of thee we sang

9-11. Without even mentioning anything else, we know exactly what it means. The day that Muslim terrorists, carried out a brilliant, yet cowardly plan against the US of A. Two planes fly into the Twin Towers, another into the Pentagon, and if not for the heroes of flight 93, who knows where our country would be today. It seems wars are now carried out under different terms, although sadly some still die in combat on the battlefield. But, when a group of men, representing their countries formed the United Nations after WWII, all bets were off, and unknowingly to us, the terms of war were changed. And the next step in Satan's war against Israel had begun. We know about the Cold War, but how many know the other wars going on, that are leading to the planned destruction of Israel, and its allies? When the US of A flag, is topped only by the UN flag, the only place in our own country that our flag is not prominent, our sovereignty was forfeited, and the new world order won a major victory. Bet you didn't know that about our flag! You didn't know we are a UN member first, then a US citizen!

October 17, 1973. Does anyone remember the date? Or the day and its significance? To those who choose to forget history, it is the day that OPEC doubled the cost of petroleum to nations who were allies of Israel. And overnight, without going to war, or firing a shot, the US way of life was altered forever. From the cars we drove, to all the things manufactured with oil, we lost our sovereignty again, as now we were a debtor nation for oil. Our entire country's way of life altered forever. 55mph speed limits. Odd/even gas days, or sometimes no gas at all. OPEC, and the Arab nations, mostly Muslim, had declared war on Israel, and Israel's allies still pay the price. Suddenly our cars were obsolete, and foreign cars, touted by US journalists, and the government, began to sell it great numbers. Soon we were exporting our jobs all over the world, so others could build our cars, while decreasing the income of those who could afford them. A subtle war, and as long as gas was available, we would gripe, but live on. And as we continued to lose our sovereignty, the greatest nation in history, whom God had shed His grace, is the only nation standing in the way of a one world government . We are Israel's last ally, and on the day, which is coming when we turn our backs on her, we are doomed. Fact is, we already are, but due to our size and credit rating, and the grace of God, we still exist. Did you know 40 cents of each dollar spent is borrowed from China? Did you realize they built more Buicks last year than we did? GM-Government Motors! Can't happen to us? It has and is. We are as a nation no longer an important exportin' man. And who we buy from dictates the prices we pay. Along with Congress of course. Did I mention we are a debtor nation?

And while others partake in the spirit of anti-Christ, many unknowingly, that which takes the place of Christ, we need to center on Jesus, our only hope. Those who wonder who the Anti-Christ will be? You may get to find out, for who you are looking for, you will find. Those who try to figure out the date of His return, which God promises to no man? And those who focus on festivals, and numerology, genealogies, and cults-you have all come under the spirit of anti-Christ. Pastors, tell your people. It's all about Jesus. Not OPEC, not our enemies, or church teachings. Policies and politicians offer no hope. It is all about Jesus. And without Him you are lost. A lost and dying world holds no hope-remember that. So choose your weapons wisely. Stand with God, and even though times are and will be tough, He will protect and guide you through. The rest, well you continue trying to understand, which you never will, while others of us, live in the comfort of a peace that surpasses understanding.

Don't let your headstone read "We never did it this way before." Trust God, not politicians or policies. Resist the devil, and draw close to God. Recognize Appolyon, the destroyer, aka Satan, and avoid his tactics. The spirit of anti-Christ is alive and well. Sadly in many churches, who may not even know it. Avoid politics, embrace Jesus. Kings and their kingdoms shall all pass away, but Jesus is for now and forever.

Perhaps what Joshua said, says it best. And it is still good advice. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD! We are that much closer to what all Christians hope for, the rapture. Don't get caught up in anything but that!

And for those who seek the identity of the Anti-Christ, hope you aren't disappointed. You may be spending a long time with him. You don't have to miss Jesus by much, just miss Him. Take heed, today may be the day!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

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The All Day Song

Sorry I sold it, wish I hadn't, and wish I had it back. Ever say that about any car or motorcycle you sold? Well, if you answer yes, you are not alone. And whether for reasons of style, finance, or it just don't run right, there are some I wish I had back, and some I have now that once I sell, will regret. Here are some in no particular order, your own list will differ, but these may bring back similar memories.

My first bike, 1972 CB350. I rode it for 6000 miles the five months I owned it. And every time I see one, the last time was three years ago, I remember how new I was, the bike fast and forgiving, and how when I sold it to buy a 1972 R60/5, I thought I was styling. And although the BMW took me more places, you can only have a first bike once. If you have one, can I borrow for the afternoon, I have some memories I need to set straight.

I had one of the first year Suzuki GS750's. And it never ran right. Got horrible gas mileage, and not quite the power it should. Traded it again, this time on a R100S, and the tech who bought it, sorted out the carb problem. And I heard that after 10 years, it still ran great, like it should have for me! For all I know, Al still has it.

I bought a used Sprint ST, and it was the one that took me coast to coast in under 70 hours. It ran great, was far superior to the new bike that replaced it, but traded it with my Sprint RS for my Tiger. I miss that ST, and riding the new Sprint GT, brought back precious memories. And even though the Tiger that replaced it has gone more miles, more places, and is more comfortable, a bike I can't see ever trading, when I see one I wish I had it back. Preferably red. If you dream, dream big.

One that I was glad to see go was my 650 Nighthawk. Rode it back east, and had horrible mileage. Low 30's, when all the magazines got close to 50. I even rode it once for 75 miles at 40 miles an hour, belly on the tank, because of no gas stations. Coasted into a Horn station in Clayton. Cars may pass you, but when old pickups pass, and wave, and ask if they can help-it's embarrassing! And I was able to trade up to my FJ1100, seems the dealer couldn't sell it, so he gave me what I paid for the Honda on trade. A happy ending to a sad story.

And the list goes on. And I find the bikes that just ran great, and never gave me problems, I don't remember as well. It seems the highs or lows of ownership are the ones that stand out. The ones you wish you could have back, or had never bought in the first place. Similar to our testimonies. We remember the times where God bailed us out of trouble, and promise to serve Him forever, or the times of great blessing, where we pledge the same thing to Him. But we forget the day to day living-life we call it, where we just lived. We worked, played on weekends, and life went on with no excitement. Then-POW! Trouble, and we are back to seeking God, and asking Him to forgive us for not honoring our desire to follow Him. And then repeat this over and over again, throughout our lives. Sadly some think this is Christianity, but it is not. It takes a relationship with Jesus to get us through everyday. We need Him. I like John Fisher's song, appropriately called "The All Day Song."

Love Him in the morning when you see the sun arisin',

love Him in the evening 'cause He helped you through the day.

and in the in between times when you feel the pressure coming,

remember that He loves you and He promises to stay... with you!

Motorcycles will come and go in your life. Times change. But Jesus never does. If you accepted Him years ago, He is still the same, and hopefully you have grown. Don't trade Him for any trend, thought, code, denominational dogma, or anything else. Stick with Him, and watch as the miles get better as you ride more with Him. As you change to be more like Him, and you know in your heart-He will stay with you. No new revelations, or new gospels. He is the truth, and not a road test.

So take some time, soon, maybe even today, and go for a ride. Let Him take you through the curves, and remember all He has done in your life. Make it an all day ride, loving Him in the morning, and remembering Him in the evening. But remember that most of our lives are spent in the "in between times," and enjoy that part of the day the most. You may find that is where the best memories are. When it was just you and Jesus. Nothing special, just you and Him. And you just may find, that's what made it special after all.

"Remember He ain't in a hurry, He always has time for you"...can you make some time for Him?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

classic Christians still hold their values

When we think of a cruiser style motorcycle, we inevitably think of Harley Davidson. And for the most part I do too, as they own the cruiser style market, and have for many years. And of course you would think that they originated it, which they did. But do you know which major manufacturer, known for its sport bikes helped create the class, and made the style what it is today? Tick...tick...tick... Here's a hint, it starts with a K, and they also created a model that sport bikes are referred to as...as in Ninja style bikes. If you guessed Kawasaki, you guessed right, go riding. And in early 1977, when they marketed the KZ900 LTD, based on the legendary Z-1, the market took off, and has never looked back. So once again, it was the Japanese bikes, that had rescued the market with their little, dependable bikes, changing history again in the seventies. The first power cruiser, the LTD had a semi-custom look about it, but still retained all the Z-1 muscle, plus fuel injection! Style and performance, who could wish for anything more!

And in other news, Harley also sought government relief, they were accusing the Japanese of dumping bikes in the US of A, they were, and would finally gain help when anything made offshore over 700cc would have a 25% tax added to it. And it was also the year Suzuki discontinued selling two strokes in the States. Its first four stroke, the GS750, starting a legendary line, that turned into the GSX-R's of today. And sad for all, the last year of no motorcycle emissions. In 1978, the carbs were sealed, and only outlaws would alter them to make the bikes run better. And for those who could afford $0.65 cent a gallon gas, it was a great time to be alive, and ride.

And even though gas was high, at least it was available, and interest rates higher, remember 25% interest rates, and only 24 months to pay, bike sales were hot. But it leaves an interesting question today, some 34 years later. With so many, historic bikes sold during that year, and era, where are they all today? I bought a 1978 GS1000E last year, in showroom condition. When is the last time you saw one of those? And how many even know what it is? Note-this is the bike Wes Cooley won on, Superbike and others! But whenever I look to find others, nationwide there aren't any. Were they all hot rodded and chopped up, or just used up? And it isn't just my model, where have they all gone?

Sadly, the era of throw away bikes was upon us. Last years bike was old, compared to the new ones, and they got used up, or sold to new racers, who cut them up. The aftermarket grew also, and everyone had a Yoshimura, or Kerker pipe. And still, some were left to just rot away in barns, their owners too afraid of them, for all that power meant all that performance. And it scared them. Ask yourself, when is the last time you saw an LTD, a CB750F, a GS1000, or a three cylinder Yamaha? Good bikes, but most have disappeared from history, only to be found in books of the period, or old bike meets. At highly inflated prices. Sad.

The late seventies was also the end of the so-called Jesus Revolution, and fortunately I was saved during it. And I had many saved friends then, and every once in a while, hear from one. And many times they too are like the old bikes, pictures from another time. Not walking with God as they once did, life taking over and interfering with their walk with Christ. Many good memories of a time they thought would never end, but for some decades since they were even to church-a place it seemed we all lived for and in back then. They are referred to as the good old days, but somehow I made it through. And to me, these are the good old days. They are just as exciting as those first days of knowing Jesus, of Bible studies, of praying for others, and for greeting each other with a hug. Don't see many "One Way" expressions any more. Sad again. And bikes are even more exciting than we could have ever expected. Faster, lighter, handle better, and still one of the best ways to have fun with your clothes on. And I am told, bang for the buck, cheaper than they were when compared in 1977 dollars. And to those of us still excited by Jesus, and still excited by the passions He has given us, today is the best day we have ever had. For a simple promise found in scripture keeps me going. Actually a lot of them do, but Ephesians 3:20, God's promise to give us far beyond all we could ask for, and anything we could imagine.

Do you still pray limiting God? Don't. Give it all to God, ask to have your relationship with Him boundless, and without limits! And watch, when you let Him guide you, you will go farther, faster, and be more blessed than you ever imagined. Don't lean on your own understanding, or limit your blessings. Trust God, and watch. And enjoy life, maybe as never before.

When I ride the 1978 Suzuki today, it is fun, and I laugh at how far we have come. New bikes are faster, handle better, and have much better brakes. Better than we could have ever imagined. Is your life better than you ask for? Ask God, who has made the offer. And let Him, exceed your wildest dreams. He is more than a nostalgia trip. He is alive and well. Sometimes, the old things are still the best.

Hey, when you start with perfection, where else would you go?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

with just a little help from my friends

For many, they read born, died, survivors, and maybe a short work history. Short, impersonal, and just the facts, mam. They are an obituary, and for many, the last thing that we are remembered by. But not all have the endearing qualities of an entry in some almanac, some are personal, and you feel like you knew the person, even though you may have never met. When Jerry Titus, race car driver and journalist died, Bob Kovacik wrote a very touching eulogy to him. Almost 40 years later, I can still remember it, and one point still stands out in my mind. He wrote, "I know many people, but have very few friends."

And over the years it has become clearer to me how true that statement is. I have many accquatainces, but few friends. And as I get older, my friendship list grows shorter, and more valuable. That doesn't take away from the acquaintances I have, it only adds to the friendship I have with my friends. Years ago God told me that as I get closer to Him, that my peer group would get smaller. And it has, as when you grow in the Lord, there are many things you can't share with others-they just wouldn't get it. Not that you are smarter, or they are not as smart, we are all at different levels of maturity, and some just won't get it, at least for now. Look back ten years at your riding, and look at it now. You have ridden more, gone more places, and seen more things. You have grown more intimate with your riding, and it shows. Long trips are more interesting, while short ones hold no interest. Bikes that once were only dreamed of have come and gone, and you find the ad hype was better than the times you rode them. And to your friends, the ride was just as important as the destination. Even if they weren't along. Friends will defend you publicly, but discipline you in private. They are closer than words can define them, even when farther than a day's ride to see them. Details don't matter as much to them as does the fact of the relationship. And that is why I have few friends, but I am thankful for all the acquaintances I have, too.

The best example of friendship is written about three friends, one who is paralyzed, and have been friends for a long time. When they hear of this man Jesus who heals, they carry their friend on a cot to see Him. But sadly, the house is overrun with others. Where others would turn away, they decided not to let anything stand between them and Jesus, and the healing of their friend. Without regard for their own outcome, they cut a hole in the roof, and lower their friend to Jesus. With no regard for the consequences, their love for their friend is more important than any penalties they may incur. Sadly, little is said about these two men when the story is told, but to me they show the love of Christ personified. Jesus told us to keep His commandments to be his friends. Not the laws, or the 10 Commandments, His two simple laws-love God with all you have, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. And these men show that love. Two men walked in, one just dropped in, and three walked out. Friends.

You see they couldn't do everything, but they could do something. And what they were available to do, they did. They did what they could. And I would like to believe that the same Jesus who healed the lame, also restored the hole in the roof. Or better yet, left it as a testimony for others. Don't let anything stand between you and God!

I will continue to stand by my statement of having very few friends. And leave you with this thought. As great as it is to have friends, it is better to be one. As with all things, Jesus reminds us it better to give than receive.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

It's a Wonderful Life, or Thank Heaven for Little Girls

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus was not a religious man. Bet you didn't know that. In fact, He wanted very little to do with the religious types, as they were the ones who by their legalism, were always trying to draw attention to themselves. The Pharisees, would actually have a bellringer precede them to the temple, then have the crowd watch as they gave their bag of gold. All to be seen. And since the word religion means bound up, He is against being bound up in a bunch of laws still today. But sadly, legalism and pride, laced with ignorance are in too many churches today.

They teach church tradition, rather than the truth. They gloat as they poke fun at Job's wife, never concerning themselves with the fact she lost everything, too, and watch as this poor woman grieves the loss of her children, and now possibly her husband. They taunt Thomas, calling him Doubting, when the scripture never alludes to that. And the list goes on, along with their lack of grace. But still God has everything under control, as we shall see, down to the last detail, and at the right time.

Scripture tells us that Peter denied Jesus three times , while standing warming himself by the fire in the garden at Gethsemane. A little girl accused him of being a Galilean, by his accent, he said no. Of being with Jesus, he became flustered, and of knowing Jesus-he claimed he didn't know the man, which may have been true, his biggest denial before leaving in tears. And because of this, they took Jesus away by himself, Pilate tried him, and then He was hung on the cross. Between two thieves, one of which He promised to see in Paradise that night, because the thief believed. And finally, He appeared to Peter after His resurrection, and empowered him by the spirit, and the same Peter then on the day of Pentecost, under the Spirit, led 3000 to salvation. Just like it is recorded in Scripture.

But what if Peter had been a bold believer that night in public, like he was when in Jesus' company. Suppose he continued to say "I'll follow you anywhere," and was arrested with Jesus, based on the accurate accusations of a little girl? What if he was sentenced to die with Jesus, and there were only three crosses? Suppose the saved thief was given a stay until Monday, and would enjoy a temporary stay, and not have met Jesus, and therefore missed eternal life? And what if because Peter was crucified with Christ, that the church would embrace him as its savior also, His whole gospel would be laced with untruths? And two saviors! At least in their eyes.

Who would have run with John to the tomb, and seen the grave clothes piled nicely, the body covering and also the head cloth-dispelling the Shroud of Turin myth, which they claim shows Jesus' face-it couldn't, because of a separate head covering. Who would have been there on the Day of Pentecost, if not Peter? And how many accurate prophesies of Jesus would not be true, just because of one man's statement?

Truly God is in control, and all things work to good for Him. You see while some berate Mrs. Job, if you don't read Job's response you miss a touching response to his wife-rather than telling her she is stupid, he consoles her by telling her she is acting out of character-not a rebuke, but a comfort. Thomas was out on the streets while the others were hiding upstairs, and only wanted the same testimony that they had-they saw Him! And when He appeared to Him, he didn't have to touch the wounds-He exclaimed "my God and my King!" Remember that next time you ask God to show or prove himself.

There is a good chance, somehow, sometime you will deny Jesus today. He still loves you, and contrary to some beliefs, He doesn't erase your name from the Book of Life. So keep going, and enjoy the life He has given you. Some little girl may question you, like Peter based on your relationship with Jesus. That's good sign, as she has seen something of Jesus in you. And it's OK to respond like Peter might today, looking back on it all. "Thank heaven for little girls, for without her, it all would have been different." It's a wonderful life in Christ, you would never wish to see your life without Him.

Jesus and religion? You can keep your laws, I'll keep my morals, in Christ, of course.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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man plans, God laughs-but dogs still bark

After our last dog, Pup Pup had to be put to sleep from old age, we vowed no more dogs. And for two months stuck to it. Then, getting bored with the extra money from not buying dog food, or the midnight barking, and the love she gave, we got Clemenza-our American Bulldog. And she would be an outside dog, like Pup Pup. But when this little puppy came home, that didn't last. In fact the first night she stayed on our bed, which to this day she still thinks is hers. And quickly took over the home, and yard, and neighborhood. And of course our hearts.

I had been told about crate training, where the dog goes into their crate for the night. How big is the crate for a 75 pound dog? So we tried a small fence, and would enclose her in the garage during the day, but at night she slept in our room. When she wasn't in bed with Andrew, or whatever guest was staying with us. They would be warned, but she still ended up in the bed with them, sometimes under the covers. Crate training obviously wasn't the way to go, and besides, who locks up their watchdog? Names supplied upon request. Whereas some dogs needed the crate, and so do their owners, to protect the dog from them, Clemenza needed the house-and yard, and sometimes the neighbors. And after six years, we are still in training, seems Theresa and I are slow learners, but we are getting better. She has become family, would you put your little brother in a cage? Hmmm, don't answer, but I think you get the point.

Theresa and I like to travel. Some don't. Going to visit 50 miles away is an all day affair, laced with stress, confusion, and a week to recover. Some have to have a preplanned route, and destination-and can't handle any deviation from it. For years, we would just ride, then find a place, sometimes after 10pm, but we never didn't not find a place. Now we have a destination, and will make reservations. some of our after 10 choices were based on availability and desperation. Now we have a place to go, but leave the route open until the night before. Unless we have a route that is included to get there, we scout out the local roads, other riders, and sometimes still just take a road that looks good. You may call them detours, we call them opportunities for new roads, and places. And it is never boring, and sometimes a 135 mile destination turns into a 430 mile ride. And more memories than sitting in your motel room, writing postcards about the things you would have seen, instead of taking pictures of the things you are seeing. No crate training for us, and all roads are available to us. And like Clemenza, we have met many friends, had great meals, and ridden great roads not available to us if we just drove to the night's destination.

Fellowship is like that too. And going to church can be an adventure. Some feel Sunday fulfills their weekly attendance requirement-except for a CEO, Christmas and Easter only attendee, and grumble all the way. Some add Wednesday, or try to use it rather than Sunday, when really it can be a midweek refresher. And less formal, and more intimate. Then Bible studies, where you can interact, something missing at the other two. Not the same as a Wednesday night. And still not a replacement for Sundays. Each has its own flavor, and one should not be used as a replacement for the other. Crate training can also affect the mind, and old time church ideas may just be stale, and need a refreshing jumpstart. Think outside of the crate, instead of what is done traditionally. Attend a Bible study and interact, and find there are others with questions like yours, that require more than the pulpit. Use it as a supplement, but never as a replacement.

This week leave your crate door open, and see where God leads you. A different study, and maybe a different attitude. Don't be boxed in by tradition, be uncrated by a limitless God. Allow the spirit to expand your horizons, and see and experience things of God you never knew existed, or maybe just heard about, and wondered if you would ever get there.

And like Clemenza, you might just be meeting new friends you didn't realize you had. Heaven is our destination, how you get there is up to you. All maps don't show all roads. Let God make it exciting and interesting by following Him. Think outside the crate, and leave that old time religion behind. Remember a rut is really a grave, but with the ends open as a way to escape.

We'll leave the light on for you. For wherever you rest your head, is home for the night. And only in Jesus, will you find that rest.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the no bang theory

Self preservation is the basest of all human instincts. And it seems that it is hard to turn on the TV anymore without some channel having a show on about the end of the world. 2012, cannibalistic Mayans, Hopis, or Nostradamus and his nebulous predictions seem to be news of the day. Even some will quote the Bible, but just as another version of the end of days. But one show caught my eye, secularly based, it showed five reasons the world as we know it will cease to be. And gave valid proof-which was easy, because the things they cited are already here. Except for one, which they downplayed, but is here and maybe they don't want you to know it.

This group predicted that within 30 years computers will have the ability to reason like a human. They already do, and let me use your car, or motorcycle as an example. When you turn the key, you are not turning on the ignition, but activating a control unit. Based on sensory input, it will either start, or if it sees potential danger-the sensors don't meet certain criteria, it won't. Radios, AC units, and even power seats all work off the same type of system. Even transmissions are adaptive, learning how you drive, and even learning shift points from your driving habits. And you need to be careful not to diagnose symptoms, as if the control unit senses engine problems, it can keep your car in a lower gear, and take away the gas pedal, allowing you to limp home without further damage to your car. You think your trans is bad, but it is only a symptom, of the car doing what it is trained to do. Just like your reasoning, it takes criteria and makes a decision-keep itself alive.

Built into the starting system, are even safeties you may not realize. Before computers, if the battery was low, no crank-no start. Now a battery can read good, but the car still won't start. It hasn't met the threshold that the computer is programmed for, so you won't start. Battery good-still a no start.

And sadly, you can run out of fuel, before you run out of fuel, due to control unit settings, and the input they gathered. Which I was reminded of the other day. I ran out of gas, while I still had gas in the tank. Even did the Steve McQueen move like in the Great Escape, removed the cap, shook the tank, heard it sloshing, but no start. The trip computer even told me the tank was 9/10's full, with 193 miles till empty. But here I sat, until roadside came and poured in gas. Then like magic it started right up!

Which brings up the question-when are you really out of gas? When is your battery really no good? How do I know if I am doing the right thing? And is the world really going to end?

At death, your world will end. For all of us. But for those who believe, we will change, and in 1/240,000 of a second-the twinkling of an eye, we will be in heaven. If you have rejected Jesus, in the same time frame, you will be in hell. No reset button, or booting of your life. No more last chance to choose again, for you have been given those opportunities, but chosen to say no, or worse-wait. Both are a no, and end in death-true death. But for those who know Jesus, we begin true life-in eternity. No more computers, no more running out of gas when you are told your tank is full, and no limp home modes to get you home-you are home!

Read Revelation if you want to know the future-and be blessed. The only book that promises a blessing just for reading it. Let the others have their theories and fantasies, you have the truth. While they seek something, you have someone. And you can have it right now, does that sound like something you want?

Trust God, accept Jesus into your heart. No more worries about the future, and He also takes care of today, too. No more shows about what might be, the truth of the Bible far surpasses anything any science fiction author can dream. And either way, you are going to be part of it. It's like knowing who is going to win the Super Bowl. And knowing where to place your bet. Now you know the future, where are you going to place yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com