of late I think of Shanksville

The fog was thick that September morning as we rode out of Shanksville, the type of fog you have trouble getting off your face shield, similiar to the fog that gives the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee their name. About 200 of us had ridden out to the impact site that morning, after turning off our motors, the only sound heard was from boots walking on the shale parking lot, that temporarily served as parking for the makeshift memorial. A beautiful memorial, simple in that it has personal momentos from Americans who remember the events of 9-11-2001. As tears formed in our eyes, we stood before a cross, waiting for the ceremony to begin-not realizing that we were on holy ground. Spontaneously a man stepped out from the crowd and began to sing the National Anthem, and soon we were all singing, with hands over our chests, in respect and honor of those 40 heroes on flight 93. Words cannot describe the emotions-somewhere betweeen awe/love/curiousity/respect/honor. With a deep sense of gratitude for what they had done.
40 people united on that flight that morning and won the first victory over the Al Queda and those cowardly terrorists. In a day when we were able to watch planes flown into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, there is no film of what these heroes did that day, only some sound bites and memories of last phone calls to loved ones. I have met and talked to women in Shanksville who saw the plane before it went into the mountain that day. I have seen the picture, believed to be the last one of flight 93 as it cruised over a farm, and talked to a man who was out of town that day, only to come home and pick up eight bags of plane parts from his yard two miles away. I also talked with a man who claims to have seen the plane flying low, upside down seconds before the crash. The locals call it Thunder on the Mountain because it sounded like the thunder they get on the ridge. Only that day it was from a plane hijacked by terrorists, then taken back by 40 heroes, American patriots, who when they took off that morning had no idea of their place in history.
And much like the Holy Spirit draws you to God, I am drawn to Shanksville, to this site of the crash, but also to the vision of one man-the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. Father Al was helping with the infrastructure of the crash, when God gave him a vision of the chapel, and that is why it is there today. A story too long to tell except in serial form, this memorial to them draws hundreds of thousands annually to remember why flight 93 has the heroes it does. No visit is complete without visiting both the impact site and the chapel. One a somber ground, where death was the final victory, the other a place to reconcile with God in a peaceful atmosphere, among other patriots. Small momentos are at the chapel also, and one wood burned sign tells better than any words I have seen the love for these heroes. It reads:
THE BRAVE AMERICANS WHO BOARDED FLIGHT 93 DID NOT KNOW THEY WOULD BE CALLED UPON TO BECOME WARRIORS FOR GOOD, IN THE EVER PRESENT BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL. EVEN SO, THEY EXERCISED THEIR GOD GIVEN RIGHT TO FREEDOM BY TAKING A VOTE, AND THEN TOOK OSAMA'S KILLERS TO THE GROUND. SINCE I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY WHO EARNED THE EAGLE, GLOBE, AND ANCHOR, I AM LEAVING THEM ONE OF MINE. SEMPER FI.
KEN GUERCIO
5-30-05

I would advise seeing the memorial soon, as the federal government has plans for a $22million dollar memorial. The present one costs nothing, it is donations and momentos of a personal level from the heart of those who love our country, and honor those who were killed that day. And make sure to stop at the chapel. Tell my friend Father Al I sent you. And listen to the stories, and remember the morning that changed America forever. And then tell others, so we will never forget the blessings that God has given us as Americans-and that evil wants to take away from us. Keep history alive by praying for the families fo these heroes-they too miss their loved ones, every day, not just on birthdays and holidays. You see they were just normal folks like you and me, but when called upon by the holy spirit, responded in love-love for fellow Americans and for God. Scripture came alive on flight 93 that day-may the same God who inspired them, encourage you in your walk. They flew into the shadow of the valley of death, and gave their most precious possession-their lives, so that we can live free. Join me in prayer as I remember them-and their families. As long as the story is told, the memory will forever continue. Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for others. May we all be so humble and obedient when called.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
flt93memorialchapel.org

we say we do, but do we mean it?

Perhaps you are familiar with the saying "it's the economy stupid." You may have even said it, or you may even be stupid, but from politicians to believers, it has been said or heard by us all. And from a worldly perspective, it's correct-the economy, or more precisely money brings power and influence, and with it generally more problems than it solves. Ecclesiastes even tells us the rich man never has enough and doesn't sleep well worrying about it. Some even think it makes the world go around, unlike the song which tells us it is love-and who is love?
I have come to the conclusion that politics runs just the opposite of God. Politics is man using his ways to solve problems, Christians use God's ways to solve problems. You can't do both. In other words, you can solve man's problems using God's ways, but cannot solve spiritual problems using man's ways. No matter how much money you throw at a problem, sometimes it will not go away. And I see too many grounded Christians leaning on legalism rather than the spirit. A good clue they are is they are researching or studying the problem. Sometimes for months, when all God asks is for you to trust Him, He has the answer. Which tells a lot about their relationship with God, it is a set of rules and regulations. Fun, huh? But read the book of Acts. Men did great things, and were rescued from death, stoning, shipwrecks, and other things when in the spirit. Legalism looks for a tangible reason, or excuse-sometimes an escape clause, walking in the spirit requires trust. Faith. And an intimate relationship with the God who wrote the book you are using for research. And it is impossible to please God without faith, takes just a little. Where Moses gave reasons for divorce, and would give a written decree, God tells us nothing is impossible with Him, and shows how earthly marriages should reflect our heavenly marriage.
When at dinner the other night, a friend told me he worries about me because I have been unemployed for 18 months, and can't understand why I don't. By the way, he didn't offer to buy me dinner, he couldn't worry too much. It is called trust. And tells you a lot about my relationship with God-also about his, sadly. Not that mine is better, but trusting God is always the best way. I want all the blessings God has for me. And He loves to bless, so let Him. And it is based on a relationship, not knowledge or anything we have done. God is the same God when I was making six figures as He is when I am making no figures. He doesn't change, nor do my blessings. And Psalms shows its writer saying "help me to not steal and bring shame on you in my poverty, but don't make me too rich that I forget where my blessings come from." And "he has never seen the righteous begging." Makes me wonder about those will work for food signs-God Bless! Do we trust God, or just say we do?
God's economy is different. With so many men unemployed, so many families now have a different approach to life, and God. Unlike Job, when the going gets tough,they accuse God and blame Him. Good thing God is love, try that with your banker. Or VISA! While we work for a paycheck, to solve a problem, then spend it and start the process again, God works on direct deposit. Three examples recently. We have plumbing problems, would have cost about $1000. A friend of Andrew's has us buy the $66 parts, he does the rest after hours-for free. By the way, he is not saved, just glad to help a friend. We had ants, then they returned. Both times another friend had his brother come over and spray the house professionally for free. Andrew had to have wisdom teeth pulled, he had an abscess. The dentist when I told him of my being out of work-technically I am out of a paycheck-if you think I am out of work, try to keep my pace-discounted the service so we would not pay extra for the lab work-which returned negative. In each case God met the need-His resources are always available. Money didn't have to always change hands, because it doesn't always solve the problem.
I also have friends who are retired early-to minister more they say-but when talking to them they do little ministry, but a lot of other things-life has taken them over, not the spirit. I also have good friends who do minister more-because they trust God. Both are Christians, but the scripture that says seek me with all your heart, and be blessed, also reminds us to seek Him first, then all things will be added. Seek a little-get a little, trust a little, get a little. Trust a lot-and the blessings flow. What fruit do you bear?
Contrary to the New York Times, God is not dead-or broke. They are. God is not a debtor, but our nation is. When removed from the classroom, look at the results of the schools. Can you name anything the government can do better than God? Or even private enterprise? This is not a political matter, but a spiritual one. So why do you go to man when you should be going to God?
Where do you stand? Your walk will show. Don't like your job-quit-or quit complaining. Funny how when asked if they miss their job, it is really the paycheck, not the job they miss. Underpaid? Maybe you are just overburdened. But you don't understand! You're right-I don't need or want to-while you do research, I trust God! He offers a peace that surpasses understanding. And you're right-it isn't fair! Because it is not supposed to be-so get over it! Sin stinks. Great trials only increase your need for God, so seek Him and be blessed. Or do you think the government knows what you need more? Who you seek, who you trust tells a lot about who you worship, and what you worship controls you.
Me-I want to be under God's control-self control being fruit of the spirit-look it up, while you are researching. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. He is my complaint department, maintenance crew, and trusted advisor. And my banker-direct deposit, and counselor. Open 24/7, check Him out. Try trusting Him today, ask the spirit to guide you. And enjoy the rest while all others around you panic. And yes, they will think you are crazy-we are, just crazy enough to trust a God we cannot see, touch, or feel. But can have fellowship through via His spirit. Just crazy enough to enjoy His blessings, and provide a witness to others of Him. He is the agenda I wish to have.
Next time you wonder why no one wants to go to church with you, stop and think. Would I like to be like you, whining, complaining, constantly seeking answers and finding none-or would I like to be like someone who has joy in the face of adversity-an overcomer in Christ? The difference is trust. Then listen. Don't be like the pitcher after the manager visited him on the mound, wondering "did he say throw a screwball or I was a screwball?" Make Him your ATM today-Always seeking Him-Trusting Him-and watching the Miracles abound. Know His voice. No codes, just Jesus. Deposit your life in Him today, and start receiving dividends. Big return, small investment. No minimum deposit required.
Maybe it is the economy-God's economy, so don't be stupid. These things shall follow them that believe. What things are following you? Who do you believe? Who do you trust? If you have to research that, you aren't trusting Him like you say. Or sadly maybe you are...
love with trust and compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com

places we worship-bike shops and church

Stu and I took a trip back 30 years today when we stopped in the motorcycle salvage shop looking for a spring for Theresa's side stand. Used parts-we used to call them junk yards, are the only ones sold there, and it was fun checking out bikes we used to know or better yet wanted-but couldn't afford from the late '70's and the early '80's. Back when Honda really owned the market, and proved it when Yamaha came out and said they were going to bury Honda in sales, so many bikes went unsold as they were over imported. Honda dropped their prices so low that not only did they remain number one, but almost put Yamaha out of business. All this without mega stores, not being open seven days a week, and without easy money. Shops were small, what was on the floor was it, and prices were generally not negotiable. Maybe get a cheap helmet thrown in, or an oil change, that was it. Dealers were small businessmen and did everything they could to stay that way.

They were also owned by guys that rode, so they were closed on Sunday and Monday-so they could go riding! What a thought-guys who ride owning a cycle shop! Often times a family owned affair, it was not unusual for the wife to be a parts manager, and I knew some real good ones over the years-parts managers that is. And easy money was the name of a Rodney Dangerfield movie-getting a loan was hard enough-high risk group that we were, and interest rates at 24% kept all but the serious rider junkie away. If you happened to have a friend at the bank who rode 18% was a deal, and gave you bragging rights for getting a good deal, on a street bike only. Dirt bikers-you paid cash!

The service department was a place you hung out on Saturday mornings, and often were handed a tool and told "don't waste my time, fix it yourself." In the shop you frequented, aka hung out in, you might even have a charge account, at least your own coffee mug. You knew the mechanics-they weren't techs yet, and they knew you. They didn't get rich off you, but made a decent income fixing things you broke while doing it yourself. It was a simple system, and it worked. The parts guys would give you the part number sometimes, knowing you would go to the salvage shop, or buy from one of the mail order houses. Online-wait another 15 years. We dealt with people-face to face. And the sales guys, aka the owner, was always telling you the price, the one you couldn't afford, that when you got that raise, or your wife said ok you would buy-from him. And after many years of asking, when you finally were ready, would cut you the deal. Always mentioning how he wasn't making any money on this deal, but then you weren't either. Never telling your friends what you really paid, as no matter how much they could have always gotten it for you for less. But there was a theme here, you had a relationship with a dealer. You may have started as that guy on the beater Honda, but as you worked your way up the through the pack, you built relationships, and made friends. And when you needed that oil change done late on Friday so you could leave Saturday, they would stay open and do it. Missing a part-the special order department would borrow one off a new bike-just to get you on the road. You had a relationship with that dealer, and even if you paid more than through the mail-it was worth it as they were there when you needed them.

How many of you can say that today? Do you wait three weeks for service? Do you pay extra for that special order part? Non refundable SOP? Maybe you need to work on that relationship. Rather than brag about the great deal you got on your Arai from Helmet House, after trying them on at his shop, try asking for a discount, or a deal. Build that relationship-or better yet invest in it. For over 15 years I have dealt with Mickey-in or out of Orange County Triumph, and when I need them, they are there. I expect fair treatment, sometimes I pay more, but mostly they are below anyone else. They want my business, and I need them there for me. Very simply put we have a relationship, based on trust, and the definition that a good deal is where both parties benefit. A fair deal, do you get one at your shop?

Do you support your church? Your pastor? Do you have a home church where they know you, and love you? And when you aren't there, call to say they miss you! If not, you are missing something. Don't buy into the excuse that you don't need to go to church. WRONG! When you are down, they will be there! Hurting, they will support. And teach the word, and encourage your marriage, and your ministry. And the really cool ones will encourage you to ride, and take the gospel to bikers.

But they aren't my denomination. Guess what, they won't be in heaven either. They sing songs other than the hymns. Good, it is called praise and worship because it is. They don't teach on themes, but from the Bible, verse by verse. Do you know a better way to learn about God?

Get over it! And get out! Support your church, go to a men's fellowship. They may be more like you than you think. Just like the gang at the bike shop, they love to fellowship-except this time it is Jesus. Testimonies? Can you think of a better bench race? Support your pastor-whether he rides or not. He loves Jesus-what a great guy to be friends with. Single-God just may have the one there for you. A brand you never knew existed. Group rides-we Christians ride too, and rather well. You may be surprised as you get left behind the pack after the first turn, but we'll wait for you to work your way back into the group. Just like at the shop.

Give God another chance. Try Him out, and His church. Build that relationship-we are here when needed. And unlike the old shops-church is open on Sundays.

As for me-I like Saturday night services. Old school, I still like riding on Sundays. And I still like getting the good guy deal. Take my advice-accept the deal Jesus offers-no one will beat it. And you don't have to wait for it to show up in the mail. See you in church, we're the ones in denim and leather-our official church clothes!

Jesus Christ-big enough to be God-small enough to know you personally. Just like my dealer. And like yours too, I hope. Support your church today-so that they are there tomorrow!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

all gave some, some gave all

It seems like only yesterday that the state of mind called summer began with my trip to New Jersey on Memorial Day. The unofficial start of summer when kids count the school days left and moms start to count the days until Labor Day, when they go back. For the past few years I too have counted the days until Labor Day, as it meant that we would be leaving on Torches Across America, a ride to honor those killed on 9-11 and honor those first responders. Like I once told Gary Covert, its founder "I wish there were only two days in the year, Christmas and Torches." And as I sit here this Tuesday after Labor Day, I reflect on where I want to be. Where I wish I was.
We would just be leaving Amarillo, stopping at Groom, Texas to visit the world's largest cross, and checking out the 13 steps Jesus took to the cross. Few words, but the life likeness of the statues tells a story that words can't. Hands on, just like Jesus. We would then be off to an escort in Oklahoma City by the police to the site of the bombing. Touring the memorial, then the museum, then the spot where the preschoolers were playing that day angers me that a domestic enemy-one of us-could do this to his own fellow citizens. Then to Tulsa, with another escort, eating at the American Legion Post there.
Finally after a number of days, on to Ground Zero, where Angelo and his ride group from Ohio would meet us, along with Tattoo Bob and his group from Detroit-3200 of us riding through the Holland Tunnel past Ground Zero. And I think of Rex Howke and his Rattle the Runway ride to the Pentagon. We must visit again over chili dogs someday. But for me it is about the Heroes of Flight 93 in Shanksville, a more somber place I have never been than the impact site. And a more restful, peaceful place after, the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel, and my friend Father Al. Where the heroes of that flight are etched forever in my heart-putting faces to names as I know Mary White, Beth Wainio's mom, who always seems to be there when Father Al needs her. To Co-pilot Leroy Homer's mom, Ilsa and his sisters. Who somehow brought a smile to our faces that day in 2006. And to all the stewardesses who graced us with hugs and love, sharing their tears with us, mixing them with our own as they would leave us with a wet face, and precious memories. 40 heroes, who before taking on the enemy, knowing they faced death, recited the 23rd Psalm. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want....such confidence in the face of an enemy!
September 5, 2009, I added number 41 to my list of heroes. Marine Captain Joshua Meadows, was killed in Afghanistan. A sniper's bullet went through his neck and into his brain, killing him instantly, mercifully. When my Theresa took the call from our daughter Theresa-we adopted her family when her husband Kelly was overseas, also a Marine helicopter pilot-our hearts broke for them. As they took their longest and saddest trip from Yuma to Carlsbad, they dropped off the kids and went to do what friends do at times like this, they loved. Because of Kelly's upper echelon, he was apprised of Josh's death. The same Josh and Angela who were there for Theresa, they would now be there for her. I had met Josh, and had seen him there a couple times-I remembered him when Theresa reminded me he rode a BMW-I remember people by what they ride or where they go to church.
Now Kelly was to be that strong friend that Angela needed. Earlier that day she had seen the four military men coming up the walk, through her glass door, and her heart knew why they were there. Military wives are taught that this is an ugly part of the military life, but still are never prepared if and when it happens. That afternoon Kelly used his Marine training to do the right thing militarily-there are papers, etc. to deal with. He was there as a friend, supporting Angela as Josh had supported his wife, but mostly he was there as a Christian brother, doing the only thing that he could do, as instructed by Jesus. Loving and consoling. Weeping with those that weep. No training can teach this, it takes a relationship with God to go willfully into such hopeless events, and that is what he and Theresa did. And in love, supported her as only God can do. And along with others, will continue to do for some time to come.
A part of Angela also died that day, for Josh was not only the 28 year old love of her life, but the father that would not ever see their unborn child. She is 7 and 1/2 months pregnant, and being old fashioned they didn't want to know the baby's sex, I like that. He was going to be home from this duty in time for the baby to be born, and as she sat in her condo, all torn up under construction, she was going to surprise him with a new kitchen and bath, it must seem like everything in her life is in shambles. And to those without hope it is. But she has hope in Christ.
Today I pray that the words of King David echo in her heart. When he found out his son had been killed in war, he went to God-who reassured him that his son couldn't come to him, but that David someday will go to him. In heaven. It is called resurrection, and those who believe in Jesus Christ will again live with him. Someday Angela and their child will be reunited in heaven with Josh. But for that time she must wait, but not alone. Jesus will always be with her, and their child. May all of us cling to that promise. For the man who said "greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another," did just that. So that we can.
I pray Angela clings to that, and realizes that someday, like Josh, she will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. May God have mercy on us all until that day, when He wipes away every tear. Until then we cry "even now, come Lord Jesus." Every hero does not have a homecoming, but Josh did. He is home at last in heaven, the war is over, the battles are won. Hero 41, to be remembered by me as long as there is a September 5. Another American who gave his life so that we may live free. Truly freedom isn't free, it was paid for at the cross, and the cost continues to be paid today by the American soldier. Greater love has no one than to lay down their life for another. And when they do, weep with them, just as Jesus weeps, with and for us.
weeping with compassion in love,
Mike

taking the fork in the road when coming to it

It's automatic when us old touring riders get together that the talk eventually turns to roads travelled, and within the time it takes to eat that second burger, the talk turns to favorite places. And instinctively we talk of great roads ridden, the Million Dollar Highway, PCH-Highway 1, Skyline Drive-California or Virginia, take your pick, or the Natchez Trace. It always brings back great memories, and the roads get better as the evening gets older. But I cannot remember in a long time talking of roads we just hated-places to be avoided at all costs. Seems the trained GPS in our mind-pride-will not allow that we ever chose a wrong road, or made a wrong turn. The following are offered to assist-you in your planning and me in my humility. Be warned and plan accordingly.
1-Route 22 in New Jersey. An anachronism of old businesses and of genius planning-as it gets closer to New York City, it goes from three lanes to two-instant traffic jam. And can anyone explain the routes 1-9-35-22-78-Garden State Parkway-Jersey Turnpike interchanges? Or the Flagship?
2-While avoiding New Jersey, stay off the Turnpike. Pot holes, big trucks, and they charge you for the right to drive on it. An X Files road if there ever was one.
3-Interstate 80 in Illinois-a toll booth every eight miles. Only 80 cents per toll you say, last time it took me almost $8 to ride it into Rockford. From the land of pay to play-avoid.
4-I-10 in west Texas. In particular through Junction, number one speed trap in the state. Got caught there doing 76 in a 70 zone. Sheriff and deputy were across freeway and writing another ticket before I could get my helmet back on to leave. Besides it is ugly high desert. And driving it only takes forever, slightly less at night.
5-Any road leading into Dodge City, Kansas. The whole town stinks-like a huge butcher shop. Roads leading out not much better, take example from Lot's wife and don't look back-or upwind. YUK!
6-US 50 or New York Avenue in Washington, DC-horrible ghetto neighborhoods with standard scary characters stationed at every red light, which never work in your favor. Keep bike in gear ready to escape-may be second to any road in Detroit-I've heard and avoided. Not quite as bad with a Democrat president-your tax dollars at work.
7-US 395 out of Burns, Oregon-ugly, flat, hot in summer-ugly, flat, freezing in winter. The highlight is the sterile lake that greets you. No place to stop or fuel for a 100 miles, like you would anyway. There is a reason no one lives in these parts-now you know why.
8-I-40 between Barstow and Needles. No matter which way you take it-avoid it! Hot-I have been in 124 degree heat on it, and Needles is hell on earth as far as I can tell. Barstow at least has Carlos and Toto's, good Mexican food. 140 miles of ugly desert, hot temperatures and broken dreams. This is the road that broke the Joads back-it by-passed old Route 66.
Eight roads to avoid, you have been warned. A gift from me, to you. And like Jesus says, it is not too late to change the road you are on. Sometimes we find ourselves on the wrong road in life, just one bad decision and we have a whole set of nightmares. But as God did for Lot, He got him out. God always leaves a way out, but not one which we can see. He wants us to contact Him, prayerfully, and let Him guide us out. By the way, there are good roads parallel to almost all the bad roads I mentioned, it just takes faith to try one. And that is what God asks us to do, trust Him. Use that little bit of faith and travel where you have never been, to places you didn't know existed, and see things God has promised, but missed by not obeying His leading. If faith is the substance of things not seen, try His guidance. It took the Israelites only 40 years to travel 400 miles, a true testament to disobedience. Are you lost if you still have gas? The road you are on doesn't have to take that long. Or go nowhere. You can stop and ask directions now-it's ok men. And women. But God-who offers freely will offer guidance and a road trip second to none.
Both Skyline Drives parallel freeways. Sorry, can't get you out of Texas any faster-except heading east. Take old route 66 instead of the freeway. You see you can change the road you are on, it is called repentance. A military term meaning changing direction, but more importantly meaning getting back on course. Some roads will look tempting, but end up getting you lost. Like one night in eastern Ohio, in the rain a sheriff found me after I got lost off of I-80 and told me this is the kind of area people get lost in and never return. Maybe that is why God says the path is straight and narrow-just like Red Mountain Pass with curves added for emphasis. Inches wider and it is a 1000' down.
The road you choose will tell a lot more about your final destination than where you think you are headed. Make sure you never travel without your GPS-God's Perfect Son as your map. Anything else may look good on paper, but leads to heartache later. Ride your own ride-with Jesus. A road captain who knows all the best roads, places to eat, and great destinations. A routing service no AAA can match-see you on the road-just not on the eight mentioned above. Ride by faith, not by sight-He knows-oh boy, does He know!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com

heaven-shipping included in price

A popular sign when traveling throughout the northeast is "George Washington slept here." Advertised on many old inns, or houses, this claim seems to give credibility to them in charging more. I just hope it isn't the same straw mattress on ropes George laid his head on! And based on the claims, he sure must have slept a lot. Wonder when he found time to be president? But somehow we are attracted to claims like that, and are willing to pay more for the chance to attain immortality, or at least bragging rights. And it seems George didn't leave a forwarding address, and rarely left a certificate of authenticity, so we just believe the claim-on faith or lust, which ever suits the mood.
Why is it that just putting some geeky celebrity's name on a motorcycle for sale adds value? Yes, some like Steve McQueen, Brando, or James Dean may add desirability, but how many motorcycles could they have possibly ridden? How big was/is their collection? Yet we see names showing up in ads everywhere, Rolls Royce once owned by the Duke of Guacamole. And people will fall for it, then brag to their friends about the high price they paid. Maybe the emperor did have new clothes after all!
Limited quantities sometimes means they were produced in small quantities because no one wanted them then either. But for some reason because it didn't sell then, it sells now, for more money! I knew a man in New Mexico who bought a new Trans Am because he was told the stickers on his car were a limited edition, limited to every Trans Am made that year he later found out! But he peeled them off, now he truly had a limited edition. Wonder if that could be called a custom? Would you pay more for a car owned by Stevie Wonder? If he had driven it? Does that make you uptight? Outta sight.
You see our egos want to give us an advantage in anything, over anybody. Why else did Triumph build a 2300cc Rocket III, the biggest production bike? Why does Harley put out CVO models in limited quantities, a model they should have built in the first place, but now can sell for $10,000 more, because it is in limited quantities? Say maybe build 5000 of each, giving you exclusivity until the next time you go to Biggs, and see four of them, all parked together, then form a club, for guess what, being exclusive!
Pride of ownership, goes right before the fall. It started in the garden. "See Eve, only God can access that tree. Want one, here's the deal...." and we know the rest of the story. Imagine if there was an eBay in the time of Jesus, instead of drawing lots for His clothes, the ad would read "cloak worn by crucified religious zealot. one of a kind, original. bidding begins at ...." Or "donkey ridden by Jesus of Nazareth into Jerusalem, verified by owner, must see..." Would it be stuffed and on display today? How many of you would bid on that? But yet neglect the man who rode in on it or wore it? Have things taken the place of Him, and what He did? What about the cross bar that His hands were nailed to? I'm surprised that hasn't surfaced somewhere!
But like the Ark of the Covenant, that Indiana Jones looked for and found was in a warehouse-they are only found in heaven. That is where God tells us the ark is, and that is where God is! I guess finding the truth in the Bible just isn't as exciting as 120 minutes of special effects. If you do, then you haven't read the Bible!
The point here is we are more interested in the creation, than the creator. Did you know that He also created you to be reading this? Now? That He allows every situation so you can go to Him, to know Him better? That while George slept, Jesus was still awake, praying for us by name-before we were born? But yet for some, the only thing they come away with from the Harvest Crusade is a new shirt, instead of a new heart. I'll show everyone how I'm saved, but God knows different. He truly gives a certificate of authenticity, He writes your name in the Book of Life. No bumper stickers, shirts, or DVD's needed. Just Jesus, say yes to Him and you are in-forever. And unlike the greedy who sell Limited Edition Bibles-I have seen them-His gift is free-no charge! If it wasn't, would it be a gift? Sure better than hoping you were more nice than naughty this last year!
Is there a sign on your heart that states Jesus lives here? It doesn't make you more valuable to Him, because while we were yet sinners He died for us. But it does get you into Heaven-an exclusive club upon death-all invited, but few take the invitation serious enough to RSVP. To God you are a special edition, unique and priceless, that He was willing to die for, so He could purchase you. No bidding, just a simple request-will you accept forgiveness and My son Jesus?
Jesus Christ was a unique creation, a very limited edition-there is only one of Him! Maybe that is why Christians look to the future and not the past. Our collection/collector awaits us in heaven. He performed the restoration, and when we sleep it is because he is with us, no matter where we lay our heads. Maybe there should be a sign on Christians' front doors, Jesus Christ sleeps here! Let me know, the marketing opportunity is priceless! Maybe sell them on eBay!
Heaven-may we all rest there someday! Maybe if we started a campaign-limited seating available, offer expires soon-now does eternal life sound more appealing? He paid the price, what's your opening bid?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com

doctor, mr md, can you tell me, what I really need?

I knew Bill, and Bill knew Donna. So Bill introduced me to Donna. Donna knew Gene and Gene loved motorcycles. I loved motorcycles, so the only thing to do was introduce me to Gene. And she did, and we became great friends, of course. Gene, six years older, had been an early teen age hero to me as the organ player in The Flock, a local band. I can still remember the first time I saw him, ripping through the organ solo on Good Lovin', perhaps the greatest rock and roll song ever written. A 100mph song if there ever was one!And Gene loved BMWs, the bikes, and I had at the time the most radical and expensive BMW ever made, the R90S. The first factory cafe racer, the first factory sport touring bike, and all from a company that was known for stodgy old-slow-motorcycles, the Cadillac, as Harley riders referred to them. He had a 1971 R75/5, blue like my R60/5 and R90/5, both totaled by Florida drivers, with white Windjammer and bags, the hot touring set up at the time.

We rode a lot together, and with his experience, took me all over the northeast. Meeting friends, and riding roads I didn't know could exist, showing me how to escape from the Garden State. On one of our trips back from Danbury, Connecticut, on the Sawmill River Parkway-roads there are called by name, not their number, sounds better than north on the 405, for example, I was letting him ride the S, as I often did. I was ahead and had pulled over for a pit stop, when he went flying by, accelerating, at well over 90mph, with a look on his face somewhere between terror, panic, and ecstasy. One of the throttle cables to the Dell 'Orto carbs had broken and the throttle stuck wide open. Within a few seconds, Gene realized the right thing to do, and pulled in the clutch, and stopped. By the time I caught up to him, he already had disconnected it, and I rode home on one cylinder. Both safe, as Gene had not panicked in a panic situation.

Oh how I wish the news were different this last weekend. A family died in their car when they claimed the throttle stuck open-something that outside of 60 Minutes rigging an Audi just doesn't happen. This family of five accelerated to over 100mph before hitting another car and leaving the road, burning all inside to the point of non-recognition. One passenger in the car even called 911 to alert them, and even with a CHP officer driving, still crashed and died. In a time frame of almost 10 seconds, the driver panicked and killed all on board, including himself. In a panic situation, he did what you don't do-panic! And it cost five people their lives. And will leave more questions than answers as they investigate. I still can't get it out of my head. All he had to do was shift into neutral, why didn't he? Why did he panic?

A man named Stephen, the first martyr of Christ, was in a panic situation almost 2000 years ago. He was about to be stoned for his belief in Jesus, and when confronted with death, looked to the heavens and said "hold no sin against them, they know not what they do." And died with a smile on his face, glowing. Just like we wouldn't have done in the same situation. Stephen trusted God, because he knew God, and the Holy spirit guided his thoughts and decisions. We say we do, but react differently. We panic, and we are very adept at doing it. The world hates us, yet in times of trouble, we panic and head right for world systems to bail us out. Can you think of any other situations where you seek your enemy for relief, instead of God-who is on your side? Yet we do, when the doctor says it's cancer, we seek more tests, then when all hope is exhausted pray. When the paycheck ends and the rent is due, we whine and borrow more, and complain "where is God?" When the marriage relationship hits a snag, some turn to drink, and wonder why it doesn't get better, only worse. Panicking by not doing the right thing, seeking God first. In James He tells us He provides a way out, just ask. In Matthew He tells us seek Him first, then all things will be added on. And in Philippians He tells us through Paul that we can do all things through Christ that gives us strength. Jesus even greeted His disciples "be of good cheer, I am with you." And He never panicked, even to and on the cross. So we don't have to either. It isn't a new concept, He's been there. He even has a word for it-meekness, or power under control. Sounds just like Jesus doesn't it?

Today music has changed, and BMW motorcycles have really changed. The roads I have ridden have stretched to include 48 states, and the people I ride with have stretched too. But the one thing that has remained the same, and not changed is Jesus. Reliable. Trustworthy, dependable. And loving. And He is always available, before and during your panic situation. Not just after.

Remember the old Get Smart, he worked for CONTROL, and the bad guys were KAOS? It's your choice. Don't panic and you won't have to say "Sorry about that, missed by just that much!"

Do not become your enemies friend, avoid them and seek counsel among those who believe, and know the truth. Throw your enemies into panic by doing the right thing first, and seek God. And for those of us who ride full throttle for Jesus, He still has control of our lives-don't panic. Like the song says "good lovin'-it's all I need!" And the prescription is Jesus-true love at any speed!

love with compassion,

Mike