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Spoke-N-Word
September 2010Dear Friends, Labor Day is here! How quickly the sweltering heat of summer has come and gone! The cool autumn breezes beckon us to ride the back roads and revel in the colorful beauty of the changing leaves. The opportunities to ride and enjoy the company of fellow bikers abound over the next few months! Reflecting on Labor Day, the annual holiday celebrating the achievements of workers, I couldn’t help thinking about our current economic situation. So many are unemployed. We all have friends who have had to sell their bikes just to survive. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are searching for work. Whether scanning websites or the classified section of the newspaper, they are hoping to find some indication of “Help Wanted.” Many years ago Sir Ernest Shackleton, the famous South Pole explorer, placed an ad in a London newspaper. “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” Five thousand men applied. In 1914, twenty-seven of them set sail with Shackleton for Antarctica. Shackleton’s advertisement brings to mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:24. “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus was looking for those who would go with him on a hazardous journey, the Way of the Cross. He issued this call after He had told His Disciples that He was headed for Jerusalem to suffer and die for our sins. Many have answered Jesus’ “Help Wanted” ad down through time. Motorcyclists have answered the “Help Wanted” call as they work to help those in need. The charity rides and events that raise funds and awareness for so many causes are a blessing. It is so encouraging to see bikers, who are the most generous people, digging deep into their pockets to help those who are less fortunate. Both those who are employed and those who unemployed are right there enthusiastically volunteering their time to help in any way they can- doing the good stuff. The Apostle Paul put it this way in his letter to the Colossians, “Whatever you so in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” He went on to say, “And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord.” When we follow Paul’s advice, it transforms any job that is set before us. In his book, The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer wrote, ”Let us believe that God is in all our simple deeds and learn to find Him there…” How comforting to know that God is in our every situation and there is hope. If you have not invited Jesus into your heart and life, I would urge you to do it today. Let Him take control of your life. When we turn our lives over to Jesus and let Him be the rider and we the passenger, it is a blessing to know that He is in charge. He knows what lies around the next corner, He knows how fast we can take the curves, and He knows how to maintain us and keep us going. When we want to shout directions from the pillion seat, God will not force us to go down the roads that He knows are best. However, what a blessing when we allow Him to take us where He wills. This Labor Day, it is my prayer that all who are seeking employment will find suitable positions. Please check the attached events. Remember, if because of time or distance, you are unable to attend the listed activities, and you know of one closer to your home, go, wear your colors and share the love of Jesus. Check your secular biking publications for rallies, races, and charity runs you can support. Be a blessing! Until next time, love Jesus and keep on doing the good stuff.
Riding with Jesus, Bob Dillon Please note our events column. Don’t miss any opportunity to make an impact on the world. May you be blessed as you work and witness for Him.
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