if you want home cooking stay home

When traveling how do you know how to pick a good restaurant? The old adage about truck drivers eating there I found to be an urban legend-the most important criteria to them is can they park their truck. And in a land that is saturated with chains of all sorts-what do you do? Over the years I have put together a criteria for eating on the road, and this is how it qualifies a great Mexican restaurant. Note rules are not hard and fast-but they work for me.

I have learned, stay away from modern, brightly colored buildings. Old houses are best. When these places try to capture the flavor of Mexico in their over decorated establishment, they end up hiring cooks for minimum wage. The allure of free chips and salsa can be inviting, but rubbery tacos and latex chicken aren't the way to go. The name can make a difference, avoid names like El Cid, or named after an animal-Iguana's for instance. Look for a names like La Cocina-kitchen, or La Buena Vida. Best bets may be named after the cook, extra points if it is a female. Mamacitas tend to make the best Mexican food, look for names like Dolores Kitchen, Maria's, and Francisco's-yes I know it is a male name, but his wife does the cooking.

Avoid the ones by the freeway exits. Go downtown, and avoid the trendy looking ones. The best ones seem to be found also on the edge of town, where parking is where you can, usually gravel and dirt, and the building may be an old house. Inside decor to avoid-white linen table cloths! Floors shouldn't be carpeted, as you never get the salsa out of them. Vinyl on floors and tablecloths is easier to clean. Velvet paintings can be a lure, avoid pictures of Pancho Villa or El Vis, but doesn't mean the food isn't authentic. Look for family pictures, graduation notices and communion memories, an area for local business cards, and a cashier who is part of the family. Mom cooks, dad runs the register, and the kids serve. We all enjoy.

Finally the menu. Real Mexican food is not served with wine. Sorry trendy folks-it is cold Coke or maybe a cerveza. Used to cool the palate instead of get drunk. And look for family favorites-usually under some spilled, hard salsa on the laminated menu. Handwritten menu boards offer the daily specials. I have found the more basic the food, the better. Gourmet and Mexico just shouldn't role off the same tongue-at least not together in the same restaurant. And no big screen TVs. Look for a small one, even one with an antenna, where the waitresses sit at watching in between customers. In Espanol. A Mexican soap opera or futbol. Black and white-extra points. Silverware-you got a knife and fork-who says they have to match? And napkins are paper. Never ask is the chili hot. So how do you know where to find this mythical place? You ask.

One night in Salinas, we asked the girl working the motel desk where to get some good Mexican food. After naming some local chains, I pushed for real food, where the hardcore locals go. With a warning, we were directed to a place that most would not go to. On a main street, but dark, the streetlight was out, an old looking building that screamed "paint me please", potholes so big trucks were leaning and Toyotas were wary, and most of the sign lights out for the night. Looks fine to me. Walking in, Theresa had already told the boys "stay close and don't touch anything," we were greeted by a mamacita, making tortillas, and a room filled with empty deli style coolers. Seems they sold them on the side, or in this case the entry way. Spanish was the main language, and as a waitress took us to a table, a few looked up, probably wondering how some gringos had invaded their cocina/cooler store, must touristas that are lost. Ordering from the menu basic stuff-Theresa judges by rice and beans, and me by carne asada, only if adobada isn't available, we had this great meal. FRESH tortillas, cold Cokes, and great chips and salsa. Not quite the touristy trap, definitely not Taco Bell, the tables leaned a bit, the bugs had names like Pepe or El Grande, and this place won't meet Sunset magazines criteria, but it was what we wanted. And the food and the experience were incredible. And somehow we fit right in! The only downer-I forget the name of it! I remember how to get there, and only saw the place once in the dark-no street lights-but look every time I get off the highway in Salinas. I am sure it is still there, and not replaced by some chain. No sense starting a Mexican revolution over a restaurant when the people approve.

Fitting right in is also a good thing when looking for a church. If the people are friendly, the pastor right on, and the music fun and a spirit of worship is found-you have found a home. Using similar criteria to finding a good restaurant, I have found that asking another Christian where they go is the best thing. And go with them-so you are not a stranger-you at least know someone! Motorcycle parked out front are a plus. But the most important criteria-I saved for last.
For when we look for somewhere to eat, repair our car, fix our bikes, or worship, we pray first. And God has always been faithful to send us to great places. Some think it is a sixth sense, but it should be your first sense. And will even exceed an overwhelming sense of common-which usually isn't.

Where you eat, and feed is important. And who you do it with is also. Worship local, eat local-but when on the road-take the same gospel that works at home with you, and find out that your away from home is someone else's home-and be welcomed by them. The best meal of your life may be your next one, and the best message ever one service away.

Pray, obey, and follow. Works great for food, and even better with God. And who knows better about good places to eat than Jesus Himself!

And if the waitress knows what sopapillas are, save some room for a couple. Good food, like the gospel, are always good news.

Do you want red or green with that?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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trees company

Stu and I met a fellow rider, Bruce, yesterday. A Gold Wing rider, we got into rides we had taken, and who we had taken them with. Although we all have the love of motorcycles in common, you never know about the other guy until you've ridden with him, but I think I would like to ride with Bruce. We got talking about group rides, which I will only do under pressure-too many rules, questionable rider skills, and you only go as fast as the slowest rider. Who probably shouldn't be riding-and I probably shouldn't be riding with him. So I have a courtesy rule when I ride with others. So that we all enjoy our ride, I emphasize "ride your own ride!" And it works, and Theresa, the group I usually ride with, will agree. We stay together when we can, but when the road gets curvy, I take off, so I can enjoy the road at my pace, and she rides at her pace. We both enjoy the ride more this way. And we have a destination to meet, never very far off, so we can hook up again. Just in case you think she rides slow, let me tell you that Harley riders who bought into the image, Gold Wing riders who never exceed 55, and others who take up space on the road are passed by her. We have nothing against you riding your ride, but give us the same courtesy! We love the freedom of riding-we wonder if you ever have, or will!

Individuals, each riding a motorcycle, but each different. I love it when I hear someone drop a name I know, hearing "I ride with them," only to find the person is a "hanger onner," a poser, who might ride with this person, but not "with" this person. There is a difference, and just riding with him doesn't mean his skills will rub off on you. Squids-lousy riders who ride over their heads, will always find a place to be one, posers the same, and those of us who like to ride will suffer because of them. You may not hear us laughing inside our Arais, but soon that laugh turns to bitterness, and we just gotta leave you behind, so we can ride our ride. Maybe we should introduce them to golf, didn't Harley used to make golf carts?

Riding your own ride is not a new concept, and also applies to life choices. Two men, with the only thing in common, a tree they died on, were both with Jesus, but only one was with Jesus, and took different routes. Different choices, and it made a difference. Judas, the treasurer of the 12 apostles, after handing Jesus over to the Romans, went out and took his own life. The guy you thought had it made because he was with Jesus daily, ended up hanging from a tree, he died, the rope broke, and his guts splashed out all over the ground. After spending 3 1/2 years with Jesus, seeing the miracles, feeling the love, and seeing other lives changed, never saw Him as God. Never rode with Him. Only from a worldly perspective, and then sold Him out for 30 pieces of silver, the price paid for a slave. Both eating their last meal together, only Jesus realizing it was their last, He still loved Judas, but Judas chose to deny Him. And paid the ultimate price. Posers take note!

Another man, also died on a tree, the thief on the cross. And up until his meeting Jesus while both are being crucified, never had much interest in Jesus. Didn't know the man, but had heard of Him. Not having spent the time with Him Judas did, and an unlikely candidate for heaven, when confronted with death, and hell for his sinful life, cried out "Jesus, Son of God, SAVE ME!" And Jesus comforted him with the assurance that tonight he would be with Him in paradise. Two men, both hung on trees, who made a choice that had eternal consequences. Each riding their own ride, until faced with who Jesus is-one chose death, the other life. Both were with Him, but only one is with Him in eternity!

Who you ride with is important. And the wrong choice can make a great road terrible, and a good rider miserable. But on a bad road, your skills will change all that. Ride your own race! Not theirs! Check the road you are on-are other riders getting between you and the joy of riding? Do their lack of skills and consideration turn into accusations such as you ride too fast, or won't wait? Is it never their fault they aren't having fun? Losers always have time for excuses. And are other people getting between you and God, because you rather live a life of righteousness rather than sin? Are their rules corrupting your morals?

Ride your own ride-meet those who ride like you and enjoy the roads more-and watch as your roadside conversations even are more enjoyable. And when it comes to Jesus, don't let the scoffers get between you and Him. Your fellowship with suffer, and ultimately you will have to make a decision on who you believe in. Are you like Judas, a poser, who missed it? Or are you like the thief, who when he finally met Jesus, decided to spend life in eternity with Him? Both ended up hanging from a tree-but only one awoke in heaven!

Riding partners are an important choice, but heavenly partners are even more important! Who you choose, will impact the road you are on, and where it leads. Two men and two bikes. Two men and two trees. The difference is always Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

though shalt have no other gods before you

I had an interesting trip to see the doctor yesterday. Due to being hit twice last year while riding, my legs hurt, and are weak-especially going up stairs, walking, and bending. So when I went to see the doctor, guess what exercises are the only ones he didn't make me do? Practice medicine? I guess another trip for evaluation is forthcoming. But even more amazing were the magazines. Not the usual propaganda about mother's milk, and the horrors of green veggies. No telling stories of obesity, or the threat of fluoride. No pretty tri-athletes telling me how good I can have it if I only live like them. Nope, they had real magazines-with pictures and everything. Real magazines-and shock of all shocks-they were current. So I grabbed a Sports Illustrated, which I hadn't read in years, very thin, I thought it was a brochure at first, and quickly looked at the pictures. Until the last page, where an article caught my attention, so I read it-twice. It talked about NFL players, and how they have found that for every year played, their lives were shortened proportionately. At 40, their bodies taking on the characteristics of a 65 year old. It was that dramatic. We have seen how concussions have been in the headlines for the past few years, but this went beyond.

Seems that the commissioner wants an 18 game season, "for the fans," he insists. Even though he is aware that blood on Sunday means bruises on Tuesday, he is pushing for it. For the fans, although since revenues are significantly lower for pre-season games, by making them part of the season, revenues will increase-paid for by the fans. For the fans. And one player shared that how at 33, his career was over due to knee injuries. Washed up. And how when he was supposed to be in the twilight of his career, but still young, instead of taking his kids to school, and playing with them, and being more of a presence as a dad, he was spending six weeks in a recovery center due to the surgeries. And will learn to walk with a cane. In pain. And was in with the senior citizens, who he had little in common with. He liked the older folks, but one day when a lady said, "hey, aren't you Mrs. Jones boy?" it hit him how much the game had taken from him. From NFL receiver to the Jones boy. It took only a few short years, and he wondered the value of it, as he hobbled, leaning against the railing on the wall. He had given his body-for the fans.

"Oh that boy, that's Joe and Mary's kid. He's down here a lot lately asking questions. But they aren't the kind you ask if you don't know, but the kind you ask if you are questioning our integrity. It's like he knows the answers before He asks. These same men come to hear Him everyday, He has established quite a following-fans of a sort." And as the visiting Pharisee nodded in agreement, he too wanted to listen more, as he had also heard of Jesus, but his duties under the many laws of the Pharisees precluded such a time. But still fascinated by what he heard this teenager say, he wondered-"how could he know so much at such a young age? And why was he here, with a group of older men, in the temple, when he should be out hangin' with his friends-or even at work with his dad-they were carpenters, reputation had it they made some great yokes for the farmer's oxen. How could this tradesman know so much about the things of God? Weren't those things reserved for the special ones like us?" Someday, he would like to meet him. Maybe talk with Him alone. Without the other Pharisees, His fans, gathered around Him.

Someday usually doesn't come, although God is patient. These divine interventions, these chance meetings, are choreographed by God for you to meet His son Jesus. But some are too busy. "Hey, I know his parents, heard a rumor that said Joe wasn't his real dad." Maybe later, when I am done with my career, and have time. "I don't know, this religious thing-for kids and old ladies-LOL!" "I thought they had rules-how can this kid teach among such great religious men as the Pharisees? Maybe they aren't as perfect as they tell everyone they are. Hypocrites!" Losers always have time for excuses.

And I could go on, but we have all made these same lame excuses about Jesus. So I'm going to ask-are you saved? Have you met Jesus, and given your life to Him? If not, you are lost! Those are God's words, not mine. And you need Him! Right now is that divine intervention-that time that God wants to hear from you! He is asking, "Who do you say Jesus is?"

He is patient-and even though Peter, a tough, old fisherman, denied Jesus three times to a little girl, when confronted by a resurrected Christ, He was found fit to minister-a short time later sharing at Pentecost and seeing 3000 come to Christ. You may not be a Peter, but wouldn't it be nice to go to sleep tonight knowing that if you died in your sleep, heaven awaits? Or are you afraid of what your friends, team mates, wife, or church may say? Do it soon, for Jesus only made it to 33 himself before He was crucified, His career cut short. Tomorrow is promised for no man.

I imagine the doctor will get another chance with me, hopefully some stair tests this time, and there will be more magazines to read there. And the NFL will carry on-for the good of the fans, although sacrificing the player's health. Just two more games per season-just a few more steps along the wall, just a few years more with a cane. And maybe another opportunity in the season of your life to meet Jesus.

Jesus Christ-who gave it all-for His fans. And long before they even knew they were. While we were yet sinners, He died for us. He may be Joe and Mary's kid, but God's only son. The only way to heaven.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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helpful hints

Dear Sir:

Two weeks ago I was laid off my job. I came home to find my wife in the arms of another man. As I stumbled from the house, I saw my children being carried away by some fiend. On my way to summon the police, I was beaten and robbed. I am cold, hungry, and thoroughly desperate. I sometimes say to myself "if I knew how to tie a hangman's knot, I would end it all." What should I do?-Anonymous

Simple. A hangman's knot is tied thusly, right over left, left around right,and under. 3/4 hemp is suggested. Good luck!

Problem not solved!

Mickey and I were talking the other day about people trying to fix things and making them worse. Sometimes by self inflicting the wound by thinking they know how to do it, or by paying someone who claims to be a professional, but isn't. Note-time on job doesn't count. Knowing what to do does. Years ago I sent a friend who had a Bonneville to him. This guy was a self proclaimed Bonneville expert, even ran a Bonne blog. He had butchered the crabs and intake so bad , the bike would barely run. When told the carburators were no good, he had them apart and put them back together wrong, he deemed Mickey stupid, a rip off, and thus trailered his bike out. Felony stupidity-self inflicted. Just because you don't like or can't afford the answer, just shows your ignorance, not his.

We were laughing about a trike he has there now. The owner had spent $4000, although bike in warranty, they told him he had messed something up himself, voiding the warranty. A cooling issue. After pressure testing the cooling system, he found a bad o ring-a warranty item, and fixed it. Why couldn't this trained factory tech do the same thing?

I also watched my friend and crew chief Don fix a cooling problem one time in the pits. While getting fuel, the truck started to overheat. While everyone else stumbled around, he calmly climbed up to the radiator, adn opened a bleeding valve-one he installed for just such a situation. Thirty seconds later, the truck was back on the track.

Sadly, too many are going for the rope, rather then finding the problem. Solving the symptoms, not the cause. Many rely on the ten commandments to live their lives. good ideas, four to tell about relationships with God, and six for man, but one thing is missing-there is no salvation found in them. And trying to keep them only drives you crazier, as you will always have problems. Sin will always be sin, no matter if it is legalized or not. It takes a savior, someone to pay the price, to correct the problem. And when all else failed, God sent Jesus. He came down to us, unlike any other god, who demands we go to him. We love Him, because He loved us first.

He knows where the bleeder valve is when we have pressure in our lives. When the weight of sin is too heavy, He offers to take it upon Himself, from your shoulders. When you lose your job, He still meets your needs. When your marriage falls apart, He is there to support, console, and show you how to put it back together-better than before. He protects us from harm, and delivers us from evil. All without ttying one knot, but binding us together in the spirit.

And when you decide to finally get your life fixed right, He is there. So ask yourself, "if I can't afford to pay the price to do it right the first time, where will I get the money to fix it right the second?" Solving life's problems is not an opinion poll. Sin will always rob us from God's blessings. Seek Jesus. Get tied in with a good church. If you ask for wise council, take it. And trust God, for He knows-and you obviously don't. Be assured His ways are not our ways, ask lots of questions, and trust Him. And if the bill seems too high, remember where he guided you, He will provide for you also.

Render unto your mechanic the things of a mechanic, and the things of God unto God.

Dear God-Thanks for your good advice. I took it, and found a better job, my wife repented, my children returned, and I am healed. I still can't tie a hangman's knot, but found something that binds even better.

love, Job.

When you find that special one who cuts your hair, fixes your bike, and cooks your food-don't lose them! And when He also gives you eternal life, worship Him forever!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

missed by that much

Do you know what a Check Engine Light is for? Not like a woman who drove in once with the light on, and said she had lifted the hood and the engine was there-so the light must be wrong. Do you know? In a world of a computer controlled cars-since the late 80's they have been to a certain extent, today cars function as a computer controlled machine. And when they work, it is a beautiful thing. For example-

Think of your car as self tuning. It is designed to run within certain parameters, and the engine control unit makes adjustments based on input from various sensors. This goes on 100's of times per second, all without your knowledge. If it can't bring the car into the specs, a check engine light comes on, telling the car I cannot fix the problem. I have done all I am trained to do, and it isn't enough. Say 1-10 are your parameters. A 10.1 or a .9 will set the light. May not be catastrophic, but is still outside of the parameters set. So you have two fixes available-find the cause, which component is defective, or change the parameters.

And not just anyone can solve the problem. Any shop can buy the scanner, but only the factory with its training and updates know what to do. And in many cases, they just change the parameters-software updates they are referred too. And if you are not in the factory loop, you don't know about them-so you cannot fix the problem, or eliminate the symptom.

Human beings have a check engine light also, it is called a conscience. It is installed by God at birth, and how we deal with life shows how effectively it works. It is there to tell us when we are going wrong-sinning, and to warn us of problems ahead if we don't deal with it. And like a car, you have two solutions. One-note the sin, repent, and don't repeat it-turning off the light. Or change the parameters, most popular choice-it isn't your fault, and you can blame someone else, and still maintain your sinful life. Going on as if nothing is wrong, but the creator, God knows. He warns-a little leaven will go through the whole loaf, leaven referring to sin. Sadly I have watched as so-called good men succumb to it.

You see it can be harmful to warn others of sin. It upsets them-hurts their pride. Which can reduce membership numbers, and reflects in income. So what if morals are changed-we will make rules. And given the choice, I'll stick with my morals-you can have your rules. And as I look around, I find that morals can put you in a isolated situation, but your isolation is with God.

Did you know that you, and God are a majority? That following Him may be tough, but sure beats second? And you will never find joy and blessings without Him?

Jus a simple, misunderstood light, that can cause so much trouble. Is your light on today? Or is Jesus that light? Long after patting ourselves on the back about growth, income, and bragging on what we did, God is still patient, and the light is still on. A check engine light rarely leaves you stuck, but sin will. Take the time now, and see why the light is on, and why the light of Jesus isn't.

True believers, those who really seek God will find Him. And it may be inconvenient. The rest of you, the light is on, but no Holy spirit is home. Your comfort zone isn't in the spirit. So keep making those adjustments for sin, and to sin. Follow the party line, not the straight and narrow one. Miss the message, and so shoot the messenger. You see when asked, "where did you receive those wounds?" Jesus replied, "in the house of my friends." And sadly, many of us bear the marks like Jesus, from so-called Christian clubs or churches, or worse yet, individuals claiming "in His service." Woe to them, for He also says, "be gone, I never knew you." Harsh words, but truth-they never knew Him either. Knowing about Him doesn't matter.

Only in Christ, can you "do all things." Not your will, but His. When I am weakest, He is strongest. His power is perfection and shows more in my weakness. Truly His grace is sufficient.

Sin-living outside God's parameters. In His mercy He wants you to reunite with Him. And only in grace, His grace, can you. No self help, works, attendance, or giving can earn it. It's a gift. His truth will set you free? Have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth?

Let God be true, and every man a liar.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

pin heads

Not many of you know, but I used to be a pretty fair bowler. I bowled in high school, in my Before Christ days, and was actually part of a league. I had bowled, out of sheer boredom, one winter, with an after school high school league. Didn't have my license yet, so no bike to ride, and NJ has lousy winters. My averages were OK, I actually bowled a 248 once, and followed it up with a 276. In rented shoes, using one of the lane balls. And never went back, couldn't, as we took their shoes home with us to celebrate and were afraid to go back-we still feared the law back then.

But my friend Bruce-state champ heavyweight wrestler, greaser, and original rebel thought we should be in a real league, so he signed us up-a men's triplicate league at Blue Star. A cast of characters akin to Animal House for bowling, we were forever in last place-48th out of 48. Brian, aka Brains, aka the Perfessor, who was known for wearing this black mask, and standing on Jerusalem Road flagging down people and bumming cigarettes. His nickname, Joshua Jeremy, talking Ebonics before they were perfected. And he played it well.

Bruce was buff before it became trendy. He didn't need to work out, and was a state champ wrestler two years in a row, 178 and then heavyweight, but was also known for walking around with his Marlboros rolled up in his sleeves, and one behind his ear. In school. To gym class and practice. He actually smoked in the boys room! Things that just weren't done in high school in Scotch Plains in the 70's. But being a state champ, and undefeated, he got away with it. For the team, or so we joked. He also had a girlfriend, Patricia, and a '63 Fairlane, named the Patricia II. Why Patricia II you ask? Patricia his girlfriend was Patricia I! He was also our worst bowler. While I would average in the 160 range, and Brains might hit 100, the closest Bruce might get to 100 was in the 80s. Seems a pin in wrestling and pins in bowling were two different things. But the way he bowled, closer than you may think.

What he lacked in skill, he made up for in style. Big handed, he had trouble finding a ball to fit his hands, and would bowl without putting his thumb in a hole. Which meant the ball would land 15-20' down the alley, and bounce. Think of a slow pitch in softball. With a 16 pound ball. Somehow avoiding the pins. His low score was something like a 24. Try to do that sometime. Consistently. But what he lacked in style, he made up for in strength. Back then the seating at the ends of the alleys was shaped like a horseshoe, with these hard plastic, curved benches and if you looked at it, you could imagine throwing a ball and it whipping around and down an alley. Throw the ball hard enough, it could follow the curve of the seats, and go down the lane next you that your back was to. Which Bruce did one night, when confronted with the challenge, and never being one to pass up a chance for fun and adventure, and actually knocked down some pins-in the wrong lane! Hallowed seats, that some refused to sit in-just in case Bruce tried it again, going for the ever allusive spare. But even bowlers of our caliber would get frustrated with our game, and one night Bruce in a fit of rage threw a ball side ways towards the pins-hitting them on the fly! If there was ever an X-Games for bowling, he would have been state champ in that too!

Perhaps the closest we came to being complimented for our weekly 48th place finish, was at one meeting we suggested a trophy for low scores, just like the ones the serious guys had for high scores. We were told that this was a competitive league, and that this would not be fair to the other teams. At least we thought it was a compliment.

We also had a certain look, a style or lack of,that the others didn't. Bruce had this beautiful calligraphy like handwriting and made us these neat bowling shirts-actually t-shirts. While the others had these embroidered shirts, with collars and buttons, we had white t-shirts, that had our names written across the chest, and on the back-in blue magic marker. That the first time they were washed ran, but gave it a cool effect, sort of like the air brushed gang writing. But we were there every week in them, wearing the shoes we borrowed/stole from the other bowling alley-ready to strike terror into the hearts of any true bowler.

I almost forgot Bruce's step dad, who came to cheer us on. A man's man, unlike Bruce he was a good bowler. But had a style of his own. He worked in a machine shop, and an accident with a press had cut off both his feet-right in front of the ankles. He wore regular shoes, so you couldn't tell, but walked like he was on stilts-he had no feet-and was literally on his heels. A big, tough man-no one ever laughed at his bowling-at least not to his face. Like a ballerina-but on his heels, he bounced down the lane, and was actually a pretty fair bowler. And for one winter, this was my Wednesday night activity-and sadly like our team at Union College, when it was time to sign up for next year, we were told they were full. Nipped in the bud-just as the team was finally coming together!

But yet we were a team, and although we never tasted victory together, we somehow enjoyed our defeats. We had fun-something the others didn't-remember this was a competitive league with cash prizes, and we were way out of the money. In talking with other Christians, I find we forget that we are not in competition against them, we all share the same team colors-Jesus. With the same payout-heaven. And no matter if Lutheran, Catholic, Calvary Chapel, or Baptist-it is all about Jesus! And we need to remember that church growth is not based on stealing members from other churches-but seeing souls saved and ADDED to our numbers. And it is God who does it, just like in Acts 2. Peter preached, and 3000 were added, but it was God who added them. Unlike the Triplicate League, with a finite number of teams, heaven is big enough for everyone-if they only accept God. And unlike our three man team, God's team, the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always in first place. But prefer to hang with those in last place, or near the bottom. That's love-and why I feel so comfortable among guys like my old bowling team. I can be myself, yet be their friend, and share Jesus by my lifestyle, and how I choose to live. And have fun! Meeting people who would never go to church, because of church people, but still needing to hear the gospel.

So whether riding, bowling, golfing, or playing ball, represent Jesus. Be a light, and be available. You may be the only Bible they ever read, or the only church they attend. Show compassion, listen and love them-just like Jesus loved you when you were lost. And watch as the pews fill, people get saved, and you enjoy your walk with Jesus even more.

Who would have thought that a 16 year old in stolen bowling shoes with this cast of characters would end up a Christian and serving God? Jesus knew-and He is not through yet. Seek Him while He still can be found. A good place is near the sick, the needy, the junkies, and the downtrodden bikers. He is there because He wants to be-the well-aka the saved, don't need a doctor.

Let Him be number one in your life. His truth is everlasting, and consistent. Join with Him today. Strike or spare-He is the elusive 300 game for your life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

heaven-freedom from fear

"They called her melancholy baby-she has a head like a melon, and a face like a collie," goes an old joke from the 1920's. And today I feel a bit melancholy, not because of any physical features, but because of a sadness of the heart. Ballerini called yesterday, and told us they had just returned from the doctor. Her husband Lee has a tumor on his liver-cancerous, and they cannot operate. With medication, he has a year to live, without-six months. And it makes me think, maybe I didn't have such a bad day after all.

Back in the 60's a show was on called "Run for Your Life," where a lawyer is given one to two years to live. So he hits the road, doing all the things he never could, funny how when faced with mortality, we have money to do all the things we couldn't afford before. And soon has lost his fear of death, and has found a new sense of time. Sorta a bucket list, before the movie made the term popular. Impending death has a way of straightening out out priorities, and exposing our temporalness, and mortality. When confronted with the finality of death, our hearts change, and hopefully we turn to God. Many say they do, but the evidence tells us otherwise. Are you sure you are going to heaven?

Live for today, and don't worry about tomorrow goes the old song. And if you live for Jesus, you don't worry about tomorrow. For you know where your final destination is-heaven. But sadly, so many think they are going to heaven, when they are not. Born in the USA, having Christian parents, going to church , and good works don't get you in. Only believing in Jesus and repenting does. Church membership-no. These things are between you and God. Tithing and gifts to the church-sorry, not scriptural. Can't buy me love. It takes Jesus. And an old scriptural based saying maybe brings it into a better perspective. Die once, live twice. Be born again, of the spirit, and you will be found innocent on judgment day. But die twice, you only lived once. It is the judgment, and eternal damnation-death and hell. No second chances-you had them while here on earth. Finality-one for life, one for death. Somber words for the dying-an encouragement for the living.

So why do I feel melancholy? Perhaps it is a selfish feeling, for I miss those who have died. And I love Lee and Suzie. I miss my Grandpa sometimes, he was a cool man. But he knew Jesus, and I am encouraged by King David's words about the death of his son, "I can go to him, but he cannot come to me." His son of course, in heaven. With my Grandpa, now how cool is that? The hippie generation had a saying, "today is the first day of the rest your life," but what if it is your last? No one sets out to get cancer, to get leukemia, to be in a motorcycle accident. "What a beautiful day, think I get hurt." No one knows, not even the condemned person, their death date, for these things are so precious that God keeps them to himself.

Tomorrow is promised to no man. To me that makes today that much more special. I think I am going to just go out and enjoy myself. Be a blessing to those I encounter. Wear a smile instead of a frown, for I know where I am going when I die-and I can't wait to get there. And when others ask how I can smile in the face of adversity, I will tell them about Jesus, and the plan he offers. You don't have to go to hell!

And to Lee and Suzie, heaven awaits, and I know you both know that. You may be separated for awhile, but the same Jesus that meets your needs for both of you on earth, will continue to meet them while separated. God's love doesn't end for those who believe at death, but the reward begins. My advice, enjoy every day, for He says "this is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Share those blessings with everyone you come in contact with, for not all can say that. Keep your eyes focused on that cross at Calvary, the empty one. The victory is won! And remember the empty tomb, and know that because Jesus was resurrected, so you will be, too.

For me, I wish there were only two days in the year-Christmas and Saturday. Both days of fun, and celebration, away from the world and its cares. Days to go riding and spend with my family. Days off. Six months isn't a long time, but compared to eternity, just a few seconds. Enjoy the time God has given you, for joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God! And from a heavenly perspective, maybe that old hippie saying is right-but only for those who believe!

And if you happen to own a collie, or a dog with a head like a melon, well..... and did you know the TV series ran for more years than the doctor had promised him he had left to live!

Jesus-don't leave home without Him!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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