Alex is home at last

I first met Barney Li when working for Mercedes Benz. He previously had sold his company, Eagle One Products and was enjoying life. He and his wife were busy raising his family, he was taking more time to ride, and working on resurrecting the Vincent motorcycle. But his passion was motorcycles, and this was our common bond. Although he had a distrust of the automotive industry, many sins of mine for being involved in it were forgiven because I rode. And we loved to bench race. More than once he would call saying he was coming by, his CL500 was acting up again, only to spend 45 minutes telling me of his recent ride, and then saying he would deal with the car later. And although we both rode the US extensively, Barney saw America through a different set of eyes than I did, and do.

Barney's riding partners were fellow entrepreneurs and millionaires. He rode with Kyle Petty, Peter Fonda, and had spent a weekend riding at Kenny Roberts' ranch. He was used to going first class, and preferred Yamahas, he had once had a Yamaha franchise. So as where some of my friends would camp after a long day's ride, and I would be negotiating the last $5 off my room rate, he and his friends would be waiting for the support vehicle to show up with all their stuff, so they could go out to dinner,, and then back to their 5 star hotel. Different levels of living, but one level of road. Motorcycles being the common denominator. For money hadn't made him a motorcyclist, it just gave him more time and a higher level of doing it. Sadly he also died while doing what he loved best, in a single bike crash in Arizona on a road I had travelled just after his death, not knowing at the time he had died there.

You might say I was the different one in his riding circle. When I moved over to Land Rover, and his wife came in, she immediately called him. "Mike is at Land Rover, come on over." Which he did, with his newest custom bike in his truck. A Yamaha of course. And there went most of the morning-but that was Barney, and that was us. So when Elizabeth called to tell me of the accident, I was saddened. A friend had died, doing what he loved. With his friends. A sad end you might think, but how many would like to end life doing what they love? So I miss Barney and his stories. We went so many places together, but not with each other. We saw so much of America, but from a different perspective. My only regrets are we never rode together. Although we talked of it, the fact we didn't made the relationship even more special. And I wish I had taken advantage of the open invitation to see his motorcycle collection. I had an open invitation, but my old chapter, somehow they weren't interested. Their loss. With Barney, our common bond was be motorcycling-not a brand. We rode alone, but somehow together.

Yesterday my friend Alex went home to heaven. Age 93, he is now listed in the book of life in eternity. I knew him through our seniors Bible study, and even at this age, he was bright and alert. And active. And loved to talk of the common love we shared-Jesus Christ. "Mike, I just want to go see my Jesus," he would always say. He wanted to go to heaven so much, for he knew he would be with Jesus. And because Jesus was the center of his life, everything in his life was based on it. And the love of God showed through him.

I visited him in the hospital and nursing home almost everyday the last few weeks of his life. I would read his devotional, then we would pray, and sing. His last mini stroke took his voice and ability to swallow, but he showed more love with his smile than many do with words. I got to meet and pray with his kids, and what an honor it was to see them loving on him. What a legacy. But one last precious moment God gave us was giving him water on his parched throat and lips. Swabbing them gently, he could only have thick liquids, I tenderly gave him water. While I watched his dry absorb the water, he glowed at the humility of the moment. God reminding us of the living water that only He can provide. Only a loving God could show that. A personal and intimate moment with God. And I am thankful. That is how I will remember Alex.

So when I saw his bed empty yesterday, and the nurse said he wasn't there, I knew. "He's in heaven, isn't he?" I said. She smiled and nodded yes. The one thing Alex lived for was finally his. And I started to laugh between tears for my friend.

Do you have the same joy as Alex? Do you wish the things of heaven? It takes Jesus, the only way. Ask Him into your heart today. Be assured that His promises are faithful. And let me know so we can rejoice with the angels in heaven.

Soon, and very soon, we are going to meet the king. Heaven awaits, but we start the celebration today. Alex is home at last.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

just in time for Christmas-or any other day

When I was a kid, we were always impressed by how much things cost. And the higher the price, meant the cooler, or more impressive the deal or product. "Did you see Joey's new 10-speed he got for Christmas? His dad paid $55 for it! WOW!!" And suddenly my $39 Schwinn Typhoon was relegated to a lesser grade, or status. But not to my Dad who had just paid the $39. So when the time came for me to buy my first motorcycle, the rules had changed. Now it was, if I paid less for the same thing, I got the deal. "Did I tell you I only paid $825 for my CB350? Out the door!" And suddenly I was the winner due to the discounted price I paid. But the main difference was it was MY money now, so I had to shop around. And still do today, like so many others. We are always looking for the best deal, and then bragging about how "we" got it, as if we are the smartest negotiators west of the Rockies when it comes to buying a Happy Meal. Somehow those large fries for no extra cost taste better. "What's my price has gone from a joke, to really asking-"what is my price?" Supersized or not.

Having spent most of my careers in the automotive field, the first real eye opener was when I learned about the "bump book." Cleverly marketed and then utilized by the auto and cycle industries, it takes the parts, bumps up the prices above suggested retail, and the dealerships make more money, profit they call it. And when pressed, will give a discount, sometimes all the way down to suggested retail, with you never knowing what the real retail price ever was. And thinking you were getting a deal. Another thing I learned from selling cars, was the more you discounted the car, the more the customer thought you were ripping him off. And we all had a wise guy friend who after hearing what you paid told you he could have got you a better deal. Remember the days of throwing in a radio, or free floor mats? And you were left feeling like you were ripped off. You were stuck on the price, and not enjoying the moment of the new car. Thanks friend.

But the converse, which I offer no explanation for, is those that paid way too much. Who got no discounts, and actually liked their purchase. They got the car they wanted. They would tell all their friends, and would stop by with gifts, and to thank us for selling them their car. Maybe they are the ones who really got the best deal, for they didn't care so much about the price of the car as they did the enjoyment of having it. And realized that some things cost what they cost. Of course the exception to the rule was the guy with so much money he didn't care. Know anyone like that? So I have always tried to live my life based on a simple premise-a good deal is where both parties benefit. And over the years have paid too much, both when discounted, and when not discounted. I also learned that when you get a customer for price only, you lose him for the same reason. Someone will always go lower-just to make a sale. And I hear many times this Christmas season, do what it takes to make the sale. No reasonable offer refused. Still not sure what reasonable is, but have met many who aren't. So what I fall back on to be true is-whatever you paid for it is what it is worth. Stop whining, start enjoying, and let the ride begin.

Man had a similar problem with God. We sinned, and then started looking for the cheapest, or easiest way back. Sacrifices couldn't cut it, religion only added the burden of penance or some other self imposed, self righteous sacrifice, and so man walked further away from God. Laws and legalism. No way we could measure up. It was going to take a man who walked, talked, lived, and breathed among us to make up the gap. To pay the price. To make the sacrifice for all-and do it so simply that anyone could get it, and do it. And you think you've had a tough day at work? No one but Jesus could answer the ad for that job.

So God, who created us in His image, sent Himself, His son in the form of a man, to save us. A perfect savior, to take the pain and sin away, and reunite us with God. Simple, to the point, and incredibly done in love. No other way would cut it. A high price, with no discount. But also no bump book. No club prices, or good guy deals. No extended payments, and no Black Friday specials. No friend who would get you a deal. The price was high, but so was the product-us. Think about that next time you consider Jesus. The high price He paid was for us! Way too high if you consider what and who we are, and way too low when you consider what He got in return. But to God, the best deal He would ever make, and truly fit the definition of a good deal-both parties, God and us, benefitted! For love was the influencing factor-and how can you put a price on God's love? We could never afford it, so He had to make it free. No other way would work. It had to be Jesus.

"Buy for love, and sell for money" I have told many a bike trader. But always be fair. Like God is to us. Jesus Christ is the best deal you can ever make. He paid the price, and you get all the benefits. And eternal life starts now with Him, before you die! A covenant, with no expiration date, as opposed to a contract that specifies one. It is called the New Testament. I suggest reading it, and often, just to remind yourself of what a great deal you have. And to share it with others. Be the friend who tells them about the best deal they will ever get, and money never comes up. I may still look for a cheaper price on bike parts, but I will never scrimp when it comes to Jesus. For no matter the cost, I could never afford the price He paid. The first and original Christmas deal.

Makes me wonder what that old Schwinn is worth today. Sometimes you don't pay too much, you just pay too soon. Jesus is what it took to make the deal. A perfect deal at a perfect time. Merry Christmas!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

things that make us purr

I heard a cat's purring described once as whatever is going on right now I don't want it to stop. Every morning as I sit down to write, Mr. Man, Andrew's cat, comes and sits on my lap. As I rub his chin, and his eyes roll back in his head, the motor starts running, the feet start pumping, and he sits here in bliss-until he almost falls off. Purring at full throttle! This will go on for a few minutes, then just as suddenly he will jump off and run. His whatever is happening right now purr is fulfilled, and it is off to other activities such as food, and then going out to check on the night's events. But the purring sometimes is so loud you wonder if anyone can be that satisfied. And he is only a cat. I wonder about myself sometimes, and what makes me purr. Do other people here it? Can I hear them purring? So here are some things that at least get my motor running-purring as the purist would say.

I am blessed to ride bikes for Triumph's press fleet. I picked up my 22nd new bike this year, a Tiger 800 XC. For the 22nd time this year, I will ride a bike with zero miles, and take it back to get another. New bikes. And for me the excitement of riding a new bike out of the shop is still as much fun as the first one was years ago. Spoiled and blessed by God, who knows my passion my motorcycles, and gives me more than I could have ever thought to ask for. You're right-it isn't fair. But God's love is, take it up with Him.

Travelling with my wife makes both of us purr. Riding and touring is fun and in our blood, but it is not complete unless you ride with your best friend. God knows this and has given me Theresa. For 30 days this year, 8800 miles, and 21 states, and over 6000 pictures she has taken, we purred along through high heat, wind, and rain. Together. And even without the ride, just having her as my wife causes me to purr. Again, more than I could ever ask for or imagine God has given. I hope you can make your wife purr, too.

Both my sons cause me to purr, more than they would imagine. For it is not in their accomplishments I purr. Or in their times of joy. It is in the times that I remember they are my sons, and no matter what trouble they may be in-I love them, and I am proud of them. Years ago when Andrew was in trouble, a well meaning but off base man asked me if I wanted to strangle him for the trouble he was in. NO-I wanted to hug him and let him know how much I loved him. Love isn't based on situations, but relationships. Mine is based on Jesus, how could I help but love the sons He has given me. That noise you hear now is a gentle purr when I remember it. And we can all use more hugs from Jesus than rules from religion.

I start to purr when I think of the church God has let us be part of. We have grown so much this year, and in ways I can't imagine. There is nothing that can replace Jesus in your heart-even in tough times this year, I still purr when I think of Him.

My friend Alex, 93 going on eternity makes me purr. He just wants to be with Jesus. And as I visited him his lips were dry, and I swabbed them with water, giving him a little on his tongue, as he can't swallow. The joy on his face was like a loud purr-and I was reminded of the living water Jesus offers. His firm grip on my hand said thanks no words could offer. How I wish to drink that water, to have it in person, just like Alex will soon. Such a simple thing as water to his lips reminded me of that. It was much more to Alex.

Stu makes me purr as we ride together. He also makes Clemenza bark when she hears his Wing pull up. Purring to her. I don't have many friends, so having one who loves the Lord, and rides is a blessing. We all should be so blessed.

My friend Dooley blesses me from jail. Serving job under circumstances I could never survive in, his letters make me purr. Touching the heart of a fellow prisoners speaks highly of Jesus ministering to those imprisoned-without hope. And if this encourages a guard who reads this, come to Jesus. Let's purr together.

A loud purr for all of those who serve God. For our pastors who have given up so much, and get so little back. To those I ride with, my purr is louder than your exhaust! To those I minister with, what a blessing to purr with you. As times get shorter, there is much to do. Incredibly God has called us to be part of it. That should make us purr., I am sure it does Him.

God has blessed me with great parents. As they get older, it is tougher raising them, and I fall back on a statement my father once told me. "You will always be my son, and I will always be your father." How many of us can rest in that? But it is my mother who makes me purr even more.

I guess it is the things closest to my heart that makes me purr. Not so much based on situations, but based on Jesus in my life. He makes me the person I am, and has shown me so much love and mercy, that I don't know how we could ever make it without His grace. So I will go on being thankful for it.

Although the calendar says 16 days until Christmas-15 more for those with money, let this be my Christmas card to you. Remember the babe in a a manger, sent from a loving God. Pure, holy, meek and mild. God's pure light! What a proud papa He must have been that night! All heaven rejoiced-an eternal purr based on love. Just like when we come to Christ ourselves-being Born Again. That should make us purr today. His eternal love. So wherever you are, take the time to wish someone a Merry Christmas. Open you house, your purse, and your heart. Be part of the celebration that God shared that night. Joy to the world! A savior is born! And don't stop after Christmas. Rejoice in Him every day! Soon and very soon we will be going to see the king! Longing to hear the words "well done my good and faithful servant."

Let the purring begin!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

life in death

You don't have to go very far anymore to have someone tell you how to live your life. From Oprah, to Gandhi, to Sesame Street, to various blogs, to the rude woman in front of you at the grocery store on her cell reading the National Inquirer, everyone has advice on how you should handle your own life. Problem is, so many times this is all based on theory, and incorrectly passed down from someone who previously may have been guessing also. "I hear this works," is often heard from them. Fortunately never tried. We are all guilty of it, and when you find a system that works, how refreshing it can be. But does it work 100% of the time for 100% of the people?

When Stu was on his 3 1/2 month odyssey, we kept in touch. I was able to send him on some awesome roads, and he took the time to explore and expand them even more. I had been there, so I wasn't basing it upon glossy pictures from the chamber of commerce, or someone else's favorite road article. And since we both like the same type of roads, I knew my advice would be sound. And it was, and when he returned we had more fun comparing trip notes. It is always more fun when you share with someone who has been there. Who has seen the scenery, eaten the food, smelled the forests, and ridden the road. But so often we settle for second best-opinions.

"Have you ridden 55 in West Virginia?" "No, but I 've ridden the interstate by it." "Have you taken old 219 or the new by pass?" "I didn't know there was a difference" tells me you took the wrong one. And this is just roads to travel. How about food, places to stay, places to visit? How about which bike shops to stop at? And when in doubt, stick with national chains, familiar names-just to be safe. Web sites like Tripadvisor.com only reflect input from people who have been there. It tells highs-"I loved it," or lows, "the clerk was rude to me." Only from extreme experiences do they offer an opinion. Which makes it sometimes hard to make a decision based on the input. It takes a person who has been there-or better yet lived or lives there. Who is more than a fellow traveler like us to give us correct insight. Opinions may be like Hondas, as the old saying goes, I have been let down by both.

So when it comes to questions of how to live your life, who do you trust? Do you trust truths, or do you seek THE truth? There is a difference. And life can be too short to keep opening doors and finding the tiger instead of the lady. You need someone who was there, is there, and will be there in the future. Who tells the truth-and that man is Jesus.

Who not only can advise on life, but has the ability to bring death to life. No one else can. You see, He was there at the beginning. He was resurrected, leaving behind an empty tomb. And He continues to sit at the right hand of God today-and forever. So ask a native resident of heaven about how to get there. It is only through Jesus you will escape hell.

Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, or mind imagined the things of heaven. No one can be creative enough to define perfection except for one who is. And no one is good enough to make it on their own merits. Did you ever get an 89 on a test-a B+, almost an A but not quite. Be glad God doesn't mark us on what we do. And we could never be so good as to attain the grade it takes to get into heaven, so Jesus took the test for us-and passed-100%! Can your religious beliefs guarantee the same?

So look to the one who is trustworthy. And trust Him. Trust God! Life is temporary, afterlife is eternal. Where you spend it is your choice. Choose Jesus. Let Him guide you to heaven. And bless you along way while still here on earth. Many roads promise you the way, only Jesus is THE way. Many roads, with only one destination. One set of directions.

So trust God to give you life in death. And also life in life. Abundantly, He says. And He gives, not charges for it. Need a Bible, I can get you one for free. Try that one at Barnes and Noble! Jesus-a gift from God to a lost world. Who could never place a value on Him, so He offers Him to us free. And offers us eternity-the best value ever!

Heaven-learn from someone who lives there. Now you were saying...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the road you're on

I'm not sure why, but I have always been a light packer. When I moved west from Jersey in 1975, I was on my R90S, and moved to Albuquerque with only a tank bag. Which was still a novelty at the time. Very European. For most still tied their old Boy Scout knapsack on the back, and that was how we toured. Panniers-baggers as we call them today, were a rare sight, but then so were touring riders like myself. Our brotherhood was small, but close, and we would compare notes about food, roads, and places to see and stay when we would meet on the road. Where we were from never seemed to be as important as where we were going. How far or how long was not important-the road was the destination. And the excitement of the unknown was ever present. Which to me only made it more inviting.

Until I had left home, my longest trip had been to Florida on I-95, not exactly the way to see the world. Unless you were a snowbird escaping NY City's lovely winters for the curse of sunshine and warmth. But it was heading west from Gainesville that I started on roads that I had no idea where they would lead, and started a true adventure that today still takes place in my heart. Riding into the sunset, then some more. And I still take the long way home rather than the shortest. I still ride the back roads whenever I can instead of the freeways. I still eat at Mom's, and prefer small towns. I still stop for other bikers along the road, and I still visit shops along the way. I have made more friends over a Coke in 5 minutes just because I took the time to stop-and visit. There is a certain code of the road, not written, and not expressible. But when two riders meet we don't have to explain it. Better than words, it is in the heart. And 40 years ago I never thought I would be still doing it today.

Travel planning has changed. Today with the internet, the Travel Channel, and various touring magazines, so many trips can be planned from the comfort of your home on a cold winter day. With anything from motel reviews, to favorite road articles, to food reviews-a lot of the unknown has become known. Gladly you still have to get out and experience it. You still have to go to Primonti's-the old one in the Strip District, to eat one of their unique sandwiches. You still need to go to eastern Tennessee to ride the Snake. Pictures cannot describe how desolate the Upper Peninsula is in September. Or how crowded the beach in Daytona is in March. You cannot smell the BBQ at the Golden Rule in Birmingham, or talk to the pit crew there from the internet. And you cannot experience the freedom, adventure, and brotherhood of motorcycling if you don't get out of your chair, onto your bike, and onto the road. Weekends may serve to fill a short term need, like a fast food burger when nothing else is around, but to satisfy the real biker in you, you must take to the road. And although I have ridden many places with friends, it is the solo trips I make, with Theresa that are the most memorable. It's that personal.

Being a Christian is like that too. Exciting every day, even on local roads. But the desire of more, to know Jesus even more is the motivating force in my life. Being led by the Holy Spirit into situations I never knew existed, has been a blessing I cannot get enough of. Seeing lives changed, families healed, and fellowshipping with other Christians has given my life a new value-and one worth living. Knowing Jesus is like riding on a new road for the first time, and getting excited the farther you go. Not knowing what is around the next curve. It is better than reading about life, it is life! It is riding the old road into the New River Gorge, rather than the new bridge over it, and seeing all the green after a rain. Riding faster than you should down PA 32 into New Hope, enjoying all the curves and dips as it follows the Delaware. It is approaching Mt. Rushmore, with more of the faces visible after each turn. It is Skyline Drive on a cool morning, and a hot afternoon in the valley below. It is the beginning of a trip, when you still haven't counted the days left, because you have so much in front of you. It is life, and is exciting because Jesus makes it that way. And after 36 years of riding with Him, I still haven't had enough. And I still can't wait to get back on the road with Him. He keeps me young, and after all those miles and years I still can't believe I'm serving Him today. And the more I roads I ride, I find there are many more I need to. The desire only gets stronger.

Trust Jesus today. There are many places He wishes to take you-some that aren't on any map. Many you have never heard of, and many that without Him you will never know. For being on the road with Jesus brings a satisfaction that nothing else can. For you cannot fully experience Jesus from a church pew. You need to get out to experience a joy of life, a calmness of spirit, and love for life found nowhere else. With a friend that sticks closer than no other. Jesus loved being on the road, that was where His friends were. People like you and me. Not the stuffy church types with their rules and regulations. They argued with Him, and tried to trap Him. So He ministered out on the road. Where lie was going on. He is all about freedom, isn't it time you gave up religion and experienced some?

Let God take you on some new roads, and some new adventures today. Places not known to those who don't trust. Places not known to those with rules. A freedom that only comes from the Spirit. I didn't realize 40 years ago that the roads would never end. Or that Jesus could bless so much. Some things you just need to find out for yourself. A life with Jesus is a life that is more than words. Where you ride today depends on who you ride with. If your God doesn't ride, it's time you met Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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The Christmas Tradition

It was traditional that the Lennon wives were great cooks. Somehow through the combination of great taste in women, divine intervention, and a loving mother-in-law, they all turned out to be terrific cooks. The men would brag it was great taste in women. And now it was time for the newest Lennon wife to host her first Christmas meal for the family. The passing of the torch if you will. There would be four generations present, and almost 30 people to feed. And the thought of it positively scared the newest Mrs. Lennon. But as was also traditional, the mother-in-law (MIL) would teach her and help her with the meal. With a great deal of relief, but still some trepidation, MIL agreed to arrive a few days earlier to tutor and assist.

First was to make sure she had the right pots and pans, and lacking them, MIL took her out to buy them, MIL told her they were a late wedding gift, or an early Christmas present, they both smiled about it. Then on to the market to buy all the food. There would be buttery mashed potatoes, candied yams, oyster filling, a special cranberry relish, sweet corn, green bean casseroles, and potato biscuits. But the highlight of the meal was always Granny's pot roast. A tradition passed down to her daughter, Grandma, to her daughter, MIL, and now to the newest Mrs. Lennon. A special recipe for a special meal. Four generations of Lennon wives to impress, not to mention the men who were anxiously waiting. Maybe it wasn't fair to be tested on Christmas, but the rewards would be worth it. Let the cooking begin!

So after prepping all the veggies, and making the rolls, it was time to cook the meat. Carefully seasoning it, MIL grabbed the sharpest knife and cut an inch off both ends. When Mrs. L asked why, MIL explained that was the way she was taught. And into the oven it went. The house smelled intoxicating that day, stretching the hours until it was done, and when the meal was over, no one was hungry. Seconds and thirds had assured Mrs. L that there would be no leftovers, and all praised her for her continuing the tradition. Her husband could not have been prouder. MIL and her exchanged a special smile.

As the men sat and watched an old Christmas movie, the four generations of women gathered around Granny in the kitchen. Praising her for her famous pot roast recipe, she smiled. It was then that MIL asked Grandma why she cut the ends off the meat. "Because that was how I was taught." Who then turned to Granny and asked her why. Finally, the generational cooking secret was to be revealed. A secret that no one but Granny knew, and until the latest Mrs. L inquired, no one had asked. With the type of smile that only years of keeping a secret can bring, she chuckled. And soon was laughing.

That was the way her mother had taught her! Fearing that the secret would end there, and finding out a fifth generation Lennon wife was involved, they asked her to continue. "The roaster my mother had was small. So to get the meat to fit in it, she had to cut part of it off to make it fit." I always thought it was part of the recipe myself, until she commented on my larger cooker one day that now she wouldn't have to trim the meat to fit. But being tradition, we still do!" The secret was out, that being that there was no secret. The pot was too small! Or the meat too big. A secret that will have to wait until the next Mrs. Lennon asked, and the legacy passed on. But for now, these four women would have the last laugh, and the tradition of Lennon women being great cooks would be honored. All due to the size of the pot. And the secret was still safe!

Traditions have their place in society. And among families during the holidays. But should not be the guiding inspiration when it comes to God. So often we keep God in a box, or pot, and when He doesn't fit, cut off parts that we don't understand, or think we need.
We neglect faith, trusting our jobs to provide. We remove love, when someone wrongs us. We don't fellowship, for all the others in church are hypocrites anyway. We follow the teachings of a denomination, rather than seek God. Hey, it worked for my ancestors, why change now? And they would be wrong-it's time to let God out of the box!

Trust God! Let Him guide your life. Blessings abound for those who do. He provides despite your income or job situation. He forgives us, showing us how we should forgive others. He shows us truth, and exposes incorrect traditional teachings for what they are. And He gives us Jesus-so that we can be reunited with Him. And not just for Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. He shows us love every day.

Maybe today is the time to bury the tradition, and let Jesus out of the box. Embrace Him in every part of your life-don't keep Him a secret. Let Him be Lord, and with the love of the Holy Spirit start a new tradition-one that should be passed on. TRUST GOD!

For four generations Granny kept the secret. Jesus is no secret. Once you know Him you just have to share Him. So start a new tradition, or continue the one of Jesus in your family today. And the tradition of thanking Him for the meal-remember feeding the 5000? Thirty can seem like 5000 when preparing. Include Him in your recipe. Always enough, and always some left over. For later.

But for now, trust God. And enjoy the meal He prepares before you. Pass it on to the next generation. Some traditions just can't be kept in a box. Something about Jesus and a tomb, I seem to remember, that couldn't hold Him. If a tomb can't hold Him, no box will either!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Willie, Eddie, Jesus, and motorcycles

Are any of you out there just average? Did you make up your mind when younger and setting goals to just achieve mediocrity? Do you fall back on the excuse "well at least I am better off than most." And freefall from there, as others pass you by, due to your average effort. Have you ever had or been a middle manager in some business, and wondered what it was you were supposed to do? No responsibilities, no authority, but lots of blame comes your way. Did you ever stop to think that maybe it wasn't the situation that was average, but maybe was effort was below average?

We have become a society of doing just enough to get by. I have won awards from companies for being the best, when the field I competed in was so bad. Did I win or did they lose? Have you ever bragged about being runner up, in a two man race? Finished in the top three, of three? And felt like a winner? Aim low enough, you will eventually hit your mark. Maybe you are more average than you think.

It is not uncommon for people I know to come up and tell me of the neat things they are doing for God. Badges, pins, trophies, or some other recognition. Like they have accomplished something by getting the award, when really they are so average. Pins to the first 500 entrants. "I went into the ghetto and fed homeless." Good. "I did my two weeks in Hawaii with the youth group." Good. "I visited nursing homes just like the pastor said." Good. Then after my one effort went back to my old lifestyle. Average again. Or fill in any of the above with what you did when asked. And you will be average. Name...here! Or maybe below. You did your job, but what did you do leave behind that others will remember and be blessed by? Did you go beyond the required and let God lead you to greater things? That only He would see? What made it special? Was it God? Or who saw you. And what did you get out of it? God's trophies don't fit any shelves I ever saw. Would you go back, alone?

Two examples-to aid in your decision. There is a national prison/motorcycle ministry that goes into prisons with the bikes. After the celebrity speaker finishes, they break up one on one for ministry. Ask Bro. Willie-he does this every chance he gets when it is within a 600 mile radius of where he lives. Not once a year when it just happens to be in his area. He loves God, and the prisoners he meets. He has a special love for them. His commitment is above average. But when I meet many others who attend, there reward is going for a trophy after five visits. Some even attend just for the trophy. Same trophy, but a different reward. We need more Willies. If it were for trophies, he would have to store his bikes outside because of all of them he has received. Both attend, both give, both receive. Willie ministers from the heart, in the spirit. Others from a script. Those who Willie ministers to will remember him, he is a constant, and leaves more than he takes. He takes the time, and will make the time. No middle management gospel here. Is yours?

A few years ago a group went from Calvary Chapel Escondido to deliver talking Bibles in Africa. Largely illiterate, this was the first exposure to the gospel for many in Africa. And many lives were changed. On a free afternoon, while others were resting, or sight seeing, Eddie came across some men with broken motorcycles. Nothing major, loose chains, tighten bolts, and tune ups. Change some tires. So being a fellow biker, he spent the day showing them how to use the tools, and fix their own bikes. Now they could ride! And knew how to fix them after Eddie left. He had taken them the gospel, but left them a special gift-the time he gave them. They could ride again! A prayer answered, by a man who took the time to fix their bikes. And he was to be remembered as the man who told me about Jesus, and fixed my motorcycle. The gospel gave them life, and Eddie showed them how to enjoy it. And share it with others. And every time they ride, they remember him, and the Jesus who sent him. Because he gave more than was required. Just like Willie, it comes from the heart. What is the legacy you leave?

Where do your ministry efforts show up? Do you spend the time it takes, or do you just wear the colors? See I am in... Or have the bumper sticker? Or attend the church? What part of Jesus and His love for others is missing in your life? Maybe if you have to tell the world you are a Christian, you need to reconsider. It is the things not seen that are eternal. Do you represent a club, a church, a ministry, or Jesus? Ask God, if you are too timid to ask yourself. Then obey Him. Ask Him for a new heart. To have a love for the lost, and the church. To minister in love one on one. Preach the word daily, when necessary use words. Or motorcycles. Letting the light of God shine through all the cracks in your life. Make a difference.

Maybe Timothy Leary, yeah that one, put it best. "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity, one lick and you will suck forever." Beware the trophy flavored one. It can be deadly. We have all been given the heart of Jesus when we are saved. What we do with it is up to us. Of all the things I have heard to describe Jesus, average is not one of them. His love cannot be termed mediocre. How about yours?

Remove the lollipop, and show God's love to others. Go beyond what is required, and do what is needed. If God has to ask what have you been doing, maybe you haven't been. It is not what the world sees that counts, it is what God sees. For He so loved, He sent His only sons, and daughters to share His gospel. Nothing average about Jesus....so don't you be!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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