playing just good enough to lose

The San Diego, I mean Los Angeles, I mean La Chargers, are now 0-4 starting there first season at their new home in Carson.  Sharing a soccer stadium, it holds less than half of what Qualcomm used to, and they still cannot fill it.  And those in attendance yesterday were more for the Eagles than the Chargers, it’s amazing what a billionaire can do to a sports team only a few years.  After holding San Diego, aka America’s Finest City hostage for paying for unfilled seats, then trying to get them to buy him a stadium, which a weak mayor tried to get passed, fortunately it only cost $2 million to find out we can get by without the Chargers, and that Los Angeles doesn’t need them.  Nor want them, the only attraction being the lines are shorter than at Disneyland just down the road, but the team is the reason for it.  A one hit wonder, Philip the “Whiner” Rivers, and his many facial expressions, if Disneyland calls, he should answer.  “Yes, I’ll take the job,” and not worry about keeping his day job.  We’re not.

I am not a gambling man, but last season I had a 12-4 record choosing the Chargers to lose, I am 4-0 this year.  If stats could win games, they would be 4-0, but he who scores the most and gives up the least wins, so La Chargers are still winless.  And as the coach, who is wondering why he ever took the job in the first place said, “I don’t know if we are tough enough to play in the NFL.”  Maybe he can use Phil the Non Thrill to get him a job at Disneyland.  Fantasyland calls.....But a truth emerges throughout the scenario, there are those that put up good stats, and those that find a way to win.  With La Chargers playing just good enough to find a way to lose every week.  No self respecting kid would ask his Charger playing father “Daddy how was work today?”  as no one wants to think of their dad as a loser.  Next week, next game, next season, next owner, La Chargers are pathetic, but maybe the truth is like an old sign hanging on the fence at a redneck’s home, “never mind the dog, beware of the owner.”   Eli Manning knew it, now you do too.

I have found that the man at the top, the one in charge usually sets the personality or tone for a team, family, business, or church.  I once saw Bob Baker, “Mr. It’s so Nice to be Nice” chewing out an employee in the showroom, I lost all respect for him, say one thing, do another.  I have seen well meaning people get put down because they didn’t fit in, only to find they were the ones who fit in with God, not the other way around.  They didn’t dress as well, speak as well, drive the right car, know the right wine for fish or meat, they thought they were coming to church to worship God, but found out different.  So maybe La Chargers come by it naturally, as if it is OK in church, it must be OK with God.  And nothing could be farther from the truth.  I know of good families who religiously pay their tithes to the church, thinking they are giving to God, but find out differently.  They brag inside about how much they give, and many times the church gives them preferential treatment.  A lesson learned when a baby Christian,a girlfriend’s father who used to give a lot, withdrawing his tithes when he didn’t get his way in the building program.  So much for being a cheerful giver.  I know a pastor who brags about his father’s seat in church, and how he has chased new visitors from it when they didn’t know it was his seat.  And never came back.  We read in Psalms where the author cries out to know God better, and finds all he needs there.  Yet some choose to recognize the church, thinking they are God, instead of God being God.  When we don’t match up to the word, we are wrong, not God. A new building, more programs, processes, and procedures won’t do it.  New pastors steeped in tradition won’t cut it, and a flock that will not change, won’t do it either.  Only Jesus changes lives, and like a sports team, when not winning, the fans will leave.  Seems there is always something there to gain their affection, but not always right or righteous.

The Chargers might have changed cities, but are still La Chargers.  A new coach and new players may help for a while, but when the same owner is the same, nothing will change.  Only their fan base does, and will.  Without a new heart we will not change either, we will still be mired in religion and tradition.  But where is Jesus in all this?  Some may wonder where is he hiding?  Why doesn’t he do something?  And miss the fact he did, and is.  When you play just good enough to lose, you still lose.  Whether by one or 20, you still lose.  And many are missing out on God that way, sticking with a church when it is sinking, and they know it.  But my father went here, we a have season tickets, I know the pastor, my kids are on the worship team...all excuses for losing.  When the spirit gives a better way...

We will not win every battle or every game.  The Bible doesn’t promise that, but it does say we will win the war.  We race to get the prize, and in losing we get stronger, as we see the need for God in all situations.  God doesn’t play favorites, so get over your looks, talent, and finances.  Someone is always better looking, has more talent, and has more money.  But we can all have all that Jesus offers, but first we must know we are wrong and change.  And expect a battle to ensue, for you were won for a price, and the devil doesn’t want to give you up.  But you will win, and see the grace of God while doing it.  If God asked for you resume of being a Christian, what would yours say?  Do you brag on church, or on Jesus?  Are your stories all filthy rags, or do they reflect Jesus in your life?  Are you spirit driven or man driven?  Do you know the difference?  When the disciples asked Jesus what is the work of God, he told them he was the work of God, and to believe on him.  If I came into your church, could I have the best seat?    Would you give Jesus the preeminence?  Money may buy you a football team, only winning gets you fans.  Is your walk one of excuses or one of testimonies?  Are you living life good enough to win, but really just good enough to lose?  Stats, and goodwill does not win a place in heaven, knowing Jesus does.  Looking back, sadly our works will match our heart for God, that ought to bum out some of us.  But it doesn’t have to be that way...

If you think your good works and church participation will get you to heaven, you are wrong.  Jesus is the way, the only way.  Simple so we can do it, free so we can afford it.  Maybe a good way to describe the life of Jesus is “he got ‘er done,” no excuses, he loved us more than we will ever know.  He took one for the team, as the saying goes, and when defeat seemed eminent, rose from the grave in victory.  Even the least on the team who wins the Super Bowl gets a ring, based on being part of the team, not on their stats.  Being part of the family of God assures us heaven, and with Jesus we can have it now, on earth as it is in heaven.  Driven by the holy spirit, that makes the difference. 

Listening to La Chargers yesterday, the question was asked “are you looking forward to next season?”  Are you?  Or are you still seeking that first victory today?  Have you given up hope of the playoffs, and toss it all away?  Jesus is that half time pep talk, and we don’t have to wait until half time.  Quit living just good enough to lose, and start with Jesus.  No more excuses, no blaming the devil, you don’t give him credit for your victories too do you?  And quit blaming God, he let’s the decision be yours.  Forget the stats and play the game of life to win, go with Jesus.  Or you can do like the sign said yesterday, “Dean if you want to see a sell out, look in the mirror.”  I see Jesus in my mirror, and everywhere I look, who you see is who you will follow.  And all without instant replay....which of course you would love to see of your life, but would you sit with God and watch it? 

What did Eli Manning know?  Two Super Bowls later we know, Rivers has better stats, but no ring.  Some play the game, some play to win.  Some for a paycheck....playing just good enough to lose.  You know the difference, don’t forget we do too.  And of course, God does too....now about that new church, I mean stadium...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the all day song, retracing my roots

Christopher and I got just back from a 2000 mile, seven day ride, our turn around point being Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Great weather, lots of back roads with no traffic, and real Mexican food, just two guys on bikes seeing the country, as it should be.  But we had to change our plans and add another day to the trip, spending it in Albuquerque where the skies threatened.  But in our flexibility we were able to retrace my roots of when I lived there 40 years ago, and introduce Christopher to a part of my history he had heard but never seen.  Riding around we stopped at where Motorsport used to be, my first job in town selling motorcycles.  The building is still there, a cool design that UNM professors used to bring their students to tour.  Today, it sells horsepower for $20 a horse.  At least the windows claimed it.  Down further on Montgomery was our first apartment, now a medical center.  Later a trip to General Chennault NE and the house John bought for $22,000 in 1976, I was his roommate.  Once a proud neighborhood of flat roof New Mexico style homes, now old cars and trash.  How sad.  And just a few blocks from Route 66, if we had known back then.....A trip past PJ’s Triumph now closed, only a few months ago in June I had my chain adjusted there...

Stopped by Bobby J’s Yamaha, there since 1956, Dillon an old friend from PJ’s is now the parts manager.  He tells me they are the #1 seller in the US for side by sides and ATV’s, but bike sales have tanked.  Maybe that explains the name change, Powersports, as they sell boats too.  Two wheels just weren’t enough for some I guess.  A Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki store where they used to sell Mazdas, no more Key AMC/Jeep, my first entry into the car business, as now Lomas is one big car lot of dealers.  All non-descript.  No Art Janpol VW, where Tom aka YO YO sold me a Rabbit, and turned out to be a better friend than I knew back then.  But Blake’s Lot a Burger is still there, Mac’s Steak in the Rough, and Monroe’s, maybe some New Mexico landmarks still remain.  But gas was still cheap, even for major brands, you still get sopapillias at the better restaurants, and you cannot beat the sunsets.  Anywhere.  But while cruising north on Wyoming and trying to explain that where these neighborhoods stand we used to ride the sand and rocks, it dawned on me how much had really changed, and how much I had.  Back then I knew so little and thought I knew so much, now I know so much and find I know so little.  Albuquerque will always have a special place in my heart, it was there five years ago I was life flighted and had open heart surgery, another saga of New Mexico.  All the good times and tough times came back to me last week, and I wouldn’t change any of them for the world.  Like Joseph after all his trials were over and he was reunited with is brothers, I too can say “what the devil meant for evil, God meant for good.”

But lately I am confronted with Christians who are falling apart under pressure, small pressures.  It seems those who brag the loudest also complain the loudest, and are falling apart.  Jesus told us in this life there will be tribulation, we don’t welcome it, but through it see a side of him we would have otherwise missed.  From unemployment, to family problems, to health issues, to financial and emotional burdens, God will see us through them all.  If only we could see that in the during time of it instead of waiting until the end to look back after falling apart.  Maybe the chorus from John Fischer’s All Day Song should remind us, “love in the morning when you see the sun a rising, love him in the evening cause he took you through the day, and in the in between times when you feel the pressures growing, remember that he loves you and promises to stay with you.”  We will spend most of our life in those in between times, and just because God is quiet, doesn’t mean he is absent.  He is always listening and watching, if only we could remember that.  For as much as we talk about being a witness for Christ, when we fall apart in those in between times, we show where the spirit really is in our lives.  A true Christian is a person in who Jesus Christ dwells, and the evidence of him in our lives will show.  We face the same obstacles as the world does, but with Jesus we have become overcomers.  The battle may be tough, but when we remember the battle belongs to the Lord and let him have it, then we find victory in the midst of defeat.  Joy in the midst of sadness, and a true friend in the midst of loneliness.  By our fruits we will be known, and these things shall follow them that believe.  Read Galatians 5:22 for the list, I think you know the drill. 

Finally in retracing my roots that day, we went past 1800 Gold SE, where I rented the basement room from Lucy while going to UNM.  The house is old and unkempt, a far cry from when Lucy owned it.  But she is in her new home in heaven, she has no need for the physical any more, she has graduated.  To me an example of God in our lives, when she lived there the house glowed, and stood out, the glory of God shining through it and her.  But now she is gone, her spirit with her, and the house is just a building, empty without God.  If we drive past your house, what will we see?  Does God’s glory shine in  your life even in the bad times, or are you just a Christian in name only.  The promises of God are only theory until we put them into practice, until our faith is shaken and Jesus is the only way.  Retracing my roots showed me how far the Lord has brought me, but also how far I have yet to go.  And it took the in between time of a storm to reveal it to me.  For the next day the weather was perfect, what a difference a day makes.  So hang in there with Jesus in those in between times, the smell after the rain, and the beautiful sunset in the clouds were visible reminders of Jesus in our lives.  But it is the things that I cannot find words for, those infinite times where no finite words can describe, that are the most precious.  Found in the in between times, so we can thank him for taking us through the day.  Or ride.  More than words to a song, a reminder of life and who is life.  In our weakness his strength is made perfect.  And that’s all right with me.

If you can find it on Youtube, check out Still Life by John Fischer.  And see my roots in Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

 

Love Him in the morning when you see the sun a-rising 
Love Him in the evening 'cause He took you through the day 
And in the in-between-time when you feel the pressure coming 
Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay 

When you think you've got to worry 
'Cause it seems the thing to do 
Remember He ain't in a hurry 
He's always got time for you 

So... 
Love Him in the morning when you see the sun a-rising 
Love Him in the evening 'cause He took you through the day 
And in the in-between-time when you feel the pressure coming Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay

the Saturday morning meeting or That's Entertainment

Garlick’s Rent a Wreck stood in Durango for many years.  He would take the older cars, spruce them up a bit and rent them, at a sizable price difference than Hertz, Avis, and the other big boys.  While sitting waiting to be rented, they were also up for sale, just in case, Bruce was never one to miss a chance to make a buck.  But what he really was was a showman of sorts, and a Durango tradition, at least when we lived there.  My main contact with him was the once a month gathering at his lot, where he would take a car near death that could no longer be rented, or sold, and in a true PT Barnum display, had a mechanic climb under the car, drain all the oil out, start the engine, and place a brick on the accelerator, while those in attendance would make bets as to how long the engine would run before it seized up completely.  Quite a gathering would show up, even a roach coach sometimes, while betting on the time was conducted.  Not sure if it was legal, but it was a big thing, and hundreds of dollars changed hands.  The one morning I remember most was an old 1962-63 Chevy II had the oil drained, the engine started, and the bets made.  Waiting for the final bang before death, this old Chevy sat and sat, shook, smoked, but refused to die.  For almost 15 minutes the engine roared at redline or above, the sound deafening, but refusing to die.  As the bets continued, it ran on, and finally, with a bang, it gave up and died.  The crowd applauding, those who had the 15 minute mark grabbing all the cash, bragging on how they knew the Chevy engine wouldn’t die, and bragging on ones they had that were the same.  The show over, everyone went their way, some to work, some to breakfast, I went home.  Until the next month...

Now as weird as it may sound, there was a certain thrill in watching and waiting for the engine to die.  My experience with no oil had been a girlfriend who drove 40 miles in her father’s Oldsmobile with the oil light on, until it died in front of her home.  Her father not impressed by her excuse or the fact she didn’t stop.  So maybe that little Chevy engine wasn’t so unusual.  One time at Mercedes Benz a woman came in, her diesel banging louder then ever, her oil light on. Her “should I turn it off?” was met with a resounding “NO?” and a tech poured nine quarts of oil into an engine that held eight, it quieted down, she paid the bill and drove off.  We sing at church about keeping oil in our lamps to keep them burning, yet we fail to acknowledge the light that comes on just before death of an engine.  Might be a lesson in that, maybe that is why God has no warning lights, we would just ignore them anyway....

We all like to be entertained, from sports to movies to racing, it is all a spectator sport.  Just like Garlick used to blow up cars, we found we couldn’t look away, and were disappointed when the car finally gave up.  Over the years in many churches I have been part of, or gave an audience to so called entertainment, I call it such because it did keep your interest, but many times would distort the will for God for entertainment purposes, just to draw a crowd, or to gain attention to itself.  God does not draw attention to himself, but his spirit draws us to him, as no man made act can do.  For instance, one night I attended a faith healer with some friends, Brother Ivy, who would cast out demons, heal the sick, and tell the future, all in God’s name, and afterwards he was invited over for coffee to visit with us.  A short man, greasy hair slicked back, two tone shoes, and the traditional double knit suit, he was the center of attention at the home of my friend.  It seemed he still had some spunk left in him after his stage histrionics, his theatrical show now put on for a private audience.  After continued yelling, God isn’t deaf, so why yell at us, he had us stand in a circle and was going to give us the holy spirit.  As he pushed on the ones in the circle, they fell or sat, supposedly by the spirit, then he pushed me.  And I pushed him back, setting him on his but, looking up at me with great surprise.  I knew God’s touch, this wasn’t it, and he was revealed for what the was, a performer, using the name of God.  He may have believed what he was doing was Godly, but without a sound, he got up and left after I pushed back.  No words, no explanation, no healing power as he advertised.  He was exposed and left....

Jesus healed people in many ways.  One time it was mud in your eye, another just touching his robe.  One man had enough faith Jesus didn’t even go to his daughter, he healed her from a distance.  All without much showmanship, for he was all about giving glory to his father, he was just obeying orders.  But like the blind man was asked after receiving his sight, “I don’t know if he is good or bad, all I know was I was blind and now I can see.”  And the others who knew him saw the change in him.  It was all about Jesus, no screaming, no theatrics, no showmanship.  It was about the power of the holy spirit changing lives, not us.  But working through us, we get to see him in a way the others don’t.  It is the spirit who gives life, as when I had open heart surgery and my aorta exploded, afterwards my surgeon, not a Christian man, told me “it was evident God intervened.”  It was the spirit that gave life, so no man can take the credit.  Yet some still line up like we did at Garlick’s waiting for the end, waiting to be entertained, but missing out on the movement of the spirit in our lives.  We want the emotional trip, but the spirit goes deeper, where no words can explain.  For the things of God are infinite, unlike the finite life of an engine without oil.  So Jesus tells us to keep oil in our lamps, the oil representing his spirit, to keep us alive and ready.  To give us life, should our real life adventure not show up on the dipstick.  His oil is real, spiritual in nature, and needs to be checked, which is why we continually need to seek him.  If you are living based on emotions, your heart will deceive you, no pun intended in my case. 

Is church boring, your Bible reading not as exciting?  Do you need the feel to be entertained as many churches now have concerts, shows, and events to bring in the flock?  Feeling empty after a night out, you need Jesus.  Kings and kingdoms, sports teams, celebrities will all fade away.  Cars get old and worn out, so does our body.  But without the oil in the form of the holy spirit, we have no life.  While some speak of quantity, Jesus talks of quality.  We are only here for a short time, only God knows how long.  You may be the engine without oil, the brick on the gas pedal roaring at high speed, feeling pretty good, then one helicopter ride changes it all.  The spirit gives life, it doesn’t sell it, pedal or peddle it, or negotiate for it.  Jesus is the life, without him we are on borrowed time. 

Church may be just another Sunday morning, like the Saturdays at Garlick’s, and when the show was over, we all went our separate ways.  Make Jesus a 7 day event, don’t wait till Sunday for what you need and can have today.  Jesus is open now and waiting patiently for you, to fill your oil back, to give you his spirit.  Only he who is God can do the things of God, no man can substitute for your salvation.  Your healing.  Your success.  Without him it is just pedal to the metal until the light comes on and you seize up.  All in an instant...we are changed in the twinkling of an eye by Christ, we die in the same twinkling of an eye without him.  Only God will honor his warranty of eternal life in Jesus.

Like the ad says “pay me now or pay me later.”  Jesus paid it all for us years ago.  In that instant you are facing death and danger, you will go into your survival mode first, make yours Jesus now.  And when trouble strikes, you won’t be pushed around by showmanship, you will not be entertained for a morning.  The faithful showed up at Garlick’s on time, they knew what to expect.  Do you know what to expect from Jesus?  Just remember, he has an encore coming second to none, it is called resurrection, I have a seat for it, do you? 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the one eared used car salesman

Having met the man on several occasions, I can tell you that the part about the one ear is true, but will leave it at that.  Bruce had a used car lot, really selling used up or abused cars on Lomas NE in the 1970’s.  A big man, think of Grizzly Adams in a baseball hat, this is before they became popular and only truckers and Little Leaguers wore them.  Always in jeans and t-shirt, his hat pulled down low, you would never notice his right ear was missing, the hair and hat did its job, but then again, who goes looking for a missing ear.  His lot was just that, a lot that looked like the ones that sell Christmas trees in December, worn out gravel, potholes that would swallow a Toyota, and cars, lots of them.  Probably just as he bought them, dirty, used, and all for sale for a set price.  You didn’t negotiate with Bruce, you asked “how much?” he told you and he expected you to buy for cash only.  No credit here, money talked and credit walked.  It was then into his office, an old travel trailer from the fifties, tiny and paint faded, with “USED CARS” hand painted on it.  Think of Bruce a size 12 fitting into this size 10, NFL kickers do it as routine, Bruce did it because he could.  He used to brag that he made $300 per car sale, big money in 1977, and averaged 30 cars a month, maybe stretching the truth as he was the only employee, and often was out looking for other “pots” as he called his inventory to sell.  And that is where I met him...

I was selling AMC Ramblers and Jeeps.  He stopped by often with stories to tell, and to see what we had to sell.  When no one else wanted it, Bruce would buy it for his price, he was the same whether buying or selling, and known by all the dealers.  And as the new guy, got to hear his story about his missing ear.  Not sure how, but he claimed it got cut off when his head got slammed on by a car door.  Scooping up the ear, he rushed to the hospital where they sewed up his head where it once was, and then placed his ear in his stomach area, a scar he showed with pride, to store the ear until he had time to get it sewn back on.  How many times he had told the story, and lifted his shirt to show the scar is unknown, I saw it numerous times, along with the story.  But never saw the ear, only where it had been.  We all just assumed it was sewn up inside Bruce for safekeeping, only he knew for sure, the stuff legends and lore are made of. 

Every time I go by a used car lot, I think of him.The string of lights, some burnt out advertising USED CARS, that little trailer where so many deals were transacted, but really I think of Bruce, no make that his ear.  Not seen, but heard of.  Like faith, the substance of things not seen but believed, many of us know the story of Bruce and his ear and readily accept it as truth, while some may cast a doubtful eye, even after seeing the scar.  But how many want to believe a story, but have trouble with the gospel?  From the Bible cannot be taken as truth, to just a history book, a pretty reliable one, to Jesus was just a teacher and prophet, many choose to believe a lie rather than fact.  Bruce’s scar led many to believe his story, but how many are like Thomas, who didn’t doubt, as religion has painted him, but wanted proof before he trusted?  Thomas wanted to see the nail prints in his hand, he knew the hands of Jesus, and would recognize them, and wanted to see the scars on his side, maybe even touch them.  Sound like many today?  Who believe Jesus is dead, but Elvis is alive in Vegas.  But Thomas never touched Jesus for proof, he knew his voice, recognized his hands, and fell to his knees, he didn’t doubt, he wanted proof, and the spirit gave it to him.  Just like he does to each one of us who accept him.  Jesus knew just what it would take to change us and he still does, from Thomas the non-doubter to the skeptics of today.  The proof of a living and infinite God, the spirit is not hidden, but available, and is more than a Bible story.  Maybe step back in the story helps....

Jesus had been crucified, the disciples scared for their lives.  Where was his body?  Had it been stolen?  So they huddled together upstairs hiding, when Jesus appeared, walking through the wall.  All but Thomas, but we never know where Thomas was.  Perhaps by his character, he was out looking, he wanted proof, he wasn’t afraid as were the others, and when told about Jesus and his appearance, he wanted to see and touch him like the others did.  But they only saw, they didn’t touch, and neither did he, as Jesus was not resurrected yet.  It took faith, supported by works, and God provided both.  And he still does via his spirit.  I choose to be sided with Thomas anytime vs. the misleading story told in church.  I rather know Jesus is alive and willing to prove it, not hiding himself from me, but making himself available 24/7.  He left his spirit, remember he will never leave nor forsake us.  It is us who have left him and believed church tradition rather than trusting the scripture.  Which comes alive in the spirit, revealing the mysteries of Jesus to us.  Need help with your unbelief, seek Jesus.  Need a used up car, seek Bruce.  Have a used up life, call on Jesus.  Who when Paul refers to us as pots for the light of Christ to shine through, means you and I. All we need is that new owner to make us new again.  All we need is Jesus.

I don’t know where Bruce and Jesus were in a relationship, but when scripture says “to him who has an ear let him hear,” I think of the ear buried inside Bruce.  How many of us denied Jesus until the spirit intervened, and we had both ears?  How about the deaf, how do they hear?  By his spirit we are saved.  Somewhere out there in the string of used car lots, there are many pots looking for new homes.  Used up people that no one wants, but are for sale to the highest bidder.  Jesus won that bid 2000 years ago, and Thomas accepted it.  So did 11 of the 12, the one who rejected him went out and hung himself.  What did they know that Judas didn’t?  A who rather than a what.  Do you have the ear to hear?  The spirit is calling, and unless you say yes you are saying no.  Thomas wanted proof like the others had, and Jesus provided it.  He will for you too.  Having known Jesus for two score and two years, I can tell you he is real and alive.  His light never went out, and he appeals to doubters today.  Both Bruce and Jesus had a hole in their side where the truth can be found.  Who you gonna believe?  He who has an ear let him hear, in God we trust, all others pay cash.  Just like on Bruce’s lot....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com