waattiffs

Decisions-I read once where the average person makes over 8700 of them a day. And since no one I know is average, above average I think is how we see ourselves, I hope you make the right decision and read on. And decisions are based on choices-sit or stand, car or bike, paper or plastic-text while driving or be responsible. And more often than not, we don't hear about our right decisions-unless we get caught. But I have found that this is another proof for a living, loving God who has everything under control. As I watch moms who cannot control one child, it must take an above average God to maintain over 6 billion of us. But imagine if we were left up to our own devices, what if....

What if Mrs. Davidson had told her sons, "stay away from that Harley kid. He is bad news. And get rid of those leather jackets!" What if they made a V-4 motor? What if Mrs. Honda had told Sochiro to ride the bus? Would we still wanna ride? What if Don Corleone really was in the olive oil business? What if he made you an offer, and you refused? And what if Sonny had lived, would he have been a good don? What if Fredo wasn't weak? What if the movie On Any Sunday was based on Saturday night racing? What if they called it Saturday Night Fever? What would have become of the BeeGees, would they be Stayin' Alive still? What if Henry Ford decided to stay working for the Edison Light Company? What if we all drove Chevies? What if there really was no substitute for cubic inches? And what if young Tom Edison had been more interested in girls than electricity? No movies, where did he take his wife for a date? Go Pros are in your future because of him. What if JFK had decided to stay home that November and watch the Redskins? Would we still have conspiracy buffs? Would we trust our government more-or at all? What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about? What if everybody had an ocean, across the USA? Would we all be surfin' USA?

What if Marlowe had really found the Maltese Falcon? Would it still be the thing dreams are made of? What if Clemenza had left the canoles, and took the gun? What if Martin Luther, who liked to sleep in late, didn't? Would we have church starting at 6am? Or 6pm? What if one night old Chris Columbus thought he saw the edge? And turned back? Or if Ponce De Leon really had found the fountain of youth? How would that effect those of us who never grew up, would anyone notice? What if Lincoln really lived in Gettysburg, and had an address there? Would school kids be required to know it also? Or would 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue be enough? Note-Gettysburg is in Pennsylvania. What if we had won Viet Nam? Would our veterans be taken better care of? What if we won Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan? Does that make us the most powerful nation on earth? What if we exported things around the world that were made here? Would that help the unemployment rate? What if they voted other places like they do in Chicago-vote early and vote often? What if San Diego had a football team?

What if we used oil and gas that we got domestically? What if two guys from Jersey ran the government? Don't wonder how, just thank them for 32 cent a gallon gas. What if no one cared about Keeping up with the Kardashians? What if OJ really did it? What if letting air out of a tire really did make it weigh less, or by adding pounds weigh more? What if there was really a Santa Claus? What if he unionized his workers? Would they have to work Christmas-it is a holiday? What if the Easter bunny caught on, and wanted Easter off? What if Jesus had decided He didn't want to die for our sins? And we had to work out our own salvation based on works and good deeds. Who would be good enough?

What if Jesus wasn't the way? What if you kept your friends close, but your enemies closer? What if we lived by grace, and mercy? What if you didn't have to mess up to get mercy? Be glad God offers it still. What if motorcycles still shifted on the right and left? What if they truly found a cure for cancer? What if milk shakes had milk in them, and Taco Bell really used meat? What if Ray Kroc had only one McDonalds? What if the brothers McDonald had decided not to sell milkshakes? What if Ronald McDonald lived in an apartment, would we have Ronald McDonald condos? What if you really had it your way, and ate somewhere other than Burger King?

What if God hadn't so loved the world that He didn't send Jesus? What if we really did believe in peace, and realized it only is found through and in Jesus Christ? What if you really believed He was who He said He was? What if you wonder who the Anti-Christ will be more than believing in Jesus? What if this religious stuff is just that-stuff? And you live your life denying the truth? What if you really read the Bible-and believed it?

What if what they say about Jesus is really true? What if you deny Him? What if God really is in control? What if...the decision is yours. I hope you make the right choice.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew225biker.blogspot.com

you're 16, you're beautiful, and you're mine

My friend Guy, from HAMC, sends me interesting forwards from time to time. And although we come at life from slightly different perspectives, we have a common addiction-motorcycles. So when I got his latest e-mail on Saturday, I figured more interesting bikes. But was pleasantly surprised to find it was about Hollywood heroes. Not the Carlos Estevez, aka Charlie Sheens, or Lindsay Lohans of the world. But true heroes, who when it came time to serve their country during WWII, gave up their careers voluntarily and joined the Armed Services of the US of A. And not just bit players, but stars like Clark Gable, who was too old to fight, still trained and gave morale boost to the troops. A pilot, who would have flown over Europe if his age had not disqualified him. Jimmy Stewart, joined as a private and ended up Major Stewart, flying 20 some missions over Europe. George C. Scott-USMC. Men like James Doohan, aka Scotty, Charles Durning, Sir Alec Guiness, and David Niven, who all were part of the D Day invasion. Charles Bronson, Eddie Albert, Brian Keith, Tyrone Power, Lee Marvin, and Robert Ryan who all served in the Pacific theatre, some wounded and many awarded medals or Purple Hearts for their bravery. Men who didn't hide behind their "stardom," but rose above it. These men are heroes to me. The best Hollywood had to offer-and I wonder Hollywood-is Carlos E. the best you have to offer us?

Yesterday we gathered to what would have been Laiken's 16th birthday. I say would have been, for almost three years ago, she died and is resting in the arms of a loving God. A little girl, who when I first met her was only 10 years old, with leukemia. Who for the three years we were friends warmed my heart and became my hero. For like the men mentioned above, she had character. Which rose to the top under pressure. Whose love of life and of God showed through under the harshest of circumstances. She showed it when in Children's Hospital in Loma Linda, and Jim and I held her while they inserted a feeding tube through her nose. She knew it would hurt, this wasn't the first time, and as the tears flowed from her face, she squeezed my hand to ease the pain, just like I had told her too, and I saw a courage and character shine through. And even as my hands hurt from squeezing them, they in no way could compare to the battle she was facing-or the pain from it. To the last time I saw her conscious, while throwing up into a big yellow pot, being comforted by Grandma Rita, she looked up, saw me, and waved-with that big Laiken smile. But the leukemia didn't get her, and infection did. And when God finally said "enough-come on home Laiken," she did.

I know her mom Stacy still misses her, and all the things Laiken never go to do. No more cheerleading, first dates, or proms. She missed by months being the Big Sister she had wanted to be to Abigail. But God knew best-and all these earthly events pale compared to where she is, and what she is doing. Laiken gave when it would have been OK to take. She loved when the situation said different, and wracked with pain. She stood firm, when others around her fell vicitm to the pain she endured. She is my hero, a "shero" if you will. And when Stacy called to invite us, I at first said no. It was a tough week, and I didn't feel like visiting anyone. But then I remembered Laiken, and I had to go. Out of respect, and honor. But mostly love. The love of a little shero, who touched more hearts through cancer than most do in life. A true witness of Jesus Christ, not just going out witnessing. But yet when it came time, she went out, a witness of His love.

Perhaps the song with Ringo's voice says it best. "Now you're my angel devine, you're 16, you're beautiful, and you're mine." Words uttered from the mouth of God, on this her birthday.

It is said celluloid heroes never die. But true heroes, like Laiken continue to live on, and encourage us. For just a few shining moments she lit up many lives. And now she lights up heaven.

My shero, and my friend. A daughter I never had, but got to borrow. A young lady of character. Happy Birthday Sweet 16!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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those that wander shall never wonder

Certain stretches of road seem to go on forever. Take I-40 east of Albuquerque for example. After going through the canyon-we used to take old 66 and Dead Man's Curve, you head towards Tucumcari, and then Amarillo-about 290 miles of how fast can we get there, but it never seems fast enough. Today we travel it safely at 85mph, but I can remember my first time on it, from east to west at 55mph. A ride that now takes 4-5 depending on potty stops, used to take 7-8 hours, caution being used to look out for radar traps. And on old 66 there were many of them. But today we think nothing of 85 mph, and safety on a four laner, with controlled access. But a much different story is told once you get off the freeway, and travel the old roads. And a time capsule awaits you when you do. Which when you aren't rushed for time, is a pleasant trip to the past. Which today will be someday.

When we first started traveling by motorcycle, my wife preferred to only eat at chain type restaurants, and chain motels. I used to tell her she was homogenized-afraid to step out and try something different. And reluctantly she did, and then the roads, and roadsides became more attractive.

We have eaten some of our best meals at places with gravel driveways, and sputtering neon signs. The outside may look a bit rough, but the cook and the waitress only add more flavor to the meal-and the food too. Where once we would have settled for a fast food chain, we now enjoy eating a real hamburger, a real milk shake with milk in it, and fresh cut fries. Even the pies and other desserts take on a fresher, more personal flavor. Mom's isn't the brand at these stops, but the person who baked it. Cooks with stained old aprons, piles of potatoes stacked on the flat top, and the smell of hot coffee. Add a waitress who calls you Sweetie, and you have the makings of a great meal. And we have learned to try the daily special-which usually is.

Corydon, Indiana was once the state capitol. A neat old down town, we were riding the Ohio River route, and stopped there for lunch. Walking around the block, they did have a few trendy places, which could be anywhere. But on the corner, was Joy's Lunch. And a joy it was. This being a Tuesday, the cook had made tenderloin on Sunday, and today's special was barbequed tenderloin sandwich, fresh corn on the cob, home made Cole slaw, a slice of pie, and a drink-FIVE DOLLARS! A three course meal for less than a #1 at McDonalds. And in 2009 dollars, this was the deal of the trip. Add into it the fact the food was excellent, service great, and we got to mingle and visit with other diners, we found out that the owners were bikers, and served up great meals to riding groups coming through. Sometimes at no profit, sometimes free, as they wanted to help them on their journey. And while talking with two hay covered men, the dad asked me to please stop by his farm, and tell his wife it was OK to buy a motorcycle. We agreed, but only waved while passing. I don't do domestic issues. But for ten dollars, we had eaten, were filled, had made new friends, and were encouraged along the trip, also being told about speed traps and great detours to take. Try that one at Mickey D's next time. You see, there is not only life on the road, but along side of it too. You just need to look. And not be so homogenized.

God likes to stretch us in our road of being a Christian. He likes to take us new places, and show us new things to bless us. But we say NO, I like the road I'm on. Except you cannot see the rut you are really in. The same church service, same meal after, then going home to the same TV and watching the same shows. Sometimes really live it up by stopping for an ice cream. Vanilla. But all in all, a predictability that borders on a slow death. And death arrives, but you are too bored to notice.

God promises us abundant life. Not to be confused with riches, but fulfilling desires He has put into you. And then He fulfills them, when you follow Him. He wants to be the personal God, not a chain or fast food God. To make every meal, and every mile special-although I'm still waiting for the I-40 refresher-maybe if I change my attitude? Anyway, He adds life to living, and allows you to be touched by others, but also to touch them. I cannot tell you how many pictures I have had taken with BBQ pit crews, cooks, waitresses, or other diners we have met. Friends I hadn't known before we stopped, but friends now that we know about. Friends who shared stories over tenderloin, and let us into their world, if only for a few minutes. People who have made the trip special, just by being there.

This road I talk about is not found on any map. It is a road of the heart, and can only be travelled that way. It takes trust, and a step of faith. And only Jesus can provide the way. Do you and yourself a favor today. Try the old roads, stop at a non-franchised ice cream stand. Eat a real lunch, and sit at the counter. Listen and learn, and then repeat the experience for others. You may find that your new friends are more like you than you think. But don't let that scare you. Take advantage of a fulfilled life in Christ that He promises. And take pictures to encourage others. But never lose the file of film in your memory. Smells, tastes, food, and meeting new people. On the road again? Or still? Depends on your perspective, and your trusting of God.

Travelling with Jesus. New roads and new friends. Blessings not found on the freeway, but only on the road with Him. I wander, while others wonder. You'll never know until you go.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

from Bonneville to Daytona in 60 seconds

From time to time I am reminded why we ride. And from time to time also reminded why I ride what I do. We all have a heritage of sorts, even though there are times in our lives that it embarrasses us, and we deny it. But usually we can make it work for us-truth bending it is called, and the world won't call it a lie, they do it all the time-professionally, just bending the truth to meet the situation. Bikers call it bench racing, and the better the racer the better the tales. And when mixed with truth, they truly are better. But sadly it is only the 150mph Sportster, or the 7 second 1/4 mile Ducati, or some other impossibility that piques our interest. And by the time the story is repeated, the Sporty went 175mph, and the Duke is in the fives. And each teller knows someone who knows someone who knew the guy who was a friend of the mechanic who put air in the tires, of a friend who once bought a bike at the shop. Under previous owners. But the connection is still there, and the bench racer still has the rights to tell the story-based on that relationship.

But consider the audience, and how it is more important to the story sometimes than the teller. And as I watched two men I have known for years, talking Triumphs on FOX 69 in San Diego, it was evident they knew their bikes, but not the audience. But I would really lay the fault at the feet, or mike of the interviewer, they only answered the questions he asked, but really on the camera man. While talking Daytona, he was shooting the Thunderbird. Two different bikes. And when talking Bonnevilles, seemed more interested in the Daytona. And if you weren't a rider, you wouldn't know the difference. Because non-riders see us as all the same. Just another loud motorcycle. And while the announcer kept calling the Daytona, I happen to have one in my garage right now, a 675R, a trouble bike-it seems anything with two wheels would get him in trouble. Frankly, him walking across the lot and not being prepared got him in trouble. But with live TV , you get what you get. Remember the turkey drop live on WKRP? At least no bikes were damaged during the interview.

But you were left with Lance revving the motor on a Street Triple-with stock pipes. Quiet, yet that great triple sound. And the last impression to viewers was just another loud motorcycle-loud being I can't hear my cell phone when driving! How about hanging up and drive-law breaker?

And although these guys did a good job, I wouldn't want to base my whole motorcycling experience on this one episode. Yet when the world looks at Christians, that is how they judge us. They think all we do is ask for money. We give-you cannot take an offering. Never realizing all the giving churches and ministries provide. Samaritan's Purse was in Haiti way before any one else, including the UN. No politics involved, only love. When volunteers are needed, you only need to look to the church-and they are there. In fact, only bikers come close to this when a need arises. You see, it is always easier to look on the bad side, and judge. If you think a pastor only works Sunday mornings, spend a few days with him. Calls at 3am, families in crisis, spending 20+ hours for a 60 minute message. Having to deal with all types of people, and yet keep his church running like a business. A profitable business. Churches haven overhead too. And just like those who think all bikes and bikers are crude, he doesn't get much help from the media. If only they worked his hours, they would have a different outlook.

Pray for pastors today. And start a habit of it everyday. They will be judged harsher by God, a tough criteria for anyone thinking they should be a pastor, and even stop by and attend their church. See what really is going on. For like bench racing, the truth is in there somewhere. Except it comes out in love, and not an edited sound byte response. For there is something about THE truth that sets us free, and Jesus is THE truth. And it is times when I see men saved, and joy enter into hurting families that I remember the greatness of being a Christian. And who I represent.

So it is when I ride, and why we each ride the brand we do. We represent them the minute we throw a leg over the saddle. A wise reminder to both Christians and bikers. But really to those that aren't either. Until you have sat in our seats-don't judge us. The view from behind the handlebars is much different than from your car. And the view from the seats in church is much different, also.

Just call it a heavenly perspective. Don't just ask the man who is one, sit with him and enjoy. And be really cool-ride your motorcycle to church! Daytona to Bonneville-any bike beats even the coolest car! And only Jesus is the way! And He is really cool!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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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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