just for the taste of it...

Well, it's official. Saw it on CNN, so you know it's true. Diet Coke is the #2 selling soft drink in the US of A! When over 25 years ago we were told that someday it would pass Pepsi, we thought it was hype, but now it has become reality. diet Coke, note the small "d," has passed Pepsi. When brought to market, Coke was afraid it may fail, and bring disgrace to the iconic brand Coke, so they gave it a small d initially, so in case it did it wouldn't tarnish the name Coke. They already had a horrible tasting, but best selling diet cola named TAB, but chose the name to distance itself from Coke. Certain names are never compromised. A name above all names in the soft drink world.

But as Pepsi ran their challenges, and both their sales increased, diet Coke took over in certain markets. They used to compare the take over to Houston, where Dr. Pepper, the official soft drink of Texas, outsold Pepsi, and watched as diet Coke did the same. Never showing the fear they had internally in case it failed, but claiming all the credit for victory when it succeeded. Humility among victors is seldom seen, and totally absent here. But as the total soft drink market shrinks, and diet Coke's grows, they have a proven formula for success. And where is TAB today? Making a comeback, just don't look for that vile tasting drink in our fridge.

The Pepsi Challenge was a good thing for both companies, as every time Pepsi ran one, Coke sales increased, too. Coke's response, if there wasn't a champion, there would be no challengers! And many would try, but like the ads proclaimed, Coke is it! And now diet, or should I say Diet Coke is too, #2! Not a diet formulation of 7x, the recipe for Coca Cola, but its own formula, changed, or improved many times over the years. And like Coke found out with New Coke, not the capital N, don't mess with the original! And so we have Classic Coke!

In case you haven't noticed, there are many out there to steal your joy via cults, lies, and their false teachings. Who challenge the deity of Jesus. Some deny the deity of Jesus Christ, even though they use His name in their name. Blasphemy! The Jesus in their title is not the one in the Bible. And they know it, but will lie and tell you different. Beware of kids on ten speeds, spreading this false doctrine. Who by the way, are prohibited from drinking Coke. Some deny the existence of heaven, telling their followers when you die, you die. But animals have souls. And denying the deity of Jesus. Openly, and not even claiming to be Christians. No love shown, as they will even excommunicate their own children if they break any of their rules. Now that's love, but not God's love, or any other I know.

For you see there is a challenger for the souls of men, Satan. And he doesn't care how he does it, just so you don't acknowledge Jesus. Whether it is full denial, full worship of him, falling unsuspectingly to his lies, or just using his favorite tactic, getting you to wait, he is out to destroy lives, and keep people from heaven. Subtleness is his game, and destruction is his end. Don't fall for it. Nothing he has to offer can ever compare to Jesus! Seek the real champion of Good Friday, and the first to be resurrected. For we who believe will be resurrected like Him. Choose anything else, and it means death. Choose Jesus, the real thing. Not a diet savior, He paid it all. No need to settle for a substitute, when you can have the real thing.

Satan too knows that if Jesus wasn't the champion, he wouldn't be a challenger. And since the time he was expelled from heaven, has been challenging God and God's people, sometimes winning. But God ultimately wins, and no challenge will ever challenge Him. Seek Jesus today, resist the devil and he will flee. Some challenger, huh? Jesus Christ-the king! Join His kingdom of believers today, and when the challenge comes, you know who wins. More filling, tastes great. For over 2000 years, the true champion. Let God be God, and all others liars!

Bet you never heard that on CNN? Capital J in Jesus, small d in devil. Never confuse the two. Classic love from the son of God. Maybe, just maybe, there is something to this man Jesus after all.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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cruisin' around with a decal on back

A Gold Wing rider asked me the other day "did I take my motorcycle with me when touring?" He didn't understand how you would ride it to your destination, but ship it instead. After all, this is a big country. Confused at first when I told him how exciting the ride could be, and how the trip can be more fun than the destination, I think it may have opened up some new trip opportunities for him. Let's see-touring bike, rider, and 48 states. Sounds like a good equation to me, hope he does-soon! Ride that is.

When The Beach Boys sing Be True to Your School, they sing about "cruisin' around the other parts of the town with a decal on back," so the other kids know where they are from. I can remember once seeing an SPFHS parking sticker on this girl's car, pretty girl who I didn't recognize. Looked familiar, but couldn't place her. Then seeing her again at the pool, in her bikini and no glasses didn't help matters much. It was only after her embarrassing me by telling me her name, that I knew her. She used to sit next to me in Biology, and wouldn't let me get answers from her. Sadly she remembered me. Now I only wish I could have gotten her phone number, as seeing her at the pool gave me a renewed interest in biology, or was it anatomy? But really our common bond was the decal, we were both from the same high school. Just different planets.

My current ride for Triumph is a Tiger 800. Dealers won't have them until July, so when I cruise into a dealer they are very interested. A neat bike, but as yet unobtainable. But as much as the dealers like to see one, and have seen pictures so they recognize it, I lately am getting more recognition from the license plate. It is from Georgia, where Triumph is located. And while enthusiasts notice the bike, tourists note the plate. And I have met some nice people because of it.

"Are you from Georgia?" No, but I have been there. One couple after telling me they were from Atlanta, I mentioned the Varsity. He said "what'll ya have, what'll ya have?" the way they greet you there. And soon we were discussing chili dogs and onion rings, and left old friends. And hungry.

"Did you ride out here from Georgia?" No, but I have ridden there. No relation to the aforementioned Gold Winger. But still, a taste of home to them.

"We're from Decatur, Rome, Savannah," and then talk to me like I've been there. And after listening, add it to my list of places to visit when I do go back. Another question I am asked. But I am always amazed at how that little license plate on back has started many conversations. Kurt Vonnegut calls these things we have in common "grand falloons," a term he made up. And whether you know it or not, a grand fallon is just around the corner for you.

I also get asked how do you ride all these new bikes in California, when the plates say Georgia. After explaining how and why I ride them, they ask what I do for a living. And then I get to share Jesus with them, and the ministry work the Lord has given me to do. From red neck to no neck, I have met some very nice people, and gotten to pray for them, and with them. But when meeting other Christians it is always a rush, as our grand falloon is a person, Jesus Christ. And whether we just met, or have known each other for years, we form an instant bond because of Him. Not by plate or location, but because of a common book we are both written about in, the Book of Life. For once your name is written in it, heaven awaits, and where we were just strangers, now we are friends, and family. And any other subject just isn't as interesting as sharing testimonies with each other. Places to eat, roads to ride, and long trips may be important, but they all pale compared to Jesus.

And that's the way it should be. Keeping the first thing first. So next time you see a Jesus sticker on a car, give them the old "One way with Jesus"sign. Make their day. Hopefully they know what it is-finger pointed to heaven! And say a pray for them. You may never meet or see them again, but God is watching, and smiles when you do. It's called love, and He loves it when His children do it to each other. But also pray for those who cut you off, hog lanes, and even lane split. You never know, we just might end up at the same church sharing a pew. "Haven't I met you before? Do you drive a big SUV with Jesus stickers, who cut me off?" Not how I want to be remembered. How about you?

It might just be a decal on back, but it may also be an invitation to show the love of Christ to the hurting one God has put in your path. Or a Gold Wing rider looking to ride. A pretty girl at the pool, or a tourist hungry for the Varsity. God knows or He would not let you cross paths. And if it's not in your heart, don't wear it on your back. I just might see it and stop and visit with you.

"Say, don't I know you? Didn't I see you praying with that homeless guy and offering him food?" Only a decal on back? You probably think the girl at the pool was only a girl? Or the bike I'm riding is only a bike. Don't make the same mistake with Jesus!

love with compassion,

Mike

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Tom Swift and his magic tape

Much has been said about necessity being the mother of invention, but little has been said about her children, or their cousins. Remember how we all used to drive old vans to carry our dirt bikes? For some reason those old Dodge vans were very popular with friends I had who rode in the dirt. A wonderful design, they had just enough clearance to get your hand stuck between the razor sharp roof crossbar and the handlebars. Maiming, but never severing. Which after repeated mutilations, led to the discovery of old pickups, less secure, but safer to your braking and clutching appendages.

But also inherent to them, was the old three on the tree shifting pattern-something that hasn't been seen for over 30 years. But the Dodges were also known for bad shift linkage, and more than one was known as three on the tree and one in the grill. And one particular guy, nameless, was known for always cutting his hand when placing it between the sharp grill pieces, where you accessed the linkage to get it out of reverse. So dropping it off at the one mechanic who would repair things and wait for his money until we got our next job-we were never unemployed back then, just between jobs to feed our motorcycle addiction, this grumbler of a man would take in this van, more because he needed to fatten his accounts receivable than to show an income that day. That and he rode too, and the threat of leaving him to die if he broke, alone out in the woods kept him on a first name basis with us, if you consider @#$%^** a first name. We all used to have a first name similar to this when riding . I believe you could call this guy the father of necessity. Just so we don't have to call him dad. At least not out of necessity.

Going by one night after work to retrieve the van, and promising to pay when we could, we got in, my friend shifted into reverse, backed up, and the truck wouldn't shift. So he got out, and stuck his hand in the grill, moved the linkage and we drove home. The next day, we went by and told grumbler about the linkage. "I never touched it, thought you were complaining about cutting your hand on the grill. So if you noticed I put duct tape over it. Won't cut your hand again." And walked off. No more torn up hands, no more bleeding, no more gauze and white tape. Only duct tape. But the linkage was still broken. And somehow, fixing a symptom, not the problem, and setting the standard for many technicians of today. Loud noise, turn up the radio. Vibration at 55, only go 50. Won't start in P, start it in N. Nobody has the time to diagnose anymore, but they always have time for you to come back. And at prices you can afford.

I have listened to people with real problems get bad advice like this with spiritual problems. And although backed by scripture, when on their own, the problem only gets worse. Godly advice only works when taken, and when given by God. And in the spirit. I have listened as men are more concerned about the homeless guy and his wanting to quit smoking than giving him a place to live. Or feeding him. Get him to church, and let the pastor tell him about the gospel, we've done our part. Never realizing they are like the duct tape on the grill, a solution to a symptom, but not the problem. Perhaps that is why in Matthew 25 Jesus rebukes the "church" for not feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, and visiting those sick or in jail. And then He adds these words-"be gone from me you evil ones, you never knew me."

For they would have seen these problems and dealt with them in love if they were His, and walking in the spirit. They would have fed the hungry man, rather than just inviting him to church. There is no duct tape solutions in the gospel-only Jesus. And He knows the cause, so He can offer the solution. Then it our decision what to do with it.

The generation of old vans with three on the tree is almost gone, but duct tape solutions to spiritual matters still exists. God calls it leaning on your own understanding, just the opposite of trusting Him. Perhaps today is the day you get rid of the duct tape, and take real life repairs seriously. You don't figure it out, but let God. And then listen, and be amazed at how when we walk in the spirit, we begin to live-in the spirit. Like the old song says, "trust and obey, for there's no other way...in Jesus!"

The answer is evident, Jesus is not hiding. But it is amazing to me how we don't reach out to Him. Sadly some are like these old vans, and their owners. Still wedging their hands between the roof crossbar and the handlebars, while their hands are safe and secure while reaching in the grill. Never realizing that the same duct tape that worked on the grill would work on the crossbars too!

Because Jesus is the rock, and duct tape is only a roll!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

Salton pepper

Out in the desert east of San Diego, is a huge puddle that measures 35x16-miles that is. A sea in the middle of the desert, at 228 feet below sea level. A puddle, that except for rare occasions has no source of water, and is so alkaline that you cannot swim in it. It is called the Salton Sea, and for little over 100 years, this puddle has been a source of confusion for anyone connected to it. At one time 50 years ago, it was an outdoor resort, where the rich from Palm Springs would go, and mix with Hollywood celebrities at resorts, for swimming, fishing, and water skiing. Before it became alkaline. Today it is a modern ghost town, with ghosts of the past outnumbering the current inhabitants.

Since it sits so low, runoff from the Imperial Valley farmers would run into it, and along with it silt and fertilizers, which would eventually killed the sea-literally. In a strange twist, the fish grew so big, that in the heat they couldn't breathe due to the bad water, then wash up on shore. In one day about 15 years ago 7.6 million did in one day! Which just laid there and rotted causing two things-one an incredibly bad smell, but the other is that they became fertilizer, feeding the algae growing in the sea, which the fish ate, and then the fish start the circle again since they can't live in the water because of the high algae content. It seems they actually die of botulism-food poisoning, from their own carcasses! And the birds that migrate and live in the bird preserve, eat them also-and die! So often it takes a crew from the state park service to continually clean up and incinerate them. Only the tilapia, who can withstand the high salt content survive-at least one year. But cannot be eaten.

Today the few hearty inhabitants of the Salton Sea live in obscurity in Salton City, Niland, Salton Beach, and Bombay City. All that is left is what the salt has not consumed, and the few hundred who live here are there because they want to be. Either leftovers from its halcyon days, or those few trying to hide from the gangs in LA. If ever a Twilight Zone area existed, the Salton Sea is it. Which despite itself killing itself, lives on. Despite itself.

Jesus tells us we are to be the salt of the earth. But what happens when salt loses its flavor, like it has in Salton? Just like the sea, it will consume its own, and those whom it touches. While some teaching tell us to go out and spread that salt indiscriminately, only in the spirit does the salt retain its flavor, and true purpose. When led by the spirit, we grow and bless others, but on our own we become alkaline. We all know some well meaning Christian who when approaching us, we look to avoid. They preach, boast of the Bible, but they have a form of God, but not the true God. Maybe if their lives preached the Bible instead of using words only. They are missing the love aspect, and rather win an argument than see lives changed by Jesus. Just as their salt loses its flavor, and they become effective, they also force their light on others-a high beam when the low beam of love is called for. Secure in the knowledge they are doing what God commands-but couldn't be more wrong. Not what God ever wanted or called for.

If you are going on your own without God-legalism may be directing you. Stop going it alone, and follow Jesus. He alone changes lives, His salt has flavor, and you can follow His light. Only in the spirit will you be blessed and enjoy the fullness of Jesus Christ.

If your life resembles the Salton Sea, unlike it, your life can be recovered. Turn from your sin, turn to God, and follow Him. It is called repentance-not a u-turn, but a turn to Jesus. A u-turn just might put you back into the sea!

The Salton Sea area never intended to turn into a death trap. At one time it was alive and vibrant. Christian walks don't start out on a death walk either. One bad decision can send you the wrong way, but one right decision will restore you. Stay close to God, and follow Him and not your own understanding. Let Jesus season your life, and give life to your seasons. Just the right amount of salt and light to give you life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

buy for love, sell for money

Since it is time to reduce the amount of bikes stored in my garage, I am starting to advertise them for sale. Does seven bikes constitute a collection? Sounds better if I say collection for sale. So my collection is for sale. And true, I have owned and do own some collectible bikes-at least to me. But I am quickly reminded of many things. And despite my honesty in the ad-buyers are usually impressed when they see my bikes for sale, many ads are misleading. I mean they are just flat out lies. So here is a real life primer as how to read for sale ads.

One-beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Not everyone loves lavender Hondas. Two-excellent means it may have been when new, before you ruined it. Low miles-I never rode it because it never ran. Original condition-just like when parked five years ago, not running. Rare when new-nobody bought this turkey then, or now. Highly collectible-it is collecting dust in my garage right now. Original-except for paint, tires, accessories, and rebuilding the engine two years ago. Owned by famous celebrity-remember the Jon Voight car on Seinfeld? Check your sources. Must sell by this weekend!-ad has been running for a month now with no responses. Bought new-aren't all bikes new once? One owner-at a time. Recent tune up-was that before you parked it five years ago? $$ or best offer-I am pricing this high so maybe some gopher will think he is getting a deal when he only gives me what it is worth after negotiating-plus 20%. Thinking he got a deal. Title in hand-mine are kept in my safe deposit box. no trades-tell me what you got. no tattoos-bike is unmarked. Just registered-for the first time in years. Current registration-I am broke after paying late tag fees. As is-bring a truck. Many extra parts-can't remember where they go, they did come on the bike before I took it apart. One of a kind-lost interest in repairing it right. Only needs slight work to make it perfect-figure on investing twice what you paid for it. Only worked on by factory tech-until it ran out of warranty and your cousin tried to fix it. Can be ridden anywhere-after repairs by factory tech. First buyer with cash rides it home-I don't take credit cards. No joy riders-it doesn't run. Fresh battery-hope it starts, now. Won't last long-bike is rusting away. At this price-what is scrap value today?

And I think you get the idea. Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder. And the same bike you never rode because you didn't like it, becomes a gem when you go to sell it. Makes me wonder if you or the bike has a split personality! Somehow the old saying of buy for love and sell for money applies here. So watching lecherous TV evangelists begging for money annoys me. One guy offers a 100 time return if you send $100 to him-hey buddy, how much are you mailing to yourself? If it's that good a deal, why aren't you taking advantage of it? And how does that play in the ghetto, where we have no money? If we all did that how would that effect inflation? If some evangelist-who by the way aren't they supposed to spread the gospel, tells you this-he lies! This ain't the gospel! His "send money" is found nowhere in the Bible. In fact God tells those who serve Him to take no cash, only what you have, and He will take care of the rest. Read the Bible, and then come see me.

Did you know that radio stations charge a higher percentage for evangelists who beg for money? Seems they get a higher take from people believing their lies, so the station works a higher commission with them. Beware-what God has is free-and if you pay anything else for it, it is robbery. Take note those who charge for seminars, programs, and other things. And ask yourself-if it isn't better than the gospel, why should I be paying for it?

Jesus Christ's ad is simple. "Looking for lost souls. All who ask shall receive. Priceless gift of eternal life-no charge. In exchange for your sin, He offers forgiveness, redemption, and a relationship with God. and eternal life in heaven." Do you know of a better deal? If you only had two weeks to live, would you like to have to work out your salvation? Be based on your good works? What if you only got an 89, and needed a 90 for heaven? And some cults/religions call that love?

Jesus paid the price-it is free indeed. Mercy and grace. Read the book-not the ads. His list-not Craigslist. For His list is the Book of Life. Join now and become part of His collection. Must have today-for today is the day of salvation. No trades. His offer is best! But only if you take it! He bought you for love-and no money can ever replace that!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

1978 Suzuki gs1000e-just over 23k original miles. looks like it is new and runs the same. has been ridden from Seattle in two day-over 1400 miles-runs as good as it looks. fully restored, or can be driven. has original pipes, owners manual and tool kit. hard to find bike, this was the grandfather of GSXR, and Wes Cooley won superbike championship with it. highly collectible-you will not find one as nice new plugs, wires, oil, tires, chain, sprockets, handlebars-tank repainted original down to pinstripes. you must see to believe-a new bike from 78 no trades, money talks. e mail and I will arrange appointment.

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great expectations

The first car I remember was my parent's 1952 Chevy. Blue, purchased before I was born, from Milam Chevrolet Company, "the Downtown Dealer," in San Antonio, Texas. 8-26-1952. I can still remember this two door, blue Chevy, that they owned until 1959, when my Grandpa bought a new 1959 Buick Electra 225, silver gray with red leather interior. He then sold his 1956 Buick Special to them. Cool car-two door, yellow and white, with huge, long doors. Which lasted until 1962, when they went into the automobile doldrums in the sixties with a string of Ramblers. Which was devastating for a young, car crazy kid. Fast and Rambler never were used in the same sentence. Nor was cool.

Some of my earliest memories with friends like Bruce and Barry was going to Westfield and looking at new cars. Sitting in the new Mustangs on the floor at Westfield Ford, under the careful eye of the salesman. Their dad had bought one there, and that seemed to give us visiting rights-not available at many other places. We didn't mean any harm, but still had danger written all over us. Up a couple of blocks to Norris Chevrolet, where Corvairs, Corvettes, and SS396's made us drool. But would always leave chanting "cheap Chevrolet , beep beep!" due to the fact we were chased out one too many times. Oh, to have those trips back today. I'd be happy to have a red 1965 SS327 Impala like Gary Aldingers. Cheap-not today. Lindemann Buick was for old people, as was Reilly Oldsmobile-except for the 442, these really were your father's Oldsmobile. And sadly today, like many of our fathers, Olds is gone, too. Rotchford Pontiac, GTO's on the lot to look at. We used to love all the Tiger ads and the freebies we took from the showroom.

And on South Avenue, Miller Rambler, with little reason for a car crazy kid to go into, and the Lincoln Mercury dealer, which had just gotten Cougars. They changed owners so often I can't remember the name. Yes, 1965, was a great year to be a car crazy kid, and the only real problem with it for an eleven year old was not being able to enjoy them for another six years-the driving age in Jersey was 17. But we sure travelled a lot of miles, and did a lot of burnouts in our minds while visiting these showrooms. And somehow, a romance with cars that seems missing today, was in every young kid's heart. No Toyotas, the VW was the foreign car, and you had to go all the way to Plainfield to see one at Union County Motors, and no one did burnouts in a bug. Yep, cars built in the US of A were king, and to enthusiasts today, the cars of our childhood still are. And sadly as far out of reach monetarily today, as they were age wise to us then. But that has never stopped us from dreaming, or desiring even a ride in one. Just to relive memories we never had, or to imagine what it might have been like. And I can still remember Scottie's brother Doug, whose friend had a 1962 Corvette. Who was cool to us young kids, he was in high school, and very old to us. One day letting us sit in his car, then driving to the end of Algonquin Drive, and turning around-a ride of maybe 1000 feet, but which seemed like a hundred miles at the time. It was blue, with whitewalls and spinner hubcaps. Why don't they build cars and memories like that anymore?
It has been said we look to the past because we have no hope in the future. And this may be legitimate. As the whole world continues to crumble around us, whether financial, wars, diseases, or as of this morning, earthquakes and tsunamis, it is hard to be excited about the future. But we have this blessed hope in Jesus Christ, and all these things only tell us that His time of return is near. There will be scoffers, who make fun of us saying "where is the promise of His return, I thought you said He was returning?" Not realizing, it is for them that He hasn't, since He is patient and wishes none should perish. But that for thousands of years His prophecies have been true-spot on, and Daniel warns us that all these things will happen to the last generation. How exciting that we may be part of that one-who never sees death, but who will experience the rapture?

What things do you say? Read Ezekiel 37, 38, 39. Daniel 7 and 12. And see how the events of the last days are portrayed, events talked about thousands of years ago. Foretold by God. Events no FX or mind can imagine. The end of the world maybe for some, but the beginning of life for Christians. And like Pastor Ray says, "I used to have to read the Bible for prophecy, now I can turn on the news."

As precious as the past was, the future will be even more exciting. But only if you spend it with God. Now is the day of salvation. Don't hesitate. As kids we eagerly anticipated driving the cars from the showrooms in our dreams. And that hope of expectation kept our dreams alive. Someday, we told ourselves, I'll have on. As kids we hoped for our own blue Chevy. Or red SS327. Or an orange GTO. Even a silver Mustang. Some still do. Are we looking forward with the same expectation for the return of Christ? I hope so-the news today will be the prophesies from yesterday. Foretold in love, by a God who wants to spend eternity with you. A message that has never gone out of style.

hot in cleveland

I was eating a late lunch at a Captain D's, outside of Cleveland, Tennessee that is. It was one of those days that despite all the humidity outside, you couldn't keep enough liquid inside. So after too many sweet teas, I was finishing my hush puppies, and finally took some time to come up for air. This side of the restaurant was empty except for me, and an adjoining table of six men. And I couldn't help but over hear what they were talking about. They were obviously with some church, and were interviewing the sixth man. The interviewers all were white, short hair, ties, and looked very religious. The man being interviewed was black, from Africa, you could tell by his accent, and dressed in jeans and a red shirt. They were done eating, and by the size of the interviewers, had probably eaten one or more of everything on the menu. Dinner talk was done, and now it was time to get down to business.

But something struck me, and as I eavesdropped, it became evident that this black man was out of their league. While the others were steeped in denominational tradition, and had their set of rules, this man had something different. And one of the interviewers picked up on it, and at that point saw beyond this man's skin color. He also saw that this man would not be a good fit for whatever position they offered him. And the more they talked, it was evident that although he could man many positions within the church, he was a threat. What if he invited or brought others like him in? What if his wife wore pants? What if brother and sister so and so-major donors, didn't agree with his doctrines? What if he taught from the Bible, showed love, forgiveness, and reached out to others with the gospel of Jesus Christ? How would that make the rest of us look?

For you see his skin color had nothing to do with his being different. While the other men were steeped in legalism, he was walking in the spirit. And that freedom that God promises when walking in the spirit was something that they weren't ready to deal with. In fact it posed a threat. They would have to change-all of them, not to be like this stranger, but to be like Jesus. In many ways, a stranger to them.

I left before I saw the outcome, but I could already tell what it was. This black man had a vision, and a purpose, and was in the spirit. The best way I could describe the others to you was like the night after they found Jesus' body was not in the tomb. All the remaining disciples hid in an upper room, door locked, because of fear. While Thomas, who wasn't with them, was still about God's business. And they called him Doubting? Just like these men, they feared what they should have not. And their pride would keep them from ever enjoying the fullness of Christ. And maybe even heaven. They had kept the rules of the church, with only one thing absent-Jesus. And without His love, would never fulfill the great commission.

Maybe this is the Mystery of Christ. He was able to unite both Jew and Gentile, while no other means could. He offered love, and showed the fallacy of living under legalism. He forgave, when others still pointed out others weaknesses. And like this African man, wasn't looking for a position in the church, but wanted to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. And his own people, the church, rejected him.

We often talk about the fact that we don't know who or when someone is watching us. That day I was an observer, and got more from lunch than sweet tea. I saw the sweetness of Jesus portrayed in a man, but sadly not in a group of men. If your life is more representative of the church types, I suggest you try Jesus. Let Him heal your heart. Be part of the mystery of Christ revealed to a lost and dying world. Love the unlovely, don't wait for an apology to forgive, and reach out to others. Be the only Bible many may read.

And just like the blind man, who Jesus gave back his sight, when asked about it, said "I don't know if He is good or bad, all I know is I was blind, and now I see!" That afternoon I saw more clearly. The law brings death, the spirit gives life. Truly, where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Even in Cleveland.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com