let there be light

It was one of those hot, muggy August Saturdays in eastern Pennsylvania when the humidity and temperature race to see who hits 100 first. Bill and I going riding today without the Wildman, and had chosen to ride south of Easton, in farm country, on some roads we had not been on before. Packing only our leather jackets, as we knew once the sun went down, the humidity would act like A/C on us, we took off. I led with my R60/5, and Bill was on his 750 Honda. As we raced through the fields, occasionally we would come upon an old tavern/general store and stop for a drink. Then onto the next stretch of road, then another pit stop. Finally when it was about dinner time, we noticed we were entering Philadelphia-the city of brotherly love, but also the city that booed the Pope. And years ago when the Athletics played there before moving to Kansas City gave rise to the question "are you a Phillie fan or an Athletic supporter?"

Cruising through Philly at a sedate pace, we passed a transporter unloading Bricklins into a dealership. Bonus points here if you ever saw one, double if you know what SV-1 stands for, and if you know what engines were used. If you happened to own one, my apologies. But as the day wore down, and so did the quality of the roads, we decided to head back home, about 100 miles away. Even a chance meeting of some girls only delayed it, as it had rained earlier, cooling things off, but also the thought of 100 miles in the rain without rain suits, at night urged us on-home that is. Local girls would have to do that night.

While looking for I-95, we were riding through some tough neighborhoods. Now living by Newark we were used to ghetto, but Philly seemed to us anything but brotherly love. Add to that the huge potholes, and we decided to get out of town, providing we could find the on ramp to the interstate. We were cautious at stop lights, and when leaving one I hit a huge pothole-hard! And my headlight fell out, bouncing on the front fender. Trying to stop, and in a safe area, I pulled onto a sidewalk where a bunch of kids were playing. Bill pulled in front, facing me so his headlight could be used. With all these little colored kids wondering what these two fool white guys on motorcycles were doing riding on their sidewalk. We won't play in your street if you don't ride on our sidewalk! We were able to fix the light quickly-fear though can make seconds seem like hours, and we were on the interstate in two blocks-heading home, and rain free. And safe-more tired from the headlight experience than from the full day of riding.

The psalmist tells us thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. And I got a whole new interpretation of that Psalm that night, even though I was unsaved at that time. God truly does have us set on a path, and it is important where our feet are. But also as important is the path you are on. And God directs us when we listen, and mercifully sometimes when we don't. Kicking and screaming when we don't get our way, and are eventually led to safety doesn't lose us points, but only shows us His mercy and patience with us. And unlike my headlight, His light never fails.

It also shows us that His word is not a something, but a someone-the Word coming alive in the form of a man, who also is God-Jesus. And as we read the word, and He comes alive more, it changes our lives, and how we lead them. And also the path-where it once led to destruction, it now leads to heaven. And it may be straight and narrow, like the sidewalk in Philly, but He is always there with us. And someone is always watching. Next to us, and giving up His space when it is only wide enough for one, or carrying us over troubled areas when fear sets in.

And the word was God! You see He walks with us-even when we don't walk with Him. Try that with anything that you let come between Him and you today-and find when you look He hasn't moved or left you-that's love. And no other god, of any religion offers, nor delivers love!

You may never lose your lights in Philly, but God's light will always shine for you. So let that light shine from you, too. Only one bit of advice, let Him shine, and not you on high beam where it distracts others. His light is first from above, then pure. And causes none to stumble. Let the light shine and guide you, and rescue you like He did us that night. Up until that time, I had never realized fear in darkness, or been so glad to have light shine in it! Let Jesus light your path today, and in a way so you can see where you are going. So you can lead others.

Brotherly love is one thing, but God's agape love is better. Philadelphia, here's to you! Let's celebrate with a cheese steak. This first round is on me. Because the crowd never gets smaller-particularly when Jesus rides and eats with you. That's another miracle for another time.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the rock that rolls!

In late 1974, I went to see Bruce Springsteen and Chicago at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. Not a big Springsteen fan, not my boss either, although I am from the Garden State, his opening number was Born to Run. A song that had not been released yet, and the place went wild. The first time played in public. After that he could have played scales and the crowd would have applauded, but that song set the tone for the concert. And particularly the line "chrome wheeled, fuel injected, and stepping out over the line..." We knew chrome wheeled-Cragar SS still my wheel of choice, and we all were real good at stepping out over the line. But fuel injected was still years away, and available on no US made cars at the time. Maybe carbureted wouldn't have the same rhythm. And as good as Chicago was, I still prefer them to Springsteen, they couldn't keep up the mood, and we left midconcert. Stepping out over the line.

And I find myself in a Born to Run mode most of my life. I enjoy a freedom in the spirit that no rules or cages on Highway 9 can keep me in. Not bound by religion-which means binding, but free in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Where religion tries to keep me under a set of laws, Jesus allows me to be myself in Him, and find myself wanting to be like Him and please Him the more I know Him. Unlike children with crayons, who are told to stay within the lines, Jesus looks at our potential and says go outside the lines with me-don't limit your blessings, but follow an unlimited God! Color to your heart's content!

We have a saying at our church-to minister outside of the dove, and those who take advantage of it, enjoy more of Jesus, and more blessings. You see you can't have laws that grant liberty, just like you cannot legislate morality. It comes from the heart, you must operate in the spirit. And when you do, you will find a freedom that you never knew existed. A freedom in Christ, that no matter what problems come your way, you can defeat. And Jesus did just that. They even buried Him in a tomb after crucifying Him-can't let Him have too much freedom, and put a thousand pound rock in front of the door. With centurions. And somehow the next day, the rock was rolled away, and He was gone. The tomb empty. For no law or man could hold Him. Stepping out over the line.

What is holding you back today? Is the rock against your door so big your life has become a tomb? Have you become overburdened by laws and demands, and you think you cannot escape? Do you wish to run-away from life or into life? God has made man to be born to run. To run from sin, but also to run to Christ. You may run from something, and the only way to know your progress is to look back. Don't! God wants us to run to Jesus, keeping our eyes on the cross, and going forward. Not stuck in a box, stuck in a religion, or in a depressing life. He wants you to run to Him, so He can give you life. He can rescue you from your sin, and you can know peace. Not a situation, but a person, who is always present. And no matter the situation, He is there, and showing you a way through.

Too many live in the valley of the shadow of death. It can be like riding on a cloudy day. The sun is out, it's just on the other side of the clouds. No more worrying if and when the rain will ruin your day, ditch the rain suit and put on Jesus. Look to the son, and live in the son. For the son never sets on you. You must have light to make shadows, let God be that light, and look to Him.

Jesus will spring you from cages, deathtraps, and suicide raps-get out while you can, for tramps like us were born to run! To Jesus! And find out that only His love is real!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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Mo' Jesus with Motown

I have learned to be careful about what you hear, and also what you say. I tell people now when they counsel with me, and start to gossip about someone, that I will probably repeat what you tell me to that person, do you still want to tell me? And sadly, many do-hoping I do tell them, doing their dirty work, because their hatred is too much for them to handle, so they drag someone else into their sin also. Proverbs tells us-paraphrased, not to listen to what the neighbor says through the walls, because you might not like what you hear. True, and good advice. And this message came out of Motown years ago via Marvin Gaye, singing "I Heard it Through the Grapevine."

"People believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear." Good advice again, and even when Creedence Clearwater Revival, redid this song, the advice was still true. But if you still doubt the gospel and Marvin, the California Raisins have to be the final evidence-I mean how could those cut little ex-grapes lie! Perhaps there is truth in raisins after all. From Proverbs to grapes-the truth is still the truth! En vino veritas!

And getting news through the grapevine is nothing new. It goes all the way back to Genesis, the book, not the group, and original sin. Many Bible scholars don't believe it was the apple that Eve ate and offered Adam-the Bible never says. But they believe it was the grape-and here we find the first evidence of hearing it through the grapevine. Oh, if Motown had been there, maybe we would all be singing a different tune today. But they weren't, and what led to the fall of man still goes on today.

Jesus tells us we are to abide in the vine-Him. That He is the vine, and we are the branches. And when we abide in Him, we grow in Him. Stronger, and harder for sin and the world to attack. And like Marvin sings-"I know a man ain't supposed to cry, but these tears I can't hold inside..." we can cry out to Him, when hurt and He hears. And listens. And when we listen, are comforted by Him, all the time abiding in the vine. You see we are a new creation in Christ-and the old is passed away-it is gone-doesn't exist. But when trials come, so often we run back to what we knew before, again quoting Marvin-"do you plan to let me go, for the other man you knew before?" Who did you know before Christ, but Satan himself. Trials are not supposed to be easy, or we wouldn't run to God. But He is greater than any problem we will ever have.

Doubting what Christ can do in your situation today? Why not quit Jesus, go back to your own ways, and see what will happen. You will find you can't-because you are part of the vine-and although God will not violate your will-you now belong to Him, and His love to and for you will guide you through. And in your heart, the one that you gave to Jesus, you know you can't because of what He has done for you.

"Losing you would end my life you see, because you mean that much to me..." You see your life is really all about Jesus. And when Psalm 1 tells us to meditate on God night and day, and your legalistic friends say "why do you still listen to rock and roll?" remember God in all things, just like He says. Their legalism is of the grapevine, but not abiding in the vine. Ah, the freedom in the spirit. Only God could take a rock and roll classic and use it to minister.

Could it be that raisins are really born again grapes? The old has passed away? Jesus Christ-the grapevine-let Him change you today! All you Adams and Eves, do you hear?

Jesus Christ-an oldie who makes all things new. Just tell your friends you heard it from the grapevine...not through it, and now you're his, and He is mine...

love with compassion, at 45rpm,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

for sale-used motorcycle-perfect-never been down

When I worked for Mercedes Benz they had an advertising campaign "In a perfect world, everybody would drive a Mercedes Benz." And from a corporate sales perspective, what a great line. More sales of Mercedes Benz making the world a better place, for them. But to us in the service department, where the banner hung-poor placement or prophetic warning-we had a different perspective-more business for us, we knew better. OH, and that perfect world, it slipped a notch or two when you told them that their perfect car will need repairs, and we can schedule you in two weeks for an appointment. Two perfect worlds-both in the eye of the beholder. And as always, the service department repaired a lot of less than perfect cars-but never did get the car world perfect-unless you consider job security perfection! We hoped you all drove them.

We recently bought a truck for Andrew-a work truck, and looking for a used vehicle from a private party can be an interesting experience. And like I told him, everybody has a different definition of what a cherry vehicle is. I looked at one Ranger, described by its owner as best truck he ever owned, and when I saw it wondered what other wrecks he might have had in the past. I wouldn't let someone I don't like drive it. The only good view of it was looking in your rear view mirror as you rode away. And while I was standing there, disappointed but not amazed, two women pulled up in one one worse, and got out and said-"this is pretty nice," and wrote the number down to call the owner. It's a good thing I don't scare easily-or I would have!

But as we continued to look, you also get to interpret ads, and finally found the truck we wanted. Perfect was as she described it, and it wasn't. But for its age and true condition it was a great deal. And the lady who sold it, it was her late husband's pride and joy, to her it was perfect, as it reminded her of him, and good time spent in it. And after a quick detailing and oil change, didn't look its age-or act it either. In fact when I totaled up all the bills she gave me, her husband had spent more in the last few years on repairs than I paid for it. And for what we need, and for what we paid-it truly is the perfect truck.

Now it was not what we started out to find, but God had it in mind for us the whole time. You see even trusting God in buying used trucks is important. He even tells us to trust Him rather than man or princes. Include used car ads in that. He wants to be part of all your life, not just when you need something or have gotten in trouble-again. 1Thessalonians gives some good advice in chapter 5, verses 14-22. Not laws, as verse 19 emphasizes, but walking with God, living in the spirit. Or better yet, listening in the spirit. Rules that with or without God would make this a more perfect world, but maybe not make your car run better. But when combined with a relationship with Jesus Christ, make a huge difference.

We are told to rejoice always, giving thanks-for this is the will of God. I was at first disappointed by the wretched truck I looked at, but later was able to rejoice it was so bad, as the one God has provided is truly better. With less miles for less money. He tells us to test all things-you who belong to ministries especially need to do this! Just because elders, or execs in your ministry say to do this or that, or get a new vision and then all under them follow like lemmings, we do not need more rules-but need more of the spirit. And he warns us do not quench the spirit-as rules and laws do. So when He says pray without ceasing, He means it. Not always just asking, but thanking, praising, and even listening. Which when we do it changes our prayers, as we ask better when we know better. And receive better because we obeyed, and let God bless us.

If God can bless this Ford family with a Chevy-never thought to look for one, He can bless anyone. But you must let Him. A lot of people promise perfection like Mercedes Benz did, but only in Jesus Christ will you find it. He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.

God hears us, will we hear Him? Your answers depend on your acceptance and obedience to His reply. And you will be one step closer to that perfect world-no matter what you drive!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the real treatment for heart burn

There is an old song about LA being a great big freeway, but really all southern Cal is, most people just think of LA as the only city here. But 120 miles south lies San Diego, which is becoming a great big freeway. Twenty two years ago when we moved here from New Mexico, where we were only 120 miles to the closest freeway, it took us awhile to get used to traveling on them. My father in law gave me directions one time to get to a mall just three miles away, but took me on two freeways to get there. When I suggested surface streets, I got a look of why would I do that? And today although I travel freeways a lot, I still can make good time via surface streets. Now for the uninitiated, surface streets are what we would call local roads, like Country Club Lane, Hetfield Avenue, or Florida Road in Durango. But for those that live here, freeways are the only way to many.

You can make better time, they say. But did you know the average speed on LA freeways in 17mph? And that stop and go traffic can be so bad you will wear out your clutch leg? This is the only place I have lived where an automatic is not only preferred, but almost mandatory. Giving those of us who ride an advantage of lane splitting-advocated by the CHP. Maybe that is why when asked for directions, locals always quote freeways. For example, to get to Christopher's work in Commerce, just south of LA, we go on the 78 west, 5 north, 405 north, 710 north, to the 5 north. And because freeway use is so common I could easily have said the 78 to the San Diego freeway, to the Long Beach freeway to the Golden State-and we would know exactly where you were going-maybe they are surface streets after all-just grown up. We don't quote trips in mileage either, but in time. 60 miles per hour doesn't always equal 60 miles in one hour! Main Street USA they ain't.

And driving on these roads can be an eye opening experience. And just ask my friends Dick and Sherry who work for Cal Trans, they find more stuff tossed, lost, or abandoned along them. In Luke, we are told of two men traveling on the road to Emmaus, not Pennsylvania, and have a chance meeting with a man, who turns out to be Jesus. He never identifies himself, but reveals all scripture to them about the messiah. And after He leaves them, they admit that their hearts were burning while He talked with them about scripture.

Does your heart burn when talking about Jesus, and the Word? Not heartburn from too many tacos, but a yearning for the Lord? Or are you like the things discarded along the freeways-are you tossed about because your walk is weak, and you've turned away from the things of God? Are you lost-losing your way, and trying every other way but Jesus, knowing full well He is the way? Or do you feel abandoned by God-where is He when I need Him? Why doesn't He answer my prayers like I want? Perhaps you have been traveling the same road too long, and it is so familiar that you can't imagine, nor want to explore another road. Today Jesus gives that opportunity to follow Him, to get on the road He is on. But you have to make the decision, and if you pass your exit, even make a u-turn. He allows them.

And your heart will burn, with heavenly heat, when you do. You will know you are on the right road because of a peace and comfort that overcomes you. And although this road may have more curves and bumps, you do not ride it alone. You have an escort the whole way.

Heartburn, or a burning heart? Your choice. You will eventually get where you are going, but it helps if you know your destination. And the best set of maps you can find is written in the Bible. Endorsed by God, and delivered by Jesus. Experience a burning heart- an eye opening/heart opening with the Lord today-then no matter what road He takes you on, you are going the right direction.

And yes, when the song asks do I know the way to San Jose, I can get there on surface streets or freeways. My choice. Make your choice Jesus today. Many roads, but only one way-to heaven!

love with compassion,

Mike matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the rain, the shop, and other things

Up until I started to ride, I was always involved with sports. And from it I learned a lot about teamwork, and depending on the team to win, although there always was one guy who stood out above the rest talent wise. But when I started riding, I learned about brotherhood, and developing real friendships based on honor and respect-and also how fast they could ride. Saturdays were always something special, as you were up early, usually after staying up late because you had no work the next day, would meet some friends, and ride for awhile, then have breakfast. Then take off riding, usually with no plan, and stopped and ate along the way, as you ventured into new found territories, even though sometimes you never went 50 miles from home. Back roads you would never take in a car became favorable, and meeting other bikeriders would be a time to talk about roads, bikes, and great places to eat. And this was a very good thing-as long as it didn't rain, which it did a lot-remember I was in New Jersey!

And when it did, it changed all your plans, along with your attitude. You slept in late. The same guys you rode with weren't as much fun off of their bikes, so you called your girl friend. And after talking her out of spending the day shopping with her girl friends, the two of you hung out together. Maybe lunch, it was usually late by the time you convinced her, and then you went shopping. Or really cruising-the bike shops. Which if she liked to ride was OK, but if she didn't reminded you of your promise to take her to the mall-which you would eventually, under duress. Attention mall owners-if you want to attract more men-add a bike shop! Might also bring in a better class of people! But bike shops-notice they were called shops and not dealers then, were smaller and more intimate. They were shops, as the shop usually was the busiest place and best place to hang out. VIP Honda in Plainfield used to be in an old food stand, then moved into an old grocery store-becoming the Giant VIP Honda, and lost some of its charm, which was in short supply anyway. East Coast Cycles-as in bicycles sold BMW and Yamaha. Just go past the bikes to the real bikes, and there they were. And while you sat on the latest BMWs, the new ones with the chrome tanks-remember the toaster tanks, your girl friend could look at other things in between bugging you to leave.

Later would be Rick's Cycle, where Triumphs were king, and you could touch the bikes-and dream of being a TT racer, or building a chopper-Harleys were not choppers, but bobbers back then. And stare in awe of a Kawasaki Mach III, who could actually turn a 1/4 mile in 12 seconds-how could anyone even hang on! And while the shop guys flirted with your girl, which by this time she didn't seem to mind, you rode many places in your mind-just waiting until the road dried. And after dropping your girl off, so you could pick her up later for your date, when her friends asked how her day was, the answer was much different than the one you gave. She endured, but so did you in a way, because you rather be riding. Well, there was always tomorrow.

I am blessed to say my wife rides, and even cruises bike shops with me. It wasn't always this way, as many times it was I'll sit in the car and read while you go in and look. But a funny thing has happened, as we rode more, she decided to get her own bike, and ride, too. And bike shops became interesting, and now she cruises them without me sometimes. Her bike has become very personal, and she is always looking for ways to ride more or know more about it-and the places to ride! Husbands-take note. Encourage your wife in her relationship with God. Don't let her ride on your coattails, but encourage her to be in a Bible study, to get involved at church, and meet other Christian ladies. Have her own relationship, not sharing yours, but her very own. And watch as yours grows too, but also how your marriage matures and you both learn to love each other more. And if you are blessed like us, you even get to minister together-on motorcycles. You see, there are so many women involved in the biking community that need Jesus, men cannot do it, we need our wives. They have the special insight to minister to their own sex, and it is a true blessing to see my wife share, pray, and love on others. Like I tell anyone who will listen, and some who won't-Jesus, my wife, and motorcycles-it just don't get any better!

And it has been a great thing for our marriage, and our kids. And on Saturdays, we meet with friends, or sometimes just the two of us, and have breakfast and ride. And if it's late, spend the night, and find a local church the next day. The motorcycling community understands brotherhood, combine that with Jesus, and add your wife, and you have the perfect riding conditions.

That is if it doesn't rain-then the two of you can cruise the bike shops....Cars can be so boring!

Men-your best friend and ministry partner just might be sleeping next to you every night, and you don't know it! Pray, and watch as God transforms both your lives as you grow in Him-individually and together. And if you are really cool-go ride a motorcycle. To church, and other places. Don't worry about who to minister to, they are everywhere.

And watch out for bikes too-we are everywhere too!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

eternity-for a limited time only

Dirty Harry, that oft quoted bastion of knowledge, once told Lt. Briggs, "a man's got to know his limitations." And because Dirty Harry said it, we assume it to be true. Point in fact-one time George, Brett, Dave, Bill and I set out from Farmington to San Diego on our motorcycles, stopping in Gallup at Sizzler to eat. Unlimited all you can eat shrimp said the sign, so we did. Except the manager had a different idea of unlimited than we did, and after seven servings, we had hit his limit, and we finally agreed to one more serving each to go. Which when we got to the motel, Brett had eaten while we were getting drinks, Three different levels of unlimited, with Brett the defining factor.

We see signs for unlimited refills, limited to two. And years ago Coke stumbled onto something. Remember when you would order a drink with no ice, to get more drink. They found that when you served yourself you used more ice. Such a deal. Unlimited, all you can eat clams at HoJo's? At least until you were so sick you threw up. Your stomach knew your limit, even if you didn't. Unlimited trips to the salad bar-hey you're eating healthy and low calorie, why not? When my kids were younger, comic books and action figures were labeled collector items. Limited editions, so they sold faster. Only limited to how many people would buy. We can always make more. Numbered sometimes-1 of 10 million. Such a deal!

And sales are still advertising limited to stock on hand, except they will give you a rain check good until the next shipment arrives. My ATM will only give out limited funds of $600 per day-which sounds good because I usually don't have that much-limited by my funds on hand. My credit cards have a limit, and even American Express which advertises no limits, has limits-based on your income.

How many remember before the gas crisis in 1973 Nevada had no speed limits? Then we had speed limits of 55 mph on roads which were designed in the 50's for 85mph travel in the name of safety. Which were repealed by Bill Clinton, setting new speed limits. Now there was a man who knew his limits, and hers, and how to exceed them. Racing engines are limited to cubic inches, and when they exceed the limit, go into another class. There is even an unlimited class in some racing. In the sixties, a TV show called the Outer Limits took control of the transmission of the sight and sound for the next 60 minutes-limited only by your ability to change the channel. Even sports like football and basketball have time limits, with baseball being the rebel-as long as the score is tied, both teams can play unlimited innings. And if they reach a limit of exhaustion, can pick up from where they left off.

And so it is only natural that we expect God to be a God of limits, too. That He could never have unlimited love and forgiveness for us. That eternity goes on for an unlimited time, or that He is unlimited by time. And worse yet, we try to run our relationship with Him, based on our limitations. "OK God, I have 15 minutes today, spend it with me the best you can." We read 15 minutes of the Bible every day, but limit ourselves to that number. Why only one chapter, can I read two? And why do we limit our prayer time, when if we turn off the radio in the car we can still be praying silently-God calls it meditating on His word? Why do we take something infinite and make it finite?

Sin-pride is the answer. As long as we see our God through our eyes and not His, we are in control. But once we try to be more like Him, to take on His character, and to let Him be in control, we find that His resources are limitless. That we are not limited to our experiences, but to trusting Him. He is no debtor-unlimited funds, does not delight in wrong-unlimited forgiveness, and has always been and we can always be with Him-no limits on time in eternity! And it takes one simple act of repentance- a change of heart. For unlike Dirty Harry's example, God is not a man-but GOD! And He sent His son to take all the sin and pain that we were guilty of-with no limits-yesterday, today, and tomorrow-it's forgiven. Unlimited access to the creator of the universe!

But although God is patient that none should perish, He also tells us today is the day of salvation. And tomorrow is promised to no man. Today, reach your limit of sin and turn to Jesus. Realize that you are limited in your knowledge and wisdom, and seek someone who is limitless, in both and in love-for you! Take Dirty Harry's quote to heart-realize you cannot be saved without Jesus. Know your limitations and turn them over to God. Tell Jesus, "go ahead, make my day!"

"Do you feel lucky punk, well do you?" Jesus Christ-not limited to stock on hand. Limited only by your believing. Faith does have its rewards.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com