blokes, chaps, and mates

The one thing I love about the English is that they are so English.  And although we have a direct heritage to them, we the US of A, who they refer to as the colonies, many words have gotten lost in translation over the years, of course our fault.  All this from the country who drives on the right side of the road, or the wrong side of the road in most countries.  But their terms for automobiles can leave many wondering what they are speaking of.  Have you ever ridden in a saloon?  Most popular body style sold in the world, we call them sedans.  My wife loves her drop head Mustang, a convertible to you colonists.  When we buy our petrol, we should take a look under the bonnet, our hood, and check the spare tyre, kept in the boot, our trunk.  But my favorite term for a car is the shooting brake, which we call our SUV, which has evolved from the station wagon.  How many soccer moms, football those in the UK call it, would lineup to own the latest shooting brake?  And the list goes on.

Mechanics use spanners to take things apart, Snap-on calls them wrenches.  Cars are made in works, not factories, and spares are the parts we replace when they wear out or break.  Talked to your spares counter man lately?

Now suppose while waiting you run into some bloke, a man, who is waiting for his mate to pick him up.  His mate is not his wife, but his friend, although a wife can be a friend and should be.  A decent chap if he is a mate to both-friend that is.  And so it goes that while learning to speak English, we must deal with the English language.  The Queen’s English if you will.  Oh, and by the way, if one of your mates talks about dropping a few pounds, he is losing money, or a few quid, the English equivalent of our dollar.  But the exchange rate will kill you if you think all pounds and dollars are equal.    And ministering is also different, as their government has Ministers of Defense, the Interior, and other government functions, here ministers minster the gospel.  A huge difference, a mistake you don’t wish to make in either country.  Why don’t you blokes take a break, lean against a wing, your car’s fender, hoist a pint, and let’s talk cars.  Jolly good...don’t you think?

And so it is easy to see how the same words can get you into trouble, but maybe not out of trouble.  I am reminded of a conversation with a young Navajo girl on the reservation in Shiprock.  She was of the new generation, and spoke new Navajo, much different from the old Navajo, that the US used for codes in WWII as it was not a written language, and couldn’t be translated.  And she explained that one word in the current language could mean nice, but in the old could men you have a face like a horse.  OK if you are another horse.  Careful here mates, or you chaps could get in a world of hurt.  So imagine the situation God faced on the day of Pentecost.  Different men from different backgrounds speaking different languages.   Imagine Peter addressing the crowd, with his thick Galilean accent, the same one that gave him away to the little girl in the Garden of Gethsemane, and God had a task on His hands.  But being God, He was able to solve it and make it work for all-he had them hear Peter’s words, each in their own language, so they understood.  They would have known the difference between a saloon and a bar, or a bonnet or a hood, and those in shooting brakes would have been able to ride in the commuter lane.  They understood because God wanted them to, He holds no secrets to those that seek Him.  And the biggest secret He has ever revealed is Jesus, so we can return to fellowship with Him.  He doesn’t want to be separated from us, He wants to be close and part of our lives-the most important part.  And He leaves it up to us, as real love demands a choice, not a demand or a law to enforce it.  Love conquers all-and is a noun, God, a verb, He loved us first, an adjective, his loving kindness, and the list goes on.  So you might say we are mates, friends of Jesus.  But sadly some blokes aren’t, yet on the Day of Pentecost, 3000 blokes came to be mates in Jesus.  And it continues today...

God speaks to us in many ways, His word, pray, via the Holy Spirit, and through other blokes, if we are listening and looking.  Seeking and finding, just like promised, to all in abundance.  So after praying today, listen to God, and for His words.  They will be in a language that makes sense to you, and He will provide an understanding when needed.  You just have to trust and obey.  Don’t get it, refer to the owner’s manual, the Bible, and ask Him again-and keep listening!

He knows your number plate, your name.  And He wants to bless you, with spares in abundance, and works never ceasing.  Petrol for the soul, and air in your tyre.  So climb in your coupe, drop head, saloon, or shooting brake, and seek Him today.  He is a dynamo, an alternator of power, and never ceases.  Be like the 3000 who came not speaking the language, but left united as one in the spirit.  They came as blokes, but left as mates and chaps.  Friends.  May we all do the same.  No matter which side of the car the wheel is on.  Don’t keep His love hidden in your boot. And you thought a shooting brake was just a time to reload.  Bloody colonists.  Now can anyone please explain Whitworth bolts to me?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

not guilty doesn't mean innocent

Jim Woods, Mayor of Oceanside gets it.  When first approached by Torches Across America, he proclaimed September 11th as a First Responders Day, and then was there to send us off on our cross country ride.  Now not being a biker, he stood out among the leather and denim, tattoos, and earrings-that is just the men, and wearing a three piece suit got a suspicious eye from many.  So when I introduced him, I advised him publicly, that most people in suits remind us of court, and they are usually against us.  On the other side of the desk against us.  It got a laugh, and Jim went with it.  He loosened his tie quickly, and opened his vest as a show of support, a politician to the end.  But next year I was greeted by the same man, this time in a Hawaiian print shirt, still no denim or leather, but being greeted by “look Mike, no suit and tie,” I knew he got it.  At least he didn’t show up in brand new leathers like a newbie.  Maybe a man I would like to have in my corner if I ever went to court.  I can just hear him explaining my leathers to the judge...

Going to court can be a scary thing.  Just walking in the courtroom you feel guilty about something, and those being tried are really at the mercy of a judge.  One of four scenarios can play out-being proven not guilty but still having done the crime, found guilty, but not having done the crime, innocent and being found innocent, and finally guilty and being found guilty.  Not guilty does not have to mean innocent, just getting off when the evidence is not enough, the judge is not convinced or a jury feels not guilty.  Sadly many go free when they are guilty, even sadder is those who are innocent, but convicted.  But sadder still is those innocent of the accusation, but found guilty, and told “ well you got off for other things, your reputation finally caught up with you.”  And they call that justice?  So just mention court to some and they get an upset stomach, or judgment, and the tempers flare.  Voices rise, and those who are accused start boldly telling us how the Bible tells us to not judge.  But does it really say that?  And why do you only hear it from those caught in sin?  Where is the rest of the Bible they misquote so well, like you must be born again?  Like Jim, overdressed, but still willing to fit in. Guilty as charged.

Psalm 84:10a tells us “better is one day in your courts,” and the song goes on “than thousands elsewhere.”  Someday we will all go before a righteous judge, God almighty, where we could all be found guilty of sin.  All men sin and fall short of the glory of God, but some have chosen Jesus as their wonderful counselor, and taken His advice, and given their lives to Him.  When they are before God on judgment day, Jesus will represent them, us, and although guilty as charged, we will be found innocent by God, and a free pass into eternal life in heaven.  Others will not be so fortunate, as they will try to argue before God, but find Him just and right, with no argument to rescue them from hell.  They had their chance on earth, but chose other things over the things of God-they denied Jesus, and so He denies them on that day.  No parole, probation, or hung jury-judgment is swift and harsh-hell forever.  No chance to change clothes to fit in and no excuses accepted.  The truth that has set others free will be used to condemn you.  A day of judgment all Christians should be looking forward to with great anticipation, as heaven awaits, all troubles are gone, and no more lies or excuses will ever be heard.  All coming to an end in that one day in court.  Truly I rather spend that one day in court with Jesus to represent me than try to go it alone on earth without Him. 

How wonderful is your attorney?  Is he called the wonderful counselor by the Bible, or is he a $400/ hour servant of the court?  Is he court  provided, or just a friend pro bono?  Only Jesus can save you on that day of judgment, He is the only wonderful counselor, and one day in His court leads to thousands elsewhere.  He is what depends on the elsewhere you spend eternity in.  So today call ahead, ask Him to forgive you. Have your name written in the Book of Life.  We are all guilty, but only those who are in Christ will be found not guilty.  Not guilty doesn’t mean innocent, it does mean forgiven.  Remember that next time, or this time.  Ask forgiveness before that awesome day when we will be free at last-not guilty, for no facts will be there to support the accusations, all because of Jesus.  Not guilty as charged, but not innocent either.  Forgiven.  Justice and judgment never looked so good.  So, how’s your day going?  We all have a court date waiting for us, I can hardly wait for mine.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the 8% solution or vote early and vote often

One Harry Callahan, inspector, philosopher, marksman, and he of memorable movie lines, when asked once to rate a woman, his candid reply was “on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give her a two, only because I’ve never seen a one.”  High praise from a man who has probably seen more than a few twos in his time.  And no, 5 twos do not equal a ten!  So much for public school math.  So yesterday, when listening to the latest on the government shutdown, the most recent poll showed an 8% approval rating-92% disapproved of the job the Congress was doing!  Which brings up some rather interesting questions.  First, who elected them?  Us.  Second, what’s the matter with the 8% who think they are doing a good job?  These two groups are the ones that scare me, they were all elected by majority vote, makes you wonder about the other candidates who lost.  Remember the old Monopoly Community chest card “collect $10 for winning second place in a beauty contest?”  And of those elected, only 8 out of 100 are doing an approved job?  Has the dumbing down of America finally hit home, via our elected representatives?  And although Harry’s observation was over 35 years ago, have we finally seen that elusive 1?

My best friend in at TJHS, Terrill Junior High School was Bill Moore.  His older sister Debbie was an over achiever, and so when it was Bill’s turn to run for school president, it was natural he would.  And running against Roger it was to be a tough race, both were popular, but Bill had the gift of expressing himself better.  Today we just call them fast talkers, but Bill being of the high IQ set, could verbalize himself very well.  Until that fateful assembly in the spring of our 8th grade, when the candidates spoke.  The posters had been hung, all the school was a buzz about the election, and Bill was the last to speak at the assembly.  And it was a speech few would remember, but many never forget, at least his opening line.  Everyone else was polite, formal, and courteous, Bill was Bill.  After recognizing Mr. Dezort the principal, and the vice principals, he then went on to mention “and all you grease, clique, and soul brothers.”  And the few that laughed were soon overcome by the deafening silence that followed.  He had called the spade a dirty shovel, and although he was right on, he was way off.  And Roger won going away....maybe the beginning of the 8% solution we need today.

Irregardless of who you voted for, these people represent you.  Or do they?  So we only have ourselves, and each other to blame with the current Congress.  Which gives us a chance to rectify it next year.  Keep the 8% in mind when you vote.  Now, in other news, a man was tried and convicted, of no crime, and sentenced to death, with only one man not voting guilty, his an abstention, he took no stand on the matter.  But the man was crucified anyway, and today, this man chosen to represent His father in heaven, is down in some polls, but still the best man for the job available.  The man of course, is Jesus Christ.  Who was appointed by God to be His representative of Him to us, and who many call Savior, and are appreciative of His representation.  But we are also called to be His representative in this world, and that is scary to some.  As I look around, I wonder why a great God who chose a perfect man would choose us, just the complete opposite?  What was He thinking?  And His command is simple, “represent me on earth, I’ll represent you in heaven on judgment day.”  If you don’t, He won’t.  Simple enough, but then the religionists get into it, and pretty soon the polls will be slanted against Him, and His representatives.  While all of us who voted with our lives for Him will be condemned, but only here on earth.

So let’s take a look at Jesus’ qualifications.  He was a man of the people, although he preferred the down and out, a better class of people.  No MBA, although He was the wisest man ever, sorry Solomon.  He cured the tax problem when He pulled a coin from a fish and told the people to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and could virtually eliminate welfare feeding 5000 with meager means-He was the Surgeon General, the Agricultural Secretary who advised on the planting of seed via a parable, and had full control of inflation, and the supply of money.  Sounds like a man I would vote for, and besides that He could offer and guarantee life after death-and freedom from religion.   With a direct line to God!  Wisdom so great that our great US of A used His principals when forming the Constitution, good words to live by then and now.  His bill of rights was even simpler, love your neighbor as yourself, and go out and enjoy your life.  Loving Him first, which should be easy based on His success rate.  So would you vote for Him?  Have you?  If not, what are you waiting for?  There is none better than the best...and ask yourself, who are you representing with your witness?  Why would He represent you in heaven?

Of all the campaign promises ever made, all His are yes and amen 100%.  No excuses, no tricky promises, or campaign slogans.  You must be born again, He told Nicodemus, and Nicky got it-He of power and wealth.  He gave it all up for Jesus, will you give it up to represent Him?  Try His website, directly to Him for healthcare, and see what happens, a direct line to the great physician.  Food for the hungry, clothes for the naked, and security for the scared.  King of Kings, Lord of Lords, yet many don’t cast their vote for Him.  Your chance for politics, to be a representative of Jesus among His constituents, are you up to the task?

Today many of the grease, clique, and soul brothers Bill addressed represent Jesus.  They see a promise in Him few can offer, and no one else can deliver.  So let Him into your heart today, and let this majority of one enter your life and heart.  And represent Him in all you do.  Who else would have His Father’s endorsement, and full and complete trust, with the most valuable commodity on earth, us?  It only takes one vote, for Him in your heart to change things.  A 92% failure rate is not good in anything, and once again for the very first time many will be re-elected.  The time for change is now, today is the day of salvation.  Over 50 years agao a famous President in His inaugarual speech told us “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”  Still works today, and who can be better for America than Jesus Himself?  Choose Him today and start a whole new House of Representatives....or choose the old Chicago mantra...vote early and vote often.  The choice is yours, who represents you?  Do you represent Him? 

Vote Jesus today, the only chance for the dead to vote.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

half the distance to first base

I remember well that hot July night in Scotch Plains when we all sat around the TV watching Neil Armstrong take his first step onto the moon, and speak those immortal words “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”  Taking a giant step, as they believed the moon to be billions of years old, and the dust covering it miles deep, and afraid he and the lunar landing module would sink in the dust.  So much for theory, as we know he didn’t, and the Bible tells us it isn’t, but that night when he took his leap of faith, very few of us knew the perceived danger...but Neil did.  And he took that step in faith.  I can associate with small steps, and the importance of them after my open heart surgery.  At four days after surgery, they have you up and walking, hard for me as I was still in a coma, and later found out they were just trying to keep me alive.  But four days after that, when Nurse Jackie told me “today we walk,” I was scared.” I hadn’t walked in over two weeks, was very weak, it took two nurses just to get me into a chair right next to my bed, and my legs were weak, as was the rest of me.  I had no clue as to the beating your body took from the surgery, but I was learning...fast.  So as she helped me stand, and I was ready to sit again, we began to walk, very small steps, more shuffling than walking, and after about 20 feet I couldn’t go any farther.  I was ready to give up, but she kept telling me I could go another five feet.  Which I did, and then turning around the room seemed miles away.  But she kept insisting I could do it, telling me how strong I was, boy was she wrong, and finally I made it back to room 14, and to bed.  I had travelled maybe 50 feet, half the distance to first base, no even the distance to the pitching mound, and I was exhausted.  I had taken one giant leap, and many small steps, and was to learn how important small steps were to be in my recovery.  And how excited others were as I progressed.

The Cardiac Critical Care was on a square, with the hall inside 3 laps to a 1/4 mile.  The next time I went a bit farther, maybe second base, and when I completed my first lap, Carol a nurse, who stood up and applauded when I walked by, greeted me at the other side of the lap doing cartwheels!  No one had expected me to even live, and here I was doing a lap-many, many small steps, and many more to go.  But I was walking and growing in strength, but with no regimen yet.  While walking with Nurse Candy, she kept telling me “go further, do more, you need more strength,” but still no goals given.  So I stopped her, and asked “what was the date of your open heart surgery?”  And after she admitted she never had one, I confessed “well I have, and I am trying as hard as I can.  But I have no goals, I’m not even sure how well I am doing.”  And it was quiet until we got back to my room, where she and Theresa made up a walking regimen for me, with 4 days of goals, written on the board for me to see, and the nurse to help with.  And Candy was met with a surprise, when she came in the next morning to walk with me.  The board had been erased, and when she asked why, it was because I had surpassed them.  Four days of regimen had been completed in one day, and I was ready for more.  Only God and those who counted the steps while walking me knew how many small steps I had taken.  What had begun as a giant leap, just getting out of bed, was made strong by many small steps.  Urged on by caring nurses, a wife’s love, and a loving God, my healer Jesus Christ, who knows all about giant leaps and small steps.  I was to take many more small steps, and another leap the day I walked out of rehab after 5 days, instead of 4 weeks as planned.  Between not being outside for almost 30 days, and not wearing shoes, when Nurse Jessie asked for a wheelchair, I wanted to walk out.  As I grabbed her arm as she told me, I was about to make another giant leap of small steps.  Neil may have walked on the moon, I was overjoyed to be walking in Albuquerque.  And it all started with half the distance to first base.  Never had such a short walk required such endurance.

As all Christians know it took a giant leap of faith when we came to the Lord.  We were going into uncharted waters, and after that giant leap, were not sure always how our lives were to change.  And so in discipleship we took many small steps, and looking back were amazed at how far we had come.  But after the leap, come the steps, yet many are unwilling or unknowing of how to take them.  I get put off when I see some celebrity on TV declare how they have come to Jesus, and how He has changed their lives.  And then a few days later read about their drug bust, or DUI, and I wonder, were they willing to take the small steps.  Or were they so used to being treated special that Jesus was just another photo op for them, and a stepping stone in their career?  But sadder still are those who promote these big names in the name of God, showing how if they can do it, so can you.  And then covering them in adulation for what they have done, when it was Jesus who has done it all, and He gets second billing, if at all.  I can name the names of those who profess Christ publicly, but by their lifestyles show no evidence of it.  Men and women who even name ministries or charities after themselves, and are praised publicly, but wonder about their heart condition.  No small steps, they come out running, and burn out fast.  And I wonder, where was the church, a pastor, a friend to disciple them?  But more importantly, where was Jesus?  Was He even invited along?

They had taken the big step, the small ones must be easy, and how wrong they are.  My big step was having open heart surgery, the walking should be easy, I’ve done it for years.  Boy was I wrong, as I found I needed Jesus even more in my daily walk, as I had become more vulnerable to all types of aggressors, both spiritual, physical, and emotional.  It took Jesus to get me through the surgery, into a chair, and then out of bed and walk.  I have some insight as to the man whom Peter told to rise up and walk, but even more into Jesus when He says take up your cross and follow me.  Walk with me, lots of little steps, and grow in me.  It is always God who provides the growth, and has also laid out the path for us.  As the Good Shepherd He has gone before us and cleared the way, our part is in following, or being obedient.  And when the path gets dark, following Him in faith, because we know His voice and trust it.  Because of many small steps.

Jesus Christ is no one hit wonder.  Many today come and go in fame, sadly many newly saved Christians do too.  Take the giant leap of faith with Christ today, and then follow in small steps.  Many lead to long distances, for me it started as half the distance to first base, and ended up walking 1/4 of a mile.  No big deal to an athlete, but to an open heart patient, a marathon.  But I never walked alone, and still don’t today.  Let God guide your steps, and be the light for your path.  Don’t neglect the small steps for the famous large ones.  My one giant leap of faith in Christ has led to many small steps for me.  I hope you never know how good it feels to walk or ride a motorcycle again like I did after I couldn’t, but rest assured Jesus is there every step of the way.  We walk by faith, not by sight...the same faith that saved us will guide us in our daily walk.  Jesus Christ, it’s the small steps that make Him great.  What was the date of your giant leap?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

all in a day's ride

Traveling in the south, and parts of the southeast, once you are off the freeways, referred to as the Interstate, you find yourself on these magnificent back roads.  Roads that take you past farms, people’s homes and roadside businesses.  Traveling at a blistering 55mph, the speed limit, life goes by at a slower pace than we are used to in So Cal.  People leave themselves more time to get places, and on weekends the roads can be filled with country folk going into the city, and city folk heading for the country.  But in the last 15 years, a new highway system has encroached many previously secluded areas, it being the 4 lane highway, or as the locals will call it the 4 laner.  It doesn’t necessarily have to replace the old road, in many instances it runs parallel to it, where the old roadside businesses still exist, until some major chain opens up a Denny’s, Mickey D’s, or Subway, circumventing traffic to them and away from the old businesses.  And soon the old ones cannot stay open, and soon we get to travel coast to coast, or county to county like we do on freeways, never leaving home, some franchised system guaranteeing our visit will not provide any excitement, or local flavor.  Only the license plates on the cars change, and the price of a Happy Meal.  Isn’t this what we wanted?

But traveling in West Virginia, where it seems 1000 feet of straight without curves is the limit, we have ridden across both ways, never touching a 4 laner, until our last trip.  The Robert C. Byrd Expressway system had been completed, and miles of interstate type highway welcomes you, taking you through mountains and over canyons you previously had to go over or through.  Many roads going to places before only the locals would go, because they led to nowhere, except to where they called home.  But now hour long rides can be turned into a few minutes that to RC Byrd, who by the way was the longest man to sit in the US Senate, and understood pork better than anyone, and now it seems roads.  But while riding on them, you notice a peculiar absence of traffic, you can go miles without passing anyone, or anyone appearing in your rear view mirror.  And if lost, locals will be happy to give you directions, using the old roads, which to us is OK, that is where the best roads are.  Or like a man in Hew Hampshire asked, “do you want the quick road or the fun one?”  But I imagine that too will change, as new places to eat and gas up will appear by the 4 laners, and even the locals will frequent them. The land of the not so free, and the home of the franchised, and we wonder what ever happened to America?  Better yet, what has happened to us?

On one very rainy morning we were faced with a decision on which road to take, stay on the new 4 laner over the New River Gorge, or the old one down into it.  45 seconds or 45 minutes?  So we took the long way across, down and under.  And it took more than 45 minutes, in fact it took us back years.  Past waterfalls, over a single lane bridge, past streams, summer camps, and people living in the country, all with the new bridge over it in sight, at any time less than a half hour away, but really years ahead.  And while many looked down at the gorge, we looked up at the bridge, and its magnificent construction.  And we knew we had made the right choice, as if there was ever any doubt.  And once back in civilization, felt we had lost 30 years going in, but regained it coming out.  And something we would have hesitated to take in the car, was natural on a bike.  All roads go somewhere, but not all roads lead to anywhere.  And that is the roads we choose to ride.

Our walk with Christ is the same way.  We tend to take our relationship with Him seriously, and wish to enjoy life, not just get from one place to another.  The time spent in between is precious, and it is on the back roads of life we get to know Him better.  Radio off, cruising at a lower speed, taking in the countryside, we see God’s handiwork in blooming flowers, thick woods, and flowing streams.  You hear things with the motor off, even the tinkling of the muffler is the loudest thing, but can’t cancel out insect and birds-or the rushing stream.  It is in the quiet times we hear Him best, but He also speaks on 4 laners and other roads too.  I find you cannot go anywhere without Jesus, so why would you try to?  Yet some only consider Him when in trouble, and they cannot get themselves out of it.  Some only religiously, sometimes reluctantly making an appearance for a whole hour on Sunday.  For some He is used to curse others, and not acknowledged as God at all.  While others try to do good things to please Him, while really trying to make themselves look good.  See how good I am, giving a brief aside to Jesus.

But it is in the times spent with Him, we not only get to know Him better, we get to know ourselves too. Cruise set, AC on, and our favorite tunes on the stereo, He is far away.  But creeping along at 20 mph, He becomes more real, more evident.  And we get to see Him as He is, and as we are, and realize we need Jesus more and more.  That life is not a freeway, or an expressway.  It is the back roads with people where He lives.  The apple pie made with love, the extra scoop of ice cream, and getting sweet tea, you mean there is any other?  It is talking families, learning history, and feeling at home, rather than a stranger at a Denny’s.  The menu is local, the flavor is local, and you are but a stranger once.  The way to ride, the way to live, and a good example of Jesus.  We are but strangers once, then family, and soon He calls us friends.  A first name basis, just like saying Bill sent me, or I was told to ask for Shorty.  Friends based on who sent you, and who you send.

And so God sent His son Jesus, so we could get back to Him.  Says so right in John 3:16.  He loves us, and wants to spend time with us.  Maybe just an extra half hour, but one you will remember all week, or years from now.  Take the time to spend with Jesus.  Take an old road home.  The shortest distance between two points may be the longer ride.  We bikers know this, and would rather spend an hour riding home than 30 minutes stuck in traffic.  A time to get away, and get with God.  A time to look up under the bridge, and get a whole new look at life. 

Spend some time with God today, don’t be in a hurry.  Bob Evans Family Farm is just off the new 4 laner, but accessible by the old roads.  History they call it, why not write some for yourself today to share with others.  There is this road I know, and with Jesus along it gets even better.  You may be what is happening to America right now, and wondering what has happened to us.  Long after you arrive home, it is the back roads you will remember, not the interstate exit number.  There is still time to look ahead, why not do it with Jesus, the best road you will ever travel.  As speeds you thought impossible.  I never knew you could have so much fun in third gear.  Jesus like America is out there, you don’t have to look very far.  All in a morning’s ride. 

By the way, the Bob Evans Farm is in Ohio.  Just off the 4 laner.  All in a day’s ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

locating top dead center

Over the years as a service advisor, I found it best to ask many questions to help qualify a diagnosis.  For instance, when a customer would come in, complaining of a loud noise from the engine, the following interchange.  Service advisor-when does it do it?  Customer-all the time.  SA-will it do it now?  C-no.  SA-well then it doesn’t do it all the time.  Do you notice it more when just starting the car?  C-yes.  SA-and does it stop after awhile, when the engine is warmed up?  C-yes.  SA-if it makes a loud whirring noise, it is probably a secondary air pump, and is normal.  And some new ones are even louder.  You’re fine.  And they would leave, car not making the the noise, and feel confident until it did it again, and we would repeat the conversation.And so it goes...pay attention please, we are here to help!

But not all problems are solved so simply, some require testing, lots of diagnostic time, and still finally sometimes it is solved by eliminating what you know it isn’t, and fixing what is left.  Reverse engineering of sorts, if it ain’t that, it has to be this, that is the only thing left.  And recently I had to help diagnose my own problem with our truck.  Sometimes after going to the beach, and stopping at Costco, it would crank, but not start.  Until I arrived, then it would every time.  Until one time it wouldn’t, and AAA came out.  And by the time they arrived, it would start.  Which told me it could be two things, camshaft position sensor, a known weak point on Rangers, or my suggestion, crankshaft position sensor, which it turned out to be.  A crank position sensor finds top dead center of cylinder number one, and then tells the truck to start as all is well and in proper order.   I am over simplifying, but that essentially is what it does.  They get hot, short out, and car wil not start, until it cools off, then it starts.  Simple...or so you would think.  Pay your bill, your truck is ready.  Cranks sensor it is.

God has known all about these things from the start.  Even before computers, and timing and sensors.  He was there at the beginning, and is still around today.  One reason He sent Jesus, so we could hook up with Him.  Think of Jesus as top dead center in your life, the rest is easy.  If you don’t recognize Him as Lord, how will you know where to start?  Yet so many like to skip this step, and their lives never really run right.  God laid it out for us, simply enough for all to obey.  Jesus is head of the church, then the husband is head of the family.  If out of order, you cannot function right, nor will your family.  Wife stronger in the Lord, man is called the stronger one to rule over her, and protect her.  Kids run the house, you really have problems. Ever seen a tail wagging the dog?  So men...take the lead that God tells you to take, find top dead center in Jesus.  Protect her, guard her, and love her like Jesus loved the church, dying for her if necessary.  This is not a power trip, unless Jesus is the head, and she will become a better wife as you become a better husband.  The kids will then fall into place.  Sadly this simple procedure is not followed, as too many stronger women dictate to their husbands, then wonder  why their marriage and families are a mess.  Too many times it is all about the kids-soccer, Little League, PTA, and the list goes on.  Not bad things, but when out of order, so is your life.  And just like a bad crank sensor, your car won’t start.  So you sit waiting for the tow truck...when all it takes is locating Jesus in your life-TDC! 

And often we know the situation, but it takes a humbling to correct it.  And I have found humbling is far better than humiliation.  So humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.  Giving you a new start.. and helping you get your life in order.  But it must start with Him, you must have that starting point so all other functions know when and where to line up.  In engines it is called timing, and no one has a better sense of time than God. 

So not stopping at Costco after the beach was not the answer, or was eliminating the beach altogether.  Or taking another car.  The problem is still there.  Just like in life, so don’t wait until the next sunny day to get right with God.  Maintenance has always been cheaper than repairs.  And to those who would tell me they broke at the wrong time, I ask, when is the right time?  If you have time to fix it later, why not avoid it now, by getting right with God?  Today is the day of salvation, from sin, and to lead your family correctly.  With Jesus as your head, your TDC.  Works in cars, shouldn’t it work in life?  Or are cars just so simple you get it all?  If so, maybe you can answer this question.  Which cylinder is the master cylinder?  Hint-top dead center don’t matter here.  Go with Jesus, and as the saying goes-fire on all eight.  On six or four.  Perfect timing right now.  Now about that noise you make..do you do it all the time or just when you don’t get your way?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Theresa loves Larry

It was just another late lunch hour on Hollywood Blvd. for most.  85 degrees, light breeze, and many tourists out looking at the Stars on the sidewalk.  We had just stopped at the old Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, when we heard the sirens.  And suddenly Hollywood was closed off between Highland and Orange.  Just like the warning signs had said.  No big deal in LA, as movies and TV shows are filmed all the time, but this time was different.  And as the sirens got closer, you could see a parade of police cars, Code 3 sirens and lights flashing, at 10 mph.  And then they were parking in front of us, about 25 vintage police cars and one motorcycle.  And suddenly people were flooding the streets to take pictures for the next 20 minutes.  But most just kept on walking by, just another event to them.  It seems we were the few who knew what was going on, even a Channel 4 video man wasn’t sure where to set up.  But here it was, and today it was the cars turn to be the stars.  With the only motorcycle the reason we went.

It was 7 Mary 3, aka Jon Baker, aka Larry Wilcox leading the parade.  And as CHiP’s fans, we were almost overwhelmed. Andrew grabbed Christopher’s DVD set and had Larry sign it, and we had many photos taken.  But most seemed to ignore it, while a few of us knew and were ready, if not prepared.  I got to visit with him, and commented on his cowboy boots, joking he must be a real cowboy.  He laughed and agreed, having a ranch in Wyoming.  But the highlight for Theresa was having her picture taken with Larry, and talking motorcycles for a few seconds.  He told her “she was cool because she rode her own bike.”  Jon Baker, sans Ponch thinks my wife is cool!  WOW!  But of course I knew it all the time...and now Theresa loves Larry.

Among the other vehicles were the Adam 12 car, Pete Malloy a no show.  Must be 211 in progress.  The 1974 Torino of Starsky was there, light flashing on the roof, a license plate of Zebra 03 identifying it.  Cars from Robo Cop, a Ferrari playing the Magnum, PI theme, a VW van dressed up like the Ninja Turtles, with one inside, the 1967 Ford Fairlane of Jack Webb in Dragnet 1967, looking just like it as leaving Parker Center.  Just the facts.  KITT from Night Rider was there, along with the Green Hornet, and many retired LAPD cars.  The Batmobile, sans the caped crusaders, was there.  An early 50’s Chevy paddy wagon looked like it was right out of film noir, you could see the usual gang of suspects being rounded up.  But to me, aside from Officer Baker, it was the two Buicks, a 1955 and 1956 Centuries, just like Broderick Crawford drove in Highway Patrol.  And at the heart of the parade, as this was 10-4 Day, its 10th anniversary celebrating the show and Broderick Crawford.  Gary, who started the event, looked just like him driving down the street, the only thing giving him away was Crawford was only seen driving on dirt roads, as he had lost his license for DUI.  But his cars were the real thing.  And in Hollywood, where make believe is the real thing, I was surprised more people hadn’t noticed.  Maybe to them it was just another filming, little did they know what we did.  And then just like that, it was over, the street open again to traffic, the cars gone, and we were overwhelmed with joy.  it was good we had eaten before the event, our smiles now were so big food would have had no problem entering, but the smile would have stopped the digestion process cold.  “2150 by, 10-4.”

I wonder how many people afterwards didn’t realize what was going on.  Or recognize Larry from CHiP’s.  But we did, and were the better for it.  We were looking for him.  Like Christopher said, “this was better than Christmas, and was worn out.”  But some 2000 years ago another event took place, and few noticed its importance.  And even in the weeks to follow, when Jesus met some before He ascended to heaven, they didn’t know who He was.  Mary Magdalene thought He was the gardener.  Two disciples walking and talking with Him only recognized Him after He had left them.  Thomas wanted to touch Him, just to make sure.  Peter after recognizing Him, built a fire and fed Him, and was asked the famous three times, “do you love me?” He even spoke to a fundamental Pharisee who was out to destroy Christianity, speaking to Him in a vision, then blinding Him and giving Him a prophetic word.  Saul, now Paul, a true apostle.  How many saw Him, over 500 are mentioned, and didn’t know who he was.  Or didn’t care.  And just like that He was gone, after 40 days, but will return.  Leaving us the Holy Spirit to remind us and encourage us until He does.

We were looking Jon and Ponch, and were thrilled to see Jon, who was a genuinely nice guy.  Why can’t I ever meet a Chippie like that?  But we knew who we were looking for.  Today many wonder who will be the anti-Christ, wasting their time and others.  Seek and you will find, and we did, and we are with Jesus.  We look for not only His return, but for help and guidance daily.  We need Him now!  But so many look to Oprah, the government, the church, and criminals when Jesus is there the whole time.  Waiting to respond to your emergency-in fact if contacted regularly you may avoid emergencies.  Isn’t your life exciting enough already? On TV you knew the story would end in the last 5 minutes, and another would start again next week.  But we live in real life, not before a camera and have no script.  But we should and need to be aware.  I don’t want to miss Jesus!  And I don’t want you t miss Him either!

So pay attention to the signs, and warnings, they are there.  Jon Baker had gotten a few years older since his last ticket, but we  knew him just the same.  Do you know Jesus?  How long has it been since you talked?  What did you talk about?  Did you listen to His words?  Are you looking for Him now? 

For those who miss Him it will not just be another day.  Hollywood has no idea of what is to come.  But you do, and His name is Jesus.  And it will happen just that quick.  In the meantime, seek Him while He may be found.  For 2000 years people have met Him and been assured the promise of heaven.  From the thief on the cross, to Paul, to you...He has been patient.  We remember the cars as the stars...what do you remember about Jesus?  “7 Mary 3 and 4, clear, 10-4 over and out.”  And yes, I whistled the CHiP’s theme all the way home on my Bonneville.  And no flashing lights-it truly had been a magical day.  And having met Larry.  Or was it Jon?  Doesn’t matter, have you met Jesus yet?  10-4 to Him, good buddy.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com