if only I had listened...

Face up to it-the only time most of you care at all about your tires is when one goes flat on you. True, isn't it? Up until that moment that your round donut loses its air, you just take them for granted that they will hold air and last forever. And you would be wrong. I used to be amazed at the condition of tires I saw when a service advisor. Tires 11-15 pounds underinflated, and the owner wondering why the steering feels weird. Or his fuel mileage was down. I have seen cord showing where there should be tread, and been told by the mother driving the mini van that "they've looked like that for weeks." And then being told how she bought the mini van to keep her kids safe. And when I offered to replace them, would get the I'll do it elsewhere where it's cheaper-and finding nothing more expensive than when stupidity leaves you on the side of the road. Cheap can equal stupid-results always the same. Not their fault.

And I would see this very often in the "mommy cars." The one that some magazine who feels about cars like the government feels about you, telling you what is safe and what isn't. Hint-safest car you'll ever drive is one that isn't in an accident. But despite warnings, these people persevere, many times at the expense of others. So here is a list of cars to avoid while riding. No apologies if you are listed.

Watch out for Volvo owners-some 35 years ago they advertised themselves as the safest car, and the liberals believed it. Shedding all responsibility for driving skills, they wield these cars like the Ginsu chef does his knives, never looking in their rear view mirrors to see the trouble they've caused as they drive their safe car, unsafely. The past can't influence the future, can it?

Any mini van, and the worst are ones driven by women under the influence of children. Wonder why your kids are squirrelly? They inherited it, from all the personal time you spent with them. Maybe hang up the cell phone, turn off the DVD player, turn of the radio, and talk to your kids. All these communication devices are a poor substitute for communication-aka conversation. Hang up and drive-now that's a safety feature anyone can use. Quick-can you name all your kids before you can tell me what song is on the radio?

I can go on and on-but I will close with the testosterone laden group of men who put the ultra low profile tires on their cars. Rim protectors, we referred to them as, and besides ruining the quality of the ride, and wearing out faster-do little to enhance handling-sorry tests proved it. In fact years ago, using a new Corvette, Car and Driver found that the handling hardly diminished when using the donut spare! You probably won't see that in advertising!

You see, I have a theory, untested, unscientific, but somewhat reliable. You can tell what a person's life is like by the condition of their car. And I'm usually spot on. Scary, huh. But the sad side is, many of us live with more consideration of our car, than of God. How many of you are living on borrowed time? You have been warned about your condition, but like a bad tire haven't gone flat yet? Or crashed?
The signs are there, but you ignore them. And when you do crash, take someone with you-the Fosdick Syndrome. And you walk away-they take all the abuse. Maybe today that self evaluation time with God can spare you from this. It may not be painless, but beats the alternative-and yes, you may have to change your ways. And be better for it!

Have you noticed lately how you just aren't as joyful as you used to be? Has the world, and all it has to offer, gotten between you and God? Like the parent in the mini van, have you let the things of the world interfere, and take the place of one on one with God, thinking that because your friends do it is OK? Not hearing from God? Maybe you are just not listening. Ask your kids-you may be surprised, and may not like the answer. Ask God about your relationship with Him-aren't you glad He is patient, unlike you in traffic?

Do you live like you own a Volvo? Just because you are under the illusion you are OK, do you not see the need for God in your life? When sin is mentioned, do you reply "well, I've never killed anyone." Forgetting there are nine other commandments, and neglecting that Jesus told you that if you regard them in your heart, you have already committed them?

Or is your life primarily a "me first" existence. Which really means the heck with all you others? It's all about me, then you, if I have time. Is this how your relationship with God is perceived? Losing control just to be trendy, and falling prey to the next trend that comes along, not realizing the friend at the custom shop is only your friend because of your spending habits. Aren't you glad Jesus never goes out of style?

The answer to all is repent. Turn from the wrong way, to God's way. God likes nice things, fast cars, and the latest fads. But He loves you, and sees what the lust of the flesh, and eyes can do to you . He doesn't want anything to come between you and Him. The question is do you? Maybe what started small has taken you over, seek God. Watch as Jesus fills the void, and relieves the pressure. Let him add life to your style. He may point out the bad tires, your lack of driving skills, or mention all the distractions in your life. But He will also show you how to fix them, in a loving way. But you must let Him.

I used to tell people "the parts are here, the techs are here, and your car is here. It is easier to fix it now, than later on the side of the road." Your decision, like the Fram commercial said, "pay me now, or pay me later." If you don't have time for God now, how do expect to find time for Him later?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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56+32=1978

It all started 35 years ago when my dentist had a partner who loved Packards. Tom had found one he had to have, a 1937 Dual Cowl Phaeton-sounds romantic, huh-and took a train ride from Albuquerque to Minnesota to get it. Dressed in his overalls, and same shirt for four days, he didn't wish to leave the $50,000 he had in his grocery bag unattended-paper, not plastic, and so was unwashed and unshaved for the entire trip. And when the taxi dropped him off at the owner's house, a rich neighborhood, they wouldn't answer the door. He tried to explain he was the dentist who was to buy the Packard, but they obviously felt no one dressed like him would own a Packard-definitely not from the denim crowd. Only when this man with four days of beard and bib overalls emptied the bag full of cash on the door step did they let him in. Money still talks, and lasting impressions can be more valuable than first ones. So the fuse was lit and a dream of mine was to do the same thing-except to do it on a motorcycle. And for 35 years I waited.

Until last week I started looking, and found four bikes that met my criteria. Must be original, something I couldn't have when new, and within 1000 miles. The 1971 CB750 in Albuquerque was close, nice guy, great mechanic, but missing the 4 into 4 pipes. File as a backup. A 1982 GS1100, close also, pipes again. Then a 1978 GS750E, with only 5000 miles-perfect! And after mentioning to the owner outside Sacramento that bikes that sit can leak, etc, he had it checked out, and the day before I was to leave, called. "Can't sell it to you Mike, there is leak and an engine noise. I could never let you ride it 500 miles like you said." Great guy, Dan, and like the owners of the other three, honorable in all their descriptions, and intentions. So it came down to my original choice, a 1978 GS1000E, in Everett, north of Seattle. After negotiating with the dealer, a consignment bike, we made the deal. It is restored, original, low miles, and everything they said it was, and more. But it broke some of my original rules. One-I had to fly, and I hadn't since 1996. I am not afraid to fly, just that it's boring, and degrading. Two-it was outside my 1000 mile radius, but 1400 miles is no big deal. But fell within my budget. So much for the restrictions of rules.

So leaving early on Friday, I flew to Seattle, where Thad, the sales manager got me at the airport. And sure enough, the wait was worth it. In a world of new Hondas and Suzukis, the GS was a queen, everyone commented on her. And true to their word, the bike got me home safe. Three small problems-speedo cable broke after 108 miles, so I rode 1300 miles without a speedo. An o ring leaks at the tach cable-they all did. And one baffle came loose within the left muffler. But the bike cosmetically is great, I will remove the baffle, and for $15 bucks replace the cable and o ring. OH, and I did the ride in 2 1/2 days instead of four. The bike ran so strong, cruising at 80mph no big deal, including one day of 600 miles, an even bigger no big deal! And comfortably, too. Not to mention all the time I got to spend with God-alone!

You see somewhere between the falsehood of the name it and claim it philosophy, and the "I have to live austere so God will bless me group," lies the truth. Face it-both those philosophies are all about you-not God! God loves to bless his children. It makes Him happy. It is called grace, and you cannot behave more, pray or read your Bible more and get it, or live by the rules and get it. It is a gift, and the Bible reminds us that He loves to give good gifts. And this weekend he did. Did I mention it didn't rain, and was between 75-85 when the sun came up? You see he tells us to seek Him first, then the other things get added. Don't let the world, or anything come between you and God. Then-these things shall follow them that believe. And these things are called blessings. Happiness! And they only come from God. You see I have tried to buy things to make me happy-it don't work! Only Jesus can set you free, and bless you-SO LET HIM! Break all the rules-except to love, and trust God. Watch the blessings flow in ways you never imagined. And let those blessings get you, or keep you closer to God than you have ever been.

It took this 56 year old on a 32 year old bike back to 1978 to realize a dream. But reminded me that God is a God of right now. God will give you the desire of your heart-and when it is Him, watch the blessings flow! And let the ride begin!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ps-the picture with the sign is in front of Applegate Fellowship-Jon Courson's church in Oregon

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ps-why things don't work

We took Theresa's Mustang into the dealer the other day for some repairs. And they referred to it as the old Mustang. Which hurt my pride at first, because we don't think of it as old. Yes, it's a 2001, and we have had it for ten years, and intend to keep it, but I think of an old Mustang like one from the sixties. But we got over it, and now that is how we refer to it, affectionately, of course. The old Mustang, and from some things I saw, at least as good a car as the new ones.

After ten years, everything still works, amazingly so. And looking at all the new electronic gimmicks, and of course the prices of new cars, I'm glad she's a keeper. While waiting my turn, I was reading the advertisements on the wall, and one caught my eye. It was telling about a new style wiper blade, one that when it was worn out, turns color. Now I can imagine the excitement in the inventor's voice, telling his wife, "look dear, we'll be millionaires. When the blade is worn, it turns color, telling you to replace it." But his wife, ever the realist, and related to the Shaw Wow guy, just shakes her head, "oh no, not again."

And I watched as people looking at this sign, actually acknowledged this might be a great idea. And it scared me. How blind or stupid, do you have to be to not be able to see out of the windshield because of bad blades? And if you can't see through the unwiped windshield, how can you see the color change, that had to be magnified on the sign to see it, yeah, right?

After watching a bio on Henry Ford and the Model T, I think he may have been on to something, simple transportation. Unlike today, where you have sound systems, not radios, and I remember old Mercedes Benz owners being confused by the 39 buttons on the dash, when all she wanted to do was turn up the volume for talk radio. And I think of all the features that enhance your ownership, their words, not mine, and you have to wonder-whassup? From wipers that turn them self on when it rains-the sensor has nothing to do with moisture, to self aligning headlights every time you turn them on, or turn themselves on, to self adjusting mirrors when you back up, and even a message telling you when the oil is dirty, all this takes the driving out of the experience-just point and steer, wait for the next message to tell you what to do. And when they would ask me how does it work, I would often refer them to a teenager, and the reply was, "yes, my grandson explained it to me, I'll ask him about this." The same kid who can't find the curb to take the trash too, but can tell how multi-million dollars electronics work. Does anybody make a radio with on/off and volume, and knobs instead of buttons? We have met the enemy and it is us-we have successfully won the war on technology, except we are also the victims. No more skills, but a memory chip to remember for you-STUPID! And I wonder who would buy the worn out wiper sensor blades? And you have to ask? Wish I had thought of it first.

Old dogs, and new tricks, but are they really? There are statistics that tell us that the older you get, the less chance there is of being saved. Aren't you glad God doesn't make decisions based on polls? And I think of those who sat in pews for many years, listening to their preacher, but not paying attention. Not having a relationship with God, but via the pastor. And wondering what is going on, and why? I heard being a Christian was exciting, all I got is boring, repetitious, rote prayers and sermons. Is there something better, or is all I have to do show up for an hour, and endure, then go home and wait to do it over again?

Just like they have taken the driving experience out of driving, man has taken the relationship out of Jesus. We are fed gimmicks, skits, topical messages, boring visitors, songs played by rented musicians, and taught to us by men who have D.D. after their name. Doctrinally dead? Not at all what Jesus promised, or wants to deliver in your life. He tells about sin, you don't need a poll to know that. He wants to heal you, long before the symptoms get so bad you see the doctor. He wants to meet the need long before you go begging, and He wants it all to be personal, on a first name basis. No going to a priest or waiting until Sunday, talk to Him now, or anytime. Maybe He is the Model T of religion, or the Model T is the Jesus of cars-basic, no frills, personal, and dependable. Everything you need, with no frills. I like that. Someone I can relate to, and not just another gimmick to get my mind off the real thing-Him! Someone who knows what I need without a sensor going off to tell Him, and knowing how to repair the problem, not just replace the part. He fixes the cause, not the symptom.

If your take on church is one of boring, and the same old stuff, I encourage you to break out of the slump, and seek one that isn't-they are out there! And if you are in one where it is all about gimmicks and programs, I invite you to meet Jesus. Face to face-not through a windshield! Let the spirit guide you, and soon begin to enjoy all He has for you-abundance is what He promises. Flee from tradition, and try the spirit-you'll be glad you did. And you will find, that He is more like you than you think, for He had a strong distaste for religion and religious people, too. He even took it personal, dying for them while we were yet a sinner.

Take a ride with the old Jesus today, and find something new and exciting, that took place on an old, rugged cross. No buttons or sensors-just nine inch nails. Can you hear the spirit calling? See what I mean, it's a clear as seeing through your windshield!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ps-A device which determines a condition of at least one wiper blade of a motor-vehicle windshield wiper. The device includes a rain sensor controlling the motor-vehicle windshield wiper and being utilized for determining the condition of the wiper blade. The device also includes an evaluation circuit receiving data from the rain sensor. The evaluation circuit evaluates wear and tear of a rubber wiper element of the wiper blade based on one of a slow and continuous change of the data and a quick and continuous change of the data provided by the rain sensor.

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you better watch out-I'm tellin you why...

A young mother in her thirties, struggles with her cart in the grocery store, telling her six year old son which items to get from the shelves, as she is 125 pounds overweight and cannot bend to get them.

A respected man is called in before his boss, and asked to explain the pornography found on his computer at work.

A couple from church, members for years and well known, are faced with their secret sin being exposed as she is rushed to the hospital with a bleeding ulcer from drinking.

As the unpaid bills mount, the collectors call, adding strain to an already overburdened family. Creating a rift between the parents, and threatening to break up the family.

A young woman comes crying uncontrollably from the Planned Parenthood office, after being told that she is pregnant, and the child is not her husbands, as she is not married, but the father is.

Look around, these scenarios are not unusual in today's society. And they all share a common theme-these occurrences did not happen overnight. They are the result of a bad decision made, and over time becoming a habit, and soon controlling and ruining a life. Taking the style right out of the life, and not only destroying the person afflicted, but their families, careers, and even their reputations. All because of a wrong choice made.

Picture the young mother, once attractive, but after her second child puts on weight, and then continues to overeat due to the depression-which only makes her more depressed, so she eats more. Soon she cannot satisfy her husband, and he begins to look elsewhere. The kids, embarrassed by their grossly overweight mom, soon lose respect for her, and start to get in trouble after school, rather than going home to their mother. And soon their grades suffer. All because of an eating disorder-gluttony, and how over the years it has taken control of their mother, and the family.

The tenured manager is called before his boss. During a computer upgrade, pornography is found on his computer, and is effecting his life-outside of work and at work. "It's just one little web site," he argued, "I'm not hooked," but the records show hours every day dedicated to this perversion. And when he is terminated over it, is faced with telling the truth to his wife, admitting his sin to the family, or as in too many cases, lying to cover one sin with another.

"Wine is not alcohol," they laughed and told their pastor. "And besides, we only drink it with dinner." And that is how the downhill spiral began, believing a lie. Touching something God has instructed them not to touch. And soon they drink a six pack, to unwind after a hard day at work, made harder because of the hangover each morning from the night before. And soon their social group has changed, and they begin to drink more, as their new friends love to party. "Beer thirty, let's drink," they chant, and the downhill continues. Until one night in a panic, one of them is bleeding from the mouth, and is rushed into surgery. Calling their pastor, he is there when the doctor tells the other spouse they must stop drinking, or it will kill them. And physically and emotionally they feel ruined.

She needed to keep up with the latest style to look good for her husband, but soon, the bills began to get more than they could pay. She did the bills, so she hid it for awhile, but when he began getting called at work about past due bills, the truth came out, and the marriage suffered, as did the kids, and the home. In a futile attempt to pay them off-more borrowing, they finally separated over money-or lack of it. But at least she looked good in divorce court, which was right after bankruptcy. Moral bankruptcy had already happened long ago.

And as the young girl cries out to her lover, he tells her he wants nothing to do with her. He never loved her, it was just for sex, and he is going back to his wife. "Deal with it," and an uncontrollable urge for love has left her broken, pregnant, and with no one to turn to-except the abortionist. Do away with it, don't let this mistake ruin your life. But she goes into the abortionist's office-not realizing the demoralizing effect it is going to have on her.

And the sad thing is none of the above had to happen. They were all the victim of a bad choice, substantiated in the mind, and then OKed by their friends. A slow decline into the abyss of sin, so slow and subtle the changes are not noticed until it is too late. Disasters that happen over time, from an accumulation of sin. And it doesn't have to be this way. Jesus told us to repent-turn from your actions and turn to Him. He will show a way out of each one, but you must seek Him, and then obey. And sadly there is a price to pay, and the longer it goes on, the higher the bill due will be.

Seek Him now, if you are even on the edge of these catastrophes. Call out to Him, and let Him help, before your sin finds you out, and others do too. For it is your bad decision, sin, that finds you out, and not God. So confide in Him, give Him your burdens for He careth for you. And find that He has instilled on earth a family called the church that is there to help you through, and help you so you don't fall again. It is called love-and is only found in Jesus Christ. No programs, self help, or religion will help. It's all about Jesus.

Look around-you have more to lose than your possessions. Trust Him now before they are the last to go. One decision got you where you are, another can get you where you need to be. It's up to you. Let your testimony start today-with Jesus. Their is no single isolated sin, each one touches many others you care for. And we never know who we touch-until it is too late.

Change the course you are on today-do it for your family, do it for your career, do it for yourself. But do it-in Jesus' name.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

badge 714

The following is a fictional interview, from a fictional character, Sgt. Joe Friday, from Dragnet. Only the names have been changed, to protect the innocent. It takes place outside Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, after a Saturday evening service. I was introduced to Joe by one of the ushers, who pointed out an old man walking across the foyer, and he graciously spoke with me for about 30 minutes. I hope it encourages you as it did me.

MIKE MOHN-Sgt., so glad to meet you. I didn't realize you went here.

JOE FRIDAY-Or that I was still alive, and a Christian?

MM-You got me there, can you share your testimony with me, I'm sure many others would like to hear it.

JF-Not much to tell, after taking a bullet during a 211 in progress, in 1974, I was down and depressed for months. Spent seven months in a nursing home recovering, and became depressed. Particularly when the shooter got off with only probation, I realized that there was no sense of justice, and that it had been heading that way for years. I had become bitter, and my world which had always been black and white-no pun intended, was changing. I found the black invading the white, and many gray areas entered into my life. I was on teaching assignment, part time during rehab at the academy, when I overheard a group of recruits saying how I was just a bitter old man, whom the system had done in, and they would never be like me. That hurt, as I was a good cop, a fair cop, and the force was my life.

MM-whoa, that had to hurt.

JF-it did, but there was one recruit, Nelson, who stood out, not only by his abilities, but by his presence. This was in the early 70's, and he talked about the difference Jesus Christ made in his life. And he talked about it openly. And others seemed to be either attracted to him, or made fun of him, but he always reacted the same. One day after a class on forensics, he stayed after to talk. He confronted me, told me how he admired my police work, but that I needed Jesus, and shared the gospel with me, and then invited me to church. I told him I would think about it, I was a Christian as I had attended Sunday school as a kid, and joined a mainline denomination, although it had been years since I had gone to church, and then only on Christmas and Easter. He jokingly called me a CEO-Christmas and Easter only. I even knew some of the police chaplains. I kept the 10 commandments, and had never killed anyone, except in the line of duty. I would got to heaven, I was a good person.

MM-so what did you do? when did you go?

JF-not for a while, but I finally figured I would. A group of cadets was attending, and insisted on me going with them. The cadets had become more of my peer group as so many of my contemporaries had retired. And boy, I wasn't ready for what happened when we arrived.

MM-go on...

JF-well, the music was loud, and no hymns, and I thought what had I gotten into, but that I could hold out for another hour. But then the pastor, Chuck got up and started talking about love, and how we were all sinners, and needed a savior. And as I looked around, I found myself at a strange disadvantage-these people all were saved, as Pastor Chuck called it, and I wasn't. I was the criminal amidst the innocent, and it bothered me. After having been taught from the Bible, and it seemed everyone had one and was reading it, even taking notes, I found myself totally embraced by love. The next thing I know they asked to pray for those to accept Jesus, and I did. And as I sat there for what seemed like a few seconds, the cadets were patient as it was about a half hour, the Holy Spirit touched my heart, and changed it. God showed me that I hated criminals, when I should only hate the crime. That God loved the sinner, and not the sin. And I needed to be forgiven, and then forgive. And that the bitterness of being shot, and dealing with rules and laws for all my career had made me that way. I needed Jesus!

MM-so what happened?

JF-that night, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ, and 56 years of sin left me. I was born again, and since that night, Jesus has been changing my heart. I retired on disability and moved here, so I could attend, and have been involved here in various ministries ever since.

MM-and the cadets? Where are they now?

JF-I still hear from them, as they are my family. Where before my family wore police blues, now they wear different colors, and all express the love of Jesus. And since that night I have never felt alone again-ever.

MM-well, thanks, my brother. It was nice to hear from you, and for you to take the time. Do you have a ride? Can I walk you to your car?

JF-that would be nice. It's the old Ford sedan over there.

MM-not the one from the series?

JF- a joke, and a gift sorta, from when the series ended. Complete with handicap plates, and PBA sticker.

As I helped him into his car, after we hugged, I watched him drive away. And both a tear and smile crossed my face. As he stopped to merge into traffic, there was an old "One way with Jesus" sticker on his bumper. And as I looked back, the lot was empty, and when I looked into the street, it too was empty. Was this all a dream? I vowed to return next Saturday night, to see him again.

But a funny thing happened, when I returned. He wasn't there, and when I asked about him, no one knew what I was talking about. Was I crazy? Did I make the whole thing up? I left disillusioned, and wondering. Had the previous week been a dream? Had I seen an angel?

Can't tell you, but one thing I can tell you, is the words he left me with, that have rung true for 2000 years and still do today. Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and died for your sins. No opinions-just the truth. And like Joe told me with a smile while walking to his car-"just the facts, please." And the fact, proven by all the evidence provided proves that Jesus is who He says He is.

Don't let the devil throw a dragnet over you. Don't hang around for the outcome... be in heaven with Joe and the other saints. Now that's a Good Friday message!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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change that makes a difference

For about thirty years, the time the remote made its appearance into everyday life, with cable and the many channels available, we now have too many choices, and a loaded Uzi for a remote. So we channel surf, driving our co-watchers crazy. So when Theresa hid the remote the other night, and I was faced with walking across the room to change channels, I opted to listen to the radio instead.

"Picture yourself on a train in...New York, New York, if I can...talk to the animals, walk with...Sherry, Sherry baby...you can drive my car...in San Francisco...open up that Golden...let's go surfin' now, everybody's...Jive talkin'...I just called to say...she'll have fun, fun, fun til her daddy...heard it through the grapevine...I can tell by the way you use your walk, you're a woman's...daydream believer...in magic, in a young girl's...409, my 409, well I saved my...hair, long beautiful...route 66-now it runs through...Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to ...the chapel, where we're, gonna...take this job and...here's to you Mrs. Robinson...in the year 2525, if man is still...unforgettable, that's what...does it take, to win your love...the one you're...still the one who can...let's hang on, to...Mustang Sally, better slow your...last train to Clarksville, and I'll...never say goodbye...in the sunshine of your...night together, now I need you more than...you really got me, you really got...Johnny Angel, how I love...you just keep me hangin' on...when everyone knows it's Windy...whether or not we're together...right now, over me..."

If this is how you are reading the Bible, maybe it explains why your walk is like it is. Lacking harmony, incomplete. Lots of verses, but no rhythm. Try inductive study, reading the Bible through, verse by verse, just like God laid it out. Reading from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, verse by verse. Would you read another book by skipping around, so why chapter hop trough the Bible? Did you know the Jews even gave importance to the space between the words? Maybe the words mean something, too.

So put down the theme based reading, and spend some time with Jesus. Read the whole book. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. Just the facts, ma'am.

Just an old fashioned love song, one that they wrote for you and me!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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Jesus-so easy a sinner can do it!

Since you were so kind as to ask how I acquired my FJ1100, let me tell you. Living in Farmington, and riding a motorcycle anywhere in the mid 80's could be expensive. The initial cost off the bikes was low-read discounted, because after Yamaha had vowed to beat Honda in sales, and Honda flooded the market with new bikes, they were still available for a few years at a substantial discount. Now before you get too excited, remember we still had to get them insured. And the companies were against us. In fact, two such notable companies, even took steps to keep us off of them. State Farm, the good neighbor? company, would deny coverage for your home or auto if you owned one of four bikes-Ninja bikes they referred to them as, and they were the Yamaha FJ1100, Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Honda VFR 1000, and the Suzuki GS1100. Ride one, and your good neighbor company would blacklist you. Until the government caught up with them, and fined them substantially, and the laws were rewritten-better, but still not good. The other company was GEICO. Who I still don't trust today. GEICO, for those of you who don't know, stands for Government Employees Insurance Company-but has no connection with any government, or employees of it. But it must have sounded good when founded in 1936, so the name stuck. And GEICO tried to stick it to us. They would sell us insurance, but at an absurdly usurious rate, telling us how lucky we were to get it. And cancelling current policy holders if they didn't come up with the ludicrous amounts. We were bad risks. And were so clandestine in their operations, that they too were fined, but also almost put out of business. So needless to say, if you were trying to purchase one of the above four bikes, you faced an uphill battle.

In many cases, the insurance payment would exceed your monthly payment. And discouraged all but the most hard core from buying these four bikes. And such was the problem with the FJ1100. I bought it new in July, 1986, as a 1985 leftover, from the dealer in Farmington. It had been sold three times, but never purchased, as the purchasers could not get it insured, so the deal was cancelled. So the day I rode in with Brett, just to look, and they found I had steady employment-remember this was the oilfields in the 80's, had a family-bonus points in rating, had no tickets-yet, and was above age 30-barely, I could get insurance. And could just about name my price for the bike. For a bike that listed for $4950, they gave me what I paid for my 1983 Nighthawk 650, and discounted the bike to what they said was their cost-essentially getting a new bike for half price! Which left plenty of money for insurance! And that is how I got my FJ! And my insurance was even reasonable-agent's comment, as even though the bike was new, it was a year old, and the insurance company rated it as used.

A story about insurance companies, to be remembered when they try to sell you their policies. That cute little gecko, or caveman, is a company who once tried to keep you from riding-at all costs, to you, not to them. And so much for being a good neighbor, as my neighbors ride, and I am a good neighbor. Anything for a buck, or better yet a profit-as always, it's all about the money. But the Bible tells different.

There is no discount salvation. And it doesn't cost a cent. It is a gift, so you can't or don't have to pay for it. Besides, it cost Jesus His life, are you willing to pay that price? In Acts we see Peter and John performing miracles in the name of the Lord-laying on of hands, and people receiving the Holy Spirit. When a sorcerer named Simon saw this, he was curious, and wanted what he saw. He was known as the great power, and charged for the sorcery he practiced. So it was natural for him, when he saw Peter and John, he asked "how much to have this ability?" And was told "may your money perish with you, you cannot buy the gift of God with money!" Maybe these TV type evangelists should read this. But Simon's heart was touched, and when told he was full of bitterness, and captive to sin, asked of the two, "pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me." Again evangelists-take note!

But we all need to hear this. For salvation is a gift, Ephesians 2. And cannot be purchased, or worked for. So when you are told that your works will save you, they lie! And about God! It is a heart condition that changes you, not an action condition. And just like many were exempted from riding the bike of their choice because of usurious insurance practices, how many miss heaven, or don't enjoy the benefits because like Simon the sorcerer are stuck in a bad church, lousy doctrine, or under the burden of bitterness and sin? Or the love of money? God made the gospel easy, so bikers and others not so richly gifted as us would get it. John 3:16-God gave His only son. Repent-acknowledge your sin, and turn from it. And follow Jesus. Not actuarial charts, or age discriminations. You won't be told you ride to fast, or you have too much bike. Where you live doesn't matter, because it is where you are going that really matters. Seek God today! Do not be lead astray by a serpent, or a gecko. Be a truly good neighbor, and let Christ into your household, and watch as you truly become a good neighbor. And Jesus even tells us that we are His friends if we keep His commandments. Not laws, but we are told to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to love God with all our heart.

And while riding, spend some time with God. He is the original good hands person-and He has the whole world in them. Today place your life there also, and enjoy the ride. On the ride of your choice. Amen.

And that is how I got my FJ. Simple-just like the gospel.

love with compassion,

Mike

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