the third man

It starts when you're a kid and hurt yourself. After twenty minutes of tears and looking for a mark your mother can't find, she tells you, "we'll put a band aid on it and you'll be fine." And you are, not questioning the healing power of the adhesive strip. Until it comes time to remove it, along with all the hair on your arm, causing more pain than the original boo-boo. And whether you know it or not, your whole life will be dictated by fixing things with a band aid.

When your first car is measured not in miles per gallon, but miles per quart of oil burned, we used to use the remedies found in the back of car magazines. My favorite, a man in a service station uniform, complete with hat and bow tie-sure made him look official, telling us by adding this special oil treatment, our worn out engine would run like new, and stop burning oil. We called him Mr. SBO-Stop Burning Oil. And the Granatelli's made a fortune of STP, and still do. And for awhile the blue clouds of smoke would subside, until the car stopped in the middle of nowhere, with friends you weren't allowed to hang out with, and well, you were already late, I think you get it. The band aid failed.

I see many on feeding tubes in hospitals when they are unable to eat food. This provides nourishment, but if asked, and able to answer, the number one thing they wish to eat is a Double Double from In-and -Out. Information per the nutrition therapy nurse. Why don't they use that in their advertising? Isn't that what a hamburger's all about? This tube feeding is like an internal band aid, and works, but nothing like a burger and fries to help mentally-not sure about the physical ramifications, but refer to the initial band aid your mom put on you, and hey-it works!

And sadly, many of us live our life on the life support of band aids. Hide the wound, I'll worry about the scar later. Struggling with the things of God? I know, I'll read through the Bible in a year. That will make me closer to God. But what after you miss a day or two, and fall behind? It only adds more pressure-nope, that ain't it. I'll go to church more often, that's it. Until something else more important, like a Padre game, or a ride comes along, at least God will forgive me. I know, I'll get up early and pray more. Start the day after tomorrow, I have a big night tonight. And finally, I'll only listen to KWVE in the car. Except tomorrow night, they have a Led Zeppelin marathon on. And so the list of band aid remedies goes on, and so does our problem.

The Bible tells us the Trinity is Father, Son, aka Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. NOT Father, Son, and more Bible time-not more prayer time, not more church , and not more KWVE. These things aren't wrong-but they are not the Trinity. For the third person of the Trinity is a person-the Holy Spirit. Who urged you to trust Jesus when unsaved, which comforts you when troubled, who leads you when you need guidance, and who in all things points you to Jesus, who always points you to His Father-Almighty God! God doesn't put a band aid on our problems to cover up the symptoms, He deals with the cause. And when you let the Spirit guide you, He will heal the problem. I tend to cut myself a lot, and put band aids on the cuts-"it's ok honey, yes, that's the bone, but it'll heal-just get me a band aid." My personal favorite-extra large and extra absorbent. And then when it gets red and infected, I go to the doctor. History if nothing else should remind me, go to doctor first, but when a band is available, well, the doc can wait.

God is patient-aren't you glad? But why go through a band aid temporary fix when we can call on the Spirit to guide us? To comfort us? To bring us to salvation? Didn't you know that you may hide the wound, but it will still leave a scar?

Trust God today. Walk in the spirit. He will encourage you to read your Bible, and get more out of it. You will want to listen to KWVE, and fellowship with others like you at church. And give you a comfort and a peace that only Jesus can offer, way beyond trying to understand why your car is still burning oil, or your finger is infected.

Which just may free you up to do more of the things you like to do. Like ride motorcycles. Or have that Double Double. Yes, the Holy Spirit likes to ride and eat too. So trust Him today.

Just think, all the blessings you missed because your mom put a band aid on it, instead of praying over it? When all you had to do was ask.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

unveiling events-July, 2010

Really I was just following orders. The bike that Triumph had given me to ride, a new 2011 Sprint GT, had not been released to dealers yet. They had only seen pictures of it, and Triumph riders had only been leaked details via spy shots on the Internet. And I had been told, "take it to Jesse, so he can load it onto the demo truck. Pick up a Street Triple R and then swap it for another GT." Even I could do that, I mean who wouldn't want to ride three brand new 2011 models in one day, after putting 1500 miles on the first GT?

So I pulled into NCY where about 100+ Triumph riders were getting ready for their turn on riding the demos. I had never met Jesse, but figured he would be easy to find. What I didn't expect was the reception. I pulled in on the blue GT, and parked by the trailer. And soon I was surrounded by the riders in wait, who recognized the new model, and wanted a first hand look. Some even asked to sit on it, but thankfully I declined their request. With about 30 riders surrounding me, and asking questions, I was a bit overwhelmed, but felt very cool having this unique bike-and I was riding it! But soon Jesse popped out of the crowd, and told me he needed to get the bike out of there. I helped him make his way through the crowd, and wheel it into the back of the building-away from everyone. He then explained that no one had seen the bike yet, and that other dealers had complained "why didn't they get to see it first?" So no one gets to see new bikes until they all do-together! And I had just broken that rule, unknowingly, and it was kinda fun to watch and also be part of.

It seems a while ago, certain dealers didn't like the fact that Triumph was using a dealer in So Cal to prep the Press Fleet. So Triumph sent them out to a private, non-Triumph shop, and well-let's just say that the love wasn't there that Mickey gives them now. Politics aside, he does a great job with the bikes, and also with the magazine editors. And it reflects in the road test reviews. Just read any recent articles-the press, and in turn riders love the new Triumphs!

Fortunately no one, including me got into trouble. I was just following orders, and now I ask before taking any bikes to the demo trucks. And in fact, the local dealers in So Cal have gotten to know me, as I stop by and let them look at the new models before they have them. At the dame dealer a few years ago, I had a new Tiger, which was not being released for a few months. I stopped in and asked the sales manger if he had any info on it. He told me the bike was too new, and he hadn't seen one. When I asked, "would you like to see one?" his eyes lit up, and soon the whole store was out looking. They had gotten a private show, a pre-release show, and felt honored. They still refer me to the guy who brought the Tiger by that day.

We all like a glimpse of new models, or of what's going to happen in the future. People pay millions for fortune tellers, and horoscope readings. Only to be disappointed when they events don't happen. And whine about the money it cost them. Jesus tells us about the future, and based on his past, we should all listen. The Bible is only 100% accurate when it comes to prophecy, so why don't we seek Him first like we are told? When He foretells of coming world events, like the increase in floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other so-called natural disasters, why don't we listen? And yet as the experts mumble some nonsense far from the truth, we listen to them. I just don't get it. Why aren't we excited like the men who saw the new GT, and recognized it even though they had never seen one before? Why can't we be more like the sales manager who jumped at the chance to see what he had only heard about?

FAITH. Believing the evidence of things not seen. Or trusting God when their is no evidence of Him. But when there is, we still don't? Why? I can get theological, but the answer is we don't listen. The signs are there, the messages, some are over 3000 years old. We had over 300 prophecies fulfilled by Jesus alone, wouldn't that be like road testing a new bike for a million miles?

Again, it takes faith, to please God. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We trust God because He is trustworthy. And everything He says will happen, in His timing. So be patient, for His next step is calling out His church from the earth-the rapture. And since He wants you to be rescued, He wants you saved, and is patient waiting for you to say yes to Him! He takes no joy in the death of anyone-even the sinner! Now that's love.

Jesus may be as new to you as a new model to old riders. But it takes trust, and you cannot trust someone you don't know. The rapture predicted is real. It will happen. The question is will you accept Him now while there is still time? What if what He says is true?

Now it's easy. Don't wait and find out the hard way. New models may come and go, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Forever is along time-make sure you spend it with Him, in Heaven.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

---

"do this in remembrance of me"

It was my first Torches Across America ride in 2005. And after the tremendous reception in Fairborn, Ohio, it was time for me to get a sinus infection. I don't do cigarette smoke well, and since then, almost all states have outlawed smoking in restaurants, but back then they hadn't, and my sinuses were a wreck from smoke. And I was pretty sick.

But first, the ceremony at Nutter Field house at Wright Patterson AFB was incredible. Good food, a great reception, and true patriots out with many police and other first responders, being honored, and honoring those who gave all on 9-11-2001. I can still see and hear the bagpipe player marching off into the horizon playing Amazing Grace until both faded out altogether. Men and women, with many families from the base and the town out to honor them. And the bikers who were on the ride to honor them also. Not to bring attention to ourselves, but to point to the men and women of 9-1, and to honor those in their families left behind. Tired and sick, after turning in early, I was easily coerced into going to an urgent care the next morning, that Nancy Knauer, Les' wife took us too.

We got there just before it opened, and two firefighters were already ahead of us. We got to talking, and they recognized us from last night. We talked, and visited, and when they said next, I pointed to them saying "go ahead, you're up." But I was truly humbled when they both insisted I go first. "Thank you," they said, "for what you are doing." And at first was embarrassed, because we were just on a ride. But after realizing how much being remembered and honored meant to them, I couldn't say no, and went in. These two men were not seeking recognition, but were glad someone said thanks, publicly. And with tears in my eyes, I humbly shook both their hands, and then saw the doctor. I don't know their names, but I still take time to pray for them, and to thank God for their humility. A lesson I still carry. And I left Fairborn being proud of the fact I was an American, and a biker. But also a Christian, and for being born in a land that God shed His grace upon.

May is National Motorcycle Recognition Month. "LOOK TWICE-AND TAKE NOTE OF MOTORCYCLES" the signs say, and we say thanks for looking out for us. Motorcycling for many is more than cheap transportation, and is a way of life-a life of freedom and the open road. And we are thankful for the recognition, and as always-please look out for us. And we hope that many of you check us out. maybe even learn to ride, but get out and meet us. I have always said if you need help, call a biker, and with so many rallies, and fund raisers put on by bikers, you non-riders are welcome to come check us out. Long hair, leathers, loud exhausts, and all-we love to ride, and would love to tell you about the freedom found in it. Ladies, bring your husbands or boyfriends. For many women ride, like my wife, and would love to tell you how much fun it is, and how it will enrich your life and marriage when you ride with your best friend. But for the rest of you in cages-aka cars, please hang up your cell, and look out for us. I am visiting too many bikers lately who have been in accidents caused by cars-we have families too, and plans for the future.

In many ways, we are a witness of a lifestyle, and of a way of life. We don't go riding to be out witnessing, but the ride is a witness about us. And for those of us who are Christians, or are called by that name, we need to remember that. You are not called to go out witnessing, but to be a witness. And to be ready in all situations. If you have told people you are a Christian, they expect you to act like one. Or more precisely, to react like one. Self control, perhaps the most difficult fruit of the spirit for me, makes me turn it all over to God. For in my times of trial, I wish to reveal Jesus to others. So how we react, can be more important than our actions. Just like the two firemen reacted to me, and let me go first, honor others with God's love. Treat others as if they are greater than you, even when all parties know they aren't. Show respect, courtesy, and honor. These things work well in the world of bikers, they should also in the church.

Let the fruit of the spirit be what you leave with others. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness, long suffering, and self control. No laws against any of them, they should be written on your heart. Be a true and living witness of Jesus Christ. Many are searching for Him, but sadly His fan club, us , has let them down. Today make this the first day you recognize others as Jesus did-in love. Allow someone to go ahead of you in line. Don't flip off, or out when someone cuts you off. Be patient with those of us not as great as you. And forgive those who have hurt you. Just like Jesus forgave you.

For the 31 days of May, motorcycles will be more recognized than ever. Don't stop there. And start letting your life be a witness, and let Jesus change your heart. Thanks from those of us who ride, and a he artful apology from those of us who may offended you. I pray my life is a testimony to Jesus, and only when needed will I use words. So don't brag to me what a great Christian you are-show me! And others!

True servants, like the firemen in Fairborn, don't care who they help. Or when, or how. They do it from a sense of duty. A duty of love. They see a need and answer it. Jesus said that whoever does these things to the least of us, does it to Him. Have you been nice to Jesus lately? Isn't it time you are?

Look out for bikers! You shouldn't have to look out for Christians!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

torchesacrossamerica.com

---

---

the weekend and a half solution

And God created weekends, and we saw that it was good. And then He created three day weekends, and to show our appreciation will go for a ride to thank Him. And since we have just crossed the border into May, we have Memorial Day coming up in just four weekends-so let's get out and thank God by riding! But where to go in this weekend and a half? So many roads, so little time. Let's see...

We could start in California, I know some great roads to Washington, then after lunch ride to Indiana, and finally to Denver for the night. Refreshed after a good meal and a great night's sleep, it is Sunday, but being on the road we may miss church. I know, let's go and visit some Biblical towns. Let's start in Emmaus, then on to Nazareth, then ride through Ephrata, and have dinner in Bethlehem, where it all began for our Lord. Sitting on the balcony, watching the sun go down, we can recall the song, "how dim we see thee light..." and have just one day left to ride. And since it is Memorial Day, maybe we should visit some historical sites. Up early wanting to take full advantage of our last day of riding, let's go to Valley Forge. Maybe Gettysburg. Washington's Crossing. All places to be remembered, and to remember the great country that God has shed His grace on. And then on to Paradise-it only seems right after a great three days of road trip. And mentally preparing ourselves for the four day work week that lies ahead, and the weekend waiting for us. So many miles, so many towns, so many roads, and road food, and we have never even left the state.

That's right, we are still in Pennsylvania! One of my favorite places to ride, and the state where all these towns live. From California, to Washington, to Indiana, and then to Denver, without crossing the Rockies, we have never left the state. Emmaus to Bethlehem-never left the area. And even Paradise, right here in the backyard. Pennsylvania-a great place to ride. But of course, you knew all this. I mean, you don't really know anyone who would ride all those places in one weekend, do you? In Pennsylvania, you can, and I have-many times. And am looking forward to it again this summer, with Theresa.

Our road trips have actually become ministry trips. And just like the New Testament tells us, we are to expand our boundaries as we grow with God. Start with Jerusalem, and expand from there. Get to know the area, while growing in God. And as He gives you the desire for more, expand the roads to Judea, then Samaria, and then finally to the entire earth. For we pray each day that God brings someone into our lives who we can minister too, and we never know where along the way that will happen. God has given us the desire to travel, and then fulfills the desire for us. In only ways He can. And when you are looking for Him, you will see Him everywhere you go!

Your Judea may be someone else's Samaria. So stop and visit, and enjoy the local food, and the sights. And welcome travelers into your own area, and even your home. Hospitality is also a ministry, and one that is sorely overlooked. Remember Jesus telling us about welcoming strangers in Matthew 25? No better way to make a friend than to be a friend. So get out and share God's love!

One state, three days, and so many places to see. Makes me particularly thankful for extended vacations, and where they can take us. Don't just sit at home waiting for memories to happen, get out and enjoy the life God has promised you! Blessings await those that seek Him, and make your trip the destination. Jesus, motorcycles, and time to ride. Now what part of His blessings don't you understand?

Just a footnote. Watching a game show the other night, a woman was asked what city is referred to as the city of brotherly love? Her answer-California! She really needs to get out more, as Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love. It makes me wonder though, maybe she has been to California, Pennsylvania, and I have missed something. Guess I'll just have to check it out. Soon, for the suspense is killing me...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

boys in the attic

The number 12. Twelve in a dozen. Twelve jurors. Joe Namath wore #12! But twelve is also a significant number of an elite group of men formed as a unique group of ambassadors. Hand picked by their leader, using qualifications that no modern screening would verify, these twelve were picked to deliver the message of a king too the world. A dying world. And even when one defected, in a scenario that would prove deadly for this king, it was all part of the plan. But when the other eleven were empowered by Him, and the spirit, the world began to see the king's words come true.

Three days after the king's death, ten of them were locked upstairs in the same room they had had their final meeting with their king. Only one was missing. And they were scared to death, as being associated with this king had made them wanted followers, who would eventually all face a martyr's death due to allegiance to him. Ten men holed up if you would, not knowing what to do, but afraid of the possible consequences. With the toughest one already denying publicly any association with their leader. Not knowing what to do, they were afraid for their lives, and without a leader or plan, were clueless.

But rather than the ten being vilified for fear, it is the one who wasn't at the meeting who is known as an outlaw within the group. Commonly referred to, incorrectly, as the Doubter, he, rather than be holed up scared, was out on the streets doing what his leader had told him to do-be bold, in love, and share the gospel. Remember his words to follow Jesus into Jerusalem even if it meant death? Of course, I am talking about Thomas, who later would end up killed with spears in India, and where churches started by him are still in evidence today. But a doubter? Truly the other 10 were, for they were afraid for their lives-perfect love casts out all fear. And doubt causes fear. No, Thomas, was confident of what could happen, just not sure what would happen. But he had his marching orders, so march he did. And when the others shared about the appearance of Jesus, he said he wanted to see him too. I want the proof, if it's good enough for you, show me too. All the way to the three nail piercings, and the hole in his side. He wanted to see the evidence of their faith! And when he did, without touching the wounds, cried out, "my God and my savior!" For he recognized Jesus, just as the others had-but through faith, not wanting to discount stories of 10 scared men. And Jesus would tell him how others who haven't seen shall be blessed if they believe too. That's us! You and me! And isn't seeing such an encouragement to our believing?

But are you out sharing the gospel as Thomas was, or scared into hiding because of what others may say? Preachers, is the pulpit a place to share the gospel and encourage others in it, or a place to discuss social ills? Time magazine tells us there is no hell. Do you respond in truth, or would you rather quote the magazine? Do you prefer Oprah to the Word? Jesus said He came to separate the sheep from the goats-are you confronting others in love with Jesus? Stop and ask yourself-who is Jesus Christ, and is He real in your life? Are you a sheep, or a goat? And if there is no hell, why did Jesus talk about it more than heaven? Why did He die to rescue you from it? Could Time, Oprah, and Rick Bell have it wrong?

If you are not representing Him, even though saved you are in spiritual darkness. For if you deny the evidence of His light, you stop going to church. Stop reading the Word. Stop praying. And make excuses just like the goats-the unsaved. You rely more on Time than on God. But God allows us that choice, and you can hit the switch, and turn back to Jesus. Pray, and repent. Read the word, and get back into church. As the spirit moves you, tell others about Jesus. And better yet, show His love as He commanded you, then use words when necessary. Be a Thomas!

Take your light out from under a barrel, and let it show to others. Be the only Bible that some may read. But get out of your room, and into the world-not becoming part of it, but changing it one life at a time.

Woe to those of you who don't. And don't spread vicious rumors about those that do. Be willing to risk it all like Thomas, and watch as whenever you see evidence of God, you rejoice. And you recognize God-and want more of Him!

Two of twelve took a stand-one for and one against. One went and killed himself, hanging and then falling onto the ground-spilling his guts. The other, living for Christ, and spilling his guts about Him everyday. Your choice.

Jesus never sent anyone to their room. Get out in the light! Before you begin to doubt His word and ways, too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

there 's no place like HGTV

Thanks to the Home and Garden Channel, HGTV to you devotees, I have been informed that my 25 year old home needs to be redone. The things I like aren't trendy this year. The knobs on my bathroom sink aren't in style anymore. The hot and cold water still work, isn't that what the are supposed to do? I hadn't realized the flowers I have had for the past eight years are wrong-when they said fine in shady areas, thinking it gets dark every night I bought them. And forgot to tell them not to grow so big I have to cut them back or replant them every year because of sunlight. It took me almost a dozen color samples when I repainted the house to get the right green, which still wasn't the same on the house as it was on the color chart. Now what am I going to do with all these little paint cans, that don't have enough to cover anything? And not what I really want?

I didn't know that red, white, and blue weren't trendy this year. Did anyone think to advise Betsy Ross when she knitted the first flag? And as our floor gets worn-it is distressed barn wood, and now I'm told that it looks old, which is what we wanted when we bought it, did I miss something? My blinds are wrong, my windows somehow let light shine in on sunny days, and my sprinklers aren't on a timer. And when it comes to the garage, that is where I draw the line-it is for cars and motorcycles, not for all the storage of all the trendy junk that was stylish last year, but out of style this year. You got a problem with Snap On, Harbor Freight, and motorcycle posters-stay out!

It seems anyone can be an expert, given their own TV show. So I would like to have my own HGTV show. Which would show these pleasure palaces that these trendy HGTV junkies have, in one year, when the paint peels, the rugs need cleaning, the sofa has towels on it to cover soda stains, and the car is rusty from sitting out all year in the rain. A highlight each week would be where the exterminators come and empty all the stuff in the garage into a dumpster, from contamination from mice and rats. I wondered where that smell came from? I would have a special segment on men finally telling their petulant wives to stop spending, "I hate laminates," and how they can have talent to make so much money, but have such poor taste in women. And then finding out the house is worth a lot less when she leaves to find another sugar daddy in real estate. And a new show can start, call it the REPO channel. But the series would be based on the houses these self proclaimed experts live in. I want to show the worn out, leaky toilet that the buff plummer who never gets his hands wet uses every day. How the paint is peeling in the interior decorator's kitchen. How she can't find the dining room table because so much junk is piled on it. And how her K-Mart inflatable sofa is still trendy, in the office, which is really a third bedroom, but could be used as a walk in closet, which she was told when she bought the place. How the home has become more office than home. I would parade them in front of the color charts at Home Depot, and tell her, "pick out a soothing color for the living room that goes with your faded blue shag carpet." How to choose a color to match the spilled latte around the kitchen counter. Which towing service will remove my dead car for the least amount of money, while I still make payments? And watch as when they have to spend their own money, see trends change. How to make lawn furniture look good next to the entertainment center. How to cover stains with towels. How to decorate using Charger memorabilia, and switch to the Yankees for the summer. Personal taste, or lack of it, becoming more-personal. And how why she never entertains friends at home anymore, since both her cars, including the one that does run take up all the parking. And how if she had invested her HOA fees in the stock market, she could have moved to a nicer place-and started the whole process all over again. She will be receiving the full impact of her wonderful advice to others. She will have gone from a home owner, to being owned by her home.

Sadly many live their lives like this. It is all about appearance, and impressing your friends, who you secretly hate because they have one upped you. Pete Maravich once said "Money will by a fine dog, but only love will make it wag its tail." To paraphrase, "money will by a fine house, but only love will make it a home." Try that one on for size. For within the worn walls of our home, are precious memories, and reminders of good times. Of Christmas parties, and leaking Triumphs in the driveway. Crooked blinds from the cat looking through them. Cabinets still held shut with rubber bands, so the cat stays out. Paint faded, floors showing age, but showing how the house became a home. A place where the presence of God is felt, and people feel welcomed. Where you are welcomed as you are. And when you leave, feel better than when you arrived. Where time spent is important, and times spent with God making the difference. Just like the song, "Give me that old time religion," it's good enough for me.

Open your home today, and let God welcome others into it. Sit on the old sofa, and share His blessings. Look at the growth marks of the kids on the walls, and make your guest welcome, welcome enough they can go to the refrigerator themselves, or take off their shoes and stretch out on the sofa. Let your theme for the house be love, and let God decorate it.

And for a good laugh, put on HGTV, and laugh, but really pity those who think that love, joy, and peace are found in new paint, and trendy colors. Jesus' love has never gone out of style, and you are always welcome at His house. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the time you have with Him. And ask yourself, "if He came to your house, would He be impressed with your decorating, or would He be more comfortable with being welcomed into your home?" Let Him into your life, and heart today. Start making new memories now. Sure beats reruns on HGTV!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

"what's the story?"

"Hey Jerry, what's the story?" And if you happened to be living in the New York Metro area in the early seventies, you knew his answer. Cheap, discounted appliances, TV's and stereos-if you had a union card. For dressed in his bib overalls and yellow hard hat, Jerry was the spokesman for JG and E-the first warehouse store of its kind in New York. He would rant and rave, and at the end, he would say with open arms, "That's the story!" And it was so popular it was in jokes, stories, and people found ways to use it in their daily conversation. And since there were so many hard hats at the time, we didn't call us ourselves Conservatives then, but the Liberals were already called Liberals, he appealed to many. We were Americans.

Working on a loading dock in 1973, we all wore American Flags on our cars, shirts, and on the hard hats many wore. The Silent Majority, the Nixon Administration had labeled us, and when the hippies were against what America stood for, we fought back. Some physically, some financially, and many spiritually. "Love it or leave it!" And as the amount of import cars came in from Japan, they would even be forced to park the farthest away, if allowed to park in the lot at all. America was under siege and its greatness threatened, and true patriots were not going down without a fight. And having the ability to look back, the same group, basically unions, have gone from defending America, to being part of the root cause of its demise. In one generation, they have gone from conservative, to liberal. Not willing to sacrifice as many have in previous generations, but willing to have others suffer so they may enjoy the greatness America still has to offer. The generation that followed what Tom Brokaw has labeled "the Greatest Generation," is now the all about me generation. And many look around, without Jerry's iconic hard hat and bib overalls, and ask, "what's the story?"

But because of God's love for America, like the song says, "God shed His grace on thee," a reassurance in values via Christianity, also took place a the same time. Not concerned with who you are, were, or were going to be in society, God loved a generation, and still does today. Calvary Chapel, fathered by Chuck Smith, when confronted by his denomination, chose Jesus over their doctrines, and the rest is history. Teaching from the Bible verse by verse, he reached the same group of hippies, but showed them a better way-Jesus. He showed them via God's love, and without any membership cards, that no matter your position in life, without the peace only found in Jesus, you would be miserable. You may be miserable with a better job, bigger car, and nicer home, but still missing the message of salvation. Such is God's love, and truly where sin abounds, does God's grace abound even more. "That's the real story," Jerry.

Great nations are never conquered, but do rot from within. They conquer themselves, and as I watch the US of A rotting from within, we can only turn to God. And as He tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if we turn to Him, repent, and follow Him, He will save our land. Can we take a minute and let that sink in? Where politicians continue to encourage strife, where the media continues to exercise its power as the fourth estate, and as more continue to succumb to the ways of the world, God, who created it, is willing to save it and you if you turn to Him? My only question is, why aren't we? And why aren't you? Throughout history those nations that have honored God have been honored by Him. Just look at our history until recently? And we have the audacity to have to ask, what's the story?

In every great battle, there is a turning point. Let today be your turning point, and choose to serve God. Let Jesus into your life, and as our nation walks in the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil. God's peace will guide you through any and all situations. His love will guide you, and bless you in ways no discounted goods ever could. He will heal you individually, and then as a land. And restore us to our former greatness if only we turn to Him now.

Sorry Jerry, but you came and went. But other discount houses replaced you, until they came and went to. It's all about Jesus! "That's the story!"

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

He strides across the home screen—a burly leprechaun in work shirt and blue hard hat. In an accent straight from the streets of New York he answers an off-camera voice that keeps asking: "So what's da story, Jerry?" The story is a hammering promotion for JGE (Jamaica Gas & Electric), a cut-rate appliance firm that sells only to union members, civil service employees and their families. As Jerry explains: "Know the model and number of the appliance you want; Jerry can get it for you wholesale." The voice concludes: "So that's da story, Jerry?" Roars back the pitchman: "That's the stawry!"

The commercial, which has been blasting from four New York City-area television stations 144 times a week, has made Jerry Rosenberg, 39, a local celebrity, renowned as the workingman's friend. It has transformed JGE, which Jerry owns with his brother Charlie, 44, from a run-of-the-crate appliance store into a wildly successful discount business that is expanding its unbuttoned merchandising methods far and wide. JGE's sales have gone from $1.8 million in 1971, its first year of discounting, to an expected $8 million this year. Operating on gross profit margins of about 12%, less than half as much as other appliance dealers, the Rosenbergs will post net earnings of about $250,000 from their single outlet.

The Rosenberg brothers are embarked on a new venture that could well balloon their business without risking a dime of their own money. They are licensing the JGE name to furniture and carpet retailers who want to go discount. The licensees pay an undisclosed percentage of their gross to JGE for its advertising and merchandising help; beyond that, they are on their own. So far, JGE has recruited eleven merchants in New York and New Jersey and is negotiating with 28 others whom the brothers expect to sign up this month. The Rosenbergs confidently figure to expand soon from coast to coast.

Big-time though it is, JGE sticks stubbornly to small-time style. Its "showroom" is a small, carton-crammed section of a warehouse in a sidestreet in Bayside, Queens. All sales are for cash. Except for the Rosenbergs, who sometimes help unload trucks, only part-time employees mind the store. They include moonlighting policemen, housewives and four or five high school basketball players from the Friends' Academy in Locust Valley, N.Y. Clerks make no effort to push a particular brand or persuade customers to buy a higher-priced item; they simply take orders. Yet JGE turns over $300,000 worth of stock about every two weeks.

Save a Bundle. The Rosenbergs saw the potential of reviving real discounting seven years ago, closed their regular appliance shop and set their sights on a specific target: union members and civil servants who are willing to travel 50 miles or more to save a bundle. Now buyers queue up to get in—and save. A 5,500-B.T.U. General Electric air conditioner goes for $149 at JGE v. $184.95 at Macy's; a compact portable dishwasher sells at JGE for $159 v. $199.95 at Macy's; a Sony portable color TV sells for $375 v. $470 at Bloomingdale's for the identical model.