don't miss him this time around

Talking with a friend on the phone the other day, he asked “how do you spell Christian?”  Before I could answer “Just make a cross,”  he muttered “I guess I am one,  I should know.”  How to spell it or if you are one?  The conversation went on, but it left me thinking, how many think they are Christians but don’t even know what one is?  Mention Jesus in the equation, they get flustered, “why bring him up?”  So one thing I started to consider was all the myths about being a Christian that are out there, and the misleading of many.  Without Jesus you cannot be a Christian, remember his name is Jesus The Christ, the messiah.  The Jewish people, although the apple of God’s eye  denied him the first time, don’t make the same mistake now, for he will return calling for his church, those who believe in him to take us home.  No Jesus, no Christianity, they re still waiting, depending on signs.  What are you depending on?

The cults are not Christians, even though the LDS uses Jesus in their name, their Jesus is not the one of the Bible.  Beware, they are misled, the true Jesus is the son of God.  JW’s deny Jesus and his deity, and are going to hell, a place they don’t believe in.  But they are still going, and don’t have to, if they recognize who Jesus is and turn to him.  But what about those that fill pews in mainline so-called Christian churches each Sunday?  They give to the church faithfully, and outwardly may exhibit godly actions, but without Jesus, they aren’t.  And may get angry or upset when you ask about him.  An old boss once told me “don’t tell me about being a Christian, my family gives 15% to the church.”  How many give to the church, the Bible says give unto God.  There is a difference, you know.  Also you are not guaranteed going to heaven, or are a Christian just because someone in your family is saved.  An old biker, a Triumph mechanic once assured me of his salvation through his wife, she knew Jesus and he was told God will not break up the family.  Truth is, he was by denying Jesus.  We choose our own fate, and depending on anyone else but Jesus to save you will leave you still lost.  So there are a lot of nice people who are being misled and living a lie, thinking Christianity is one thing, when it is another.  So what is a Christian?

Don’t believe Wikileaks, their take is believing in the Abrahamic covenant, no mention of Jesus.  What does God say in his word, always a good place to start?  Acts gives us three verses to tell us, After teaching men at Antioch, Barnabas and Paul called them Christians.  They adhered to the teaching of the apostles in thought, word, and deed.  Even Agrippa asked Paul “could you even make me a Christian in such a short time?”  Later Peter says do not be ashamed for suffering for being a Christian.  In Titus we get more insight, that Jesus came not because we were clean, but because the dirt of sin kept us from God.  His coming was merciful.  Like Romans says “at just the right time,” and Ephesians ties it together, we are saved by grace so that none should boast.  We cannot save ourselves!  Without Jesus, you cannot or will not be saved, and cannot be a Christian.  But you can become one...

John the beloved tells us that he who does not do the things of God is a liar, and God is not in him.  Whoever claims to be a Christian must live like Jesus did, walking in the spirit.  Something we cannot do on our own, it takes Jesus.  The Old Testament was all about laws and keeping them, or how they kept us from God when we disobeyed.  The New Testament is all about Jesus, and his grace and mercy, how he sacrificed himself, he became our advocate, and left his spirit to guide us until the day we go to heaven.  So how do we know?  God gave us his spirit, and the fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness, long suffering, and self control.  From him, not on our own.  When we repent, accept Jesus as our savior and become born again, his spirit resides in us, and the fruit begins to grow.  We cannot do it on our own.....

So Jesus made it easy to become a Christian, just turn to him, but it is hard to be one.  If we try to do it alone.  Again with his spirit....we can do all things in Jesus Christ who strengthens us.  But yet we walk around pronouncing judgments on those who do no meet our criteria, or one of a denomination.  Jesus simply said “believe on me and be saved.”  No catechism to learn, no ceremony, no tests to be found worthy, just believe.  He does the rest.  So we can rest, in him.  And it starts with us knowing we are a sinner.  Sin is fun or we wouldn’t do it, but it has a price we cannot pay.  When we realize what we are doing is wrong, we will repent, turn from it.  When we admit our sin, and ask Jesus into our heart, we are saved.  And the changes begin...

Our potty mouth is cleaned up.  We have a different attitude, we no longer judge but love.  We forgive, a big deal, for without it, we cannot love our fellow man as we love Jesus.  We begin to read our Bibles because we want to, and by the spirit we begin to understand the things of God.  Our old crowd begins to be less desirable, we want to hang out with other believers, and soon the world sees something different in us,and about us.  We want to be baptized, a pubic confession of who Jesus is in our lives, not for salvation as some will tell you, but because Jesus was baptized, and we should be too.  As our new walk in Christ begins, the world sees Jesus in us, we are new creatures in Christ, behold the old has passed away. And we desire more and more of Jesus every day.  Something no religion or denomination can fill.  We all start out as sinners, we don’t have to die that way.  Are you saved?

So how do you spell Christian?  J-E-S-U-S!  Simple so we can get it, free so we can afford it.  Let the world have its religion and boasting on itself, I rather boast on Jesus and what he has done in my life.  So easy to describe  a blind man given sight by Jesus said when asked about him “all I know is once I was blind and now I can see.”    Believing is seeing, the world missed him the first time around when they saw him and didn’t recognize him.  Don’t make the same mistake now, as no man is promised tomorrow, and at any moment we can be called home, individually or by the rapture.  Absent in the body, is present with the Lord....it all happened at the cross, and ended at the empty tomb.  Resurrected, so we can be also.  More than a Jesus sticker on your car or a perfect attendance record at church, he is the way, the truth, and the life.  So how will you know?  Don’t worry, you will.  Because you will know him.  Not about, but know him personal.  No words to describe it, you need to experience him yourself.

Don’t miss him this time around...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

change for a quarter

I may not be able to give you directions to La Habra, or readily find it on the map, but I can get there without either.  Read I can get there, maybe not you.  For example, Wayne and I had gone ahead to a meeting then a picnic and Theresa would drive up later.  After arriving at the picnic grounds, from the other direction, I gave her directions that were easier than the route I took, “just come up the 405, get off at Beach Blvd., and go right for about 4 miles, park is on the right.  Can’t miss it.”  An accomplished traveler, she followed them, and then I got the phone call, “where are you, I’m at the beach.  There is or was no park like you said.”  She had followed my directions exactly, good directions I thought with one exception, they were wrong.  I didn’t know the exit off the 405 at Beach took you under and then brought you not going east, not west.  She had followed them exactly, her right was my wrong.  Today when I pass that exit I laugh, but that day.....

But La Habra, in particular Beach Blvd. has a claim to fame many don’t know about.  A direction that established the 1/4 mile distance for racing, the benchmark for performance today.  “What’ll she do in the quarter?” tells us how fast the car or bike is, but in 1949 the quarter set the standard for time and distance instead of running from telephone pole to pole.  The story goes, and pictures and those in attendance back it up, a man with a horse that was fast off the start, would go around looking for races for money.  His horse was trained to bolt at the drop of his hat, it truly was fast, and had won many races against hot rods.  But this day all was to change, as the hot rod challenger was sober, part of the scenario was get him drunk and bragging, setting him up to lose, and the race was on.  Between poles about a 1/4 mile apart, they raced, the horse had him to 35 mph, then the deuce passed him and won, by a nose.  Previous races had been held to 50-60 yards in which the horse could win, but in the quarter, it all changed.  The car won, if only by a nose, and the unofficial distance became official.  Such is the legend, backed by the truth.  Today the car lives on, changing owners many times as hot rods do, was fully restored and resided in a museum for years.  Now it is coming up for auction, fully restored, and expected to bring between $160-180,000.  No report of what ever happened to the horse...or its owner.  Such is the origin of drag racing....

Drag racing and speed contests are nothing new, and continue today at every red light.  All it takes is two guys over loaded with testosterone and a big ego, fast car or bike, and the desire to sacrifice their license.  I still get the feeling, like when I had a project bike, a Rocket 3 with a Carpenter head, normally aspirated.  It dynoed at 220 hp, stock was 150, and sounded like a NASCAR car.  When at the first light Mr. Loud Pipes save lives Harley comes up, blips his throttle in his pathetic show of manhood, and, looking me in the eye.  So I revved the Rocket back, and when the light turned green, he putzed out on me, just pulling way slow.  There is fast and then there is fast, he gave in just by the sound, if only he knew its twin sister ran a 1/4 in 8.99 seconds@ 155 mph.  I’m sure he will tell the story different, if he tells it at all...

We all have a story to tell, God calls it our testimony.  It belongs to us, and no other, and even though we are encouraged to share it, it will always be ours and ours alone.  Scripture gives it value, as it tells us “the word of your testimony and the blood of the lamb saves.”  But rather than share something personal, many rather engage in theological arguments over scripture.  Some claim it has changed over the years and translation, painting God as forgetful.  Some claim it is fiction, but yet when historians such as Josephus who was there in New Testament times confirms the events, they them try another argument.  They fail to see how all scripture is inspired by God, the authors were just the recorders, not the origin.  No one was there in the beginning, it took the spirit to reveal it to Moses, just as it did to reveal it to Paul, John, Luke, and all the Old Testament prophets.  Inspired by God, directed by his spirit, they wrote the Bible, THE Bible, not a religious book, but a book about God, showing how he worked and works through his people. Unlike the origin of the 1/4 mile, Jesus is verified in history by it, and was read and written when those contemporaries who were there could have disputed its truth.  But didn’t, because it is the truth.  And a funny thing about the truth is revealed, it is the truth whether you believe it or not, the truth doesn’t change, we do.  And just like the Harley rider changed his attitude when he heard the Rocket, our lives change when we read the Bible, inspired by the spirit.  Who reveals the mysteries of Christ to us.  Without the spirit, it is still the truth, you just won’t get it.   And will continue to make excuses for your sin.

Without witnesses the story of that day on Beach Blvd. would be more legend than fact.  God knows about those that doubt, and calls us to be his representatives on earth, telling people about Jesus, sharing our testimonies and seeing lives changed.  The one who inspired the book is also the one who affects the change, we are just the messenger.  Let God do his job, you do yours.  Share.  Or end up giving or taking directions like I did to Theresa.  I meant well, I was wrong.  Don’t you make the same mistake.

The change for a quarter took place on the road, and along the side of the road where the horse ran along, see the picture.  On the road, or along the road, the power of your God inspired testimony has great strength.  No preaching, but telling of Jesus in your life.  He gives us new testimonies everyday, use them and live them.  Pass them on.  No story is told of after the race the jockey’s reaction.  He had never lost, but when they changed the distance, it all changed forever.  You may be in it for a sprint, but know life is an endurance race, to the end, or which we don’t know where or when.  So know who, and know where you will spend eternity.  Don’t lose by the length of a hood like the horse did, be in it for the distance.  “Change for a quarter?”  Now you know the real story. 

Pete Henderson drove the deuce to victory establishing the 1/4 mile as the standard.  God sent Jesus to be the standard.  And they’re off...living life a 1/4 mile at a time.  Still.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

somewhere under the radar

As a kid of the late fifties and the sixties, I saw suburban growth that had never existed before.  In the woods where we once played and pretended, now bulldozers had cleared them away and new houses were springing up.  We weren’t allowed on these building sites during the day, but would watch from a safe distance, dictated by carpenters telling us to back off for our own good, and mesmerized by the building process.  But while watching from the safety of the seat of our Schwinns, our minds were going full speed, we would build too.  We would go and scout out an area where there were still woods to play in, then begin the process of finding the properly aligned trees to build the tree forts of our dreams.  We were the architects, the contractors, the masons and carpenters, we drove the bulldozers and backhoes, at least in our own minds.  But after the workers went home, all the rules changed.....

We never thought of it as stealing, we only took the scraps and scoured the ground for nails before our shoes found them, gathering up enough frees supplies to build our forts.  Rickety and unstable at first, we soon learned some construction techniques, and would scrape enough money together to buy some 2x4’s, and our construction and forts soon showed great improvement.  We observed, we copied, we watched some more, and through experience we got better.  But the key was the free wood and nails we built them from, all we had to do was supply the labor, which was free too, as we couldn’t charge for it, and had plenty of time during summer vacation.  But it seemed that as soon as we built the better fort, along came a surveying crew with sticks and paint marking off where the new homes would be, and our forts would be expendable.  We learned a lot of lessons in watching, building, rebuilding, and obtaining parts and planning.  Looking back it was our kid’s intuitions and desires that drove us, never  heard of a class in school on fort building or how to source scraps of wood and nails, but we learned more by doing than we could from a book.  It was hands on, and along the way we learned of mercurichrome from stepping on nails, the importance of hard soled shoes, how to miss the thumb when hammering and measuring both the inside and the outside distances before nailing.  We learned as we go, without slide rule or computer, we built our forts to last.  And they often did, until the next bulldozers arrived....

Although our parents cast a wary eye towards our building, no one ever got hurt, no eyes got poked out, the worst I remember was sore thumbs from poor aiming.  Which you cleverly hid from your mother at dinner time.  We went out each morning excited, worked and sweated all day, “just playing” if you asked, and went home at night all sweaty, dirty, filthy, and wiped out, sleeping well, so we could get up and do it all over again the next day.  We learned how to delegate work to each other, how to finance by kicking in the dimes and nickels we all had, who to send for supplies, who to scout the building sites, and whose mom made the best lunches.  We argued, we would sometimes fight, we got upset, we got our feelings hurt.  Then a few minutes after were back to building our forts again.  We were kids, we were normal, having fun, staying out of trouble and applying life to our life.  It would only be later when girls and cars interfered we would see how much fun we really had, and the importance of team work.  Maybe that is why we look back so fondly and the memories are all good. It was the summers off with little parental guidance that we really learned life’s lessons, all without cracking a book or doing any homework.  There has to be a lesson in there somewhere...

And then there was theology.  Lessons, memorization, Sunday school and church.  Rules and regulations, a list of thou shalt nots, and all the fun was taken from us.  We just wanted to be kids out playing, they thought it was all about knowledge and obedience.  They taught from books, we learned from doing.  A lesson I apply to my life today.  I am blessed to work with many Christians who are our doing what God has asked them to do with no formal training.  No budgets, meeting, plans or processes, just the spirit to guide as we go.  When we need things, we ask God and then wait as he supplies.  From clothes to beds, from food to water, housing and medical, he never fails.  When we needed food for Dustin Arms, it was Nick who was directed to Pastor Pete, who lets us raid is freezer each week and take all we want.  With joy.  Which has inspired other men, Jay and George to source food and share it also.   Sam and Kay provide more clothes than we need, blankets, robes, curtains and rugs.  We give them a list, they fill it.  And always have more than we ask.  Nick has others within the building help out, clean and vacuum, clean the toilets, and help with repairs.  All without drawing a salary, without a budget, and without seeking funds.  Much like when we were kids, we use what God has provided, and when follow his plans, we are blessed, and others are encouraged.  We study how to apply the Bible to our lives, not study and memorize, but apply it to the problems we face.  No homework other than pray and if a need arises, fill it.  We get to see the gospel in action rather than just words on a page.  We get to see the forgiveness of Jesus in action, people saved and lives changed, and they pass it on to others.  Because they want to, not have to.  Rather than form a team and go out and share Jesus, we try to live him.  Don’t expect perfection though, we are still a work in progress.  A process not completed yet....

But we are out and among the people, not cooped up in church or study.  We don’t have to look for the hurting, they are among us, and all need Jesus.  What shows his love better than feeding the hungry or giving water to the thirsty?  Are you reading the book, or are you becoming a new testimony of what Jesus was telling us?  We look at the small things, and one in particular is blessing me, abundantly.  A guy who is schizophrenic, on meds, but loves the Lord, because of what we have done for him, now is out helping others.  At first it was just trinkets found on the street to be put I the collection plate at church, we do not solicit money, God provides, and then he started giving me cans of food, because he didn’t want me to be hungry.  Now he is passing out CARE backs we provide to the homeless, sharing the love of Christ with others, and be blessed.  No class or lecture could ever teach him what the spirit is doing in his life.  Many hands make light work, and in the loving hands of Jesus Christ, we have all we need.  Somewhere under the radar, we see the blessings from Jesus, and get to pass them on.  We are part of his ministry, part of his family. 

You don’t have to look far to help someone, in the next pew or parking place. Jesus took us in as strangers, and many of us were and are strange, some stranger than others.  The forts we built only lasted for a season, the love of Christ we share never ends.  You may be the one out looking for the right scraps to build, or be the scrap that is picked up and used after being discarded.  It takes all of us, we are all important to God.  We all have a gift and talent to share, it takes love to reveal it. 

The message is Jesus, the way is Jesus, the supplier is Jesus.  A God who understands and wants to include us in his daily life.  I and others get to do it daily, and see lives changed by it.  God invites you today to be part of his work on earth, you may get your hands dirty, may miss a meal, may even see your life changed.  And as he does, others will see too.  Scripture tells us that he is preparing a mansion of glory for us in heaven, I just know mine will be a fort.  With room for all my friends, including the one with the nail pierced hands.  He too was a carpenter, and who knows better than he how to build?  Or restore? 

Thanks to all who serve and encourage. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot com

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