friends of Gaius

This was the first time since 1987 I missed the IMS motorcycle show in Long Beach. And this year I really didn't miss it, which surprised even me. A great time while the kids were growing up, ask Andrew as he would take over the PW50 each year and let no one else sit on it. And fun also when working the CMA booth, too. Meeting people, praying, and fellowshipping. But things had begun to change the past few years, and sadly there is nothing there I can't see any day somewhere in So Cal. Or get a better deal on. And with the helmet and hat check ministry well manned, the past few years worked the booth, until it got to be hangout for visiting CMA reps. Sorry-but a group of guys not getting up to welcome a guest just isn't hospitable. Ask Wayne how he met me, after I stopped by for years with no one greeting me. So the last time I worked it, rather than sit, I went out to visit. Stopping by the Star display, I met a Hessian-old school. My opening line-"you know you could be a real biker too if you had one of these" made him laugh. After visiting for about 15 minutes, joking how real choppers weren't these designer bikes, after mentioning CMA, and what we do-got a handshake from Sam as he introduced himself. And exchanged cards. Old friends for all of 15 minutes, but a friend none the less.

But the cold weather this morning, 35 degrees, reminded me of another time when living in Durango. I had told God I would shovel horse manure so we could live there, and ended up dumping crappers on buses at a gas station/truck stop. Fortunately there were other jobs, just not as much fun. Be careful what you ask for, God hears it all. Sometimes no is a big blessing.

Many people don't know that diesel fuel #2 is really light oil, and will gel in the cold. So it is cut with kerosene-diesel #1 or jet fuel, so that it flows. Working the night shift-it was below 0, a Texas pickup came in-not unusual. It was running bad due to the cold, made worse by shutting it off. After filling it, it would not restart-the fuel had jelled. Being a common occurrence, we pushed it into a bus bay, unheated but warmer than outside, and using a real steam cleaner, tried to thaw the lines-with no success. The truck was going nowhere until it thawed. It was closing time and Randy and Teresa, the truck's owners had no place to stay. So we took them home with us-where it was -20 that night. And after the cabin heated up-it only took an hour until we could take off our jackets-we only had wood heat-visited and went to bed, so they could get their truck in the morning when I went to work. Nothing fancy, just taking in two strangers who needed a place to stay. And fellowship, as we found they were Christians also. Maybe the best definition of teamwork, and ministry I ever heard-if it needs to be done-DO IT!

In 3John, I find it fascinating he mentions names, as he doesn't in 2John as it could be dangerous to be identified as Christian at the time. But here Gaius is mentioned, in the same book about Jesus, and Paul and the other apostles. He is mentioned for being known for his hospitality. His reputation was taking in visiting Christians, feeding and sheltering them, and also giving them funds in case there was no Gaius to stay with the next night. A task so important that God mentions him by name-now that is recognition.

Remember it is the small things that go unnoticed by man, but God sees it all. Whether frozen Texans, or talking with a Hessian-it's OK to leave the safety of the booth and greet them. You never know what your kindness can mean at any time, so extend God's love. Greet people, talk with them-better yet listen. And get rid of your old rule book and minister in the spirit-the same one God recognized Gaius for. There could be some future CMA'ers just waiting to minister-or a hurting one needing love. Or someone who gets to see Jesus in action by your compassion. Don't miss the blessing! First time my fault-second time yours! Good thing God forgives!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

secret code for today, 4-8-21-24*

What do Warren Spahn, Yogi Berra, Duke Snider, and Willie Mays have in common? Yes, they are all in the Hall of Fame. But how many of you baseball fans would have guessed they all spent time on the New York Mets? You see Spahnie will always be known for "Spahn and Sain and a day of rain," as a member of the Braves. Who else will ever wear #8 in the Yankee pin stripes but Larry Berra? The Duke of Flatbush-never been another. And my favorite Willie-the Say Hey kid who made basket catches while other mere mortals struggled just to catch the ball. You see each one is not only known for who they are, but the team they played with. Think of the Giants-you see Willie. Think Brooklyn-the Duke. And that is why you most likely would never remember them as Mets. Even though that is a common denominator among them.

But out of uniform would you recognize them? Yogi, no problem-who can forget that round head and big toothy grin? Willie Mays, again that smile-always pictured playing stick ball with kids on the street-they sure would recognize him. Any time or place was a good time for a ball game. The Duke-saw him at Wayne's wedding, may be in his 80's, but still has that look. And Spahn, might be more difficult, but after a few seconds of glancing-those eyes and that nose would convince you of why he won more games as a left hander than anyone else. You see, in uniform or out, they were still who they were, and didn't need the uniform to make them identifiable. The Yankee pinstripes were just Yogi's work clothes, the Dodger blue Duke's blue suit for at the office. Willie's #24 seemed to perfectly fit his back, and opposing pitchers saw so much of the Braves tomahawk on Warren they realized he was in his work clothes, too-although to them it was more than work-a game and a love affair they were blessed to excel at. More than just another day at the office, a gift from God to excel at a sport they loved.

Today when I go to biker events, and many times just while out, I run into bikers with their colors on. CMA, BFC, BSHDFC, and others all representing the family of God. Many who actually serve in the ministry they have on their back, but some just part of the team. And I know John Ogden of CMA, Fred Z. of BFC, Marty of BSHDFC, and others who are heads of their ministries. And it is refreshing they are recognizable with and without their colors. They don't need to wear them to serve Christ, or even be a Christian. Or to be identified as one. These vests with back patches are their work clothes-out among the lost and needy making a difference. But for those who just wear the colors to show they belong-and many do-no scientific poll taken, just observances-without them the world would never know they are Christians. And that bothers me, because just like sitting in church doesn't make you a pew, wearing a vest doesn't make you a Christian, a biker, or a minister of the gospel.

It is something from the heart, that people see in them. It is what God refers to as fruit of the spirit-and when you are alive in Christ, walking in the spirit, you overflow with it, and cannot disguise it. God leads others to men like this, they don't have to go out and search for someone to love on-God sends them.
For some time I have been attending motorcycle events without my colors, and a funny thing happens. I still get to minister. God still sends those Lazaruses to me, and I am still blessed. And the same Jesus that lives in me with my colors lives in me without them. My question to you is, are you using your colors to be a Christian? Are you strong enough in your walk with Jesus Christ you don't need colors or ministry to hide behind or blend in with to effectively minister? Does your life at the end of the day reflect Jesus in your actions of that day?

Just like the four ballplayers above, they may be recognized by their deeds on the field, but are the same men off the field as on. You see your values shouldn't change regardless of your uniform-so shine your light from within. You may be surprised at what other have been seeing, or saying. I am not anti-colors, they are a tool, but be a representative of Jesus Christ before any ministry. To answer a question put forth in a recent Heartbeat article, why chapters stray, that may be why your chapter is losing members, and not ministering as it once did. Is it about CMA, BFC, BSHDFC, or is it about Jesus? Keep Jesus first, and the only agenda. These ministries are not social clubs, although we are social. For like Willie and the others who are members of a hall, a Christian hall of fame awaits us-called heaven. And just having been a part of Jesus' team gets us in. But that doesn't mean God doesn't desire you to be an All Star.

As for your colors-if it is not in your heart, don't wear it on your back. But I pray that in all things you give Jesus the preeminence. Remember the colors/stripes on his back-might just put this all in a new perspective! Show all you come into contact with what is in your heart-and may that something be as someone-Jesus. Show love and compassion freely.

Jesus Christ-an All Star on any team, and a Hall of Fame member in any league, for any team. May He play in your heart-both home and on the road.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

*4 Duke, 21 Spahnie, 8 Yogi, 24 Willie

lessons learned on the side of the road of life

My first motorcycle with tubeless tires was a KZ750 in 1981. Also my first bike with mag wheels, a necessity for tubeless tires, I fought the change from tubes. Having ridden with tubes for so long, I had learned to patch them on my BMW's and couldn't understand why the change. Until my first experience with changing one. Fortunately not a flat, but just worn out. Whereas I could change the tube or tire on a BMW in about 30 minutes, here the first time I changed a rear tire it took me and two friends over 3 hours-and still had to drive it to the gas station to fill it with air. Seems the beads are harder on tubeless, and without the proper equipment, and skills-which would have taken five minutes, took us over three hours-do the words never again come to mind? Technology 0ne, Mike 0.

And how many of you have been riding long enough to remember when leaving on a trip taking a spare clutch or throttle cable? Carefully tie wrapped or taped on the old one with duct tape, before the application of Teflon on the inside of cables, they broke easily. Or more precisely the cable broke, not the housing. Bonus points if you are an old Triumph rider and only took along the inner cable that you could buy separately! And the first trips without a spare were cautious, you could almost feel the cable binding before each shift. Or like Bro. Willie and countless others-me included-broke a throttle cable on a Jap bike with a push/pull throttle set up. And after breaking the pull-most common-would ride pushing the throttle away from you, with you wrist hurting for days afterward. And then denying you knew when some smarter than you-read experienced person, told you that you could just swap the cables and it would work normal-and even easier than the push pull. Seems the Japanese built the system with an extra cable, an added bonus so you didn't have to bring an extra-it was already there. Another reason for the demise of the British motorcycle industry.

But perhaps the biggest change to adapt to is fuel injection. Simple, preset, and tunable-if you have the expensive, dealer only tool-it does away with all the problems of carburetors. Set it and forget it. Remember carb-stix, and trying to synchronize four carbs on early Hondas? The cables-another cable problem, would stretch, making it nearly impossible to accurately tune them, until they substituted a bar for the cables. But fuel injection has cured all that, and saved more time and aggravation with tuning. And it is a good thing, since changing a set of tires before a trip and synching the carbs saves you about three hours to do other things-like look at maps or pack unnecessary items.

But what really has happened with technology, is we have lost touch with our bikes-an intimacy is gone. No more cross threaded spark plugs, or pinched tubes. Do you really miss running on three cylinders, the fourth caked with carbon from incorrect adjustment? Do you miss torn knuckles, and getting the chance to use the seven words that George Carlin reminded us you can't say on TV? Me either, so, I've decided to go with technology. But still have a problem with adapting to change.

My relationship with God is like that sometimes, too. Bad habits are always the toughest to break, proving God has a sense of humor when it comes to us. And as a long time Christian, I sometimes forget that I was once somewhere else on the learning curve, and that not everyone is as perfect as I wish I was. I used to wrestle with Jesus healing a blind man, who all he could say was, " I don't know if He is good or bad, all I can say is once I was blind, and now I can see!" And I thought how could that man not recognize Jesus for who He is? After what he had done? But God, as He has been doing for generations, showed me patience, and reminded me it is a relationship. And that many times, we won't let it be personal or intimate-just good or bad. In other words, flat fixed, back on the road. Or lesson learned, on to more problems. But He is always with me, and thankfully others. You see we are all at different maturity levels in Christ-and God reminded me when dealing with my son one night, don't expect Him to get in three weeks what has taken you 33 years. Can anyone say HUMILITY? And it is a loving God who brings us along, from milk as Paul sates, to solid food in the gospel. Believe me, when hungry, a steak is better than a glass of milk. But make it a milk shake, and hmmmm? Anyway, seek to mature in Christ, to grow in Him. And He will use trials to grow you. Flat tires, wrong decisions, and poor choices-He is right there to guide you out.

And for those of you who seek to understand-give it up. Can anyone find in scripture where He promises you understanding? But He does promise a peace that surpasses it, and I have learned-don't ask why-to go for the peace first. The rest of you who are still trying to understand, well you'll learn. You can't have both-read Proverbs 3:5. Trust the Lord, don't seek your own way or understanding-and He will guide your paths.

Which brings up the question, God you have solved tires, cables, and carbs-how long until we have a speedometer that is accurate? Or chains that last forever?* Good to know that the R and D departments are still alive and well. But better still to trust in the Lord. Now if He can only make a rider who can handle all this new found technology and power! 42 years and I am still learning to ride better. And after 34 years still growing in the Lord. Here's to your continued growth in Jesus-may it be an example to others-on the road or on the side of it-He still cares. And is still changing lives. Has He changed yours? Love is better than technology-let Him.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

*ps-the chain that lasts forever is called a driveshaft

I know what you mean-now can you explain it to me

For just a minute put down your weapons, and open your minds. And mostly your hearts. Rush Limbaugh years ago made a statement that regardless of party affiliation, sex, religious affiliation, or motorcycle ridden is true-not an opinion. He very simply said "words mean something." And they do. Would you rather be called cool or a nerd? Both words. Rich or poor? Easy call. And with so many wonderful words in the English language, maybe only surpassed by Greek-read the Bible, for example-where King James says the stone was rolled away, the Greek is more accurate in saying it was picked up and thrown. Both are words forming a thought, one more accurate. And with so many words available, now with texting we don't even use words-or even slang-but abbreviations. And I believe we are missing out-maybe an incompleteness in our speaking or idea transitioning-how's that for a politically correct thought-because of the limited size of our lexicon. A fullness of expression never fully realized.

Last night my friend Joe at Bible study asked a simple question based on 2 John 8, about receiving a full reward. And no one could answer it. Because maybe we don't what the word means, because we have never been there. So I would like to try-by trying to define full, and maybe presenting a defense for not being the know it all my kids think I am-careful-I hear you!

What does full mean? Years ago I ran out of gas and coasted into Los Gatos on Hiway 17, out of gas. But when I fueled up, my 4.2 gallon tank took 4.6. Now was I over empty or over full? No gas ran out the top, so was I really full, or was the gauge full of it and overcharging me? The only thing I know for sure is I was empty! That I could prove. So maybe full is relative. In poker we have a full house-but there are hands that are better-are they fuller? I had a full plate on Thanksgiving until Theresa said try this corn casserole-which she spooned on top. Now was my plate full-or just holding out for another suggestion? And after eating I was full-until the pumpkin pie came around-get my drift. Ever pour soda over ice and have it run out over the top-and then when the fizz goes away find the glass only half full? Did I really overfill it to start with?

I used to work full time-defined as over 32 hours per week. And we had overtime after 40-or was that overfull? My motorcycle has a sight glass-and is full between the lines. So how much is full-not quite or too much? You can be a quart low and still be in the full area! Explanation upon request. How come when I go out to eat, they tell me they are full, take my name and make me wait. But then someone comes up, and they have a table ready for him. Are they overfull? Did they double up some people to accommodate them? Where they really full to start with it? Or full of it? How do we really know if we are full or just full of it?

Perhaps fullness is not an absolute. But an ever changing set of criteria. Ever had a full nights sleep and wake up tired? How long does a full moon truly last? How long after eating are you truly full? Was my gas tank ever really full? Or just when it clicks off full? It seems that as men and women of earth, we never achieve fullness except for a fleeting moment-oops there its went. But God's fullness is different. Not like some people who call themselves full gospel-meaning anything from believing in Jesus to reading the Old Testament, or whatever suits their belief system, meaning that their way is better so I must be a lesser person-but God's fullness is truly full. In Acts, Peter and Stephen were even able to face death when full of the spirit. It overflowed out of their lives via their actions. But can our minds and emotions even give a temporary time frame to these experiences? Truthfully, we won't be full on earth-it takes heaven. Only there will we be eternal. And that is where our eyes and life should focus. Do you live for heaven-trusting God to take us there when we die? Or are you as some false religions hoping to do it the luck of the draw?

Jesus speaks simple words about this in the beatitudes. Luke 6:38-give and it will be given unto you, pressed down, shaken, good measure and running over. Just like shaking the Slurpee cup to get in the few extra drops. And He isn't talking Slurpee, or the small cups. He is talking mercy and grace-as He has given to us, we should give to others. And it will overflow in our lives-no extra large cup or body can hold it-it just keeps coming and coming. And we should give it to others-as God keeps refilling us-keeping us full, never a drop lower. Like an endless wave that overwhelms you, waiting for the next one. And this joy is available here-as a precursor for glory. But here our finite minds put up the no vacancy sign when we are full, or can't take anymore-in heaven there are no boundaries-it keeps coming. And I hear there are still vacancies in heaven awaiting your call! They are not full up yet!

So what is full? Trust God and be glad for all He is giving you today. And if like me your life is fuller the longer you get to know Him, get excited-heaven awaits! For right now our tanks may be on E for empty, but soon filled to overflowing. Here the gas gauge reads E for empty and F for full, but in our spiritual life F is for finite-E is for eternal. I like that. So go start filling your tank today by showing some love and compassion to others. You see words do mean something, like Rush said. But the words God has written on your heart will take you into the fullness that no words can harness, or curtail. For what is more than infinity? How much is endless? Where is the end to the never ending mercies? And the full reward? Heaven. Only found through Jesus Christ-the fullness of God, but in the form of a man. A promise fulfilled. The full expression of God's love for us. And it just may take eternity to enjoy that fullness!

Trust me? No-trust God!

love with compassion-but not quite full yet,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

why there are no Christmas trees in the Bible

My Nana used to love to decorate for Christmas. Her house during the holidays would become an All Conference example of extremism in the defense of Christmas. Anything glass-windows, mirrors, table tops, or trays would be covered with white spray on snow. I always thought she was a stenciling maniac, as stencils of reindeer, Santa, and the baby Jesus covered almost every square inch. Just to look out her front window you would think it was a blizzard from the amount of snow she applied to it. But her real weakness was her aluminum tree, with the revolving colored light. Blue-cool, red-ok, but why yellow on a silver tree? But this is the precious memory I have of her house at Christmas. Just so you don't think I got all my Christmas decorating madness from my mother's side of the family, my Grandma also had a silver tree-with blue balls and only a blue light. My favorite color, how could I not love it! And also an early symptom that I might be color blind-aren't all trees multi colored? Or blue?

My parents always had real trees, until artificial became the norm. My father was never much on decorating-usually our tree was the last up and first down. On Christmas morning after all the presents were opened, you could tell by the look in his eye that tree would never make it till dinner, or maybe even lunch. And so when I moved out on my own, I decided to have my own Christmas tradition. A real tree-that stays up after Christmas Day, and no snow on the windows. A true rebel, with a cause. For concern.

The first Christmas that Theresa and I had-33 years ago, thanks for asking, we decided to cut our own tree. Trees in 1977 were selling for $5-10, so it only made sense to cut your own for twice the price. And after borrowing a Jeep Cherokee from work-full size they hadn't shrunk yet, drove up to Los Alamos National Forest, bought the $5 permit, and along with Doug Hart's sister and husband, looked for the perfect tree. A late start guaranteed us a short window of daylight ,so we started looking as soon as we hit the forest.

Now trees have an unusual effect before they are cut down-they are bigger than they look. Doug's sister found a nice one, but I was looking for tree nirvana. And there it was, perfectly shaped, and full. Cutting it down, I realized it was big, but hey, it was dark-it would be just right in the light. So with our trees tied on top, we headed home. Now leaving the forest on a dirt road, has its advantages, as it keeps your speed down. And as I kept thinking this tree was way too tall, and looking for a way out-there in the middle of the road lay this beautiful full tree-only shorter than mine. Perfection improving upon perfection. Now how it got there I don't know, maybe the people who left it needed something taller-I didn't stop to ask-or think, I switched trees-gloating over my good favor, and safe inside the heated Jeep, secure in the thought that this was to be the best Christmas ever-my wife to be, and the perfect tree. The things dreams are made of.

After dropping of Doug's sister-still can't remember her name, with their tree-we headed back to our second story apartment-anxious to set up our tree. Things looked good as we got a space by the front door, and excitement grew as I muscled it up the steps, and to the front door. Theresa went ahead to open it, and when I got there I learned why the second perfect tree of the day was in the road. While the first was too tall-this was too wide. Like the width of a single car garage door, and almost as tall. Not wanting to lose it in front of my bride to be-this was our first Christmas, I immediately threw it off the balcony-using cuss words that would have made the Ralphie's dad blush and beam with pride, at the same time. It would not fit through the door! That's it-Christmas was over. But Theresa, knowing the perfect thing to encourage me, said "I'll go get a fake tree tomorrow."

And that was all it took. If I had to take the door out-that tree was going in! And then it occurred to me-through the vile language, cold air, and embarrassment-take it in bottom first-and the branches won't stick out! And I did-and it did. And we set it up in the front window, decorated, turned off the lights, and all was at peace. Until we left the room.

I didn't tell you about Obie Wan Kenobee, our hybrid Siamese cat. Who at the first chance went up the tree, causing it to crash to the floor. The banging we heard was glass balls, glass bulbs, and ornaments flying everywhere in the room. I was so mad I would have decorated the cat if I could have caught him, but somehow they know just how long your arms are when hiding under a bed. Note-until the day after Christmas when we took it down, this was at least a daily event. At one point we even considered laying it sideways like we had found it in the road, but it took up too much room. All this tradition for only $40, when you included gas and meals, and of course the tree permit. Why would anyone spend only $5 and miss out on all this fun?

And that was the first and but not the last time I cut my own tree. I had one more sordid experience before I let Theresa go buy one. And that is why I believe there are no Christmas trees in the Bible. God wanted it to be a silent nice-peaceful and calm-so His son could come into the world. If my ancestors had been there with a tree, a hatchet, and a saw-who knows what we would be singing during the Christmas season. And I can promise you there would be no goodwill to men either.

So let's keep Christ in Christmas-He is the reason for the season. And it seems to make the season brighter just knowing how he came into the world-to save us. From our sin-and the ghosts of Christmas pasts. And from ourselves-lest we choose to celebrate with a tree.

We still have a tree-but the tradition has evolved into one that is fun-and not worshipped. We are blessed to know why Christmas is, and who it is about. And so we celebrate everyday the birth of Jesus. No tradition or tree could ever mean so much as He does. May your Christmas be merry, and bright-and may all your Christmases be white. And if not, see me after class for my Nana's secret.

He who is treeless-is tree indeed!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the flaw of perfection

Lance White, played by Tom Selleck, is one of my favorite characters on the Rockford Files. A PI, like Jim, he is the perfect antithesis to Rockford. For example, Jim takes the bullet when he and Lance get into a gunfight, the last shot fired before Lance tells them "drop your guns and come out with your hands up!", much like in an old western. And they do. After shooting Jim. When they team up to rescue a millionaire's kidnapped daughter, Jim catches the kidnapper while Lance rescues the daughter, who falls in love with him. Her father then signs over his multi-million dollar company to them as a wedding present. And when a bystander comments on Lance's character, Jim agrees, saying "Lance is perfect, it's his only flaw."

And we all know people like Lance in our lives, at work, school, or church-who always seem to do the right thing, sometimes without knowing it. As kids they never had braces, could wear white and not get dirty, and you got sick of hearing "why can't you be more like him?" from your parents. As adults they let someone with one item in front of them in line at the market, and end up being the 10,000th customer and winning a shopping spree, when the guy ahead really could use the food and this is their first visit to that store. They are always in style, they always have the right haircut, clothes, and car-and end up marrying someone just as obnoxious-at least to those of us whose only podium finish was second place in a two man race. They have 401k's that went up last year when everyone else's failed. Their bikes never fail to start, and they actually get vacation time to ride them, in between trips to their house on the Big island, or visiting the south of France. You never sit by them in a storm, because they never get hit by electricity, you will. Never buy a lottery ticket after them-you'll miss by one number, and their only saving grace is when they are single, you get the leftovers when the girls come looking for him-but will only date you to get to him. The female Lance's aren't much better, perfect hair, head cheerleader, and didn't date in high school-their beau was some Lance at an Ivy League school, and she was saving herself for him. They can wear mini-skirts into their 40's, and when someone sees them who hasn't for a while, always greets them with "you look just like you did in high school." And sadly they do. Tee hee!

And at church, these are always the ones who never seem to have problems. They do all the right things, not to be seen, but because it is expected of them. Seems when they were handing out raincoats, they got nice ones. Trouble never knocks at their door, and trials seem minimal if at all. It always seems to visit the guy in the pew next to them. And I used to be spiteful or hateful towards them-it didn't seem right that they had it all, for no apparent reason, and guys like me didn't. But I was wrong, and as I get closer to God, find their good fortune can work against them, and my misfortune for my benefit. Don't stop here. I haven't lost my mind, yet. 2Corinthians 12 tells us that when we are weakest, God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. The Lances miss out in their relationship with God, because in their strength they never get to know Him as well as those of us who constantly have to go to Him. There are joys they never get to know because of lack of tribulation. It is in our lowliness that we get to know God, and seek Him with all our heart. And Matthew 25 tells us about the double blessings of this relationship. Many just take up space in church and never get to know God-and when it comes to their heavenly reward are told "be gone, I never knew you." Not bad people, just not saved. And sadly they never knew Him. Maybe about Him, but there is a difference. But Jesus then talks of five points that grow and bless us. One-If I had never been hungry, and thankful for a diet of hot dogs and fried potatoes, I never would have reached out to God. Who fed me, and then gave me compassion to feed those who are hungry-spiritually and bodily. Two-If I hadn't spent time in the desert-thirsty, I never would have sought Him for relief, and then never reached out to others just as thirsty. Three-If loved ones had never been in jail, I would never have begged God for mercy for them, and having been shown it, now equip others in jail with the gospel, because He changed my heart. And now uses me to help change their's. Four-without being sick and in the hospital-I never would have reached out for a friend, and God was there, so now I visit others and see the blessings He gave me being given to them through me. Five-of course the best is last, when I was lost and a stranger, He took me in, as I am and saved me, taking a stranger and making me His friend. And instilling in me the desire to see others come to Christ. All actions a blessing when He blessed me, and then continuing because He blesses others through me. A relationship, that because of Lance's flaw of perfection he will never get to enjoy.

You may know a Lance, or even be one. And those of us blessed by tribulation don't know the loneliness they experience. I ask God to have us reach out to these seemingly perfect ones, in love. They just may be envious of you, after listening to your testimony, and wondering why they aren't as blessed as you. Seek them out, and invite them next time you go to the hospital, or jail. Let them distribute food to the poor, or feed the hungry. Perfection may be the stumbling block they need to overcome to be used of God. And He will give them a testimony that can reach out to other Lances, everywhere.

You see Lance wasn't perfect, only Jesus was, and is. He took the bullet for you. And only when you look into His face do you see perfection. And about those raincoats, He has one for you, just your size and color. A perfect fit, that never goes out of style. Maybe, just maybe Paul was right when he called our setbacks "momentary , slight afflictions." His pain is our gain. And for eternity we get to be perfect. Somehow now it all makes sense. I wonder if Jim is home, I'd like to share this with him, and Lance.

"Hello this Jim Rockford, at the tone leave your name and number and I'll get back to you." BEEP! "Hey Jimmy, don't hang up, I 'm a friend of Lance's, just like you...when can we get together to talk about real perfection?"

I hope he calls back. Pick up the phone to Jesus now. No answering machines here-just answers. He waiting for your call.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ps to Ken K.-you and your ministry inspired me to write this

loud cards save lives

It has been said that the best way to make a million in racing is to start with two. And the other question of how fast do you want to go is the answer to how much money do you have? And for many of us with desire, but no funds, there is always a substitute. From the time we were kids, we put baseball cards in your spokes. Cheap horsepower-or at least what sounded faster. At the time anyone with a nickel could buy a pack of them, chew the gum and learn about the players themselves. For instance, did you know that Elio Chacon earned himself the name of "Little Hot Dog" for his colorful clothing he wore while playing in the Venezuelan league? And today with everything being collectible, how many valuable cards gave up their value so we could sound faster? And cooler? Looking back, maybe that horsepower wasn't so cheap, but I would do it again given the chance. In fact, Dick keeps threatening to put cards in Theresa's spokes-if he can find the right player we just might let him!

And as we get older, we found that fast cars were fun, but loud cars got attention. The illusion of speed that so many bikers fall into today. Sometimes from the wrong sources, aka the police, but if you couldn't go faster, at least you could be loud. The theme of many motorcycles today, who seem to miss the message that an exhaust doesn't have to be loud to sound good-just ask my friend Steve Harper. Harp builds exhaust systems, and has for years for anything from Baja racers to Land World speed Record holding cars-tuning is the secret-not the volume. And depending on your money situation, you can go as fast as you want. Silence can also mean faster, and a well tuned exhaust will make its own kind of music. But somehow it can never replace the sound of baseball cards in the spokes of my Schwinn. Certain things are perfect from the get go, and should be left alone. Or at least in memory, protected from reality. But as long as there are bikers, racers, and kids looking for more of a thrill-louder pipes will be the number one antidote for mediocrity.

God's gospel is like that, too. No need to improve on it-it is perfect just the way it is. But yet I see and hear in many churches, pastors getting away from it. Too many churches turning to 40 days of this, or somebody's prayer, or the perfect truth this-when the Bible not only does a better job, but is written by God, not some man. And God warns of these things-not that they are so bad, but when taken on their own can take on the spirit of antichrist. Not the person, but something that takes the place of Jesus. Instead of-the truer meaning. How many follow Rick Warren and his writings-not knowing of some questionable statements not found in the Bible within? I talk to men who have made their gospel the search for the ark, and made it more important then the God who caused it. I hear and see young people get off on 2012-when the Bible tells us not even Jesus knows of the return-let alone a barbaric, cannibalistic race that doesn't exist anymore. There is no salvation in these beliefs-or for those that follow them-without Jesus Christ. Even the 10 Commandments have no salvation in them-only Godly advice on how to have relationships with man and God. You see, it is not how much you miss salvation by, just that you miss. That is the devil's plan. I have found that God's plan is simpler-and has no failure rate-except not to follow it-your choice. And just like we thought baseball cards made us kids go faster, soon they wore out and we were on to something else. Usually quitting when all you had left were the ones of players you liked. Jim Hickman , Tom Seaver, Elio Chacon, and other Mets never made it into the spokes of my bikes. I still have Elio Chacon from 1962 to prove it.

Be reminded-the entertainment value of the Da Vinci Code, the New Age, and other false religions will soon fade into obscurity-but not before they have made many captive or a casualty. I have found if you want the best-go to the best. Spend your money well, get what you pay for, and better yet what you desire. And even better yet, what you need. Jesus paid that price-a simple gospel for a simple people. Only outside of God do you find a system so warped and untrue that is designed to make you fail. So maybe today may be the day to take the cards out of your spokes, to put on a tuned and quieter exhaust and listen to God. Those who have know the falsehoods of loud exhausts-and how they only irritate many others. Leave the cards in the spokes in your memories-the worst thing you can do is try to replay your childhood as an adult-but that doesn't mean you have to grow up.

Come to Jesus as a child. Let him tune your life-and give it a sound it never had before. The old saying-loud pipes save lives may be true. Loud cards may have saved a few lives too, but no question-only Jesus Christ saves souls. A crew chief and engineer who knows all the hi-performance secrets to tune your life for the best. Short track, mile, TT, moto-X, or on the high speed banks of Daytona-His tune is always right for you. No matter what track you are on-He knows the specs-and He should, He wrote them.

And a simple truth I still marvel at-how He doesn't use volume to get your attention-just love. Unlimited horsepower from the ultimate source. And when it comes down to it-you can't beat love. And unlike the cards in my spokes-doesn't wear out. Now what was that about loud pipes?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com