learning to ride-if it were easy everyone could do it

“If it was so easy, everyone would be doing it,” I heard a lady once say as I was attempting to teach her to ride a motorcycle.  She had been told it was just like riding a bike, and she wasn’t very good at that either, she understood the falling off part, but under pressure, husband, friends, and herself, she wanted to learn to ride.  She was tired of being a buddy seat sitter, and wanted to ride her own ride.  Long before we had MSF courses teaching us, we had patient friends, or someone we knew at the dealer who would take their time to teach us.  Not always the best situation, but for many it worked, and still does.  For me it seemed natural, more like peer pressure, no one wants to look like they can’t ride in front of your friends who do.  Proper use of clutch and throttle, knowing where the friction zone is where both meet is taught now, then it was “open the throttle, let out the clutch and hang on.”  And I did, and I do, and I continue to.  And over the years have taught others, rather tried to teach others to ride.  From both my sons, my older one took the MSF course and is a very good rider, to my other son who got his first bike at age 4, with an auto clutch and just took off, to my wife who did the MSF thing and rides her own, we all ride.  At different levels, and different courses.  But we all ride, and within limits can ride anything.  Thanks to the Federal Government all motorcycles now shift on the left, brake on the right, headlight on all the time.  Much different than riding old Brit bikes, old Sportys, or old Kawis with a rotary trans, that went 1-4, the 1 again.  What were they thinking?  But some I taught were memorable, and I think of them when I see something that reminds me of them.  Coincidence huh?
When selling bikes years ago, I had a 72 year old Grandma buy a Suzuki 110, and wanted to learn to ride it.  Her husband had died, she had a motor home, and was going to hit the road.  Her first trip was with her grandsons, and she was going to surprise them with the motorcycle she was taking along.  They never knew what was in store when they stopped by the shop on the way out of town, and Grandma took a few hot laps in dirt lot.  This would be a road trip to remember....is your Grandma that cool?

When Theresa and Christopher took the MSF course, I got the call at the first break, “go buy another bike for us.”  Music to my ears.  So they shared a 2003 Bonneville, rather fought over it, mostly Christopher occasionally shared it with his mother, until she got hit on her first solo ride without me.  She was OK, the bike totaled, but we all encouraged her to ride again, the accident wasn’t her fault.  And she did and she does, averaging over 6000 miles a year on her own, when she is not on the back with me.  By the way, she is not a grandmother....

The other side of learning to ride was a young husband who finally had convinced his wife motorcycles were safe to ride.  He bought a brand new GT380 from me, and off to the back lot we went, for a few intro laps and instruction.  He knew how to ride, he kept telling me, and his wife had that look of “no you don’t.”  He was finally able to kick start it, and kept stalling, blaming the bike.  When he finally got the clutch and throttle thing right, he gave it too much throttle, and headed into a chain link fence, that saved him from riding into the building.  Bike and rider stuck under the chain link fence, rpm’s revving, we pulled him out, bike scratched, his ego bruised.  She left both bike and rider behind....motorcycles are safer when you know how to ride. No word on the marriage. 

But the one person I wished had learned to ride was my Grandpa.  At age 21 he hitch hiked across the US of A, in 1926 America.  He liked the fact I rode, and rode cross country.  He loved to hear the tales of the ride, and wished to ride himself.  He often sat on my motorcycles, and him on my CB650 Nighthawk stands out in my mind’s eye.  But my Grandma forbid him to, probably a good thing, if only he had learned when younger.  And when Ray tells me of riding with his grandson, and the time they ride together so special, I am glad I taught my family to ride...or at least encouraged it.

But all riding starts with a desire to ride.  It may have been a neighbor who rode, or a relative.  Maybe a trip to the desert got you going, or pretending to ride a motorcycle by putting baseball cards in your spokes.  But with the desire, you sought out someone else who rode, maybe a shop or at a friend’s bench racing session.  You learned the terms, sat on the bike, in your mind going 100 mph, your imagination going crazy until reality stepped in.  You didn’t ride.  I see many in churches today when it comes to a relationship with God.  They hear others praying, reading, and worshipping, and want to join in, but don’t get it.  Maybe they are saved, and wish to pray publicly like some do, but don’t know how.  And hope they are never asked.  Just like the excuse if everybody was doing it, it should be so easy, prayer should be easy.  And personal, whether spoken or said silently in the spirit.  It is a personal conversation with God, and some conversations are more personal than others.  Some are private, some out loud, some quick, some long, but in all cases, we need to start with prayer.  We need to ask, or better yet listen, then proceed.  And when you hit the friction zone where you and God are conversing, you know when to just be quiet and listen, maybe the best part of prayer, hearing God’s voice.  And like the person who asks directions, and you reply “where are you?” your prayers will help to tell you where you are with Jesus.  Many pray like they were taught, or where they were brought up, to me each prayer, each conversation is different.  If in danger, one word “HELP!” is all that is needed.  Other times in worship it may be a long period of praise.  Maybe the best type, thanking God for all he has done.  Or better yet, just for who he is.  Some pray the same prayer over a meal, some so long the food gets cold.  Some out loud bringing attention to themselves and annoying other diners.  God isn’t deaf...and can hear.  Can you?  But just like riding, the more you ride, the more situations you encounter, the more skills you acquire.  You become a better rider.  Works with God too, the more you pray, it leads to more Bible reading.  Confirming what the spirit ahs shown you in print.  Remember the first century church didn’t have the New Testament, God wrote his words on their hearts.  And still does today.  It takes the spirit to reveal the mysteries of Christ in the Bible, pray then read.  And if you can’t, pray anyway.  The only time I was ever denied praying for someone, was a man who was near death, and told me not to.  I asked him “how do you know I haven’t been?”  He went home, discharged the next day.  The spirit knows when and what to say before we do.  Or feel we have to.  Or draw attention to ourselves.  Prayer needs to draw attention to the one we are praying to.  If Jesus doesn’t get the glory, we miss out on blessings.  There is no power in prayer, only in God who answers.  Next time you are stuck on the side of the road, and beg your motorcycle to start, you may have faith, your bike cannot answer.  Like the statues that were prayed to, and kept falling over, they had no ears to hear, or mouth to answer.  Only Jesus does and will.  Are you listening? 

And so there are no lessons on how to pray, except one.  The disciples never asked Jesus how to heal, how to teach, or how to minister.  Or how to do book sales, fund raisers, or how to take special offerings.  Their request was simple, “teach us to pray.”  For without contact with God, all else didn’t matter.  And the Lord’s Prayer tells us how.  The who, what , where, and why of Jesus Christ.  Maybe meditate on the words, then apply it to God,and watch as asking becomes worship, becomes blessed, and no words need to be spoken.  The spirit will comfort, give confirmation, and lead to places you didn’t know.  The person who is always with you, the two or more that Jesus tells us about when is among us.  Maybe just ask the spirit, where do we start today?  And then listen....AMEN! 

And it is so easy, that everyone can do it.  God made it that way.  He doesn’t cut you off from him, he desires fellowship, which is why he sent Jesus to be the way back.  To reunite us with him.  To form a  relationship.  And you can start right now...no lessons necessary!  Unlike learning to ride, or crash.

The line to heaven is open right now.  God is waiting to hear from you, do you wait to hear from him?  He is anxious in his loving way to have fellowship with you.  To love and guide you.  To forgive and bless you.  Will you let him?  Why ask if you don’t expect an answer, we are told he who has an ear let him hear, not he who has a mouth let him speak.  Prayer like riding will be different everyday.  So get out and pray more.  Right now, stop and thank God for loving you.  And watch as the words flow from the heart.  If only riding a motorcycle was so easy.  Then everyone could do it.  Can I get and AMEN?

love with compassion,

Mike

mathew25biker.blogspot.com

 

the ballad of this easy rider isn't over yet

I was a jock in high school in 1969, when I first saw Easy Rider.  And had to sit through it twice.  I was so mesmerized, it changed my life from Clearasil to carb cleaner.  I had been riding Ricky’s Honda 50 in the woods, and Dave’s mini-bike on the streets of Fanwood, but this showed me riding in a new way, as a way of life.  To some it was the drugs, to others the music, all rock tunes you knew, perfectly enhancing the visual.  To others it was the road, or the motorcycles.  But to me it was the freedom of the road on motorcycles, it was about the ride.  A hook had been set, and I took it, and would never be the same again. A new passion for riding was born, and 46 years later the draw is even stronger. 

And so in 1975 I set out on my Easy Rider ride, on my 1974 R90S, leaving the past behind, excited about the future.  I was born again only a few months, yet my life was changing, and I didn’t get it, but I was free, and couldn’t explain it.  My route went from east to west, from New Jersey to New Mexico, and saw the ride through Billy and Wyatt’s eyes.  The south was still red neck, Texas still huge, and I had no idea what to expect in Albuquerque, only knowing it was my destination, much like Mardi Gras was theirs.  But with a much different ending....

If you ride you know freedom, but if saved you know true freedom in the spirit.  A freedom that cannot be described, as earthly words cannot explain a heavenly God.  And I have both, and sometimes I don’t get it, how 1%ers who love to ride and know that freedom, would do anything to have it taken from them.  You cannot ride in jail, and as much as I like the memories, I rather be making them.  So I stay clean, and enjoy the ride.  But my life has changed a lot since that cold November ride 40 years ago, a ride where freedom in Christ took over my life.  Where my passion for motorcycles has been grafted into my passion for Christ, and I both ride and live in the spirit of a loving God. 

You cannot separate Jesus and patriotism, where one is the other is found.  And in 2006, on my second Torches across America ride, we stopped in Groom, Texas, east of Amarillo on I-40.  Now Torches is a secular ride, to honor and remember those who died on 9-11, starting in Oceanside and ending at Ground Zero.  And on this year’s ride, we stopped in Groom, to see the world’s largest cross.  You can see it for miles in either direction, and in 2006 the site was still not completed.  But what was, was all that was needed that day, as the spirit directed us there, and then through the 13 steps to the cross.  Statues of life sized figures of Jesus, from his trial before Pilate to the grave are depicted.  In such detail you can see the agony in Jesus’ eyes when the 9 inch nails are driven into his wrists.  You can see him standing quietly before Pilate, and being scourged.  As you follow the self guided tour, this day God allowed me to lead it.  A small group of 8-10, some Christians, I answered questions and gave insight as God provided me with information as we walked in silence.  Love of country and love of God were being focused on love of Jesus, and many thoughts not expressed since Sunday school were brought to light.  Tough men, veterans who had seen death and war, some who used God’s name in vain, now saw his name in a different vein.  Tears were shed at times, as the horror of the cross came closer, and it was displayed at top of some concrete steps, on a hill.  Three crosses, empty, and it dominated the exhibit.  The cross still called out to men and women, more than just a tourist trap along the highway.  It was calling out to men’s souls, the spirit still calling us.  But at the last display, the tomb, it all became different.  Inside a life sized cave, sat an angel, next to neatly folded bedclothes.  Still under control, from trial to cross, to grave, Jesus took the time to fold them, to make his bed before his left.  And when one man exclaimed, “look, there’s no body!”  the truth of it all became evident.  We saw the victory at the cross, where Satan thought he saw his victory, but we know Jesus won there.  But we forget about the empty tomb, where his promise of resurrection was fulfilled.  He is risen!  And so shall you if you believe!

Now no altar calls, or prayer time was offered, I just filled in the details, it is the job of the holy spirit to guide and provide, who tells us always we need Jesus.  But that morning, I know lives were changed, and Jesus became real in a way many had not seen or considered before.  Some 37 years after Easy Rider called me to ride, and 31 years after the spirit called me to Christ, that spirit was still alive, and still is today.  I still enjoy the freedom God has given me in Jesus Christ, and the ability to ride every day if I want.  I have ridden the route we took on Torches many times, with different destinations each time.  Many times past the giant cross, and am still drawn to it.  Because of who it represents, and why.  But since that day I concentrate on the empty tomb.  Where the promise was fulfilled for all to see.  To remind us of heaven, when we are done with our earthly ride, a new one begins in eternity.  And since I believe, it will be heaven instead of hell.  And I have seen heaven, where there are no words to describe it other than I want to go back.  Jesus was the way in 1975 for me, and still is today.  The victory at the cross still fresh to all, new and old.  And the empty tomb still there to remind us of his promise.  Like I said, Jesus and patriotism go hand in hand.  Maybe that is the problem with the country and the world, they don’t see cross for what it is, it has become jewelry around the neck of many. But the tomb is neglected, we need to go there and see it, empty and calling out to us.  The spirit at work still calling us to repent and be born again.  Wherever you are, he is calling to you, to free you from your sin.  Look to the cross, it is empty, so is the tomb.  It is finished, as Jesus said.  But we still go on, taking the gospel to a lost and dying world.  Anticipating heaven, our retirement as never before.  Each day we are one day closer, and I want to go back.  To the peace, the quiet, the rest.  Only found in Jesus.

Wyatt and Billy were outlaws.  And so it seems are Christians today.  Rebels among rebels, we know the freedom that others are afraid of.  We are persecuted, but not beat down.  We carry Jesus with us, in us, and riding with us. And someday our tomb too will be empty.  We will have picked up our cross to follow, and won.  But for now the ride continues, and I have planned my next short trip.  Following the route that they took, from LAX through to Las Vegas, New Mexico where they finished filming.  Called back to New Mexico again, after 40 years.  New Mexico is special to me, I was a new Christian there in 1975, and got a new aorta there in 2012.  New hearts in different ways.  So many memories flooding back, with so many more to make.  This is still America, land of the free and home of the brave.  Where God still sheds his grace on us.  See it soon, but see it with God.  Let him guide you, and you are in for the ride of your life.  One afternoon at the Cinema changed my life.  Another night on the beach brought Jesus into it.  Now you know why I say “Jesus and motorcycles, it don’t get any better.”  Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself.  Starting at the cross.  The ballad of this easy rider isn’t over yet.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

motors by the mile

Once upon a time 10,000 miles was considered high mileage on a motorcycle.  With three bikes in my garage with over 70,000, and the Tiger with over 98,000, such mileages would have been unheard of outside of BMW’s years ago, who used to give out awards for going 100,000 miles.  Today 100k is not a lot, as Gold Wings go over 200,000, and even Harleys go over 100k.  Times have changed, technology is improving the breed, and horsepower only found on race bikes years ago can bought from the showroom floor and ridden daily.  Even cars that used to be worn out at 50,000, now can go 200,000, or 300,000 miles before being worn out.  The engines will outlast the rest of the car, or motorcycle, with interior parts, seats, paint, and other systems failing, but the motors keep going and going.  A friend who is a GM at a multi line dealer tells me he would trade for my 98k Tiger, it can be resold.  Amazing...

So today’s technology can build a long distance, high mileage motor on a regular basis.  But in racing, motors are built to a different criteria, think of it as motors by the mile.  Trophy Truck motors are build to last, to provide maximum power for 500 or 1000 miles, built to a race.  Then torn down and rebuilt, or replaced for the next race.  NASCAR motors the same, not built for high miles, but high rpm miles for a specific distance.  Even drag racing motors are torn down between heats, or switched out, only driven 1/4 mile at a time.  Beware the low mileage car with stickers, advertised as only driven on Sundays.  It may go 1/4 mile at a time like your SUV, but at a higher standard of speed.  So race motors can be built to go the distance depending on the distance.  Designed to run at high rpms for hours on end, not loaf along at low rpm like your sedan.  And with today’s fuel injection and computer aided tuning, higher fuel economy is available.  I watched a Chevy engineer years ago tuning a race truck from his lap top, not so much gaining power, but fuel mileage.  Going from 4 to 5 mpg may not seem like a big deal, but with a 100 gallon tank is one less pit stop, with more time on the race course.  Maybe the difference between winning and losing. Actual mileage may vary depending upon how you drive.  Or ride.

And so we all want all the power we can get when we want it.  When we need it.  When we were younger, we looked at life as a sprint.  But as we get older we are reminded of Paul’s words, that life is an endurance race, and we race to win.  Too many burnout from jobs, careers, drugs, or other things that rule their lives.  Happens to Christians too, who think they must live every moment for God, doing things for him.  Led by a subtle form of pride, not the spirit, for the spirit gives life, it doesn’t waste it.  A Hollywood producer once said “if I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself.”  While some diet, watch what they eat, exercise, watch their weight, we neglect the spiritual man that will live forever.  We are more concerned on the physical, the seen, while God is concerned with the soul, the invisible that is unseen.  Some live life as if it were to end tomorrow, and burnout early, limping along in life, low on power.  But Jesus tells us we can have all the power we need, when we need it in the spirit.  Meekness it is called, power under control, a fruit of the spirit.  We may drive freeways a 1/4 mile at a time, but under different conditions than a drag racer.  He needs all he can get for a short burst, we need to endure to the end.  And by living in the spirit, we can exercise meekness, and accomplish more while using less energy.  If only we follow God’s urging and not our own foolish pride.  We cannot make God love us any more than he does, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, yet many serve at the table of self, “look at what I am doing for God,” while neglecting family and what God has called them to do, love him first, and then others.  He provides all the power we need when we need it. 

The other side is those on cruise control, just coasting through life, doing little, or just enough to get by.  They too miss the blessings of a loving God because it is all about themselves.  They live life like the Borgias did, it is all about them.  Let’s see what God can do for me today, as they continue in sin.  Same motor as we all have been given, just no power because of the absence of the holy spirit driving their lives. 

Today God will give you all you need when you need it.  Do not neglect the spiritual aspect of him either.  He is a spirit and must be worshipped as such.  So walk  or ride or drive in his spirit, and find power you never knew existed.  Some build high horsepower motors, some by the mile, only God will take us the distance.  And scripture tells us it is not by might, not by power, but by his spirit.  NO matter how much power your engine has, someone else will always be faster.  Whose motor can last longer, 500 hp can leave you stranded or a DNF as easy as 100.  It is by the spirit we will win, and be guided as we need to go.  So beware the ad that  states “61 year old man, 1 million miles on two wheels.  New motor, runs fast, needs some cosmetics.”  I can do all things in Christ who gives me the strength.  The power.  Only by his spirit.  How long your motor will last depends on how you live, and ride.  You have no control over the day you die, just as you had no say in the day you were born.  But you have a say in how you live, and I choose to live in the spirit.  I will not win every race, but will endure to the end in Christ.  Where I will get a new body,with a new aorta, and live forever.  We will all make it to the end, just have different rewards.  Mine will be found in heaven, in Jesus Christ.  God doesn’t promise us tomorrow, so enjoy today in Christ.  Keep being fueled by the spirit.  It was only 5 miles from finish at Indy Robbie Gordon ran out of gas, in first place.  Don’t you.  Fuel economy will vary with driving style.  And the way we live.  Aren’t you glad your God has what it takes to go the distance?  And driven more than only on Sundays...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

riding your own ride

There is this road I know when certified fast guys come to visit I take them to.  It has curves, great surface, and for just under 7 miles you can prove just how fast you really are.  Then there is another road I know where I take beginner riders, or those who have little experience.  It too has curves, but not as many, stop signs, straights, and if you are brave enough sections to cruise at 80, or just cruise along at the posted 55.  It lasts about 35 miles, and like the first road, you can turn around and ride it back to where you started.  But then there is a third road, where you can test the top speed of your ride and yourself, and I rarely take anyone else there.  Too dangerous, and even speeds over 130 on it scare me anymore, so I avoid it except when riding a new bike and wanting to see what it will do.  Or I can do on it.  Just for my own knowledge of course.  But in each case I first give advice, which was given to me years ago and is still good advice today, ride your own ride.  Don’t try to keep up with me, and I don’t mind if you pass me.  Enjoy the ride at your pace, and we will meet up at the end.  And in doing so I learn more about the road and myself, and hopefully become a better rider. 

On one afternoon two guys I worked with on sport bikes came by to ride, and I took them to road #1.  But I took the Bonneville with Theresa on the back, and still shook them.  They rode their own ride, I rode mine, and all returned safe, if not a little embarrassing for the sport bike riders.  A fast bike doesn’t make a faster rider, skill and old age mixed with experience are a tough combination to beat.  But my main reason at first was to show them the lines I take, so they can get the most from the ride, and coming back, they definitely rode faster.  And reminded me of a question asked by a Marine when he doubted your BS, “thank you for your opinion, could you state your sources please?”  When you want to ride better, who do you ask?  Maybe you need to ask the above question before listening or heading off.  It just might save your life, or at least your ride. 

I have a friend who has over 150,000 miles on his Harley.  He may seem a good candidate for advice on how to ride long distances, except when you learn they are all commuting miles.  Maybe a good guy to ask if you commute with him, but the last guy to take advice from on a long tour.  At the other end is another friend who does a lot of track days, and is very fast.  He is used to run outs, fast laps, and after a few resting.  Watching him ride on the street one day, I thought he was crazy, he is and was, his skills tuned for the track, but leaving me behind on the street, with the thought I may find him in the bushes around the next corner.  Never did, he is an E ticket ride every time...not for me.  When he talks of lines, I find mine much different, and slower.  My rides are not races, or for time, only a good time.  Again know the professor before the question.  But the ones who I find the lesser riders are ones who ride like the group does.  They stick out by their conformity.  And you only are as fast as the slowest rider, and some are pretty slow.  And bad, who are first to point out how you ride too fast.  A sure admission of their lack of skills.  But yet many fall prey to their lack of skill and consideration of others, so I don’t and won’t ride with them.  I hope they enjoy their ride, and I want to enjoy mine too.  They are the ones to avoid when asking advice on riding, they don’t see what we do, and they are so hypnotized at times they may not be seeing anything at all.  So always consider your sources when asking, like the saying goes, “$20k and 200 miles don’t make you a biker.”   Beware shiny new leathers, and bikes that never lean more than their side stands allow.  But be wise of high mileage guys too, 200,000 on a Gold Wing may be all interstate, with only off ramps for curves.  I know, and now I ask.  And am asked.

We are all very impressionable, and it seems whenever a new situation occurs, we have much to learn.  As a young Christian, I admired a family who seemed to do everything right.  They had two teenagers, a boy and girl, and seemed so righteous at church, yet so friendly.  It was only after being the youth leader, I saw how different they really were.  The kids were normal teens, the girl wanting to date, and wanting to show off her developing body.  Her brother was athletic, liked cars, and wanted to ride motorcycles.  Normal kids.  Yet in church they had to behave differently, they were two different people living in the same bodies, in church and out of church.  And soon when they got old enough, went wild.  Too many rules, they wanted to find out for themselves, and when we cannot from the church, from fear of reprisal, they got into trouble.  Bring embarrassment to their parents in the body of the congregation.  I found this out later when I met the son, who turned out OK, loved God, but was burnt on church.  His sister had gotten pregnant, had a baby, he was an uncle, but the family had left the church in shame.  Where was all the love they told us about?  What example did they set?  What was the source of their relationship with God?  Church or with Jesus personally?

I don’t like religious movies, they give a bad example of how we really are.  We have the same problems, temptations, and desires common to all.  Yet in these movies we are profiled as goody two shoes, whose biggest problem is what new prom dress do I get?  Will I find time to study for my finals?  Who will I take to my youth group rally?  And then there is real life, kids found under pressure from peer groups, trying drugs, alcohol, and sex.  Unwed teen mothers, kids flunking out of school on drugs, and succumbing to other temptations.  Real life.  Real problems.  Who would you turn to for advice?  Put a group together in drug rehab, you find better places to score.  Fast guys in driving school, better roads to ride.  Car thieves, you get better skills shared.  But in all cases one ingredient is missing, Jesus Christ.  Who knows temptation, and how to handle it.  Who offers free advice,and can back it up.  Who shows the way because he is the way.  Who encourages you to ride your own ride in life, don’t be taken in by religion, and strive to live in the spirit.  We all mean well, and like to offer good advice.  After my open heart surgery I had many who would approach telling me they understood just how I felt.  Really, you ever been life flighted when on vacation?  Should have died?  So I started to answer “really, maybe you can tell me, because I don’t get it.”  Until you have the experience, you don’t know.  So get to know God, the way he intended, through Jesus.  Now when I encounter those who have gone through a traumatic time, I tell them, “I cannot imagine what you feel or are going through, I only know what I felt.”  And share my testimony of how God was there, never left me, and still cares for me today.  What witness does your ride provide?  God will never put pressures on you like the church will.  So consider the source when needing advice, spiritual as well as riding.  God knows best in all situations, going to church will not qualify you, listening to the spirit will.  And God does forgive....do you?  Christians sadly are known for killing their wounded, where does your guidance come from?  Above or from the congregation?

So I leave you with good advice, whether riding or in affairs of the soul.  Don’t ride like the majority rides.  Ride your own ride, the one Jesus has set before you.  It is hard to be yourself when trying to match up to others demands, allow the freedom of the spirit to guide you, and enjoy the ride.  Knowing if you get off the course, you are welcomed back and forgiven.  So keep going, for we will make mistakes, all of us, some accept forgiveness and ride on, others die a slow death trying to impress.  Search for the greatest source, God, and find him readily available.  The next time you consider that majority rules, remember the cross, and the majority that sentenced Jesus to it.  We probably would have been right in it, today we can find comfort in he who died for us.  Advising others to follow him, rather than the crowd.  When you come to Christ you find someone you can emulate, who you can live like.  Works in riding too, bet you never heard that one in church.  We are all on a road in life, with turns, straights, and potholes.  How you navigate them will show Christ in your life.  Could you state your source please?  Maybe your actions already have.  Time with God doesn’t necessarily make you a good instructor.  We all need to work on our rides, only in Jesus will you find what you are looking for.  The only source you will ever need.  In church or out, don’t be intimidated, listen to what the spirit is saying.....there is this road I know.....hope to see you on it.  Where we will all meet at the end.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com