the Stepford Ministries

Growing up we had Wildcats, Cougars, Mustangs, and Chargers for names of fast cars, they were names you could associate with, and sounded cool. We could picture them in our minds. Today we have Camry, Civic, Altima, and the ever exciting Escape. And we had SS, SST, AMX, and GT. Today we have Limited. Just doesn't make it for a testosterone laden young car guy. But 40 years ago the cars of our dreams were different, and just out of reach when we were still too young to drive. So we retreated into the world of models, and we built the scale models of them, making the engine noises, and dreaming of the day we would have one of our own. AMT, the model company, sold theirs as 3-in-1 kits. They could be built as stock, like the ones you see on the street, racing, with slicks, fat tires, and decals, or custom, with styling influenced by George Barris, Dean Jeffries, or Darryl Starbird. And you could customize to your heart's content, making it custom, looking like the picture on the box, provided the parts came with the kit. Individualized like the thousand others just like it.

And the boxes were collectible too, although we didn't use that word. Cool pictures on them, they weren't graphics yet. We just saved them. And I learned from the older guys, the 10-12 group, to save the old parts for use on other cars. Don't throw the unused parts away, they could be used on another model, just like real customizers did. Put a Ford grill in a Pontiac, Olds wheels on a Chevy, or stick a blower out of the hood from another car and you were up there with the best of the customizers. Use more than the parts that came in the box, and don't limit yourself to what came with it. Let your imagination take you places that your other friends didn't go. And when they would comment that "I didn't get those wheels with my model," you were King of the Kustomizers, like George Barris, at least among your prepubescent peers.

And this was perhaps my first experience of thinking outside of the box. Not limiting myself, or being limited by what came in the kit, but using all resources available to me, and doing things that others couldn't, and didn't due to being limited to what was in their box.

In my walk with Christ, God encourages me to worship and build a relationship "outside of the box." Don't be held down by a denomination's interpretation of the Bible, but go straight to Him, and find an infinite God who loves you. When I think of religion, man has made it so hard. Ask a Lutheran, what they believe, and you may get a different answer than a Baptist, or a Presbyterian. Explain what your club or church is, spending more time with the differences than sharing what you are about, and what you signed up to do-minister. And that is sad, because we all have the same Jesus, and the same Bible He has given us to read. And left us the same spirit to guide us. But sadly, some get hung up on the religious and legalistic side of God, or even create one. Honoring the laws, but neglecting to know the person who fulfilled it. Recently I broke away from a ministry I was with for over 34 years, and found a freedom that only God can give. I found that rules, quotas, and performance figures that were set up on the other side of the country, didn't fit what God was showing me. Board rooms were boring, and God wanted me to operate under is plan, not someone else's vision for me. And that I was becoming an outcast among my peers, because I was not allowing myself to be boxed up or boxed in with them by their rules and religion. I had found freedom in the spirit, and sadly it caused a schism among some who I ministered with. Those who thought they were doing a good job obeying their ministry's goals, but neglecting what God had for them. Monthly reports which when analyzed only showed the failures, even a column for missed opportunities. Just following orders from whoever was above them, and thinking they were doing God's work, if you met their criteria, when oft times sidelined by a superior officer just following orders from above. Pleasing man, and substituting his goals for God's. I had become molded into a ministry, instead of God molding me how He wanted-and the differences can be huge. There is no peace found in the law, and I see ministries today dying because of their relationship to big business. Who wants more laws in their life? Please explain the freedom in the law to me if you can! Quotas to meet, and limitations put on them due to religious differences, not focusing on Jesus, but the differences in denominations. And this grieves God, for He didn't set it up this way. And makes true rebels out of those who choose God over an organization.

Since following God, and forsaking a ministry's bounds, I am more effective and more joyful than ever before. And I find myself referring to advice I was given years ago when God gave me a desire and vision for ministry. I was told "don't follow any organization or church, but be true to the vision God gave you and to the God who gave it to you." Good advice. And although I still believe these ministries to be viable and God influenced, I find serving God and not man is where the blessings come from. Answer to God, not some organization. Every rule an organization has goes contrary to operating in the spirit, and limiting God.

There is a freedom walking in the spirit, that if you haven't I can't explain. And it will upset some people, because they are stuck in their religious boxes. It's like Wyatt and Billy around the camp fire in Easy Rider, when George explains to them that people are afraid of them because they are free. And will kill them to protect themselves from the same freedom they could be enjoying, and desire. Does that sound like where you are at? Is your church behind your ministry, or are you constantly being told to fit in better? Is the organization you minister with trusting God, or limiting Him by rules and legalistic men who claim to follow God, but really are just following a corporate dictate? Is your peer group getting smaller as you get closer to God? And are experiencing a joy and freedom in the spirit that your friends don't get?

Escape the box, and trust Jesus today. Ditch legalism, and trust God. Know His character, and instead of a good ministry member, be an obedient servant to God. Go places, see things, and experience the joys talked of in the Bible. And get to know a God so personal that He sent His only son to die for you. Think outside of the box that you are stuck in, and watch as God molds you into the person He wants you to be, and the joy it brings.

Two kinds of ministers out there-moldy or molded. I choose to be molded by God, not to fit into an organization. The changes they make in your life are temporal, the changes Jesus makes in your life are eternal. He who is set free in Christ is free indeed! There will be unity in the spirit in heaven, where does it say we have to wait till then?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

name that tune

One of my favorite albums is by the Beach Boys called Stars and Stripes, Volume 1. On it, Jimmy Webb, arranger extraordinaire takes their hits and rearranges them for country western stars to sing. And it works-and this from me, a guy who when he gets a new radio has country western surgically removed from it. But good music is good music, and this albums rocks! But the song and experience on it that is most memorable is Willie Nelson singing Warmth of the Sun. The documentary made of the album shows Mike Love telling Willie how to sing the song, and the basic mood of it. Willie looks at him, two legends head to head, and reminds him of who he is, don't tell him how to sing. And then goes on to sing this beautiful, moving song, getting it on the first take. And the miracle is he had never heard the song before. Just reading the music before he went on, and going with the band, it is incredible. Even though on the first words he stumbles, the stumbling seems preplanned, as the rest of the song is pure Willie. Being in tune, I believe they call it, and Willie was that day. Don't play it as written, sing it as the spirit moves you. And the look between Love and Willie at the end confirms it.

Ball players call it being in the zone, and I have talked to my friend Kevin Mitchell, the one who hit 49 homers one year and led the National League, he of the one handed, bare handed catch. And he tells me when you are in the zone, the pitches seem slower, you see more, you adjust better-but it all just seems automatic-natural, and you are just part of the action.

A popular line among Christians is being in the spirit. John wrote Revelation being in the spirit. Jesus ministered in the spirit, and we are to be guided by the Holy Spirit. So what does it mean? My first experience being led by the spirit, I didn't even realize it. We were attending the Spirit of Love church in Durango, Dal was our pastor, one of the few men I have ever met who truly was a pastor. He had asked me to share my testimony, about 15 minutes before he spoke one Sunday. Now true to the churches I feel most comfortable in, this was old hippies, homeless, those looking who hadn't found yet, and a group that if they walked into your denominational atmosphere, may be asked to leave, or placed by the door-certainly not next to Brother So and So who is a major donor. But a magical thing happened to me that morning, as I began to share I could feel God's presence like never before. I heard the words before I said them, and I felt a peace that I had never felt before. Only being saved about four years, I had been in denominational churches where you follow the program-here I was following God-I was in the spirit. And instead speaking for 15 minutes, it seemed like five, I shared for 45 minutes. And Dal, sensing the spirit, didn't chasten or hasten me, but led God's message unfold. He followed up with a 15 minute message tying it all together, and had an altar call-and 19 young people went forward and accepted the Lord! Unbelievable! But in the spirit, all things are possible. And to show my heart it just wasn't an emotional experience, for years after we would hear or get visits from these men, still walking with Jesus. It was, and is that real. And all about Jesus.

You see the spirit does what the law cannot-save. You cannot embrace the law, for it only focuses on your shortcomings. But there is life in the spirit, and when you yield to it-a peace that surpasses understanding. Trying to figure things out? Spending a day making plans that only get superseded by life? Live in the spirit. Enjoy the peace God offers. And the closer you get to God, and the more you walk in it, the more carefree you become-cast your cares on Him for He careth for you. Almost to the point of appearing careless-when really all you care about is Jesus. Want more blessings-spend more time with Jesus. That simple-even a caveman or biker could do it!

Harmony in music takes a group effort-all with the same goal, and with no one more important than the others. To harmonize, you sing together, feeding off each other-and end up making music-where others just sing a song. Today harmonize with Jesus-sing along with Him, walk with Him, meditate on His word with Him, and watch as the peace that surpasses understanding surpasses all.

Huey Lewis sang about a new drug, when it's really about a relationship with Jesus. In tune, harmonizing, in the zone. But really it is just being in the spirit. Letting Him lead, and you harmonizing to His tune. Being in step with the Lord. Jesus Christ-a song that never ends-no matter who sings about Him! And the words-they just seem to come naturally...hint-they are really coming supernaturally! In the spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

such a deal I have for you

We love to negotiate. And from my many years in the automotive field, I felt immersed in it sometimes, although I was in service. Why even have prices? It seems though, in car sales, the sticker is the starting point. And we always try to negotiate down from there. The dealer owes me because I want to buy his car. I blame this on Chrysler, at least for the current generation, as they introduced rebates. Instead of trying to sell you a car at a fair price for all, we are going to offer you money off up front. A discount before you ask. And thus created the notion that they are overcharging. And depending on which side of the sales desk you are on, either they are ripping you off, or making a shrewd deal for the dealership. And working in dealerships the last ten years, in service, they all want to negotiate.

"Jiffy Lube will change my oil for less." My answer, "take it there, we repair a lot of Jiffy Lube oil changes." And I would tell them when they asked for a discount, "let me see if the tech will work for less. But he usually doesn't like to discount his quality of work to match the price." Now try that sometime at a restaurant, just before they ask you to leave. Or at Vons. Or ask the cashier at Wal-Mart, and you may even get to practice the second language you learned in high school.

Now we all like a good deal. And a basic premise between buying and selling is found in the following statements. "That jerk SOLD me that car." Or "Check out the new car I just bought,what a deal!" We never commit to stupid deals, but sure want to tell the world of our negotiating skills when we put one over on the salesman. Pride, they call it.

And over the years, I have noticed a phenomenon when discounting a product or service. The more that you discount, the more the customer thinks you have ripped them off. They always think they could have gotten a better deal, and their friends tell them so. "Shoulda taken me along, coulda got you a better deal." Not with me. And thanks for not bringing your pinhead friend along. But the converse works when charging a fair price, or even one that seems too high. I had customers bring me gifts, and introduce me to their friends-only deal with Mike, he will treat you fair. When the customer knows what he is buying, and understands why the price is what it is, he is more comfortable with the purchase. And finally you learn a common denominator, if you don't provide the service the customer needs, no matter the price you have charged too much.

And for over 6000 years we try to negotiate with God. Lot, when God came to rescue him from Sodom and Gomorrah, pleaded with God from 50 down to one righteous man to be found and save the city-but none were found. Perhaps because God's idea of righteous and ours is different. Helps to negotiate on the same thing. Imagine Jesus in the garden, asking God if there is any other way. Maybe the outlook would be better if God had given Him a trained set of twelve. "Father, how about another dozen, rather than this dirty dozen. Watch as I can find those righteous Lot was talking about." But God had already found the one righteous man He wanted. Fortunately, Jesus was that righteous man God was talking about, and I am thankful for what He did. No deals, no let me talk to my manager. He made it simple-He died for all. Do I hear anyone volunteering to take His place? Let me show you the nails. Any questions?

Only Jesus was the right deal. The fair deal. The best deal. And the ONLY deal. And still is today. You cannot work your way to heaven. And although our fleshly, worldly ego tells us what a good job we do when we happen not to screw something up, you cannot negotiate a better deal with God. But you can trust Him. Maybe that is why you are so unhappy, because the best deal is offered, and you won't take it. Who knows better than God what you need? Who knows better your desires? If there is a person, e-mail me. For now, I will stick with the one and only-Jesus. Begotten, unlike any other. Negotiated your soul out of hell by giving up His life. He paid the ransom. Bad deal for Him, incredible deal for you. And now you only owe Him your life, so give it to Him. And don't try to tell us how good you are, we know more than we are telling. And God knows even more!

Trusting God, you are in the spirit. Negotiating, or whining to God. Legalist. Bet you didn't know that. Now you do. So you can get the best deal every time. Trust God. Quit living in futility, and you can do it now. And before 5pm and before 55-no senior discounts. Oh, and you don't have to be a certain height to go. Trust God. Don't talk to me, listen to Him. Let Him tell you about the deal He has made-for you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

mama said there'd be days like this

It seems Hollywood is never content to leave anything alone. Take a successful movie, then make a sequel, and watch it go down in flames at the box office. The exception is Godfather II, and of course Rocky-if you like Rocky. Personally I don't, so I wouldn't include it on my list. But a film, French and filmed in South America, has been remade called Sorcerer, made in 1977 it is a cult classic. But the original film, made in 1953, is far superior. Called the Wages of Fear, it takes place in a small, poor village, in a jungle surrounded by desert in South America. Where a US oil company has a compound, and is known for exploiting locals. When an oil rig fire breaks out across the jungle, and the only way to extinguish it is by using nitro, the union workers will not drive the dangerous route through the jungle. So four men, with the promise of $2000 each if they make it, a fortune in this village, take off in two trucks. And for the next hour the suspense is incredible.

The four men are sent out in pairs, and generally do not get along. Each has a specific and not entirely altruistic need for the money, and they even compete with each other. The nitro they carry is in jerry cans, and cannot sweat or will explode. That and it is very unstable, even the vials hitting can cause an explosion, as it does with one truck, killing both men. But the other truck soldiers on. Through mountains, jungle, having to explode a boulder in the way, and finally as they get close-encounter a bridge over a swamp. The bridge is old, and they know it won't hold the truck, but they have no alternative route-over the bridge it must be. Using their winch, one man wades across the swamp, and attaches it to a tree, and they try to pull it across, since the bridge is slick, and they cannot get traction. Finally the truck slips off the bridge, and into the quagmire. This quagmire is oil that has begun to fill the old riverbed from the oil leak and fire, making it all black and slippery. One man must get out of the truck to guide it over, wading chest deep in the oily mess, and slips-the truck running over him and mortally wounding him. The sight and sounds give you chills, as the driver had no other choice. Only one four makes it, and I won't reveal the ending. Being French it is a bit existential, but watching it for the truck scenes are worthwhile alone.

Does their trip sound familiar? Ever have a day, or days like that, where things are so bad that death is welcome? If it wasn't for bad luck you would have no luck at all? When you get so close to your destination, yet it seems farther away? And alone, where everyone seems to be your enemy, or at least your competitor? Discouraged, and then when you do send out invitations for your pity party, no one accepts, or even shows up to mock you? Well, you're not alone. Seems there was this man named Elijah, who after seeing God do great things, ended up in a cave. His prayers were good, no rain for three and a half years, and it didn't. So how and what was he doing alone in a cave? The wages of fear set in. Not getting your own way, you turn from God. Subtly known as pride, he cried to God that he was the only one doing anything for God, so he deserved special consideration. I mean, look at his prayer record. But God put him in a cave, a special consideration, for there with no outside influences, he could hear from God. And it seems that in we hear Him best in bad situations. Or when alone in our cave. And even when God reminded him that there are over 7000 men who have never turned to Baal, he doesn't cheer up.

In life's situations today, I hear from Christians saying a lot "well, it's all going to burn anyway." Referring to Revelation, where God burns up everything and we get a new heaven and earth. To me, a cop out, making an excuse for them not trusting God in the situation. And my question is, why do you only hear that stated when you've lost, or are losing? Why don't you quote that when you start your career, buy your first house, or get married. Try telling your new wife, "let's just live in a tent, it's all going to burn anyway," and see how long she stays with you. Tell your boss, "sorry I won't be in today, it's all going to burn anyway." And make sure he has your address right to mail you your last check. But yet we tell that to God, using excuses when He doesn't carefully follow our instructions laid out by us in our prayers. If only God really understood...

Broke, homeless, hungry, jobless, in sin, or whatever trials you are in now, God loves you. It doesn't depend on your situation. And He has many blessings for you, if you trust Him. He has a way out, and you must follow Him or you will fail. So how do we get back to God?

Like the two men stuck in the quagmire, a man must be sacrificed for the mission to be accomplished. Oops, almost revealed the ending. And God sacrificed His only son, so we can make it back to Him, and out of our quagmire of sin. Jesus went to the cross selflessly, so we can live. A plan I never would have dreamed of, but exactly the one we need. So simple only religion can screw it up.

So-come out of your cave, and listen to God. Jesus is the way through deserts, jungles, and quagmires. Yes, it is all going to burn, but you won't be here if you choose Him. And out of the ashes comes a new earth, and heaven...no excuses-Jesus is the way!

Payday is coming soon-what will your wages be? Hint-the wages of sin is death. Don't wait for the sequel!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

once again for the very first time

If ignorance is bliss, yesterday was the happiest day in a long time for a lot of people. And sadly, today will be just a happy a day as it was yesterday for even more. There is a law, the second law of thermodynamics that explains that things are in a constant state of atrophy or decay, getting worse-not better. And it is a physical law, and can be proved-which flies right in the face of opinion. No matter what you think. Put in a way that was popular on bumper stickers 30 years ago-"Today is a beautiful day-and I can guarantee someone will come along and screw it up!" So with that, "good morning-have a nice day!"

My friend Tim gave me a paperweight that says autograph your work with excellence. We used to talk how you only get one chance to make a first impression, and sadly some look at it as a rehearsal for failure. Joe DiMaggio, Hall of Fame center fielder and ex-husband of Marilyn Monroe, was asked after running out every ground ball why he did it. His answer may seem a bit self centered, but perhaps the lesson here is overlooked. He said "because maybe there is someone out there who hasn't seen Joe DiMaggio play before." And that was how he wanted to be remembered.

Put another way, good taste will never go out of style. Virgil Exner, designer of the Chrysler Forward Look cars of the late 50's, put it this way, "a well-styled car will make a man feel better at the end of a trip than at the beginning." Form before function, flying in the face of the second law of thermodynamics. but there is truth in what Ex said, and from travelling in cars, only when I can't ride, I find this true, and false. I can have a great trip, but why is it you only remember the jerk who cut you off in San Marcos? Or the old Pinto in El Centro spewing smoke in your face? Or the car going 50 in the fast lane, when everyone else is doing 75?

I find two key ingredients missing today, that I do remember from when I was younger. Kindness and courtesy. Hmmm, you think-been awhile, but seems I remember them too. I can remember going to a doctor's office, and him having compassion for me being sick. Telling my mother, "he'll be good as new in a few days," and hoping I was. Treating my mother's apprehension and worry, too. I can remember the vet leaving us alone with a dog we had to put down, obviously a loved pet, and giving us some last moments together. And how many hankies were you handed as a kid, and told it will be OK, and administered with the best medicine of its day, a hug. We are missing kindness today-just listen to the person yelling into their cell phone as they run into you at the store. Or in the car, fighting for the parking space 20 feet closer to the door, cutting you off. Is anyone tired of pushing 1 for English, and listening to the choices, when all you want to do is ask a question, that you know is not on the list?

For 2000 years Jesus has been showing kindness. And still does today. From the woman at the well, who He didn't condemn, but told "go and sin no more," to the thief on the cross in His dying moments, He showed kindness. He showed compassion, in going back for the 1 in 99 when it was lost, knowing that it might be you. He fed the 5000, not based on who they were, but on who He was, meeting the need, remembering that it is easier to listen on a full stomach. Now finally proved by our school breakfast programs. He knew all along that the best way to earn friends was to be a friend. And that in listening we learned-maybe that is why we can control our mouths, but not our hearing.

Today you may be taking a long trip, take Jesus along and arrive in better shape than when you left. Give up a parking space, and watch as a better one opens up. Smile instead of scold, hug instead chasten. You may be the only Jesus someone sees today, don't blow it. The blessings God has in store for that person, that Lazarus in front of you, may be disguised just for you in that moment. Don't miss it. Let your light shine, as Jesus says. But let it be reflected in an action of kindness. No high beams, showing your strength or knowledge, just a light for your feet, showing the path to Jesus in love.

You see without Jesus, we get it all wrong. Watch an NFL game, and watch as 11 men in need of rest, are watched by 50,000 in need of exercise. Second law. Hold open a door, give up a place in line, and show the kindness of Jesus. Give without prejudice, no matter what they ride, and find a whole new ministry for yourself-one of kindness, and hopefully not one of a kind. I can guarantee that you will meet someone today needing the love of Jesus, have your smile ready. That life you change just might be the one sent to ruin yours-it is true that love does cover a multitude of sins.

Let me tell about the one who did it for me. Are you thirsty, let me buy you a drink. Hungry, let me supersize it. Tired, sit here while I get it. Confused, tell me about it. Broke, let me share why I have with you. And lost, let me show you the way. No seminary can each that kind of ministry. It comes from the heart.

What He has done for others, He will do for you. Follow the example...with a smile. Next, go ahead, I'll wait. Only the love of Christ isn't affected by the second law-so stick with His first-love.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

designer tyres

The ad on Craigslist caught my eye. "Used tires for sale. Sides only worn, plenty of tread left in center. $20 each." Now I had heard the urban legend about guys riding track days and wearing out the sides first, but here was someone willing to dispense with the myth, and also make money while doing it. Maybe a perfect swap to a Harley, whose riders don't lean and would never miss the missing side tread, but the tire size would negate even the thriftiest, ie. cheap rider to try. And I realized how far tires really had come in the last 35 years, when I had my first hi-performance tire experience.

I have been riding cafe racers since 1974, when BMW came out with their R90S. With a small fairing, it was the hot set-up, but the key were the low bars. Not drag bars, but low rise bars. Radical then, but compared to the clip ons today, you still felt like you were sitting up straight-like going from a Daytona to a Street Triple. And tires were standard for the era, too. You replaced the Continentals with Continentals, it only made sense to keep the bike all German. Just like Goodyears on Harleys, Bridgestones on Hondas, and Dunlops on English bikes. Rib tires up front for steering, and a larger tire in the rear. Even the sizes were standardized, and no one thought of changing rubber. Until we talked to a guy on a Norton, who had Dunlop K-81 tires, with tread on both front and rear the same-like on race bikes, he said. Not realizing racers ran slicks. So it was off to the Norton store, which really was Westfield Lawn Mower, with motorcycles in the back. Not even a storefront, but an old house with high steps, the living room turned into a repair shop. And after paying up front, for the special order size-Nortons ran a slightly different size, and waiting two weeks for the tyre-note spelling, to arrive from England, I was excited. Sure I had paid a premium price, $21, but knew it would be worth it when I entered the first corner and left everyone in the dust, or whatever happens on asphalt. Now with my K-81's front and rear, I would rule. And just the bragging rights, made for infamy. No one had done this before on a BMW, and it seemed the world was watching. Guys looking at the R90S would ohh and aah, and then really be impressed by the low bars. Until they saw the tyres, and then would admit they had never seen them before on a BMW. And yes, they did handle better, even if they didn't I would have never admitted it, but never elevated me to superbike status. But it did create an E ticket status, that few knew about. At 111 mph, the front end shook. Violently, then went away at 113. Smooth before, and smooth after. But for the few seconds in between, fear and lots of it would set in. And once you got used to it, would be worth it, going up you knew you would encounter it, and coming down would dread it. But you and your K-81's would rule. And only the few who had seen you violently shake doing it would know. Never knew why, maybe the marriage of WWII enemies' products still harbored hostilities, or may be it was just the tire design. Whatever the reason, when I replaced the tire with a rib style, for the going price of $17, without the two week wait, it never did it again. Do you think maybe the engineers at BMW knew they were doing?

Designed for a purpose, just like the tires/tyres. And just like our bodies. God designed us for a purpose, creating us in His own image. Not to look like Him, that would not explain the red, yellow, black, and white in the song, but in His image. A relationship with Him, that no other living being can attest to. Being a triune God-Father, Son, and Holy spirit, He has also made us a triune being-body, soul, and spirit. In His image, like none other, we have the ability to choose to love Him-unlike any other created being. In His image, God shows us that true love demands a choice, and allows us to make it. You would think that it would be easy to choose God, yet so many choose the evil, sinful ways of man. Concentrating on the right now, forgoing the eternal with God. Jesus reminds us that the things seen are temporal, but the things not seen are eternal. Since no one has ever seen God, although Moses glimpsed Him from behind, any God you think you have seen is not God-but a symbol of anti-Christ, or instead of God. And just like not running the right tires made a difference, following anybody but the real God, is sin, and won't work. They may be close, but only God has the power of your eternal destiny. And like so many in the Old Testament found, their gods couldn't laugh, smile, or have any kind of relationship with man, and even when the statue fell, couldn't pick itself up.

Who do you worship? Do you trust Jesus to be the only way to the father, who gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us until His son returns? Does your uniqueness in God burden you or set you free? Does your soul yearn for the truth? Is something missing without Jesus in your life? Who picks you up when you fall?

If so, you can be born again. Realize who you are in Christ, by saying a simple prayer. And become like the image of God. You see you are born into sin, and only a savior can reunite you with the creator. Don't let sin stand in the way, let Jesus do what you never could. Be reunited with God, become a spitting image of the Christ of the Bible, and show love-the only true characteristic that no one can counterfeit. For God is love, anything else is just an emotion. Tyres didn't make the bike, it was the rider. Who is control of you ride today? John Lennon wrote Imagine, you don't have to. He made the wrong choice, and now knows there is a hell. Jesus is waiting to show you the Father right now. And no two week wait or higher prices. Check out of religion and into Jesus today.

In His image. Not just an advertising slogan, the truth. And only one can promise the truth-the only one who is the truth. Choose Him now and use all of the life He promises-abundant and full. And doesn't wear out like the tires I wear out today. And even though He is not on Craiglist, no one can offer a deal like He does.

Just looking at some kids you can tell who their father is? Who do we see when we look at you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

look at all the money I saved by doing it myself

Can be easily assembled using hand tools. These seven words are words that have come to strike fear in me when I see them. And even more fear when I overstep my bounds and try to use them. That one line statement leading me into temptation, the idea that I could assemble anything has led to more heartbreak, personal injury, laughter on my audience's part, and personal embarrassment than should be legal. I'd like to think I have the following the instructions part down, it is just the fact that once a tool hits my hands, it goes from tool to weapon. And assaults anything that it comes in contact with.

I have shared how the one hour job of installing a garage door opener turned into an all day torture test, including the throwing of many tools, and cursing the makers of the garage door. I have turned a simple oil change into an ecological disaster by not putting the drain plug back in, and watching as the fresh oil coated the floor. And made it worse by trying to hose it off! So many of my sincere attempts have ended up in curiously placed stickers to cover up gouges and scratches-not put there by the factory.

And I would like this to serve as a warning to those who ask me to fix things-it is for your benefit that I decline the offer to injure myself-both emotionally and physically. Or inflict more damage than you started with. And it is sad, but somewhere between my brain wanting and knowing what to do, the hands don't get it. Or maybe they do and have a mind of their own.

Ten years ago we took a trip in our Mustang GT. A Christmas trip, that started by a tumbleweed invading our car-came right in between the roof and windshield. Then to make matters worse, I was hot lapping down the mountain-with my sons yelling encouragement, and my wife yelling at me. And I blew a rear tire. Not pretty watching me try to remove lug nuts over tightened by some monkey with an air wrench. But I wasn't done yet. When it got dark, the lights would turn on-but I couldn't turn them off. Stopping at a Burger King, when we went in to eat, we had to leave them on. And people in the restaurant starting commenting, not knowing we owned the car. With the time it took to eat a Whopper, we went from hunger-to anger-to embarrassment-and finally to laughter, as the whole thing really was funny. And when stopping at our destination for the night, simply removed the fuse, and the lights went out. Or actually, Andrew removed the fuse-I wanted to make sure the lights would work again. I actually dropped the fuse, and we had to look anyway for it the next morning.

Recently one of the press fleet bikes had a check engine light, and Mickey told me what is was over the phone. Then the fear set in-it's an easy fix-just remove the instruments, remove the seat, then remove the tank. Move wiring harness to access the wires to the o2 sensor, then reattach them. Right!

And I had taken it apart, when Andrew showed up, and fixed it in about two minutes. Later when I called Mickey back, he told me now you are an official mechanic. And when I jokingly asked him what to do with the extra nuts and bolts, he told me they saved them for the next bike. Just think of all the money the factory could save if I assisted in putting things back together.

I have learned over the years it is easier, and cheaper to let someone who knows what they are doing fix things for me, and pay them. And I have learned in the things of God to let Him handle them. I find nowhere in scripture where God asks for my help, or asks my opinion, or consults with me before making a decision. At that is a true blessing. So I caution you to not say "Mike says." Imagine God, faced with all the people who ever lived, making a way for each of us to get to heaven, that was individual, and custom made-just for us. Imagine the problems it would cause if your way was different than mine, easier, or mine was easier than yours. Not even the best advisors, religious and professional could keep up with that. If nothing else imagine the bookkeeping problem it would cause in heaven, even before computers. So God decided to make it simple, and call it the gospel-good news. And personal, intimate, and individual at the same time. The instructions are as follows. NO hand tools needed.

1-realize you are a sinner, and need a savior.

2-confess your sin to Jesus, and realize His deity. He is God incarnate.

3-give Him your heart-be born again He calls it, ask Him into your life.

4-trust Him with your life. Now, go live! Four easy steps, in any language, and I bet you could even use drawings if necessary. The beauty of God's love for us made simple, so that no skills, education, social standing, or religious training is needed. Just a heart that realizes you need Jesus. And watch as your life changes because now God is an active part of it.

If only someone could build a car or motorcycle like that. Where it was simple enough for all our needs, yet brought infinite joy. That never broke, and kept me from having to fix it. Unfortunately the only perfection is found in God, and nothing man made-that is why things come with a warranty. So God gives you a warranty too, a lifetime warranty. When you sin, He forgives you. And guarantees to take you to heaven. And fixes the problems you give Him when you follow His directions.

It is called John3:16. Read it, keep it handy, in case you or someone else needs it. And when you have something needing repairs, call the creator-a heavenly designer who know how it was built, and how to fix it. All parts always in stock, and His shop is open 24/7. Even on Christmas!

And watch as your "honey do" of problems turns into a "Jesus did" testimony. And He still does today. Believe in miracles-just look at my garage door! Still working-now that's a miracle!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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