once again for the very first time

If ignorance is bliss, yesterday was the happiest day in a long time for a lot of people. And sadly, today will be just a happy a day as it was yesterday for even more. There is a law, the second law of thermodynamics that explains that things are in a constant state of atrophy or decay, getting worse-not better. And it is a physical law, and can be proved-which flies right in the face of opinion. No matter what you think. Put in a way that was popular on bumper stickers 30 years ago-"Today is a beautiful day-and I can guarantee someone will come along and screw it up!" So with that, "good morning-have a nice day!"

My friend Tim gave me a paperweight that says autograph your work with excellence. We used to talk how you only get one chance to make a first impression, and sadly some look at it as a rehearsal for failure. Joe DiMaggio, Hall of Fame center fielder and ex-husband of Marilyn Monroe, was asked after running out every ground ball why he did it. His answer may seem a bit self centered, but perhaps the lesson here is overlooked. He said "because maybe there is someone out there who hasn't seen Joe DiMaggio play before." And that was how he wanted to be remembered.

Put another way, good taste will never go out of style. Virgil Exner, designer of the Chrysler Forward Look cars of the late 50's, put it this way, "a well-styled car will make a man feel better at the end of a trip than at the beginning." Form before function, flying in the face of the second law of thermodynamics. but there is truth in what Ex said, and from travelling in cars, only when I can't ride, I find this true, and false. I can have a great trip, but why is it you only remember the jerk who cut you off in San Marcos? Or the old Pinto in El Centro spewing smoke in your face? Or the car going 50 in the fast lane, when everyone else is doing 75?

I find two key ingredients missing today, that I do remember from when I was younger. Kindness and courtesy. Hmmm, you think-been awhile, but seems I remember them too. I can remember going to a doctor's office, and him having compassion for me being sick. Telling my mother, "he'll be good as new in a few days," and hoping I was. Treating my mother's apprehension and worry, too. I can remember the vet leaving us alone with a dog we had to put down, obviously a loved pet, and giving us some last moments together. And how many hankies were you handed as a kid, and told it will be OK, and administered with the best medicine of its day, a hug. We are missing kindness today-just listen to the person yelling into their cell phone as they run into you at the store. Or in the car, fighting for the parking space 20 feet closer to the door, cutting you off. Is anyone tired of pushing 1 for English, and listening to the choices, when all you want to do is ask a question, that you know is not on the list?

For 2000 years Jesus has been showing kindness. And still does today. From the woman at the well, who He didn't condemn, but told "go and sin no more," to the thief on the cross in His dying moments, He showed kindness. He showed compassion, in going back for the 1 in 99 when it was lost, knowing that it might be you. He fed the 5000, not based on who they were, but on who He was, meeting the need, remembering that it is easier to listen on a full stomach. Now finally proved by our school breakfast programs. He knew all along that the best way to earn friends was to be a friend. And that in listening we learned-maybe that is why we can control our mouths, but not our hearing.

Today you may be taking a long trip, take Jesus along and arrive in better shape than when you left. Give up a parking space, and watch as a better one opens up. Smile instead of scold, hug instead chasten. You may be the only Jesus someone sees today, don't blow it. The blessings God has in store for that person, that Lazarus in front of you, may be disguised just for you in that moment. Don't miss it. Let your light shine, as Jesus says. But let it be reflected in an action of kindness. No high beams, showing your strength or knowledge, just a light for your feet, showing the path to Jesus in love.

You see without Jesus, we get it all wrong. Watch an NFL game, and watch as 11 men in need of rest, are watched by 50,000 in need of exercise. Second law. Hold open a door, give up a place in line, and show the kindness of Jesus. Give without prejudice, no matter what they ride, and find a whole new ministry for yourself-one of kindness, and hopefully not one of a kind. I can guarantee that you will meet someone today needing the love of Jesus, have your smile ready. That life you change just might be the one sent to ruin yours-it is true that love does cover a multitude of sins.

Let me tell about the one who did it for me. Are you thirsty, let me buy you a drink. Hungry, let me supersize it. Tired, sit here while I get it. Confused, tell me about it. Broke, let me share why I have with you. And lost, let me show you the way. No seminary can each that kind of ministry. It comes from the heart.

What He has done for others, He will do for you. Follow the example...with a smile. Next, go ahead, I'll wait. Only the love of Christ isn't affected by the second law-so stick with His first-love.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

designer tyres

The ad on Craigslist caught my eye. "Used tires for sale. Sides only worn, plenty of tread left in center. $20 each." Now I had heard the urban legend about guys riding track days and wearing out the sides first, but here was someone willing to dispense with the myth, and also make money while doing it. Maybe a perfect swap to a Harley, whose riders don't lean and would never miss the missing side tread, but the tire size would negate even the thriftiest, ie. cheap rider to try. And I realized how far tires really had come in the last 35 years, when I had my first hi-performance tire experience.

I have been riding cafe racers since 1974, when BMW came out with their R90S. With a small fairing, it was the hot set-up, but the key were the low bars. Not drag bars, but low rise bars. Radical then, but compared to the clip ons today, you still felt like you were sitting up straight-like going from a Daytona to a Street Triple. And tires were standard for the era, too. You replaced the Continentals with Continentals, it only made sense to keep the bike all German. Just like Goodyears on Harleys, Bridgestones on Hondas, and Dunlops on English bikes. Rib tires up front for steering, and a larger tire in the rear. Even the sizes were standardized, and no one thought of changing rubber. Until we talked to a guy on a Norton, who had Dunlop K-81 tires, with tread on both front and rear the same-like on race bikes, he said. Not realizing racers ran slicks. So it was off to the Norton store, which really was Westfield Lawn Mower, with motorcycles in the back. Not even a storefront, but an old house with high steps, the living room turned into a repair shop. And after paying up front, for the special order size-Nortons ran a slightly different size, and waiting two weeks for the tyre-note spelling, to arrive from England, I was excited. Sure I had paid a premium price, $21, but knew it would be worth it when I entered the first corner and left everyone in the dust, or whatever happens on asphalt. Now with my K-81's front and rear, I would rule. And just the bragging rights, made for infamy. No one had done this before on a BMW, and it seemed the world was watching. Guys looking at the R90S would ohh and aah, and then really be impressed by the low bars. Until they saw the tyres, and then would admit they had never seen them before on a BMW. And yes, they did handle better, even if they didn't I would have never admitted it, but never elevated me to superbike status. But it did create an E ticket status, that few knew about. At 111 mph, the front end shook. Violently, then went away at 113. Smooth before, and smooth after. But for the few seconds in between, fear and lots of it would set in. And once you got used to it, would be worth it, going up you knew you would encounter it, and coming down would dread it. But you and your K-81's would rule. And only the few who had seen you violently shake doing it would know. Never knew why, maybe the marriage of WWII enemies' products still harbored hostilities, or may be it was just the tire design. Whatever the reason, when I replaced the tire with a rib style, for the going price of $17, without the two week wait, it never did it again. Do you think maybe the engineers at BMW knew they were doing?

Designed for a purpose, just like the tires/tyres. And just like our bodies. God designed us for a purpose, creating us in His own image. Not to look like Him, that would not explain the red, yellow, black, and white in the song, but in His image. A relationship with Him, that no other living being can attest to. Being a triune God-Father, Son, and Holy spirit, He has also made us a triune being-body, soul, and spirit. In His image, like none other, we have the ability to choose to love Him-unlike any other created being. In His image, God shows us that true love demands a choice, and allows us to make it. You would think that it would be easy to choose God, yet so many choose the evil, sinful ways of man. Concentrating on the right now, forgoing the eternal with God. Jesus reminds us that the things seen are temporal, but the things not seen are eternal. Since no one has ever seen God, although Moses glimpsed Him from behind, any God you think you have seen is not God-but a symbol of anti-Christ, or instead of God. And just like not running the right tires made a difference, following anybody but the real God, is sin, and won't work. They may be close, but only God has the power of your eternal destiny. And like so many in the Old Testament found, their gods couldn't laugh, smile, or have any kind of relationship with man, and even when the statue fell, couldn't pick itself up.

Who do you worship? Do you trust Jesus to be the only way to the father, who gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us until His son returns? Does your uniqueness in God burden you or set you free? Does your soul yearn for the truth? Is something missing without Jesus in your life? Who picks you up when you fall?

If so, you can be born again. Realize who you are in Christ, by saying a simple prayer. And become like the image of God. You see you are born into sin, and only a savior can reunite you with the creator. Don't let sin stand in the way, let Jesus do what you never could. Be reunited with God, become a spitting image of the Christ of the Bible, and show love-the only true characteristic that no one can counterfeit. For God is love, anything else is just an emotion. Tyres didn't make the bike, it was the rider. Who is control of you ride today? John Lennon wrote Imagine, you don't have to. He made the wrong choice, and now knows there is a hell. Jesus is waiting to show you the Father right now. And no two week wait or higher prices. Check out of religion and into Jesus today.

In His image. Not just an advertising slogan, the truth. And only one can promise the truth-the only one who is the truth. Choose Him now and use all of the life He promises-abundant and full. And doesn't wear out like the tires I wear out today. And even though He is not on Craiglist, no one can offer a deal like He does.

Just looking at some kids you can tell who their father is? Who do we see when we look at you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

look at all the money I saved by doing it myself

Can be easily assembled using hand tools. These seven words are words that have come to strike fear in me when I see them. And even more fear when I overstep my bounds and try to use them. That one line statement leading me into temptation, the idea that I could assemble anything has led to more heartbreak, personal injury, laughter on my audience's part, and personal embarrassment than should be legal. I'd like to think I have the following the instructions part down, it is just the fact that once a tool hits my hands, it goes from tool to weapon. And assaults anything that it comes in contact with.

I have shared how the one hour job of installing a garage door opener turned into an all day torture test, including the throwing of many tools, and cursing the makers of the garage door. I have turned a simple oil change into an ecological disaster by not putting the drain plug back in, and watching as the fresh oil coated the floor. And made it worse by trying to hose it off! So many of my sincere attempts have ended up in curiously placed stickers to cover up gouges and scratches-not put there by the factory.

And I would like this to serve as a warning to those who ask me to fix things-it is for your benefit that I decline the offer to injure myself-both emotionally and physically. Or inflict more damage than you started with. And it is sad, but somewhere between my brain wanting and knowing what to do, the hands don't get it. Or maybe they do and have a mind of their own.

Ten years ago we took a trip in our Mustang GT. A Christmas trip, that started by a tumbleweed invading our car-came right in between the roof and windshield. Then to make matters worse, I was hot lapping down the mountain-with my sons yelling encouragement, and my wife yelling at me. And I blew a rear tire. Not pretty watching me try to remove lug nuts over tightened by some monkey with an air wrench. But I wasn't done yet. When it got dark, the lights would turn on-but I couldn't turn them off. Stopping at a Burger King, when we went in to eat, we had to leave them on. And people in the restaurant starting commenting, not knowing we owned the car. With the time it took to eat a Whopper, we went from hunger-to anger-to embarrassment-and finally to laughter, as the whole thing really was funny. And when stopping at our destination for the night, simply removed the fuse, and the lights went out. Or actually, Andrew removed the fuse-I wanted to make sure the lights would work again. I actually dropped the fuse, and we had to look anyway for it the next morning.

Recently one of the press fleet bikes had a check engine light, and Mickey told me what is was over the phone. Then the fear set in-it's an easy fix-just remove the instruments, remove the seat, then remove the tank. Move wiring harness to access the wires to the o2 sensor, then reattach them. Right!

And I had taken it apart, when Andrew showed up, and fixed it in about two minutes. Later when I called Mickey back, he told me now you are an official mechanic. And when I jokingly asked him what to do with the extra nuts and bolts, he told me they saved them for the next bike. Just think of all the money the factory could save if I assisted in putting things back together.

I have learned over the years it is easier, and cheaper to let someone who knows what they are doing fix things for me, and pay them. And I have learned in the things of God to let Him handle them. I find nowhere in scripture where God asks for my help, or asks my opinion, or consults with me before making a decision. At that is a true blessing. So I caution you to not say "Mike says." Imagine God, faced with all the people who ever lived, making a way for each of us to get to heaven, that was individual, and custom made-just for us. Imagine the problems it would cause if your way was different than mine, easier, or mine was easier than yours. Not even the best advisors, religious and professional could keep up with that. If nothing else imagine the bookkeeping problem it would cause in heaven, even before computers. So God decided to make it simple, and call it the gospel-good news. And personal, intimate, and individual at the same time. The instructions are as follows. NO hand tools needed.

1-realize you are a sinner, and need a savior.

2-confess your sin to Jesus, and realize His deity. He is God incarnate.

3-give Him your heart-be born again He calls it, ask Him into your life.

4-trust Him with your life. Now, go live! Four easy steps, in any language, and I bet you could even use drawings if necessary. The beauty of God's love for us made simple, so that no skills, education, social standing, or religious training is needed. Just a heart that realizes you need Jesus. And watch as your life changes because now God is an active part of it.

If only someone could build a car or motorcycle like that. Where it was simple enough for all our needs, yet brought infinite joy. That never broke, and kept me from having to fix it. Unfortunately the only perfection is found in God, and nothing man made-that is why things come with a warranty. So God gives you a warranty too, a lifetime warranty. When you sin, He forgives you. And guarantees to take you to heaven. And fixes the problems you give Him when you follow His directions.

It is called John3:16. Read it, keep it handy, in case you or someone else needs it. And when you have something needing repairs, call the creator-a heavenly designer who know how it was built, and how to fix it. All parts always in stock, and His shop is open 24/7. Even on Christmas!

And watch as your "honey do" of problems turns into a "Jesus did" testimony. And He still does today. Believe in miracles-just look at my garage door! Still working-now that's a miracle!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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e-bay, the highway, and the way

It started when I mentioned I really want a Street Triple. And someone sent me a list of them on e-bay. Now I don't use e-bay, I don't care for it, but they had a great listing of Triumph goodies, among them manuals. So looking at my shelf, which had seven of them, I got one down to look at why there were so many for sale, and why people would sell them. Maybe they got rid of the bike that went with it, or never used it-most popular answer. So I grabbed the one on top and looked through it. Interesting. Good pictures, but there are warning labels everywhere. To be exact in this manual, for a 2006 Scrambler, there are 137 warnings, but only 116 pages. Good thing I read it-I never realized motorcycles were so dangerous.

Here are some of the more interesting. You can only put a package of 11 pounds on the passenger seat. How many 11 pound passengers do you know of? What about your 75 pound niece? Probably take her out of the box first, then it is OK. And when you do, she should hold on. No bungee cords for passengers. And please, no animals. There are enough squids out there already. Here's a good one-disengage steering lock before riding. I saw a guy on a BMW once ride right into the wall when he forgot to do this. Full throttle-CRASH!Good advice. Did you know gasoline is highly flammable? Remember that next time when it's dark and you can't see the fuel level in your tank. Don't light a match to see. NO, don't use a lighter either. Here's a good one, maintain correct tire pressure in each tire. Now the front takes 32 pounds, the rear 36. Is that why the rear tire weighs more, because it has more air? Here's one for the folks at Toyota. Don't drive a vehicle with a sticking throttle, as it could be dangerous. And did you know that the mufflers get hot when riding? Probably explains scars on my calfs from coming in contact with them. And that burnt flesh smell too. Two more-never ride bike with side stand down-ask John Leonard-he is why they put an interlock on the bike-it won't run with it down. Conversely, put it down before getting off, ask my son , aka Kickstand why. Don't tell him I sent you.

Add to that the various warning lights, now called indicators, we don't want to scare the riders, and you may have pushed the limits of the sense of common. In fact the only warning light not mentioned, is the one that shows up in your rear view mirrors when you go to fast. Usually not a warning in my case.

Warnings are nothing new, and nothing new to owners manuals. Take the owners manual God has prepared for you, the Bible. In the second chapter of Genesis He warns Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of knowledge, or they'll die. What part of don't didn't they get? Taking the same approach as we do when the waitress tells us the plate is hot, they touch it. And eat of it. And die! Now they didn't have the manual/Bible yet, but the creator was in house, and talked with them every afternoon. They didn't have to read about it, or Google it-all they had to do was ask! I mean, how horrible could paradise have been? But they disobeyed anyway. So in our fallen state, now that we know the difference, but don't obey it, much, God gave Moses over 600 laws/warnings for us to live by. A simple number compared to the over the 1000 the Pharisees in Jesus' time had. But realizing we wouldn't have the time to disobey all 600+, He broke it down to 10, much easier to break, but really easier to keep.

Still too many! So Jesus took it down to one! Love the Lord with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Simple! Right? But still we disobey God's warnings about lust, evil desires, selfishness, husband/wife relationships, and even our relationship with Him. And we suffer. And it is by choice, for He doesn't force us to love, but sets the example of His son. Follow His example, and follow Him-blessings. Disobey, and you're out of the pool! Now I can't say if anyone has researched it, but I believe that man has a little known gene in him. It is the "I'll show you, I'll be stupid gene." A gene that requires a choice, but also consequences. And we don't consider the consequences when it comes time to make that decision.

But God provides a way out, which isn't so far out you can't do it. It is called repentance. And when your heart changes, and is truly sorry, you can turn to the right direction-God, and get on with your life. And since we don't all carry our Bibles around to check every situation, God has given us a conscience. Which shows us His character, and lives within us. More precisely, the Holy Spirit. And since we don't have a robot to follow us around like Will Robinson-"Danger-Will Robinson! Warning! Warning!," He has given us His spirit, so we are never alone. And when we need to pray, is always with us. Not only knowing what to pray-just amen what the spirit says and watch your life change, but telling you what to do and guiding you through that situation.

Well now that you're more familiar with your motorcycle, have more fun on our next ride, knowing all the dangers from studying your manual. NOT! Just more rules. Remember that next time you sin and fall. Get up and follow God. Or like Satchel Paige said, "don't look back, the devil may be gaining." Follow God, the spirit is so much more fun than the law. In fact, Jesus said all the law could be taken down to one line-love your neighbor as yourself.

So next time you cheese me off, and I smile back-be warned. It just might be God changing my life. Get in the word, and stay in the word. Take the warning/blessing of Revelation 22:18-19 to heart, and enjoy an eternal life in heaven. Salvation is not a hard thing-don't make it one!
God's knows, now you do too. Live safe and ride safe, enjoying the ride. As Christians, we should have more fun than anyone. And trust God for the one thing you will never find in an owners manual, religious book, or even on e-bay. Salvation. You see it is too precious and intimate, it takes the personal relationship only God offers. And since it isn't for sale-can't be bought anywhere!

Now if I can only find my glasses, so I can read the instructions to open this stupid cereal box....

love with compassion, you've been warned,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

keep your enemies close, but Jesus closer

Sennacherib, king of Assyria was one bad dude. As commander-in-chief of the most advanced army of its time, they had not lost a battle in over 150 years, and were known for their brutality. They would take captive any survivors, and putting a hook in their captive's noses, would chain them together and march them back to Assyria in a death march. A reputation, and a performance that scared and intimidated their enemies. And unfortunately, there is still a bit of Senncherib is all of us today.

When I graduated from high school, I applied at Seton Hall. Where I was told my grades didn't match my SAT scores, showing I didn't work up to my potential. So it was off to Union College-which used to be Union Junior College, but had dropped the Junior, which made it sound more sophisticated. Not quite Ivy League, more like poison ivy, but without the JC stigma either. And to the unknowing, we used to say it was a small, private school. Ignorance has its rewards.

But it also has its liabilities, and we were assigned to an off campus location. Last year this school building was a grocery store, but had been converted into a school. Thirteenth grade, as we referred to Union, and in a grocery store. Where once they stored carts, or ran specials on toilet paper, we began our quest for a higher education. At the bottom of the food chain-no pun intended. But as part of Union College, we were allowed to participate in all activities, and flag football was an institution at Union. So we signed up.

Our team consisted of Nippy, Crazy, Leo Homo-a true ladies man, Pinky, who sang and looked like Elvis, and could be heard singing Teddy Bear at the line of scrimmage, and Clemenza-leave the gun and bring the canoles like in the Godfather. Scroc, aka Tony Rome, a graduate from Willowbrook, an infamous mental institution on Long Island, where they got his many personalities into a few that would at least work in public, or on the field. Add to that Eagle-a true Eagle Scout who once dated my sister. When asked why he always called her Susie Mohn, he replied "so he didn't get her confused with the knife Boosh always carried, named Susie." And lastly, our team captain, Lance. Who had just returned from the Army, and wore his fatigues to play in, tucked into his boots. An ex-infantryman, who when asked did you ever kill anyone, would answer, "no one I ever met." Which I'm sure was reassuring to the other team. And we were called ACE, after a kid who was into pot and pickles, but was considered cool.

Did I mention we were good? Undefeated really. No losses. But no wins either. Somehow we had managed to tie every game, giving us a perfect 0-0-6 record. The closest we came to losing was the last game when I ran back a kickoff for a touchdown on the last play of the game. But our reputation was saved for the last play of the game, when we went after the biggest jerk on the other team. You got tired of the grocery store jokes, and so we would pick out the biggest offender, offense or defense it didn't matter. If the play went right, we went left just to get him. And if he wasn't in, we would go after him on the sideline. And like in our last game, when the referee had been chiding us, we chased him to his car. Where he locked himself inside-in front of the Athletic Director who had come to watch, he had heard about us, our first season and already a legend. Who banned us from flag football for life. And we were hurt, and surprised when he wouldn't let us sign up for basketball. Maybe it was our run and gun offense.

Unlike us, Hezekiah was a good man and a good king, who got a note to surrender or be defeated from Sennacherib. And unlike many of us when confronted with danger, he didn't panic. But laid out the letter before God, and said "tell us what to do." He started to worship-getting his eyes off the situation and onto God. Worship wipes out worry. Then he turned the whole thing over to God, and gave the problem to God for His glory. For God has ways we don't know of, until we ask. And God answered, in a way Hezekiah would not have known. He sent an angel, who defeated the Assyrians, without a single life lost to Hezekiah. And then when Sennacherib saw that it was God who had defeated him, he went to his own temple, and worshipped his own God, wondering why he had let him down. And in his final battle, two of his sons who had heard their father was turning over the kingdom to a third, pushed the statue of Sennacherib's god over on him. You might say it was a crushing defeat.

Today your enemy might be a team like ACE. Or a bill due, or cancer, or foreclosure, or whatever trial is facing you. Praise God first, then give Him the problem. And watch as He takes care of it for you. But-no coaching from the sidelines. Go with the play Jesus gives you, and watch as your record goes from no wins to no losses. Vince Lombardi was close when he said "winning isn't everything, it is the only thing." That thing is really a someone. For Jesus is everything, and the only thing. Just ask Hezekiah. And the millions who still trust God today. Jesus paid the price for sins, with a victory on the cross.

Go with a winner-Jesus. Still undefeated-He even conquered death, and is waiting for you to worship Him-and to help in any and all situations. Don't wait until the last play of your life to get saved-be victorious now, and enjoy the life God has to offer you. Unless you are on His team, you will never experience the victory!

And ties don't count! So make the right choice today! Sure beats hiding in your car from the enemy! Or getting crushed by the things you shouldn't worship! Jesus Christ-everything and the only thing!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

let there be light

It was one of those hot, muggy August Saturdays in eastern Pennsylvania when the humidity and temperature race to see who hits 100 first. Bill and I going riding today without the Wildman, and had chosen to ride south of Easton, in farm country, on some roads we had not been on before. Packing only our leather jackets, as we knew once the sun went down, the humidity would act like A/C on us, we took off. I led with my R60/5, and Bill was on his 750 Honda. As we raced through the fields, occasionally we would come upon an old tavern/general store and stop for a drink. Then onto the next stretch of road, then another pit stop. Finally when it was about dinner time, we noticed we were entering Philadelphia-the city of brotherly love, but also the city that booed the Pope. And years ago when the Athletics played there before moving to Kansas City gave rise to the question "are you a Phillie fan or an Athletic supporter?"

Cruising through Philly at a sedate pace, we passed a transporter unloading Bricklins into a dealership. Bonus points here if you ever saw one, double if you know what SV-1 stands for, and if you know what engines were used. If you happened to own one, my apologies. But as the day wore down, and so did the quality of the roads, we decided to head back home, about 100 miles away. Even a chance meeting of some girls only delayed it, as it had rained earlier, cooling things off, but also the thought of 100 miles in the rain without rain suits, at night urged us on-home that is. Local girls would have to do that night.

While looking for I-95, we were riding through some tough neighborhoods. Now living by Newark we were used to ghetto, but Philly seemed to us anything but brotherly love. Add to that the huge potholes, and we decided to get out of town, providing we could find the on ramp to the interstate. We were cautious at stop lights, and when leaving one I hit a huge pothole-hard! And my headlight fell out, bouncing on the front fender. Trying to stop, and in a safe area, I pulled onto a sidewalk where a bunch of kids were playing. Bill pulled in front, facing me so his headlight could be used. With all these little colored kids wondering what these two fool white guys on motorcycles were doing riding on their sidewalk. We won't play in your street if you don't ride on our sidewalk! We were able to fix the light quickly-fear though can make seconds seem like hours, and we were on the interstate in two blocks-heading home, and rain free. And safe-more tired from the headlight experience than from the full day of riding.

The psalmist tells us thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. And I got a whole new interpretation of that Psalm that night, even though I was unsaved at that time. God truly does have us set on a path, and it is important where our feet are. But also as important is the path you are on. And God directs us when we listen, and mercifully sometimes when we don't. Kicking and screaming when we don't get our way, and are eventually led to safety doesn't lose us points, but only shows us His mercy and patience with us. And unlike my headlight, His light never fails.

It also shows us that His word is not a something, but a someone-the Word coming alive in the form of a man, who also is God-Jesus. And as we read the word, and He comes alive more, it changes our lives, and how we lead them. And also the path-where it once led to destruction, it now leads to heaven. And it may be straight and narrow, like the sidewalk in Philly, but He is always there with us. And someone is always watching. Next to us, and giving up His space when it is only wide enough for one, or carrying us over troubled areas when fear sets in.

And the word was God! You see He walks with us-even when we don't walk with Him. Try that with anything that you let come between Him and you today-and find when you look He hasn't moved or left you-that's love. And no other god, of any religion offers, nor delivers love!

You may never lose your lights in Philly, but God's light will always shine for you. So let that light shine from you, too. Only one bit of advice, let Him shine, and not you on high beam where it distracts others. His light is first from above, then pure. And causes none to stumble. Let the light shine and guide you, and rescue you like He did us that night. Up until that time, I had never realized fear in darkness, or been so glad to have light shine in it! Let Jesus light your path today, and in a way so you can see where you are going. So you can lead others.

Brotherly love is one thing, but God's agape love is better. Philadelphia, here's to you! Let's celebrate with a cheese steak. This first round is on me. Because the crowd never gets smaller-particularly when Jesus rides and eats with you. That's another miracle for another time.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the rock that rolls!

In late 1974, I went to see Bruce Springsteen and Chicago at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. Not a big Springsteen fan, not my boss either, although I am from the Garden State, his opening number was Born to Run. A song that had not been released yet, and the place went wild. The first time played in public. After that he could have played scales and the crowd would have applauded, but that song set the tone for the concert. And particularly the line "chrome wheeled, fuel injected, and stepping out over the line..." We knew chrome wheeled-Cragar SS still my wheel of choice, and we all were real good at stepping out over the line. But fuel injected was still years away, and available on no US made cars at the time. Maybe carbureted wouldn't have the same rhythm. And as good as Chicago was, I still prefer them to Springsteen, they couldn't keep up the mood, and we left midconcert. Stepping out over the line.

And I find myself in a Born to Run mode most of my life. I enjoy a freedom in the spirit that no rules or cages on Highway 9 can keep me in. Not bound by religion-which means binding, but free in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Where religion tries to keep me under a set of laws, Jesus allows me to be myself in Him, and find myself wanting to be like Him and please Him the more I know Him. Unlike children with crayons, who are told to stay within the lines, Jesus looks at our potential and says go outside the lines with me-don't limit your blessings, but follow an unlimited God! Color to your heart's content!

We have a saying at our church-to minister outside of the dove, and those who take advantage of it, enjoy more of Jesus, and more blessings. You see you can't have laws that grant liberty, just like you cannot legislate morality. It comes from the heart, you must operate in the spirit. And when you do, you will find a freedom that you never knew existed. A freedom in Christ, that no matter what problems come your way, you can defeat. And Jesus did just that. They even buried Him in a tomb after crucifying Him-can't let Him have too much freedom, and put a thousand pound rock in front of the door. With centurions. And somehow the next day, the rock was rolled away, and He was gone. The tomb empty. For no law or man could hold Him. Stepping out over the line.

What is holding you back today? Is the rock against your door so big your life has become a tomb? Have you become overburdened by laws and demands, and you think you cannot escape? Do you wish to run-away from life or into life? God has made man to be born to run. To run from sin, but also to run to Christ. You may run from something, and the only way to know your progress is to look back. Don't! God wants us to run to Jesus, keeping our eyes on the cross, and going forward. Not stuck in a box, stuck in a religion, or in a depressing life. He wants you to run to Him, so He can give you life. He can rescue you from your sin, and you can know peace. Not a situation, but a person, who is always present. And no matter the situation, He is there, and showing you a way through.

Too many live in the valley of the shadow of death. It can be like riding on a cloudy day. The sun is out, it's just on the other side of the clouds. No more worrying if and when the rain will ruin your day, ditch the rain suit and put on Jesus. Look to the son, and live in the son. For the son never sets on you. You must have light to make shadows, let God be that light, and look to Him.

Jesus will spring you from cages, deathtraps, and suicide raps-get out while you can, for tramps like us were born to run! To Jesus! And find out that only His love is real!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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