judging a country by the grain of its people

How my dad ever got this book, Ford at Fifty, I don't know since he was never what you would call a car guy, or a Ford man. But I'm glad he did. In 1953, for their 50th anniversary Ford published this book, and it is an amazing look into America, its people, its past, and its future-from Ford's perspective. Concentrating on people, and how the Ford automobile has affected their lives, it showed hope for the future of the US of A. A hope we could all use today. Some excerpts-

Russ Bengel owns a manufacturing plant that supplies parts for new Fords. He brags that on a recent shipment of 6 million precision machined parts, the standard was 60,000 rejects, or 1%. He was proud of they actually found only 1300! And of 341,000 water pumps produced, only 36 rejects. That's 2/1000ths of a percent. American manufacturing at its best! And as ex-mayor of Jackson, he never gave a speech to run, he learned to make decisions by keeping his mouth shut-from his dad. To judge men by their character. His dad was a lumber buyer, and learned to judge lumber by its grain, and to judge men the same way, and has used it to find the best men for the right jobs.

Ben Johnson is profiled after 28 years with Ford. He plans to spend his retirement with his wife and grandson fishing, and eating picnic lunches. With his retirement checks each month, including Social Security, he takes home $145.10 per month. A far cry from when he started at 61 1/2 cents per hour, finishing at $2.001/2! Owns his own duplex too.

We also see how the local Ford dealership, Burton and White Motors of Sacramento were important to the community. Not only employing 84, up from 31 in 1946, the owners sponsor a Junior American League baseball team, and the owners are business and community minded-directors of the YMCA, the Red Cross, the Retail Merchants and the Retail Credit Associations.

This is the America I grew up in. It had a hope and a future, as promised by Jeremiah-if you sought God with all your heart. It was a sterling example of how God shed His grace on a country and its people, just like the words of the song declare. Of how when a country turns to God, He will prosper them. And using the example of Israel, He declares that whoever is Israel's friend He will protect, but whoever is her enemy, He will turn His back on. Today, at least on paper, we are the only ally Israel has. But sadly our actions and our attitudes tell a different story. And like the scripture says, unless we turn from our wicked ways, we shall perish. God wants to heal our land, to prosper us again, will you let Him heal your heart, and your land? It is personal, like the Ford stories, and begins one on one with Jesus. Will you turn to Jesus today while we can still look ahead? Before we can only look back?

Henry Ford once said "it is a poor business that makes only money." Russ Benton's dad judged men by their grain-their character. While we look on the outer man, God looks on the heart. Which scares me-for our hearts are so wicked we have become a country that worships more money, and will do anything for a dollar. Where men's character is compromised, until they get caught. But Jesus seeks to save that was lost. US!

Don't believe the ads that say "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." For God sees all, and we will have a day of accounting someday. Look around, it may be happening now! Trust God. If character is how we act when no one is looking, I shudder to think what God sees. But His love is true. And without qualification.

Be a person of character today. Trust God, and let Him lead your life. From womb to tomb, He loves you. Jesus taught in the temple, but ministered on the street. You do the same. Get out and into the community, be people of character while you still can. Let others see your light shine. The old Ford ad told us "there is a Ford in your future." Make sure that Jesus is in yours. Today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the presence of cool

For me, it is that special moment in Bullitt, when the Charger driver looks into his rear view mirror and sees the Mustang. At that point he goes from the hunter to the hunted, and the chase begins. With no dialogue, and limited music-just the sound of the Mustang is music enough, we get to see how a star's presence makes the scene-without saying a word. Just like Duke Wayne entering a bar, and being outnumbered 10 to 1, you know 10 won't be enough to beat him. When Bogie's facial expressions say more to Ilsa in Casablanca than any words, you are sensing a presence beyond words. Watch Marilyn, she didn't need words, her sexiness exploded on and through the screen. Great personalities, great actors, and a greater screen presence. And Steve McQueen playing Det. Frank Bullitt proves it throughout the movie. You can't imitate cool. Can't teach it, imitate it, or fake it. Cool is a presence that must be-from deep inside the person. And can't be described.

Christians have cool about them too, or should. It is called the Holy Spirit, and is in each one of us who is saved. A presence, that without words, should tell the world we are different. That we belong to Jesus, and it should beg others to ask us what is different about us? And how can they get it. But many choose-it is our choice, to neglect the spirit, to try to live without it. They forget it was the Holy Spirit that pointed us to Jesus, reminding us of His love for us first. It was the Spirit that comforts us, prays for and with us, and never leaves or forsakes us. It gives us wisdom, words, and even insight when we need it. And it always points to Jesus, who always points us to the Father-God. A presence way beyond description-He is the person of love!

The spirit has come upon us, but we need to yield to it, trust it to have it be in us. Trust- the word that keeps us from a fuller relationship with God, for trust allows us to obey God, and not question Him. Trust allows us to follow God even when there is no evidence of Him. And to know that whatever happens, it will turn out for our benefit. That 's love-that's God! That's the Holy Spirit!

So worship Him in spirit-with your life. A prayer partner when alone, a comforter when not sure, and guidance when in the valley of the shadow of death. He is the table set before your enemies, and the joy that overflows from your cup in life. While we may still love, but not be in love, He is love. Unconditional. We may have happiness, but He is joy in the situations we rather not endure. And He is peace when all hell is breaking out around you. The Holy Spirit-do you trust Him?

Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. A presence that is cool like Steve. In command like the Duke. Concerned but not worrying like Bogie, and can create desire far more than Marilyn. Is this presence in your life? Or are you to busy studying to be approved? Not a bad thing, but did you realize that without the Spirit the mysteries of God are not revealed? Remember before Christ how you didn't understand the Bible, but now you are getting it? That's the spirit! Don't you understand your actions are futile without Him?

Ask God today to fill you with His spirit. Trust Him like you never have before. And see how cool Jesus really is. Cool enough to fill any situation without overtaking it. Cool enough to change water to wine. Cool enough to heal the sick and give sight to the blind. Cool enough to die on the cross for us. Yet cool enough to call us friend. WOW!

Just a chase scene in Bullitt? Tell me then, is it about the cars or the guys driving them?

Hint-it's all about Jesus! Now that's cool, too cool for even words! Gentlemen-start your engines!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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while praying is your voice the only one you hear?

Last month I met a man for lunch whom I have known, but never gotten together with. While talking over burgers, he told me about a book he was reading to increase his prayer life. So I asked, "what book did you read so you could talk to me?" The puzzled look that followed confirmed the answer that he hadn't read one, and didn't need to. Didn't even think he might need one. Maybe even made him think, maybe I should have. So I asked, "then why do you need one to tell you how to talk to God?" You see, as personal as God wants to be with us, we fall back into worldly ways, or incorrect teachings from the pulpit, or legalistic advice that keeps us from God, and miss blessings from not allowing God to make it more personal and intimate. Are we so far from God we must take classes on how to talk to Him?

Imagine if you would, a person who calls every night at the same time. He goes on to tell you all his problems, whining and complaining, and then asks for your advice. As you get ready to answer him, he has to go-his favorite show is on, he has to get up early, etc... And hangs up before you can answer. And the process is repeated night after night. Sadly this resembles most peoples prayer life. Complaining to God, then asking for help, but NOT waiting for the answer. And then they wonder why God never answers their prayer.

Prayer has been defined as communication between God and man. I can go with that, but to many it is a monologue, they speak. God is supposed to listen, and it ends there. But true prayer is a dialogue, a two way conversation. One talks, the other listens. Then he responds, and the other listens. Spontaneous, not in five minute increments. I have heard pastors say talk to God for a few minutes, then listen. For five minutes. Would you talk to a friend that way? Then why do you talk to God like that? "OK God, five minutes is up, your turn."

So it is apparent that good listening may be at least as important as good speaking. And God is always telling us something via His spirit-are you listening? A simple fact check tells us we have two ears, but only one mouth. Should we listen twice as much? Is twice as much enough? Also you can control your mouth, but not your ears. Maybe, just maybe is God trying to tell you something?

Two years ago on the National Day of Prayer I met with others at the fountain at Escondido City Hall. We broke into groups, and were given a booklet of things to pray about. They asked me to lead a group, and when we got together we prayed differently than the others. We listened. For answers from God. As I explained that God already knows what we need, our situations, and our desires, it is us who need to wait on Him. To listen. So as we sat there quietly, you could tell by the few words spoken that our hearing was working. God was talking to us, better yet with us. We were having a personal dialogue with the Creator of the universe. And we all were blessed. And while others were still asking, we were receiving! We were listening to God! If it works in a crowd, imagine how it can work when alone!

God, please talk to us today. Give us ears to hear, just like Jesus said to the seven churches in Revelation. Help us to be more like you-patient, kind, and loving. Help us to desire that still, small voice that calls out to us. And while others ask, thank you for allowing us to receive.

Get to know God better by listening. Imagine how special you are to God that He would want to spend time with you. That's love. So listen. Just think, if it works with a loving God, what it can mean to others while listening to them? You may be able to minister to them more effectively. Why are you so sure God hears you when you don't listen for Him?Life isn't like Jeopardy, we don't have the answers, we have questions that need answers. Those that walk with God, and listen to Him in the Spirit, shall have the answers. The right answers.

Till the day you die, your hearing will be the last to go. God has so much to share with you, would you please shut up and listen? Might even change your phone habits at night. The line to God has no caller ID, He knows your name and voice. When praying, is your voice the only one you hear? True blessings come when you listen, know and recognize His.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

til death do we unite

I read an old Road Rider yesterday that had story in it about Julius Kagel. Julius was a hard core motorcycle rider from Illinois, and was known within the touring community. The magazine was dated 1978, and he was a long time BMW rider. I even had the pleasure of meeting him once, when I lived back east, at the Marcus Dairy. The same one mentioned in those cool Kawasaki ads back in the early 80's. It was 1974, I had an R90S, and he came over and asked about it. He was about 80 at the time-an unbelievable age to a 21 year old at the time, and was dressed in his all black leathers-pants and jacket. He had probably at that point ridden more miles than I could ever dream of, and still rode all year round. His last major trip was touring Europe in 1973. Except when the storms of the Midwest prevented it, and then he studied maps and gathered information for his next trip that spring. He loved motorcycles, and he loved motorcycling. A true ambassador for the sport, and lifestyle. What a cool grandpa he must have been. And a much bigger influence on how and where I ride than I thought until I reread that article yesterday.

He loved to ride, loved the people, and loved the sport. As Christians we are told to be ambassadors of Christ. Says so right in the Bible. Which means we are to represent Christ. We are told that we should be known as Christians by our love, which should reflect God's love within us. We should love Jesus-He loved us first and died for us. But we often times have problem with His "fan" club. The religious types who are always willing to tell us how to live our lives, and give us more rules to do it. Personally, I rather trust God and walk in the spirit-and enjoy the freedom that God promises. It makes it easier to love God, and then I can love His people too. Even if it takes looking past their rules. But I also like being part of a strong church, one that is deeply rooted in the things of Christ, and being with others who wish to minister in the gospel. For it is only when in the spirit we can minister effectively, and it always goes back to Jesus. In the early church believers were part of what was called the Way, but then became known as Christians in Antioch-after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had come upon the church. A form of ridicule at first, those of us are blessed to be known by it, and after 2000 years still face ridicule from those who are within and without the church. Bet you didn't think motorcycling was such a religious experience?

So we carry on, trying to love as Jesus did. Until we die, and then meet Him face to face in heaven-eternally. Our eternal reward, and entering it with the love of Jesus in our lives. Doing the things we wish to be doing-walking in Christ. Julius' wish was to be able to ride until the day that he died. Which he did, while riding at age 86. A car, driven by a young man, hit him-killing him. Riding until the day he died. A man so wrapped in motorcycling, he literally died with his boots on-and while riding. May we all go to the presence of the Lord doing what we love.

Make Jesus the desire of your heart, and He will give you your desire. For me, Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles-it just don't get much better. And even though we acknowledge that the sport we love can be dangerous, we know that someday we will be in heaven-safe forever. Riding in the freedom that only Jesus can offer-and give.

Last time I looked, death was still at a 100% rate in everyone's life. A more assured thing than taxes. Make sure your final destination will be heaven. Become a Christian, then live like one. And enjoy life, and doing the things God allows you to do. So many roads, so many bikes, and such a short time. Thanks to God for all he does for us, and I am waiting for the day I meet Him face to face in heaven. And hopefully get to visit with Julius, who was also known for never missing church on Sunday-no matter where he was. Putting Jesus first, and then all these things shall be added unto you. Ride on-with Jesus! Till death do us unite!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

maybes-oh, the problems we have sometimes

When Mickey called yesterday saying he had a Sprint GT for me to ride, it worked out well because I was going to Chino to visit Stacy's dad in the hospital. Keep him in prayer, thanks. Stopping first at his shop to swap bikes, Ray was there, and so were a few bikes that Mick's father-in-law had just given to him. So Ray and I looked them over and compared memories. One was a CB750 with a build date of 1/70, the other an older Laverda 750 twin, and the other other a 1978 CBX-the six cylinder Honda made for a few years. #20 off the line, and a hand built test bike from Honda, as it had bags and a fairing-a model not available for another few years. Only 1157 miles on it, with some cleanup and tune it would be ready to ride. For only $15,000 it can be yours! A piece of history, fun to ride, but almost too nice to ride! Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!

But sitting in the middle of the shop, the only one in the States, was a new 2012 Speed Triple R-drop dead gorgeous. With the latest Ohlins suspension, and all the goodies, it was sent over for the IMS bike show next month-air freighted to Mick to prep. And next month I will have one to put miles on. And for less than $15,000, I can have one when they are available. Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!

But the bike I am riding is a Sprint GT, a sport tourer. With the same features as the CBX-only 34 years later. The same type bike-but so different at the same time. The CBX has 6 cylinders, the GT 3. And in over 30 years has fuel injection, ABS, much better brakes, 50 more horsepower, and is better in almost every way. For less money, about $13,000. Better bags, better seat, better mpg, better handling, and a warranty. So why is the older bike still so attractive? Maybe it is the history of it, maybe it takes me back to a time when it was new, and out of my reach at $3995. Maybe it brings back other memories, or reminds me of its competition, my GS1000e in my garage. Or maybe it is all-or none of the above. But with so many roads yet to ride, and so many bikes to ride, too-I feel blessed to take off on this 2011 model and bring it back for another in 1000 miles. Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!

"2000 years and He ain't come yet. What's His holdup? You people are flaky, waiting for Jesus to come back. He said the last days, and it's been 2000 years. Leave me alone-and quit bothering me." Ever been told that when trying to show love or the gospel to someone? Why would they want to buy into a 2000 year old promise, when the world promises then instant gratification today? Plenty of new religion, why would I want that old, outdated Jesus stuff? Tough questions to answer. So-why did you choose Jesus, that "old" stuff when so much "new" stuff was available?

Perhaps it is because Jesus is the only way. You tried others. All other religion promises what only He could deliver. Maybe it was because only He met the need in your heart. Maybe you didn't want to trade down to a denomination and all its rules. Maybe the freedom you wanted could only be supplied by Him. Maybe, just maybe you didn't want to have to trade up any more, but find a God who would supply all your needs-and give you eternal life, too. Maybe, the spirit told you-"Jesus is the way." And He came down to meet you, where you are, how you are, and loved you as you were. Maybe you could see the future in Him where there was only the past with anything else. Maybe...it was personal...

Maybe because after 2000 years He is just as alive today as He was then. Still keeping His promises, and still changing lives. Not a museum piece, but offering peace. Not a serial number, but a name, above all other names. A person, not a thing. More than a statue on the dashboard of your car. He is Someone-not something.

As I looked at the older bikes yesterday, my mind also went back. For some were out of reach when new to me. But Jesus was never out of reach. He already paid the price, my tickets and entrance to heaven was waiting at the will call window-for me, and for you. If you haven't met this Jesus, don't wait any further. Try Him out today. Fresh and new, but also old and tested. Not a retro model, or an improved model through the years-God got it right the first time. An original, and He wants you! What do you have that is so valuable you won't let Him into your life?

The way, the truth, and the life. That's Jesus. Oh, maybe we don't have such tough problems after all. Old and new-you can have it all in Jesus.

Now-I wonder where He will take me riding today?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the older I get, the faster I was

If you haven't seen the movie "World's Fastest Indian," I highly recommend it. More than a story of motorcycles, it is about Burt Munro, who just happens to ride the world's fastest Indian. And based on fact, he really did, as the time slips and news articles of the day say. There is even enough legend within to make it even more believable. A good time for all-based on truth-still the best time of all. And the fastest.

When I visit the Orange County Vintage Bike meets the second Sunday of each month, there are still remnants of a generation before me, who I shall refer to as Pre Honda. They rode in the 50's, before time clocks, bike magazines, and factory prepped bikes. Their speeds were based on what a wildly optimistic speedo would show, or what the local cop who chased them clocked them at. They were fast for their time, and maybe even showed more courage based on the equipment they rode. But within another decade they will be gone-moved into eternity to race again-at a much different level. With very little to back up their exploits on earth. But the legend lives on.

I tend to be part of the Pre Post Brit Bike generation. PPBB. During the 60's when meeting the nicest people on Hondas, many bike magazines were published, and real road tests were done. Stop watches on bikes raced in alleys, paced off to be about a 1/4 mile long, then even onto real drag strips sometimes-all verified in print, and legitimized by those of us who were there. A time of dreamy ads, and even more legends were created. Imagine if you would, a road test for a Sportster, all 1000cc's of it, being told "it will put hair on your chest, and if you already have hair there, it will part it!" A huge boast for those of us not shaving yet, and the sign of a true man when I was growing up. WOW-and the dream of riding one someday was planted. 40 years later they are just as fast, except anything bigger than 500cc's is faster-much faster! Fast enough to take the hair off your chest! But as we look back we see how legends can be a bit strained-750 Hondas were really no faster then the BMW R75, or stopped any better despite the front disc-and were no faster then my Bonneville today. No 350 Honda ever beat a Mach III, and no Water Buffalo ever outran a Z-1. But yet the legends remain, but thankfully so do the facts. And within another 20 years, as those of us who rode then will be gone, the facts will have to stand on their own. Add legend as needed...

Leaving the Post Brit Bike generation, PBB, to carry on for us. And so it goes...

"How can you believe that old book? The Bible is so old, and there are so many incorrect things in it..." they say, but when asked about them, they don't know-they haven't read it. Mainly because they don't exist. So when an old friend, Bill Evans and I met while at Coke, we got to be good friends, and although he was a Jehovah Witness, he had Bible questions. And one of his arguments was about the validity of the Bible, only theirs was true. It's not-and not even close. Changing a few words to deny Christ-that makes them a cult. But I told Him once, that God wasn't stupid, and would not let His Word be misinterpreted. He would not trust men with His eternal word-His spirit was always there. A fact which stuck with him, for when we went back to Durango after moving to Escondido, we visited-he had seen us on the 700 Club,and was still searching, as those who are lost do, and also as those who buy into legalism do too-studying, rather than trusting the spirit. But the fact that I told him God wasn't stupid had caused him to give up on the JW's, and was seeking the truth, I hope he found it. God's word will not return void!

Scripture was contemporary enough that when it was written society would have denied its validity at the time. Too many were still around who were there when Jesus walked the earth. if it wasn't true, they would have said. But for some 3000+ years, prophecies, and the word of god have stood the test-they are truth because they are true-always have been, and always will be! Would you expect anything less from an all knowing, ever present God, eternal and loving God? Would you put your life into the hands of anyone else?

Generations will come and go-sometimes not realizing what they have left behind. But God's word-the Bible is an eternal gift-one that never goes out of style, and never has lost its meaning. Eternally contemporary, and unlike my fellow bikers, will live forever. Trust its words today-seek Jesus, and trust Him. Today is the day of salvation-maybe yours! Let the angels sing in heaven about you!

There are still some old bikers left who rode that Sportster. The legend lives on-if only in our fertile minds. But if you happen to run into one who has hair on his chest, parted in the middle-stand closer when he talks. He is the stuff legends are made of. And when someone shares the love of Christ with you, stand even closer. A living god is better than a dead legend. God isn't stupid-don't you be either. Stupid hurts. Only Jesus saves.

Ride safe. So many roads, so many stories, and so little time.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

brother, can you help a vet?

The Kennedy's were known for playing touch football games in their younger, pre-political days. And one of the rules was, you play by their rules. One time when challenged on this point, and asked "who said they were your rules?" they responded, "because it's our ball. And if you don't like it we'll take it home." And when backed up by Barney Fife's first rule in the Mayberry jail, "first rule is obey all rules," it kinda makes sense. In a 1960's way. At least in a Kennedy way.

I have been blessed over the past few years to be involved in numerous Veterans events. From Torches Across America, to meeting vets at various biker rallies, to meeting them on the street, I always try to thank them and honor them for their service. I was 364 of 365 in the last lottery-no way I was getting drafted! But my heart still goes out to those who have served, and whose families served along with them.

A common theme when I am able to minister is that Jesus and veterans go hand in hand. I may not know about their personal walk with God, but I have never been refused a chance to pray with them, and they are the first to take off their hats and bow their heads when we do. alone or in a crowd-it doesn't matter. Being patriotic to them goes far beyond name, rank, and serial number-it extends to a personal level, based on being a citizen of the US of A, and also a brotherhood that unless you have served you don't get-and wouldn't if explained to you. I can bear witness to that. I don't get it, but love to watch it in action. And while so many served faithfully, and have precious memories, many don't. They came back like my friend Frank-a beaten and drug addicted infantryman. Too much blood and death for a 19 year old to take, they could train him to fight, but not how to react later. And sadly many homeless, mentally ill, poverty stricken, and sick have been incarcerated or hospitalized-some for their own good. And sadly, left to be forgotten, until it is time to remember them for one day a year-to show them off for certain politicians, for personal gain-again at the expense of the Veteran. Give them a wreath to be recognized, when really they need love, and to be remembered.

A few years ago there was a run to get money for a veteran's cause. The ride was nationally advertised, and was to go nationwide, and the last leg from Paso Robles to San Marcos. It ended in San Marcos alright, but never was in Paso. The motel never even heard of it, and except for me, no other bikes were there-so I rode back home-a 750 mile day on my Bonneville. Ken please note-no windshield.

At the rally the next night, one of the organizers came up to me and wanted me to get involved. Seems my "connections" nationwide within the biking community made me a good potential source for revenue. He was shocked when I refused, simply put I told him a would not prostitute myself for money, and that if I did I would lose all respect from those who do know me-I am known as a giver rather than a taker. "But Mike, we might even be able to get you on Oprah, she is part of this!" So I did my Kennedy thing-thanked him, and got on my bike and left. Beware of those who appear to do good-at this level he had to pay staffs, fund raisers, and travelling expenses out of donations. And I wonder, how much really ever go to the needs of the vets?

Jesus tells us to feed those who hunger-ride through any park, they're there. Buy them a burger and share a meal with them. If thirsty, give them drink-not alcohol, but sit and share over a Coke. Naked-offer them a trip to Wal-Mart, and buy them some clothes. Did you know that one of the most desired items in Vet's homes are socks? Visit them in jails, and in hospitals. LISTEN to them. No one else does. They have stories to tell that will bless you, and them. And lastly-take them into your heart, as friends. You may be strangers when you first meet, but that person may also be a friend you had never met. Treat them with honor and respect, the best gospel they may ever see. For we were all strangers until we met Jesus, and He takes us all in-no matter who or what we have been.

Go to them-don't flake out and just invite them to church-go to them! Don't preach-just show love and respect! True ministry that comes from the heart.

And as for those who only fund raise-we need you too. But do it with the love of Jesus. Many give out of love-don't take advantage of them. For if you do you are fighting a battle with God that you will not win! He defends His own.

So a hearty thanks to all veterans, from all wars. Thanks for your sacrifice of service for all of us. And to my dad, SSgt. Jack L. Mohn, USAF, thanks for your service, patriotism, and your continued giving to your fellow vets. Only Jesus and the American soldier know the true price of freedom-add some love to it and share it with someone today.

Jesus and America-a country that truly God has shed His grace on thee....a price no one else could have paid. At the cross...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com