| Preacher's Byline - Volume IV, Section 5.1 |
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Woo wee, the riding season is in full effect and we all love it! I do want to mention the following events/rides. We as a Ministry would love to have you join us at any or all of them. Be sure to check in with us periodically as more are being prayerfully considered.
Upcoming events 2nd Thief is organizing or participating in for 2008:
We are also formulating plans for the following Events/Rides for 2008:
Well, we just completed the Vero Beach (Florida) Outreach and it was an anointed time for all who participated! The Band and some Riders from VA went down there to share the Good News and support our Central Florida Chapter. It was 2000 miles of divine appointments all the way there, during and back. I can assure you this mission was not entered into lightly and was bathed in prayer for months…in VA and FL. Even after we knew we had His prompting to go we continued to pray for His anointing.
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 NKJV
 Let’s go back to how our Heavenly Father orchestrated this from the beginning. It all started on last year’s Men’s Ride. Several of us were riding the “Tail of the Dragon” along Route 129 on the TN/NC border and had pulled off at a non-descript area alongside the highway. Three riders of our crew were still out enjoying the “318 curves in 11 miles” and the rest of us were benefiting from a well earned break.It was then and there that Christina and Charlie entered into our lives and eventually became coordinators for 2nd Thief Riders. They had stopped there because they had been following a hay truck that had debris falling from it. Charlie rides a Yamaha V-Max without a windshield so there was little protection so they pulled off the highway…right where we pulled off. Coincidence…I think not. A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV Christina noticed our Colors almost immediately and approached our “Senior Ambassador” Pastor Paul. They struck up a conversation and at some point I was invited to jump in. There was an immediate connection…as brothers and sisters in Christ and bikers. An aside here is Christina had a prompting earlier that she and her husband were going to be involved in ministry together. They didn’t know exactly what that meant at the time. And later during a prayer meeting a word was spoken to them about a “motorcycle ministry.” For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 NKJV  Do you catch the impact of what is being said? Both of them were seeking His will for their lives and were open to His leading. That included being available to Him even in TN on a vacation. It was there that His plan for them was revealed, several states away from where they live! All of us need to seek Him in every day He gives us. It is the only way to live the abundant life He has promised.Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV During our early fellowship with Charlie and Christina it was apparent that our Father led them to 2nd Thief Riders so they could start a Chapter in FL. Again, much prayer was involved in discerning this and humble accountability with Godly brothers and sisters too. This, after all, is a Ministry not a club. We do not recruit; rather we confirm “the call.” Along the way we discerned a prompting to do a “Biker Sunday” at their church, Treasure Coast Assembly of God. The rest, as they say, is history. For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 NKJV Now remember this was a 2000 mile round trip for those participating from the Ministry. Some did it in four days and others in six. Everyone called here at 2nd Thief is bi-vocational and as such it required time off from work. It also required time spent away from family. To a person all knew His Spirit was leading us to go and who was to go. Our “Spec Op” team was chosen…we were bringing bikes, band and “The Message” of God’s love and grace to Vero Beach (and all along the way as it turned out). As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 NKJV  Many more stayed behind then were deployed. Did that mean the ones who remained here played a lesser role? Absolutely not! As mentioned earlier this Outreach was bathed in prayer before, during and even as we traveled home. That is why it was such a glorious success. All at 2nd Thief prayed, Brothers and Sisters at Treasure Coast prayed and others in the Body of Christ who were aware of the Outreach were praying too. Prayer is not a “feel good” exercise, rather it engages the Creator of all things into the circumstances for which we pray!Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 NKJV At this point I must point out that Pastor Randy of Treasure Coast Assembly of God Church was the epitome of gracious hospitality. He and I had talked on the phone prior to our finalizing the event and he encouraged me to be led of the Spirit regarding the message to be shared with his flock. Having been in pastoral ministry myself for several years I realized early on what a humble privilege we had been extended. In fact, right before I delivered the message he said, “Bring what the Lord has given you…feel at home.” When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Acts 11:23 NKJV The Pastor insisted that I ride my Harley into the sanctuary and park it just in front of the pulpit. I was hesitant at first and prayed earnestly about it…just before I rode into the church I asked the Lord (again), “Is this over the top?” I discerned that He wanted me to, “Bring it!” The Band and I worked it out that as soon as I cranked the bike up and headed down the aisle they cranked up with “Riding for His Glory.” It was anointed and a testimony to the fact that Pastor Randy knew the heart of his flock. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 NKJV  The Band was filled with the Spirit as they played for the King. Their God-given gifting was apparent to all. They play to bring Him glory and bless all in attendance. Pastor Randy commented that while they were “the best band he had ever heard,” there was absolutely “no attitude” that came with it. They humbly, yet powerfully, went about praising Him in music and song.Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. Psalm 149:1 NKJV Our mission is to declare the love and grace of our Father. It is clearly demonstrated by His Son Jesus at the Cross, sealed and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. We share these truths through “The Message of the 2nd Thief” who was crucified with Jesus on the cross. The 1st thief mocked and railed against Him. The 2nd Thief humbled himself and received the redeeming work of Jesus into his life…and joined Him in Paradise. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43 NKJV  I want to wrap this up by emphasizing the joy inexpressible of being about our Father’s business. All involved in this Outreach from VA to FL sought only to share the love and grace of Jesus so that those who didn’t know Him would see the love He has for them…and respond to it. And those who do know Him…would rest in His love for them.Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV Finally a wonderful day of worship and fellowship was experienced by all. The reoccurring word for the day that seemed to be on everyone’s lips was “family.” We all came together as a result of obedience to the prompting of His Spirit and as a result our “family” grew! And it was no surprise really as all involved only wanted build one another up in love through the use of their God-given gifts. But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 NKJV How befitting for the Body of Christ to experience the truth of being a “family” because it doesn’t matter if your fellowship is in VA or FL. As long as your faith is in Jesus as your Lord and Savior and you have a love for one another you belong to Body of Christ! So to my newfound and beloved “family” at Vero Beach… …after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:15-16 NKJV Godspeed Preacher |
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