could you not keep watch one more hour?

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

New Life Version (NLV)

⁷ For the secret power of breaking the law is already at work in the world. But that secret power can only do so much until the One Who keeps back the man of sin is taken out of the way. ⁸ Then this man of sin will come. The Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of His mouth. The coming of Christ will put an end to him. ⁹ Satan will use this man of sin. He will have Satan’s power. He will do strange things and many powerful works that will be false.¹⁰ Those who are lost in sin will be fooled by the things he can do. They are lost in sin because they did not love the truth that would save them. ¹¹ For this reason, God will allow them to follow false teaching so they will believe a lie. ¹² They will all be guilty as they stand before God because they wanted to do what was wrong.

While checking into a motel a few weeks ago, the young lady behind the counter asked me for some identification. While trying not to giggle at the photo on my license, she handed it back to me with my VISA card. It made me think, and I commented that when I was her age, thirtyish, when asked for an ID they required a credit card, and how things have changed. A questionable look went with it, and this moment of history was wasted on her. Preoccupied with right now, the past didn't matter, and her future was what time she got off, as she was tired from a long day. So I let it go, no longer wishing to discuss the irony of it, knowing my words would be wasted on her. For next to my AAA card-not for ID purposes, and license in my wallet is my Social Security Card, which from time to time I am asked for to show as identification. You know the one, with red letters printed across it stating "NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES." And instead of increasing the irony, it woke me up. Not from physical sleep, but one in which I found myself wandering in a dense fog of lies, which we have substituted for truth.

A common saying we hear on talk radio is "if we say it enough, it becomes truth." And as I watch leaders in government, business, and religion twist words for their benefit, and not for yours, it is true-we finally give up, and just go with it. It isn't worth the fight anymore, and we won't win anyway is our final gasp. Defeated we go on to tackle the next obstacle before it tackles us, and leads us astray, unaware that once the above formula is in place, it effects all aspects of our lives.

Words mean something. My Grandma used to tell me over and over when I asked for something the difference between may I and can I? Yes, you can, you are able, but no you may not, no permission granted. But being my Grandma, the lesson was longer than the wait period, a characteristic well honed by grandparents everywhere. But that lesson has remained with me, so I try to ask correctly. So I can get an answer more favorable to me. But it seems the importance of words can be used against you, as certain cults as the Jehovah Witnesses do, changing God's word by adding a word, as in the word was a God, then lying about it to keep the lie alive. When it says correctly the word was God. Not a god-BUT GOD! Big difference! And so the subtlety of lying goes on, and the unaware are its prime target and captives. Read 2Thessalonians 2:7-12. We have been warned!

Our Constitution tells us we have freedom to choose the way we wish to worship God, who they refer to as THE Creator, much different than A creator. It tells us we can worship as we want, with the government not imposing how or what we choose to worship. In other words, the church is free from the state. But wily evil men, have changed the wording, with only a few mentioning it, who are quickly drowned out in their moment of truth. WE cannot have the church influence government, but we can certainly have government influence the church. The creation trying to control the creator. We have freedom of religion, not dictated by them! And so they cleverly talk about what we hear today as the separation of church and state. Which when given a choice, as the division causes, so many choose the state. After all the government is here to protect me, take care of me in my old age, and give me freedom. But in changing the truth, we are forced to choose between man or God? And the evil forces continue on, right in front of us, subtle but dangerous, and deadly for those who don't choose God. No wonder we no longer are the land of the free!

It is as if the devil put the choice right there, but we refused to see his signature on it. And as we watch God taken out of our daily lives, we see the erosion of morals, then families, and finally our once great country-all because we allowed a lie to be perpetrated. They said it enough, and some believe it.

We have fallen asleep much as Peter did while waiting for Jesus. Many churches, and those in them are deaf to His words of His return, and discount the world events playing out every day-words prophesied hundreds of years ago. So I ask, just like Jesus asked Peter, "could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so you don't fall into temptation, for the spirit is willing, and the flesh is weak." Perhaps if there is an opportunity to write the history of the US 100 years from now, this will be the title.

Are you asleep? Do you know Jesus? If not, you are asleep. Do you believe the Bible? If not, you're asleep. Do you trust the government more than God? If yes, then you're asleep. And you don't even know it. And waking up a sleepwalker can be dangerous! And lifesaving!

Jesus tells us the truth will set us free. Lies, religion, and governments bind. They control us, and lead us where they wish us to go, not where we want to. Stop and pray-ask God who you really believe in? You may not like the answer-remember the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Don't fall into the trap of trusting anyone but God. For true freedom is found in Jesus Christ, not from Him. He demands a choice, for Him or against Him? Separating the wheat from the chaff of life, and making you make a choice of salvation, a choice you never realized the government was involved in. Just another free service courtesy of your government. Just don't tell them. The law kills-the spirit gives life. So don't be afraid of those who can control your life, but trust Him who can keep it out of Hell!

Yes, Jesus can keep you soul out of hell. All you need to ask Him is "May I be forgiven? Will you save me?" May I or can I? Just words? Or do they tell us more about the person of Jesus than we ever realized? Your choice-and freedom is only found in the spirit.

God or government? One is the creator, and one was a system created by Him. and perverted by the devil. Ask Eve is words mean something? Better yet, ask God.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Thankful that we still live in the US of A while we still can. Whose words from the Star Spangled Banner have been adopted from God. For as citizens of heaven we are truly from the land of the free, and the home of the brave! America-BLESS GOD!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

test rides and track days

The ads sold us. We wanted to meet the nicest people. We wanted to have the good times roll. We wanted the freedom of the road. We even wanted to Solo Suzuki, whatever that meant. So we called a friend, and off we went to the local cycle shop. Where all the beautiful bikes we saw in the ads were calling our name. The paint was brighter, chrome shinier than we could ever imagine, and the seat was calling our name. So we decided to sit on the bike of our dreams-and then a salesman showed up. "No sitting on the bikes," he said, and our dream died. But you continued to show interest, and he finally did you a favor, his words, and let you sit on one. While others less endowed stood in awe and watched you racing down the road in your mind, you were riding and they weren't-at least in your dreams. And you just had to have this bike. And so with all the courage you had, you asked, "can I take it for a test ride?" And as the salesman pointed to a huge sign NO TEST RIDES!, he explained, "not my rule kid, I'd let you, it's the boss you know." And with the dream shattered, and money in your pocket, you went on to another shop.

This shop was different. He let you sit on the bike. He answered your questions. and when he found out you knew how to ride, and were a friend of a friend of a guy he sold a bike to, he asked did you have a license and if you wanted to ride it around the back lot. In shock, you think you said yes, and you must have as the paperwork for this two minute tour would take ten minutes. But you would be riding! And because of that test ride, you would buy your bike there that day-and your next several bikes. And so would your friends. All because of a test ride!

Theresa and I rolled into Albuquerque and stopped at PJ's Triumph. I had never met PJ, and looking at a bobber Bonneville, asked if I could sit on it. Cool. Could I ride it? "You got a helmet?" he asked, and soon I was down the road. No paperwork, no hoping I could ride, he saw my California tags on the Tiger, and told me later if I could ride from California, I should be able to handle this bike. And we began a relationship where whenever I go through town, I stop, and spend money. All because of a test ride. On a bike that he knew I wouldn't buy. He loved riding, and so do I. That was enough, and better than any rules. Besides, I had left Theresa as a security deposit-no way I wouldn't come back for her!

But as my rides got longer, and bikes bigger, I needed longer test rides. And I still met with resistance after many years and 100's of thousands of miles. And then the new Triumph ads caught my eye. And Triumph needed people to get out to ride their new bikes, to see how good they really were. So they offered group rides, which turned into demo rides, which turned into track days, and now adventure tours. They understand that the ads only get you into the shop, the salesman only answers questions, but it takes time with the bike to form a relationship. And one that will last for years to come. Based on word of mouth, still the most effective advertising. And right now their sales are soaring, while the Japanese bikes sit on the showroom floor gathering dust. For years. Like the pretty girl who doesn't have a date, no one asked them for a ride. And test rides sell bikes. Yes it can be expensive, so you qualify the rider first. And some get refused, because they should. You need a license, for instance. Would you just let anyone ride you new bike? But the invite is there, if you take it!

I was told recently of a man who denied church to his kids because of all the bad times he had when he was a kid. He didn't want to put them through it, and I can agree-to a point. The world so often confuses the church with God, and so do many Christians. And sadly, the church has a lousy history in many areas. Contrast that with God, whose reputation, history, and love are much different. Jesus even upset the Pharisees because He was anti-religion, but pro-God. And when they tried to cross him up by rules and legalism, He showed them love, and quoted the scripture correctly, and in context. And in His love, he showed freedom from religion. He met the nicest people who wouldn't be allowed in "their" church, and the good times rolled! Freedom from religion, not freedom found in it. Love and grace, via mercy, showing people He met that He cared about them, and when He showed them love, they would respond in love. Except the Pharisees, who decided to have Him killed. Can't have all this lovin' going on, bad for business. But it was good for the soul.

Show a little respect to those who don't know God today. Who had a bad experience with the man who wouldn't let them in their shop, unless he played by their rules. Offer to spend time with them, answering questions. And remember these two things. One-they wouldn't be asking if the spirit wasn't guiding. God is choosing you in that moment to offer a test ride of Jesus. So just answer the questions, in love. And two-Jesus taught in the church, but ministered outside it. Just inviting a person to church is a cop out. Spend time with them now. And invite them on a test ride later. I don't know anyone who hasn't had a bad time in church. But when confronted with Jesus, well that's different. So offer a test ride first, you'll know when to ask. And watch as the Holy Spirit guides them to Jesus, who shows them God in a personal, intimate way. And you get to ride along! All because you let the spirit do His job, and you did yours.

Test rides happen every day of the week. Keep the track days for Sunday. That first day of a short test ride may be all the person needs to see God's love. Don't let him be scared away by the religious types pointing out all their faults. Jesus saves-not us! So enjoy the ride, I hope you have many test rides with friends you have yet to meet. But don't let a few questions stand between God's love and a test ride. Religion is the place of no test rides-you must buy in, become worthy, then you can ride your own bike-after buying it. Jesus says come unto me, and I will give you rest. Hang out, ask questions. Take a ride if you want. It's His bike, so take the ride. It's free, all you do is say yes to Him.

You will have met the nicest person, have a life of freedom, and you will have met the rock, and have your name on the roll! Let the good times roll-with Jesus!

So, you wanna take a ride? Only by riding with Him will all your questions be answered. Don't let religion get between you and Jesus! And hang on for the ride of your life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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are you in good hands, or His hands?

Beware! The Bible warns us of those who choose to seek out and destroy. Or rob or harass. And so often when we are on a heightened alert, we do look out, but we are not always sure what we are looking for. We trust when we shouldn't, and when taken advantage of, fear sets in. And at that point we have already lost something, even though it is intangible. We have lost our peace, our well being, and even sometimes our security. So we need to beware of who comes to the door, and what they really represent. Many times they only have dollar signs in their eyes. Yours.

When in Joplin this summer assisting in cleanup and ministering after the tornado, we saw people stripped of all possessions, and life savings and even health. Without fail though we didn't see one person who had lost heart. But we did talk to many who were going to take the insurance checks, and leave the area. They didn't, or couldn't bear to live there any longer, so would move on. It was still less than one week after the tragedy, and I would expect they were still in shock-we were just driving through. But praying with some, assisting others, and helping as needed, they all were glad to be alive. And at least for the moment, possessions were of a second nature. At least until they walked us around and showed us what used to be. Or stepped on a wedding certificate. Or a scrapbook. Or couldn't find their car. Or couldn't find their pets. Or their houses. You could see it beginning to settle in on them-their homes were gone. Some for over 60 years. And they could go to the address, but they could never go home again. Even the memories were not the same. No amount of money would restore those.

Having a small fire has caused more stress and misery to us than I would wish on someone I don't like. Insurance companies who find loopholes, contractors who do not do what they say they will, and then lie to cover it. Unreasonable pricing, and being taken advantage of in a situation when your emotions are running everywhere except where they should be. Threats that add more to the damage, and who do you turn to-since now they have proven they cannot be trusted. And that is where I find myself today-not trusting. Damaged more by contractors and their lack of ability and integrity, than by the actual fire. Having my house over run by strangers for 3+ weeks, and still the house isn't done. So pray for them, and for us. We need the peace they have robbed back into our lives. For truly there is no place like home-it takes a tragedy, even a small one to realize that.

Years after our last big San Diego fire, some are still fighting with insurance companies. The government hasn't helped much, in one instance they changed the laws so the roads are wider to allow bigger fire equipment through. The insurance company will not authorize repairs until the road is complete. With no money, and no home, this man has no one to turn to. And no home to return to. And in three cases I know of, the insurance companies have put so much pressure on a family that it ended in divorce.

We found that full replacement value means after depreciation, if you put out the additional expense, they will reimburse you up to a limit, then you are on your own. We had to stay in our own house, despite the fumes, and bad air because we had no money to put out for motel rooms-they would reimburse us but not do any direct billings. My breathing still suffers today. And although I am glad we have insurance, when I see the estimates for repairs, they are outrageous. Over $8000 to clean my house? $986 to steam clean a sofa, two chairs and an ottoman? The subcontractor wanted over $4800 to repaint the ceilings-I had my entire house, inside and out painted for less than that last year! Do we wonder why insurance rates are so high? And why semi-skilled contractors drive new trucks each year? Collusion-although you could never prove it. A hidden sin, that only shows up in your next bill. Can't wait until my bill comes due!

So you cannot trust anyone. For man will always revert to his selfish and self preservation ways. No more barn raising by neighbors, or friends taking in friends. But fortunately we have Jesus. He knows all about scoundrels, and those that pray on the weak. And is the only one who can be trusted-He has proved it over and over. And this is not a plea to help us, keep praying, thanks. But a plea for those who take advantage of those who Jesus refers to as the least of these. To take them to task, to report them to the authorities they are responsible too. To see that the sin in their line of work is removed, so that the next ones don't suffer because you were too lazy or afraid. And pray for their salvation, they need Jesus! So don't hide your light under a basket, let it out and watch as the rats flee from the light. Exposed for what they are. And aid those in need, for Jesus tells us that whoever helps the least of these ones, is aiding Him. When is the last time you gave Jesus a cold drink of water?

Show some love for the least of these today. Report those who are evil to the law. Be bold in Christ, but never vindictive. And pray for their salvation. Wood, hay,and stubble are no way to live-and will not get you into heaven. Trust God. You can still go home, it just takes Jesus to get there.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

such a deal I have for you

Twenty five years! A milestone in the collector car hobby, for now anything that is at least 25 years old is collectible, instead of collecting dust. And if the cover of Hemmings Classic Car is right, it not only got my attention, but anything 1987 or older is now a classic. Now I was around in 1987, and busy raising kids, and starting a new career, having just left the unemployment capital of the US of A at the time, Farmington, New Mexico. How bad was it? Rider Truck was paying people to drive their trucks there-it was the number 1 one way origination point in the US! People would just drop their house keys off at a realty office, and leave town. Complete blocks of downtown were vacant-all due to the oil field business going bust. But back to the cars, 1987 cars really weren't outstanding to us at the time. Mustangs had 225 horsepower from the 5.0, today the advertise 421! Camaros had a whopping 245, but only with the 350! Big bucks-if you could get one insured. So looking at the list of 1987 cars, I laughed to myself as to why and what would be collectible. Were any of these cars so interesting that we will begin to see them at car shows?

Mini vans were all of three years old. SUV's were still a few years away. Convertibles were not yet popular, although we did have Mustang GT convertible, which shook terribly whenever you hit a bump. Quality had not become Job 1 yet. The Taurus was 2 years old, and had started a whole generation on its way to ovoid cars, or mostly cars to avoid when recalling some of them on the roads. Cars were just starting to come out of a performance doldrums, Japanese cars were the best quality, and the Germans still were known for luxury in this pre-Acura, Lexus, and Infinity world. Cadillacs had shrunk, but still were huge, Vettes were big and heavy, and Chrysler was still selling variants of the K car-the one that Lido I. had used to salvage Chrysler, remember him telling you "if you can find a better car, buy one!" We did. Even Roger Smith, "call me Roger," CEO of GM, when asked what did his company have to compete with the Japanese for value, answered "a two year old Buick." I'll bet Lee loved that answer. And maybe that is why we don't remember these cars of just 25 years ago.

A far cry from just 25 years earlier when you could tell a Ford from a Chevy, and known for their performance, and add Dodge and Plymouth to the mix. If you wanted economy it was a VW-one model only, the Bug, or the van if you really wanted to never get there. English cars meant sports cars, and Asian cars meant small, uncomfortable, cheesy cars. Cadillac was still the Standard of the World, and the final destination in your upward mobility. Red convertibles still made young couples fall in love, and sedans outranked anything else. Longer, lower, and wider was the theme-bigger was better, and who cared about 9mpg. Remember cruising all night Friday after checking the gas and filling the oil? For $2 combined from all your friends, fun was still fun, and affordable. And the cars were classic, just as their owners are today. Times and styles change. In this pre-EPA and CAFE world, cars told us so much about us. It was an extension of us, and I wonder what today's cars tell us about us. Or do we really want to know?

God looks at things different than we do, and it is us who need to change to be like Him. We tend to look on the outside, and still determine people by what they drive. God looks at the heart, and sees what drives us, that can be scary. Pretty packages we have become, but still need to be changed from the inside out, not the opposite. We didn't start out poor to become poorer, but so many have as things make us instead of God. The story of the widow giving all she had still can be upsetting. She gave all she had, just like Jesus did. He held nothing back, and she followed His example. Her heart was right, and without monthly payments. No envelopes from her church either to remind her to give. She truly gave, and because of her example in this lesson is a classic example of giving, and of God's love. And she did it in secret. Can you honestly say you never told anyone about a huge gift you intended to give? Or never went to show off your new car? Or your new coat, boots, or hair style? This widow lady had style, a style that only God could see, it was that priceless. And expensive.

That is why salvation is a gift. It is so valuable that no price could be put on it-no one could afford it if He did. So God made it free, and a gift for all. Classics and non. A choice you make to accept or deny Christ. Widow or married, it is still our decision. Looking back we have made some bad decisions, can we look ahead with Jesus? One decision to choose Him will correct all the previous ones. A classic decision, based on who He is, not what you drive. 4, 6, or 8 cylinder, it is better to be tuned with Jesus than adding a turbo for short bursts of more power. 25 years from now your car will be old, and you will be older. Jesus will still be God. Classics may come and go based on age and interest-try Jesus. A classic at any age-for all ages. Step into the future with Him now. And leave your payment book at home. If it works for a car, imagine what He can do for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

sink or swim, I think I'll ride

Believe it or not, there was a time in my life I was very athletic. I would play 18 innings of softball, 6 quarters of basketball, and play touch football for hours-TV time outs not included. I just loved to be playing sports. But when it came to any sport involving water, I didn't. Or maybe couldn't was a better description. While some people would float around and tread water while hanging out at the pool, if my feet didn't touch the bottom, I didn't go in it. Some are floaters, I am a sinker. And a pretty fair one at that. I even used to go off the high dive-jump, not dive, but then doggie paddle furiously to the closest side of the pool. I finally did dive off the low dive, via teen peer group encouragement, read taunting forced me into it, but I never could tell for sure how I would enter the water. Sometimes head first, sometimes on my side, and they'd ask "how did you do that?" But mostly on my stomach, which would knock all the breath out of me, and I would sit gasping for air. Swallowing the pool's innards came easy for me, and I never had to quench my thirst after swimming for an hour. And then there were the dives where I went from a bass to a tenor....best forgotten.

I was no better at the beach either. Riptides loved me, seemed once I was in the ocean, the word got out, and no matter where I was, there was one there to greet me. Body surf? I body sank. I could float for awhile when a gentle wave came up, but there again as long as my feet were on the ground, I was ok. And I never quite acquired the taste for sea water that I did for pool water...personal preference, I am sure you have your own. So I am not a beach goer, and my swimming pool experiences for the last 40 years consist of hot tubs, just as long as I can still touch the bottom.

My last brave act of attempting to body surf was with Brennan up in Malibu. Zuma Beach, great waves, great sand, and oh the girls. So I just had to show off. And when a big wave came, and all the locals guys went for it, so did I. I don't remember much of the ride, but I do remember being wrapped in seaweed, laying on the beach in the fetal positions gasping for air. Sea water burns just as much coming up as it does going down. At least I got some cute girl's attention, who asked if I was ok. Unable to talk, I nodded something, before she and her friends went off giggling. And Brennan was afraid I may have lost my car keys, and how would he get home? So...I have adopted the following policy.

One-if you can't put gas in it, I won't ride it. My horseback riding is worse than my swimming, and I never learned to swim. Think of it as my cause for ecology-not messing up natural things. Two-if you can't ride there, I am not interested in going. There are so many places to ride, why fly? Again, riding comes naturally. So why fly, especially over water? I am not afraid to fly, just the thought of all that water, and me. And the seaweed. So for me, give me cold water on a hot day, a hot tub on a cold night, and if I seem to eat a lot when asked to swim, I will honor the old excuse about waiting an hour before getting in the pool. Eat or sink? Hmmm, please pass the chips and salsa.

Water in the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit. A perfect way to show how to walk in-like Peter did with Jesus, how to be immersed in it, again like Peter did with Jesus, and how to publicly proclaim Jesus-be baptized in it. So when I got baptized, after being saved for a year, it was in El Porvenir, in the mountains north of Santa Fe, at 8900'! I didn't get it, and I don't know if I can explain it now, but something happens when you are under the water. Someone was kind enough to take pictures, and even my countenance was different coming out, than when going under. A thought my Grandpa shared with me once, when I told him about being baptized. "You sure are changed, something happens when you get are under the water." Only one who knew Jesus could make a statement like that. How I wish I could have spent more time with him talking about Jesus. And don't confuse the religious protocol of denominational baptizing of infants-Jesus tells us if we believe with our heart, and confess with our mouth He is Lord, then we are saved. And it is not a condition of salvation-stay away from anyone who insists it is. It is a choice, not a ritual. And even He was baptized by John the Baptist. Not for salvation, but to show us a way to let the Holy Spirit enter our lives. A way to publicly confess Jesus Christ. For no one can say Jesus is Lord without being saved-in the spirit!

If you haven't yet considered being baptized, talk to your pastor. It will change your life, not save you, but show the world you are taking a stand for Jesus. Jump into the pool of Jesus both feet, and watch as He changes your whole life. Whether in a pool, an ocean, or a mountain stream like I did, make Jesus more personal. Get in over your head, and watch as the Holy Spirit changes your life. A choice you make, based on who you say Jesus Christ is.

So don't feel hurt is I don't accept the invitation to your next pool party. Unless it is a baptism! And I can ride my bike to it! Many things I don't know about the Holy Spirit but this I do know-He adds life to those who trust Him! Now if I can just let go of the side of the pool...

Trust God! The best decision you'll ever make. Now, if it turns into Jet skis, that's a different subject. Did I ever tell you about the time in Cancun...now you know why I rather ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

you say you want a resolution...

A hearty good morning to all of you overweight people, who ate way too much over the holidays. A happier crowd we are, one you may not have found just few weeks ago as the cookies, pie, and chocolate were overflowing, but now the TV ads remind us of how to lose it all. When maybe if we hadn't indulged so much before we wouldn't have the likes of Janet Jackson-Michael's sister selling weight loss programs. Now that's Neverland! Just like Donnie and Marie, Dan Marino, and many other beautiful celebrity types, follow their regimen, eat their food, and stick to their rules RELIGIOUSLY, and you too will be beautiful. Follow the directions, and you will lose weight, have a sexy figure, and their wallets will be filled to overflowing. Expensive personal trainer not included.

But the key word is religiously. Bound by the rules, they put forth, these Pharisees of weight loss will have you tied in knots, not only physically, but mentally too when you fail. Religion binds, the spirit gives life. How many Jenny Craig types were there when Jesus fed the 5000? No calorie content or carb counters signs there when He fed them. If you really want to get in shape, fall in love. Did you fall in love with your spouse over a set of rules? Or was your heart touched, and no matter how she looked you felt something, and when she wanted to please you more, she lost weight, dyed her hair, or started bathing because she loved you back. No rules made her love you, and no more rules can make her love you more. Works with God too, we cannot make Him love us more. It is the spirit-which gives life, not the law which brings death and diets.

When you first started riding, was it under a set of rules, or was it because it was fun? I remember when we used to ride for fun only-now we are told via commercials, racers, banners, stickers, hats, and t-shirts how we must ride that certain model or not look cool. We won't end up on a podium finish, or we won't have the power to tow a trailer, plow the north forty, or take our overweight wife along. More rules to live by, I only hope that Marie Osmond doesn't ride. YUK! But no matter where you look, someone wants to add more rules to eliminate the fun. To run your life, because they know best. To keep you safe. Bound and under their control. Did you know that when John Lennon was shot and killed, over 80 existing gun laws were broken? Would one more have kept him alive? Maybe 10? If only his murderer had known about them-hey that's it, education is the answer....let's make murder illegal, more classes, with no class. Your rules are wearing me out, I gotta go riding. You keep your rules, and I'll keep my morals-funny you don't need rules if you have morals? Maybe we should make that a rule!

To paraphrase Jesus, "it is easier to live in the spirit than to live under a set of laws. Or for a rich man to go through the eye of a needle." Laws don't make you better, or save you either. Only in the spirit do you find life. And when Jesus referred to the rich man and the camel and the needle, He meant impossible without the spirit. You cannot legislate morality, or salvation either. Without a change of heart, their will be no change of action. Laws don't change people's hearts, only Jesus does. Although the Ten Commandments are a great way to live, their is no salvation in them, no forgiveness. And even if you decide to follow them, who planted that idea in your mind to start with? The spirit! So be guided by the spirit, instead of the law. This may be the most important point Jesus was trying to make to the crowd when He told this story...the spirit gives life, and without it, it is impossible to be saved! No spirit=death. Living in the spirit=life. Simple enough. Simpler than trying to stay within the boundaries of rules and regulations. Still not convinced, tonight give your spouse a set of rules that you think will make her look, feel, and behave better. Then duck. And maybe this will help you lose weight, as you probably will miss dinner, as her new rule is make it yourself!

Please if you would, give me one case where the law added life and didn't rob you of freedom? Give me one example where the Holy Spirit didn't bring life when followed? What rule did God give to His only son? Love! Not rules, but love.

So today stick it to the Pharisees of weight loss, hair style, trends, and fashion. Be yourself...in the spirit! And enjoy the freedom found in Jesus. No needles, no camels, and no more rules...no more weight loss fiascoes either. And start by reading your Bible every day. Not following a plan, but because you want to. No schedule to fall behind of and quit, and then get bummed out because you resolved to do it-let God guide you this year. Watch the Word come alive, as the spirit lives in you. You say you want a resolution...make this year all about Jesus! RESULTS GUARANTEED!

Or you can have you sin and ridiculous laws back. Any takers?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

the midweek rider

There is something special about a midweek ride. Maybe it is the excitement of missing work, and riding roads without all the weekend warriors out to impress you. Maybe it is sleeping in, and hitting the road later in the day, say 8am. Maybe it is the choice to ride where you want, when you want, and how fast you want, all by yourself. Maybe it is the special feeling of freedom when you pass someone in their car on their way to work, and you're not-you're going riding! Maybe it is all the above, and then some, some intangibles that there are no words for. It is about the peace and solitude of just you and the road you choose-so let's go riding!

My lifestyle allows me to ride during the week, which for years I yearned to do, but couldn't. I wanted to be that person going no where special, as long as it wasn't to work, or anyplace that told me what to do. Forego all responsibilities, and enjoy the day that God made and has given you. And my peer group of midweek riders is much different than those on the weekends. We tend to be older, mostly retired, and not is any hurry. We choose to ride alone, or maybe with a special friend, who we don't have to wait for, or ride too slow, or heaven forbid, too fast with. We ride our ride, for it is our day. We wave at each other, and the egos seem smaller, or at least better under control. We have fewer people to impress, and realize how privacy has eroded away in our society, making these rides that more important. We choose the roads we want to, and if they get crowded, a detour can be a welcome event. We ride roads that have fewer cars, and go past hangouts that are closed or empty-ones that cater only to the weekend riders. We are a welcome stranger in our own land, and the thoughts, sights, scenes, and food we spend the day with are a welcome retreat from real life. Our battery gets charged, along with the bikes, and while choosing to ride instead of doing a list of chores at home, we get refreshed. The grass will grow again, cars will always need washing, and a list of things to fix or repair only gets longer. But there are so many roads, only so many midweek chances, and motorcycles to renew our acquaintances with. So it is our patriotic duty to take these rides-and to do them often!

Midweek church services are a lot like these rides. A different crowd and a different attitude than Sunday mornings. Those of us who frequent them regularly know that, and know how important they are. They are the rest time with Jesus, while he teaches. They are the fellowship time for us, making the words short and count more because we have to get up early the next day. They are smaller, more worship driven, and fill us spiritually, just like the midweek ride does-only much deeper. They make the ride mean more-if you can do both, you know what I mean. But it is all about Jesus, which is why we meet on any given day. To put Him first, and watch as all the cares that eat us up, are eaten up by Him. It is a time to spend with Him, while with others, who need the same filling. It is one on one with Jesus, a private, intimate time. A time that needs to encouraged more by churches, and led by pastors. Wednesday nights are that special to God. Don't neglect them!

I always at least say hi to a fellow rider when I see them eating lunch alone during the week. We have the road, freedom, and now the food in common. But I have learned that a nod or a wave can be just as important, and not to invade on his time. It is his time, and maybe he is not eating alone, but sharing time with his thoughts and memories. And so I do the same thing on Wednesday nights in church. Some are sitting alone because they wish too, but are very much not alone. Spending time with Jesus, just the two of them, unaware of what is going on around them. Getting refreshed and blessed. So I only wave or nod, and let them make the first move. Out of love, and respect. Not much of that found around anymore.

Take some time to ride on a day this week you usually don't. Even if it is the long way home, take some time with just you and your motorcycle-exercise your throttle and air out both of you. And take some time to spend on Wednesday night in church. Air out, and let the spirit revive and refresh you. And if you can-ride to church! For there is no better way to enjoy freedom than on a motorcycle with Jesus!

Yup, weekday rides help put the whole week in perspective. And just may change your attitude towards weekends. But any day you ride is a good day-and the best days are spent with the Lord! So many roads, so little time. So use the time God gives you wisely. And if you see me at church or eating alone, feel free to nod. For we know what we have is special, and it is always cool to meet a fellow traveler. For whether on the road, or in church, being alone together with Jesus is always special.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com