spending the day with friends

I get rude comments from certain people when I tell Harley jokes. But never when I tell Triumph jokes, or even Honda jokes. And they don't hurt my feelings when I hear them about my own bike, if it's funny, it's funny! And I have been accused of being jealous of Harley owners, and only being able to afford riding Triumphs. For their knowledge, I am down to four of them. No, not so I always have one that runs. And if you really cared, why not buy we one? I have been accused of not living the lifestyle-hey buddy, I ride mine. when you have ridden 50,000 miles a year for the past four years, tell me about your trailer queen and where it's been. 20 grand and 20 miles still don't make you a biker. OK you win, your FICA score is higher. Get out and ride!

You see I have the same addiction that my friend Spud at Biggs HD has, we both love motorcycles. And I have a standing invite anytime I want, to ride any bike they have on the floor! And I haven't because I feel bad for not going in to buy one. I am not afraid to ride one, another myth exposed, and for some strange reason, these Harley people like us. Maybe they are the ones you should vilify! When we walk in, we are joked about as "Oh no, the Triumph people are here-shut the doors-keep them away from our real bikes." And we all laugh! And when I take Stu on his Wing, he gets it too! Although we all know Gold Wing riders deserve it. For we all love to ride. Hey-we are even the token Triumph owners in Black Sheep-Harley Davidsons for Christ! Don't tell Marty! And are blessed to minister with them, and we love to. You see true love covers a multitude of sins. Even brand prejudice. And yesterday, on an incredible day of blessings from God, He brought a Harley into my life-no I haven't spent any money I don't have, my Triumph signs are still intact, although I can still fit two more bikes in the garage. I rode Pastor Z.'s 2010 Dyna Street Bob. He made me get my helmet, and told me, "this runs like a Harley is supposed to." Not sure what that was to mean, but I got on it, and got on it! And he was right. With just a pipe and air cleaner, and the right download, this thing ran-fast. Not just for a Harley-but for a motorcycle. It had apes-which aren't me, and at 90mph on a side street, they made me feel uncomfortable. And when I got back, nothing had fallen off, it stopped when I put on the brakes, although I had to use the kill button to turn it off-couldn't find the key, dumb rookie. Must have been the Triumph racing jacket I was wearing. So take note, I think sooner than later, Spud may have a new demo rider.

So, before you think I've lost it, or have finally gone over to the other side, I haven't. Your Harley pride of the bar and shield are safe from my throttle twisting hands. You will continue to hear my bad jokes, and I will still tolerate yours.

So there. I even noticed the sun came up in the east again today, so your world is safe! And to prove it, on the traveling Viet Nam wall, Harley riders loved my Bonneville. And we talked riding, and how fast it is, and those who saw me ride Fred's bike were a bit enamored-how fast was it really one guy asked? His friend answered for me before I could-too fast for you! And we all laughed. When one Harley rider asked to borrow an adjustable wrench, I asked standard or metric? For a second he paused, and then laughed with us when he got it. the wrenches adjustable stupid! If I have hurt any wrenchophiles, I apologize. If you know me, in these hands no tools are safe with me. And I felt safe leaving my keys in my bike. No one from that group was going to steal my fast Bonneville! Or was it they didn't want oil to leak on their pretty leathers? Or couldn't find the key?

While doing hospital visitations last night, we took Gavin with us. On March 18th, they told his wife he had 5% chance of living, and would be a vegetable if he did. As we went to visit Conrad, another brain accident victim, with Gavin, the nurses were ecstatic over his healing! Miracle! Tears, hugs, and encouragement to them-from Gavin. And when he went in to see Conrad, reached out his hand with Theresa and prayed. And in the middle of this group, told via hand motions how much he loved his wife, Lynsay. Her tears said it all.

But while waiting for the elevator, we encountered two women in the waiting area. Talking to them, we got to pray for her husband Richard, and when I went in to pray for him, Gavin wanted to go with me. And put his hand out when we did, just like he gripped one lady's arm in the hallway when we prayed there! Voluntarily-because he wanted to!

You never know when God is going to bless you. In hallways, rooms, or even on the street. Step out of your church world today, and step into God's world. Meet some other people that Jesus died for. Ride a Harley-no egos were damaged during the test ride. Offer to pray when you encounter someone hurting in your path. Be patient and let God heal, He just invites me along for the ride. So I go. And take the ride of your life in Jesus.

Oh by the way, Gavin rides a Triumph. Just couldn't let that pass. I guess you really are what you ride!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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following directions-part 1

There are only three things you need to know about electronics. Next year they will be faster, smaller, do more, and cost less. Sorry, four. And this knowledge has been invaluable to me over the years. Take microwaves, for instance.

My GS750 had a flat tire, and I needed a way to get it to the shop. I called Jack Baillio, who I went to church with and talked him into letting me use one of his delivery trucks. He was one of the seven Baillio brothers, all whose first name started with J-Johnny, Jack, Jimmie, Jeffery, etc... who owned Baillio's, the largest electronics store in New Mexico. He finally relented, and told me to go see Jimmie, and when the first truck came in, I could borrow it. I went down, and waiting with Jimmie for a truck, he offered me some hot chocolate. Faster than I could pick up a remote to change channels, he handed me a Styrofoam cup with steaming hot water. I was amazed at how fast this microwave had not only heated the water, but not melted the cup. Some day, I'm going to have one. But right now, it didn't fit my budget or riding style. Besides, my roommate Bob and I had all the appliances we could handle. The toaster oven that didn't, and a pot for boiling hot dogs, a pan for grilling them, and a refrigerator. For keeping the mustard, ketchup, and relish cold, along with the milk for the cereal. We ate a lot Lucky Charms, Trix, and Rice Krispies in those pre-Golden Graham days. And all these items were squeezed in due to the fact the top shelf had been lowered to accommodate two framed, 8x10 glossies of my high school sweetheart. Which mysteriously disappeared when I met Theresa. A mystery, unsolved to this very day.

But after marrying her, and moving to Durango, I figured to help her cooking progress along, she wasn't quite the All Conference Cooking Champ yet, I would buy her a microwave. With the closest Baillio's one state and 250 miles away, I went to Montgomery Wards, and bought a floor model on my store card. Reduced to only $659, I had bought motorcycles for less, and this was almost the amount of our rent for the next five months. It was big, portable only in the fact that two men could place it where you wanted it, and her cooking skills improved quickly. After the micro waved fried chicken incident, which is another story for another time. And I was impressed how this beach level, California girl could learn to cook so fast. Even more impressed because we lived at 6500', and where water boiled at 212 for you flatlanders, it boiled at 177 for us, which took things longer to cook. I was even more impressed when I found out she had read and followed the directions on the boxes for high altitude cooking.

To put this vintage microwave in perspective, when we moved to our cabin, we had nowhere to put it, at least not close enough to a plug. So we sat it on the counter between the kitchen and the dining room. The darkened glass front facing the kitchen, with the trendy, dark walnut appliqué covering the sides, and the bare back facing the dining room. To add some style to the back, I put a Castrol sticker on the back, just like the ones we all had on our vans and tool boxes, and like the one my friend Joe, a tuner for Cal Rayborn, had on his wooden leg. It definitely did more for his leg-trust me. Some things do go out of style. But Theresa's cooking got better, to great, and we all learned that reading directions was good, but following them was better.

I was a part time student going full time at UNM before I got married, and took a course called history of Christianity, in which I was not the only one misled. It was really the history of religion, and taught by two men. The first, an Irish Catholic, so conservative even his skin was gray to match his clothing and salt and pepper hair, who talked so fast we thought he was on speed, and never answered questions. His co-professor was the perfect compliment. A Mormon, who with his long beard looked like a 100 year old Brigham Young, or a comatose Santa. And didn't talk, and never answered questions. For the final exam, I was ready. And the exam was, Describe in detail the three most important events in Christianity. For almost three blue books, my 18 month old Christian brain exploded, telling of the immaculate conception and birth, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. An A paper if there ever was one. But unfortunately that was not what they had taught, they wanted things like the birth of Mormonism, Constantine's divine revelation, and the Martin Luther story. And so I got a D! And the rest of us who were Christians did too, except for Florabelle's Pastor Sam, who did well. He gave them what they wanted, and although we questioned his doctrines-his denomination denied the deity of Jesus, he got an A because he had listened and followed directions.

Just like Nicodemus did with Jesus. when Jesus told him he must be born again, he questioned it. And then this powerful, both rich and religiously man, risked it all when he gave his life to Jesus, and became Born Again. He not only heard the directions, he followed them.

Are you a follower of Jesus? Or do you just go along with a denomination, or a family tradition? It is not enough to read and know what to do, but to do it. There is a difference in reading the instructions, and following them. From microwaves, to final exams, follow the directions. Your final exam will some day be, who do you say Jesus is? Only as a follower will you know for sure.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

wip wop-work in process, wating on parts

A good parts man is tough to beat. But a great one is hard to find. Notice I didn't say manager-they usually are more administrative in today's world, or counterman-they can be someone who knows his way around a computer, as has been my experience recently. No, a parts man. The guy who stays up on all the TSO's, reads the updates, and probably knows more about the repair of an item than the tech. He is the man who knows that you need new gaskets, o-rings, and bolts when replacing an updated water pump, and knows both the old and new numbers. He knows, and has been in contact with the factory, to correct them on a misprint or the latest mistake online, it used to be a microfiche, or before that the parts book. In my time I have known two such men, and both were so good that no one else was even close, including sometimes the parts book!

Earl Zook worked for Ford in the fifties, and into the seventies. The Ford store I worked at parts department ran around him. And it needed to, as Earl was the source for parts. The last and only dealer to not be on computer, they had Earl. And he could tell you not only the right part, but where it was, who to call to find it, and at the mention of his name, they shipped it. He was that good, but when he retired, Ford rushed in the next day with computers, and things got slower, and less personable without Earl. One of a kind, he knew his business.

My friend Richard is also the same type, except he worked for Mercedes Benz. He told me once that when he entered the business, he wanted to be the best, and he was. He studied, and more than once had been passed over for management because who would replace him? But I knew him as a parts manager also, and the world needs more Richards. I also worked at dealers without him, and he was also getting called, because no one knew Mercedes Benz like Richard. A tribute to my friend, the best there was.

But both these men had a similar driving instinct, but also didn't suffer idiots very well. Both were more than willing to help, I saw it many times, but expected you to learn. Not to keep up, but at least to remember. And when you didn't get it after two or three times, you were demoted when you called. You had become a time waster, and no longer welcome. They were happy to promote new Earls or Richards, teaching them the ways, and also the parts, but if you were just another flunkie too lazy to look it up, they knew it, and your calls weren't answered quickly-if at all. And interestingly, neither man thought they were unusual-just doing their jobs as they should be done. All others, I wish you would take note. Even to the point of when no one could find the part that the cards said was in stock, they would go to the shelf to show them where it was. How many parts departments would do that today?

It was more familiarization than memorization. Remember the difference. Some have knowledge, these guys had wisdom. And I think the difference shows. I know many men who know the Bible better than me. They have memory verses, have studied deeply, and even read many outside commentators on certain subjects. Talking with them is like a Bible talking to you. Yet there is something missing. Many know the Bible, but don't have the intimacy of knowing the person who wrote it. Knowledge not for application, but for knowing. I usually last as long as two classes under these types, as they have knowledge, but it is so impersonal they don't know how to apply it. Unlike my parts men example, who knew the applications intimately, these guys are little more than an education experiment on memory. And I want more from the Bible than that, and a lot more from God!

So I am leery when I am introduced to a Bible teacher. I rather see the evidence of his ministry application, than his degrees or recall. Why? It's not personal, and God is. Jesus calls us friends, not subjects. Not numbers. We have to get to know Him, not the other way around. And I want to be close to God, closer to the action. But it takes a commitment, a commitment of love. And the evidence is not found in diplomas, degrees, or titles. It is found in testimony. For Jesus tells us that without love, our words are just like a tinkling bell-noisy. No wonder some people duck when they see us coming. Or change the subject, or sadly avoid Christians all together. For they get it better than we do-we care more about us than them. And it shows.

That is why im Matthew 25 Jesus rebuked the church types. They had rebuked demons, and even prophesied in His name. But it wasn't personal, they didn't know Him. He was more impressed by those who showed His love by feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, visiting those in jail and sick, and welcoming strangers. He did all these things in love to us-and wants us to do it to others-IN HIS NAME. Not just a trendy salutation, but real words. So do it!

Ask the spirit to guide you when you read. Whether it is a verse, a chapter, or a book-pray before reading. And watch as you are given insight by the one who wrote the scriptures. Who knows what you need, where to find it, where it goes, and where to find it on the shelf. He is always available, and always in stock.

And just like a valued parts man, willing to show you how to find the answers you, or in their case parts you need. Reading more and getting less? Ask Jesus-before you read. Reading less, and getting more-thank the spirit. And think on the things that God shows you during the day.

A good parts man not only knows what a veeblefetzer is, but where it goes. A loving God knows who you are, what you need, and where you are going. Make it more personal, and watch your world change. And your relationship with God grow to a depth beyond recall. Be more than a part on the shelf-be the right part, in the right situation. Only in the spirit will you become what God desires for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

freedom from religion-only found in Jesus

Jack Nicholson explains freedom best to Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider. He explains in a few sentences that the red necked/short sided bigots aren't afraid of him, but what he represents. Dennis is too stoned to get it, and sadly the message has been lost on many over the years. Whereas many look at freedom as in a freedom from, you can also look at it as a freedom to. A freedom to be yourself, to express yourself, and a freedom to become all you can-or all you don't want to be. And like the sticker says, "Some have therapy, the rest of us have motorcycles."

But for some reason we fear freedom. For with it it brings a note of responsibility, and a note of respect with it. And what if you are freer than me? Meekness, the Bible calls it, is being in a position to do the right thing, but doing something better. Forgive, where you don't need too. Give when it is not expected. Acknowledge when it is easier than to ignore, and being obedient to God when the choice is up to you.

"Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty," scripture tells us. Not programs or policies, but walking in the spirit. Not the church, not the word, not legalism. No denominational barriers. Jesus. A few years back, Jamie Buckingham, then editor of Charisma magazine was healed of cancer by God. Confirmed by doctors, he was on a Christian program, who interviewed him, wanting to know what special prayer, what preacher, what service, or what church had healed him. His answer each time, was "all I know is Jesus." But yet, the interviewer became weary, and then suspicious, what no plan of attack? You mean you just prayed, and God healed you? YES!! Sad, but the unbeliever will take this man at his word, while the "church" type man looks for physical evidence. Surely God couldn't do this by Himself? Surely-he's wrong. Just Jesus? And I watched recently as a man asked about my ministry. He didn't get it that God meets my needs. He gave all the things he did priority in his effort to please God. But failed, if only he had asked God what God wanted. And he almost seemed jealous because in my simple obedience, God had blessed me more-at least according to him. To him, Christianity was "Jesus and..." you can add your own words. When Mr. Buckingham had it right the whole time, "all he knew was Jesus."

And just like Jack explained to Dennis, the world is afraid and hates something it cannot control. And religion is afraid of something it cannot control. Many say they profess Christ, but feel they have to add to it. Jesus and works. Jesus and penance. Jesus and 40 Days of Purpose. Jesus and something-but not Jesus by Himself. They need something to hang onto, when the Word plainly tells us we walk by faith, not by sight. Faith being trusting God, when sometimes there is no evidence of Him. Where your spirit bears witness to His. Personal, intimate, and done through an obedience of love.

Maybe that is why I love being on the road so much. When you are traveling, you are what you are right then and there. Just you, the bike, and the road. Meeting other bikers, it doesn't matter if you are a doctor, or being treated by one. Whether you have 83 months to go on your latest bike contract, or if you paid cash. Or what brand of bike you choose. No yesterdays are remembered by those you just encountered, just like no sin is remembered by a forgiving God. The common denominator, but not the equalizer is the road. Not equal, because although the road and opportunities may be, it is what we do with them, and where we let it take us, that makes us unequal. Just like God. Some choose to walk with Him, some just walk. Some live by rules, while we have morals. God looks at us in a perpetual right now, forever. We carry baggage, and sometimes insist upon unloading it on others. Freedom is not unloading your burden on others, but giving it to God. Who will deal with it for you. And give you a freedom that only He can give.

And to those who question your walk with Christ, you will appear careless. How can anybody not worry? Surely Jesus, or at least the church needs people like us to help? But the truth is, what appears careless, is really carefree. Burden free, having given it all over to God. No tethers attached, not bungeed to the bike where you can't see it. And not dumped off on someone subordinate.

That is the freedom Jack was talking of, he just didn't realize it was only found in Christ. And even when they tried to kill that freedom, by nailing it to a cross, it resurrected itself-as only God can do! But some still try to kill the spirit in us today. For they wish to think they know better than a loving God.

Trust God! If you want to freak out your pastor, tell him you trust God. When the bills are overdue, the doctor tells you the "C" word, when your spouse tells you she isn't in love with you anymore, trust God. But trust Him before the calamities occur. For life, like your ride, is a series of right nows put together to form your life. Right now, be right with God. And find the roads better, the food tastier, the fellowship better, and your spirit freer as you follow God.

Your life will say more about who God is in it than any words. Freedom in Christ, and from religion. Traveling through life enjoying any road you are on. That's freedom, a liberty only found in Christ. Be free today-and enjoy the ride of your life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

All I know is Jesus. Anything else is a burden.

the third man

It starts when you're a kid and hurt yourself. After twenty minutes of tears and looking for a mark your mother can't find, she tells you, "we'll put a band aid on it and you'll be fine." And you are, not questioning the healing power of the adhesive strip. Until it comes time to remove it, along with all the hair on your arm, causing more pain than the original boo-boo. And whether you know it or not, your whole life will be dictated by fixing things with a band aid.

When your first car is measured not in miles per gallon, but miles per quart of oil burned, we used to use the remedies found in the back of car magazines. My favorite, a man in a service station uniform, complete with hat and bow tie-sure made him look official, telling us by adding this special oil treatment, our worn out engine would run like new, and stop burning oil. We called him Mr. SBO-Stop Burning Oil. And the Granatelli's made a fortune of STP, and still do. And for awhile the blue clouds of smoke would subside, until the car stopped in the middle of nowhere, with friends you weren't allowed to hang out with, and well, you were already late, I think you get it. The band aid failed.

I see many on feeding tubes in hospitals when they are unable to eat food. This provides nourishment, but if asked, and able to answer, the number one thing they wish to eat is a Double Double from In-and -Out. Information per the nutrition therapy nurse. Why don't they use that in their advertising? Isn't that what a hamburger's all about? This tube feeding is like an internal band aid, and works, but nothing like a burger and fries to help mentally-not sure about the physical ramifications, but refer to the initial band aid your mom put on you, and hey-it works!

And sadly, many of us live our life on the life support of band aids. Hide the wound, I'll worry about the scar later. Struggling with the things of God? I know, I'll read through the Bible in a year. That will make me closer to God. But what after you miss a day or two, and fall behind? It only adds more pressure-nope, that ain't it. I'll go to church more often, that's it. Until something else more important, like a Padre game, or a ride comes along, at least God will forgive me. I know, I'll get up early and pray more. Start the day after tomorrow, I have a big night tonight. And finally, I'll only listen to KWVE in the car. Except tomorrow night, they have a Led Zeppelin marathon on. And so the list of band aid remedies goes on, and so does our problem.

The Bible tells us the Trinity is Father, Son, aka Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. NOT Father, Son, and more Bible time-not more prayer time, not more church , and not more KWVE. These things aren't wrong-but they are not the Trinity. For the third person of the Trinity is a person-the Holy Spirit. Who urged you to trust Jesus when unsaved, which comforts you when troubled, who leads you when you need guidance, and who in all things points you to Jesus, who always points you to His Father-Almighty God! God doesn't put a band aid on our problems to cover up the symptoms, He deals with the cause. And when you let the Spirit guide you, He will heal the problem. I tend to cut myself a lot, and put band aids on the cuts-"it's ok honey, yes, that's the bone, but it'll heal-just get me a band aid." My personal favorite-extra large and extra absorbent. And then when it gets red and infected, I go to the doctor. History if nothing else should remind me, go to doctor first, but when a band is available, well, the doc can wait.

God is patient-aren't you glad? But why go through a band aid temporary fix when we can call on the Spirit to guide us? To comfort us? To bring us to salvation? Didn't you know that you may hide the wound, but it will still leave a scar?

Trust God today. Walk in the spirit. He will encourage you to read your Bible, and get more out of it. You will want to listen to KWVE, and fellowship with others like you at church. And give you a comfort and a peace that only Jesus can offer, way beyond trying to understand why your car is still burning oil, or your finger is infected.

Which just may free you up to do more of the things you like to do. Like ride motorcycles. Or have that Double Double. Yes, the Holy Spirit likes to ride and eat too. So trust Him today.

Just think, all the blessings you missed because your mom put a band aid on it, instead of praying over it? When all you had to do was ask.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

unveiling events-July, 2010

Really I was just following orders. The bike that Triumph had given me to ride, a new 2011 Sprint GT, had not been released to dealers yet. They had only seen pictures of it, and Triumph riders had only been leaked details via spy shots on the Internet. And I had been told, "take it to Jesse, so he can load it onto the demo truck. Pick up a Street Triple R and then swap it for another GT." Even I could do that, I mean who wouldn't want to ride three brand new 2011 models in one day, after putting 1500 miles on the first GT?

So I pulled into NCY where about 100+ Triumph riders were getting ready for their turn on riding the demos. I had never met Jesse, but figured he would be easy to find. What I didn't expect was the reception. I pulled in on the blue GT, and parked by the trailer. And soon I was surrounded by the riders in wait, who recognized the new model, and wanted a first hand look. Some even asked to sit on it, but thankfully I declined their request. With about 30 riders surrounding me, and asking questions, I was a bit overwhelmed, but felt very cool having this unique bike-and I was riding it! But soon Jesse popped out of the crowd, and told me he needed to get the bike out of there. I helped him make his way through the crowd, and wheel it into the back of the building-away from everyone. He then explained that no one had seen the bike yet, and that other dealers had complained "why didn't they get to see it first?" So no one gets to see new bikes until they all do-together! And I had just broken that rule, unknowingly, and it was kinda fun to watch and also be part of.

It seems a while ago, certain dealers didn't like the fact that Triumph was using a dealer in So Cal to prep the Press Fleet. So Triumph sent them out to a private, non-Triumph shop, and well-let's just say that the love wasn't there that Mickey gives them now. Politics aside, he does a great job with the bikes, and also with the magazine editors. And it reflects in the road test reviews. Just read any recent articles-the press, and in turn riders love the new Triumphs!

Fortunately no one, including me got into trouble. I was just following orders, and now I ask before taking any bikes to the demo trucks. And in fact, the local dealers in So Cal have gotten to know me, as I stop by and let them look at the new models before they have them. At the dame dealer a few years ago, I had a new Tiger, which was not being released for a few months. I stopped in and asked the sales manger if he had any info on it. He told me the bike was too new, and he hadn't seen one. When I asked, "would you like to see one?" his eyes lit up, and soon the whole store was out looking. They had gotten a private show, a pre-release show, and felt honored. They still refer me to the guy who brought the Tiger by that day.

We all like a glimpse of new models, or of what's going to happen in the future. People pay millions for fortune tellers, and horoscope readings. Only to be disappointed when they events don't happen. And whine about the money it cost them. Jesus tells us about the future, and based on his past, we should all listen. The Bible is only 100% accurate when it comes to prophecy, so why don't we seek Him first like we are told? When He foretells of coming world events, like the increase in floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other so-called natural disasters, why don't we listen? And yet as the experts mumble some nonsense far from the truth, we listen to them. I just don't get it. Why aren't we excited like the men who saw the new GT, and recognized it even though they had never seen one before? Why can't we be more like the sales manager who jumped at the chance to see what he had only heard about?

FAITH. Believing the evidence of things not seen. Or trusting God when their is no evidence of Him. But when there is, we still don't? Why? I can get theological, but the answer is we don't listen. The signs are there, the messages, some are over 3000 years old. We had over 300 prophecies fulfilled by Jesus alone, wouldn't that be like road testing a new bike for a million miles?

Again, it takes faith, to please God. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We trust God because He is trustworthy. And everything He says will happen, in His timing. So be patient, for His next step is calling out His church from the earth-the rapture. And since He wants you to be rescued, He wants you saved, and is patient waiting for you to say yes to Him! He takes no joy in the death of anyone-even the sinner! Now that's love.

Jesus may be as new to you as a new model to old riders. But it takes trust, and you cannot trust someone you don't know. The rapture predicted is real. It will happen. The question is will you accept Him now while there is still time? What if what He says is true?

Now it's easy. Don't wait and find out the hard way. New models may come and go, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Forever is along time-make sure you spend it with Him, in Heaven.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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"do this in remembrance of me"

It was my first Torches Across America ride in 2005. And after the tremendous reception in Fairborn, Ohio, it was time for me to get a sinus infection. I don't do cigarette smoke well, and since then, almost all states have outlawed smoking in restaurants, but back then they hadn't, and my sinuses were a wreck from smoke. And I was pretty sick.

But first, the ceremony at Nutter Field house at Wright Patterson AFB was incredible. Good food, a great reception, and true patriots out with many police and other first responders, being honored, and honoring those who gave all on 9-11-2001. I can still see and hear the bagpipe player marching off into the horizon playing Amazing Grace until both faded out altogether. Men and women, with many families from the base and the town out to honor them. And the bikers who were on the ride to honor them also. Not to bring attention to ourselves, but to point to the men and women of 9-1, and to honor those in their families left behind. Tired and sick, after turning in early, I was easily coerced into going to an urgent care the next morning, that Nancy Knauer, Les' wife took us too.

We got there just before it opened, and two firefighters were already ahead of us. We got to talking, and they recognized us from last night. We talked, and visited, and when they said next, I pointed to them saying "go ahead, you're up." But I was truly humbled when they both insisted I go first. "Thank you," they said, "for what you are doing." And at first was embarrassed, because we were just on a ride. But after realizing how much being remembered and honored meant to them, I couldn't say no, and went in. These two men were not seeking recognition, but were glad someone said thanks, publicly. And with tears in my eyes, I humbly shook both their hands, and then saw the doctor. I don't know their names, but I still take time to pray for them, and to thank God for their humility. A lesson I still carry. And I left Fairborn being proud of the fact I was an American, and a biker. But also a Christian, and for being born in a land that God shed His grace upon.

May is National Motorcycle Recognition Month. "LOOK TWICE-AND TAKE NOTE OF MOTORCYCLES" the signs say, and we say thanks for looking out for us. Motorcycling for many is more than cheap transportation, and is a way of life-a life of freedom and the open road. And we are thankful for the recognition, and as always-please look out for us. And we hope that many of you check us out. maybe even learn to ride, but get out and meet us. I have always said if you need help, call a biker, and with so many rallies, and fund raisers put on by bikers, you non-riders are welcome to come check us out. Long hair, leathers, loud exhausts, and all-we love to ride, and would love to tell you about the freedom found in it. Ladies, bring your husbands or boyfriends. For many women ride, like my wife, and would love to tell you how much fun it is, and how it will enrich your life and marriage when you ride with your best friend. But for the rest of you in cages-aka cars, please hang up your cell, and look out for us. I am visiting too many bikers lately who have been in accidents caused by cars-we have families too, and plans for the future.

In many ways, we are a witness of a lifestyle, and of a way of life. We don't go riding to be out witnessing, but the ride is a witness about us. And for those of us who are Christians, or are called by that name, we need to remember that. You are not called to go out witnessing, but to be a witness. And to be ready in all situations. If you have told people you are a Christian, they expect you to act like one. Or more precisely, to react like one. Self control, perhaps the most difficult fruit of the spirit for me, makes me turn it all over to God. For in my times of trial, I wish to reveal Jesus to others. So how we react, can be more important than our actions. Just like the two firemen reacted to me, and let me go first, honor others with God's love. Treat others as if they are greater than you, even when all parties know they aren't. Show respect, courtesy, and honor. These things work well in the world of bikers, they should also in the church.

Let the fruit of the spirit be what you leave with others. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness, long suffering, and self control. No laws against any of them, they should be written on your heart. Be a true and living witness of Jesus Christ. Many are searching for Him, but sadly His fan club, us , has let them down. Today make this the first day you recognize others as Jesus did-in love. Allow someone to go ahead of you in line. Don't flip off, or out when someone cuts you off. Be patient with those of us not as great as you. And forgive those who have hurt you. Just like Jesus forgave you.

For the 31 days of May, motorcycles will be more recognized than ever. Don't stop there. And start letting your life be a witness, and let Jesus change your heart. Thanks from those of us who ride, and a he artful apology from those of us who may offended you. I pray my life is a testimony to Jesus, and only when needed will I use words. So don't brag to me what a great Christian you are-show me! And others!

True servants, like the firemen in Fairborn, don't care who they help. Or when, or how. They do it from a sense of duty. A duty of love. They see a need and answer it. Jesus said that whoever does these things to the least of us, does it to Him. Have you been nice to Jesus lately? Isn't it time you are?

Look out for bikers! You shouldn't have to look out for Christians!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

torchesacrossamerica.com

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