school days or school daze

My sixth grade teacher, Miss Bevelheimer, once gave me a C on my report card because I did B work but should have done A.  It was supposed to teach me a lesson, to encourage me, but all it did was make me not trust her.  I lost respect, that C a blemish on my record, I had never gotten one before, and reflected on me.  Honestly my grades were higher, no lower.  Really it reflected on her, and I never forgot it, some 51 years later.  When I first heard later after becoming a Christian that parents “are not supposed to incur wrath in their children,” I found it should also apply to teachers too.  How was embarrassing me in front of my parents and classmates supposed to inspire me to anything but dislike her.  Where was she early on when she saw a habit developing?  Or was this an early lesson in life and how unfair it really was?  Is?  Two score and 11 years later, all I learned was how the abuse of power and authority pushes people away, and how intimidation may breed fear, it never breeds respect.

With so may rules to follow and break. with each new rule the potential to sin more is increased, too bad she didn’t know a kind word turns away wrath.  But things were changing in public schools, just three years earlier we started the day with the Lord’s Prayer, someone was chosen to read from the Bible, we said the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang a patriotic song.  All things that encouraged in you in
God, your country, and respect of each other.  But now God was not allowed in schools, I guess he failed the test and was expelled, maybe he got a C because he did B work but should have done an A.  It’s only taken a generation or so to see Joseph Stalin’s words come true, give him the children and he will change the world.  Sadly not for the better, but for more control.  Read less freedom.  Of course all we have to do is look at Russia today to see what a fine job he did.  

Mr. Corea was my seventh grade science teacher, my weakest subject.  He reinforced my C grade by detention one afternoon, not sure what heinous crime I committed, but while suiting up for the first baseball game, I had to sit in his class for an hour instead of on the bench with the team.  Which he did on purpose, he felt the time matched the crime, he became a two in my book, only his 1967 Mustang with a 390 kept him from being a one, what a waste of a car.  I forgot what I did, all I remember is missing the game.  How many games do we miss because of the law?  Do we remember the infraction or the punishment more?  Did it deter us or just cause us to find better ways to sin?  Sadly in both cases, it was then as it still continues today, screw up once and you are branded for life.  The law doesn’t forgive, fortunately grace does.

With schools becoming less and less places of education, many have endorsed a zero tolerance law.  Christian schools included, with more Biblical laws quoted and individual creative news frowned upon.  A seven year old I know, an active kid, was threatened by three boys at school, so put one in a choke hold, and stopped the bully.  But when the bully ratted him out, not telling how he started it, the choker got busted, not the chokee.  We cannot have such behavior in our school, and I agree, to a point.  But he has been labeled as going to the principal’s office, a mark on his character.  Maybe a lesson found in scripture should have been taught, of course it involves grace instead of legalism, so is forgotten.  But here goes, no endorsement of sin, but of grace.  Mercy.  Forgiveness. No matter how bad your reputation is, Jesus loves you and changes lives.

Jesus met a woman at the well, and told her about her seven husbands, and how the one she was living with she wasn’t married to.  He did not condemn her, her sin did that.  When she turned to him and recognized who he was, her life changed.  She repented, and was granted entrance into the kingdom.  She was forgiven, but the words of Jesus here are important, he told her “go and sin no more.”  Not your salvation is lost if you do, for he knew of the temptations we face, but to remember how he changed her heart, and she didn’t have to any more.  How because he forgave her, she could forgive others, and not forget to forgive herself.  No guilt involved in forgiveness, grace wins every time.  If only that was exhibited instead of taught, of course none of would ever need it like Peter did 7 times 7 would we? 

Good thing God doesn’t give out grades to make it to heaven.  Imagine if you needed a 90 to get in, but only got an 89.  Sorry, you’re out.  Yet religion and salvation based on legalism does just that.  Too many live and die by man made rules or interpretation instead of the grace of God.  Today an education is placed high on the list if you want to succeed, but like those that study to find themselves approved, really looking for an outlet for their sin, they miss grace. They study to pass the test, then go on to the next assignment, forgetting what they studied for.  Today’s test is what is worth studying for.  But did you learn anything?  If only we were taught to apply the love of Christ to others, to experience him rather than studying about him only.  Now that would be learning something...

Finally a nephew of mine is graduating from college a year early, he took extra courses to do it, and he is being commended for it.  Good thing, but it made me wonder, what did he learn, what did he experience, and is he ready at age 20 to go out into the world?  He passed the course, but what did he experience?  What has he applied so far?  It’s so much easier learning it than living it. 

We don’t know what happened to the woman at the well, we do know that meeting Jesus changed her life.  Has he changed yours?  Go and sin no more, but remember when you do, Jesus forgives, the principal doesn’t.  The courts don’t and your friends may not.   We need Jesus more than ever, so pass him on.  Experience his love first hand, and bask in his grace.  Our sin is forgotten, it is who you remember that matters.  In the presence of the Lord is great joy, no sorrow at all.  It took Jesus to show me, but of course they did call him teacher after all, didn’t they?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

barn finds

How much would you pay for a car that doesn’t run, would take millions to make it roadworthy again, but due to its rarity makes it collectible?  In the collector car market today we have both ends of the spectrum represented, from the over restored they never left the factory that way to the barn find, parked away years ago and forgotten, then someone stumbles upon it, looks up what it is, and announces to the world their find.  So how much would you pay, you will never have to detail it, just store it away and keep it insured for lots of money.  Brag that “I have one and you don’t,” where both cars cannot be driven, one will lose value as the miles are accrued, the other, well, the future remains to be seen on that one.  But recently a Ferrari, a 1969 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta alloy was found in Italy and sold for $2.16 million.  A record for the model, but the rarity, only 19 were made with aluminum bodies for racing, and the current barn find hysteria made it worth the  price to the bidder.  A car that will never be driven, it cannot be or it will lose money, like a car that is only original once, a barn find loses value if restored.  The patina makes it worth the money, a true buy for love deal.  Now before you let your wife read the story, and get excited about the old Chevette in the garage under her scrapbooking supplies, that was parked because you couldn’t afford to fix it, 35 years ago, know there is a difference between a Ferrari and a Chevette, please explain it before she has it sold and the money spent on more supplies.  But sadly it often works the other way around....for example...

Meeting a man who would become a friend years ago, he admired my FJ1100, said he had a 1200, great bikes.  But when we met at his place, he failed to mention his was a salvage job, painted Krylon black, with more dents and scrapes than a demolition derby winner.  It looked horrible, but he hadn’t lied, he owned an FJ.  Today I wonder if this wreck would be considered a barn find?  When working for Mercedes Benz many young men would come in with an old car that needed more work than it was worth.  But they bragged they “owned a Mercedes Benz,” and to the right audience it may have worked, and more than one got upset with me when I told them the repairs exceeded the value of the car.  And would argue, and we would end up fixing it anyway, again and again.  But where to start...

If it don’t run, you cannot drive it.  If it don’t stop, same thing.  Yet I saw too many buy chrome rims, fake cell phone antennas, fake sheepskins, and other things that didn’t help the car, but looked cool, at least in their mind, on their Mercedes.  At least they didn’t lie, they owned a Mercedes...

With thoughts of Irma and Harvey still dancing in my head, I look back to volunteering in Joplin after the tornado in 2011.  An eye opener in many ways, but the biggest one was in how to help.  We unloaded a 45’ trailer one night with church donations, toys, water, clothes, etc.  A sweet response, sadly most was unusable.  They needed container loads of water, not just a few cases, same with food and medical supplies.  These donations just got in the way, and the infrastructure set up had no time for them.  We learned that the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, and Operation Blessing had things well in hand, they just needed bodies, the item in least supply.  So when our church started a clothing and water drive for Hurricane Sandy, I told them just send money to any of the above.  But no, they wanted their presence made, to see them there caring, they missed the real need of water for the dry, food for the empty, and hope for the soul.  I saw the pictures when they returned, they were the ones in clean clothes, clean hands, but dirty hearts.  It was all about them, but they bragged on the good work they did, and how they made a difference.  Maybe they should have just stayed home and sent the check.

Dealing with the homeless, we see many churches go down during the holidays, and bring cookies, old clothes, and pass out tracts to the poor.  Once a year they brag on how good they feel, just like the bikers who once a year do toy runs, and are absent for the rest of the year.  But sadly, the goods taken down are taken by the ones who don’t need them, the strong or tough ones get them first, and either sell them  for drugs, or throw them away.  The neediest never get them, yet another myth exposed to the ones who mean well.  I watch as kids and moms make baggies of food and toiletries, and stand there while they are taken.  Another church I know of made up some CARE packs for the homeless, a good idea, but they would never go where they live, so they gave them to me.  When one guy at Dustin Arms asked if he could have one, I gave him one, only he wanted them all, to pass out to the poor.  So I gave them all to him, and he came back all excited.  He was passing on to others as had been done to him, meeting a need face to face.  Just like Jesus, the original barn find, did.  He got out for our good, met our needs, and ministered to us one on one.  He went back to the one in the gutter, and sees the rich man in the big church bragging on what he has done as the poor ones, in spirit.  I watched as when they do show up, in their designer jeans, and Gucci loafers, they all carry sanitizers, I wonder, do they carry them when they go to church?  Lots of dirt in some churches...so Jesus tells us the poor will always be among us.  We just don’t look to the next pew.  Or in the mirror.

If you want to help, send money to one of the organizations listed, they are already on the ground and in place.  Make your money work for them, and see lives changed.  Learn a lesson from UNICEF, another UN acronym, food and supplies for kids in Africa, where the supplies made it to the countries, but rotted on the docks because no infrastructure was in place, except for the gangs who ruled the place, and they ended up with it all.  God has an infrastructure set up, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they cannot be beat.  Ask him today what to do, then obey.  Make your donation count.  Be bold in your asking, if he urges you to go and help go.  We worked with Operation Blessing and it was a blessing.  They knew what to do, were organized, and while others wondered, they got it done.  So what does this have to do with an old Ferrari bar find?

It’s really all about Jesus, the original barn find.  And the value we place on him.  Some let them into their hearts and hide him there.  Others get out and minister.  Some talk, some act.  Some are in the way, some are in God’s way.  If God had let Jesus stay as he was found in the manger in the barn, he would not be who he says he is, for he would not be resurrected.  Something to consider when you hear about a barn find.  Jesus changes us so we can change others by his spirit.  By his spirit, not ours.  There is a reason that old Chevette is still covered in the garage and stuff piled in it.  Ask Mother Teresa, who when interviewed by a reporter in a dysentery filled hospital told her, “I wouldn’t do this for a million dollars.”  To which she replied, “either would I.”  She gets it, it is not what you drive, but how you are driven.  And if you invite me over, bragging about your custom paint job, as a courtesy please hide the Krylon...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

meanwhile in the news

Like most of you, I was drawn to the TV this weekend with all the news about Irma.  With play by play America was held spellbound just waiting for Florida to be wiped and washed off the map, even Anderson Cooper got his hair wet.  It was sickening watching, almost like watching the train wreck you cannot turn away from, but as interested as I was, I was left with disgust for the media, more than ever, if possible.  When Irma went from a Category 5 to a 3, the talking heads seemed disappointed.  Only 115 mph winds?  Only 2-4 surges?  How disappointing they weren’t there to see the end of Florida...just like “hey we’re disappointed when Texas didn’t wash away a few weeks ago.”  Remember Harvey?  If you do, remind the media, they forgot.  Yet while still trying to recover, the winds of Irma were more important to cover.  That is the winds to come, while Cuba was getting pounded, no coverage.  Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua, and other islands in the Atlantic are wasted, 95% of the homes in St. Maarten are gone, yet we get computer models of what is to come.  No mention of Harvey and the aftermath, if only the action had met what their headlines promised, wheres all the death and destruction when we need it? 

Maybe look to the NFL, as this weekend was the first weekend.  Where the big discussion was new rules about how to celebrate after a touchdown.  That Matthew Stafford, who? just signed a five year, $135 million dollar contract with the Detroit Lions!  How the cowboys are glad their star running back and wife beater is back, somehow escaping suspension.  I guess it does help if your club owner just got inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  All garbage to me, except JJ Watt who started off trying to collect $3 million for Houston flood victims, and at last count had exceeded $14 million!  A big man on and off the field.  I can hardly wait to see the loser Phillip Rivers get beat tonight as an LA Charger, after whining that since the team moved to LA his kids would have to change schools.  It’s tough to make ends meet on $17 million a year Phil, maybe our gain is LA’s loss.  But today being 9-11, the 16th anniversary of the attack on the US of A on that day, I really find myself discouraged,and disgusted with the media.  And the people....

In San Diego, a so-called great military town, no events to honor those lost that day.  Just a 10k on the tenth, not the same.  But what is to be expected of a nation whose money says “in God we trust,” yet won’t allow him our schools.  Who changed Decoration Day to a three day weekend, whose Easter Break is now a Spring Break and Christmas is a winter break.  Where Thanksgiving is still on a Thursday for now, and or two greatest presidents’ birthdays have been combined into one day.  Who can name the real birthdays of Lincoln and Washington?  While illegal immigrants parade and protest their possible loss of free schooling, food, and medical, while mayors whose murder records are off the chart, and they disobey the law, maybe it all makes perfect sense.  This is truly a fallen world, sadly driven by media, rumors, innuendo, and lies.  Sadly this is America, 2017.

Yet in the midst of it, God’s grace is alive and well.  For where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.  Yet some misled Corinthians thought it a way to more grace by sinning more.  Not as God planned it, but as the lies of the world interpret it.  How many times in church have you heard “if Jesus was alive today..”  you mean he isn’t?  I thought he was resurrected, the key ingredient to our hope and future, yet they act in despair.  Leading their flocks to despair, when they could and should be leading them to Jesus.  When Paul wrote we are all being delivered over to death so that the life of Jesus may be seen in us, we forget it is all about Jesus.  That in the midst of the storms, he is ever present.  He is building in us a patience and endurance, to stay in the race to the end, yet the pathetic prayers I hear from so many tell a different gospel.  “Stop the hurricane God, stop the rain!”  Yet forget how he takes us through and not around.  Maybe stop CNN is a better prayer.  But if the truth isn’t coming from those entrusted with it, why are we not surprised with all the lies we hear? 

Read your Bible, see how Jesus and his spirit comforted and rescued those in danger over the centuries.  Did David ask for a postponement, yet when questioned answered, “he was with me for the lion and the bear, why should I doubt him now?”  There is a serenity in knowing Jesus, in trusting his spirit not found in earthly goods, earthly teaching, or religious rhetoric.  The truth that sets you free is only found in Jesus Christ, no matter what day you celebrate his birth, death, and resurrection.  As a Christian I celebrate them all every day, as he lives in me.  He never hurried, got frustrated, or forgot who he was, or who his father is and why he came to earth.  He went to the cross, a place of obscurity, and gave it all to gain back all that had been lost, giving all the glory to God in heaven, showing us the way.  No detours, or easy way out.  No do over, postponing due to weather, he suffered when and how he was supposed to.  As are we...

So when we suffer, our reactions tell more about Jesus than the 7000 seat sanctuary, the TV and book sales, and being recognized for what we have done.  Through us and in us God is working his will.  We may change holidays, forget those in need, and fight over religious rhetoric, Jesus rose above it all and we can too.  Where is the compassion of Jesus in you?  Have you picked up your cross and followed, or decided maybe later, as it is dirty, smells of death, and you might get a splinter.  Is your life filled with testimonies of others, or of Jesus in your life?  Is your life a category 3, but really a 5 downgraded?  Have you turned to Christ or turned away?  Have you forgotten Harvey, and soon Irma, as another, Jose looms?  Is your life like the news, remembering the sermon of last week until a new one comes along, then discarding it?  Turn to Jesus now before the storms of life overwhelm you, you do not have to become a victim, unless you want to.

By the way, last week Mexico experienced an 8.1 earthquake, its largest ever, hear anything about that?  Or how Christian organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing, The Salvation Army, and others were first on the scene, and will remain.  Where Jesus’ people are he is among them.  While some are amazed and entertained by the news, some are out making it, flying under the radar where only God sees.  His satellite power far exceeding any on earth....the news runs in two week cycles, Irma is almost two weeks old.  Hang on for the next disaster...or you can hang onto Jesus. 

Meanwhile in the news...Richard Branson’s sex island is trying to recover from Irma, 7 are shot dead at a Texas football party, and 6 dead in a Minnesota car accident.  Chili’s is changing their menu.  Some nut in North Korea is threatening us with nuclear extinction.  Some are still trying to keep up with the Kardashisans, and Hillary Clinton’s publisher is pulling her book and destroying them for lack of sales and plaguarism.  But for a real disaster, see the LA Chargers tonight, as Rivers adapts his family to their new home in LA.  And you thought you had problems!  America in the new millenium, scraping by  on only $17 mil a year.  Why do you think he wears number 17?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

maybe you're not talking to the right person

An old friend I used to do business with, George, aka Red, had been in the grocery business a long time.  An independent, he was well known throughout the west, and well respected.  He had passed on his code of hard work and fair trading to his son Ted, who at one time had the single largest grocery store west of the Mississippi.  But they were both very non-descript, meeting them you would never know how rich they were, and they never bragged on it.  Hardly ever.  But one day while making my sales call, I worked for Coca Cola, an overdressed young man was in looking for George.  He was with Dunn and Bradstreet, and wanted to update his file on him.  As George approached in his bib overalls, wiping his hands with his bandana, he asked the young man “can I help you?”  Looking down at Red, he asked for George, not knowing that the many who had walked by said hi to Red, and this old man in bib overalls and sweating was below his dignity.  I had been talking with him as he waited, Red and I exchanged hellos, as always, I could see Red baiting the young man.  When he stuck out his hand and said “I’m George,”  the group around him started to laugh, me included, but Mr. D&B found no humor in it.  If clothes made the man, his did, but not his respect or rudeness.  He couldn’t wait to get out of there, it never occurred to him that maybe he was talking to the right person, a lesson I hoped he learned.

When Ted wanted his own Wendy’s franchise, he called Wendy’s and asked how much.  He was ready to write the check.  All they wanted was a letter of credit stating he could cover the $800,000, no problem.  They wanted to talk to his bank, so Ted called out, “Hey Dad, Wendy’s wants to talk to you about my line of credit.”  And handed the phone to Red, they also owned the bank in this small area.  It pays to know who you are talking to.  And finally another old friend Tim was making a sales call to the Navajo Tribe.  He had gotten nowhere, but was willing to give it another try.  But along the way he stopped to help a girl broken down in the hot New Mexico sun, gave her a ride to town, and as he told her his story, she offered her assistance.  It turned out her father was the tribal president over the entire Navajo Nation!  Who was so grateful that Tim cared for his daughter, he opened up the door for all Tim was selling!  It helps to talk to the right person, something to consider, when in trouble or need of help, maybe you are not talking to the right person.

I tire of hearing how prayer changes things.  Answered prayer changes things, but in all cases it is God that changes things.  Just speaking into the cosmos without someone to listen is just that, talking to the cosmos.  But Jesus changes things, changes us, if we listen to his answer and obey.  Yet so many fall short of God’s blessings because all they do is ask, or pester, or continually berate the God of the universe with their demands.  Rubbing some spiritual lamp hoping that a genie will appear and grant them their desires.  And when he doesn’t, they blame God.  Sound familiar.  So why ask a question if you don’t want an answer?  Like this one, why?

In Acts we find two men walking and a third man joins them.  He seems to know all about them and their situations, then leaves them. Afterwards they talk, how their hearts burned from within in his presence.  How did he know so much, he was a stranger?  Could it possibly been the Lord?  Do you know his voice, he knows yours.  He also has the plans in action for whatever you ask, before you ask.  So why do you think that asking changes things, when it is God who does?  Did you know the last sense to fail us before death is hearing?  Did Jesus say “he who has a mouth let him speak?”  But rather “he who has an ear let him listen.”  A relationship with Jesus Christ changes things, and when you know his voice, and obey, he answers before you ask.  Or listen.  That’s the kind of God I desire, not a genie in a lamp.  Let him be God, he is so good at it.

Praying more and getting less?  Maybe you are not talking to the right person.  The Jews missed Jesus, he wasn’t what they were looking for.  Who are you looking for?  Is it possible that God is speaking to you via his spirit , that the burning in your heart is the holy spirit speaking to you?  Is he drawing you to him, or are you still too proud, as the one who shares Jesus with you is not a pastor?  Doesn’t have a DD behind his name?  Doesn’t have his own radio show or write books?  Are you looking for a personality or the person of Jesus Christ?  There is a difference.  Yet many when confronted with who they are looking for, get embarrassed, and storm off when they find the one they were looking for is and has been right in front of them.  Maybe they are more interested in the FICO score and line of credit, than the one who doesn’t even need cash, but creates his own.  Our paper money says “in God we trust,” do you?  If money talks, maybe the message is right there, trust God!  The answer before you asked.....

God sent his son to earth to save us, then sent his spirit until Jesus returns.  The same spirit that in the beginning gave the earth shape can shape your life too.  Maybe you are not talking to the right person, or  maybe you really aren’t listening.  God offers his spirit freely and of no charge, talking to you right now, telling you how you need Jesus.  God’s prayer, that all should come to the saving knowledge of knowing Jesus.  Answer his prayer today by coming to Christ.  He is speaking, are you listening?  Jesus Is not what you expect, he is much more.  When you understand who he is, you will understand why he came. 
Still want prayer to change things?  Maybe you’re not talking to the right person.  Don’t limit a limitless God by your prejudices.  God is love, what the world needs today and everyday.  Just ask anyone who has met Jesus, the burning in your heart may not bad pizza, but the holy spirit.  God doesn’t need credit, nor does he get enough credit.  He who answers the prayer before it is asked should get all the credit.  Still think prayer changes things?  Maybe you’re not talking to the right person....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

after the Victory...

How would you have felt if the day after you bought your new Hudson they ceased production?  What would you think looking at the new Edsel in your garage the day they announced it was discontinued?  What jokes would your friends taunt you with about your new Desoto the day after Chrysler pulled the plug?  Add in Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Mercury, and Plymouth-all great names that are no longer with us, how would you feel the next day when they quit making them?   What if  you had saved for years to buy a BSA, Norton, a Triumph, or Matchless?  Only to find the store closed the next week, the company out of business, and your bike’s value dropping faster than sliding on a rain slick road?  How would you feel.....

One morning at Mickey’s a new customer rode up on his new Victory, three days after the factory ceased production.  We talked, he bought the bike because he liked it, wished he had waited because this week they are going for about half of what they were last week, but he still would have bought one, because he liked the bike.  I liked his answer, and it may be reflective of all those who bought cars and bikes that became orphans afterwards.  He bought it to ride, not to keep for an investment, but as those who bought Hudsons and Nashes, and even Edsels found out, wait long enough and what was a foolish move then, turned into a good investment now, if you wait long enough.  The jury is still out on Victory and Buells, even Buell’s comeback attempt, the EBR, but some are still for sale new in showrooms, at great prices, for great bikes, they just aren’t made anymore.  Interested?

Ever get the feeling that you are showing up a day late and a dollar short?  That despite your training, social standing, good looks, Facebook page, and connections, you still just ain’t making it?  Ever been passed over for a promotion by a person less qualified than yourself?  Did you think “I have the skills, the experience, the gifts, just give me a chance, I’ll show you what I can do.”  Maybe we need to go back to one afternoon with Moses up on the mountain with God.  Receiving the Ten Commandments, his face shone like an angel because he had been in the presence of God.  But as he came down, he had to cover it for fear he may scare the people he had been chosen to lead. Over time the glory faded from him, but he kept the mask on, now because he didn’t want to show the glory had faded.  From hot to cold, he didn’t want the feeling, the experience to end.  Forgetting the whole time that it was not anything he had done, God had caused his face to shine, and then let it dissipate.   It was all about God, not all about Moses, God gave him the opportunity to do a chore he wanted him to do, but Moses took it personally.  We all like to brag and show off our abilities, but when God fades from our life, and the true us shows through, we need to repent, and get back on board with him.  We all like to brag on God, but here he shows that the law will fade, and bring death eventually, usually too soon for us, but the spirit, the same spirit that caused Moses’ face to shine will endure.  From the inside out, for God looks on the heart....we seek his face as we sing in worship, but do we really seek his spirit? 

2 Corinthians 3:9 tells us “if the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness?”  Righteousness being fully recognized and accepted, of being approved by God, and basking in his glory, not ours.  This is the new covenant, that we cannot earn our salvation or pleasure from God, but only by his spirit of his only son Jesus Christ will we enter into his kingdom and eternal glory.  We cannot do it ourself, and misusing any gifts God gives us will not insure success.  In Christ we find a value of worth, we find significance and direction.  What seems foolish to men, makes perfect sense to God, and when led by his spirit, the blessings flow, as people see Jesus in us the words come, the actions make sense, and we are blessed.  God is glorified!  We cannot add to it by any works, because it is what he did and who he is, not our acts or standing.  We will be here today and gone for eternity, where is the gone you are going to?

So after the Victory, after the Edsel and Hudson, after the Pontiacs are forgotten and faded memories, will God’s glory still be shining in you?  When you signed up with Jesus what did you expect?  A book tour, a mansion, a TV show to brag about you?  Your sin will find you out and expose your heart for who you are.  What makes you think it cannot happen to you, when it happened to Moses?  He was given the law, Jesus has given us grace.  After attending a Hudson meet a few weeks ago, the ones who own, collect, and love them have become a tight knit family, based on the cars.  Hudson may be out of business, but the cars still remain.  And through fellowship, communication, and perserverence based on love, the club and the cars live today.  If love can keep an orphan car alive, imagine what a living God can do for a lost soul.  The cars still shine after many years, but it takes care and compassion, with commitment.  Jesus has made his commitment to you, will you to him?  How do your old friends talk about you, or wonder where you have been?  Are you a victory in Christ after the shine wears off, or just in it for the ride to see what you can get?  Victory’s today are available for rock bottom prices, bargains for those who just want to ride a good bike.  The victory in Jesus is still available for all who want to be saved, who want heaven when leaving earth, who want a savior who loves them as they are.  There is nothing else you can add to the love God provides, but you can pass it on.  Before you pass on.  For we were all orphans once, and Jesus took us in and made us family.  Like the Edsel, you may be laughed at, but look who’s laughing now.  Seen the price of 1958-60 Edsels lately?  If only I had known when they were cheap...after the Victory we celebrate.  My new friend who bought one too early, just rides it.  Saw him last week, he loves it, has no plans to sell it.  He has a relationship with it and loves it.  Can we say the same about Jesus?  There are Victory’s, and here are victories...the miles add up and the paint may fade...the love of Christ never will.

love with compassion,

Mike

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