hecho en california

God's timing is perfect. So, the next time you question it, consider the following. What if Noah, was to build the ark in California, today? What if the world's first zookeeper, was faced with building the ark, in Los Angeles? First, don't they already have a zoo. Why do we need another? Can you imagine trying to get a building permit for an ark? Would that be an "other" on the application? Do you get a building permit, or a ship building permit? And how much it would cost? Fees? Ever try to explain an ark to someone who has never seen one? How about an environmental impact study? What about all the little critters that would be displaced? When you are trying to really rescue them? The unions-you know they would want a part of the action, what only one employee? Are you sure your articles of incorporation are filed correctly? And animal control would have a field day passing out tickets for dealing with endangered species. Who would supply the lumber? Beaver wood would have to be imported, could take weeks to get it through customs. And what ships would bring it? At a proposed 450' x 75' x 45', until 1884 it would have been the largest water going vessel ever built. Is there room in Long Beach by the Queen Mary? And the neighbors want to know if it will block their view? How will it effect their property values?

Can you imagine the SCE bill each month? For 120 years? Can you imagine the design for waste water control? Were the roads to the ark improved? Did he have a fire plan, and an evacuation plan? What about exotic animal permits? How many semi-trailers of food would he need to take with him? Does he have a restaurant license? Would food and beverage have to make sure he had a three tub sink? Were the correct alarms installed, and were the police notified? And finally, was there access for the handicapped? Did he plan for wheelchair access? Who will handle your publicity campaign? Make sure you have at least one from each minority-or we will shut you down-and they call that affirmative action? Did you mention God? Great. Are the Muslims going to be allowed to build one next to it?

And where would he ever get the funding for the ark? What would their line of credit be? And can you see the board of equalization's eyes light up when it comes time to levy a tax on it? Recreational, residential, or industrial? Ask DMV. Would he need license plates? A boating license, and life preservers? Did he know CPR? And the neighbors would like to know, are you going to work on that at night? Another permit.

And what took one man only 120 years, may still be held up in committee. Just can't have an ark built anywhere, soon others will build one, and pretty soon we have an ark-a -demic! Sorry, Noah, can't do it. Try again next year, the council just isn't pro growth this year.

And you ask yourself, is there nothing that man, left to his own elements, cannot screw up beyond recognition? Maybe that is why the second law of thermodynamics disproves evolution and its convoluted theory. It simply states that everything is in a constant state of atrophy-in other words, it is getting smaller, not evolving. Look around, if you ever need an example, look to any government for a sterling example. Be careful using the federal government-you will be overwhelmed. Evolution out of control.

So why do so many look to the government to help-they will eventually charge you, trust me- when God offers assistance for free? And can even help with the paper work? Maybe the small mind that cannot imagine the size of the ark, can not imagine the size of our God. If they can't figure it out, surely no one can, their pride tells them. Yet, like the ark was designed to save 8 people, and restore them on a changed earth, today He promises Jesus to call us home, and then after seven years of no God on earth, restore it for 1000 years of perfection-one final chance to serve Him, before the new heaven and the new earth are created.

Like science fiction? Propose a story like this to your editor. And he'll love it, until you tell him it was written 2000 years ago, and is published in a best selling book. Take it to Hollywood, just don't tell them who inspired it. 3D? No comparison to God's dimensions. But yet the sad thing is, you could probably tell the story before the ark was ever built.

And so God did, at the right time build the ark. And at the right time send Jesus, while we were still sinners. And today is the day of salvation, the right time! You may have missed the ark, don't miss Jesus. You don't want to go to hell-I hear the paperwork is.....so don't! Accept Jesus-verbal applications only! Say yes today-I'd rather have my benevolent father watching than their big brother!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

store closings

It is a sad rule of doing business that stores will close. Going out of business sales have been going on as long as there have been businesses. But in the last few years, it has become epidemic, with the empty store fronts in malls and lining downtowns advertising a scary economic outlook. And every type of business is effected. In Orange County in the last 12 months, five motorcycle dealerships have gone under. With the only real final benefit to their customers is their going out of business sale. A time for us to buy things at greatly reduced prices we normally wouldn't. I really needed the flowered tank cover for my bike, yeah! And many times when they say liquidate, they mean stock, shelves, and racks-everything! And the closer the closing day becomes, the better the deals-but of course the lesser the variety.

And I have purchased many things I don't need, or wouldn't normally buy, because the price was right-too good to pass up. Seems everything has a price that seems like a bargain. And have heard many about to be unemployed, short term employees say "if business had been this good we never would have had to close." Not realizing every sale now was probably below cost, just to clear it out. And although the atmosphere is fun with the big discounts, driving by the empty store next week only leaves memories of where we hung on rainy Saturday mornings, or bought our new bikes, or watched as they were serviced. Times hanging with fellow riders, whose next ride will be to find a new hangout. Voids created on many levels, never to return. And even though we may find another store, it somehow isn't the same, and the discounts we got aren't worth the price we eventually paid.

I have never heard of a business that was set up to fail. The hopes and dreams of the store owner start out big, but somehow dwindle due to economies, poor management, bad timing, or just because it is a poor business. When attending court last week with a friend, whose son had a DUI, the halls of the court were lined with people. Some remorseful, yet some still stupid, describing stupid cops, or bad timing, when it was a bad decision they made to drink-theirs! Talking with two young guys, nice enough men, I said "look down the hall, everyone here represents a family that has unnecessary turmoil in their life because of drinking. The cost in the tens of thousands of lost time at work, and add in court costs, and maybe losing their jobs, can you explain to me why that drink was that good?"

And neither one could, but both were wanting to talk. "You're a Christian, aren't you?" When I admitted to it, I also asked if there was anything I could do to help. And found they had a lot to say. Peer pressure, anger, boredom, too much time on their hands-you name it, they all were sad excuses. And I left them with this thought, "have you ever met someone who had problems and drugs or alcohol solved them? Have you ever met a loser who drugs or alcohol turned into a winner?" And hopefully they think about it, before a next time occurs.

"It's only wine, or I have a designated driver. I can control it." How can you trust a fellow drinker, but not God? I tell people I choose not to drink. I would never be able to forgive myself if my family needed me and I couldn't be there because I had been drinking. Think about that next time you need a drink.

And this message isn't only for those non-Christians. People expect us to act like Christians, and not drink. No excuses-serve the bottle or serve God. Or like the hundreds in the hall that day, every day, who will end up before a judge. Where all will hear of your sin. Where it becomes public record. It isn't just personal anymore.

Like the business going under, there was a turning point they saw that the business was doomed. Don't reach that point in your life with drugs or alcohol. Call out to Jesus now, repent, and ask for His help. Before the out of business sign appears in your life. And it takes your family with it.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

we three kings of pop

Last weekend Christopher and I were supposed to get some great seat time riding. But, due to the weather, our seat time consisted of having a digitally remastered weekend instead. Visually and audio enhancing our time with old tunes, and old shows from the fifties, we had as good a time as you can have when not riding. And we were reminded of a few facts while visiting.

This month, if he had lived, would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday. So to celebrate it, Yoko issued an album of his favorite songs. Reissued, and remastered, somehow making the originals obsolete to his devoted fans. And in a past year of reissues, we talked of Michael Jackson's many reissued albums, and his meteoric rise-again-to number one the day after he died. How Elvis still sells so many albums, as do many others who have only one thing in common-they are all dead! And raking in millions of dollars for others to inherit. And in the cases of Lennon, Michael, and The King-their death was the thing that resurrected their careers. Lennon without the Beatles was too strange-Yoko OH NO! Michael was trying to make a comeback-he needed the money, and Elvis was making a comeback-he too needed cash. And in each case, their death was the career move they needed to re-establish themselves. May I hear a huge thank you from their families? Just knowing that Joe Jackson and the J5 will sleep and eat better tonight almost makes it all worthwhile. And affording Priscilla a facelift she will never forget-or will we.

But amazing as this all is, I can remember how amazed I was at the instant information deluging the TV when Elvis died. I was impressed with how the stations got reporters on the scene, and put together these documentaries. Until we visited with a friend who owned a station in Tucson. He explained that these pre-made documentaries are part of the station's library. And an untold number of biographies are available through the local affiliates. All you have to do is plug in the tape, and sit back and reminisce with your friends. Cool.

But he also explained how the stations have tapes explaining away the disappearance of a large number of people-all at once. The rapture, as Christians refer to it, and these tapes explain it from either a mass alien abduction-have you noticed the increased acknowledgement of UFOs lately by our government? Or pestilence, or even from atomic radiation, they have a ready explanation to lie to those who are left behind. And millions just waiting to buy into the lies. And just like the endless stories on Michael, you will hear how the world is better without these people-seems they were all Christians, always trying to tell us how to live. Now without them, we can live as we want, and live better. And for 3 1/2 years under anti-Christ they will, or think they will. Until they have no chance, and will have to bow down to him as God!

Far fetched? Science fiction? Can never happen? The Bible warns of wars and rumors of wars-watched the news today? How about strange weather? We now have hurricane seasons, tornadoes in New York, and earthquakes with tsunamis everywhere. Pestilence and disease? STDs and AIDS is out of control. African bees that cannot be stopped. And the worst-bedbugs-how do you stop them? Crime out of control, only when the way the statistics are gathered does it go down. Our world in economic chaos, and running out of food. All things predicted, some over 2000 years ago, without the help of the media.

Your choice, choose God now and escape the coming wrath-knowing the truth. Or watch it unfold digitally, and altered to represent Satan's truth.

Jesus understands death, and also resurrection after it. Life, not remastered tapes. He is the master-get in now on the live version! He died for you so you can live. The best thing that could have ever happened to you-so you could be reunited with God.

Jesus Christ-still drawing crowds since His resurrection in 33AD. 2000 years on the charts. Now that's a record not even Michael Jackson could match! I guess you could say that makes Him King! Of Kings!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the bottom line

I'm looking at a quote I got for tires yesterday. It used to be you got a price, and that was installed on the car, mounted and balanced as they say. But as I look at this quote, I am not sure what I bought, or was going to buy. Say the price of the tire is $93 each. x4=$372. Plus tax. But we aren't on the car-yet. Automatically listed on the bill is $39 for free replacement if one is damaged. Think of it as the store betting you won't damage one. Which is very rare. $7 environmental fee-beware the word fee-it is another tax that the government gets, along with sales tax. Plus another $52 for lifetime balance and valve. Valves still only cost around 25 cents each, and most people don't go back for balancing, until the car shakes because the tire is worn out, and your warranty will not cover replacement because of lack of maintenance. Ask a soccer mom was mounting and balancing is, or a valve stem. So-for only another $98 you get a set of tires, plus tax. They have added on another 37%, of mostly intangibles-peace of mind the insurance whores call it, and stand there telling you that you got a great deal. And they have the word discount in their name!

I have been in the automotive business since 1977, and have only ever seen a handful of tires replaced under warranty-and usually to placate a customer. For some reason, they are the most perfect item made by man, but still wear out prematurely when left in his hands, or on his car. And the warranty certificate on the back states it is up to their inspection, and then you must buy the same warranty for the new tire, and it goes on and on. Just like Costco makes most of their profit from memberships, and major electronics chains from selling extended warranties-the last year Circuit City was in business they wrote over $400 million in extended warranties. Selling paper! It seems the product is secondary, sell that insurance! Which you have to! Or so they let on!

A fair deal is where both parties benefit, and when standing there with all cords showing on the tire you paid to lifetime balance, but didn't, they got you. And you just got an education that most don't know, so go in armed next time, and negotiate! Down-I want a discount, meet the competition's price like your sign says. Earn my business!

As Christians we are told to spread the gospel. But I have found an important aspect is earning the right to share Jesus. Listen, be compassionate, and share the gospel, then if you have to, use words. A saying says "they will listen to what you share, when they know how much you care." I watched a preacher interrupting some firemen this summer, and had nothing in common to talk with them. I stood by, but he wouldn't make eye contact with me, he was so focused on telling these men the gospel. On deaf, and unhearing ears. They wee with their families at a picnic! Holding the food they stood in line for. The spirit was not in his words, he had an agenda-his own. Just like selling the aftermarket warranties. Yes-they need to hear the gospel, and yes, we need to take it out. But God-gives us the words and audience He wants us to have. So sad, but so many have shot the messenger because he didn't earn the right. A chance to minister, blown by some misguided theory.

Why did Peter go from denial to a little girl, three times, to 3000 saved on Pentecost? The spirit was upon him. It is not us, or our words, but the spirit that gives life. And we are to be a witness, and should never have to go out witnessing! Our life should be open for all and any to see-and it is! Surprise to many, but not to God.

Buying tires, like sharing the gospel, should be easy. It's the small print, the low ball invite that takes away the trust. The gospel is simple, we sinned, and need a savior. His name is Jesus, when we repent and ask Him into our lives, we are saved. No small print, no certificates, no memberships, or add ones. Saved. Paid in full. No need to carry your papers with you, your name is written in the book of life.

So today, being a true rebel, I will question, and get the fees removed-or I will go elsewhere. Someone else would love to have my business.

Share the gospel in love today, for someone else would love to take away the gospel. Trust God, the right thing to do. He has already negotiated the best deal-Jesus. The bottom line, and Jesus is still the best way to get there.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

nice title, but can you fix my problem?

As Americans we are overly impressed with titles. A Captain is better than a lieutenant, and no one is just an MD, they need PCMD, LLC, or MACS, or who knows what else beside their name to out title their fellow doctors. It is found in every profession, I would say it is safe to say there are a group of janitors that below to an elite group of mop swingers, so get a better rate and their fellow janitors are impressed.

Just a few years ago having an MBA meant something, now it doesn't even get you a better place in line at the unemployment office. And I believe this whole subculture is one of the things wrong today. Selling titles. A sub culture that invaded our businesses, telling them that being accredited, or certified, or ASE certified made you a better employee. True, it may make you a better employee, but does it make you do your task better? Today you can even get degrees through the internet, without even going into a classroom, or interacting with others. I have hired techs who never worked on cars, and have interviewed those with degrees, but had no deductive reasoning to back up their education. Think you know it all? Right click and see if your problem goes away. Google that! It seems we have been invaded by the pride police, and they are the only ones who don't have to be accredited-just be sure you can never match up to their education, experience, or background. But they will sell you a course so you can get close.

Before I left Land Rover, one of the biggest jokes as far as product and organization-four corporate owners in less than 14 years, they wanted all of us to be certified. To become versed in Land Rover history, and know all about the product. To at least know as much as the poor sucker who bought one, and got his education via the owners manual while waiting for the tow truck. What part of never again didn't he understand? So we all had to go through a certification program. Except only two people actually did-they took all the tests online for us, while we kept the dealership running. Just sign here Mike, you are a certified Land Rover know it all-impressed? Except I knew nothing except hands on-although I did write 42% of the business, while only working 10 months! While others were busy earning a star on their business card, I was earning a living! And the saddest thing was our dealership got congratulated by Land Rover for having so many of our employees certified-thanks Neal and Jeff, who spent, or wasted almost two weeks taking all our tests. All the employees except for those two cheated! Which leads me to ask-where is the integrity in the system? How can you trust someone who earned the certification falsely?

Did Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, or Bill Gates pass a certification? Did Obama?

I love talking with clergy types who have a DD at the end of their name. A degree in religion, but not necessarily one in salvation. You cannot earn or learn your salvation, it is a gift. And when I first was out of work went on Christian websites looking for Christian work. Although I have taught, written, worked with homeless, and been in ministry, I had no degree-and therefore no credibility. Being born again was not a requirement to teach about Jesus, but where and where in your class you graduated with was. And the more degrees the better. Did Paul, Peter, John, or any other apostle have certification? Did Jesus?

To effectively minister first be available. No degree or certification needed-just be born again and in the spirit. God gives wisdom, and the words needed as they are needed. And you can't beat Him as an advisor. Or His book, the Bible as a guide, reference book, or way to lead your life. No other existential discourse by some noted theologian needed. I love it when some try to impress me with their library list, but don't include the Bible in it.

So next time you have a problem, go right to Jesus. No appointment needed. You may find some well titled, certified people there with you-waiting in line to see Him. Some may know about Him, and have the degree to prove it-but nothing beats knowing Him personally. Your name written in the book of life-the only certification that matters to God-and the only one that should matter to you!

No one can take it for you, and no one can take it away! No renewal dates, or retests. Or lines, tuition, or graduating exercises. No payments. He paid it all, just seek Him, and join the family of certified, born again, going to heaven with Jesus Christians.

His title-God. And He calls you friend-can you beat that title?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

how much for a hotel on Boardwalk?

Growing up, summertime meant hanging at the park with your friends. My parents were never big on travelling, so when in the summer of my fifteenth year, they decided to go to Atlantic City, it was met with some reluctance, not realizing how it would impact me. Or how I would enjoy it. We went with my family, and my grandparents, and stayed at the Hotel Morton, on Virginia Avenue, one of the streets found in Monopoly, rent $12.

In 1969, Atlantic City was more like it was in the 1920's than the 1990's. Hanging on to the memories of what it once was. It was decayed and decaying, and where once it was a mecca for those to get away from the city, today it is a Sin City east. And in the late 60's, was just a few years from total collapse. When the Donald would reinvent it. You stayed on or around the Boardwalk, rent $50, for once off of it, it was dangerous. The highest per capita black population in NJ lived there, and it was abject poverty once you got away from the beach area. As compared to all the money and fun being had on the Boardwalk. It still had enough of its glory days to be memorable. Even if the postcards of its glory days were 40 years old.

The Steel Pier was at the end of Virginia Avenue, perhaps the most famous pier in the US of A at the time. Dick Clark, who was emerging from being a struggling Philadelphia DJ had live shows there, even hosted American Bandstand from there. I remember the marquee names where big time, right off the radio and their albums. And walking through the huge ballroom was impressive. It was near the Convention Center, where Miss America was crowned each year, back when it was ok to be a beautiful woman. But the main draw for me, and many other tourists, was the diving horse. A girl would sit on a horse, then dive 20-30 feet into a pool,while the crowd roared. But more spectacular to me was watching a high diver jump into the same pool from 100 feet. The only thing I could never understand was why jump into a pool when you had all this water in the Atlantic available to you? I guess that's entertainment!

I had more fun dodging waves with my dad, and getting sunburned and exhausted. And then because we were with my grandparents, having to dress for dinner, in the Morton's dining room. Such were the vestiges of a more formal time.

The Boardwalk. What a place. A boulevard all its own, wide and long, and in summer covered with people. On the corner where we stayed was Mr. Peanut. And I remember a man-in a Mr. Peanut outfit, probably a high school student, shaking hands and inviting us into the store. I remember the Salt Water Taffy, and thinking "why would anyone want to eat anything with salt water in it?" This after swallowing gallons of the Atlantic that day. We ate breakfast at Taylor Ham, and were entertained by the way they served the meal-all in one skillet. We tried it at home, but it just wasn't the same. Man-I could go for some right now! Taylor ham, eggs over easy, with potatoes. In a skillet, of course.

I remember my dad telling me how they trained race horses on the beach-running in the sand, and after walking in the deep sand thought it would take me all summer to get used to it-a sacrifice I was willing to make. Walking past the Marlborough-Blenheim, an old hotel, and another old hotel, Chalfonte-Haddon Hall, you were impressed by their majesty, and how majestic they sounded, and were, torn down by Trump, removing the last real touch with a society from a past generation. One that dressed for dinner. A hotel, not a motel, where are the cool names like these from yesteryear today? We probably get the names we deserve, but when was the last time you stayed in a hotel? Front!

And walking the Boardwalk I noted many things. I still have a newspaper-underground, very cool at the time, advertising the Aquarian Arts Festival, tickets available through Ticketron. You now know it as Woodstock. Bought in a head shop, which used to mean cool clothes, like those from Carnaby St. not the drug connection it does now. But somehow the streets weren't laid out like in Monopoly, and this bothered me. Even realizing that the streets preceded the game, it felt weird not following the order of St. Charles Place, rent $10, then States Avenue, rent $10, and then Virginia, rent $12. Something seemed very much out of order, but I never quite got over it. At least North Carolina and Pacific were adjacent. Never did find the railroads, though, and realized the utilities were everywhere-just turn on a faucet or flip a light switch. An early morning walk on the Boardwalk, rent $50, dodging Jitneys, while the sun rose over the Atlantic somehow made it all seem unimportant. But I still hang onto their disorder to this day!

Things are simpler when you are younger, more exciting too, maybe that is why Jesus tells us to come to Him like children. Bring your toys, sit on His lap, and play. Enjoy the time being a kid, because adulthood, and all its responsibilities lie ahead, and will last longer than any childhood, or vacation. Somehow trusting Him, as opposed to wanting to understand everything, keeps us childlike, and dependent on Him. Listening as He tells stories, and explains things, watching as He points things out, and the luxury of just being yourself, without peer pressures, yet. So that is how I try to come to Him, as myself. Warts and all-He loves me. And the time spent with Him is precious.

Spend time with Him today-as a child. Put away the concerns of the day, and rest in Him. Take that spiritual vacation from life, and realize that soon we will be with Him. No deadlines, rules, bosses, or over due notices. It will be the trip, the vacation you always planned, but never knew how great it could be. And it goes on, and on, and on....

Give me pier pressure rather than peer pressure. Interrupt my summer of life with a better vacation. With Jesus.

And as I now live on the west coast, Atlantic City is 3000 miles away, but not far from my memories. For I now have the Pacific (Avenue, rent $26) and beaches. In Jersey we go to the Shore. But Jesus is the same no matter when or where you are. A four star hotel among motels, and a city where all the street names are in order. His get out of sin card more valuable than a get out of jail free card. I think I'll just go riding, and spend the day in Free Parking.

And no, I won't be dressing for dinner.

love with compassion,

Mike

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what good is fun if you don't enjoy it?

I am blessed that I get to ride so many different motorcycles. From 165hp Rockets, to 50hp Scramblers, I get to have many different reactions when the throttle is twisted. And I like going fast, and stopping quickly-it's a rush! So it often surprises people when I'm asked, which bike is your favorite, I answer the Bonneville. For you see it doesn't handle the best, brakes are definitely not radial style, two up is a torture test, and although it would be the fastest bike on the road 40 years ago, today it is mid pack-but still faster than any new Harley. So why is the Bonne your favorite?

Long before our egos went out of control with performance figures, bikes were fun to ride. Whether a quick trip to the store, or a quick trip to New Mexico, just riding was fun. Wind in your face, bugs in your teeth, and the feeling of freedom were worth any ride, anywhere, at any time. But today, things have regressed so much that fun is not listed under specifications. In fact, it may not be listed anywhere, but is still there. Not removed, but hidden, covered up by some ad man's idea of how you and your ride should relate.

True, the Bonne has the classic Triumph styling, and it is hard to go anywhere without someone coming up and reminiscing about the one they had, but it is the view from the seat that I find the best, and the view I will get to know best the more I ride. It is how the bike makes me feel, and I can ride 100' and find myself smiling. It is a bike that doesn't test my limits, but lets me test its limits, and I feel comfortable pushing it as hard as I can. For some, it takes a GSXR1000, for me the Bonneville is the drug of choice. And sometimes when riding something else, miss the simplicity of the Bonne.

Just a motorcycle. No bags, no windshield, and no radios. If I want to carry something, I take Bungee cords. Remember them? I attach my Arai to the rear fender brace, and I am safe and secure. The motor makes music, just ask the man at the Denny's last week, who when I fired it up, said "don't leave, let me get my friend, he has to hear this!" I can drag foot pegs, giving me the illusion of being a faster rider, and even run it to redline, without being pulled off the seat by speed. And it is still faster then 99% of the cars out there, and for less than $8000 I can have it all. Or fill my garage with many bikes while you have your superior performing "only" motorcycle. Fun-the missing factor in too many rides, and missing in too many people's lives.

If anyone should have fun it is Christians. We have heaven assured, a great and loving God to protect us, and the Holy spirit to guide us. And we have 24 hour access to all via Jesus. Yet so many buy into the world's attractions, and miss the fun of just being a Christian. The ones who have all the Jesus stickers, telling you what a great person they are, while driving with the cell phone, and cutting you off. Who are always late for church, and interrupt all those whose toes they step on when climbing over you to get to their seat. Who always have a kind word for the pastor to his face, but never to his back. Who are so overwhelmed with success in life, they forget what true success is, and are miserable. They know the F word, just not the FUN word-the real F word.

So next time Wing rider, when we talk, and you can't understand how my light, great handling bike is so much fun, at a third of the price, just adjust your electric seat, turn on your DVD player, hook up your communicators, and set your cruise. And take your 1000 pound motor cycle out for a ride-on the freeways. Eat at a chain restaurant, and talk with your other Wing friends. And never get how much fun I am having. Just feeling the wind in my face, the music from my exhaust, and looking forward to scraping my pegs the first chance I get-on a back road somewhere.

And you believers, I don't do seminars. Or weekend retreats. Have nothing against them, except they cut into my fun time with Jesus. You see, in any group you are only as strong as your weakest link. In my group, I am the weakest link-so I go my own pace, and can keep up with Jesus just fine. And its fun, and I can go all day, for days. Just Jesus, a Bible, and time well spent with Him. And you won't hurt my feeling complaining about the retreat food, or how you didn't sleep. For I am secure that in my relationship with the road, that basic is still the best. And simple, just like me and Jesus beats anything else.

For Jesus, like riding is personal. And should be fun. Doing both more and enjoying it less? Remember his disciples carried no money, food, or clothes. Just what was with them, and look at their adventures. See, almost 2000 years ago Jesus knew how to travel-simply. Just like the gospel-simple. So that all that heard could understand.

Do you understand? Do you get it? Turn off your headset and turn on to Jesus. Ride on!

Are we having fun yet? I am! Pick up your Bible without the i-pod, commentaries, or tapes. Just read it. Maybe under a tree, next to a winding road, with your bike parked near you. Hear the birds, smell the flowers, and feel the spirit surround you. Bet you didn't know how much fun simple could be? and why we look back fondly at the good old days! These are the good old days!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com