I'm a bike rider, not a pinata

With so much Mexican influence in Escondido, on weekends it is not unusual to see someone having a birthday party with a piñata. You know, where they make some kind of paper Mache animal, fill it with candy then hang it up. After spinning a kid around to make him dizzy, they give him a bat and let him take swings to hit it. And it often takes many swings, and everyone laughs as they miss. But finally someone gets lucky and POW! Candy flies everywhere and the kids wrestle with each other to grab it all over the ground. Fun for all, with a good reward-candy, just in case all the cake and icing wasn't enough. More sugar, get them wound up, then send them home to their parents. Where they rest up until next week, and repeat the process.

Riding for many of us is like that. You get hung up all week with the stress at work, and can't wait until Saturday morning to ride, meeting for breakfast early rather than sleeping in-you need to extract every minute you can of daylight. And many eat and ride, while many just eat, then ride back home-a small putt enough to satisfy their urge. But to those of us who truly enjoy the freedom only motorcycling can provide, it can be a 100 mile ride, then eat. Making the final eating stop the destination-and enjoying the road to get there. Ride to eat and eat to ride. One look at the expanders on the leather vests tells a lot about the participants.

But like the piñata, there are two sides to riding. We always laugh at others while we wait to take our swings, but what about the poor piñata? His best time is before he gets whacked-and our rides can be like that. And some people ride like that-telling others there are two kinds of rider, those that went down and those who haven't yet. Thanks for great PR, guys. But even sadder is those that had enjoyed riding, and after a small accident quit riding. Having been hit two times last year, by two different women not paying attention, I get a lot of well meaning people telling me "maybe God is telling you not to ride anymore." Now I know God, He talks to me, I would know His voice-it doesn't take a 4000# car to get my attention. And my answer is always, "yes, God is telling me something. Women should pay attention to motorcycles and quit hitting them!" And no matter the gender, they don't like my answer. Maybe they do care about my safety, but maybe they really don't like motorcycles. Or freedom.

Now I don't know about you, but I am not into accidents, they mess up a great day, or even a bad one. But I do like hearing from God. And it seems in bad situations, we like hearing more. Help, may be our only prayer, but He is there to provide it as is needed. When hit the first time, a paramedic just happened to be half a block away. The second time, two doctors told me I should be dead, but I'm still riding. God does watch out

for His children. And even in times where you fell like the piñata, He is providing protection. And He is at work. The woman who hit me in the second accident has terminal cancer-pray for her. And if that is how we meet, then God honor our prayers for her healing. And in the good times when you happen to hit the piñata, instead of it hitting you, enjoy all the blessings that burst forth into your life. Happinesses, that only can come from God.

Like a good ride, your prayers have a beginning, middle, and end. We ask, we wait, we receive. And our ride-we take off, head for great roads, enjoy a long ride, then head for home. Enjoying the entire ride-with the middle of it the best-the heart of our day.

Let your prayers be like that-the waiting for the answer to be the best time spent. Watch as God unfolds His plan, and eagerly anticipate the answers. Don't fuss, or be anxious. But enjoy the time with Him, for the time appointed is not for us to know. So enjoy it. And whether the answer is two hours, two days, or two weeks-enjoy the time with God. And while waiting, enjoy more riding time. And who has too much time to ride? Isn't that a prayer we all have-more time and more roads?

And aren't you glad that God doesn't see you as a piñata? But so often protects you from those who think you are? Trust God, wait on Jesus, and walk in the spirit. Enjoy all the time you have, for tomorrow is promised to no man. Enjoy life, because what good is fun if you don't enjoy it?

And you don't have to wait until Saturday-His blessings are 24/7. And even a bad day riding is better than a good day anywhere else. Except heaven.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

physical acts of a spiritual nature

Theresa and I have been known to take roads we have never ridden on before. It is a pioneering side of us, and it has led to many exciting rides, great places to eat, and meeting people we never would have met. But on every road, there is a point that we question are we going in the right direction, and often times continue on looking for any source of direction. Like a mountain, the ocean, even a sign that announces a town is helpful. But what happens when you never heard of the town, or the sign is twisted at an intersection-and you aren't sure which way you are going? Do you turn back, or soldier on-hoping the next turn gives you a pleasant surprise instead of disaster.

Two weeks ago we rode W. Cielo Road above Santa Barbara for the first time. I'd read about it, but it seems we were always on the way to somewhere, so bypassed it. This time we took it, and the views were beautiful. Slow curves, but lots of cars, when the pavement ends is a shooting range. Before deciding whether we should try the gravel road, I went down and around the corner. Now the T bird is a great cruiser, but an off road bike it ain't. And after a few hundred yards the road deteriorated into huge gouges, erosion left by the recent rain. With no place to turn around. I knew I had to, and went a little further, finding space where I could turn-believe prayer works if you had seen where I was. But it was back to Theresa, and we rode back to the highway-all four miles of it-why do things seem farther away when you don't know where you are going, but so near when you do?

Things happen in our life, where we are sorry we went in that direction, but saying we are sorry just cures a bad feeling. Jesus preached repentance, turn from the wrong way, and follow Him-the right way. Good advice but do we take it? When confronted with harmful actions of others, do we try to make ourselves feel better, or repent? We know in our heart, but sometimes we don't want to hurt someone else's feelings. So we let the sin continue, and by allowing it, condone it. When we should have dealt with it sooner.

A little leaven-sin, goes through the whole loaf. One bad decision on the road you are on can spell disaster. It is taking that right action, that decisive action, that shows repentance. Keeping your eyes on the target gives you a better chance of hitting it.

Two men on the same day encountered this with Jesus. Judas felt bad after selling out our Lord and hung himself. But Peter after he denied Jesus repented, did the right thing and followed Him. Today you will be faced with decisions. Will you do the right thing, even if means changing direction, or the wrong thing-not wanting to hurt any feelings? If you are on the wrong road, turn around-repent. And if the crowd continues on-go alone. It isn't a group relationship with God, it is personal. And God loves you so much He will protect you from others who make bad decisions. But you must obey Him.

A life with Jesus is anything but boring. But exciting doesn't mean blessed, but blessed can be exciting. Seek something more than an emotional relationship-Jesus is so much more than that. Pull some from the fire, as the Bible says. Take a stand, and realize who you follow is who you will worship!

Right road, but the wrong bike. But back on the highway, we were safe and blessed. Know your equipment, get personal with it. But get to know Jesus even more. Avoid the leaven others condone, and even if it means a detour, follow Christ and you will be on the right road. Repent-for the kingdom of God is near. And will never be closer than right where you are!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

oh what a feeling!

It seems the news is getting worse and worse, and catching the 10 o'clock news at least gives you an extra hour of sleep. While watching last night, among the murders, child abuse, California going bankrupt, and the various wars, Toyota and it vehicle recalls are dominating the news. Toyota, once the poster car for perfection, is a lot less than perfect when it comes to integrity. And while they were poised to become the number one automaker in the world, let's just say a mid pack finish would be a victory for them at this point. And while watching their saga unfold, Theresa asked me if we were going to buy a car, what would we buy?

Toyota never was a choice-just don't like their product. Too perfect, like falling in love with a blender. And even less attractive in sin. What else are they hiding? General Motors-or Government Motors, they have some cars that I might consider, but cannot see feeding a company that is owned by the US of A. GM-a leisure activity of the federal government, who also brought you Social Security, Medicare, and unrestricted entitlements. Sorry, I do miss Pontiac, at least GTO's and Firebirds, which went away long ago. Still hope for that red Vette! Chrysler has no new models, and won't until 2012 when it brings in FIATs, miserable cars still. Now with the US of A subsidizing an Italian company, with profits going to Italy. An off shore leisure activity-foreign aid via autos. And it is the only brand of American car I have never owned, don't know why, maybe it's the Chrysler crank. They too are a ward of the state. Maybe a Ford, but their trucks all have four doors, and I just want a basic truck. I don't need a $35,000 vehicle. Just something to haul my motorcycles in occasionally. Maybe that is why they have to discount them so heavily to sell them.

It's been five years since I bought my 2005 Civic that got totaled. Yes, that I would consider. And my 2003 Ranger, with vinyl mats and roll up windows-I wanted a basic truck and got it. Didn't want payments like my first house, and I didn't have them. And Theresa's 2001 Mustang convertible, it's loaded, but paid for after a zero percent interest loan. But she got what she wanted, and didn't settle for "our next car will be special." And this is from a guy who used to buy new cars on a whim, or every two years. Somehow when compared to a motorcycle, they all were utilitarian, or boring. Except maybe that red Vette, but still a car.

We get to visit other churches, three so far this year, and I get asked often where is a good church. My first instinct is to pray, ask God. With the full knowledge of when you do find that perfect church, once you start attending it, it will not be perfect anymore. I can only think of a few churches we visit that I would refer someone too. Too much religion, not enough Jesus. Too much feel good, no repentance. Too many programs, not enough Bible. See a pattern, for like the selling of new cars, so many churches are plugged into a system to get you to come. And God is anti-system, but pro Himself! Early in our marriage, we were looking for a church. We finally settled on the Spirit of Love, like a Colorado Calvary Chapel, because of the freedom in the spirit we felt there. Dal Mize, the pastor, was more interested in us being in the place God wanted us, than filling his pews. And so we joined, with Christopher, aged two, and being the first kid in their children's ministry. God raised up someone to watch him while we attended church. And if we had not followed God, would have missed blessings based no child care. But God knew better. Lesson one-trust God, not the programs.

And over the years, it is still good advice. Talk to the pastor, let him know you. Pray with him, and your heart will let you know. But pick a home church and get involved with it! Don't be a pew filler, participate in the ministries-and grow in the Lord!

And we still get to visit other churches, knowing their pastors, and supporting them. Wednesday nights at Marantha for Theresa is a good thing. Visiting Biker Church once month is a good thing. Visiting churches while travelling is a good thing. Because a funny thing always happens-we find that we have made the right decision for us-for our home church always welcomes us back, knowing we are doing God's work, and not church hopping. Can your church say that? Are they concerned about you, or filling pews?

What kind of car would you buy? Mine has two wheels, no doors, and lots of horsepower. Yours may be based too often how much payment you can afford. Trust God, He already paid the price, and wants to bless you. For me, it is Calvary Chapel, my church, where God leads me, of course. May your decisions bear much fruit, and may the joy of the Lord be your strength. And if I don't see you in church, I'll be in one somewhere. Hope you are too.

Who knows, maybe this whole fellowship thing will catch on-imagine Protestants, Catholics, and Jews all worshipping together, worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ! I believe it's called heaven, and the training period starts now. Sinners and bikers welcome. Recalls-Jesus pioneered them 2000 years ago. Now that's good news-the gospel. Wouldn't that be a lead in story at 10 o'clock?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the girl who watched Sky King

Growing up in the sixties, Saturday morning had a specialness to us kids that it doesn't today. For four great hours, we had shows like Crusader Rabbit, Fury, Andy's Gang, and my favorite-Sky King. Schuyler King, or Sky to his friends and niece and nephew, owner of the Sky King Ranch, lived in the west-far away from us in New Jersey. And was a true westerner, from his cowboy boots to his cowboy hat. But we never thought of him as a cowboy, because he had Jeeps, and drove mid-fifties Chrysler station wagons-like the ones the recent Chrysler cars are based on. But what put the "sky" in Sky King was he was also a pilot, and flew his own plane-the Songbird. Two different Songbirds were used, think of it as early Sky and later Sky. I liked the later one-the Cessna and flew it many hours in my imagination.

And Sky was a hero to us. He was always bailing his nephew Clipper, and his niece Penny out of trouble. And I always wondered, how could two nerdy, clean cut kids, ever manage to get into so much trouble? The bad kids must have been really bad. Or maybe they didn't have an uncle who flew. And with so much crime in such a non-populated area, it could make a major metropolitan area seem calm on a pay weekend. And when he wasn't busy rescuing them, he was catching spies who were building nuclear devices in Arizona, bank robbers who still said "stick 'em up," and stopping cattle rustlers. Which makes you wonder, who ran the ranch? Restricted to 24 hours a day, all this crime activity left very little time for ranching. But Sky King was committed to people, and was everybody's friend. Even the crooks at the end of the show, ended up respecting him. Nobody ever beat Sky King, and unlike Superman, he could handle kryptonite, too. Didn't have to change outfits,or keep his identity a secret. Everyone knew Sky-you might say that Sky was perfect, and that was his only flaw.

A friend of ours-we won't mention her name, loves Sky King, too. In fact, when I think of Sky, I think of her. She is always cooking for someone at church who is sick. She does camps for kids on weekends, and is very involved in women's ministry. She somehow finds time for her husband, and when they can, visit their house in Arizona-where we are welcome guests, whether they are there or not. And somehow, she finds time to visit and minister to the seniors in nursing homes. A true woman of God, much like a Sky King to us mortals. And I won't mention her name, because it would embarrass her. But she loves Sky King, and maybe he was an influence on her in her earlier life. She is my Sky King.

But today she chooses to serve a different Sky King-one who is not only king of the skies, but of the universe. His name is Jesus, and like Sky he helped the poor, fed the hungry, visited those in the hospital, and took in strangers. He even showed compassion on those in jail. But unlike Sky, He could also raise the dead, and heal the sick. He could give eternal life, as a gift if only you would accept it. He is a true King, in fact the King of Kings, and someday will return in the clouds to take us home. And from Sky King to King of Kings, this woman still follows a true hero.

True heroes are few and far between today. Tiger failed, as did Kobie. Kickers miss field goals, and home run hitters strike out. But Jesus never fails-how's that for a hero?

Sky King never failed his friends-and Jesus never fails us. So don't be afraid to call on Him in any situation. And if you happen to hear the sound of a small plane's engine, out of the clear, blue western sky-it just might be Sky King. And if you know the girl I'm speaking of, you'll know that she is eagerly awaiting the return of her true sky king. While helping strangers, going to Bible studies, visiting those sick, and ministering to her husband. And like Sky King, is always ready to help.

Waiting-the in-between of asking and receiving. Wait with Jesus-He is well worth it. And always on time. Just ask the girl who watched Sky King-she is waiting too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

close encounters of the third kind

I can't believe it was almost twenty years ago we took place in a focus group that Chrysler was sponsoring for a new car they were coming out with. We would look and sit in other competitor's cars, and comment, telling them what we liked or desired in a new car. And we got paid for it! It was mostly Japanese sedans, and in all cars the labels were cleverly covered with tape, hiding the brand of the manufacturer. And you noticed a funny thing, without labels, you couldn't tell a Nissan from a Toyota, or a Honda-they all looked the same, down to the color in the interior molding. Shapes of instrument clusters and seat patterns-they were all so similar you could not tell them apart! Without the power of advertising you could be looking at buying virtually the same car! I had never realized the importance of logos or corporate labels identifying a car before. And as a contrast, the two US branded cars were so unalike you could tell instantly who built them.

For comparison, a few weeks ago I pulled into Biggs Harley to get the new Thunder Press. They were having a special event, and were parking new bikes outside under the tents. When I pulled up on the new Triumph Thunderbird from the press fleet I was riding, they all looked up. Some nodded, some waved until I parked next to their Harleys and suddenly they realized I was on a non-HD. And their attitudes changed, suddenly the smiles and friendliness left their faces, and I felt like an outsider. And their faces changed expression again after I took off my helmet and they recognized me, then all was all right again, one guy even commenting what a good looking bike. But I thought, what if I was a potential customer, and greeted like that? Why would I shop there? A few years ago this was acceptable practice from some dealers-but now that this dealer's sales went from 80+ new bikes a month to 15, I was astonished they still took that attitude. And these guys know me, and know better! Again, a label on the tank made all the difference-this time the importance of not covering it up!

A few years back Dick invited three of us to talk to his high school group at his church. Four of us including Dick showed up, on our bikes, and we were to share for about 20 minutes to this high school group. But a funny thing happened, after twenty minutes, two of us hadn't shared yet. And the kids didn't want us to stop. And after we all shared, we took questions, and gave counsel, and then at around 10pm, they told us we had to leave, they were locking the church on this Wednesday night. So we took it out into the parking lot, and at around 1130pm, we finally broke up after praying. Four bikers, on three brands, from three towns and four different churches-the only common denominator being Jesus Christ. No labels to cover in case we upset someone with where we go to church. No labels covered so our different brands could interfere, and no age barriers-we were family in Christ, and reminded me that we should act like it.

On a night where none of us figured on being out that late-Willie still had a two hour ride back to Fountain Valley, we had church. Not organized, but in the spirit. We sang, prayed, counseled, listened, laughed, and loved with one another-almost three generations worth of Christians-men and women.

How is your label influencing your walk with Christ? Are you a Christian in Jesus, do you belong to a certain denomination, or are you bound by certain non-spiritual laws? Getting more Jesus but enjoying it less? Keep the main thing the main thing-Jesus. Be an example of Him inside and outside your church. Let nothing stand between you and Him. Nothing. And live in the spirit-and enjoy a freedom in Christ you never knew before.

Let your heart for Jesus be the only label anyone sees, and don't cover it up. Don't hide your light-let it shine!

Triumph riders need Jesus just like Harley riders, just like BMW riders-note they need Him more, just kidding. Stand out from the crowd by your love-the best and only witness Jesus asks for. Hey, if bikers can get along, what about the rest of you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

LOGOS-not logos

Cruising down the street the other day I passed a man with no designs on his shirt. And when I passed him by, he had none on the back either. And I'm thinking, what is this guy's problem, is he too cool for graphics? Who's sponsoring him? Or is he starting a new trend-a plain shirt with no graphics? Is that style or what?

Whether we want to admit it or not, the shirts we wear and what they say tell us a lot about ourselves. Just watch the next NASCAR winner, and as he thanks all his sponsors-Joe Blow Racing, Slimey Oil, Diet drink this or that, and always his mother, some guy in the background is busy handing him hats with the sponsors name on it for him to have on for the cameras. Years ago when I was involved with racing, the big sponsors didn't care if you won or lost. They were concerned about air time for their logo, and so if you crashed in turn one on lap one, but it was shown over and over-they were happier than if you had a podium finish. Extra points if it made crash of the week. And you thought it was racing-really it is just 200mph billboard.

And what you ride effects your attitudes also. On a cruiser, I can be Marlon Brando in the Wild One. Put me on my Scrambler and the Steve McQueen in me comes out. Or on a Daytona and I am Kenny Roberts, leading the pack at Daytona. Just don't put me on a dirt bike-I'll crash. So what we ride and what we wear really helps our image of who we are.

As Christians we are image conscious too. And some want to appear perfect, and some even pray that they want to be like the Lord. And it is a good thing that God doesn't take us at our word. For we really want to have a closer relationship, and gain some more of Jesus' attributes. Personally I don't want to be God. He has lousy hours, a poor customer base, and it is a full time job just being me. But Lucifer, or Satan, wanted to be like God. Read in Isaiah 14 the five I's, and you can see what can happen. He dared to be like God, to be equal to God, and even to be God. Where is he now? And just like some religions today tell you that you can be God, stay away from them-they are cultic and evil-Satanically based and not of God. And some fall into this trap, while others rush in, not realizing the cost to them.

Stay close to God, and he'll stay close to you. Good advice. And next time you feel like being God, or like Him, give me a call. I have some nine inch nails and a crown of thorns for you to try out. Makes walking on water seem like just another day at the beach.

Desire to grow in Jesus, and He will give you your hearts desire. No t-shirt or contingency plan is better than what awaits us in heaven. And today remember if it isn't in your heart, don't put it on your shirt. Today I am wearing a Triumph shirt, motorcycle that is. If you are what you wear, then I am a Triumph. But better yet, I am triumphant in Jesus. There is a difference. And I'd love to tell you about Jesus in my life.

Try that sometime. T-shirts for Jesus. And you wonder how to share your witness, when all the time it is on your shirt. Just make sure before you do it is in your heart.

Styles change, aren't you glad the gospel never does.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

travel hints not found on the travel channel

It's that time of year again, that in between our few and far between rain storms we begin our trip planning. We love to tour on our motorcycles, but have an aversion to being tourists. So before we make plans, we study maps-one large print atlas on each floor of our house, plus one in the garage for emergencies-read biker and travel magazines, watch the travel channels, and reread local biker publications from previous years trips. And of course pray, as without God's leading, a vacation can just be another trip-and we want to be blessed!

And a key to vacations is vacating. The house can always go another year without paint, and the honey-do list is always there, get out and enjoy this beautiful land that God has given us. Daily routines can be so-routine. Break the habit, and trust God. And be blessed!

And since I don't like being a tourist, I read up on the areas we travel in. Impress your hosts, as you pronounce local roads and restaurants properly. Florida the state is pronounced different from Flor-ee-da Road in Durango. I have also found that certain trip advising web sites can be helpful, once you learn to figure them out. If a place is consistently rated poor, I stay away. But a clinker here and there, just shows the person had a rare bad time, and is taking it out on the business. You learn biker friendly can man bigger portions, and a place to park your bike. It can also mean higher prices, and a place the locals avoid-look for local plates in the parking lot before having a local food plate in front of you. Chain motels may have bargains, and join the club to accumulate points for free nights, but don't miss out on great mom and pop motels, character at a discount. Remember that historical hotels are great, but that the rooms are smaller, and amenities may be at a premium. Remember-it's historical, not necessarily luxurious. And you may have to walk upstairs instead of taking an elevator.

Don't ask the clerk where good food is. Don't. Ask them if you had to go out for the best meal in town, where would they go? The answer will vary, usually not the attached restaurant. An exception was the Comfort Suites in Green Bay with a great Italian restaurant in house. And in diners, we like to sit at the counter, and visit with the waitresses. Learn about the area, and take advantage of their knowledge. Also I avoid any chain diners. Dog food compared to real home cooked meals-especially breakfast. At the only diner in Iola, Wisconsin, I sat next to a farmer who had three platters in front of him. I didn't realize I had ordered what he had, basic eggs and pancakes, but real size portions, for real hard working men, and bikers. The locals were eyeing me carefully as I attempted to finish the food, and when I did got many smiles and a thumbs up from the farmer next to me, who hung around to see if this biker boy could finish a real meal. They didn't know I skipped lunch and dinner that day. And I always leave a generous tip, in case I go back I like to be remembered for my generosity rather than my eating capacity.

And as Christians, we are to remember we are just passing through-sojourners, just a tourist on earth. And some treat it like we are, but some don't get it. They don't spend time in the word, learning and developing a relationship with God, who is not only the perfect tour guide on earth, but prepares us for heaven, too. Remember He is infinite, but also infinitely local. We can avoid so many local problems if we know how to handle situations, and Jesus walks us through them. Maintenance in a relationship with God is better than having to ask forgiveness later. And when hanging with other Christians-locals, get to trade testimonies, and minister to each other. Think of it as a lifelong vacation, travelling with God, and watch as horizons get closer, dreams get bigger, and you grow with the God who created the universe. The best travel partner, and also the roads you are on take on a special meaning with Him.

Planning your trip can make or break a good time, but God will always be there for times when you don't. AAA can get you maps, but only God can give direction. Follow Him on your trip today, and as you anxiously anticipate tomorrow, remember He knows the road ahead today, too. And what may appear to be a detour, just may be the best ride of your life. Sit at the counter with God, and visit. Talk with Him as you ride, best place with no interruptions. Sleep in places where you can hear the trains, and also the frogs and crickets. Take roads you never took before-for that is the only way to go where you have never been before.

The blessings aren't always at the end of the road-the best ones are on it. Travel long and safely, in Jesus. We are strangers only once, after that friends.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com