it ran fine until I fixed it

We were going to hook up for dinner with a friend when in Durango last month.  Until a last minute phone call, and the plans changed.  His truck wouldn’t start, and if it did wouldn’t idle, and he was still at the dealer.  So we rode over, we had time, and he was right.  He had had an oil change, and a fuel filter change on his diesel, and the shop owner had his scanner on it reading for codes.  He was convinced it was a bad injector, until I asked “was it running OK before the filter change?”  At first the tech resisted, he had never seen a new fuel filter bad right out of the box, but when we insisted, he put in another new filter, and the truck ran fine. All his schooling hadn’t taught him what  my experience had, go back to where you started, and retrace your steps.  Hopefully he would keep this experience handy if ever needed again.

Years ago my FJ1100 had trouble starting when hot, would occasionally run rough, and the shop I had trusted it with told me it needed a head job.  At 70,000 miles, it was worn out.  But that didn’t satisfy me, so I called an old friend of mine, who was a tuner for Cal Rayborn, one of the stars in “On Any Sunday.”  After a few questions, he called me a few names, and told me what to do, on the phone.  I had installed a K&N air filter, and a Supertrapp exhaust.  Wanting more sound, ask any Harley rider, if its loud it must be fast, and added two discs.  “Clean your air filter, and take out the two discs, it is running too lean,” came the advice from a man with a Castrol sticker on his wooden leg, and it started right up, and ran fine.  So good that when I traded it with 80,000 miles on it I got full retail against the new bike.  You cannot teach experience, you must live it.  Once again, go back to where it ran before you fixed it....

Another friend who is a lifestyle Harley rider, had put a lot of commuting mile son his bike.  A combination of mismatched parts, it was loud, but not fast and worn out, an ex-rental bike.  His mechanic was an old Harley mechanic, who rebuilt his engine, and a few other things for over $7000...and my friend bragged how fast it was, so much power it would spin the tire when the throttle was opened up full.  When I finally agreed to ride this killer beast, it was faster, but his interpretation of wheel slippage under power was a clutch that was slipping, giving the illusion.  Of course because I have such a dim view on Harleys, I couldn’t be right, after all what did I know...I rode sport bikes!   And his tech had been working on Harleys for 20 years.  But when he asked the tech, he found out he had not replaced the clutch plates, he only did what he was told to do by my friend, and they were worn.  After replacing them, the bike ran much better, but felt down on power because it didn’t slip.  His ego would never let him admit I was right, or worse yet he was wrong.  And I am sure the tech advised new clutch plates, but when you know it all, this is the price you pay.  Maybe giving credence to the old Harley joke, “95% of all Harleys sold are still on the road, the other 5% made it home.”  Another example of it ran fine until I fixed it....

The Bible tells of a time when all of  man’s heart will be revealed, that can be a scary thought.  But thanks to forgiveness through Jesus Christ, mine will be found clean.  Forgiven, and spirit driven, yet I still can make the worst mistakes right up there with anyone.  We can appear so cool on the outside, yet be falling apart or rotting on the inside.  I have also known people over the past who live by the creed “God says it, I believe it, that settles it.”  And I avoid them.  Leaving the interpretation of scripture up to themselves, they are so shallow as to drown in their own stupidity.  And soon false doctrines arise, and they become unteachable.  Hard hearted, bitter, and missing out on the blessings of God.  No matter if it is right or wrong, how they were taught is the only truth, and they suffer for it.  When questioned can quote scripture, generally out of text, and can legitimize any sin based on what they misinterpret.  For their own good.  They are like the man who knew it all after one ride, and never rode again, it scared him, so all motorcycles are unsafe and scary.  Ever had a bad time in church?  Know anyone who has?  And that was the reason for rejecting Jesus?  Don’t confuse church and God, Jesus saves, the church, well its record is less than holy.  And we are the church!  That should be proof enough. 

So knowing Christ is more than teaching, or a religious experience.  It is personal, and you must do it alone.  Another man I know ministers, but never alone.  Without a group he fails, trying to do it on his own.  Within a group he can hide better, yet tells many about his personal relationship with Christ.  We do need the church, but without the spirit to guide, we are on our own, fulfilling scripture that reminds us “everyman does what is right in his own eyes, only God looks at the heart.”  The soul of man, our souls.  Influenced by the spirit, when you fall where do you turn?

We need to turn back to Christ, who never left us, and will accept us as we are.  He just doesn’t want to us to remain that way, he has better things for us.  But when we fall back only on scripture, or teaching, or the correct verse for each situation, without the spirit guiding it is really all about us.  From clutches to filters to Supertrapps, good advice only works when taken.  So if you are of the God said and that settles it club, know this.  When Jesus healed people, sometimes he spit in their eyes, sometimes rubbed dirt in them.  Sometimes all it took was a touch of his robe, sometimes not even being present he healed.  Sometimes he appeared to show up late, ask Martha and Mary, and weeping himself when they missed the teaching of resurrection he had planned for them with Lazarus.  And sometimes we die, the ultimate healing, and in Christ we are made new again in heaven.  Even the disciples were questioned by the angel at the empty tomb, “why are you sad, the one you are looking for isn’t here.  He is risen.”  Just reading the Bible may teach you, experiencing Jesus first hand in the spirit, reveals the mysteries of scripture.

Loud pipes don’t save lives, the stats have proved that.  Wearing a helmet is safer in a crash, again proven.  But at least in Jesus we get the choice to choose, not a law that is forced and enforced against us.  I love the sound of a good exhaust note, but loud is annoying.  And I wear a helmet.  And I choose Jesus, knowing he loved me first.  And knowing heaven awaits when I die.  But for now, I seek the experience of knowing Jesus more than knowing about him.  A simple question I ask my flock,”why do you study for a test?”  “To pass,” and then you forget.  The test is over.  But the experience of Jesus Christ you never forget.  If the experience works for motorcycles and trucks, you need to share it.  Your testimony.  Scripture tells us we are saved by the word of our testimony and the blood of the lamb.  Jesus did his part, are you doing yours?  100% of those saved make it home.  May your ride be as successful.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the guests of Gatsby

It was one of those rare summer mornings when you could use beautiful and New Jersey in the same sentence and be telling the truth.  Our usual riding group of four had made plans to meet, but by 9am Geno had called, his mumbling indicating his last set got over at 2am, and he didn’t get in until 330, so he would pass.  Bouke, who we thought may live in is garage, was absent, his “old lady” as he referred to her, had pressed him into an honor and obey moment, and he would pass.  So it was just BH and me, and a full day to ride, but where?  After some not so careful consideration, we called up David, his old college friend who lived on Long Island, whose mother said he had gone into the city to see a Yankee game.  But determined to go see him, in this pre-cell phone interruption era, we had him paged, as DR. David *&^%$, and over the public address system they paged him.  He later admitted he knew immediately who was calling him, and he answered the page.  We all agreed to meet later at his aunt’s house, his parent’s house was having some renovations done, so we set out for Long Island.  A mere 70 miles from us, 3 hours later we were in the area, but still looking for his aunt’s house. 

Now I need to mention David’s family was rich, the old money rich, The Great Gatsby era rich.  And when we had asked for his aunt’s address, were just told “Twin Gables, Long Island.”  “Everybody in the area knows where it is,” so off we went.  Now somewhere between here and there lies the reality of the New York Metro area, all 12 million inhabitants, with narrow old roads, and stop lights by the dozen.  The ride was anything but fun, and we had planned to get there early not taking this into account.  So when it got dark, and unfamiliar landmarks started looking familiar after the third time passing them, we called him, directions were given, and it was right where he said it was....

Now when F. Scott Fitzgerald told us “the rich are different from you and I” we were about to enter the world of the different.  What looked like an old southern mansion, the size of a hotel, was where his aunt lived.  It had gates, a huge circular driveway leading up to the front porch, and servants greeting you.  Who normally would park your car in the old stables, but on our bikes they just showed us the way.  His aunt, who loved David, he was her favorite, showed us around, out back where the yacht and speedboat where anchored at the dock on the bay, and around the grounds that were perfectly manicured.  A place you normally would feel uncomfortable in, but she made us feel right at home.  In my mind’s eye Gatsby never lived this well, and for this weekend we were to be the guests of Gatsby.  It was late, after 10pm, and she called for the cook to meet us in the kitchen, really a cafeteria, and we were told to ask for whatever we wanted, shock had us eating sandwiches, and the cook went back to bed.  She then showed us to our rooms, the bathrooms, the ones in the guest area of the house had a dorm style bathroom, complete with monogrammed towels, and shower shoes and robes.  Pajamas if we needed them.  We were overwhelmed, but this was everyday life for David.  And a good night’s sleep was enjoyed by all...

The next morning we were greeted by a buffet on the back patio, and watched as neighbors boats sailed by.  Another friend Stephen had arrived, and he and David’s aunt gave us a tour of the mansion.  She loved David’s friends, and we never felt like guests, soon calling her Auntie, which she preferred.  A highlight of the tour was when Stephen found a book about famous paintings, and pointed out they were hanging in her home.  Truly the rich are different, or is it us that are different?  What had started as a morning short of two riding pals, had turned into an adventure into a world few get to see, and has stuck with me for over 42 years.  And in my mind’s eye I can see the light at the end of Gatsby’s dock, warning others, just like we saw the night we arrived.  The final word’s to this classic “so we beat on, boats against the current, born back ceaselessly into the past,”  echoing in my mind. 

As a Christian we are born ceaselessly into the future.  An eternal right now called heaven awaits us.  But we still have to get through today, and most of our lives are not lived in a Gatsbyesque stature.  We are already into our next paycheck by the time it arrives, and a dream of ours when raising a family was going grocery shopping and filling the cart and knowing the check would clear.  A much different world than the one that David’s aunt lived in.  But one great thing about heaven is that it awaits our arrival, God has prepared a place for us, and no matter what you think it to be, it will be better.  For eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind imagined the things of the kingdom that await us.  And many dream of that day, I do, but today awaits us first.  Where the trials and temptations of life can be overwhelming.  And when a day like our weekend ride to Long Island happens, we can be overwhelmed before we are thankful.  Yes there are places that exist like this, they are real.  But so is heaven, so we need to keep our eyes set on things on high, and follow the spirit daily.  The blessings are there, are we listening?

From the day I have been saved until now, I hear great theological minds debate how to know the will of God for your life.  They get existential, deep beyond any understanding a human can comprehend, and also far away from God.  For God made the gospel simple so I can get it, and free so we can afford it.  Not a philosophy to entertain, but a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the way back to his father, our father in heaven for eternity.  And we can live “On earth as it is in heaven,” in the spirit.  So what is the will of God and how do you know what it is?  Simple...The will of God is a relationship with Jesus, that simple.  And the spirit is calling to you to be saved.  It is not some kind of list that we are to follow, or a daily regimen where we step out of line and the will ends there.  The Bible never says that, although some of the pulpit population may tell you otherwise.  It is not religious, it is freedom in Christ, in the spirit.  An attitude of expectancy, and that we should just go and live our lives, knowing that everything we do is in God’s will.  Our sin may find us out, but God has already forgiven us and welcomed us back.  So unless the holy spirit indicates otherwise in your life, you are living in the will of God.   So go and have a great day, and enjoy yourself.   Enjoy the ride that God has set forth that day...you never know where it may lead.

So don’t be ruled by events, situations you have no control over.  Be flexible in the spirit, God knows what lies ahead, we don’t.  So we over prepare, aka worry, and miss the joy of the ride for today.  God’s blessings are new every morning, his bread fresh daily, and his love deeper than the oceans.  And every time you think you have him figured out, he shows you even more of his grace and love.  So what is God’s will for your life?  The person of Jesus Christ.  Get to know him and find your life has purpose.  Value.  And is exciting.  We visited David’s aunt as guests and left as friends.  An open invitation to return, but we never did.  That weekend was a time and a place outside of time, a place you could return to, but it would never be the same as the first time. 

Gatsby had come a long way, and had come so close to the love of his life, to the one thing he desired but couldn’t have.  Don’t make the same mistake, the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.  Some can only relate to what lies behind, I prefer to relate to what lies ahead, to who lies ahead.  Living life in his will....a reality that no other author can ever capture.  Live it, live him today.....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

how to drop a motorcycle

In the past six weeks I have ridden over 9000 miles in 13 states with no mishaps or accidents.  I have ridden nine different bikes, including six press bikes, and had no problems...until last Tuesday night I was getting gas on my way to teach/pastor at Dustin Arms.  I was riding a 2017 Tiger Explorer XCa, the big new adventure bike with all the bells and whistles when I fell over.  I had put down the side stand, or so I thought, only to find in a millisecond it had sprung back, and over I went.  At the pump.  Far away and out of sight of anyone, with 600 pounds of new bike on me, it only had 85 miles on it.  And I was pinned between the bike and the curb the pump was on and couldn’t move.  A man heard my cries for help, and came over, but then called for more help, “hey I got a biker down over here and I can’t get him up!”  And another man appeared...As they lifted the bike a little, I could wiggle out, but when I tried to stand my left leg buckled in pain, like on fire.  It felt like I had pulled a hamstring, something you never want to do, trust me on that. But as they and another man lifted the bike, I got up all the way, put down the side stand, and somehow managed to put gas in the bike.  I felt nauseous, was embarrassed, and before pumping the gas looked to see how the bike was, I guess I wasn’t in too much shock, I had my priorities right, check my ride.  The man who had helped noticed the crash bars had a scratch, noting “well they did their job,” and only a broken clutch lever was for the worst.  After saying thanks to them too many times, I filled the bike, and then tried to get on it, and the pain almost buckled me over, again.  My left leg was in incredible pain, my ego bruised, a press bike with only 85 miles damaged, and it was scheduled to go to a photo shoot later in the week.  And what was left of my inner drive was almost gone, but I was going to Dustin Arms no matter what!  And I did, not being able to use my left leg when I stopped, but the pain was there anyway, and God had provided a spot for me out front, DA is in downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp District, and it was the night of the All Star Game.  More people than I even imagined would be there...but God got me there, got me a parking spot, and then I had one last challenge ahead of me, the steps.

You see Dustin Arms is upstairs in an old building built in 1888, lots of steps, over 20 of them!  But carrying the cookies Theresa made for them in one hand, and clinging to the railing with the other, and grimacing in pain the whole way, I made it!  And couldn’t wait to sit down, if only I could find a way that it didn’t hurt.   But I taught, God ministered, and we had a great night.  Only my dragging my left leg the rest of the night would ever give away I was hurt, but God knew, and the ego part, aka pride didn’t show to anyone but him.  Or so I think, as no one has said anything, yet.

When I took the Tiger back, I showed Mick and he waved it off, he could replace the clutch lever, the scratch was minimal, the photo shoot was actually an off road ride, so the bike would get scratched anyway, and I picked up another Tiger and rode home.  Repeating the process less the spill for the rest of the week.  Including the limp...OUCH!

Outside of my immediate embarrassment, my first thought was of Dustin Arms and the people waiting and depending on me, I wasn’t going to let them down!  I kept thinking that If God gave me the chance to minister, then he would provide me the strength and grace to do it.  I didn’t stop to ask anyone, especially my wife, who would have insisted I stay home and rest.  But I was determined, and God got me there and back, even in pain, and ego bruised, he ministered through me, and I am glad I was part of it.  My ego is healing, and I was reminded by the holy spirit how I rather be humbled than humiliated.  A lot more damage could have been done to the bike, and my reputation, but God was merciful, I had screwed up!  And I carry on today, still riding, what would you have done?

God presents situations every day that we are not ready for.  But in the spirit we can rise to the occasion, but not by strength, I had none, or by my power, I was down one limb, but only by God’s spirit.  And he didn’t let any of us down.  The Apostle Paul, after denying the spirit and going to Jerusalem, was faced with a crowd, over 4000 who wanted his blood, just as God had warned.  They thought he was a Moses who had led a group of first century terrorists and escaped, but after hearing his cultured Greek accent, allowed him to address the crowd, by his request, the ones who wanted his head!  He saw the gospel going forth, was back in the Spirit, and the fulfillment of prophecy of what would happen if he went had been fulfilled, but God was not done with him.  Despite his disobedience, Paul had repented, and now was ready for action, to spread the good news about Jesus. 

The tribune had been so impressed with Paul, that he let him speak.  Remember their first thought was they had captured public enemy #1, and when Paul stepped up to speak to the crowd who wanted his head, with a wave of his hand they were silenced, and he spoke.  A far cry from what had happened to me, but just as personal, “I can do all things, the things God asks of me, by his strength.”  Struck down but not destroyed, I had done what Jesus asks us to do, share the gospel in word and deed.  All things work together, not just the good things!  Today you may be asked to minister and don’t feel like it, or find you physically can’t.  Maybe even limping to the occasion you feel you can’t, but where God guides, he provides, and testimonies are made.  My falling didn’t take God by surprise, it sure did me, and a week later I still can’t sit straight.  But God showed me once again that my life is not my own, and when I follow him in trust, no matter what I have done, he honors me.  So I can honor him.  All because I dropped a motorcycle...

By the way I made it up the steps again last night at Dustin Arms, and am fine riding, just the getting off and on.  But I can ride and do anything when Jesus Christ strengthens me.  Know that now before you get stuck under a motorcycle and have to call for help.  God knows the path, that night it included a fall, not my plan, but his.  I was humbled, bruised but not broken, beaten down but did not lose hope.  Persecuted yet we go on, Paul writes.  And then in 1 Corinthians 4 admonishes us to follow his example!  To imitate him!  All I can figure is, he never had a motorcycle fall on him! 

Yet for like the apostles, we continue to be on display for all the world to see and hear the gospel...even under a motorcycle! And yes, no animals were harmed during the production.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the four of us

No matter where you grow up, you think everywhere else is just like it.  Until you get out and travel.  Growing up in Jersey, you think all roads are the Turnpike, and all bridges make you pay a toll to leave the state, which is true.  Watching TV you get the idea all California weather is great...and for the most part it is.  But as the roads BH and I rode took us farther from the Garden State, the desire to ride longer and farther took over, and when BH decided to move to the Bay Area in 1975, I seriously considered it.  With only one major obstacle, my bike was down, so I planned another trip, one to see America.  In 1967 my father was a scoutmaster and had gone to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and I would travel a similar route, and head to LA to stay with Brennan.  But still filled with doubt, labeled caution, I wasn’t sure about a trip in my custom van alone, but one afternoon in Brelinsky’s basement changed all that.

It was a rainy, cool Jersey spring day, the kind basements and pool tables were meant for.  On the radio, was WNEW-FM, the first station in the US of A to go with no format, the DJ’s played what they wanted to, and the variety of music was varied and unlike any other station.  That rainy afternoon, I heard a song I had never heard before, that would change my life, “The Four of Us,” by John B. Sebastian.  A 15 minute plus song, of taking a trip in a van cross country.  “Sitting round the fireplace, we drew a smile across the states,” it opened with, and I was mesmerized.  And my decision was made, I was going, in my van.  Old John B. had sang about places and people, in a way I had never envisioned them, and all previous rides started with and ended with a destination, this song had the road inviting me to be part of it, and a whole new relationship was formed, rider and road.  If you tour, you know just what I mean,  if you just blip your throttle cruising the neighborhood, you don’t get it.  I didn’t, but soon would, and for over 40 years that song has influenced my riding, and the roads I do it on.  And this last ride had taken me full circle I thought, until I came home, and wanted, needed to be on the road again. 

“Further south our truck stops ran...” John B. sang, and for us so did the diners and local food.  Sitting at the counter, eating daily specials.  Different gas chains, that we soon became familiar with.  “Mississippi Delta, and we crossed New Mexico...” would make you think the Mississippi is next to New Mexico, if Texas and the Midwest states weren’t there to cross first.  But crossing the Ole Miss is an experience we have had from Louisiana to Minnesota, and all states in between.  Something about people along the Great River Road and the small towns that line it are inviting.  And something completely different about New Mexicans, who are not Mexicans at all, but their own breed of folk.  Where a sopapilla is standard with dinner, and red or green gives you a choice of chili.  Huevos Rancheros versus eggs over easy, or a Denver omelet, grits in the south.  And you can have your muffin grilled in the New England states.  All because of a song on the radio.

There is something about those of us who are touring riders that is different from those who just cruise, or take an occasional over nighter.  The road is like our home, and back roads call our name as if we knew them by name instead of by route number.  And soon we do, pronouncing the foreign sounding names like the locals do, eating Runzas like we had for years the first time, Po Boys with fried shrimp, the only way, and fish tacos.  When our locality stretches from sea to shining sea, we are not so much a tourist, as a local checking out new places to ride.  This year it was Iowa, the Loess Hills calling us.  One of only three such places in the world, hills made from blowing dirt, not mountains.  150 miles long, some places 100 miles wide, think of a terraced garden of green for the ride, and you can envision it.  And after riding it I still have not seen a picture that gives it justice.  The road took us to Le Mars, and the Blue Bunny Museum, of Blue Bunny ice cream fame.  Lake Okaboji, next to Spirit Lake where Indian motorcycles and Victorys are made.  We spent a night in an historic Frank Lloyd Wright hotel, in Mason City, where the movie The Music Man was filmed.  We visited Antique Archaeology, which sells branded merchandise mostly, and wandered inland to find the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk in Riverside, in 2228.  We ate lunch at Dave’s Old House in Pisgah, spent a night in Ottumwa, the hometown of Radar O’Reilly, and visited Baxter Cycle, where they sell over 100 motorcycles a year of all vintages.  The town being really just a neighborhood, you need to go 18 miles to the closest town for food or gas.  Hills that roll, covered with corn, and guarded on both sides by mighty rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi.  We fell in love with Iowa, the song again reminding me “is it all just here for us?”  And the answer from the song also “yeah, you know it really is...” 

Jesus Christ is also a song that changed my life on my 1975 trip.  And has been adding miles to my life ever since.  Just like I get restless for the road, I get restless for all the Jesus I can get.  I want more than a Bible study relationship, more than learning can provide.  I want to know him more, which takes me places I never knew about, and rides where he is the main theme in it.  I get to see America through his eyes, and not some book or movie.  And when we meet others on the road like us, we need not to explain, we have a common bond.  God has given me both, a bond with him via his spirit, and  a bond with the open road.  And when you realize Jesus spent most of his time on the road, it only makes sense.  Yet some are housebound by rules or lifestyle.  By fears and thinking “it’s the same everywhere,” both in riding and with God.  But the freedom of knowing Jesus, of being guided by his spirit, of knowing of whom I believe adds to life an intangible no other religion can offer.  But it is the song of Jesus that continually plays in my head, and with each passing mile, each new adventure I get to know a different side of him, ones that cannot be experienced in church, ones taught but not seen until you get out and live.  Being a touring Christian rider has made all the difference to me, and that one song that one afternoon opened up the door.  Or doors. 

And when the weather changes or gets rough, he is there with me.  From hurricanes in Florida, to tornado warnings in Minnesota, to flash floods in Ohio and high winds in the desert, I never ride alone without Jesus.  Never.  You see I know a triune God, one of God the father, Jesus the son, and the holy spirit, and when I am part of the group, the four of us ride together.  Just like the song, Jesus draws a smile across the states I ride, and when someday that last earthly ride is over, I know my time spent with him won’t be, for heaven truly awaits.  Many believe it, does your life reflect it?  Would you want to watch a movie about your life?  Some start looking at pictures, then begin to take them, their witness growing.  I want to be in the picture, I want all the Jesus I can get.  I want to build testimonies, to be the sojourner here on earth, seeing “on earth as it is heaven” while still here.  The spirit is calling, how weak is your flesh?  Weak enough to let God’s strength be made perfect in it?

The song ends with the four of them back home, and some good advice for those who travel along the road.  “Keep your lover on the road and smiling.”  Emotional smiles show on the face, the spiritual ones from the heart.  My life has come a long way from a rainy day basement, God has given it light and hope, and a future.  Better yet a today.  Do you look forward to today?  Let Jesus draw a line across your life, and fill your life with the three of them.  And become the four of us.  America, God truly has shed his grace on thee.  On us.  I think I need a ride....did you know the White Pole Road mirrors I-80....and there’s a car show Tuesday night at the Culver’s in Galena....the Drummond Ranch is only miles from Pawhuska?  I do....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

hey franchisee, who's really in charge?

“Remember me?” I asked the man behind the desk.  As he looked up from behind the desk, over his half glasses, he was a bit grayer after 30 years, I could only imagine how I looked.  His puzzled look spoke more than any words, so I introduced myself.  “Mike, where you been, has it really been that long?”  And we talked, catching up over 30 years of life.  Gary, had retired and moved to Phoenix, but came back to Durango for a few weeks each summer and helped run the shop in Durango.  They were busy that morning, as they had been when I hung out there years ago, and all the old guys I remembered were gone, except for Rick the mechanic.  We saw things differently now than then, and when I asked him “why didn’t you take the Harley franchise?” which sat a few doors down, his answer surprised and impressed me.  “Too many rules and demands,” coming from a guy who had been in the same shop for over 50 years.  “It was more than the money,” well spoken from a man who had been there and done that and came to know there is more to business than going to work and just making money.  Maybe Henry Ford said it best, “ a business that makes only money is a poor business,” and here was one, an old Honda store from the early sixties, that started in a sporting goods shop downtown, I remember looking at bikes among the hunting equipment.  But they had made money, and just the lure of more money, laden with how to run  your business didn’t interest them.  One quick trip into the cookie cutter HD store and his point was well taken, just like any Mickey D’s or Walmart, you knew just what to expect when you went there.  His shop was one of a few remaining I prefer to frequent, where the coffee pot is accessible, the store not merchandised per a code, and you can walk into the shop and talk to the mechanic.  A shop where you want to do business, over a long period of time.  No “HARLEY PARKING ONLY” sign like the one that greeted my Triumph next door, but guys that ride bikes, just don’t own them.  We were both older and wiser, looking at things differently after experiencing them in life, something no franchise guide book or rep could do.  You cannot teach experience, it must be earned not learned.  We had both, so we didn’t have to make the choice. 

A few days earlier in Dubuque, Iowa we stopped for a shirt in the Triumph store.  Again a Honda store from the early sixties, they took on Honda after Triumph, and had taken on Triumph again adding to Honda.  An interesting turnabout, and the owner, second generation, was telling us of the history and attitudes from the factories.  When buying a shirt with his logo on the back, he complained how the Triumph rep had put him on a requirement of selling $6000/month of clothing, and he was in a town of 55,000.  “I have trouble moving $15 shirts, let alone $35 shirts,” but the outside influence was there, and he stuck to his guns, maybe they had learned something after all after 60+ years in business.  They dealt with people, and then the numbers would come....how many franchisees of anything from sandwiches to motorcycles to ice cream to services get it backward?  We got a fair deal on a shirt, talked with the owner, who made time for us, and left with an experience, not just an encounter.  From behind a counter.  Interesting how both store sold at retail, no add ons for shipping and set up, and had been in business for years.  Maybe there was or still is more than making money to be a good business, or to have a good career.  If only so many had known then what we do now, how many lives, marriages, and careers could have been saved...if only we hadn’t been so headstrong and driven.

I know a few men who are driven by God, who ask, then listen to the spirit.  They seem out of step with the church of today, and when confronted with a situation immediately seek God.  And listen.  Then act, sometimes an act of patience, sometimes an action not thought of or considered.  Then turn to the word for confirmation, not the other way around.  I have seen men over the years claim because Jesus did it this way, that s the only way to do it, and fail miserably, leading others astray while making excuses for their actions, blaming God.  And we find in Acts, even Paul was guilty of it, lest you think he had some super connection to God, remember he was only a man, but when in the spirit could do amazing things.  And so can we.

Paul had been warned not to go to Jerusalem, to the point where even Agabus bound him and showed him what would happen.  But Paul was headstrong, and many victories in Christ had led him to believe he should not stop.  His church family and believers had urged him by the spirit not to go, but he went anyway, and found himself bound just like he was warned.  Although he was ready to be bound and finally executed for the gospel, he had become martyrlike, and bravery has no place when guided by the spirit. 

We need to be careful and led by the spirit when pursuing a vision God has given us.  Just because Jesus rode into Jerusalem didn’t make it OK for Paul to, Jesus was always in the spirit, Paul wasn’t this time.  And we find the words here, that I have heard many times myself, and even spoken when I know I am going out on my own, outside of the will of God.  “Well may the will of the Lord be done,” this is what you say when you do not know what else to do, when you do not know how to act, and often heard when in disobedience.  So many pray for God’s mercy rather than the spirit’s guiding, remember you have to screw up to have mercy, and God will forgive, has that become an excuse for our actions?  Has zealousness won out in your desire to walk with God, have you forsaken the spirit?  Is there more to life than just making money?  Has your walk with Christ taken on a religious franchise? 

The spirit directed Jesus to Jerusalem, it told Paul not to go.  Even the greatest evangelist and author of many New Testament books can screw up, where does that leave us?  Jesus left us his spirit to be with us until he returns.  Experience Jesus as alive in the spirit today, expect more and get more from God.  Not seeing miracles, they are everywhere, you aren’t looking.  Still trying to get closer to God through education, get out and experience the spirit in your life.  Too many Christians are like franchised goods, the same, boring, and never get closer to God.  Make Jesus your desire, the education will come, experience him, and see the Bible come alive.  The spirit gives life, and reveals the mysteries of Christ.  Go further than a Bible study, but listen to the spirit.  A lesson from Paul, which he didn’t intend to make.  Just as powerful as the examples of his acting in the spirit.  The toughest four words you’ll ever pray, and the hardest to fulfill.  But the most rewarding, “thy will be done.”  The will of the father, through his son, via his spirit.  May the will of the Lord be done in your life, on earth as it is in heaven.  Now, where have I heard those words before.....

love with compassion,

Mike

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