Ford has a better idea!

If you weren’t around in 1964, the rest of you born after have no ideas what the Mustang did to the automotive world.  While Chevy sold a hot rodded version of the Corvair, and Dodge fed us ugly Darts, and Plymouth Valiants, Ford had a better idea.  Using an existing platform, the Falcon, they came up with the Mustang, the car baby boomers were looking for but didn’t realize it.  It took brilliant marketing by Lido Iaccoca to help sell it, and with options galore could be found in 6 cylinder with three on the floor, or up to 271 horsepower with the 289 and 4 on the floor. Styled like nothing else on the road, it truly launched the Pony Car revolution, even though the Plymouth Barracuda preceded it by two weeks.  But if imitation was then, it still is now the most sincere form of flattery, for out of the Mustang mold we would get within a few years the Camaro, Firebird, Challenger, and a redesigned Barracuda, called the “Cuda.”  All based on the Pony Car concept of the Mustang.  Even Toyota would copy them with their first Celica based on both sedan and fastback versions.  Mustang sales may have dwindled, but today Ford celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Mustang, no one else even comes close.  The Celica died in 1997, Chrysler pulled the plug on both cars in 1974, only to reintroduce the Challenger a few years ago, the Camaro quit over a decade ago, along with the Firebird, only revving the Camaro in 2010, Firebird along with Pontiac is gone , RIP.  But Mustang survived despite the competition, and thrives today, the 2015 one I desire to own.  It is fast, beautiful, and still looks like no other car on the road.  No confusing the Mustang for anything else, it is what it is!

Mercury in 1967 brought us the Cougar, which eventually morphed into a larger two door sedan.  Then to a nameplate on badge engineered Mustang, an Australian two seater, and then finally on a Mazda 626 based chassis, then went away quietly.  But Mercury had a hit in 1971 with the Capri, advertised as “The Sexy European” imported by Lincoln Mercury.  A smaller version of the Mustang, it had a Pinto motor, but was sexy looking, and classy for the $2400 asking price.  They were a hot seller, then the Capri II, faced with the dreaded “II”went upsized, was still a good car, but too pricey.  I almost bought one from a guy I worked with, it was nice car, but had too many wheels for me at the time.  I still liked the less rounded contours of the original like Gary Bobko had, in brown with brown interior that looked like leather.  With that cool map reading light that extend from the dash.  And with the 2000cc motor would run pretty good, up to its 100 mph top speed.  Sadly they are gone, I haven’t seen one at any car show for years, maybe just the car we need today.  Stylish, quick, classy, good fuel economy, and priced so the younger set could afford one.   The others tried by imitation, it was Ford that had the better idea.  One look at the 2015 Mustang and you’ll agree.  A Mustang has always been, and hopefully always will be a Mustang.

God has a better idea too.  He is called Jesus, and many are called to him today.  Sadly few answer, some finding a temporary satisfaction in a counterfeit.  A knockoff religion based on the truth, but then carefully molded so that the author of it comes under no condemnation.  Using himself as the baseline, either you meet his standards, or fall short.  We refer to them as cults, and some even sound good, using God’s name in them.  But beware, as 2John warns, do not even wish them “God bless you,” or invite them in.  They will change you long before you change them.  Eroding your faith, and leaving you with a lie, and miserable.  Yet confused Christians call me mean when I confront these groups with the truth, and warn others to stay away.  “But how will they be saved if we don’t witness?” they cry.  How about the same Holy spirit that saved you?  You were lost like they are, and Jesus saved you.  The spirit telling you “you need Jesus,” until you finally answered the call.  God warns us about such people, and the destruction they bring on themselves and others.  Jesus warns us to be “wise as a serpent, but gentle as a lamb.”  Being in the spirit will help you recognize and let you know what to do.  By standing firm in Jesus you are telling the truth, not their perverted truth, even Jesus took offense and asked when seemingly being harsh, “have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” 

A few years back a woman and some other ladies made things for the elderly.  Handcrafted, they met on Wednesdays, and had a great time of fellowship, and sharing Jesus.  Two Mormon women came and were welcomed, and to make them not feel uncomfortable, the leader decided they would not talk about Jesus.  And the group shrunk, only growing in Mormon women, who then decided to sell the goods they once gave away.  Do not give the devil a foothold, if only their pastor had stood firm on the word and shown them love via the truth.  Jesus is the truth, where were the wise serpents that day?

And so it goes, and so it will, others will try to imitate Jesus, but fall short.  They deny who he is, the only sin that will not be forgiven, and try to add works, studies, family times, and finding fault with the scriptures.  No one has ever fought God and won, they are destined to lose too.  As the devil and his angels already have.  We have Jesus, we have the future, and we win!  No other name by which you may be saved.  Call on him today.

The Mustang is a survivor.  Great ideas last longer, as others only imitate and fade away.  Don’t be confused by false claims, or rarity.  If it was rare when new, maybe it wasn’t popular then either.  Only Jesus can claim to be the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The oldest nameplate on the planet.  The one all others try to copy, but fall short of.  Some day a “sexy European” will rise up as the anti-Christ, and the worst 7 years in earth history will begin.  But Jesus will return and rule forever.  Don’t go through that time, get saved today.  God is a God of his word, he will return, and is patient that none should perish.  For all new believers be glad he is, and didn’t return any sooner.  That’s love.  Found no where else in history, available from Jesus.  Read the owner’s manual he provides, and get to know him better.  There is only one original Pony Car, it is called Mustang, and there is only one true God.  His name is Jesus, get to know him today.  Speed, comfort, and luxury...and at a price you can afford! 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

money may not buy happiness, but it can buy a motorcycle and that is the same thing

Money can’t buy friends, but you can get a better class of enemy.” Spike Milligan

Malcolm S. Forbes has been dead for awhile, 25 years, but at least in New Jersey he made a permanent impact on motorcycling.  Getting into the sport later in life, he bought a dealership so he could get bikes wholesale, and teaming with Hank Slegers was the partner in Slegers-Forbes, at one time the largest, and the first motorcycle superstore that dot the freeway exits today.  Notice he didn’t need top billing.  He sold all the major Japanese brands, plus BMW, Bultaco, OSSA, and other European brands.  Using his political influence he had an inspection station on the premises, and offered to pay your sales tax if you paid cash.  A far cry from the added on freight and set up we see today adding thousands to new bikes.  His 50,000 square foot building on Route 10 in Whippany was many times a destination no matter the weather, as he would also store your bike for free if you bought it there.  Few rode in Jersey winters.  I bought my first BMW from him, his sales force hand picked and knowledgeable, they all rode, and wore green blazers, true professionals even then.  But Malcolm rode and rode far and wide, taking many friends along at his expense.

At the time, the 1970’s, the Garden State Parkway didn’t allow motorcycles, which was a drag as it was the main artery to the shore.  But with Malcolm’s help it was soon to be motorcycle friendly.  But before it was, he rode on it, and one Sunday with about 40 of us got on, got escorted off without tickets, such was his presence, and then immediately got back on after the State Trooper left.  So you could say I rode with Malcolm, sort of.  But his scope of friends and where they rode was known worldwide, taking a group of bikers into Russia for the first time.  When no American tourists were allowed.  Via his Capitalist Tool motto.  Trips all over the world, supplying as many as 80 bikes for those who rode to ride, and keeping bikes on his yacht and ranches.  He loved to ride, and often with us mere mortals, he loved bikers, and often rode with Elizabeth Taylor as his buddy seat sitter.  Can you picture her in leathers and a helmet?  Standard equipment for Malcolm, also in full black leathers.  He made an impact on motorcycling that many don’t know about today, and proved money may not buy happiness, but it can buy a motorcycle and that is the same thing.  He was happy when riding, on his bike he was one of us.  Off it a voice for all of motorcycling, one that he used his celebrity status and money to make better for all of us who ride.   We need more Malcolms, today many celebrities ride, but few put their money where their butt sits to promote motorcycling.

It is too bad you cannot see inside our full face helmets while we ride, for they cover and protect a huge smile.  Just a few miles of riding, taking the long way home, can cure a bad day, a missed opportunity.  You never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist’s office, and while some seek therapy, the rest of us ride.  If only a momentary escape, or a month long tour, riding will clear the head, and improve attitude like nothing else.  Except Jesus.  Just being a Christian and being assured heaven ought to be enough to make us smile continually, yet many Christians are gloomy.  All the time.  They have not realized that happy and joy are two separate things, and confuse the two.  Our lives should celebrate Jesus in them, yet many hide their light under a basket like scripture tells, and are gloomy enough I wonder “why would I want to be like them?”  Know one?  Are one? 

Happiness is based on the present situations, and if they are pleasing to us.  That same new bike that brings happiness can also bring sadness when it runs out of gas.  Or breaks down.  Or cannot be ridden.  Happiness is for the moment, but joy runs deeper. It is forever.  Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God in all situations.  Joy appreciates the past, the right now, and the what is to come, because we have Christ in our lives, and it ought to show.  And when our hearts are right with God, we show it naturally.  It cannot be turned on and off like some do based on situations, it comes form knowing Jesus and trusting him.  I am happy because I am going to heaven, I am joyful because Jesus saved me.  Yet some try to cover it up, or blind us with their high beams for Jesus, bringing condemnation and fear, rather than the love and forgiveness that saved them.  Without Jesus we can have happy times, but they will fade, like my time on the Parkway.  With Jesus it is joyful all the time, and the road is open whenever I want to ride it.  Joy is not based on situations, but on the cross, and the one who died on it.  His pain was our gain.  Those who are aware of what Jesus has done live in joy, and although we may not always be happy, we have his joy within us via the holy spirit. 

Malcolm’s position in life gave him access to many famous people.  Statesman, politicians, actors, and celebrities.  He was a good will ambassador to all of them for motorcycling, his passion.  We are to be ambassadors for Christ here on earth, do we show our passion for him in our lives, does it come from the head or the heart?  The situation or the relationship?  We will all face disappointment, how we handle it shows Jesus, and many times how I handle it shows parts of my life that still need work.  Not quite there yet, and so I see mercy.  Forgiveness.  Even in bad times of bad decisions Jesus still loves us.  So be aware of God’s love and acceptance for us.  Show it in attitude and action, using words only when necessary.  Money may not buy happiness, but it can buy a motorcycle and that may be the same thing, but only Jesus can give you joy, and you cannot buy it.  It is a gift, so accept it.  And pass it on to others, even those who don’t ride.  Stop preaching, start forgiving.  Stop worrying and ride.  You meet the nicest people on Hondas and other brands.  You never know who is under that Arai or set of leathers, we are all family once we throw a leg over the seat.  Only God knows the heart, we judge based on appearance.  Malcolm put his money where his heart was.  Where he was happiest.  I am happiest in Christ, knowing I will live forever in heaven.  Which brings me joy.  Happy or joyful or both?  Only in Jesus will you know the difference.  I feel a ride coming up.....joy and happiness in Christ.  Jesus and motorcycles, it don’t get much better than this.

By the way, Malcolm’s headstone reads “while alive, he lived.”  Amen to that.

love with compassion, and passion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

 

different by design

The Honda of all Hondas, Soichiro Honda, once commented “how could a person buying a motorcycle know what he wanted if it wasn’t in terms of the known and available?”  How could someone want something he didn’t know existed?  Point well taken, as his 750 Four brought us 4 cylinder inline engines, disc brakes,and reliability.  The Gold Wing is the premier touring bike.  But others lead us too, like the Triumph Bonneville gas tank, shapely and elegant.  Harley showed us that slow and unreliable could be a success when mated to an image.  The modern sportbike was born in 1985 by Suzuki with the GSXR, with full fairing, clip ons, and light weight.  From the track to the street.  Built around Mr. Honda’s 4 cylinder, the sport bike that started it all.  The BMW R90S started the sport bike revolution with low bars, twin disc brakes, light weight and a bikini fairing.  Their GS started the modern adventure bike market, all others to follow.   All bikes we may have dreamed of, but didn’t know we wanted until they became available.  From concept to market to garage, no wonder Honda is so big today.

What engine is more American than the V-8, made available to the masses by Henry Ford in 1932.  Later Chevy made the V-8 iconic in its small block, the most popular engine ever built.   Just how different was the Corvette in 1953?  No other American manufacturer made a two seat sports car, and no others do today.  The Mustang invented the Pony Car, no not telling a Camaro or Mustang, they have always been what they are.  When Ford added rear seats to it iconic T-Bird in 1958, it started the personal luxury car, which brought us the Lincoln Mark series, Buick Riviera, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Chrysler Cordoba.  Big engines in small bodies were no big deal, until John De Lorean put one in a Pontiac Tempest creating the Muscle Car market with the GTO.  SS454, Buick GSX, Boss Mustang, Plymouth Road Runner, and Olds 442 all owe their legacy to that one car.  Front wheel drive, in a luxury car?  Thank Oldsmobile for its Toronado, followed by the Cadillac Eldorado.  No mistaking either car for what it was.  Or is today.  And maybe that is a common theme also, we have no problem identifying these cars or motorcycles today.  A  Triumph sounds like a Triumph, a Harley like a Harley,and an inline four sounds Japanese.  Ducatis sound unique, as do the thumpers used in motocross.  All ideas in some imagination, until someone put them on paper, and into production.  If you don’t think these examples were important, you must live in the world of a 4 door sedan-boring.  Even today’s SUV’s were station wagon based, just put on a truck chassis.  Maybe the exception to the rule that some ideas are better left not expressed.  But all the above, SUV’s included were different by design.  Differently marketed, and proved Mr. Honda right, we don’t know what we want if it is not available.  Those who brought these to market made them known, and made them desirable.  To these men I say “thanks,”  for I cannot imagine a world without fast motorcycles, fast cars, and as I get older personal luxury.  Interestingly among my six motorcycles, there are six different engine sizes, with 2, 3, or 4 cylinders.  From adventure to sport to touring, to the Universal Japanese Motorcycle, UJM, the 1978 Suzuki GS1000, the grandfather of the GSXR’s.  Maybe I have been influenced more than I know, or will admit.

No one I have ever met, or heard of, woke up one morning and decided to find God.  “Yup, today I am going to find something invisible, intangible, and to some unimaginable.”  Never heard it put that way.  But yet God is real, and wants to have a relationship with us, so calls us back through Jesus via the Holy Spirit.  Without the spirit we would not have sought after God, we would have no faith to seek Jesus, and the words in the Bible would be just that-words with no meaning or power.  But thanks to the spirit, we have been given life, and the direction to get back to God.  When sin separated us, no amount of sacrifice would do, it took a life for a life.  The spirit tells us that.  How would we know we wanted God if the spirit hadn’t made him known and available?  Simply put you wouldn’t.  For God is more than a concept, a new model, an idea sprung to life from a fertile mind, he is God.  He is the creator of all the universe, and along with the spirit, we are led back to him through Jesus.  Called if you would, with one simple provision left to us.  It is our choice how we answer the spirit’s calling.  We can say yes to Jesus, or no.  For love does not demand its own way.  And God made it easy. There is only one God, only one way to him through Jesus, and only his spirit will guide you to him.  When he calls his son begotten, he means unique.  To be followed, to be led by. 

Yet many counterfeits are there led by wrong or evil spirits.  Only God has placed a God shaped vacuum in you that only he can fill.  And without the spirit you would not know we wanted God, or know we need Jesus.  Mr. Honda’s analogy is more far reaching than you think, and God was around long before Mr. H,  something to consider.  We are different by design, no two alike, and all have sinned before God.  And Jesus is the way back.  Reliable, available, loving and kind.  The desire of every heart, and yet we all take different paths to get there.  Different rides if you will, but there is only one true God.  Do no t be misled, allow yourself to be led by the spirit.  Be comforted, fed, nourished, and saved.  No other religion or God offers what Jesus does.  Don’t limit God, and you will not be limiting yourself.  We dream of heaven, yet only Jesus makes it possible.  We pray for healing, he is the great physician.  We pray for needs, he is the great provider.  And we need a savior, he is the only one who can save our souls.

We don’t know what we want or need. We only guess.  The spirit guides and brings life.  We all can use a little more life. Find it in the spirit of the Lord.  Watch as the scriptures come alive with him, as you prayer life changes when guided by him, and how heaven awaits now that you believe.  All because God sent his son to die for us because he loved us.  Encouraged by the spirit.  If you are still seeking, it is the spirit that is calling you, say yes to him today, and yes to Jesus. We never know what we want, and only in the spirit we will find that the something is really a someone.  Wake up today to God and his spirit.  His son is waiting to hear from you.  And your answer is......

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

behind the scenes

Theresa and I had been joking for years about going to see Wheel of Fortune live.  We had ridden past the SONY Studios many times going to see Christopher, the old Columbia Studios, and I would love to see all the history inside.  A previous visit onto the Warner lot for Bud Ekins’ memorial was an eye opener in many ways.  Riding our bikes through the sets, seeing where the films were made.  So getting online, I got two free tickets, and in September will be at a 315pm taping.  I am more interested in seeing how things work behind the scenes, and any historical stuff I might encounter than seeing Vanna and her anorexic arms.  To see what goes on behind the scenes fascinates me, I like to see how things work.  And then compare it to the final product.  The website says “get your chance to meet Vanna and Pat,”  I can just imagine, “Mike, so glad you finally made it, we’ve been wanting to meet you for years.  Tell us about riding....”  Yeah, right.  So along with all the representatives of senior America, of RV’ers and trailer parks everywhere, we’ll be there!  With free parking, hey this might be a better deal than Disneyland, I’ll let you know about any lines. 

But I am anxious to get behind the scenes.  To see what really goes on, and how the production crew makes it all happen.  I had told how my 8 hours of taping for SALT resulted in less than a minute on screen, no idea how long the taping will take.  Even if we get out at rush hour, we can lane split so we still have the advantage.  But depending how enamored I am with it all, who knows how much I will hurry.  I tend to drift away from the tour group, seemingly by accident.  In 4th grade we got to tour the Metuchen, New Jersey Ford Plant and see Mustangs assembled.  Guess who was the only one to get lost, I mean separated from the group?  I got lost at a Mets game at the old Polo Grounds, and was found by Miss Rheingold filming a commercial between innings.  I have a curiousity to see how things work, what goes on behind the scenes, and just like Dorothy and friends were told “pay no attention to that man behind the curtain,” I take it as an invitation to look.   We all have it in us, we push the barriers while in line, we touch wet paint ignoring the signs, and when told the plate is hot instinctively reach out and touch it.  Rebels all, so I am looking forward to browsing at Wheel of Fortune.  With apologies to the meeting of Pat and Vanna, maybe they will get to meet me!

As much as I am impressed with manufacturing, I am more impressed with who designed and built the assembly line.  Who build the machines to build the products.  Henry Ford didn’t invent the assembly line, contrary to an article I read yesterday, nor did he ever say “any color you want as long as it is black.”  Cars until the twenties were painted black because it dried faster.  And the assembly line was an idea he got from packing houses, who slid the beef carcasses on an overhead conveyer to the next station.  But how many know it took standardized parts to make it all happen?  Without a standard to bolts and nuts, it would not be possible.  And someone had to build those machines, who had to build those machines.  It takes a lot to build a car, and as much as I like cars, I am more impressed with the factory.  We have toured the River Rouge Plant where Ford makes F150’s, once the largest industrial complex in the world, amazing how it all gets together, and how sanitary and clean.  Built my confidence in buying one after seeing them built. But some scenes I rather not look behind, slaughterhouses, kitchens in restaurants, and those working on airplanes, like the one we were stuck on in Chicago for two hours once while listening to the men cuss and make rude comments about what junk the planes were, and how they hoped they had fixed the problem.  A shirt once asked about Harley, “if they made a plane would you fly on it?”  I think I’ll stick with my two wheels when I want to fly....

We take God for granted, and maybe his size and abilities when we just gloss over “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth....”  Out of bara, nothing.  Like where was he before the beginning?  It says he breathed us into existence, did he have Chinese food on his breath one day, Italian the next?  What about Mexican food?  When I look at my hand, and see how complex it is, just wiggle your thumb, simple to move  yet complex to accomplish.  I think of my heart and how complex it is, and how he held it in his hands during my surgery.  So much could have gone wrong, but he held the equipment and the surgeon together.  I don’t need to know how my body works to be impressed with who made it.  But I am none the less.  Some believe in the theory of evolution, yet we are all decaying daily, the Second Law of Thermodynamics proves all things are constantly atrophying.  A law, not a theory, we all get older, not younger, and waste away.  Thanks to sin....we are not getting any better.  But we can be forgiven, and Jesus is the way the creator created for us to be reunited with him.  Because of Jesus we can make it to heaven, where we will be perfect once again, I will have a new heart, my plastic aorta will be replaced, and for the third time I will have a new heart. The first when I gave it to him, the second when I got the plastic aorta, and soon in heaven.  For good, and forever.  I want to marvel at how God created the heavens and the earth, to see behind the scenes of how he works, but for now just have to trust he does without seeing it.  The evidence is enough to prove his existence, but I want to see it all.  I want all of God I can get!  And it will take an infinite amount of time to see all an infinite God has to offer.  Forever is a very long time!  Where you spend it is up to you!  Hell was made for the devil and his angels, not for man, yet when we sinned and fell short of God’s glory we were doomed to go there. Who you follow will decide where you end up. Jesus is the way out, which may sound way out, but is very simple.  The one who created us knows how to fix us, sustain us, and save us.  No other God nor religion can deliver what only God promises through Jesus.  No one.  No salvation in creation, or in any other created being. 

I’m sure we will have to sign a release to see Wheel, just like we did at the Rouge Plant.  Liability to protect them from us.  Little old me that important a threat?  Only Jesus forgives sin, and protects us from hell.  Keeps us from it.  A created place, but so is heaven.  One for God’s children, the other for fallen angels.  And you get to choose!  My seating for Wheel says preferred, preferred what?  By the exit?  The stage?  The men’s room?  By Vanna?  Don’t let life be as puzzling as the Wheel, Jesus makes it simple so I can get it, free so I can afford it.  I can see it now, being told to stay behind a certain wall, and guess where you won’t find me?  Stay within the lines, within the box.  Don’t touch the hot plate, or look behind the curtain.  Only God invites you to see behind the curtain behind you and him, and invites you in.  No secrets in Jesus, he is truth.  The truth.  If life is a puzzle, I have it figured out.  For God so loved the world he sent his only son....which makes me the big winner.  I can have it all now, all the winnings.  Which is much better than the big winner, who can wait up until 120 days to receive his winnings.  I know what is behind door number 1, I don’t need to see what is behind doors number two or three.  I won on the first try with Christ, I hope Pat and Vanna are as excited to see me!  If only they knew.....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

for the nevers in your life

Stop and think for a minute if you never changed your mind.  Think if you still had the same outlook on life at age 5 as when you were born.  Think of the difference between 5 and 10, 10 and 15, and 15 and 20.  Now think about 5 and 20-wow!  From Mommie being your best girl friend, to girls having cooties, to being strangely attracted to them at 13, to looking for a long lasting relationship at 20.  It was us who changed, thankfully, to meet the new desires that each time in our life presented.  A State Farm commercial talks about the nevers in our lives, representing one man never getting married, never leaving the city, never getting a mini van, and finally never having kids.  For the nevers in our lives the ad proclaims, that Sate Farm is there.  So much for the never say nevers in our lives.  And I am reminded of this today when my older son called from London.  It is his 35th birthday....times flies, and it has been a good time.  But to the contrary to those who think time goes faster as you get older, I can tell you it is us who get slower.  Time is a constant, we tend to be not so constant.  And throughout my life, I have been glad to change with the times, but never change my God.  But I have changed my rides.....

I can remember being told when I hit 55 “you’ll be riding a Gold Wing if you still can ride,” and I denied it then, and do now.  Although I did enjoy my last stint on a Trophy, it felt good getting back on the Street Triple.  And the Bonneville.  And the Tigers.  So maybe I am changing a little, just one bike at a time.  But I still enjoy the ride, and although I don’t have the endurance I once had, it is still more than most.  A BMW poster in my garage encourages me to go farther than around the block.  To ride between time zones, coasts, oceans, and borders.  To not be limited by city limits, but to explore.  I ride much different than I did at 20, actually faster as my skills are honed, but my desire to be on the road is just as great.  And at an age where I maybe cannot look ahead another 25 years, I can look back at over 45 of riding, with precious memories I have had, but also with those to come.  Just because you get older doesn’t mean you stop living or riding, it just allows you to do things differently.  Like your outlook towards girls and motorcycles, some get better with time, but never forget to enjoy what and where you are right now.  And where your dreams may take may you tomorrow.

During history people have made pacts or agreements.  When the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, they formed the Mayflower Compact, a set of rules to live by in the new world.  Less than 175 years later our forefathers made a new agreement with the Declaration of Independence.  In both cases they felt a divine God was leading them to a better life, and they didn’t want to lose it, or miss any blessing that God had for them.  They made vows to one another, just like we make vows today, and hoped that they would be encouraged by each other to keep them.  History tells us different, as they changed, changing the times with them.  But it is really when Jesus Christ comes into our lives that we change, as all change comes from the inside out, not the other way around.  A Harley is still a 1936 design no matter what color it is painted, or how much chrome added.  They have improved, but the call is still the same.  The call to ride, the call of the open road. 

Ask yourself, where are you in Christ today?  Compared to 5, 10, 15, or even 20 or mores years with him?  Have you changed, have you grown in him?  Is your love for him still as fresh today, or is is more so?  Has he made an impact on your life so that you are known as a Christian when you meet others?  Or have you hung up your leathers because you got old, and done the same with God?  We know people who have gotten old because they have stopped riding, not stopped because they got old.  Works with Christ too.  Religion is only for women and children.  So stay a child of God, let him be your Father, and be his son.  Acknowledge his son in your life, and enjoy every day.  Every way.  If he has truly changed your life, you grow old with him. Ray and I decided we aren’t getting old, just older.  He at 71 rides a turbo charged B King with 264 horsepower as his daily ride.  Riding gives us life and keeps us alive.  But Jesus gives us eternal life, keeps us alive until he calls us home, no matter the age.  And as we have no guarantee for tomorrow, I do for heaven, and I am glad I ride with him. 

Changes in what I ride, changes in how I ride.  Changes in who Jesus is in my life, and how I live for him today.  Compare that to the nevers in your life, and remember one never from a speech given to a graduating college class by Sir Winston Churchill.  In total, “Never, never never, ever give up.”  And then he sat. Maybe the best never to ever remember.  Second only to never forget about Jesus.  Never say no to him when he tugs on your heart, or knocks on the door of it.  Never forget who he is and what he did.  And what he still does in the lives of those who believe.  And still wants to do in those who don’t.  Jesus never changed, or changes.  We do.  So let him change your life today.  Make a pact with him today, he calls it a new covenant, a contract with no ending, you get the title to life right up front, not when the contract payments are finished.  He never stops being God, so don’t ever stop letting him be.

Never, never, ever, give up on Christ.  He hasn’t on you.  Grow older in him, and when you get old, you are one day closer to heaven.  One mile closer to home.  The final ride....And if you happen to pass me on a Gold Wing, or Bonneville, or even a Harley, wave back.  I’m still living and loving the life God has given me.  Changes in what I may ride, but never in the God who saved me.  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The future never looked so good.

love with compassion,

Mike

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