Dear Fellow ABATE Members,

The Motorcycles Aren't Perfect

The Church on Earth Isn't Perfect

However…

A number of years ago, when we were thinking of buying a motorcycle, we stopped by a house that was just a few blocks up the road. Outside was this beautiful America-built full-dresser classic for sale that seemed just the right size for the two of us to have endless miles on the road together.  The woman of the house came out to greet us and we told her about our dreams of doing some touring together. Somehow, during the conversation, the words, "trouble-free" came out.

The woman said that her husband at one time had an older model of this American classic.  The older model, like this one was a "beauty."  However, there were many problems with the engine and it was continually being repaired. So, the manufacturer finally came out with the newer model that was in front of us, with the new engine that was supposed to have taken care of the past problems of the old engine.  However, she admitted that this newer engine design didn’t work so well either and repairs had to be made from time-to-time.  She said the engine was running good now but, that is no guarantee of future performance.

Needless to say, that our love of motorcycling overcame us and helped us to buy another bike (not the one we looked at that day).  To us, motorcycling is a perfect way for us to enjoy some of our times together, even if the motorcycles we ride are not so perfect.

Recent news and personal experiences have reminded us that the Church on this earth is not so perfect either.  Like the company that built the classic motorcycle, the Church is operated by mankind.  And, there are no perfect men or women. We could have used the excuse about imperfectly built motorcycles to get out of what we really knew we had to do to get on the road. But, we knew that motorcycling was a part of us and we were not going to let imperfect motorcycles get in our way.

Many in life, too often, use the excuses about problems in churches, its leaders, and members to put off and/or ignore a relationship with God. Many don't like imperfect men and women reminding us that one day, we will all stand in front of God giving an account of our lives.

Therefore, we challenge you not to look at man but, to look directly with your heart and mind towards God.  Try to figure out who He really is.  His son, Jesus, is the only One who led a perfect life here on earth.  When we both came to the Lord, it was not between us and the preacher or us and a church; it was between us and God. When man lets us down, we will always have the Lord. When our imperfect bodies let us down, we will have an eternity with the Perfect One.

Revelation 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."  Will you let Him come in?  Please pray, "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You.  I ask forgiveness of my sins. I repent and accept this gift of repentance and I wish to be free in you. I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus.  Amen."

If you wish to contact us, to talk about your decision for Him, please email or call. If you wish us to help with prayer for you, loved ones, friends or others, let us know.

Blessings,

Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member) and Kathy (SW ABATE Life Member)- www.messiahsmessengers.org - 239-267-8641