that's not what I wrote

Since I like to read a lot, I read a lot of different things. Books, magazines, a very infrequent forward, and of course my Bible. And I learned years ago how to search for key words and phrases, so as to judge the story as more readable in depth, or pass on it. So I have learned on things like road tests to read the last paragraphs-to see what the tester's conclusion is. Headlines-well they can be deceiving, they just want you to read the story. But the last paragraph, it sums things up. Now some readings are predictable, the Hardy Boys always solve the crime, and end up with all forgiven by Aunt Gertrude, Nancy Drew always solves the crime that trained detectives can't, and Tom Swift always invents something new, usually out of household items-like a compact atomic bomb from banana peels, shoe laces, his pocket knife, and horse radish. Crude, but it works. And when asked how he did it, "well, something I have been thinking about for some time."

But the good endings, or interesting ones, I go back and read, and reread. And motorcycle road tests of bikes I have ridden always require several readings. To see what these professional riding editors say about the same machine I rode, except I have over 1000 miles on it, they may have only 100, or just spent an afternoon with it. And without fail, they have to find something wrong with it. Perfect bike, except it vibrates. It's a Harley, like duh? Handles great on the street, but has a small shake at 150 on the track. Again, it's street bike, and no, you don't have to admit to going 150 to me-at least not by the speedo! I have read where road testers didn't like the color and condemned the bike. But the one that always sticks in my mind goes back to 1998. Triumph was new to the states, and they had a model called the Thunderbird Sport, and it was compared to a 1200 Sportster in comparison test. Despite only 885 cc's, it outdid the Sporty in every category-brakes, 1/4 miles, comfort, price , and top speed. Yet the last paragraph showed the Sportster as the winner! Which you never would have guessed if you hadn't read the text!

And by coincidence, the editor who wrote the story happened to be in OCT one Saturday when I was there, and they were giving him a hard time. And his only defense was, "that wasn't the story I wrote, it was the story they told me to write!" You see it all came down to money-advertising revenue, and Triumph didn't do much-if at all, and some people criticized Harley for spending too much. But since they did, their revenue helped influence the road tests. Believe it or not-Honda was not perfect during the sixties-but they advertised a lot! Not right, as we all know, and I have learned from that experience to read the entire article. And count the ad pages to see how it effected the end result. You see, I had a T -Bird Sport, so I knew the bike. Great bike-but horrible tachs-I used up 10 in 25,000 miles. Never mentioned that in the story. And yes, don't just go by the last page to see who dunnit. Read the text. Get the facts, before you comment. Rarely if ever will you meet the author. Maybe lucky for both of you.

There is a popular tale that when you come to Christ your world is made perfect. And I have seen young believers give up on God when things get tough. They only read the end, where we win, but don't get into the meat of the Word, seeing how there will be trials and tribulation. They think God is their Genie to solve all their problems, and make them rich. But as Jesus promised, there will be trials, but He will take you them. If you trust. And bring you closer to Him through them.

Read the entire book. Yes-we win! But the battles await us. Don't skip over the how to parts and miss the excitement. And realize if you never got sick, you wouldn't know Jesus as the great physician, if not hungry and broke-He wouldn't be your great provider. If you never were lied to or betrayed by a friend, you wouldn't know what He endured in the Garden. And if you never repented, you would miss what a great savior He is! Blessings each one-but all through trials. Mercy is a great thing-too bad you must screw up to get it!

So read the book. All of it, and watch as your relationship with Him grows. Some may claim to know about the man, but you can say you know Him. And how He took you through trials and tribulations. And heaven still awaits. The truth, with no advertising revenues influencing the outcome. The road test author knew the truth-but printed a lie. God is truth, and will rescue you from the lies.

And as with so many roads, the destination is important. But you always remember the trip, and how you got there even more. See you in heaven-and hopefully along the way. What a long strange trip it has been! And will be!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

Mr. Barnum, your new bike is ready

The following ads are fictitious and have no relationship to motorcycles I own or that live in my garage.

10 AUGUST, 2008

For Sale-2007 Ginormous XXL 106 GT. custom paint and bodywork by JJ/WCC. 140hp on dyno, 6 speed trans. truly one of a kind bike. fastest cruiser around, very low miles, still under warranty. first service just done at 1000 miles. very unique and very expensive. sold new for over $59,000. $48,000 firm. no trades or low ball offers. bike must be seen to be believed. no joy rides or gawkers-call for appointment only if serious buyer with cash in hand. no tattoos or other trades. call 760-555-xxxx-leave message and I will call you back.

3 MARCH, 2009

For sale, Ginormous XXL 106 GT. rare opportunity to own a custom designed cruiser by JJ/WCC. warranty until 8/2009, serviced at 1000 miles recently. asking $35,000 or best offer. do not miss a chance to own and ride a one of a kind machine. may consider trade for high end recent year luxury car. need room in garage, call now 760-555-xxxx.

15 SEPTEMBER, 2009

rare 2007 Ginormous XXL 106 GT. very low miles, ridden very little, just over 1000 miles. long list of custom features, work by JJ/WCC. unique bike-one of a kind. trades welcome, let me know what you have. $28,000 or best offer. don't wait-this deal won't last long. call 760-555-xxxx

15 MARCH, 2010 MUST SELL! 2007 Ginormous XXL 106 GT. only 1000 miles on unique custom beauty. too many features to list-just serviced at 1000 miles. like new, need money, best offer over $19,500 rides home this unique bike. interesting trades welcome, bike must sell by this weekend. NO REASONABLE OFFERS REFUSED! read road test in June, 2007 Overdone Custom Bike World. desirable bike at a great price-be the first to call-760-555-xxxx

These ads perhaps tell more about the owner than the bike. What was once purchased as a labor of love, or more accurately lust, became a liability soon after. But using pride to sell, the bike just sat. Seems no one else saw the value or lusted for this particular model. Or bought something for a third the price that was ridable. And after taking up space in his garage, while still making payments-up to 96 months, it has become a liability. Seems the chopper market has dwindled, and with it the designers and sellers of such bikes. Now that Jesse James, of West Coast Choppers fame has gone under, it seems that his legacy is more related to sex outside of Sandra Bullock than his custom bikes. And if you read the classifieds, the bottom has been chopped, or dropped out of the chopper market. And there are an abundance of these over priced, unridable custom machines out there. Where once see and being seen was there major draw, when it came to riding, they fell well short of comfortable, or ridable. Hard to turn around, expensive to insure, and uncomfortable to ride any distance, they have fallen out of favor. And along with them many small shops doing custom work. Shops taking a factory design, and making it more individual. At a price, so you can have a one of a kind ride. Until you see another just like it. And now an overpriced machine, that is hard to sell because no one wants one.

I am not against custom bikes, we all customize our own bikes with exhaust, paint, bags, etc. But any extreme makes it only desirable to the one who customized it, and when time comes to sell, only makes it harder to sell. The gospel is like that. It needs no customizing, it is individual and the creator knew what He was doing. It is personal, simple, and anyone can have it-for free! Unlike cults, who change to fit the situation, the gospel has endured over 2000 years-God got it right the first time. And it doesn't need any changes by you to fit the need. So tell it like it is.

We all sinned. And we needed a saviour, a way back to God. So He sent Jesus, to die and pay the price. And then He was resurrected. And if you simply believe with your heart, and confess with your mouth, you too can be born again-and enter the Kingdom of God in heaven when you die. Don't let anyone fabricate, or customize, or change this truth. God made it simple so that we all can ride, or be on the way to heaven. The choice is ours. He runs no ads, no discounts, and no rebates. And His warranty, His word, is good forever. And He accepts no trades, luxury or other.

His offer is a gift. Have you accepted it? If not, will you use the little faith or unbelief you have and seek Him? If you seek Him, you will be found by Him.

Trust God! You are that special one off custom job that only He desires. And He wants you today. Make today the day that you made the best deal ever, your sin for His mercy. And enter into His amazing grace forever.

Fads may come and go but real bikers will always ride. Join with Jesus today and always live! Custom doesn't get any more personal than His love for you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

advice from Robert Zimmerman-Triumph rider

Bob Dylan sang almost 50 years ago, "the times they are a changin'...." and those words are still contemporary today. But I could add that with the times, the people are also changing. And with that so are cars and motorcycles. And for those of us who resist change, especially for the sake of change, we are having problems.

Today the same computer geeks we made fun of, are the most sought after in the racing world. Traction control, computerized shift points, lap times, and other controls can be dealt with from the handlebars of your motorcycle. Where one time the addition of the starter button brought chaos to the old timers, now buttons for traction control, stereos, cruise controls, and accessory lights are jammed onto the handlebars. And when you need the right one, when wearing your winter gloves, it can be disastrous. And also, while some may brag that it makes for a better rider, I argue it makes for a different rider. Where we at one time learned how to ride through corners like a dirt tracker, now we push a button and it either retards the throttle input, or slight puts on the brakes-preventing accidents. ABS will keep you from skidding, but on recent adventure style bikes, can be turned off-for in the dirt there are times you need to skid, or want to, and it can't be over ridden by the computer. Technology takes over where once skills were required. Good for some, but any time you don't accentuate the skills, but make up for the lack of them, you have done a disservice to the rider.

At one time to start an old Triumph, you tickled the carbs until gas ran all over your foot, then pulled in the clutch to make sure it was free, then kicked it through once to make sure, and then after finding TDC, kicked with all your might, and it would start after 1-2 tries. If it didn't, well you may plan on being late for work, or your date. On the 2011's I have been riding, you just turn the key. And watch as the bike's computer makes its checks, being mesmerized by the tach or speedo needle make a complete sweep, then push the button, and ride off. No need to get your feet wet with gas, or no excuses for being late. And unlike the old bikes, put it into second and push, and dumping the clutch when the battery was dead, electronic fuel injection only works with electricity, so you cannot bump start it. And they call that progress?

And still it goes to back to basic fundamentals-gas and spark. You must have both or the bike will not run. Is the gas turned on? Is the kill button on? How many times have you been embarrassed by not checking the fundamentals? Only to have some wise guy say "hey dude, did you turn the gas on?" Or "is the key turned on?" But yet, when diagnosing your no start fiasco, we immediately panic, fuss and cuss, and forget what we have been taught and know to be true.

And our lives are like this also. We are in the Word, we walk with Christ and even tell others about Him. But yet the first thing that doesn't go our way, and we have a fit. Why do we have faith to pray for others, but are helpless in our own situations? Why can we remove the log in your eye, as Jesus explains, and not see the log in our own? Simply put it goes back to the fundamentals of sin-PRIDE! We lean on own understanding, God tells us to trust Him. We think we have the answers, and wonder "how could God let me down with all these people watching?" Maybe to teach you about humility. And I can tell from first hand experience, I rather be humbled than humiliated. I rather seek God, and follow His advice than be stuck on the side of the road. But when I am, I am glad He is with me there also, and ask Him what to do next. Fundamentals-even bikes and lives won't start without them. Or stay running like designed for very long.

So stay close to God. I can assure you that your faith will be tested today-thanks a lot , Mike. But God, who is trustworthy is with you. No start, how long has it been since your battery told you it was dying? Out of gas, how many miles have you travelled on reserve? You may have faith to trust God, but you don't have the smarts to listen to Him. How long since you prayed? Stay with the fundamentals.

The gospel is simple. Don't get led astray by questions you cannot answer. Do not let cults or cult types into your home. Don't be misled by nice young men on bikes, or kids wanting to give you free magazines. God warns you to not even wish them good day. It's in the owner manual, under 2 John. And watch, as the so called progressives try to tell you about a new gospel, or new revelation. There aren't any. Jesus is the same today, and will always be. It is us who must change.

Simple first aid, if it won't start-pray. If you are in trouble-pray. Lost, pray again. But make it a dialog, not a monologue, and then listen. You may find His advice, and instruction more valuable than many kick start attempts with the gas off. And God won't send you onto the next step until you have finished the first.

Gas on, key on-push button. The button will start the bike, but only when it has gas and spark. Is the spark missing from your life? Feel like you are out of gas? Spend time with God, before you have to seek Him on the side of the road. You cannot control your hearing, but can your mouth. Use both as needed-you asked, now listen. And enjoy a much better ride.

It's all in the owner's manual. And the Bible. The times are a changin', and so did Dylan. Don't you think you should too?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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the petcock

The most effective, best fuel gauge ever invented for motorcycles is the petcock. This simple, non-electric device has worked for years, providing riders the need to know when to get gas. Before they run out. A simple, three position-on/off/reserve, serves to let you know that you need to get gas soon, when you go on reserve. And for the rookies, to turn it on, when you are starting the bike. We watched recently as a rookie pulled out of the dealership on his new bike, blipping the throttle to tell us how cool he was, and then stalling as he left the light-turn the petcock on! But when in the hands of anyone else-it works. Unless, as my favorite riding partner once did, when not sure how much gas she had, turned to what she thought was reserve-she was already on it, and ran out of gas-even though she had some left on reserve. Proving once again the importance of a sequence.

And I have run out with electric gauges, once showing 193 miles to empty, and another showing 15 miles to empty. And both times, fellow bikers have come to the rescue. The last ride I had on a Ducati was when I was stuck on the side of I-15, and after watching two police cars go by, one even slowed down so I could see his "to protect and serve..."logo, which I interpret as "to neglect and swerve," the Duke rider stops, puts me on my back-which convinced me the only reason they put a vinyl cover on the seat was so in case of rain it wouldn't rust, and took me to Target, bought me a gas can, and then filled it. And wouldn't take any money. Taking a half hour out of his life to rescue me. The brotherhood of bikers. Maybe the police should take note. Are you?

Another time two guys with dirt bikes in the back of their pickup stopped, and gave us the last of their expensive racing gas. "Glad to help," they said, then followed us to the nearest gas station, just to make sure we were OK. And we never got their names. For bikers know to take care of one another, a brotherhood, and we have even been known to stop and assist cars. When is the last time a car stopped for you?

Ecclesiastes tells us to cast our bread upon the waters. To give generously, more than the need represents. And to give, to take a chance, when others won't. I call it not stepping over the Lazarus got has put in front of you, and we are all guilty of it. Gas when you need it, and either from a sense to serve, or out of your abundance. Meet the need. Whether a hug, a phone call, buying someone a burger, or taking them to get gas-take the time. Don't let the brotherhood of bikers goodwill to others remain with them, if we are Christians, and have told someone we are-they expect us to act like one. And this one simple action may show more Jesus to them than reciting any scriptures or preaching to them. Jesus tells us we were given to freely,and we ought to respond by giving freely. You may not be stuck yet, but I can promise you, some day you might. And a biker may not be around. Trust God, He is always around, and uses people like us to minister. Today, let yourself be that person God uses to bless someone.

Keep things simple like the petcock. Off when resting, on when going, and keeping some in reserve for others. Live the scripture, rather than quoting it. Take a chance today and reach out to someone in need. What seems like a simple or wasteful expenditure to you, can be valuable to someone else. And take joy in the fact that God is always watching, and takes great joy in seeing you show His love through your actions.

Bikers, petcocks, and the gospel are very simple. Keep your life that way. In Christ!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

hucklebuckle religion

Do you remember playing Hucklebucklebeanstalk in elementary school? It was a popular game up until about the fifth grade, when somehow the joy of looking for a missing object just didn't light our fires anymore. If you aren't familiar with it, while you were sitting at your desk, with your heads down, like when you were being punished, one of the more favored pupils, aka the pet, would take a common classroom item, like an eraser, or bean bag, or whatever, and hide it. Then in complete silence, the rest of the class drones would hover around the room, searching for it. When one did-usually another teacher's pet, they would sit down, again silently, until a few others found it, just in case teacher's pet #1 had found another hidden eraser. But before they sat down, while you were cruising for the hidden item, the hider would give clues like hot, cold, or you're very hot or cold. Maybe this explains why cold weather doesn't bother me. They were the only ones to break the eerie silence. And of course the finder, when they had returned to their seat after locating it, would yell, "hucklebucklebeanstalk!" alerting us other wandering fools they had found the holy grail of the game. Bored yet, I guess by the fifth grade the charm, allure, and excitement of finding a chalkboard eraser wanes so that other intense games, but not as quiet, as kickball, take its place. But for a rain soaked Jersey kid, this was recess far too often.

I am on my ninth new Triumph this year, and all have one thing in common-a clock. And it seems no two are alike when it comes to setting it, and until you do it blinks like many people's VCR used to at 12:00. Which amazes me-one that these tiny numbers get your attention more easily than the bigger ones in a digital speedometer, and two, how they can build such great bikes, but such lousy instruments. Sadly, all bikes are into this info game now, and when I figured out the latest one, I almost shouted "hucklebucklebeanstalk!" Which was much nicer than what I had been previously thinking. Note-it is easier to set clock while parked than at 80mph. I'd rather hucklebuckle horsepower!

But so much for the newer generation that has to know everything. Who because of the internet has access to more info that is unusable at any given time. And now due to i-pods, can be on the side of the road and Google "how to set clock on motorcycle?" and get the answer. But as info driven as we are, there are more things we can never know. But yet, as news of the day points toward the Rapture, the interest among Christians of who is the Anti-christ rises. Why, do some who claim to know Jesus, wish to know who will be the worst man ever on earth? If they truly believe Jesus will rapture them, why do they spend time wondering who it will be when it will never effect them? Maybe the warning of who you seek you will find hasn't sunk in yet. You have found the savior, quit looking!

But for generations, the elect, and some who think they are, still look. But only God knows when Jesus will rapture us, which keeps the devil on his toes. For since he doesn't know either, he has to prepare an antichrist for each generation. And he must be ready at any given time. And then he gets to mislead anyone he can by making that generation wonder who it is. Or was, or might have been. Which may explain in recent years the plethora of wretched individuals released into humanity.

Now just suppose you did know, which you can't do unless you get left behind. Will it matter? You have a far greater chance, 100% of being wrong, and ruining your witness. So keep the gospel simple, and be more concerned about Jesus' first appearance. For if you blow that one, you really won't like His second. Focus on Jesus, keep Him the main thing, and let God handle the time and place. For whether by the rapture or not, you will go to heaven when you die if you are saved.

Quit walking around in silence like we did as kids playing Hucklebucklebeanstalk. We know the truth, and who He is. Let Jesus change someone else's life like He changed yours. Hallelujah instead of hucklebucklebeanstalk! For what you have found has never been hidden, and let the lost wonder who will be their king.

Oh, and the clocks on bikes-what exactly does the time 1724 mean? I chose the 24 hour clock, whoever heard of a clock only working for 12 hours anyway?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

looking forward, but not ahead

We call them wish lists, or for you cinematically influenced, bucket lists. They are things we wish to do, want to have, places to visit, or desires to fulfill before we die. Or are too old and feeble to enjoy them. And although it is fun to dream like that, sometimes the reality of attaining those wishes isn't quite as much fun as the anticipation of it. Perhaps Sam Clemens, aka Mark Twain said it best, "the only thing worse than not getting your heart's desire is getting your heart's desire." And I think we have all been there, on both sides of the equation at times in our life.

The advertisers somehow keep us on the edge of our seats waiting for next year's bikes to come out. Thanks to the internet, we have spy photos, and spy shots, with computer enhanced drawings of what the new GSCBKH RocketCycloneLow Rider will be. And thanks to their enchanting words and photos, somehow our old bikes seems just that-old. What was last years dream, is now this years how do I sell it to get the newest one? And in a market where Harley's new models are mostly colors, the Japanese shave .001 seconds off the 1/4, and Ducati comes out with another narrow focus ride that once you've shown all your friends you park and ride something else, we line up for the latest and greatest. All at a higher price, while our old had to have it last year dream loses value. With a simple formula-lust, buy, sell at a loss, and repeat. At least we are all consistent.

I almost broke that mold once, having owned my FJ1100 for almost 10 years. A record for me. But after buying my first new Triumph, they have a 2 year, unlimited mile warranty, I figured every two years I would have a new bike, and never be out of warranty. But like I found out, while looking ahead, I was missing the joy of riding what I had, and finally broke the habit after six years. Thanks to no money, and a reduced ego, I began enjoying what I had even more, and found out high mileage was more of a bragging right than a new bike. And I still stick to that today, as my highest mileage bike is my 2006 Tiger with 67,000, and my lowest my 2006 Scrambler with 19,000. Theresa's Bonneville with 67,000 is still highest, but I added the first 26,000. Still, how many women do you know have ridden over 40,000 miles in the last five years? High miles, means more memories, and of course more maintenance. And I still find oil changes and tires less expensive than paying more my latest gotta have 900 for 60 months. You do your own math.

Long term relationships take time. Like, duh. But they also take a commitment, a commitment of more than your monthly payment. It takes a commitment, an investment of time and emotions-for riding a motorcycle, like a relationship with God, is a personal thing. God, wife, family, motorcycle. Keep them in order, and you should do well. Get them out of order, and maybe that is why you see so many low mileage, late model bikes for sale-due to a divorce. And when it is too late, start the process all over again. And some never get it, like my friend, Rick the attorney. Who on his latest divorce tells me "I'll never get married again, every five years I'll just find a woman who hates me and buy her a house."

Where are you with Jesus today? Right now? Are you still in love and excited, or has life interfered with your relationship with Him? Are you reduced to weekly church attendance, or are you still in the word? Or do you look for excuses not to spend time with God? Jesus tells us that when we avoid Him, or put anything ahead of Him, we have lost our first love. Do you look at Him like you do your latest ride? Do you anticipate reading your Bible and fellowshipping like you do your new bike? Do you look at Jesus the same way you look at new motorcycles?

Have you lost your first love, or just misplaced Him? Truth is, the world will invade, but the choice is always ours. God will not force His way into our lives, and it is us who turns on Him-never the other way around. And when the dust settles, or the ride is over, He is still there, patiently waiting-lovingly, for us to return to Him. For His list is very simple and short-He loves us, and doesn't want to share us with anybody, or anything. Remember to include Him in your latest Wish List if He isn't on top of it already.

God wants us as we are. Would you buy a used bike that? That is love, and trust. So run to Him. His latest model may be almost 2000 years old, but how do improve on perfection? New models, New Age, or a new gospel? Don't buy into it. Stick with the what you have-Jesus.

Has it been awhile? Pick up the word and let the scripture touch your heart once again. Tune up your life and go to church. Today is the most exciting time to be a Christian with the rapture imminent. Make today the best day of your life, and then repeat it tomorrow.

And for you other high mileage guys, treasure the memories and testimonies you have over the years. The encouragement means a lot to me, and to others. For Jesus promises your cup, or bucket will overflow with blessings when you follow Him. And in terms of roads left to ride, you better start today. I look forward to heaven, and being with Jesus, but am content to enjoy the blessings of today. On last year's bike. And last year's wife. And my forever Lord and Savior.

Cheaper than a new house every five years.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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pure religion-hold the cream and sugar

I would like to go on record as not being a coffee drinker. Long before it became trendy to pay 10 times too much for your trendy cup of Joe, I didn't like it. Seems I never had trouble getting up, or staying up, so I never started drinking it. And yes, I did try it once. Love the smell, but when it didn't taste like it smelled, that was enough. And I am not anti-coffee, as I used to sell both Maryland Club and Folgers-and did quite well winning awards for selling both. I guess when it comes down to it, I don't agree with the trendiness of selling something that costs less than a nickel a cup to make for $4! I don't like sitting indoors, or out where people vegetate while nursing their cup for the afternoon, when they could be riding. But mostly I am against the attitudes I find there, yes I have walked into Starbucks with other friends who need their dose of trendy caffeine to function. What I miss is the Coffee Shop, or Shoppe, depending on your income level.

Long before high priced lattes, and designer sandwiches and croissants, we had coffee shops. Before you even sat down, the cup and saucer had hit the table, and it could be had with toast or a muffin. Some would even have a small breakfast menu, eggs and bacon with toast, but the idea was this was a short trip, and that your time was important to you. Waitresses called you honey or sweetheart, coffee with breakfast got you out for under $2, and you always left a generous tip. You had a relationship with the waitresses, not that kind, the kind where you knew about each other's families, and no small talk was allowed, you didn't have time for it. Real men took their coffee black, the decaf pot always had to be rebrewed due to sitting so long, and only an occasional oddball, like me, would order tea. And you got a bag of Lipton, there again no designer, caffeine free, green tea that was healthful. Just like the 500 calorie donut, you drank it because you wanted it, not to make a fashion statement.

Regular, decaf, or instant-those are your choices in life it seems. Black with strength, or a latte-milk with coffee added. But for some reason, coffee must be had. Only the most hard core drink instant, if it tastes like it smells I really wouldn't like it. And it seems that coffee, or its attitude has invaded the church. Where once you went to church to fellowship, worship, and learn about God, now it has become trendy. I know people who insist on a certain church brand-because of the music, or the pastor is popular-did you read his latest book? Saw him on Oprah. They take their religion light, like latte, don't bring Jesus into it, it changes the flavor. I just want enough so that I feel my obligation is fulfilled, even though I may not be. Check out their designer Bible covers, clean and neat from not being opened-it may crack the vinyl. Besides, who has time to read it-that's why I go to church. How much can God expect from me anyway?

We also have instant Christians. No time for God, so they listen on the radio, when nothing else is on. They may read the trendy books on the newest rage, and tune God in when needed, which is not very often. Church-when I have no other plans, and if it doesn't interfere with anything else. A quick trip with Jesus, never getting the flavor or the aroma, that knowing Him personally brings. A cup here, a cup there, but never enough to stimulate.

Decaf Christians are similar. All the church, but not the Jesus. I believe in God. He drives a BMW, so I should too. The Bible, some old book, for weaklings. Don't talk to me about religion, I'm not for it. And never get to know Jesus, who didn't like religion either, and died on the cross so they could be free from their sin. Decaf-no flavor and no life. And just like the formaldehyde it is decaffeinated with, they ae being embalmed because they are spiritually dead-they just don't know it.

But true Christians, those that call Jesus Lord, take it black. Nothing else in it that can contaminate it or change the flavor. Jesus is all they desire, and all they want. Their Bibles are worn, and the pages covered with notes. They know all about Jesus because He is personal. And like the waitress, He knows what they want before they show up, and He has it ready for them. Great service, great coffee, and a great relationship. Nothing religion can offer interests them, and they desire a blend that only Jesus can provide. Black and strong, and hot. Fresh, just like the gospel. And like the spirit, the pot is always fresh.

Don't settle for a trendy religion, when Jesus is available. Better than any religion, He brings freedom. And you will love the flavor. Take a few moments to soak in the aroma of His love, and then spend a few minutes with Him. Find a church that is like a coffee shop, and not a Starbucks. Get to know your fellow brothers and sisters, and stick around and fellowship while having another cup.

Jesus Christ-everything you want from a God-and more. And I don't recall Him ever drinking a latte! Let the relationship you have with Him be just like your coffee-black, strong, and with nothing to change Him. God got it right the first time-He needs no additives, or a trendy place to serve you. Stop and thank Him now-the pot is on, and He has a mug with your name on it. At the coffee shop/church of your choice.

love with compassion,

Mike

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