who do you pity more, the fool or the one who follows him?

I was stopping up at Mickey's to pick up my latest press bike to put on break-in miles, when I saw a A Storm I had ridden recently with a huge dent in the tank. Chris when on to explain that it was used in a GEICO commercial, along with some other bikes I had ridden, and had come back damaged, and Flo, the GEICO girl had signed the tank. Whoopee. But then I saw the commercial, and was glad I have never chosen GEICO. A row of bikes is knocked over by a nerdy competitor, with some biker quote about how we love our bikes more than our women. And a biker growls when he sees the row of bikes down. And I agree with him-lousy commercial.

But I have learned over the years that this is normal. You see Triumph wasn't told we are going to damage your bike, and you think an autograph will bail you out? At least it wasn't that stupid lizard! But I have seen bikes come back in bad shape from magazines. More than once. And also from other media outlets who just had to have one for whatever purpose. Triumphs are cool-but if you can't ride, stay off one!

I was there when a producer for an MTV ad brought back a Speed Triple, with only .4 of a mile on it. It was to be driven slowly in the background, but Mr. MTV Stud tried to show off, and dumped it. He had positioned it so you could only see the left side, and when we saw the other side, it had been laid down. Not at 5mph, by an experienced rider like they claimed, they bike was totaled. And no amount of lame excuses could unbury this yuck's lies. I believe Triumph sent them a bill-which they should have. But months later this same bike, mildly customized by Mickey, was on the cover of the Robb Report. I hope I haven't told any tales out of school. From MTV loser/liar to cover bike, another reason to not watch MTV.

I had gotten a call from Mick, he needed a quick 1000 miles on a new Daytona. A week I had for 1000 miles, but in just over 24 hours I brought it back with over 1000 miles. So off it went to R magazine, who had to have one, and this newly styled, updated bike was promptly dumped. I had ridden over 1000 miles safer in less time than it took them to dump it! And they wanted another! Learn to ride guys, after all it is a sport bike. To their credit they did mention the fact they had crashed it in the comparison article, and said nice things about it, but the damage was done. But it was fixed, and put back in the fleet, and lives on today, its owner not knowing its glorious past. I guess that is why we call them accidents, not on purposes.

I had just come back to swap bikes, and took a new Street Triple to lunch. The speedos will record the highest speed the bike has been ridden, and we would compare how fast we had gone. I had hit 131, and felt fast, until I saw the 148 on the Street Triple. You will never know how slow 131 mph can feel. No need to mention the magazine, these guys know how to ride. And are respected by others. The others should take notice.

But in an always unfair world, Honda a few years back sent a bill to a magazine for totaling one of their test fleet. When the magazine refused to pay, hey no one else bills them for crashing, Honda promptly withdrew all their ads, and still won't advertise with them. Almost crippling the magazine at the time, while sending a notice-learn to ride or buy the bike. And I hear that other manufacturers are following suit. I agree.

Don't approach life like a borrowed motorcycle. Treat it with some respect. There is always a price to pay, and you cannot always afford the price. That is why God sent Jesus in the form of a man to pay for our sins-no other method would do. We couldn't obey the laws He had set, and couldn't follow the schedule. So He sent love, something that is above laws, and above any regulations. Someone who could pay the price once and for always. Better than a new bike, and better than an entrance pass to ride however you want. He takes us as we are, something not all denominations will do, and then changes us, with our permission and for our benefit. And it doesn't end at death, for those who are born again will live forever. We will never see death, for true death is separation from God. Forever. Remember that. This life is really a press fleet of events, giving us every opportunity to come to Christ. What do you say?

Riding new bikes is fun, but there is a reason I own the ones I do. Same with Jesus. It's that personal. Find out today, and give Him your life. Fallen away, He never left you, you left Him. Time to start riding and living again with Jesus. Don't wait for an accident to find out how bad GEICO really is on claims, or how they didn't tell up front the damage they had intended to do to borrowed motorcycles. Would you really trust someone who would trash someone else's new ride just to make a buck? Trust in God, and never ride alone again. No discounts, no small print, and no lies. Only truth. Flo's autograph on the tank won't fix you bike, or your life. Only Jesus will. An assurance that no insurance can provide.

love with compassion,

Mike

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the attitude of the ride

My first boss when we moved to So Cal, was Gary. He was raised in Garden Grove, which he referred to as Garbage Grove, with no affection. Part of his territory was from San Diego and into Orange County, taking him back there. A day that every two weeks he hated to do. It turned an 8 hour day into a 12 hour day, and combined with being stuck in traffic on the San Diego Freeway, wore out his clutch leg. Which would always heal just in time for the next trip. Sadly his whole opinion of Orange County was based on this freeway and these trips.

I met Fred through Milton, who both were reps for Datsun back in the sixties. Fred also grew up in Orange County, and one day while riding with him he took us back through the places he used to ride. Before they were all turned into 6 house an acre developments. And we went on many old, back roads, which when compared with Gary's ride, was much different. The memories were great, at times we felt like we had been there. Somehow only 30 miles separated where the two grew up, but they were more than 30 miles in different opinions and outlooks.

I have a friend who goes to church as a social duty. In between raising kids, having a career, and maintaining a family, he somehow finds 90 minutes each week for God. The church doesn't matter, just so long as it is easily accessible, non-threatening, expects nothing of him, and he doesn't have to sing. Sadly he gets out of it every bit that he puts into it. And his life shows. Just don't tell him. He's in denial. No names mentioned here, you all know of someone like this, or are that someone.

I also have many friends who love to attend church. We love to worship, and the music is sung to Jesus, not just the songs the choir director likes. You can even hear the drums, and all instruments, not just the woman leading with guitar. It is alive, because they are alive in Christ. And add great teaching, and you find a church that is growing in God's love. Not about numbers, about Jesus. Not about cancelling services, but about Jesus. We are there because we want to be. Where Wednesday night is as important as Sunday morning, because when you walk with Christ, you need that midweek fix. You need to be filled, and you want to be filled. Although it is only three days, you are hungry for more Jesus, and to spend more time with your friends in fellowship. And just like the two Orange County expatriates, the value of the experience is based on the attitude. We get to go, we don't have to!

My early views of California were one of it's a freeway. Which are really just big surface streets to us. And travelling this weekend, I spent a night in Tulare, in Central California's valley. A place where you only get off for gas and food, then back on, and never get to see the town. Or even realize it has one. But this Saturday morning was different. I was going to the rally at Hanford for old bikes. So I rode my old bike, the 1978 Suzuki. Which on Saturday morning, at 8am, decided not to start-it would need a battery. Calling roadside, they sent out someone to jump start me. Then called back to say they were on the way, not the hour wait they told me. Which Kevin the motel manager handled for me. While watching my helmet and jacket. While loaning me tools I didn't ask for-he offered when he heard me ask a construction man if he had a socket set. Which he gave me before the other man showed up-with more tools. When the tow truck driver showed up, the battery tested bad. He told me the Wal-Mart was not far, and he said he would take me over when I asked. After he called in, in case he got another call. Where I got the battery, where a young guy actually knew how to fill it, and did, and using more borrowed tools, installed it, and made the show, some 25 miles away, by 930-am! All this only a few blocks off the highway, but a few blocks that changed my attitude towards Tulare forever.

And helped me with my walk with God. When it first wouldn't start, I got mad. For about 5 seconds. Then knowing God, He reminded me how this would all work out for my good. And it did. From my roadside club, to the motel manager, to the tow truck operator, to the guy at Wal-Mart servicing the new battery, God had them all in place-just when I needed them. A reminder, that He is so much more than just for Sunday mornings-He does Saturday mornings, too. And wants to do every day, every hour, and every minute of your life. Would you let Him?

My bike could have died anywhere, God allowed it to happen where He had already set up a pit crew, a team of people, to help this stranger. A team of Good Samaritans, to minister to one of God's broken children. So take the time to find a good church. Then get involved. Grow in Christ, and watch as your attitude changes. You may be stuck in traffic and not know it, let Jesus guide your ride. Just like so many towns along the freeway, they are made up of communities, which are made of neighborhoods, which are made up of neighbors-who are you and me! Who will show hospitality to strangers when needed, just like Jesus did, and does. And is ready when you need Him-just ask! Trust God today. Enjoy life more. For life is more than a freeway through life, it is knowing Jesus Christ. Where there is always room at His inn, help is just a prayer, or phone call away, and He meets your every need-long before you know what you need. An important lesson relearned in Tulare, just two blocks off the freeway. A team of Samaritans who don't ride, who showed up and helped someone who does. Not even knowing they were sent by God as angels of mercy that morning. What a great parable that would make.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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from the Hall of Monty's zoo

One thing that separates man from all other animals, other than his ability to drive and text at the same time, is his desire to negotiate, or better yet to deal. No matter what we are offered, it seems we think we can do better. Maybe it is all based on pride, because in wishing to deal, it is all about us.

"You can have what Jay is bringing down the aisle, or keep what is in my pocket, or choose what is behind door number 1, number 2, or number 3." Without even finishing the sentence, we all know that was Monty Hall, on the iconic game show "Let's Make a Deal." Where greedy, border line crazy people would dress up as weird things, like a toaster, or a pair of salt and pepper shakers, then pay an admission to sit in the audience, and hopefully get picked by Monty, as he strolled the aisles between the psychos, offering them money if they had a certain item on them. "Does anyone have a life preserver from the Titanic? Does anyone have rice from their wedding? Does anyone have a note from their old boss to be here today?" And when someone did, Monty would give them a $100 bill from the roll in his pocket. Back when a $100 was a day's pay. And then would continue to make deals with them, from what is in the box Jay is bringing down the aisle, and then finally the big winner got to choose from behind one of three doors and get the big prize. And hope he didn't get zonked! And end up with a sloth, or orangatan, or a pair of hyenas. Still want to deal?
The big prize could be a dining room suit, or an electric stove, or a vacation. Or something useful like a lobotomy. But most times it was a year's supply of Beefo the dog food, or some Rice-a Roni treat, or a key that won't unlock a special box, which had more dog food, or chain lube or something else. But the greed always came out and the shot at the big deal kept the audience shouting, and a shine on Monty's vivid colored blazer. And if you were the big winner, the IRS was there to get its 28% off the top, cash. Such a deal. Monty-HELP! Maybe they should plead insanity. Except the IRS is not known for making a deal. But they know how much 28% per cent of an alpaca is.

But while man loves to deal, it is not the way of God. For some reason when we carry this trait into a relationship with God, we lose. It isn't that God is Monty, and you takes yer chances, it is God is a God of promises. And they don't depend on you, and don't need your participation. God promises eternal life to those who accept Jesus, not based on conditions, or what we do. He shows grace, unmerited favor, not based on what we do, but upon who Jesus is. And who we are, but what Jesus did. For while we were yet sinners, He died for us. You don't have to deal for salvation, it is a gift! Either you say yes, or no. There is no better deal to be worked out, or compromise on God's part to get us to join. But yet we fall back into our old traits, religious falsehoods, or denominational binds when left to our own devices. We sin, forget about God's grace, and promise to pray more, go to church more, and well, you get it. If only God will take my offer....Hoping to find favor with God until we screw up again. If we want something bad enough, we might even fast for it. Telling all who care to listen, and most who don't how Godly we are, fasting for a prize. When God knows all the time. You see God is not like Monty, handing out gifts to greedy people who will do anything for it. He is a God of grace, love, mercy, and compassion. A Father who loves to give good gifts, and knows the best things for us. And He knows of what He is doing. Even when Lot tried to deal with Him about Sodom, He knew the answer, and it didn't change the outcome. Wouldn't it be easier to just take His advice, His guidance, and follow His direction the first time? But we don't, so He reminds us that obedience is better than sacrifice. Sacrifice, there are no deals on sacrifice. Should have taken grace, and been obedient.

So next time someone tells you of a new gospel, or a new way to God, or all paths lead to God, remember we all are not children of God. Jesus tells us some are children of their father the devil, they follow his ways, and sadly their outcome will be like his. They resist the offer, hoping to deal with Satan instead. With God a promise is a promise, no deals needed. So don't try to make one. His already is the best offer you will ever get, take it. Based on Him, not on you. His promises are yea and amen. I don't even want to know what yours are. And anything else is a lie.

So become part of the promise of God by accepting Jesus today. Become part of Abram's seed. For in each generation of his next of kin, one was chosen. One took the promise. Passing along the seed of Abraham until it reached Jesus. And when it ultimately ended up with Jesus-there is the ultimate promise. A promise that keeps its promise, and needs no deal.

Perhaps the ultimate deal, the truth. Why take the chance when you can have it all? Accept the free gift of Jesus Christ today. God promises. Now that's a deal!

Why risk it all for earthly gain and lose your soul?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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greater is he who is in Him

When meeting new people for the first time, we tend to want to impress them, or to sell ourselves to them. When I see guys with Triumph shirts we will visit, and compare bikes owned. Or ridden now. When on the road it is common to compare trip notes with someone we have never met, trusting them to be accurate in their assessments of the road. We take them to be honest, but foolishly think that they know of what they talk sometimes. I have a friend, who shall remain nameless, who will have an older model of new bike, but acts like it is brand new. His wife tells him when and where and on what he can ride-and she doesn't! When talking with him he gives the impression he owns the latest and greatest, until his ignorance gives him away. And along with it his credibility. All his experience comes from magazines or listening to others, he's never been there. True, he may own a Gold Wing, but even I know they have changed in the past 30 years!

And so it is when asking advice from fellow travelers. When someone who rides 500-600 mile days says it is no big deal, the one who only does 200-300 will think it is. Riding at 70mph, then taking 30 minutes for gas will quickly ruin your speed average, riding at 80mph and taking 10 minutes for gas will greatly increase it. Ride and live consistently. You need to ask qualifying questions to make sure you both know what the relative terms you speak of are. Recently a man called me wanting to go riding to Julian for the day, about an 80 mile round trip. For the day? When I told him I ride 200 miles for lunch, he realized I meant riding, he meant visiting. Say what you mean, on that ride both of us would have been miserable.

So I still rather ride alone. For some reason when riding in groups, it is felt to ride at the slowest rider's pace. In other words, the rest of you don't enjoy your ride to facilitate the slow one. Then we are told we are rude if we don't. I say, this is where we will be stopping, ride your own ride, we will meet you there. And we all ride safer and have more fun. If they don't show up for awhile, I remember Jesus going back for the one lost sheep in 99, riders are no different. A quick rider's meeting, with info and questions asked can avoid a lot of problems later. Maybe that is why no one wants to be a road captain-they end up baby sitting!

So listen to what others say before you go riding with them. Do the math-if I am comfortable at 70, and you at 68, in an hour we will be two miles apart! And both unhappy, neither one enjoying the ride, which is why we ride. Having our joy robbed by not using the sense of common we have been given.

When we ride we speak from the viewpoint of the ride. And when Christians talk, we talk from the viewpoint of the Holy Spirit. I am horrified by so many non-Christians who misrepresent the Bible, are smarter than God, and whose pride is leading them to destruction, they just don't get it. Who think that by going to church that makes them a Christian, and gives them insight to all the things of God. In 1John, John makes it clear when he states, "the one who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world, and speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God doesn't listen to us." A simple way to identify whether a person is saved or not.

I find Christians love to talk about Jesus. Just as bikers love bikes, we love Jesus. And He loves us back, even more. We have overcome the world, and now have insight those who are not saved don't have. Did you know that the littlest child who knows Jesus is smarter than the brightest man with a PhD and denies Him? It is God who grants knowledge, and wisdom when we need it. Just quoting God doesn't make you smarter, but knowing Him does. And with it He gives us His love, He loved us first and sent Jesus to save us.

Funny, but with all the texting, cell phones, e-mails, and other forms of communication, many talk, but few listen. Set a new pace today, and listen to what is being said to you. God deals with facts, not polls or opinions-they won't get you to heaven. Test the spirit of the one you meet while riding, before you take his advice. Seek God, and then obey. You just might find the ride more fun, more challenging, and more adventurous than ever before. And more satisfying. I have nothing against a ride to Julian, other than it is boring. Let's try a road we have not taken, and both learn. And if Christians, let's trust God with our decisions. Just using the insight He gives you can make a boring day more exciting, or a long day shorter. Know your audience, and if it includes Jesus, you are on the right road.

Every day is a new road or a new ride. Ride with Jesus and make it fun. For what good is fun if you don't enjoy it? And if anyone should have fun it is Christians. We are going to heaven! Wanna ride along?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

high income in a low return world

Over the past 20 years I have seen the greed of man exhibited in every aspect of life. From grandmas and hod carriers who got lucky with day trading, then lost it all through greed, to the dot.commies, who just happened to be in the right place at the right time, I have seen accumulated wealth of great proportions. Gone is the work ethic of my father's generation, work hard, save a little, and you will be rewarded later, today it is borrow heavily, invest risky, and suffer the consequences. And as much as it is about the money, with it comes power to buy what we want, to go where we want, and to control others less fortunate. For our benefit, of course. And thanks to government intervention, you can always start over-there will always be someone to loan you money, if you want to pay the interest. But with great promises of wealth, many continue to poorly invest, living their whole life accumulating nothing but debt, a poor credit history, and nothing to show in old age.

We were taught that the government would always be there for us-don't worry. But when it has to borrow to pay you, it shows poor investment issues with all involved. Would you trust a bald barber with your hair? How about a dentist with braces? Or...I think you get the picture. It's like when I hear of missionaries and ministries going directly to the people for money, who don't have it, why would you go to the poor, when you can go straight to God? Who has all the wealth, and likes to share/bless it with us. What makes us think that bad advice will only not work against us? That somehow we shall overcome the same problem, because we are special. Maybe it is true, mental illness is running rampant. For doing the same thing but expecting different results is insanity. Yet watch the world news, and the same themes run rampant-it is all about me, what I want, and I want it all-NOW!

I have watched men buy over priced motorcycles, never ride them, and not enjoy them-they were investment valued. Then when they didn't appreciate, hated them, and never exercised them for what they are. The only hedge against inflation being that the new bike price went up each year, affecting trade in values. Why not just buy the bike and ride it? How are you building memories when you don't do anything? Yet the love of money continues to imprison us.

Jesus tells us in this world there will be tribulation. It is a sad, sinful world. Truly the love of money has become the root of all evil. What we don't realize is that it doesn't have to be that way. We have a counselor, who knows the future, and can guide you through it. Yet we only run to God when it is too late. And we never blame ourselves for our own foolish choices. Jesus also tells us to set our sights on things on high. Not high dollar, high value, or high investment potential. He wants us to remember where a Christian's true citizenship is, and that we should take joy in the fact we are going home to heaven soon. That life here is just a journey, and while God is preparing us a mansion in heaven, He is also preparing us for heaven. You see, He gives us a purpose while on earth, and wants us to exercise all the potential here He as for us. And as so many gain world riches, only to lose their souls, those of us who turn to Christ, who trust Him, and who let us be guided by Him are the real benefactor of riches. For it is by HIS riches, and HIS glory that we are called sons of God. Not by filling a collection plate, or our bank account. The widow who gave all she had, the two mites, inherited more than the richest man.

So when the scripture tells us that it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than a rich man inheriting heaven, He means IMPOSSIBLE! It ain't gonna happen! What part of that don't you understand? So trade your valuables for values. For even the richest men on earth, when they die, leave everything. What good will your gold be in heaven, the streets are paved with it? What about pearls, they are doors? But first you must get there, you must invest in Jesus Christ. You must turn to Him, and give Him all of you-which is mostly bad. He will take your coal and make it into diamonds in your life-a diamond is only coal under pressure. He will take care of all your needs, so you can be worry free. He will show you why to look up to heaven, and remind us of how the world is failing, rotting away if you will.

Jesus will provide you a high return in a low return world. After all, it all belongs to Him, what makes you think someone can create wealth from nothing? Where were they on the day of creation? Did they tell God where to put hills and valleys? Why not invest in the one who was there...in the beginning. And will be there till the end. The alpha and the omega...the one and only...Jesus Christ!

Wise men still seek Him. And live safe and secure in the knowledge that all things work out for those who love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose. His return is 100%, now what is the return that you were bragging about?

And...the neat thing is you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead! Now that is a true investment in a retirement plan!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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they thought they knew the answers...

The great debate last night was what to watch, an old, early Happy Days rerun, which I consider the best ones, or Jeopardy. When I saw the great NBC political machine in action on Alex's show, I almost changed the channel. They were filming in Washington, DC, and had on some political types. Nicest things I can say about them. Chris Mathews, known liberal, some woman named Lizzie-not Borden, an ex White House Press Secretary, and Robert Gibbs, ex-front man for Obama, his equivalent to Hitler's Goebbels. While Alex oozed, I watched the first few minutes, and it was obvious I had incorrectly judged these three. First Gibbs, he was smarter than I gave him credit for. But he would almost have to be. But with such softballs lodged at them, I got almost everyone correct, this was more a high school level show than one for the nation's brightest. Lizzie started slow, but picked up steam, leading into final Jeopardy. Then there is Chris Matthews, of his show Hardball. Another plant of the Obama/Goebbels regime. And quite possibly the stupidest person to play Jeopardy. Ever. If it wasn't for fudging on one of his answers, he would have lost money. But to save face, they stretched the truth-even Alex's expression was of unbelief when they allowed one of his answers. So in between watching Fonzie get Richie a date, I watched as these three know it alls provided comic relief-no laugh track needed. Confirming what I thought all along, backed up by a Mark Twain notable quote, "if you have the reputation of being a fool, don't open your mouth to prove it."

I should have stuck with Happy Days. AYYYYYY! And if it had been anyone else, I would have been embarrassed for them, but these three lived in a fantasy land of their slated news reporting, or made a living from distorting the truth. Something I find offensive, but obviously not the mainstream media. But there is something about the truth that people do find offensive also, especially when it runs contrary to their belief system. Then the facts become opinions, and those who don't know, but are quotable, are readily believed. Nothing knew, just old and tired. And we all do it. So I was not surprised, even though Alex at times was. Maybe he is more professional than I give him credit for.

Watching an interview on Fox last week, I listened to a man tell how the biggest problem the US faces is one of truth. Everybody lies, and without a basis of truth, none of it is believable. Without a starting point of truth, you fail. And until we start speaking the truth, believing the truth, and living the truth, we are doomed. By the way, he was an investment counselor. He really ought to know about rumor and innuendo! But the truth is, without truth we are doomed. Without right or wrong, we are done. We need truth, and it is found in the form of a person, Jesus Christ. He is the truth! So truth is really flesh and blood. Much easier to relate to now that you can identify it as a person. But maybe that is why so many reject the truth, because it is a person, and the person is Jesus, who is God.

Romans tells us let all men be liars, and God be God... Great idea. Someone consistent, and reliable. Not an opinion or poll based truth, but the truth. Remember that when you don't agree with Him. He is right and you're not. But thanks to mercy, He allows you to get right with Him, and for life to go on. In the heat of the battles of life, isn't it better to have God on your side, than against you? So stay in the word, so you know the truth. And walk in the spirit, so you can hear the truth. Get to know Jesus, who is the truth, and watch as your opinions fade away, and you start quoting the Bible instead of what you heard on Fox, CNN, or any other resource. Go with the truth, it will stand the test. Aren't you glad for remotes?

Sadly I found more truth in what the Fonz said than the answers they gave on Jeopardy. And with the questions loaded so as to not embarrass the contestants, yes politics still lives on TV, I figured they would have done better than the sophomore from Tree Stump High School did last week. Maybe one is getting the education the others need. So seek the truth, let it set you free, and then follow it. Trust it. Then live it. No one who has ever followed Christ has been led astray. So don't let opinions, political or others, rob you of your joy. The truth is cool, just ask the Fonz.

Seek the person of truth, Jesus Christ today. Tough answers to tough questions. No opinions, no polls, and no we'll try it and see if it works out. I was reminded how frail lies really are after watching Jeopardy last night. Even Alex noticed it. The question is, do you? Stay out of Jeopardy by following Jesus. No matter the category, or how much, He is always the answer. You can risk everything on Him. Why live life in jeopardy, when you can live in the truth?

By the way, Gibbs won with a total of $5600!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the street corner Samaritan

It is Easter Break in 1971, and Eddie Lynch and I decide to go into New York City for the day. After taking the train from Fanwood to the Port Authority, we make our way up to Madison Square Garden. It is warm, sunny, and almost lunch time, so we are looking for a place to eat lunch. When suddenly while standing on a corner waiting for the light to turn green, a black man steps out from behind a news stand, breaks a bottle against a light post, and hits me in the face with it! I block the next two punches, cutting my arm, and we chase him down into the subway, as he just gets into a subway car, running past a cop as the doors close. He gets away, as the cop turns to me and says "you're bleeding pretty bad, you better get help!" Then does nothing as we tell him of the attack. He yells down to another of NYPD's finest, who grabs a different black guy, who has no idea of what is going on, and then is released when we again tell how the man got on a train. And got away!

We are walking up the steps to the street, and blood is really pouring out of my face now. I mean pouring out, and running down my face in streams. I was hit in the left cheek, and would later have two cuts of over an inch long sewn up, along with a hole in my nose repaired. But as we stood on the street corner, me bleeding profusely, it took 45 minutes for me to go three blocks by ambulance, once one showed up. Never saw one cop, and of the hundreds of people on the corner-thousands must have passed by, it was lunch time, one woman finally grabbed a bunch of tissues from a box and handed them to me. While the others gawked, then looked away, not even offering simple assistance for the bleeding. Then off to the French Polytechnic Clinic, where a woman doctor sewed me up. And you wonder why I hate Hew York?

So when Danny taught this last weekend on the good Samaritan, I could associate with the guy who was beaten. And how many passed by not even offering assistance. I was like a wreck on the freeway that morning, just an interruption, causing people to stop, look, and then complain about me holding up their schedule. Like it was fault. Sorry! I still bear the scars from that day, it is the ones that don't show that I remember the most. The other ones are there anytime I am in front of a mirror.

I used to say that no one cares, and I was wrong. We all care, it is only about ourselves and no one else we care about. How many times do we complain when we are stuck in a traffic jam because of an accident, cursing the poor victim, and never showing them compassion? It is all about us, a fact that a few summers back while riding in Oregon with Frank we were reminded of. An asphalt truck had overturned, closing the freeway, and causing us to double back, and take some back roads. God showed us a beautiful view of the Columbia River Gorge, with a bi-plane flying in it, at our level on the the cliff. We talked all day about it, until God showed me how He gave this to us, despite our cursing of the tar truck. And we are nice people! We stop for others! What does that tell us about our hearts? And about God's mercy and grace? Why didn't we stop and pray for that trucker?

Too often we react as we did, and need to react as the good Samarian did. He gave the only thing that we can never get repaid-his time. And even extended it, in love, to cover further expenses. How ironic we see the love of Christ extended to an innkeeper, when the night our Lord was born there was no room at the inn. Only a barn for our Lord to be born in. Love doesn't take into account past wrongs, it just loves. Just like Jesus told the lawyer-love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. We don't know how many Jesus was addressing in the crowd that day, but perhaps hundreds were listening. Church folk, who may have come to hear Him, or were just there for whoever spoke. But then I wonder, in Matthew 25, how many may have been there that day, who were there the day Jesus told this parable. Could they be the same ones that Jesus explained to who their neighbor was, who then told them He never knew them, because they failed to love the least of them? How would you have reacted? How do you react? But God, "he made me late. I had my new suit on. He was homeless. I hate hospitals." And the worst, "it's their problem, they probably deserved it." Who really is he least of them in God's eyes?

Jesus said "whoever does these things to the least of them, does them for Me!" Do we pray for the accident victim tying up traffic? His day is certainly worse than ours. Do we offer to sit with a homeless man, rather than have him evicted from a burger joint? Will we submit to being treated like we are in jail, so we can visit those inside? Can you give me a drink? Can you stop by the hospital? Can you even hand me some tissues when I'm bleeding? Can you stand before Christ and say you really love Him, when you hate those made in His image?

Through one man sin entered the world. And through one man, we are offered an escape route from it. Jesus, The only way to God. I was fortunate that day, I only have scars. And I hate New York. Earlier that day another man had been hit, the same way, at the same corner. Only he had nerves in his face damaged. I can smile today, despite circumstances. I wonder if he can? Use the precious commodity of time to minister to others. Money is nice, but is a poor substitute for a hug. You will always get another paycheck, but you cannot replace time. Jesus knows that, that is why eternity is so precious to us. It will more than pay for the times wasted on earth. And will reward us for using our time wisely for Him.

Do you say you care? Now is the time to show it. Be patient. It leads to salvation. Pray for those who are slow, or broken down. You could be there yourself. We reap what we sew. Sew love, and you shall reap love. Lord, please bless the woman who helped me that day. I am thankful for her. Help us to remember, Jesus took the time to die for us, can we take the time and live for Him?

love with compassion,

Mike

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