Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1367347
hurting and strength where we are lacking. And God is able to do that, to do what we just can't seem to do by ourselves; to bring peace in the midst of hurt, whether it is self-inflicted or not...a peace that is here in life as well as exciting peace in Heaven! Most everybody talks about people going to Heaven when they die. Do you believe that? How about Hell? Does anyone ever go there? And who decides? God? Us? Well, GOD wants everybody to go to Heaven, but if God is perfect, then Heaven is a perfect place - but as soon as imperfect people come (uh, that's everybody), the perfect is ripped apart...so how could Heaven possibly have people in it? That's where Jesus comes in! Because Jesus IS God, He IS perfect! And because HE took our punishment, God can now see us as perfect. [Pointing to the cross on the front fender] We don't have to wait until we are dead to feel His presence or His powerful love. His act of love on the cross rips apart the tangled vine of thorns in our lives. We can know Him here and now, each day while we are on Earth, and not be wrapped up in the tangled thorny lies that keep us away from His peace. And there is a bonus! Jesus Himself will welcome us into Heaven when we leave this place! [Keep walking around the other side of the bike, past more thorns to the flowers on the saddlebags again...) It's not to say that there won't still be thorns in our lives, but that with Jesus in our lives, in spite of the thorns, you can still smell the roses. "And you can really bee-loved?" "How can I pray for you today?" Ï Flash The Patch for Christ's Sake In the motorcycle world, the patch that one wears on their back is very important. In some cases, groups will sell their patches to their new members. In others, the patched is earned; either through various tasks or through a mentorship period, such as in BSHDFC. The patch on one's back is more than a sign or decoration. It identifies who you are riding for and what you believe in. If one believes in who and what they are riding for, they will rarely ride without their patch, even if just to the local drug store. Patches are to be respected, because they represent something precious - like a state or national flag. Motorcycle patches are not to be left hanging on a motorcycle outside or on a chair inside. They are to be worn, but if for some reason one cannot wear their patch inside, it is to be neatly folded and placed in a saddlebag or tour pack. Every ride you go on, every gas station you stop at and every restaurant or event you walk into sees that patch and is once again confronted and challenged by what it says. We are the Black Sheep: saved, and sanctified, set apart for His service and we are not ashamed. So flash the patch! Don't leave it at home anymore than you would your helmet or gloves or driver's license. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1Peter 3:15) Ï