Fall - 2009
Sitting here looking out on the leafless trees, I realize how much I miss riding my bike. We all get through the winter by the grace of God and then sometimes God gives us a shot in the arm by allowing us the privilege to ride on a great day in February; which was the case this last Saturday. The weather was extraordinary. In fact, one of the warmest days in recorded history. Thank you Lord!
We need to remember to thank the Lord for all of the little things that go on every day, from waking up to having a place to rest our head. God is good, so good to us. Someone asked the question of why bad things happen to good people? Well, my question back to them is “why do good things happen to bad people?” We are, by nature, sinful and only by the grace of God can we claim His goodness. Let the anticipation of God’s goodness and the warmth of His Spirit carry us through the cold winters of our lives.
March is coming up quickly, so we need to get our bikes ready to run. Check those tires and air pressure. Dust off your bike and I’ll see you at the safety instruction meeting. Are you ready? Let’s have a great, safe season of riding!
God Bless Steve
June - July 2008
We have freedom in this country because everyday men and women fight to protect us from others that want to take those freedoms away. We are a blessed society by God; but do we as a country continue to honor God? Freedom is so huge in our Christian life too! Yes, we do have freedom; freedom to accept or not accept Jesus as our personal savior. God does not make us worship Him or do His will. We do His will because we want to do it.
The amazing thing that I’ve seen is how God continues to reach out to us in so many areas throughout our whole life. This was so apparent to me when my own dad accepted Christ as his personal savior and got baptized at the age of 73. I continue to see my dad grow in the Lord by listening to his questions, as well as hearing his prayers. But, my dad has the freedom to stop asking the questions and stop saying his prayers.
Life throws so many distractions and curves at us. We have so many choices to make each and every day. These choices are freedoms!
I personally feel that I’ve got to stay that much closer to the Lord so He can guide me in all decisions. I have the freedom to follow Him all the way. Many people nowadays tell me that I believe in an outdated God. All I can say to them is I will use my freedom to worship and praise God the way I want too. And I pray for those who ridicule and chide me for my beliefs.
How are you using your freedoms?
Steve
April 2008
As I sit here trying to decide how to put words to what I’m thinking in this letter – I am reminded about other decisions I have made in life. What seemed like a small decision turned out to have huge ripples in my life. Now, I look back and see how God was working out His Will. Can you see the same thing in your life?
For example, I love riding my Harley! (If you have a different kind of bike, please just accept that statement.) What I’m trying to get at is: my loving to ride coupled with visiting a friend down in Oklahoma City and meeting some other riders at a rally, helped start this ministry. What I imagined as insignificant events has turned out to be very important in my life and I hope yours.
What decisions face you today? Do you pray about them? When was the last time you asked for God’s direction? Do you think He cares about the decisions you make? How have other decisions impacted your life?
Every time we head out on a ride, we pray for God’s protection and guidance. This is not because we are a church group, but because we really believe He cares about us and loves us. If you want to talk to Someone who cares about you – pray! God wants to listen and talk to you. Also, I would like to pray with you about decisions you’re facing or about getting better acquainted with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Hope to see you on Tuesdays and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays.
Steve
Spring 2008
Well, the riding season has started again! I don’t know about you, but I’m sure ready. I did ride down to OKC last weekend and nearly froze on the ride back. But riding the bike felt great. I was just purring down the road listening to the sounds of nature and the rubber meeting the highway.
I want you to know you have been in my prayers for this riding season. I want us to continue to minister to those around us. Last season, our dues helped minister to students at MNU and New Horizons Ranch. I really believe this is an essential part of our group – to reach out to those in need and be Christ to others.
Thinking back over my past devotionals, I realized I have been using books that influenced me. This year, I read a book that strongly affected me, “The Shack” by William Young. You might want to read it and interject some of your thoughts as I reflect on some of my insights.
I hope you continue to invite others to join us. When I talk to other riders, they sound interested in our type of riding group. So pass on the good news and let’s share the enjoyment.
God bless all of you and make sure your bike is ready – air up those tires! See you Tuesdays, 1st and 3rd Saturdays, and the 26th of April for our “inaugural ride” and picnic at my house.
Steve
Fall 2007
This has been the season to remember for CC Riders. What started out as a great ride down to Branson turned into one of the defining moments we have encountered and praise our sovereign God for His infinite mercy and wisdom.
God’s grace and guidance put the right people in the right places. I’m very grateful for the healing process going on in both Wayne and Barb. We need to continually pray not only for them but for the others involved.
We, as Christians, are not promised another day but we are promised to be with our Lord and Savior where ever He is. Praise God! Where are you in His presence? Is He your personal Savior, or are you waiting for the right time? Are you willing to commit to His way?
I want to pray with you now if you have not accepted Him into your life. Praise His name and thank Him for sending His Son as an example of how to live victoriously. Thank Him for not giving up on you and accepting you just the way you are. In John 3:16 it says that who so ever believes shall have eternal life. This life is the avenue to God and He wants you to have peace with Him, now! Give up handling your struggles by yourself and let Him show you the way. This does not mean you won’t have problems, but it does mean you can go directly to the Father for guidance and develop that relationship that both you and the Father long for.
If you prayed to the Father go and tell everyone! Shout it from the rooftops for you are now a new person in Christ! Congratulations and now you will understand that Christ is the reason for this Christmas season.
Again, Praise the Lord! - Steve
Spring 2007 Riding Season.
What a great day to ride yesterday! As I write, the sun is just beginning to rise -- telling of a new day in which to praise the Lord. We missed several of you -- but the ride, food and fellowship was still awesome.
I so look forward to this time of year. The sun is shining, it’s not too hot yet, and I don’t eat as many bugs! But most of all, I enjoy being on the bike and praising His name for all that I see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Truly, God is so good to us.
However, there are things we need to be prayerful of and take the time and use the energy as God sees fit. We, as a ministry, have not yet decided on what charity or benefit we are to sponsor. I personally would appreciate any input that you might have. I also would like you to be praying about how God is talking to you as you think and pray about CC Riders. How can we reach out more to the community? Is God talking to you about serving on the board or a committee? Did you read the by-laws? Did we omit something or does something need to be changed? We all play an important part in making this ministry what God intends it to be.
Although riding together for enjoyment is great, there needs to be more. God has to be a part of this ministry or it’s just like most other motorcycle groups; and I personally don’t want that. Do you?
With something to think and pray about - Steve
Spring 2007 Riding Season.
Well another riding season is about to start and that means spring has arrived! I don’t know about you, but I am ready! I'm ready to get the bike checked out: check the tires, change the oil; make sure the bike is road ready. That also means I need to be ready because with the start of riding other drivers have not seen us out in awhile and we need to be extra cautious of them.
I am also realizing that in our spiritual lives there are no real seasons that we need to get extra prepared for. No, we are to live daily with Christ no matter what the weather is like inside or out. It is our responsibility to not have to dust Christ off but, rather live as though he is right next to us during our daily walk.
Saturday is our kick-off and it should be the start of another memorable year. We have a lot of rides prepared and sights to see. Are you ready to enjoy them? I hope so.
Christ has a ride prepared for you as well. The ride of your life! There is so much excitement riding with Him, I can hardly contain myself. Are you riding with Him? Are you letting Him plan the trips of your life? Or do you sit down and make it your way or the highway?
Ride safe!
Steve
2006 Riding Season.
This has been the season to remember for CC Riders. What started out as a great ride down to Branson turned into one of the defining moments we have encountered and praise our sovereign God for His infinite mercy and wisdom.
God’s grace and guidance put the right people in the right places. I’m very grateful for the healing process going on in both Wayne and Barb. We need to continually pray not only for them but for the others involved.
We, as Christians, are not promised another day but we are promised to be with our Lord and Savior where ever He is. Praise God! Where are you in His presence? Is He your personal Savior, or are you waiting for the right time? Are you willing to commit to His way?
I want to pray with you now if you have not accepted Him into your life. Praise His name and thank Him for sending His Son as an example of how to live victoriously. Thank Him for not giving up on you and accepting you just the way you are. In John 3:16 it says that who so ever believes shall have eternal life. This life is the avenue to God and He wants you to have peace with Him, now! Give up handling your struggles by yourself and let Him show you the way. This does not mean you won’t have problems, but it does mean you can go directly to the Father for guidance and develop that relationship that both you and the Father long for.
If you prayed to the Father go and tell everyone! Shout it from the rooftops for you are now a new person in Christ! Congratulations and now you will understand that Christ is the reason for this Christmas season.
Again Praise the Lord!
If you want to hear more please e-mail me at info@cc-riders.com
May the Lord be with you
Steve
Jesus was walking with the mother of James and John when she asked the Lord “When you get to your kingdom may my sons sit at your right hand?” Jesus answered her by asking “Can you drink from the cup from which I am drinking?” I visualize Jesus looking at her and seeing the love of a mother for her sons, because she was not asking this for herself.
You might think His answer is harsh, but I choose to see this as His Love for us. I have been told that when we go through struggles or hard times He will be with us and not give us anything that we cannot handle.
Jesus’ reference to the cup is important to me! This cup of life we encounter, with all the joy, laughter, heartache and sorrow, is shared with the Lord. Imagine with me this cup filled with a milk shake ordered by two young lovers with two straws, each sharing the contents. Listen to the discussion, the acts of the day, the dreams of the future, goals to be reached, love responding to love. Can this be the cup Jesus was talking about?
I am willing to share this cup because I know my Lord and Savior will be with me. Are you willing? He will accept you just the way you are. Do you believe? Can you trust Him with your heart?
If you want to hear more please e-mail me at info@cc-riders.com
May the Lord be with you
Ride safe!
Steve
