with just a little help from my friends

For many, they read born, died, survivors, and maybe a short work history. Short, impersonal, and just the facts, mam. They are an obituary, and for many, the last thing that we are remembered by. But not all have the endearing qualities of an entry in some almanac, some are personal, and you feel like you knew the person, even though you may have never met. When Jerry Titus, race car driver and journalist died, Bob Kovacik wrote a very touching eulogy to him. Almost 40 years later, I can still remember it, and one point still stands out in my mind. He wrote, "I know many people, but have very few friends."

And over the years it has become clearer to me how true that statement is. I have many accquatainces, but few friends. And as I get older, my friendship list grows shorter, and more valuable. That doesn't take away from the acquaintances I have, it only adds to the friendship I have with my friends. Years ago God told me that as I get closer to Him, that my peer group would get smaller. And it has, as when you grow in the Lord, there are many things you can't share with others-they just wouldn't get it. Not that you are smarter, or they are not as smart, we are all at different levels of maturity, and some just won't get it, at least for now. Look back ten years at your riding, and look at it now. You have ridden more, gone more places, and seen more things. You have grown more intimate with your riding, and it shows. Long trips are more interesting, while short ones hold no interest. Bikes that once were only dreamed of have come and gone, and you find the ad hype was better than the times you rode them. And to your friends, the ride was just as important as the destination. Even if they weren't along. Friends will defend you publicly, but discipline you in private. They are closer than words can define them, even when farther than a day's ride to see them. Details don't matter as much to them as does the fact of the relationship. And that is why I have few friends, but I am thankful for all the acquaintances I have, too.

The best example of friendship is written about three friends, one who is paralyzed, and have been friends for a long time. When they hear of this man Jesus who heals, they carry their friend on a cot to see Him. But sadly, the house is overrun with others. Where others would turn away, they decided not to let anything stand between them and Jesus, and the healing of their friend. Without regard for their own outcome, they cut a hole in the roof, and lower their friend to Jesus. With no regard for the consequences, their love for their friend is more important than any penalties they may incur. Sadly, little is said about these two men when the story is told, but to me they show the love of Christ personified. Jesus told us to keep His commandments to be his friends. Not the laws, or the 10 Commandments, His two simple laws-love God with all you have, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. And these men show that love. Two men walked in, one just dropped in, and three walked out. Friends.

You see they couldn't do everything, but they could do something. And what they were available to do, they did. They did what they could. And I would like to believe that the same Jesus who healed the lame, also restored the hole in the roof. Or better yet, left it as a testimony for others. Don't let anything stand between you and God!

I will continue to stand by my statement of having very few friends. And leave you with this thought. As great as it is to have friends, it is better to be one. As with all things, Jesus reminds us it better to give than receive.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

It's a Wonderful Life, or Thank Heaven for Little Girls

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus was not a religious man. Bet you didn't know that. In fact, He wanted very little to do with the religious types, as they were the ones who by their legalism, were always trying to draw attention to themselves. The Pharisees, would actually have a bellringer precede them to the temple, then have the crowd watch as they gave their bag of gold. All to be seen. And since the word religion means bound up, He is against being bound up in a bunch of laws still today. But sadly, legalism and pride, laced with ignorance are in too many churches today.

They teach church tradition, rather than the truth. They gloat as they poke fun at Job's wife, never concerning themselves with the fact she lost everything, too, and watch as this poor woman grieves the loss of her children, and now possibly her husband. They taunt Thomas, calling him Doubting, when the scripture never alludes to that. And the list goes on, along with their lack of grace. But still God has everything under control, as we shall see, down to the last detail, and at the right time.

Scripture tells us that Peter denied Jesus three times , while standing warming himself by the fire in the garden at Gethsemane. A little girl accused him of being a Galilean, by his accent, he said no. Of being with Jesus, he became flustered, and of knowing Jesus-he claimed he didn't know the man, which may have been true, his biggest denial before leaving in tears. And because of this, they took Jesus away by himself, Pilate tried him, and then He was hung on the cross. Between two thieves, one of which He promised to see in Paradise that night, because the thief believed. And finally, He appeared to Peter after His resurrection, and empowered him by the spirit, and the same Peter then on the day of Pentecost, under the Spirit, led 3000 to salvation. Just like it is recorded in Scripture.

But what if Peter had been a bold believer that night in public, like he was when in Jesus' company. Suppose he continued to say "I'll follow you anywhere," and was arrested with Jesus, based on the accurate accusations of a little girl? What if he was sentenced to die with Jesus, and there were only three crosses? Suppose the saved thief was given a stay until Monday, and would enjoy a temporary stay, and not have met Jesus, and therefore missed eternal life? And what if because Peter was crucified with Christ, that the church would embrace him as its savior also, His whole gospel would be laced with untruths? And two saviors! At least in their eyes.

Who would have run with John to the tomb, and seen the grave clothes piled nicely, the body covering and also the head cloth-dispelling the Shroud of Turin myth, which they claim shows Jesus' face-it couldn't, because of a separate head covering. Who would have been there on the Day of Pentecost, if not Peter? And how many accurate prophesies of Jesus would not be true, just because of one man's statement?

Truly God is in control, and all things work to good for Him. You see while some berate Mrs. Job, if you don't read Job's response you miss a touching response to his wife-rather than telling her she is stupid, he consoles her by telling her she is acting out of character-not a rebuke, but a comfort. Thomas was out on the streets while the others were hiding upstairs, and only wanted the same testimony that they had-they saw Him! And when He appeared to Him, he didn't have to touch the wounds-He exclaimed "my God and my King!" Remember that next time you ask God to show or prove himself.

There is a good chance, somehow, sometime you will deny Jesus today. He still loves you, and contrary to some beliefs, He doesn't erase your name from the Book of Life. So keep going, and enjoy the life He has given you. Some little girl may question you, like Peter based on your relationship with Jesus. That's good sign, as she has seen something of Jesus in you. And it's OK to respond like Peter might today, looking back on it all. "Thank heaven for little girls, for without her, it all would have been different." It's a wonderful life in Christ, you would never wish to see your life without Him.

Jesus and religion? You can keep your laws, I'll keep my morals, in Christ, of course.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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man plans, God laughs-but dogs still bark

After our last dog, Pup Pup had to be put to sleep from old age, we vowed no more dogs. And for two months stuck to it. Then, getting bored with the extra money from not buying dog food, or the midnight barking, and the love she gave, we got Clemenza-our American Bulldog. And she would be an outside dog, like Pup Pup. But when this little puppy came home, that didn't last. In fact the first night she stayed on our bed, which to this day she still thinks is hers. And quickly took over the home, and yard, and neighborhood. And of course our hearts.

I had been told about crate training, where the dog goes into their crate for the night. How big is the crate for a 75 pound dog? So we tried a small fence, and would enclose her in the garage during the day, but at night she slept in our room. When she wasn't in bed with Andrew, or whatever guest was staying with us. They would be warned, but she still ended up in the bed with them, sometimes under the covers. Crate training obviously wasn't the way to go, and besides, who locks up their watchdog? Names supplied upon request. Whereas some dogs needed the crate, and so do their owners, to protect the dog from them, Clemenza needed the house-and yard, and sometimes the neighbors. And after six years, we are still in training, seems Theresa and I are slow learners, but we are getting better. She has become family, would you put your little brother in a cage? Hmmm, don't answer, but I think you get the point.

Theresa and I like to travel. Some don't. Going to visit 50 miles away is an all day affair, laced with stress, confusion, and a week to recover. Some have to have a preplanned route, and destination-and can't handle any deviation from it. For years, we would just ride, then find a place, sometimes after 10pm, but we never didn't not find a place. Now we have a destination, and will make reservations. some of our after 10 choices were based on availability and desperation. Now we have a place to go, but leave the route open until the night before. Unless we have a route that is included to get there, we scout out the local roads, other riders, and sometimes still just take a road that looks good. You may call them detours, we call them opportunities for new roads, and places. And it is never boring, and sometimes a 135 mile destination turns into a 430 mile ride. And more memories than sitting in your motel room, writing postcards about the things you would have seen, instead of taking pictures of the things you are seeing. No crate training for us, and all roads are available to us. And like Clemenza, we have met many friends, had great meals, and ridden great roads not available to us if we just drove to the night's destination.

Fellowship is like that too. And going to church can be an adventure. Some feel Sunday fulfills their weekly attendance requirement-except for a CEO, Christmas and Easter only attendee, and grumble all the way. Some add Wednesday, or try to use it rather than Sunday, when really it can be a midweek refresher. And less formal, and more intimate. Then Bible studies, where you can interact, something missing at the other two. Not the same as a Wednesday night. And still not a replacement for Sundays. Each has its own flavor, and one should not be used as a replacement for the other. Crate training can also affect the mind, and old time church ideas may just be stale, and need a refreshing jumpstart. Think outside of the crate, instead of what is done traditionally. Attend a Bible study and interact, and find there are others with questions like yours, that require more than the pulpit. Use it as a supplement, but never as a replacement.

This week leave your crate door open, and see where God leads you. A different study, and maybe a different attitude. Don't be boxed in by tradition, be uncrated by a limitless God. Allow the spirit to expand your horizons, and see and experience things of God you never knew existed, or maybe just heard about, and wondered if you would ever get there.

And like Clemenza, you might just be meeting new friends you didn't realize you had. Heaven is our destination, how you get there is up to you. All maps don't show all roads. Let God make it exciting and interesting by following Him. Think outside the crate, and leave that old time religion behind. Remember a rut is really a grave, but with the ends open as a way to escape.

We'll leave the light on for you. For wherever you rest your head, is home for the night. And only in Jesus, will you find that rest.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the no bang theory

Self preservation is the basest of all human instincts. And it seems that it is hard to turn on the TV anymore without some channel having a show on about the end of the world. 2012, cannibalistic Mayans, Hopis, or Nostradamus and his nebulous predictions seem to be news of the day. Even some will quote the Bible, but just as another version of the end of days. But one show caught my eye, secularly based, it showed five reasons the world as we know it will cease to be. And gave valid proof-which was easy, because the things they cited are already here. Except for one, which they downplayed, but is here and maybe they don't want you to know it.

This group predicted that within 30 years computers will have the ability to reason like a human. They already do, and let me use your car, or motorcycle as an example. When you turn the key, you are not turning on the ignition, but activating a control unit. Based on sensory input, it will either start, or if it sees potential danger-the sensors don't meet certain criteria, it won't. Radios, AC units, and even power seats all work off the same type of system. Even transmissions are adaptive, learning how you drive, and even learning shift points from your driving habits. And you need to be careful not to diagnose symptoms, as if the control unit senses engine problems, it can keep your car in a lower gear, and take away the gas pedal, allowing you to limp home without further damage to your car. You think your trans is bad, but it is only a symptom, of the car doing what it is trained to do. Just like your reasoning, it takes criteria and makes a decision-keep itself alive.

Built into the starting system, are even safeties you may not realize. Before computers, if the battery was low, no crank-no start. Now a battery can read good, but the car still won't start. It hasn't met the threshold that the computer is programmed for, so you won't start. Battery good-still a no start.

And sadly, you can run out of fuel, before you run out of fuel, due to control unit settings, and the input they gathered. Which I was reminded of the other day. I ran out of gas, while I still had gas in the tank. Even did the Steve McQueen move like in the Great Escape, removed the cap, shook the tank, heard it sloshing, but no start. The trip computer even told me the tank was 9/10's full, with 193 miles till empty. But here I sat, until roadside came and poured in gas. Then like magic it started right up!

Which brings up the question-when are you really out of gas? When is your battery really no good? How do I know if I am doing the right thing? And is the world really going to end?

At death, your world will end. For all of us. But for those who believe, we will change, and in 1/240,000 of a second-the twinkling of an eye, we will be in heaven. If you have rejected Jesus, in the same time frame, you will be in hell. No reset button, or booting of your life. No more last chance to choose again, for you have been given those opportunities, but chosen to say no, or worse-wait. Both are a no, and end in death-true death. But for those who know Jesus, we begin true life-in eternity. No more computers, no more running out of gas when you are told your tank is full, and no limp home modes to get you home-you are home!

Read Revelation if you want to know the future-and be blessed. The only book that promises a blessing just for reading it. Let the others have their theories and fantasies, you have the truth. While they seek something, you have someone. And you can have it right now, does that sound like something you want?

Trust God, accept Jesus into your heart. No more worries about the future, and He also takes care of today, too. No more shows about what might be, the truth of the Bible far surpasses anything any science fiction author can dream. And either way, you are going to be part of it. It's like knowing who is going to win the Super Bowl. And knowing where to place your bet. Now you know the future, where are you going to place yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

we should have seen it coming

SDG&E announced yesterday that they are raising their rates due to lower income last year. Seems all the mail, e-mail, and TV ads to conserve energy are working, and they are selling less electricity. So now that you have conserved, you will have to pay more. Your bill will go up, your usage down, and we should have seen it coming.

We also have only X amount of water coming into So Cal. Whether it goes to one million, or ten million homes, the amount is finite. So again we are told to conserve, only to be rewarded with larger bills. When you don't have more to sell, you raise the price on the commodity, and quantity you do have. And again, we should have seen it coming.

I am told it still costs $3-4 to take each barrel of oil out of the ground. Yet prices are rising again, and they are projected into the $5 range. And the auto makers are glad, they can sell you more cars advertised to get higher mpg, and sales should go up. Advertise them cheap, but by the time you get all the options you have on your larger car, it will cost more. Add in the payment if your old car is paid off, and again, we should have seen it coming.

It's like the woman who told me her gas bills went down when she bought a smaller SUV. It cost her less to fill up. When I mentioned her new tank was about 2/3 the size of her old one, she looked confused. She only understood price per tank, and didn't realize she bought gas more often. But to her value system, it cost less. And sadly there is no defense against people like her. And I wish I hadn't seen her coming.

And it is no better when grocery shopping. Since Costco and Wal-Mart have shown you can get the same items for much less, the chains have installed Club Pricing. And you must join their club to get the discounts. And I love on the bottom it always says how much you saved, by joining the club. What it really says is how much they are overcharging the poor schmuck who doesn't belong to their club. And I found a way to save even more-I don't shop there. I saw that one coming!

Church to most people is a weekly, social event, that they feel forced or compelled to attend. It has little or nothing to do with God to them, so they seek the most comfortable church to attend they can. Usually liberal, where they don't feel threatened from the pulpit to deal with sin in their life, don't want to get to know Jesus, and grumble when they open their wallets to give. But they've met the criteria of a nagging wife, or a guilty conscience, or whatever, and they are there. And sadly, they think this is what Christianity is all about. Going to a church building, not realizing the people are the church. And being more concerned about what the outside looks like than what is said inside. They have little concern for their next meal, only wondering what it will be, and how soon they can get out to get it. And little concern for the poor. Yes, a friend or two may be unemployed, but that is a recession. When they become out of work, then it is a depression. And then reach out to credit cards, then social programs, instead of the church. Pride keeps them out, and the whole family suffers, as lifestyles change, but their relationship with God won't. They have been sold a bill of goods about God, and when the prosperity movement tells them they are great because they are rich-a lie, then they feel the opposite when poor. This is when as Christians, we need to come aside these misled people, and love them through the situation. No sermons on their lifestyle, or riches that have gone away-show them love. Care, with compassion, and stand with them. And if they won't go to church-go to them! Visit them, send food, and by showing love, will say more than a 100 sermons on missions, prosperity, or other religious mantras the church has embraced. When they see how much you care, they will care more about what you say. Love covers a multitude of sins, and blessed is the man who turns one from their sin. Don't be like the world, be like Jesus, and show love.

And you know what, it will bless you too. And bring you closer to God. For you see, the world gives out their abundance, where as true believers give out of their heart, and will even sacrifice for others. You will never find the righteous begging food, or their children going hungry. Just one simple act, can change the hard heart. And as a Christian, the world should see us coming-in love.

If your faith wavers today, be assured that the tribulation or trials you are in, were warned about by Jesus. So that should confirm your faith. A work to confirm His words. But so are the blessings, and if you know Jesus, they are here today-you should have seen them coming. And He is coming for His church soon-don't be among the ones who are left behind and say "I should have seen His coming!" No shortage of water at his well, gas at his station, or power at his outlet. And-he hopes to see you coming-to Him-soon!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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the case of the missing air

Weather in the 80's! Dry, gentle winds. And a new bike, a new 2011 Thunderbird Storm, specially air freighted from England just a few days before to ride, and a three day weekend to ride it on, with my wife. Yes, January in Southern Cal is definitely the place to be. So, we took full advantage of it, and rode up to LA, and spent the night with Christopher and Reagan. Great service at Steve Mays, and then to Griffith Park, and the observatory. One of my favorite places in LA, and somehow despite LA trying to outpace California in going bankrupt, admission is still free-just like it has been since 1935. Looking out one way you can see downtown, with Beverly Hills to the right, then the Hollywood sign even farther to your right. Priceless views all, but it is still the observatory that draws me. And every time I walk the steps, and walk around the roof areas, I am reminded of the fight scene in Rebel Without a Cause. And somehow can see James Dean and Natalie Wood, and the other rebels-with no cause.

But waking up the next morning, I had a rear flat tire. So calling the roadside service, the guy came and put air into the tire, and I was to be OK for five hours, he said. Which made me wonder, how did he know? I had told him it went flat overnight, since I had parked it at about 5pm. So we took off, with Theresa confidant I would make it home OK. And was glad when I did. And talking with her, I asked her how did the man know when the tire would go flat again-five hours, she said. But the man didn't know when it had gone flat. Had it lost air just 20 minutes before I noticed it, or 20 minutes after I had left it for the night? How long had it been losing air? You see without knowing the answer to these questions, there is no way he could know. He was theorizing, with no evidence to base it on. He only had one fact, the tire was flat. But what happened between parking, and then finding it flat, he had no idea what had transpired. In her eyes, he suddenly went from hero to zero-and that is a fact.

In the basement area of the observatory, is a long, curved hallway, with an exhibit case running the whole length of it-hundreds of feet long. And in it, is a timeline, representing the big bang theory. While upstairs, there are displays proving time, distance, and even colors of the universe, this is strictly a theory, but presented as fact. They even told what they believed had banged, and over billions of years how life developed. And suddenly, even the facts they presented upstairs, were in question. The whole thing was theory. No one was there,a and the facts were nebulous. And worst of all, they didn't even tell where the things that went bang had originated. This was science fiction at its height, and how many leave believing it to be truth-when it isn't. But these people, who believe, have amazing faith, for it takes faith to believe a lie, when the Bible's opening words tell us the truth, "in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Dropping human life to a low level, for when man arrived they claim we were descended from fish or worms. No wonder some live like they mired in filth-they are only acting like they believe their ancestry demands of them.

And none of it can be proven. They call it a theory, God calls it a lie. So ask questions, demand answers. The tow truck driver meant well to me, but he didn't know. But I left secure in the fact I would check it out along the way. I was hoping he would be right, but still wanted to check the fact of how much air the tire would lose. When someone tells you something about God, and it is not quoted from scripture-doubt it. Check it in scripture, and make God prove it. No theory will get you to heaven, o only the fact of Jesus Christ. God deals in fact, the world deals in theory,a and what better place to display theory than Hollyweird. Sadly, no matter how much talent and technology they put into their presentation, it pales when you compare it with the truth, and God.

Settle for nothing less then the truth. Trust God to get you home-I did and He did. But I also trust Him to get me to my heavenly home, and someday He will. That's a fact! I know. And being safe and secure in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is always better than hoping. You can have your ideas, I will have my facts. Got them from the person who was there at the beginning, and even before that. If He can create a universe for you, imagine what He can do for you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

desserts is stressed spelled backwards

Here I was, laying in Dr. Martz's, aka Smiley's, office, with a long needle stuck in the back of my leg. I had noticed a lump on the back of my left knee, and when it got so big it effected my walking, I finally told my parents and off to Smiley we went. "The longer it takes to come out is good," he said. "When the fluid is thick it means no tumor." Good words, but could you please hurry it up a little, I hate needles and this thing hurts!

Turned out I had a Baker cyst, the synovial fluid that should be lubricating my knee wasn't and had formed a cyst. So surgery was the answer, and surgery it was. And after a few days in the hospital, it was back to school, on crutches. Now crutches are the last thing a sophomore in high school needs-they aren't cool, and having been on them in first and second grade, they kept you from doing a lot of things-things that were important like playing. So it was off to school, obeying Smiley's orders-at least at first. Then after finding I could take the pain of putting weight on it, I did. And then I began to walk on it way too soon. I'm cool. What did the doctor know, and hey I was in a hurry to get my life back.

Well... I prolonged the healing. And finally had the stitches removed and went back to gym class-my favorite class. And then it happened. We were playing war, and I got hit in the back of my left knee-and the incision opened up. All six inches of it! You could see all the things the skin had covered going on inside. So hobbling to the nurses office, conveniently located at the far end of the school, I held my knee together with one hand, and leaned against the lockers with the other. It was resewn, and finally healed-but no more gym for me. And I am left with this ugly, Colloid scar, which is still sensitive today. I guess the doctor did know more than me after all. And I wish I had waited-sooner.

I have always thought that farmers were the most patient men on earth. They plant the seed, then have to wait. Sure, they water and fertilize, but they cannot do anything about the seed-it is up to God to make it grow. It is a hidden work,which they cannot see, so they must trust. So, it is work by planting, wait for seed to grow, then harvest. All when it is time, and you cannot take the procedure out of turn. You must plant for it to grow, and it must grow before you can harvest.

Prayer is like that. You give your problem to God, but have to wait for the answer to take place. And rather than be patient and let God work, we get stressed. And cause other problems. Both inside and outside the initial problem. If the farmer harvests too soon, the crop is doomed, and answers to prayer are like that too. We don't know the plan God has for our situation, and after about 15 minutes of patience, start to coach Him. And then get impatient. "God, you don't understand, I've waited 15 minutes. How much longer can I endure?" Maybe talk to a mother, for 9 months she carried a child. Too early-disaster. Too late, more problems. But at just the right time-it's a beautiful new birth. And God works that way too in the answers to your prayers.

The answer may seem too long, prolonged, or even where did God go. But be patient. The seed you can't see is growing. And it will produce a wonderful crop, if you let go and let God. How long-can't tell you. For what, same answer. I do know this, God has everything in control, and you can too if you just trust and obey-the correct thing to do.

Walking in Henry's, a young girl came up to me before I could keep going and wanted me to sample some anti-stress drink. I told her I had no stress-at least until she approached me, and she looked amazed. "Why?" "I give my problems to Jesus, and He handles them," I said. After a moment of silence, she said, "I do too, but then I take them back."

No matter what your prayer is, God has heard, and even before you asked, was answering. Let God be God, you ask and He will answer. And be like Paul, who when complaining about a pain in his side, was told by Jesus, "my grace is sufficient, and my strength is made perfect in your weakness." Better said than I could. Your ship won't sink when He is aboard, the storm will pass, and though a tough time may ensue enduring the answer-He is the answer!

Give it to Jesus, and let Him keep it. His burden light, and His yoke is easy. He will take your stress and turn it into dessert, but only after enjoying the healing meal He has prepared. The meal He is preparing may take time, He is just making it that much better, and personal for you.

All things must pass. So pass the time with Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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