They might be angels.

I like to pick up hitch hikers. I really do. Most of friends and family think that I am nuts. They might be dangerous., they might try to hurt you, kill you. One of my friends even stated something like this: " It is better to be a live preacher, than I dead martyr." I like the idea of being in heaven, especially on the days my lower back is killing me.

I have picked up college kids, WTO protesters, and just your average daily nomad. Last summer I went for drive down the Oregon coast, and there was this nice older guy who need a lift. He had a walking stick, and big backpack. Plus it he was about to have to climb over some mountains. So is a Christian to do? Help people. I turn around and pick him up.

He is a nice older man, who was left some money and had a disability were he could not hold down a job, so he decided to travel by foot across America. He had been doing it for something like 20 years. He likes the alone time, and the time he get to meet new people, and hear their stories.

Tuesday I picked up a Nomad again. Her name is Tracey and she is Christian. We had a nice talk about the different places she has been, what God has done in her life, how he has kept her safe on her travels, and that now she feels it is time to settle down, and make amends with her 19 year old son. I stop off at McDonald's bought her some food, and then dropped her off about 70 miles south of where I picked her up. Prayed for her safety and travels and then left her at a spot for the night.

The question I always go back too (after I pray) is what if they are angels?

Hebrews 13:1&2 ESV

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels.

Tie that in with James 4:17

So who ever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

and we all know Jesus' teaching on loving others as we want to be loved.

I am not saying that everybody should pick up hitch-hikers. I always pray first to make sure it is the right thing to do. I do not want some demon-manic in my car with a chain saw, or and aids laced needle. What I want to do is help out my fellow man, and show them the love, life and light of Jesus Christ; in world filled with too much darkness.

To be Great

Howdy,
Sorry it has been such a long time since I have posted. I will try to post at least once a week by
Thursday.

I often imagine myself having a conversation with God. We talk about different things and I usually end up confession my sins. He is good like that, able to listen and show love when we mess up. Lately one part of the conversation always turns to "what do you want?" " I want wisdom, I want a heart that belongs to you, I want to know more, I want your words written on my heart, protection for my church and family. I want my church to grow, and I want new people to come to Christ Jesus." " I want people to see Jesus in me"

"What do you want?"
Today it finally hit me "I want to be great in your eyes". I don't have to the next Milt Jones, Max Lucado, Billy G, Rick Warren, Bob Russel, Mark Driscoll or Brian McClaren. What I want is to be great in your eyes. For you to say "This is my Son, whom I love, good job, my good and faithful servant"

I think the most we can ask for is to be used by God, for His Kingdom. Not to settle to settle for "status quo", but to strive to be great in the eyes of our Creator.

I want to leave you with the words from a group called "Ten Shekel Shirt"

I have always wanted to be somebody who is great

To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream

To be the one who makes you smile is everything

To love my enemies

To serve others until I become the least

To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream

To be the one who makes you smile is everything

Greatness in this world is different than greatness in your eyes

To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream

To be the one who makes you smile is everything

To be genuine in my love for others and for you

is to be great

Let's try to remember that a life that is great to God, is a life that is daily dying to itself and following Jesus.

-M

My Wife now has a mini-van

I thought the day would never come. I hoped, I prayed that this day would never come. Was not turning 35 not bad enough for me? Are not grey hairs, and starting to loose my vision penance for my past sins?

I guess not. Today my wife has traded her car for the dreaded mini-van. She smile's, I cry. Our kids are not even old enough to play soccer, and yet there it sits under our carport. What will the neighbors say? What will the church members think? Can I ever look at some of my friends that hunt in the eye again? Who knew my middle age crisis would involve a mini-van? I always thought that a Porsche would help me handle turning old. Alas, there it is. I pinch myself nad I still do not wake up. Please can anyone help me?

Mike