at the cross road

Walking through Penneys on Saturday, Theresa commented on a display of Laker's gear, and how less than one week ago it was filled with Charger paraphernalia-that is until the Jets beat them. Then, true to form for a San Diego based team, their fans deserted them. Where last week the talk shows were talking of a Super Bowl victory, just the next day they were talking of rebuilding the same team and doing what it takes to be a winner. One week heroes, the next zeroes.

Green Bay, Wisconsin-two time zones and many fan cultures away is a much different scene. A town immersed in a strong football tradition, year round they support their team-win or lose. At Lambeau Field, statues of Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi greet you, as you pass by on Lombardi Avenue. The same Vince Lombardi who said "winning isn't the only thing, it's everything." From the stadium you can see the Don Hutson Building, and streets named after Bart Starr, Brett Favre, and bearing the names of Hornung, Taylor, Nitschke-other Packer greats. How many other cities have streets named after lineman like Forrest Gregg? or the premier pulling guard, Jerry Kramer? And it extends far into the neighborhoods, as this town refers to itself as Titletown USA, and its fans reflect it. The day I was there, the parking lot was closed off, so being on the Tiger I jumped the curb, and rode up the steps, parking in front of a main entrance. Blasphemy, but hey-I live in San Diego. And after finding an open door, was amazed at what I found inside. Whereas most stadiums are concrete and block, this had shiny floors and the appearance of an upscale mall-with posters, monuments, and displays referencing their heroes. Almost like being in a museum, except this was to display football at its greatest, Packer football. And football heroes-who had the good fortune of playing for the Pack. And their fans showed their appreciation, both on and off the streets.

Still farther west, 150 miles from St. Paul, sits the town of Appleton, Minnesota. Also a town of heroes, but lesser known than the ones in Green Bay. In 1946, when the town needed its streets reorganized, the mayor, Robert P. Miller, proposed naming the streets after Appleton war fatalities. It took a year to put the plan into effect, but they hung the new street signs on Memorial Day, 1947. Names like Thielke, Miles, Schleiman, Sorenson, Lhotka, and Behl adorn the streets even today. With some war heroes from Korea and Viet Nam added. 34 streets has Appleton, and each one named for a war fatality-the only town in the USA to honor their vets this way. So no matter what street you drive on, live on, or walk on-you are honoring a veteran who gave his life so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Streets named after heroes-American heroes. And to Appleton, a hearty thanks-a great example to all of true American heroes-whose field was of battle, and who gave all so that we may enjoy our freedom.

All roads lead somewhere, and it is important to know where the road you are on is going. Not all roads lead to heaven, let me point you to Jesusisthe Way. A straight and narrow road, when compared to other roads in the area-that at first appears boring and lifeless. Why would any biker, except for a Gold Winger choose straight instead of some wonderful curves-but it is where the road goes that is important. Jesusisthe Way may appear smooth, but like life it has many bumps and road hazards-usually when least expected. Yes, the runoffs are wide, and entrance back on is easy-just repent, ie. change your course, and it only goes one way. And like any road, there are temptations to want to get off-even if just for a short while, but they always end in disaster. All the while, you are being guided by God and the Holy Spirit, letting you know when the obstacles to your trip occur, where, and how to avoid them. It takes communication with your life's pilot-not co-pilot, to make it to the end-heaven. And when any questions arise, or rough road sets in-the advice is look to the cross-for that is where your destination and trip planning will be found. For that light at the end of the road, comes from heaven, and reflects the cross-the ticket to heaven, and one that must be purchased through Jesus Christ. You see, He is a hero also, and not only died to give us freedom, but rose again, promising eternal life to those who follow Him. And all you have to do is stay on the road with Him-and the road is named after what He told His disciples-for Jesus truly is the way! So if you find yourself on any other road in life than Jesusisthe Way, He allows you to change course to Him immediately. And the fact that it only goes one way-to heaven, allows us to look to what lies ahead, instead of what lies behind. A road open to all, I advise taking it, while you still can.

Today choose to honor the ultimate hero, Jesus Christ, by following Him. A warrior who never lost, yet gave His life voluntarily so that we may live. Now, that's a hero. and did what no other hero, football or soldier ever did, defeated death. If that isn't enough for you, add a peace that surpasses understanding, and joy unspeakable. Not even a Packer victory can promise that!

Jesusisthe Way! A street like no other, named after one like no other. See you on the road.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

there is always a sunny day on the other side of the clouds

You know you are in trouble when you look out the window first thing in the morning and find 6" of fresh snow on your motorcycle. You don't remember it being there when you parked it last night, and although you cranked up the blanket on the bed, don't remember it being that cold. But here you are, faced with a bike wrapped in snow, and also unridable because either the plow is late, or he has been by and plowed you in. For all of you who don't live where it snows, I found this a sort of amusement for the bored plow drivers, who on their return trip won't look you in the eye, but you can see them grin as they pass. Bagged another. Which doesn't so anything for your condition, so go back under the blanket for another hour-and enjoy the quiet which snow seems to bring to the country.

We don't do snow well here-in fact we don't do rain well either. Talking with my friend Nathan, Corvair and Scrambler aficionado and founder of BA-MOTO, British bikes and American cars, he was riding the 35 minutes to work in the rain. When I asked why he didn't take the car, he told me the Greenbrier van's motor is stuck, and he doesn't drive his '63 Monza-black and immaculate-in the rain. When I teased him as he sat there shivering, he really admitted it didn't have any wiper motors. You never use them, so he removed them. Not to lighten the car, as old racers do, but because it was one less thing to rebuild or replace-and he didn't plan on driving it in the rain. Now he wishes he had, as he has an equally cold and wet ride home-at least he can lane split.

God tells us the rain falls on the just and the unjust. While the bikers I know are praying for sun and warm, the farmers are praying for rain for the crops. Who's right is a matter of need. And sin can be like that too. There is no isolated sin, like there are very few isolated showers. Those who claim prostitution is a personal sin and doesn't hurt anyone, need to visit the families destroyed by adultery. The rampant STD's running through the country-and realize how this sin affects us all-in taxes and pain and suffering. When 40% of kids are born without fathers, do we see a problem that no government program can solve? And when you make fun of virgins and those who choose to wait-stupid only compounds the issue.

But God-two great words that seem to be echoed when we need Him, tells us that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. For where His spirit is, there is liberty, and a way out from the situation. And often the way is nothing you considered. Because His ways are different, and if you spend time with God, find they are always better. You see I didn't have to be anywhere when my new bike got covered in snow-you can ask me and I could tell you it's never been in rain, did you ever think to ask about snow? So God gave us a morning to rest and sleep in-and when the roads dried later that day-had enjoyed a great time alone, and had a great and warm and dry ride home. We could have fussed, and rushed-but God's way was better. Instead of rushing home to nothing, we enjoyed each others company courtesy of God.

I'm sure Nathan is dried out by now-both he and Jamie rode together. But a better way is to be ready-to have your wiper motors installed. They were put there for a purpose and so were you. And it's ok to ask God, so you can know. And you don't have to wait until it pours. Or you have snow covering your bike. Or until you have fallen into sin and ruined relationships and your health.

How we react is more important as our actions. As I get older, sometimes I get wiser, and find that most of my life is out of control, and I spend more time reacting than acting. Which is ok, because I know who has the answers. And your reaction sets in motion a new set of events. So if you can, stay pure and sober-like Dean Faber told Flounder, "fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life." Enjoy the day God has given you, even if it rains. For somewhere a farmer is thanking God for it. So put on the rain suit, or ride in the cage-but have a great day with Jesus.

Oh, and if the snow is deeper than your motorcycle-pull the covers up, turn up the blanket and enjoy some time of rest-just may be the very thing you need, but never would have asked for.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

one night in the girl's dorm, part 1

The only reason I can think of for always wanting to be 12 was so I could get into the James Bond movies. The nasty, older-16-girl behind the ticket window would always ask your age, and if you didn't look it, wouldn't let you in. But when I finally got to be 12, with it, brought a change in my economics, for the 50 cent ticket now went up to 75 cents, and brought about early fiscal turmoil as I had to readied how to spend the dollar my mother gave me to go. I needed more income to finance my new, lucrative lifestyle, so I did what a lot of other kids my age did, I sought work through YES-Youth Employment Service, and cut yards, making $4 a week-not bad when you are 12. And my first contact with networking. I just didn't know it.

My friend Bill also signed up, and this is where he met Mr. Eysmann. Bill cut his yard. Mr. Eysmann was a very rich man, who was a true entrepreneur. Having only a daughter, Allison, Bill soon became the son Mr. Eysmann never had-and I'm sure taught him lessons he wished he didn't have to learn. I saw the personal, hand written check for $4 million dollars he wrote to buy Polychrome, where he got Bill and I jobs. When Bill got arrested for wheelying in front of Bambergers, and landing his front wheel on the trunk of a police car, it was Mr. Eysmann that got all charges dropped. It was Mr. Eysmann, who when two weeks into the fall semester, we decided to attend Rutgers and all classes were closed, who got us into all the classes we wanted, and paid for them. He also saw to it that Bill was given a proper head start, and set him up with a loan to buy Mrs. Eysmann's 1967 baby blue with white interior Cadillac convertible. And placed $1000 in an account there for him, in a bank he owned.

Mr. Eysmann had but one child, Allison, who was Daddy's little girl. A 10 from the neck down, she balanced out to a 4 from the neck up. Always overdressed, and at first obnoxious to Bill-they acted like brother and sister-she and I got to be friends. For all her sophistication, she was quite naive-I'm sure the way her dad wanted, and when I decided to move west in November of 75, she asked me to visit her at Wellesley, to say good bye.

Wellesley was an all girls college then, and a visitor, particularly a male had to be screened, just to get on campus-let alone in the dorm. But Allison made the proper arrangements, and I was allowed to stay in a guest room, far secluded from female contact, and properly chaperoned by her resident assistant the whole time. She had told me she would buy me dinner, and I envisioned a steak after riding all day in the cold, but was restricted to anything I wanted in the cafeteria, food wise that is. Which was interesting-here I am the only male, shoulder length hair, leather jacket, and on a motorcycle-quite the opposite to the Harvard boys who were being shipped in that Saturday night for a mixer. A dream, as the co-eds had only me to flirt with, and did. I was like a prize to Allison, who watched, and when it got to adventurous-to her, would remind them that I was with her-for the weekend. Sorry ladies, but to these secluded young women, I was an outlaw-Harvard lads didn't ride, I was Brando and McQueen on my bike, and James Dean in my leather-a rebel with a cause and not in a blue blazer with a crest-hairdo by helmet, and the only game in town, at least at dinner, but chaperoned by Allison, and her RA. A cool no preppie could ever dream about-"Dad, how come that biker in the leather jacket and long hair is getting all the girls." With the agreement to leave early enough so they could get ready the next day for the Harvard lads.

Now I had no physical interest in Allison, I know Bill did, and the fact that he couldn't do anything because of Mr. Eysmann used to drive him nuts. But to me she was a Jewish princess, secluded from the world, and who knows what I was-all I could attest to was being a Christian for less than 90 days, and not sure what that meant either. And Allison and I had talked about Jesus openly, in fact that was most of our conversations-this wonderful thing had happened to my life, and she saw I wasn't like Bill anymore-although I think she secretly had the hots for him-another true bad boy crush. But that night in the guest room, with chaperone along, I shared Jesus with them. Long after lights out, the RA had some authority back then, and for one of the first times cared more about the woman I was visiting than anything sexual. I don't know where Allison is today with Jesus, but I know there was some heavy seeding going on that night-as this 90 day old Christian biker evangelist was sharing his heart, and what was in it. Except the what was really a who.

I don't know the scripture, I think it is in Romans, but it says that what is in your heart, comes from your mouth. My interpretation, but accurate. And that night my heart was on Jesus. And at an early stage in my walk, learned to trust Him for words, and that He would give them to me. I wasn't in church, but I was in the word-and that made all the difference. I was leaning/trusting Him, and not even realizing it. Truly God takes care of those He calls His own.

Today you may be like the Black Sheep-ministering to a group of unsaved HOG members, who have work, a home, and many bikes-why would they need God? You may be ministering to a man who sinned-and can't forgive himself, and wonder why he doesn't get it. You may be facing a situation that unless God intervenes is hopeless-and guess what-He is right there with you! You are not alone, and He has provided a way out-and also the right words for you. It was no coincidence me being at Wellesley that night, I was the means that God used to evangelize that night. And it is no coincidence who you will encounter today-God orders your steps, and a divine encounter is just around the corner-maybe right now! Trust Him, and if His words come from your mouth, thank him for a changed heart.

And if you happen to be on the receiving end, thank Him, too. Your room, your cell, your buddy seat is never empty as long as you let Jesus into your life. Even in a woman's dorm. And to all you Harvard lads who would do anything to spend a night in the girls dorm at Wellesley, let me tell you something. I did! I was even invited back! And it was better than anything you could imagine! Eat your hearts out! And it's nothing a gentleman would share with others. But if you really want to know-all I can say is you wouldn't believe it. Better than I could have imagined! Maybe if you ask, I 'll tell you sometime. But I warn you-it's not what you think. Might even change you heart. Consider your heart. And when done, give them to Jesus. From what I see, you guys need Him too. And maybe a leather jacket and motorcycle wouldn't hurt either!

Let "for God so love the world, He gave His only son" into your life today. And watch where it takes you! It took me to Wellesley-who knows where it can take you. You know, I never did hear how that mixer with the Harvard lads went.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

best of all...

"Best of all...it's a Cadillac" their ads used to say. And as the ultimate in automotive luxury for over 75 years, they were also known as the Standard of the World. So in an age after WWII when luxury meant longer, lower, and wider-they also added high performance V-8 engines, tail fins, and every option you could think of to make their car the ultimate in luxury, and a car that all up and coming businessmen aspired to. Your final destination in your evolution of car ownership had to be a Cadillac. For it was like the ads said, plus it allowed the world to know you were someone and had arrived in life.

And into the 70's, Cadillac had no peer, its closest competition coming from Lincoln, and sometimes Imperial. But it was always a Cadillac that you longed for. And up until the 1977 model year they were the longest-some over 21' long, compare that to your 20' garage, with engines up to 472 cubic inches-compare that to a wimpy 4.1 litre, and with over 400 horsepower and a torque rating exceeding 500-more than some of the heavy duty diesel pickups of today. If excessive meant luxury, these were the most luxurious in any category. Bench seats, no buckets eats here. You could be seen with your wife/girlfriend/mistress riding together, right next to you. Remember how romantic that was? And with over a 100,000 Coupe De Villes sold then, you didn't need to ride in a stodgy old four door-they could even make a 2 door, 5000 pound car look sexy and fast.

My friend, mentor, and chiropractor-Gerald had a 1976 Coupe de Ville. A root beer color, with tan leather and a tan leather top, it took up most of the space in front of their house. And couldn't be parked in the garage, as the dip in the driveway was too much, and the rear bumper would drag-remember those times. With a Mafia rated four body trunk, it was just as long in the back, as it was in the front. And the fact it was a 1976 was critical, as GM had decided to downsize their cars for the 1977 model year. Factors such as fuel economy, and availability contributed, but also smaller luxury makes from Europe were invading the market, and a demand was there. But Gerald and his generation still believed in the bigger is better, and clung to the old style cars. Much talk, and courage was needed to buy the new downsized version-it was some 13-19 inches shorter, weighed 1000 pounds less, and had a smaller motor-it was the size of a large Ford at the time-and don't think Ford with its LTD missed reminding you of that in their ads. An era of automotive design, and excessive opulence had come to an end, and for many it meant hanging on to their older car rather than trading every other year-or every year as the styles used to change yearly, and who wanted to get caught in last years model. That was so-middle class. But suddenly, with the tables turned on them-it was the cool thing to keep your larger Cadillac. At least for a couple of years until the public either accepted the smaller version, or rejected them and big came back. Like the Bible says, to he who is given much, much is expected-and Cadillac gave them all they needed in a car, and more.

Paul also says in his letter to the Philippians, "I have been poor, and I have been rich, I know how to get through both situations-I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." And truly we can, too. For even as the world draws us into the web of lust and luxury-it provides no way out, and little consolation for the not as well endowed, aka the poor. Whereas the world looks to the government, or monthly payments, Paul advises us to look to Christ. And not look at the situation.

But many do not take this advice. As in the past year, when the world economy sank, I have seen my own home lose 50% of its value. Wiped out my 401k, all while I sat helplessly. I know men who were millionaires, and lost their businesses and homes, reduced to employee status again, instead of employer. Sometimes taking a toll on family and health. Knowing both luxury, and then being glad just to have the basics. A life change that can be disastrous, without Christ. Fortunately I chose Jesus, the right decision. You see happiness is based on situations-ask the Charger fans. Before the game jubilant-after disappointed and bummed. Same team-just different circumstances. That is why Paul counts it all joy to know Christ, and why we should turn only to Him in all situations. He never changes-no money shortage in heaven, or payments missed. No overpaid bankers, or government lies and involvement-just Jesus.
And He doesn't change, which is why we look to Him in all situations. He has taken us, and many like us, through tough times, with a smile on our face, and also in our hearts. No matter what the need, He is adequate in seeing that it is met. And after asking, is faithful to complete the good work He has started in us. Recently I was reminded of this, when I received an e-mail from a woman in Theresa's Bible study. She had miscarried, and the baby was still in her womb. Her husband had lost his job, they had no insurance, and no money-$5000 needed for the operation to complete her stillborn pregnancy. But she is a woman of faith, and gave the situation to Jesus. And waited, while He waited with her. Finally after a few days a call came from church-someone had stepped up when hearing of the need, and given the money-all of it needed, for the surgery! Blessing both the giver and the receiver. And we stand in awe of what Jesus will do in your situation, if you only seek Him and let Him. You see more important than the luxury afforded by the world, is the luxury of knowing Jesus, and letting Him into your life.

I don't know how long Gerald hung onto that '76 Coupe de Ville, but I know this woman will hang onto Jesus forever. You see love, never goes out of style. Has no yearly model changes, doesn't respond to public outcry, and never goes on vacation. God and His love are always present-a Standard of the World, but really a Standard from Heaven. Styles change-He doesn't. So in your next or current situation-look to the cross, instead of your problem/situation. The answer is there-a someone instead of a something. And doesn't that make it that much more personal. Gerald loved his car, but his car could never love Him. A stark contrast to why we love God-because He loved us first.

Best of all-He's Jesus!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the battle for men's soles

You may not realize it, but your shoes started defining you early in life. As a kid it was sneakers-or sneaks, and then as you got into first grade it was the first big decision-P.F. Flyers or U.S. Keds. Then the next pair increased the choices-black or white, and high or low tops? And then you got to junior high school-and encountered the most hallowed ground in it-the gym floor. Where no street shoes were allowed, so you trashed your white socks or wore sneakers. And if you played sports it was Converse All Stars, we never called them Cons then. And the choice of the cool players was high top white, where you could write your name in marker down the back, and show off the cool All Star label on the inside of your ankle. Still sneakers-only purpose built. And as my friend Larry, who works for Converse says, he can get you any color as long as it isn't black or white-he jokes. As you can get them in plaid, pink, blue, as sandals, and with skulls. And you can still wear them on that hallowed ground at school.

Now I don't think of myself as sophisticated, but last week at California Speedway for the WERA races, I noted the racers wearing their expensive race boots. Custom tailored and obviously engineered for speed and comfort-take a trip in sneakers and see how your arches hurt-you need support for putting your feet on the pegs-they were plastic, leather, in bright colors and some even were tapered aerodynamically at the heel. I am not sure how far we have come, but I cannot picture Dick Mann and Gary Nixon in them. I never saw Cal Rayborn wearing designer boots, and you didn't see them in On Any Sunday. But this Sunday, and other Sundays, if style and matching boots wins races, more power to them.

Seems we live in a specialty world, influenced by design. Just looking in my wife's closet she has warm up shoes, running shoes, walking shoes, crossovers-whatever that means, and tennis shoes-sneakers to those raised back east-each with a purpose, and all looking the same to me. And it reminds me of another battle for men's souls. And how confusing it can be.

Tell me how I get to heaven, please. Simply put, believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth, Jesus died for your sins, and was raised again, and you are saved. That's it-even says so in the Bible. But yet when talking with other Christians, questions like where do you go to church, how do you baptize, and do you believe in works for salvation come up. Designer gospel-not in the Bible, but designed by man to make himself look better. Or you worse. If I believe, but you have a list of good works-you must be better. And if your church has more services, a pastor called reverend, and a paid organist-well you must really be spiritual. I can tell by the way you talk-it's all about you!

Stop and think. None of that makes you more spiritual-in fact it takes away from Jesus, who in everything He did pointed to God. Does your church point to Jesus, or to works? Or to the pastor? Or to the fact of how great a job they are doing in the community? You may be surprised to find God looks dimly on such things. If it's not all about Jesus, He tells you that you are in sin. You cannot serve two masters, and your double mindedness will cause you to stumble. And who wants to stumble, particularly in your new sneakers?

Take a look around, and if your fellowship has more style than scripture, ask God what to do. Then when He answers, do it. Seek Him first, then all things will be added. And consider this, if we are supposed to be of one spirit, and one accord-how do we look to the non-saved when we bicker over petty differences? We are supposed to stand out from the world by our love, not our denominational feuds. Maybe we all need to take off our street shoes, and stand on holy ground, together. Take the hand next to you and pray for that person. And then the one on the other side. And show love to all within the place. And then take it outside. And maybe, you will find we are all the same in Christ, yet individual enough to be different.

Jesus Christ-always in style, and always the right thing at the right time. Try Him out today, and find that the battle for your soul has been won, in fact we have been celebrating it for 2000 years. Grab onto Him, and stand on holy ground, no matter the soles of your shoes, and enjoy freedom-with mercy and grace mixed in. Love with a heavenly design, and not soon to go out of style.

See you in church-sneakers welcome. No fancy style needed here-be yourself in Jesus. High tops optional.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the invaders

"David Vincent has seen them, for him it started on a deserted road, looking for a shortcut he never found. It began with a deserted diner, and a man too long without sleep to continue. Now he must try to convince an unbelieving world that these aliens exist..."

And so begins The Invaders, a Quinn Martin Production. And for 43 weekly episodes in the late 60's, we watched as David Vincent tried to show a non-believing world that an alien invasion was already taking place. An alien, who we never see in its true form, but that electronically has taken on human characteristics, with the following abnormalities. Their pinkies are kinked, although some may not be. They have no pulse, and when cut don't bleed. And when they are injured, they disintegrate,taking along any evidence of whatever they have touched, disintegrating with them. And of course there were some rebel aliens, who were against the invasion, but who could tell the good from the bad? Disappearing-leaving no evidence-but David knows, but how do you tell an unbelieving world the truth?

While channel surfing yesterday while watching the Chargers fold, I stopped where a well known, but scandalous TV evangelist was asking for $1000 donations-of seed faith. And I thought of the Haitians, with nothing, and was reminded why this lie doesn't play there. Money-these people need food. They are hungry-not greedy. Where are you in Matthew 25? I know. I thought of Oral Roberts, who died last month, and how he once came out and said if he didn't get $X millions of dollars, God would take him home. And I was reminded how the love of money is the ROOT of all evil. For those of us who are Christians, if you take heaven out of the equation-you have no equation. For that is where God is, and where we want to go. My word to Oral would have been-"do you really believe? Or are you so mired in your own worldly system that you don't want to?" Maybe His scripture read "greater is me who is in the world, than broke without it." And for this other guy, why not send the money to Haiti via Samaritans Purse, a well respected Christian ministry, that is already on the ground there? Or is your gospel one of money and greed? You are not from us-but an aberration. And God will deal with you and those like you severely-His words, not mine!

You see the aliens are here-Mike Mohn has seen them. And encountered them, one on one. Once during a church visit, as eight of us left in shock, at the cultic practices that took place, perverting the gospel of the God of the Bible-while others stayed behind. And how one assistant pastor now hates me, because I took a stand against this heresy. Had he been in the word, instead of weekly sermons based on current events, he would be able to see the lies and deception-but as it is doesn't want to upset anyone. And is selling out his soul. Are you able to see through the deception of a cult that even uses the name of Jesus Christ in its name, but denies His deity, saying He is the half brother of Satan? Do you let them in your home? Or how about another cult, who claims that you do not need Jesus, because you haven't sinned and there is no heaven?

Do not be deceived, the aliens-those who look like but are not Christians are out there. They even know all the buzz words, and may even hang out with believers. But Jesus says BE GONE-I NEVER KNEW YOU! And don't be afraid to confront them-in love. And after they expose themselves-flee from them and their evil-staying close to God. And as John says-DO NOT EVEN LET THEM IN YOUR HOUSE-OR WISH THEM GOD SPEED! That's pretty harsh, but as I learned a few years ago, they don't have to win an argument to win, just start one. Cause discord, confusion, and turn people to rules instead of Jesus. The spirit of anti-christ is here. And they know exactly what they are doing. Yes David Vincent is correct-the aliens are here. And we must let an unbelieving world know. But what we must let them know is Jesus is the answer, the way to heaven. And follow Him, and the aliens, or cultists will have to go elsewhere for recruits. It is a tough world, the price to be paid is your soul. And this is not science fiction-but truth. Who do you say Jesus is? He is the true son of God, who died and was resurrected for our sins. Believe and receive.

For the past few minutes I hope God has had hold of your heart. And I hope He continues for the rest of the day. For some day you will be held accountable, but for now we live on earth-maybe the sick and dying planet that the aliens are from. For we truly are aliens here whose citizenship is in heaven. And I can't wait to get home. I don't need your seed faith money either, my ticket is bought and paid for-in full. Hope to see you there soon.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a road test for relationships

A popular saying back in the 70's was "opinions are like Honda's, everybody has one." It also referred to the human part of our anatomy where we sit, but I think you get the idea. We all have opinions about things, which sometimes will out weigh the facts-distorting the truth. For instance, I am doing another bike swap this morning-picking up yet another 2010 Triumph Thunderbird. And having put over 5200 miles on them, feel relatively qualified to give my two cents, er opinion. And just to confirm my viewpoint, read some recent road tests on it from the popular cycle magazines. And I was surprised to see we agree on most things-except for personal preferences.

Many magazines only ride the bike for a few hundred miles-riding it like they stole it-I've seen how they have come back-if they ask, don't lend them yours. And those miles are split between many riders, and some may never get it out of the city, basing their opinion on that short ride. In fairness though, this is SOP for all bikes, so they do have a basis for comparison, albeit a limited one.

That is why I miss Road Rider magazine. They would actually ride the bikes-cross country, and tell you all about its pluses and minuses. While telling you about all the great roads to ride and places to eat. But unfortunately, as the market grew, their niche didn't, and after a noble effort, lives on as Motorcycle Consumer News today. Not the same-my opinion. But a magazine that just celebrated its tenth anniversary, of all places, it's from North Carolina-Road Runner, seems to have filled the gap lost by Road Rider. They actually ride, add maps of places they ride, recommend places to eat and stay-but mostly they put miles on the bikes. And can give you a fair appraisal of the machine-somehow the around the block test drive, if you even manage one from the dealer, just doesn't cut it.

And whereas sport bike guys may tour, and cruisers carve the canyon, it is nice to read about someone who loves motorcycles-as opposed to writing an editorial just for his own peer group. I've toured on Daytonas, and also on Thunderbirds. Guess what, both evoke strong emotions-and both can make or break a trip. No fun lane splitting on a Daytona-but is much better on Tiger. The Tiger handles exceptionally-but is no match for a race bike with license plates. Are you beginning to get it? A motorcycle is a personal thing. A relationship. One my wife didn't understand until she started riding her own, then it was "my bike" and she set it up as she wanted it. And by the way, rides 10,000 miles per year on a Bonneville. More than many tourer types I know, maybe she doesn't know it isn't a touring bike.

Life is about relationships-with people as well as motorcycles. How many have you sold wishing you had it back again? Or dreamt about-the Bible calls it lust, only to be disappointed and couldn't wait to sell it for something else? Good relationships take time, so give your relationship with God some. Just like a new bike, there is a get acquainted period, until you have confidence in the bike. Then you find yourself just riding, without thinking about each decision you have to make. Just like with God. But yet, some never get familiar with Him, they must obey some law, ritual, or denominational rule-and give up freedom for religion. God doesn't want religious people, read about Jesus-He didn't care for them, and in fact they hated Him. He told them love was the only commandment, how would you feel if the other 613 laws were rendered useless by Him? And you had always lived like that!

Today try something different-trust God. Put your hope in Him, and not a law or denominational rule. Let Him lead, let Him be the road test-and use His advice by getting to know Him. It is easier to trust someone you know, so spend time with Him. Pray-listen too, it is a dialogue, not a monologue. Meditate-no not in a trance, start bringing Him into the thought process, and admire things as He reveals Himself more to you. Watch a hummingbird feed, and wonder about the God that created it. Then praise Him, it's called thanks-and a thankful heart can only come from a repentant heart. Ditch the put down of laws, and show love-you may find you are starting to act like Him, and not bound by statutes. You can argue any law-we all do when we break them-but how do you argue love?
So stop arguing, and start loving. Stay away from opinions, and seek truth. My steak medium well and yours rare both bring us happiness. But only true joy is found in Jesus Christ. No brag, just fact. No opinions, truth you can trust. No matter what you ride. Spend time with Him today, and conduct your own road test. You will find He outperforms anything else the world has to offer.

And that is not an opinion, brag yes, but fact!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com