena have a shiny red Super Stock Dodge parked in their garage?  How many of these LOLFP are gonna get a ticket sooner or later cause they can’t keep their foot off the accelerator?  Suddenly it seems the right thing to do, to join together in Jesus.  To share testimonies, to love on each other.  The Nazarene church that opened their doors that day to bikers was hoping to bless them, and they did, but never expected the blessing God had for them in return.  So get out and show the love of Christ to someone different.  Be amazed at how he makes us all one in him.  How the spirit breaks down walls of prejudice, and how he works in our lives, many times when we can’t or don’t, or won’t see it.  On one sunny Saturday, little old ladies from Pasadena showed what Jesus is all about.  Think of it as Gucci meeting leather.  And the result was love.  Have you hugged a biker lately?  A little old lady?  A homeless person?  A mother who needs a break? 
If you pass the opportunity up, you become the least of them in God’s eyes.  Too good for Jesus, can I see your hands?  His are nail pierced, he gets it.  Now do you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

driver's ed.

The most anticipated birthday, the one where you can get your license, is both exciting and scary.  Learning to drive once you pass your permit test, it takes a parent, sometimes a rare close friend, or driver’s ed. to teach you.  For me it was parents, in a 1966 Rambler Classic, how uncool.  But learn I did, and after many countless hours of being told “you’re too close, driving too fast, look out for the kids playing,” you finally are ready for the driving test.  The behind the wheel one, where all the urban legends come into play, just to scare or intimidate you.  While sitting in line waiting my turn at the Plainfield DMV, I was rehearsing the “keep your hands at 2 and 10, adjust mirror, no music, and be polite.”  All that and being tested to drive, to obtain your freedom at the same time.  No wonder some fail. But when it came my turn, I was calm, I knew how to drive, and when the man slid in the seat next to me, I was ready.  No way those hands were coming off the wheel, even to shake his hand.  But he was cool, and told me “go left out of the parking lot, and go down a few blocks.”  So far so good, and next “pull over, you want a Coke?  I’m getting one.”  Uh oh, the dreaded parallel parking test, but the spots were clear and I glided in.  He hopped out, then came back.  And back we went to the DMV.  His only other question was “how long you been driving?”  To which I mumbled something, too scared to tell the truth, or too excited to remember.  And I had passed!  I was street legal, and as soon as I dropped off my mother, who bravely went with me, I was off.  On my own....I had my license! 

But no experience.  And suddenly something hit me, I was alone.  No one to comment, instruct, chastise, or ridicule me.  I was alone, and had to make all the decisions by myself.  Where to turn, how fast do I drive, and where.  The hard stuff, what 8 track to listen to, and at what volume, windows down was easy.  Arm on the window sill like all experienced drivers do.  I was styling, at least in my own mind, but somehow petrified.  I had to make all my own decisions, and suddenly even though I had passed my driving test, and was licensed, I was alone.  Suddenly it was a responsibility, and trying to remember all I had been told was overwhelming.  How could my parents let me out all by myself?  And at home they were wondering the same thing.

It is easy to pick on the disciples for all the things we know now after reading the New Testament.  After all, they aren’t here.  But we have all the parables, stories, words in red of Jesus, and of course the countless teachings on them.  But for them it must have been scary.  Almost like driving alone for the first time.  They had Jesus along for 3 years, and never knew when he would leave them, or vice versa.  He was always present, and in times of trouble, even though they might panic first, they knew he was there to bail them out.  But now they were faced to dealing with life in a society where they were and would be hunted down and persecuted, and they were scared.  Without Jesus present, what would they do, and where?  How?  He always knew what to do and say....They had been given their freedom, and suddenly freedom didn’t seem so free.  The right front seat was vacant now, and they would have to work out things for themselves. 

We are told we are to work out our salvation daily, not to keep it, it cannot be lost, but to hone it.   Like our driving skills, if we don’t use them we get rusty.  But how to be guided?  By the spirit whom Jesus left to guide them until his return.  Which they didn’t know when or how he would, and sometimes doubted he would.  But guided by his spirit , they accomplished many things in his absence that they could not have done when he was with them.  They now had faith to fall back on, and then obedience.  And trust as they grew in the spirit.  They had to find solutions to everyday problems, just like we do, and we too have the spirit to guide us.  So why do we worry so much?  Do we treat life like a driver’s test, that we must pass everyday?  Following the rules and hoping we pass?  Is it about Bible studies to be approved?  Or extra prayer time to be ready?  A regular church attendance, doe sit help?  Yes, yes,and yes.  But no, no, and no without the spirit to guide us.  For without spiritual guidance, we might be saved, but we are lost.  We don’t know where to go or where to begin, only the spirit can give that to us.  And if we try it on our own, we run the risk of failing.  And embarrassment, ridicule, and of starting over. Or riding with your mother.

But Paul admonishes us to think, to follow what the spirit has laid on our hearts and to apply it to life.  We have the expectation that God is with us, and we will know what to do.  And in doing so we will be doing his good will, and following the plan he has for our lives.  But every day is different, just as every test is.  And we don’t know what lies ahead, but for the warning that the devil is waiting to destroy us.  To reek havoc on us.  So many worry more about him than they do in loving Jesus.  Some even using the excuse of how he persecuted them, or misled them.  Giving more credit to him than the only one who can save you from him and hell.  It takes the spirit of God to guide and protect us.  Who guides your decisions? 

Years ago I would use the Gideon test to make decisions.  Dry fleece on wet ground, then vice versa, my own variation on a scriptural theme.  Until one day God asked me “why don’t you stop throwing fleeces and just trust me?”  And when I did, I found the peace and assurance I had been looking for in the fleeces.  They came alive in the spirit, and I knew everything I needed had always been there, in the spirit.  And I could relate to Peter when the spirit came upon him on the day of Pentecost.  How they were confident, if not brave in the spirit.  And would go from hiding in the upper room, to taking the love of the gospel to the streets.  Where both the action and the danger were.  Still hiding in your upper room?  It may be a church, or study, or being part of a fellowship.  Step out of your fear today and into the spirit.  You passed the test, you are saved, now start living like it.  Confident that even when you screw up, the mercy of God will forgive and put you back on track.  We have Jesus in us, and if he can save, he also can guide.  We are not called to be religious robots, but have a freedom in the spirit.  Knowing that God is at work in us, still perfecting the imperfections we carry, and through them our testimony is valid.  God is perfect, our reactions won’t always be.  Today you will be tested, and someone other than God is always watching, to how you react.  Both hands at 2 and 10, or wrapped around the neck of Jesus?

God knows what lies ahead, how and where, and why.  His spirit will guide and provide what we need, our choice.  Just because you pass your driving test does not mean you know how to drive.  Look around at the numerous examples.  Just because you are saved doesn’t assure you of no problems.  Experience the spirit today, maybe for the first time.  New or old saint, 20 years or 20 minutes saved, we all still need Jesus.  Working out our salvation, our solutions to every problem that comes along, but never alone.  Just like the apostles did.  Maybe the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Jesus never changes, nor his spirit.  We need to change.  Check your mirrors before you do, you never know who is behind you.  But look ahead, maybe that is why the windshield is so big, the mirror so small.  We have more to look forward to in Christ than we leave behind.  A question not found on any DMV driver’s test.  One you must figure out for yourself.  God is at work, so you can be at play.  Going it alone, the scariest thing you can ever do.  So why walk alone when you can ride with Jesus? 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

2 score and 4 years ago we rode....

Two score and 4 years ago, circa 1972, Cycle World magazine took the new 1972 Suzuki GT 750 on a ride from Los Angeles to New York, via Texas and Georgia.  A big deal at the time, both the bike and the ride.  The Water Buffalo, as the Suzuki came to be affectionately known as, was a two stroke, 3 cylinder, 750cc motorcycle, that was the first of its kind, and Suzuki billed it as a touring bike.  After track and strip time, it was decided to put it to the test, and three editors would share the ride.  Stating how much different it was from 15 years ago, as bikes had progressed so much, and now we had the Interstate Highway system.  And off they went....

Now you would think they would know a little about riding, but made so many rookie mistakes.  Putting much unneeded stress on both rider and machine.  In the days of pre-o-ring chains, they needed to adjust it and lube it every 130 miles.  Which they used 20 wt. oil for, as they forgot to bring chain lube.  By El Paso the chain and sprockets were gone, and the dealer didn’t have them in stock-some things never change.  So off they rode, and when they couldn’t find any 2 stroke oil, Suzuki’s CCI oil was the best, the 20 wt. went into the oil tank, 2 quarts every 600 miles.  It smoked a bit, but ran.  The bike was losing power, and by Dalton, Georgia, the plus were cleaned, and points gapped.  And off to Long Island, New York, via I-95, and to the Cycle World east coast office.  Where a Suzuki factory tech replace the plugs, the electrodes worn off, and sooty, both from the 20 wt. and using premium gas, before unleaded was all there is today.  Being advised the premium gummed up the plugs, read the manual, it called for regular.  Replaced both sets of points, a new chain and sprockets, and drained the 20 wt. from the tank, refilling it with CCI.  And the bike ran like a bandit again, hitting almost 120 mph!  It seems we can build the best machine technology has to offer, it still takes the nut behind the handlebars to make it all work. 

Some 2 score and 4 years after, yesterday, my friend was going to ride from Escondido to Solvang.  Leaving after lunch, I declined, and when asking his route, he said he would just follow his GPS, which told him it was a 3 hour ride.  Let’s see 280 miles, the 101 on a Saturday, and LA, in 3 hours?  I warned him of traffic, and knew he was going to get stuck in it, which he did.  Proving like Cycle World did 44 years ago, it isn’t about the product, but the end user.  My friend’s ride was 280 miles, round trip in 9 1/2 hours, never getting to Solvang.  Telling Theresa “Mike was right,” and it was cloudy and cold by the time he got home at 930 pm that night.  With so many routes to choose from, 5 to the 405 to the 126 to the 101, or 5 to the 101, or 15 to the 91 to the 71 to the 210 to the 134, or the 118, following the GPS was not the way to go.  Blame it on rider error, and poor choices made.  When in doubt, ask, I knew many alternatives, and better roads, a day wasted in traffic at 31 mph. 

We don’t realize how many dumb things we do, or things we do make no sense.  Works in ministry too, so many well meaning Christians going out and doing things for God, as if more Bible studies, more prayer time, or more praying-all good things, but things that won’t make god love us any more than he already does.  Wood, hay, and stubble, the scriptures call them, and the fires consume them.  Things we think are important we find rally aren’t, as the church found in Matthew 25.  When they bragged on the things they had done for Christ, he told them “be gone, I never knew you.”  They had done things to get noticed, but Jesus pointed out those who fed them, gave them water, visited them in prison and those housebound, and those who welcomed strangers he would know.  For when we honor the least of these, we are doing it unto him.  Lest we forget. 

It is entirely possible that whoever programmed the GPS never rode the routes.  Or even has been on the 101, or could tell Solvang or Pacoima.  It just tells what it was told to do.  And the user needs to trust the programmer.  Good luck.  We have been programmed by the holy spirit, guiding us how and where to live.  How to minister, and how to act towards those he allows in our path.  When Jesus endured the persecutions and the cross, when he finally sat at the right hand of God, he showed us the way, and a destination, and the way to get there.  There will be traffic jams, rain, cold, and you will need fuel along the way.  He will provide, and even when we stray, he is the way back.  Showing us mercy as we carry on.  While some labor in vain, trying to please God by impressing men, God looks upon the details and the heart.  He knows the inner man, and the mistakes we will make.  And prepares the way, just in case we want to turn to him for direction.  There are many ways to Solvang, many great roads to ride, but only one way to heaven.  Jesus.  Easy so we can get it, free so we can afford it.  Looking back, the editors who rode 2 score and 4 years ago were regarded as experts, many read the articles they wrote and followed them.  But it came down to the hands of the end user when riding the Water Buffalo cross country, and the product took the beating.  When it didn’t have to be that way.  They should have known better, yet these were the guys we looked to.

Jesus took our beating because we couldn’t get right with God any other way.  We abuse our lives like the Suzuki was, we forget the basics of chain lube and oil, when we should know better, and pay the price for it.  But we have Jesus who paid the price for our sin, and when we seek him , we can be assured of heaven after the ride.  In the hands of a  loving God, who also is along for the ride.  New parts, fresh oil, and maintenance brought the bike back to life.  Putting in the right fuel made it run like designed.  The spirit is the fuel we have been given for life.  Maybe we just need to drain ourselves of ourselves, and let him fill our tanks.  So we can enjoy the ride.  And live.

Some trust the GPS, some get lost because of it.  They trust something they cannot see to guide them.  Sounds like Christians, who need the spirit to guide them, someone unseen, but trustworthy.  But who follow technology instead of God.  And who never get to where they were going.  Hold fast to Jesus, someday is getting closer everyday, that someday when we see him face to face in heaven.  Until then enjoy the ride, but bring your brain along.  The one God placed in your head, and use it.  Good advice only works when taken, and Jesus is good advice.  Trust and obey, and turn to him when the traffic jams.  One way with Jesus, not one way with your GPS.  The blind following the blind, making life less personal.  Jesus makes it personal.  Jesus died for you, will our GPS do the same?
So things have changed in 44 years, or have they?  Technology marches on, so does sin.  Only Jesus can forgive.  He knows your coordinates by heart, and knows just where you are.  Do you know him?  Or even where you are, or where you are going?  I’ve been to Solvang, and know the way.  I know Jesus, and I am excited about heaven.  The clutter in your life may be as close as the GPS in your hand.  Jesus is closer.  The evidence of a Christ centered life is found in the fruit of the spirit.  And it is only possible to do God’s will when you know it.  By the spirit.  Who gives us both his will and his purpose.  Enjoy the ride....just don’t ask me to follow anything or anyone but Jesus.  Maybe the more things change the more they do stay the same.  Aren’t you glad you can trust Jesus to be that way?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

earning a giving

Archie Manning was a Saint, a New Orleans Saint.  He happened to play on some of the worst teams in NFL history until the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers came along.  A very good quarterback, he just never had much of team around him, and no matter of talent, combined with guts and determination would change that.  But to call him a loser based on his teams records, would be misleading, he was a winner, the record just doesn’t tell the story.  But he had two sons, who were and are winners, Peyton and Eli, with more talent, better teams, although Eli was drafted by the Chargers, he refused to play for them-smart guy, and both went on to win numerous games, and 4 times the ultimate trophy, the Super Bowl.  But it is teams that win games, as this last Super Bowl showed, as Peyton’s performance was average at best, sub par for him.  But they won!  Which is why we play the game isn’t it? 

Having the name Manning, and a dad who played NFL football, gave them an inside track to the game.  It got them noticed, coached better, doors would open because of the name, but any benefits they were given, still had to be earned.  And both sons being tireless in their preparation earned the gift they were given, a direct reflection on their parents, and their dad.  They might not have won every game, but they took the attitude “we never lost” and went on to the next confrontation.  Learning from their mistakes, using them to prepare for the next game.  Dedication to an objective, and like Peyton said at his retirement announcement, “many played better, but none prepared better.” 

As saints of heaven, we need to deal more with preparation.  I see attitudes of “I’m saved, I got it made,” and live like hell still.  Taking a dim view of Jesus Christ in their lives, and how he earned what was given to  him.  It is hard to think of Jesus having to earn the title of Lord, but he did just that, in his life style and in his life choices.  Regardless of being born the only begotten son of God, he still earned the right of the title Lord.  When we hear the scripture “every knee will bow and every tongue confess,” we see only the saints, but need to realize it means everyone, under the earth and in heaven.  Even the unsaved will bow down and worship him, we get to do it as worship, they do it in agony, and of knowing how they blew it.  For the evidence is there, and is still, that Jesus Christ is Lord, by the things that he did and are written about.  But also the things he continues to do in our daily lives still today.  Jesus committed himself to our salvation, unhesitatingly knowing what laid ahead, his crucifixion, but still loving those who hated him, to the end.  Calling Judas friend the night before he would betray him.  He gave himself over to being persecuted, prosecuted, belittled and finally hung on the cross to die, all for a civilization of people who knew nothing of him, those who thought they knew, and those who were with him.  He earned the title given by his heavenly father by being who he was, love.  He could have turned his back and shied away from his duty, but he fulfilled it as he knew he had to do.  As he wanted to do.  He was prepared, but still needed his father to help him make it through.  That’s love.

God gave us the trinity to show how much he loves us.  He is love, he sent his son to die for us, to reunite us with him, and the spirit to guide us to him.  Without all three we will never be complete, for Jesus is the only way to the father, and the spirit directs us to Jesus.  The result for us is peace, for worthy is the lamb that was slain, both by who he was and what he did.  He loved us first, so that we could have a way to love him back.  Every knee will someday know that in bowing, we can enjoy all the benefits right now if we turn to him.  We have been given the spirit, the mind of Christ, what are you doing with it?  Are you using the name of Jesus for your benefit, or as worship to the only one who could and did die for our sins?

We are told to seek and we will find, but we have been given the spirit, so why do we act like we are still seeking?  The spirit of God is living within us, the search is over.  Yet many still seek, or never find the full grace and peace of the Lord.  A title he earned to prove who he was, and who wants to prove it everyday in our lives.  Today may be game day for all of us, how prepared are we, how well are we living in the spirit.  When the song “It is Well With My Soul” was written, the author had lost all, including his family in a shipwreck.  Yet while floating among the waves, hoping to be rescued, he was given the song that reflected his heart to God, for when everything else had been taken from him, he still had Jesus, the only one who could make it well with his soul.  How deep is your love for Christ?  Will you bow in heaven or in hell?  You still have a chance to make the choice. 

Jesus went out a winner, we just didn’t realize it at the time.  It took his resurrection, as he promised for us to see the victory.  In the midst of our problems today we can have the peace he won on the cross, if we let him give it to us.  We still are working out our salvation daily with fear and trembling, life is a test, but with Christ an open book test.  He has the answers for us, are you willing to let him be Lord of your life?  Or is he still a mystery to you?  Let the spirit reveal him to you, and unravel the mysteries of him.  Making it personal, where you just have to show it to someone.  Like he did.  Pick up your cross and follow him today.  He was given the name above all names before the beginning, and went out and proved who he was, so we wouldn’t doubt.  So we have the evidence, enough to convict him of who he was. He earned the title of Lord, quit resisting and start living.  Take advantage of all the blessings God has for us, so we can truly say in our time of tragedy, “it is well with my soul.” 

Can we say we just love Jesus for who he is?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

practicing medicine

Before I made medical history almost 4 years ago with open heart surgery, combined with a staph infection and my aorta disintegrating, I used to spend a lot of time in hospitals as a chaplain.  I even took some time to go through a class, where the head chaplain told me “why are you here, you get it,” and explained if I came on staff, as a volunteer, I had to obey the rules, but if I just came on my own, I could do as God led me.  Ever the rebel, and still, I liked his idea, and used it effectively in many hospitals over the years.  I saw the dead or near dead come to life, I saw two men who were given less than 5% chance to live, both recover, one still fathering children, the other playing a piano concerto for the nurses before leaving the hospital.  Through encouraging others, I saw them share and counsel with others, one particular couple who had to make the decision to take their son off life support.  When she prayed with them, they decided to wait, and later that day he sat up.  I saw him the next day, eating in bed.....maybe patience is a virtue.  I know it is a fruit of the spirit.  One morning in a hospital ICU we saw a young girl in a coma.  Holding her hand, we joked with her, and you could see the heart monitor jump as she listened.  The next thing we knew she was trying to pull out her tube so she could speak, awake and full of joy.  Scripture, and Reader’s Digest tells us laughter is the bet medicine, we got to prove it.  But the hardest part was getting past the doctors in our leathers, we looked suspicious, but when her aunt recognized me, all was well. 

Last Sunday would have been Laiken’s 21st birthday.  A precious little girl she went to heaven at age 13, like a daughter to me, I have bragging rights on her sweet heart.  But even sick, she had a sense of humor.  One afternoon I dropped in to visit at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a short 125 miles away.  She was in a clean room, and we put our hands up on the glass.  Then she waved me in, and not knowing any better in I went.  Until Nurse Judy saw me, and raised the roof-I wasn’t allowed in, only family, and no one in leather.  For sterile purposes, and as Judy read me the riot act, quietly for we were in the hospital, Laiken was laughing out loud on the joke she pulled on me.  A precious little girl, who the last time I saw alive, was throwing up in a huge yellow bucket, but when saw me looked up and smiled that Laiken smile, and waved.  She died of an infection, the leukemia couldn’t take her.  And we wonder who is really blessed when we minister.

But one afternoon while visiting Shirl Girl, she was about to go into surgery, and we were praying with her.  Along with the doctors and nurses.  She was on oxygen, and having a hard time breathing, and as I leaned over to pray with her, she kept gasping for breath, and and alarm went off.  After the third time, she grabbed me by the shirt, and drug me down to her face level.  “You’re standing on my oxygen line!”  And we all laughed, for I hadn’t noticed her lifeline of air under my feet. 

But now I cannot, for I am not allowed to visit hospitals any more, for I am ripe for infection still.  And even after spending 30 days in one, 20 days in Cardiac Critical Care, I miss the ministering in them.  But doctor’s orders prevail, as I never want me or my family to endure what I/we ever did again.  But not all hospital visits end on a happy note.  Not all patients go home, some die there.  But God in his infinite wisdom has heaven for those who chose Jesus, and they will never die, but live forever.  I have been there and I cannot wait to go back.  But until then I must be patient, a patient of earth, until God’s final healing, death takes me home.  Jesus tells us of the place, and if it wasn’t so would have told us.  But as much as I desire heaven, and I do, we must be patient as he is, if I had died before being saved, hell would have been my final destination.  But God is patient that none should perish, so maybe we need to be too.  For truly our lives are not our own, and he holds them in the balance.  We have no control over the day we were born, and we don’t over the day we will die.  But we have a lot to say about how we live in between, and I am glad I chose life in Jesus.  And for his loyalty to never leaving me, despite my circumstances.  We can choose the promise of heaven, or choose the promise of hell, what do you choose?

I have been on life support, in cardiac care, but my whole life in Christ has been his support of my life.  When my aorta was rebuilt, and my heart out of my body for 5 1/2 hours, you can do a transplant in 4, I know that Jesus held my heart in his hands. If you could see a handprint on it, it would have his nail pierced hand print on it.  So when I hear how he holds our lives in his hands, my take is more personal.  When I hear how he changes hearts, mine is physical and spiritual.  When I hear how he gives life, I have mine.  And when I hear how life is worth the living just because he lives, I know first hand.  For he is the great physician, all others just practice it.  Jesus saves...but why aren’t we all healed?

Maybe Laiken’s example tells it best.  She walked with God, and when they would return to her room, she was home.  Her earthly home, a hospital room.  But on one of her walks, Jesus told her “let’s go to my house, it’s closer, it’s time.”  And he took her home.  No more tears, no more cancer, no more infection.  Healed and home at last.  When God heals it is forever, so don’t discount heaven, or God taking us there.  Man plans, God laughs, but still loves us, laughing with us, not at us.  It is that personal, and if anyone could return, the words to describe heaven would probably be like mine, “I want to go back.”  And in God’s timing I will, but for now I am a patient, sometimes man on earth.  Waiting for the day when I change addresses for good.

Trust Jesus with your life, let him make something out of it.  The short time here on earth is nothing compared to eternity.  Laiken knows, and so do so many others.  Somewhere over the rainbow, there is no place like home.  It is called heaven.....be it ever so humble.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

lessons from the back row of life

Shopping for a new car?  Or just another car?  Ponder that, for your decision will make all the difference in where and how you shop.  First the ads on TV get you hooked, and going out to the garage, suddenly your old car, no matter how old, looks just that-old.  And so you begin to look via the internet, Sunday car ads soon dominate your reading schedule, and you start by cruising car lots.  Then you drive in one, just to look.  A salesman approaches, and you reply “just looking,” because you are.  But really you are a buyer, you just don’t know it yet.  But you look, maybe sit in a few, then look at the window sticker.  “Hey, I bought my first house for less than that 35 years ago...” and reality begins to set in.  Getting back into your old car, you leave disenchanted, OK bummed, for what you desire, and what you can afford are two different things.  That new car sure looks good, I can swing the payments OK, but doubt has set in.  With every pot hole, every squeak, and every crack in the dash, your old car gets older, and suddenly it isn’t about price anymore, I need a new car!  Or at least a different one.

So summoning up all your car buying skills, you approach the lot on a sunny day.  Sales banners telling you “today is the time to buy!” and you want to, but still the bill seems to high.  So you ask “what do you have used?” and are taken to the back row.  Older cars, used and maybe abused, but still functional within certain limits, and these are what you can afford.  Cars that when they were new you wanted, but couldn’t afford then, just as the new ones are beyond your reach now.  You take a couple for a ride, the salesman thinks he has a sale, but keeps pushing you to a new car.  “You deserve a new car, then all the miles you put on it are yours.  Think how it will impress your neighbors,” and it would.  But they don’t make the payments, and suddenly a paid off old car has renewed value.  But one last trip through the back row, and the one you saw, sat in, and drove, the one you couldn’t afford then, but can now, seems right.  After looking at other cars, you keep going back to it.  And suddenly you gotta have that car.  It isn’t about impressing the neighbors, or affording the payment.  It is about the right car, and this one is it.  Found on the back row with the other rejects, too many miles, too many years, or too many whatevers, something about this car says it is the right one.  They take your trade, you sign the papers, and arriving home, no one understands your purchase. 

“I thought you were buying a new car?” and you try to explain this is new to you.  But they don’t get it.  They look at your neighbors new ride, and think you are crazy.  And maybe you are, but you found what you were really looking for in the back row.  Away from the glitz and glamour, away from the new models, and almost hidden, something was calling out to you.  And you are happy, you got what you wanted, just not what you thought you wanted or were looking for.  And no one can understand why you bought it, or why you enjoy it.  But you aren’t trying to please them, this is personal.  And you made the right choice.

We are all looking for that something in life that seems to be missing.  Success in a career, so we can buy the cars we dream of, a house that anyone would be proud to own, and the perfect vacation.  Some do, but with a cost they find they may not be able to afford.  New car payments go on after the car isn’t new anymore.  The house needs work, and the big house you thought you needed is so expensive to cool and heat, you don’t enjoy it.  The perfect job, based on income level, now has drained you, and when younger, less talented men get promoted and you don’t, you become bitter.  All the things you thought were important, the measures of success you lived for, are leaving you empty.  And you may not know it, but your life has moved from the shiny life in the front row, to the back row, with others used up and tired.  Something is missing, and you cannot figure it out.  Where did you go wrong?  What is that something you are missing?  The answer is that something is really a someone, Jesus Christ.  Who resides in the back row, not bringing attention to himself, but draws you to him.  The spirit telling you how much you need Jesus, but allowing you to shop first, to drive a newer model, but not satisfying you with it.  The spirit reveals the intangibles we seek, and makes them available to us in Christ.  And when we come to him, we get the satisfaction, the joy of a relationship with God. Personally.  And God is not impressed with us, but loves us as we are. He just doesn’t want to leave us like that, and as the wear and tear of a new car shows, he takes the car you were in the back row of life, and turns you into something beautiful.  Where there are no words to describe it, you have to experience it.  It’s your decision, and no one is forcing you. 

Now driving a new car doesn’t mean you are lost, just as driving an old means you are saved.  It is in the attitude and person of Jesus where our decisions make the difference.  He wants to bless us, and often we don’t know what we want.  God does.  And provides it in ways that seem weird to the outsiders, and may be humbling to us.   But when Jesus comes into our life, we change, we see things differently, and where someone sees and old care with high miles and faded paint, you see the potential.  A good detailing that will clean it up, a tune up, and soon you find you made the right choice.  The best choice, and the only choice. And it was there all the time, you just chose to look elsewhere.  Following Christ will do that to you, suddenly you find self value, you realize you don’t have to impress anyone to be accepted, because Jesus just loves you.  And as you grow, your outside reflects the inner heart of you, and that inner heart reflects Jesus.  Your desires will always be there and usually placed above your needs.  Get over it, but when you find Jesus, he gives you  the desires of your heart, and when he is the desire, the blessings flow freely.  Your worn out exterior has a new healthy glow to it.  You are walking in Christ, free in the spirit.  And life is worth the living, now that your priorities are right.  Your back row find is what you really needed.  You just never realized your life was there too.

Jesus meets us where we are. Go for the real deal, the only deal that may not make any sense, but makes all the sense.  Turn to Jesus, he specializes in taking back row people and turning them into front row lives.  He goes beyond the façade of success, and gives us peace.  Money can buy a fine dog, but only love will make it wag its tail.  Jesus is the love we need, to make our tails wag.  Instead of our tongues.  And at prices you can afford.  Speed, comfort, luxury, and a retirement plan better than any 401k.  Just waiting for you in the back row.  The last place you thought to look, the first place you know now to head to.  Years after your new car is old, Jesus will still be fresh and new.  Something the ads don’t tell you, you need to find out for yourself.  A lesson from the back row of life, that belongs in the front row of your heart.  And no one will understand why, they just have to find out for themselves. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com