all things must pass

When George Harrison put out his album, All Things Must Pass, it set the music world on fire.  Not that it wasn’t already, but this quiet Beatle suddenly raised the volume on his music and we have six sides of great songs.  Rumor has it that this was a compilation of songs written over the years that The Beatles wouldn’t let him include on any of their albums, seems John and Paul had plenty to fill both sides, but at one point relented allowing him one song on each side.  Bringing us beautiful songs like Here Comes the Son, and Something.  But ATMP is more than an album of songs, it is George finally being heard, and we all loved what he had to say.  I still have the album today with the poster still intact, oh the good old days of vinyl.

But after being in the background for years, watch the movie A Hard Days Night and watch his guitar work and singing on Happy Just to Dance With You, where John even is impressed with it.  But George goes on to write many more songs and albums, one of my favorite albums being Extra Texture-read all about it, with the song YOU, mocking the all about you in love songs.  Maybe the answer to Paul’s hit with Wings, Silly Love Songs, where he asks “what wrong with that?”  And George answers.  His last work with the Traveling Wilbury’s bringing together a who’s who of Hall of Fame musicians.  And there is George included....

But while blending into the background of music, he got hooked on Hari Krishna, and Eastern philosophy.  It may have added to his music, but it was his ultimate defeat.  He had turned away from Jesus to religion, and no matter what you turn to,when turning from Jesus it means death.  When Jesus told us the meek inherit the world, he didn’t say weak, but meek, those who kept the power of God under control, reflected in their choices.  So many one hit wonders have gained momentary fame and fortune, wanting pleasure, honor, and wealth with it, only to find it here today, and gone tomorrow, with nothing to show for it.  Like the man who stands up and gives $1000, anonymously, if you pray out loud so men can hear and think you pious, and if you brag on you rewards as if you earned them, you only get the reputations, and that is all you get.  They are fleeting, nothing waiting beyond, no sending ahead, when you live according to the world’s views and rules, you are limited in your rewards, but those who choose God never lose.  For what is seen here is temporal, but the things not seen, the things of the spirit, are eternal.  Very few of us have much to leave behind, but in Christ we have eternity waiting for us.  Jesus warned if you save your life you will lose it, referring to those religious dogmas opposing the gospel, but when you give your life up for him, you will save it.  No one can claim salvation other than through Jesus Christ, we may evangelize, we may fertilize, but only God can and does provide the growth.  Just like Paul and Apollos, it’s not about us, it is all about Jesus.  Only in Jesus will we find all things are ours. 

Yet we try to buy the things that money cannot buy.  We try to hang onto a certain teacher or pastor, only to find we are limited by him.  Denominations are only concerned with what they believe, and you better to if you want to fit in.  Constant reading, study, and gathering only benefit you unless you are in Christ and taking it out to others in love.  The possibilities for life and blessings is endless when in Christ, even problems, because you know Jesus somehow will bless you in them.  In all things you will be ministered to, because you are looking to the one all things belong to.  While the world calls to us to conform, we find the freedom of who we are in Jesus, and can live in the world just not of it.  But like George’s songs, when finally brought out the world can be blessed by Jesus through us.  Sadly George didn’t choose Jesus, and although his  music lives, he doesn’t.  A reminder from God, that only Jesus is the way, and George had the same chance, but chose the wrong answer.  His music set him apart form us, but his beliefs set him apart from heaven.  Not all things must pass, for we will never die, only change addresses, from earth to heaven.  Our forwarding address already sent in, with only our name on it, for nothing in this world will go with us but what we believe and who we have trusted in.  Today we have all that heaven offers available now, when we become children of a heavenly father.

So be careful for what you wish for, you may get it.  Life like fame can be fleeting, only in Christ will we be assured tomorrow.  Only God can lead you to vibrant living, now and here and forever.  So sad a man who could write “here comes the sun,” missed out on the coming of the son.  Don’t you.  Some chant the names of the Lord, we know him personally.  My Sweet Lord...and his name is Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the best motorcycle you'll ever own

Looking back, my first motorcycle was the one that all others would be compared to.  A brand new 1972 Honda CB350 K4, bought from Ralph’s Honda in South Orange, New Jersey, an unauthorized Honda dealer, such were the good old days.  Gold, soon 8” bars were added, and a sissy bar with pad, we were all Easy Riders in our own mind. And the 6500 miles put on in five months were my initial learning curve into motorcycling, and still today, every time I learn something I find out how much I really don’t know.  Along the way I removed the mufflers, loved the sound, but never imagined how many police didn’t, they were everywhere.  From looks to warnings, they soon went back on.  My first interstate long rides were on that Honda, it took me through the spring of my senior year in high school, my first summer of freedom from school, and to college.  But as the desires for longer trips grew, the Honda fell short, and a 1972 BMW R60/5 replaced it.  Selling it for $600 after buying it for $825.  Figure $1.25/day for fun, where else could you do that?

Over the years and the dozens of bikes I have owned, this one still stands out n my mind.  So many saw me on that Honda, that many conversations were started with “how’s your Honda?”  With explanations of what I replaced it with, why, and where I have gone on the current one.  But my friends back then always identified me with that Honda, you never forget your first bike, it will be the one all others are compared to, and probably the best motorcycle you’ll ever own.  The hardest to buy, and the hardest to part with.  At least until the next one comes along.....

After 10 years and 79,000 miles, it was time for a new bike, and the new Triumphs captivated me.  My 1985 FJ1100 that had taken across time zones, states, storms, and moving to California was about to be traded, for a new 1996 Triumph Trident.  Like a nervous parent, I reluctantly traded it, and leaving the lot, wondered how long it would take to warm up to the new bike.  Exactly 1.3 miles on the odometer later, all Yamaha memories had vanished, it was all about the new ride, and the new rides it would take.  It had been with me for more than 10 times the miles and years of my first Honda, but I still remember more about the Honda and its rides.  Maybe it’s the metal flake helmet still in the garage that came with the Honda, gold to match, maybe it was the newness of motorcycling and the freedom I was experiencing, maybe I’m just getting old and sentimental, but I look back fondly at that first CB350, and occasionally look at ads for one.  The ones in the ads have come close, but not the one I had.  And that makes all the difference.....Many bikes and over 1 million miles later, that Honda is the one all my future bikes were compared to.  And in some small ways still are.

I entered motorcycling with a blank slate, with the exception of Easy Rider and Little Fauss, and Big Halsey.  It was all about the ride at first, then it became all about the bike I was riding it on.  My Christian life started the same, all about Jesus, and it didn’t matter the church or teaching, it was all about Jesus.  But slowly and much faster than I expected or knew, religion had crept in, and soon it was which church, what version of the Bible, what standards do I live by, and others guiding my life.  I finally had to take a step back, look at where I was, where I was going, and make a decision.   Was it Jesus or religion, was he the difference in my life or the things of man made religion?  And the two can be very similar, but only one gave me the true joy.  It was Jesus, where I could live my life, find joy in the spirit, and not worry about all the laws and things my friends did.  Like my first Honda, Jesus was the criteria all teachings, studies, and religious activities would be based on.  Jesus was the standard I built my life on, not what others said.  Which set me apart, as a weirdo, a malcontent, and to some not even saved.  But as I got closer to God, the more I walked in his spirit and discounted what others thought, I grew, and so did the peace within me.  I began to live my life for Jesus instead of for others, just like when I rode for me instead of with groups.  I found true motorcyclists are in for motorcycling no matter what you ride, and true Christians are in it for Jesus, not to be popular or bringing glory to themselves within church.  I had to go back many times when seeing my joy fading to that initial ride with Jesus, and the foundational teachings I had.  Where opinions were like Hondas, everyone seemed to have one, but only a few cared about the facts.  Very simply put, when my riding became all about motorcycling instead of just the motorcycle, I grew in my riding.  And when Jesus became more important than what others thought, how the church saw me, and how I lived for him, I began to see scripture come alive in my life.  Seeking him first, letting him add all the other things to my life, made the difference.  No quibbles over teachings or pastors, it was Jesus first, then no others.  I found the freedom I was seeking in the spirit, while others still search.  In vain, when the truth is right there in front of them.

Years ago I sat in church with a man who was saved for many years.  Every week his men’s group studied a different book, and his latest one excited him.  It had taught him “how to pray,” he told me.  When I asked “did you really need a book to learn how to pray,” he seemed hurt.  “Did you need to read a book to talk to your wife?  Then why do you need a book on how to talk with God?”  Mired in religion, my words fell on deaf ears.....

Scripture tells us all our works that are like hay and stubble will be burnt up on judgment day.  Some are already storing up wood for the eternal time of fire, how much of our actions and attitudes include Jesus?  Will we find any gold or silver in the stubble?  Yet why wait for the reward, when we can live it now.  Just because Jesus saved us means he has put some in our lives, are you hoarding it or sharing it?  If Jesus isn’t the best part of your religious experience, maybe you need to go back to your first ride with him. To when it was all about him, when the spirit was fresh and new.  Repent, and get on with what he has for you.  For like that first motorcycle, he will be the one that all others are compared to.  When you find that none can compare, you begin to see more of Jesus in your life.  How long does it take to put it all behind you?  1.3 miles for me....it is not where you have been that matters, but where you are going.  And if Jesus is where you have been, the where you are going is that much better.  In fact, it makes now all that more valuable.  I’ll never forget my first bike, but now when asked which is my favorite, I say “the one I am on now.”  Can you say that about your God?  I can.....and I still have the old helmet to prove it.

love with compassion,

Mikematthew25biker.blogspot.com

it's pouring and I'm loving it!

Waking up after San Diego got deluged with its first rain since March 27th, reports claim as much as 1/10th of an inch in places, with some remote places with more.  Seems the deluge is over for now, Ms. Latte driving SUV will be out in force, and anywhere except the highways will be safe.  The roads will be absent of motorcycles today, as only a few hardy, read that hard core riders will brave the elements.  Or the poor driving characteristics of our drivers.  But a few weeks ago in Colorado, things were different.  Riding over three, then four passes at over 10,000 feet, we encountered dozens of motorcycles, from full dressers in the curves to adventure bikes crowding the downtown of Telluride.  They were mostly in large groups, we were in a group of two, and dressed for the weather in our rain suits, even when the temp stayed in the low 40’s, it didn’t slow anyone down.  Just a hint of 40 degrees and sun here will ground most riders, there it just brings us out.  For over 150 miles we braved the weather, fog, motorhomes, and wildlife enjoying the ride.  If you never have ridden in the rain, in a good rain suit, you just don’t know what I mean.  And if you are from So Cal.....

But rain is a part of riding anywhere but here, seems there is a rumor out that chrome will rust if it gets wet, so the Harley crowd stays home and inside polishing it.  I love it when pulling up to a Harley rally and see only Toyota trucks when it is raining.  Proudly displaying the badge and shield logo.  Some own, some ride.  But that day in Colorado we saw dozens if not more Harleys, riding in the rain.  Chrome and all.  Waving and from behind their windshields all you saw was smiles.  All waving in the corners, riding for the conditions, but unconditionally riding.  Today it may rain again here, look out for potentially wet areas, and the only question is what shall I drive?  I mean, which bike do I take...for of all bikes that shouldn’t rust it should be a Triumph, where in jolly old England they have sun breaks.  Even The Beatles sang of getting a tan in the English rain, and we are not the egg men.  Koo koo ka joo!

But he who controls the storm doesn’t stay home out of it either.  Coming into Rico above 10,000 feet, steady but not deluging rain, suddenly a huge buck headed down a hill towards me.  No place or time to stop.  And a suddenly as he appeared, he did an abrupt about face, and headed back up the hill, just missing me.  The one thing I don’t like about riding in the mountains is wildlife, but it is where the live.  A bit shaken, but thankful and worshipping God for protecting me, he later asked me, “do you know why I had you narrowly avoid the buck?”  The trained or taught responses filled my head, but is answer was right on.  “To show you I have everything under control.”  A reassuring thought no matter where or what you ride, no matter the weather, or the situation.  So many of us have each others back, only God has our sides too.

No matter your financial, political, social, or motorcycling clout, you have no control over the weather.  And to be truthful, not many of your situations.  We think we do, but the unknown is what only God is prepared for.  That day I had no idea of how he would intervene, but he did.  Nothing escaped  him, and even though the rain may fall on the just and the unjust, he appears in situations just to show how much he loves us.  Even on sunny days...as he did when riding trials bikes with Gerald one day.  Way up in the foothills of Albuquerque where we had no right to be riding, the trail suddenly went away, and I started to fall to the left, with only 500 feet of rock and downhill to stop me.  I cried out “Jesus save me!” and I felt a huge hand stand me back upright, put the bike back on the trail that was there again, and we rode on.  Stopping at the first place we could, Gerald was real excited, “did you see that, you were going over and it was like a huge hand just scooped you up and set you straight!”  What he saw, I felt.  Such is the love of our Lord!

So next time you brag about how God has everything under control, be aware he just might show you.  What bragging on him can be really bragging on us, and he knows the difference.  When we give Jesus all the preeminence, we get all the blessings.  And even in the rain, we can see his handiwork.  Like one morning riding under the New River bridge in West Virginia.  A 45 second ride across, 45 minutes going down and under.  After a stop to put on rain gear, and watch the downpour, it turned to a drizzle and we rode off.  With both of us commenting on a stop of how God had sent the rain to bring out all the colors of the trees and flora, and how beautiful the rain had made it all.  Without the rain we would have missed out on more of God’s handiwork, so for me, “if it’s pouring, I’m, loving it.”  For I know my God is bigger than the weather he sent.  Beautiful for every situation.  Knowing that just as the rain falls on the just and the unjust, so does the sunshine.  But it is the precious times in the midst of the storm, inside my Frog Togs and inside my fogged up Arai, I know he will get me through.  There are no snow days in heaven either.

So as the sun breaks through the clouds, as the roads dry, my choice for riding today is made easier.  I have a new Tiger 800 XCX that needs miles.  Knobbies and all, before it goes back to Triumph.  The perfect bike for the perfect day, even when weather is imperfect.  But knowing I have the perfect God, my best friend Jesus with me, reminds me how special his love is.  In the midst of the storm he is with me, just don’t forget how he loves those sunny days too!  Somehow with the added bonus of the freshness of the air after the rain, and the abundance of green.  God’s love is pouring out, and I’m loving it! 

Meanwhile in the news, So Cal experienced a heavy rain last night, with accumulations up to 1/2 an inch...I wonder what Noah would have to say about that?  Of course it wasn’t raining when he built the ark either....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

at the Crossroads

Groom, Texas has little meaning to those with their cruise set at 85 mph on I-40.  East of Amarillo, west of Shamrock, and miles from nowhere, Groom sits among the fields of hay and cattle.  But one thing gives Groom a beckoning to those going through, the cross.  Billed as the world’s largest cross, like its sister in Effingham, Illinois, it can be seen for miles in any direction, somehow calling out to those with a heart after God.  And many who don’t yet.  Over the years I have stopped by many times and seen where the owner has added the 13 steps of Jesus, and even a small store.  To the religious it tells of Jesus, to the non-believer it is just another attraction, but attract it does.  Even today, 2000 years after the death of Jesus on the cross, his message still calls out to a lost and dying world.  And on one special stop, the message went deeper to the heart.....

It was September of 2006, on our Torches Across America ride, a secular ride to honor the memory of those killed on 911, and to honor first responders.  After a night in Amarillo, and dinner at the Big Texan, we headed off east to Tulsa, the cross not part of the ride.  But a group of us stopped, and for the next hour saw the last days of Jesus on earth come alive.  From his trial to carrying his cross, to being nailed on it, his death, and finally the empty tomb, complete with the folded head cover, I was able to walk the group through each display.  That morning the statues seemed to come alive, even to tears on the misty morning in Jesus’ eyes, with the secular riders mesmerized by the truth of his crucifixion.  Each step tearing at the heart even more, until his death.  Where most stories would end sadly, but not the gospel.  For three days later just as he said he would, Jesus resurrected himself, leaving an empty tomb where his body had been lain.  With only an angel to tell John, Peter, and Mary that the one you seek is no longer here, but has gone to heaven as he promised.  His final message that if we believe we too will be resurrected in death, in fact never seeing death, but living eternally.  A short 45 minutes spent at the Crossroads, where when hearing the gospel and seeing it up close and personal, you cannot deny it, and it calls for a decision in your life as to who Jesus is. 

Today many find it fashionable to wear a cross around their necks, religious or not.  They don not comprehend the impact of the cross, and what it means, or what it meant 2000 years ago.  A place of death, punishment, ridicule and humiliation, a place that no one would want to celebrate.  Today it would be like wearing a hang man’s noose around your neck, bad humor, sick humor.  Think of driving by a church and seeing a scaffold set up, the same effect 2000 years ago regarding the cross.  But the cross is more than a religious symbol, it cuts to the heart of man, and of who Jesus was, why he came, and why he is the only way.  In no other name can you be saved.  There are certain facts concerning Jesus that cannot be refuted, he was born a man, died on the cross, and was buried.  The Romans so afraid of his body being stolen, they rolled a huge stone in front of it, and posted 100 men to guard it.  Best of the best, special forces troops, where if one failed, all were executed.  Yet somehow despite all the provisions made, the stone was found picked up and thrown, the tomb found empty.  And the message of the cross takes on a new special meaning, for out of his death we can have life.  No other religious symbol can promise so much and point to the only one who can deliver.  Such is the power of the cross, and why when confronted with its message, we are called to make a decision. 

But to those who are perishing it is foolishness.  It is absurd to think of it as more than a legend or a saga passed down via the church.  But to those who believe, it represents life and forgiveness.  It is the symbol of Jesus and how all the blessings of God can be released in our lives.  It represents rescue from sin, and the peace and joy only found in the spirit.  Once encountered, you will never be the same.  The spirit still calls today, and in every person’s life he will ask “who do you say Jesus is?”  When a friend asked “how will I know, or when will it happen?” I could only answer “you’ll know.  It could be today, tomorrow or even right now.”  For today is the day of salvation....to us it represents the power of God unleashed through Jesus to a lost a dying world.  Through Adam sin entered the world, through Jesus you can escape it.

It is not the size of the cross, but the size of your God.  We serve many gods, only God can create life, and give it life.  Abundantly.  Adding joy, peace, and love.  When I look at the cross, I see love dying for me, giving me a chance to know God personally, to be rescued from hell.  I can face tomorrow because he has given me a today, along with a hope and a future.  Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.  For some it is a trinket around the neck, to Jesus it meant everything.  What it means to you will have eternal consequences.....funny how we set out on Torches to honor the dead, and ended up at the Crossroads, honoring the living.  Jesus and patriotism, go hand in hand.  But that one day at the cross will always make the difference.  When will yours be?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

walk, don't run

I had only known Doug as my co-worker at Coca Cola.  I was his driver first, then became a fellow salesman with him.  Outside of Coke I really didn’t know much about him other than he loved to hunt and fish, taking his two weeks every year when hunting season opened in Durango.  He was born and raised there, and knew many people there, going back quite a few years.  On one of the few occasions we got to go downtown together, we were walking down Main Ave. when he greeted a man with a grunt, never making eye contact, and the man answered the same way.  When I asked “who was that?” he answered “my brother.”  Not knowing Doug had a brother, he explained he had a few brothers, all in Durango, and nobody in the family talked with each other.  Not pressing him, he went on to explain the only time they got together or even talked was hunting season each year, as they went as a group, not a family to hunt, sharing the bounty among themselves.  Not Christmas, Thanksgiving, or weddings or funerals, outside of the opening of hunting season each year they were strangers, emphasis on strange.  But for those two weeks......

BH and I used to joke that if we both agreed it left no room for originality.  Today at work, at play, at Harley dealers, and even at church, we are told what to think.  Maybe not dictatorial, but emphasized enough that  we follow the regimen of the group.  When seeing a fellow rider off his bike, I can tell what he rides by his clothes, all black leather, a Harley, maybe an Indian.  Over dressed for the weather with off road clothes, a BMW.  No matter the season I am t-shirt and jeans, what does that say about me?  But we are not judging, just observing, and no BMW rider worth his Beemer would be caught not in uniform, just as a Harley rider wouldn’t.  When I used to wear my CMA cut I always thought it was so I was to be identified with them, until I found out it was better to live anonymously.  Society cannot live without the fact of categorizing people, so we fall into a prescribed, pre-ordained, prejudiced grouping.  It seems in the quest to be an individual, we all get lost in the group.  But when the group is more important than the individual, we lose.  And some are better at losing than others, some even to the point of enjoying the mental or social slavery that comes with it.  Maybe best described as a the scene at Alice’s Restaurant one Sunday morning, with both sides of the street lined with bikes.  Harleys on one side, and café racers on the other.  It used to be motorcycles was our defining role, now it was the very thing that separated us.  Maybe best translated later as one group rode too slow, the other too fast.  Not one Goldilocks rider to be found......all I want to do is ride.

Church unity is a hot topic for many.  I receive many requests to join in with “like minded men” to fellowship, but like Doug I grunt and pass them by.  Not because I am better, I’m not, but the unity or like mindedness they adhere to is the church, its teachings, or even its pastor.  Paul had to address this in a few of his letters, emphasizing who we are to be like by with.  Not with men so as to gain acceptance, but with Jesus Christ, to gain his acceptance and walk in his spirit.  To be of one mind, one body, and of one spirit.  Which will bring us together as the one church.  The true division begins when any other criteria than Jesus is used.  Only his love and spirit can break down doctrinal or denominational barriers, not more teachings or rallies.  The peace and unity we seek is only found in Jesus Christ, not ourselves.  No self help, or ways to happiness, just Jesus.  Anything else divides. 

So he appeals in the name of Jesus Christ, as no other name is bigger, has more power, or the power to save.  It is impossible to get us to agree on many things, but when we agree on the spirit of him, we can be true brothers and sisters because his life is in us.  The only basis we need to agree upon is Jesus Christ, anything else is a sham.  It takes boldness in the spirit to agree with Jesus, but when we do life takes on a new and exciting role.  It means sacrificing our own ways and ideas for his, best described in Philippians, where it is written he made himself a bit lower than the angels and unto death on a cross gave himself for us.  He became obedient unto death for us, truly he is the one who willingly gave his life for his brother, being the true love we find talked of in scripture.  And later in life Hebrews tells us to strip off the weight of sin that slows us down or weighs us down.  Jesus wants to ease our burden, to have it cast on him, to be free from the weight of sin.  Maybe best described as this way, we can run with the devil, never catching up, always being chased or chasing, never measuring up or when we do maintaining it, or we can walk with Jesus.  Not hurrying or falling behind, in step with the spirit, who guides our steps.  Running implies a race or competition, maybe for our soul or just within ourselves, walking implies the peace of Jesus, just as God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden before they sinned.  Running on empty....there is a reason.  Full of the spirit, it is overflowing, and a witness to others.  Many run to the place where Jesus once walked, how many just walk with him today wherever they are?  Something to consider the next time you are late.....Jesus never was.

From Adam and Eve in the garden, to the animals walking onto the ark of Noah, from Daniel seeing four men walking in the fire, to Jesus seeing two brothers walking along the Sea of Galilee, to his walking on the lake, John tells us that Jesus has no better reward than to see his people walk in faith.  32 times walking is mentioned in scripture, is it part of your biography?  Or is running, mentioned 31 times, mostly in a running away from tense, except to the tomb of Jesus, afraid they had missed him.  With Dr. Luke advising us to “do not go after them,” those that propose to see Jesus and spread a false doctrine.  The only running in a Christians life should be running to Jesus, as the father ran to the prodigal son, with love and mercy running over your cup in Christ.  Being out of breath may be as simple as being out of the spirit. 

Unity in the spirit, as simple as letting Jesus be the Lord you tell everyone at church he is.  He didn’t come to save churches, but sinners.  We are his church, yet some choose to walk away.  While some choose to run after him.  Only in the spirit will you gain all he has for us when you walk with him.  You can be like the two men who encountered him, not knowing who he was and remarking how their hearts burned within them, or running amok, searching for the answers to life, only found in him.  When we decide to put Jesus first, that is what brings us into harmony with him and unifies the church.  But if we put the things of our mind first, we miss the blessings of God.  Our choice, we can be like Doug’s family, once a year and then go our separate ways, be a CEO at church, Easter and Christmas only, or walk in the spirit daily.  Some of us have a lot of catching up to do....don’t run, you don’t have to.  Jesus accepts you as and where you are.  He just doesn’t want to leave you like that.  In religion there is no room for originality, only in Jesus will you find all you are looking for, and more.  Wouldn’t you just love to have heard the conversations between God and Adam and Eve in the Garden? 

And no yelling either....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com