just answer the question!

As a father who raised two adventurous boys, and lived through their teen years to tell about it, I learned a secret, which really isn’t a secret if someone told me, and now I’m telling you.  So simple you may have overlooked it, and even applicable today in non-child raising applications.  Ready?  One word answers.  That’s it.  “Can I go?” “No.”  Not, “you cannot go because we don’t have the money,” or “no you cannot go because you’re grounded,”  just no.  A simple one word answer.  Which today may save a lot of stress between relationships, if applied properly.  For example, have you ever noticed how people avoid one word answers to yes or no questions?  See, instead of saying yes, or no, you began to cite an example.  Did you just do that?  Yes or no....not well could you repeat the question, or that I didn’t understand the answer.  You just proved a point...either way.

But the converse to the rule is when asking a question for a detailed answer.  “Is that a new bike, where did you buy it?”  Answer, “yes.”  Why do we get confused when it comes time to answer?  Are we trying to hide something, or are we just not comfortable, since we hear lies so many times anymore?  Yes or no answer.  With possibility of choosing either or or.  My kids still found ways to argue even with one word answers, “but why?” is not a yes or no.  Simple solution, if you engage in an argument, you already lost. They got you, and in terms of beliefs, wrong doctrine, sin, or false doctrine will wear you down long before you can change them.  Many Christmas parties ago a man and his family came and he started in some doctrinal issues.  He picked on a weaker one, they somehow know, and frustrated him and his belief.  When I was asked to comment, I confronted him, telling him all he wanted to do was start and argument, and he was not welcome any more.  Harsh words, but no argument.  Funny, how his wife the told him “see I told you not to do that, it always causes trouble.”  And gone he was...

In 2 John we read a short letter warning a church about false teachers, and how they invade and cause problems within the body.  He advises “don’t even say God bless you,” or let them into your house.  If you say God bless you, you acknowledge their god, who isn’t the only true God of the Bible.  And they are coached in how to twist scripture for their own use.  So no engagement, no argument.  Get it?  That’s a yes or no answer.  For example...

Some ladies used to make things for the elderly in nursing homes, a true ministry, and gave them away.  Meeting each week, they fellowshipped, made the items, and were blessed.  Until one time some Mormon women arrived, wanting to participate.  The pastor thought it a chance to evangelize them, but they all agreed to not share or talk about doctrines.  Seems the evil had arrived and taken over.  Soon the group was mostly Mormon women, who had infiltrated the Christian setting, and the women started to leave.  The Mormons had been successful, the pastor wrong, and the free items then were sold to the needy instead of given freely.  Net result, no more ministry, and when tried again, the church reminded them of how it failed last time.  The church failed, scripture didn’t, and evil won out.  Seems old John knew of what he was talking about. 

So God made it easy to become a Christian.  Do you acknowledge Jesus as deity?  Do you believe he died for your sins?  Will you repent and acknowledge him as your savior?  And when true to the spirit, you are saved.  Notice all questions require a yes or no answer.  No diatribe or theological discourse.  God tells you “let your yes be yes and no be no.”  He mad the gospel simple so we can get, free so we can afford it.  Not multiple choice.

So are you sure you are going to heaven?  No time to philosophize now.  Either you are saved or you aren’t, no maybes in heaven, those  who didn’t decide did so by not saying yes.  Only God gives us the right to say no, and to say yes.  Based on love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.  Maybe an interview on TBN years ago explains it best.  A man radically saved from cancer was being interviewed.  He was being pressed to tell if TBN influenced his miracle, what scripture, what teacher, what show saved him?  His answer was simple, “all I know is Jesus.”  By his answer he admitted he knew it all.  For no man or teacher can do what Jesus does, heal and save.  Finally after many attempts at getting another answer, they moved on.  Was this show selling Jesus or themselves?  Only in the spirit  do you know, the answer is them first, then Jesus.  But those who truly know Jesus and not entangled in religion get it.  Do you?

Or you can be like I did once.  Below the test page was a line that said “do not write below this line?”  So I asked why?  And I am still waiting for an answer.  Still don’t know Jesus?  Here’s your chance.  You have just heard the gospel, do you see him as God?  A simple yes or no will do....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

for those of us who really rather not have a V-8

Over the years America has had a preoccupation with cubic inches, the bigger the better.   With the V-8 engine the one all others are measured by, or at least used to.  Over the years I have owned V-8’s, inline 6’s, 4 cylinders, and V-6’s.  At one time our motorcycle inventory consisted of 2 thumpers, 3 vertical twins, 3 three cylinders, and an inline 4.  Working with Mercedes Benz I became familiar with their V-12 motors, both the good and the bad.  But with the strive towards smaller turbocharged motors, all big engines with V’s and multiple cylinders will be a thing of the past.  “Grandpa, what’s a V-8?”  It’s s motor son, Chevy made millions of them, so did Ford and others.”  As a hybrid buzzes by unannounced, unnoticed, and around here, unwanted.  Each motor the same only different cylinder configurations...a lot like most people I know.

The first car I drove legally was my parents Rambler Classic with a 232 six, they built them forever.  Then a Pinto four, and my first car, a BMW 1600 four cylinder.  My first V-8 was a  1973 El Camino, my biggest my 429 in the 1967 Cadillac.  From 25 mpg to 6 mpg, the all got me where I needed to go, mostly, and with different attitudes in each one.  But things have changed since we used to pop the hood and check the oil, unscrew the air cleaner cover, and check the fluids.  Covers now cover the engine, no more Ford blue, Mercury yellow, Pontiac green, or Chevy orange.  The color of raw castings covered by plastic covers...with no instructions on how to remove them, and when you do, how to make them fit right again.  But each motor had its bad and good points, with one in particular that stands out.  It had personality, was as basic as it could be, and was tied to a three on the tree trans.  How many could shift one of those today?  It was a 1976 Chevy pickup, gray with the old style bed.  Taken in trade at the Ford dealer I was working at, I grabbed it for my transportation.  Fun and basic, no engine covers to hide its motor, and lots of low end grunt.  A far cry from the four valve, double overhead cam six in Theresa’s Mustang.  Tied to a six speed auto.  And while both are fun to drive....I still prefer the basic.

Which is why I still drive my 2003 Ford Ranger 3.0.  Plastic floor mats and an auto, the only concession.  And every time I tell her I want an old truck, she reminds me I have one.  But now looking at the new 2019 Ranger with only one motor, a four cylinder turbo, with 280 hp.  In a truck....don’t worry honey, the old Ranger still has a home here.  And for those of us who really rather not have a V-8, it does everything we need basic transportation for.  Gaining in value as its gets older, but I remind those who want it, it’s not for sale, and only worth what it would sell for.  Which will never be enough to get my attention....

We could never imagine a world without V-8’s, now we can not imagine world with them.  Such is how time passes and things change.  And how many regard their walk with Christ.  Effectively putting off the blessings of today for tomorrow, when they have passed and they wonder why.  Both Christian and non-Christians look at time the same way, go for it now, get it while you can, with nobody being able to see any difference.  The world wants it now, big V-8 with all the accessories, a first class cabin, and all the power that is available.  But we are supposed to look at things in a heavenly perspective,  considering that what lays ahead of us is more important than what lies before us today.  While some live only to die with the most toys, or to leave a pretty corpse, Jesus informs us that we have an eternal home in heaven, and all things seen are temporal.  Seems we have no interest in the things we cannot see, giving them a lesser priority, failing to come to grips that he who has the most toys still dies, no matter how pretty the corpse is.  Party hearty, wear out today’s body, replace it with new next year.  From plastic surgery to Botox to the hair club, we can keep up the appearance, but the performance suffers.  Some thinking as long as I can get parts I can keep the old one running, or like in today’s market, you can build a brand new 1957 Chevy or 1965 Mustang with new parts.  But somehow it’s just not the same.

Jesus offers us an abundant life, which is more than toys.  Car payments, mortgages, and credit cards can own us, rather than owning the car, house, or trips.  If we truly believe that heaven awaits us, then how should we live?  Does our life only matter to us, or does it affect others?  When Paul addressed Philemon in regards to Onesimus, his decision would affect his family life, his church body, and his public perception.  And how he saw God and his mercy.   We are not told his answer, but the important thing to consider is what would be your answer?  While some worry about those in third world countries who have never heard the word, what about those who have?  What about you? 

No matter the engine size or configuration, no matter the horsepower, we will all have a final ride in the same black hearse.  Not behind the wheel, not even as a passenger.  All the expensive cars and bikes will mean nothing, as the same hearse will carry the guy who drove a hybrid.  I hope not a hybrid hearse!  So maybe our time on earth is important and how we spend it too.  God wants us to have nice things, and he loves giving good gifts.  And heaven is the best one, and yet to come.  Paint fades, engines wear out, and it’s time to trade.  Don’t trade your relationship with Jesus for something temporal.  Don’t feed the flesh thinking it will feed the spirit.  It is just the other way around.  Enjoy Jesus today, thank him for how he has gotten us this far, and anticipate tomorrow.  Some memories are like the cars we drove, best left in the past.  For like the V-8 they were for a certain time.  Only Jesus is forever.  In the beginning and in the end, and in the in-between.  And for you smarties who tell us how Jesus was in one Accord, was that a four or a six?  Auto or stick?  Two door or four?  But never a hybrid, never let anything blend in with your Jesus.  Never.  Maybe time to check on your relationship, has it gone hybrid?  Honda makes bikes too.....you know.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

forbidden, forgiven, forgotten

One of the great joys of any teacher or pastor is seeing his students apply what they have been taught and being blessed.  Years ago we were able to assist an old pastor’s family that was in need.  They were instrumental in our early Christian walk, and his comments still touch me today.  As overjoyed with the gift and answer to prayer they had received, he found more joy in the fact that we were filled with joy in giving and seeing the example he set of Christ duplicated.  Truly is it better to give than receive as we know, and having been on both sides, when God is involved all are blessed.  Maybe the best outward sign of a changed heart, the motivation by the spirit in a person’s life, giving them a desire to be what they weren’t before, and enabling them to do it. 

Picture if you will a man and wife eating lunch on the patio with their son.  From a distance they see a man approaching, and they cannot believe their eyes.  It was a man who they had taken in, who had disappeared one night taking some money and valuables.  They had no word from him for years, and now he was walking up the driveway, looking excited to see them.  Stunned, maybe a bit concerned they welcome him, and the reunion is sweet.  A blessing to all....and a testimony of lives changed by Jesus Christ.

Such is the letter written to Philemon, the 25 verse book in the Bible written by Paul to him.  His family is sitting eating, when an old slave who ran away, Onesimus, returns.  First some bitterness appears, sin will do that, but soon it appears that Onesimus, whose name means profitable, is not the same man who ran away.  Although many times a crook returns to the scene of the crime, this time is different.  He had met Paul in Rome, and become a Christian under him.  A great helper and advocate of Paul’s teachings, he is faced with repenting to his former owner, willing to suffer the consequences, which could be deadly.  A slave was property, and for running away could have a huge F, for fugitive branded on his forehead.  He could have been sold at market, or condemned to death,  all left up to the owner, Philemon.  And it is up to the Phil the teacher to apply what he has been teaching.  Paul writes in the letter, Onesimus has become a Christian and a great asset to him.  But he sent him back, the right thing to do, and asks Phil to do the right thing with him, Paul wants him back, but leaves the decision up to him.  Asking him, not telling him, to do the right, Christian thing, that although he owes Paul for leading him in salvation, even sending money to support the church in his home, that none of these should affect his decision.  It is his choice to forgive as he had been forgiven, and although Onesimus was once a slave to man, he is now a bond slave to Jesus Christ.  An equal in God’s eyes.  As we all were once, and Jesus forgave us, and where we were once forbidden, we are now forgiven, and welcomed.  Where once Onesimus had been a slave, he came back a brother, with Paul’s request, “as a brother, treat him as you would me.”  Also reminding him to put his debt on his credit, as Paul had been helpful monetarily too.  But also if you choose to punish him, I will stand with you.  Not what Philemon had anticipated.  Only in the spirit are we allowed to make up our minds, Paul could have easily persuaded Phil, but didn’t.  Just as the Lord lets us make the choices, for true love demands a choice.  All three men here had chosen Jesus, now the test had come. That which had been unprofitable was now profitable, he was needed. 

Interestingly here Paul appeals as a friend, not an apostle.  A brother instead of a teacher, and points out the obvious.  We are all family in Christ, and free in the spirit.  But our choice of how we live in it or let it become a burden.  Religion and its legalism would say carry out the law, just as the crowd called out “crucify him!” about Jesus.  But as we are given mercy, we are to pass it on.  It may not be a heavy debt or hurt, but do we forgive or turn to scripture, carefully weeding it out and interpreting it for our own good.  Has our heart changed and do we forgive as we have been forgiven?  Jesus tells us that we are, but are we?  Do we just say the words of the Lord’s prayer, or do we truly forgive?  Have we become one in the spirit of Jesus Christ, or one in the battle against him?  Be careful before you answer....

Onesimus had become a problem when he had fled,  Phil losing a worker, money, property, and trust.  Anything but an asset, but now saved was a great asset to Paul.  What would Phil do, prosecute him or send him back to Paul?  All material debts could be settled, that left only the spiritual one, that Jesus paid and the example he left for us.  Paul asked for Phil’s consent before he acted, do we consider Jesus in the same way?  Do we forgive, or forbid?  What would you have done? 

We are not told the answer to Paul’s request, but signs off saying “ I know you will do more than I ask.”  Persuasive words or a sign of faith?  Jesus forgave all our sins, do we forgive others?  Do we forgive ourselves?  I would have loved to overheard the conversation after Phil read the letter.  And his answer.  But more important, God included this letter in the Bible to test us, to remind us, to show us true love.  Jesus gave it all for us, while we were yet sinners.  We are now part of the family, with all the rights and blessings.  Jesus always does more than we can ask.  I would think Philemon did the same.  It must have been difficult and at the same time rewarding to see his old slave, now his brother. It is not who we were, but who we are now, the new man in Christ that matters.  For the old is passed away....and that is where we should leave it.  Greater love has no man.....and the story goes on.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the day we were all going to quit driving

I can say I remember when you used to tell the attendant to fill the oil and check the gas.  Such were the years of our first cars, and where you and your buddies all chipped in 50 cents for a night of cruising.  One such car was Bruce’s 1959 Chevy Impala convertible, red with silver, as in duct tape interior, and no rear floor.  A victim of Jersey winters.  In those days  you didn’t call the front seat, you fought for it.  Or rode with your feet up in the air or on the rear seats.  But not all rides were as custom or unique, but the one constant was the price of gas.  We all knew the cheapest places, when to go when a friend was working the pumps for the deal, and why Sunoco 260 was better than Amoco Supreme, or white gas as unleaded was called, before no lead was the new regular.  But when the gas crisis suddenly hit us in 1973, we all could see the day when none of us would be driving any more.  Imagine 40-45 cents for a gallon of gas, and 50 cents for 260!  At that price it took, well it took $5.00 to fill the tank!  Over two hours of work just to fill the tank!  Cruising slowed down, as most of the younger guys allowances didn’t go up, but the rates of the cruising ritual did.  Even the days of less than a dollar to fill our bikes was being threatened, and we all were concerned, would there ever come a day when we had to quit riding?  Gas had been 25 cents for as long I could remember, the weekly trip to the Gulf station for 25 cents worth for the lawn mower a ritual in itself.  Now being faced with gas twice as expensive, where was it all going to end?  Were all the streets going to become empty soon?  And would we look back at the times fighting over a front seat, as now we would be lucky to get a seat at all? 

But gas wasn’t the only thing rising in price and threatening our life style.  The Marlboro crowd was facing 50 cents packs of cigarettes, and coffee, long 10 cents a cup was a quarter, with no refills.  Coke had gone up 15 cents a can, Big Macs were 55 cents, and only the toughest, most had core guys could eat $5.00 worth of McDonalds food.  Everything that used to be based on how many cents was now approaching dollars.  Many swore when coffee reached $1.00/pound they would quit drinking it, same with a buck a pack, but although many threatened to quit driving, none of us did.  Some went the car pool route, some parking the GTO or SS, some even selling them in favor of some Jap thing we couldn’t pronounce, but we all kept driving somehow.  It seems it is in our nature, and many will forego the caffeine and nicotine routine, but will continue to drive  while complaining about filling their tank.  If gasoline was God and it took all the king’s men to pay for it, driving it would continue to be.  And as gas prices here nudge $4.00 again, we drive less, plan our trips better, but still drive.  We may hate the prices, but we hate even worse the prospect of it not becoming available at all.  Something the greatest generation had to face during WWII.  May gas be the least of our worries....

A wise man once noted “just because you have rocks in your head don’t take it for granite.”  Some heads may be hard, yet they reflect a harder heart.  While touring Brother Andrew’s facility in Orange County, you learn how many Bibles must be smuggled into countries because they are illegal.  How you face death, prison, or death just for having one.  No pretty covers or arguing over what version to read, any Bible will get you in trouble.  But yet so many continue to desire one, to read about Jesus and a God that saves.  Dollar gas is no problem as they have no cars, just daily bread is the goal upon waking up, and the daily bread Jesus delivers each morning that much more precious.  One display has a scenario of a church meeting secretly in a non-descript place.  With look outs around the area in case the government chooses to invade.  In such a case, the pastor is ushered out, and the Bible, if they have one passed around and hidden.  All just for going to church.  With one touching tale of how a fellowship for over 20 years has only had one page from the book of Acts.  And how the pastor has only used one side of the page so far, such is the power of the holy spirit.  As we sit drinking out lattes, reading our i-pads, and complaining about going to church.  Never taking into account how fortunate we are to have the freedom we have in America, and how truly God has shed his grace on thee.  How a bumper sticker has to identify us as a believer because many times our actions don’t.  How many Bibles do you have sitting around your home covered in dust from not being used? 

An old Parable song tells us “without the word our hearts will turn to metal, don’t let your Bible gather dust.”  Yet we read and read, but became educated and not delivered.  Growing in knowledge of Jesus, but not guided by his spirit.  I hope it doesn’t take a confiscation of Bibles to turn to the spirit as many do in forbidden lands, for like coffee, cigarettes and gas, we would give up the Bible other than our other so called freedoms.  When the written word is forbidden, Jesus, who is the word, is still present.  He has written his word on our hearts, no pages to turn, just his spirit to turn to.  As it was in the first century church.  Next time the talk comes around to how good they had it in that church, try putting away your written word, and allowing the spirit to dictate.  They had no New Testament, they were busy living it, can we say the same?  Or is learning about Jesus more important than being led by his spirit?  Have your pastor try teaching without his notes or Bible to turn to, see how the message changes.  Are we Bible driven or spirit driven? 

An internationally known and respected Bible teacher allows how many believe that the trinity is father, son, and the Bible.  Substituting the written word for the spiritual aspect.  Without the spirit, we would not have been called to Jesus.  We wouldn’t understand the mysteries of the word, and many would only be educated, but not saved.  Or saved but never benefitting from the fruit of the spirit.  Jesus left us his spirit until he returns....we will never return to 25 cent gas or 10 coffee, but we can return to Jesus via his spirit.  We all feared a day of no gas might be coming, for some a day of no Bibles is here already.  But they grow in grace by God’s spirit, just as the first church did.  Does yours?  Do you?  Or are you waiting in a spiritual line for refueling like we did for gas?

If you think religion is easy, try it without Jesus.  Try it without his spirit guiding.  Try it without your Bible.  For the things seen are temporary, the things not seen are eternal.  We will run out of gas and need to refill, only in the spirit will our tanks never run dry.  The spirit, the oil in our lamps to keep us burning.  Full service only....can you say “fill ‘er up please!”  Premium , of course.....

And why do the lines get longer when it isn’t available?

love with compassion,

Mike

mattehw25biker.blogspot.com

five minutes after closing

After working all day, we all look forward to closing time, the time when the lights are shut off, computers put to bed, and the doors locked.  Hourly guys like I was were always looking at the clock, sometimes counting the minutes until closing, the magic words heard sometimes, “go ahead, take off early,” as if the few extra minutes we were gone added up to much.  But we were free when we should be some place else, maybe just a mind game, but one that worked, and still works.  But as I grew in employment, salaried and commissioned, the clock became less important, as I was paid to do a job, not for the time spent at the job or how long it took to complete it.  And my viewpoint changed....still can’t tell if it got better or worse. 

Many times after closing, the precious few minutes left alone in the store were a respite from the day, no phones, people, employees, or customers.  A time not to hurry, but to cruise the shop once more, then head out and home.  Only a few minutes, but the time wasn’t important, the time spent was.  But one day will stick out after 40+ years, of when I was selling motorcycles.  And how I was in a hurry, misjudged a man, and the lesson learned.  A man came into the shop many times, looking at a used CB 750 Honda, a 1972 like the one BH had.  It sat for months, the only miles accumulated from pushing it in and out everyday.  But this cowboy kept coming by and sitting on it, never saying much after asking the price.  A few minutes here and there over the weeks, then disappear again.  I was the one he looked for when coming in, and we had labeled him a “lookie loo” or “clock waster,”  he never bought.  So one late afternoon when he showed up at closing, we had just locked the doors and the weekend was about to begin, he showed up.  Through the locked glass door I told him “we’re closed, come back tomorrow,” pointing at the hours open sign.  But he just stood there, then knocked, and again I told him “we’re closed.”  Then he reached into his back pocket, pulled out an envelope, opened it up, showed me the money and said “I want to buy the Honda.”  I looked over my shoulder and saw David my boss, who motioned, “let him in.”  And we did the deal.  With a new helmet, 15 minutes spent in the back lot showing him how to ride it, turned out it was his first bike, and he left happy, I felt confident he could ride OK, and I earned a few extra dollars commission.  Supper was late, and super sized that night if I remember correctly.  I would only see this man once again, a few days later he stopped by to thank me, this had been a big decision for him, and after he had shopped many dealers, I was the only one who continually waited on him, and respected him.  If only he knew the names we had called him....but I had made a customer and friend.  Five minutes after closing....

There are three things in life that are a given, you must screw up to get mercy, you cannot brag about how humble you are, and you cannot have patience right now.  It like salvation takes time, and we often give up on those that don’t quickly accept the invite of Jesus right away.  Like the big churches with multiple services, we don’t want to or cannot spend the time right now, the next service is about to begin.  Fortunately Jesus sees things differently, think of how many years he was patient for you.  Scripture even advises us “God is patient that none should perish,” yet we have time constraints on how long your salvation time line is with us.  I have given up trying to figure out who is saved and who isn’t, too many play the game better than those of us who truly believe.  They sing the songs, study the studies, go on the trips.  The frequent the bookstore, even have a bumper sticker of Jesus.  But never have made the commitment.  The story Pastor Pat tells reminds me how we just don’t know.  A man came up to him after church one Sunday and told him he just got saved.  Pat was astonished, as the man had filled a pew for over 15 years, he had no reason to believe he wasn’t.  But the spirit had convicted him, and he gave his heart to Jesus.  Not a religious exercise, but truly saved.  All the years may have not meant anything until the spirit made Jesus real to him.  He was like the man finally deciding to buy, after hours, and when he was ready, found the door closed, but kept knocking.  He wanted in, and Jesus let him in.  His reward was salvation, my customer just got a bike.  I learned a lesson.  And drew closer to God through it.

Today I count a man known as Rebel as a friend.  When I first started ministering, he was mean, nasty, argumentative, and those were his good qualities.  He was often told to leave the service as he was disruptive, but God put him on my heart.  so the first thing I did when I arrived was go to him and listen.  No one else did and I was determined to be his friend.  Slowly over they years the spirit changed his heart, and today he is first out on Tuesday nights for our study.  He quietly listens and acknowledges when I talk with him.  We have become friends, not because of what I did, but because of what the spirit did in both our hearts.  The question Jesus asked his sleeping disciples means much to me, “could you have stayed awake just one more hour?”    Just a few minutes after closing?  I know what it means to me, what does it mean to you?  Jesus never hurried....how many Rebels have you stepped over today like the rich man stepped over Lazarus?  Today is the day of salvation.....are you still open to it?  Those who ask questions do so because of interest.  So I’ll leave you with one, it’s five minutes after church, and a man wants to know about Jesus.  He’s hungry and poor, will you invite him to lunch, or tell him to come back?  We were all that man once....sadly some still are.  That one in 99 may be five minutes late......Jesus waited.  For you.  Will you wait for him?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com