sink or swim, I think I'll ride

Believe it or not, there was a time in my life I was very athletic. I would play 18 innings of softball, 6 quarters of basketball, and play touch football for hours-TV time outs not included. I just loved to be playing sports. But when it came to any sport involving water, I didn't. Or maybe couldn't was a better description. While some people would float around and tread water while hanging out at the pool, if my feet didn't touch the bottom, I didn't go in it. Some are floaters, I am a sinker. And a pretty fair one at that. I even used to go off the high dive-jump, not dive, but then doggie paddle furiously to the closest side of the pool. I finally did dive off the low dive, via teen peer group encouragement, read taunting forced me into it, but I never could tell for sure how I would enter the water. Sometimes head first, sometimes on my side, and they'd ask "how did you do that?" But mostly on my stomach, which would knock all the breath out of me, and I would sit gasping for air. Swallowing the pool's innards came easy for me, and I never had to quench my thirst after swimming for an hour. And then there were the dives where I went from a bass to a tenor....best forgotten.

I was no better at the beach either. Riptides loved me, seemed once I was in the ocean, the word got out, and no matter where I was, there was one there to greet me. Body surf? I body sank. I could float for awhile when a gentle wave came up, but there again as long as my feet were on the ground, I was ok. And I never quite acquired the taste for sea water that I did for pool water...personal preference, I am sure you have your own. So I am not a beach goer, and my swimming pool experiences for the last 40 years consist of hot tubs, just as long as I can still touch the bottom.

My last brave act of attempting to body surf was with Brennan up in Malibu. Zuma Beach, great waves, great sand, and oh the girls. So I just had to show off. And when a big wave came, and all the locals guys went for it, so did I. I don't remember much of the ride, but I do remember being wrapped in seaweed, laying on the beach in the fetal positions gasping for air. Sea water burns just as much coming up as it does going down. At least I got some cute girl's attention, who asked if I was ok. Unable to talk, I nodded something, before she and her friends went off giggling. And Brennan was afraid I may have lost my car keys, and how would he get home? So...I have adopted the following policy.

One-if you can't put gas in it, I won't ride it. My horseback riding is worse than my swimming, and I never learned to swim. Think of it as my cause for ecology-not messing up natural things. Two-if you can't ride there, I am not interested in going. There are so many places to ride, why fly? Again, riding comes naturally. So why fly, especially over water? I am not afraid to fly, just the thought of all that water, and me. And the seaweed. So for me, give me cold water on a hot day, a hot tub on a cold night, and if I seem to eat a lot when asked to swim, I will honor the old excuse about waiting an hour before getting in the pool. Eat or sink? Hmmm, please pass the chips and salsa.

Water in the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit. A perfect way to show how to walk in-like Peter did with Jesus, how to be immersed in it, again like Peter did with Jesus, and how to publicly proclaim Jesus-be baptized in it. So when I got baptized, after being saved for a year, it was in El Porvenir, in the mountains north of Santa Fe, at 8900'! I didn't get it, and I don't know if I can explain it now, but something happens when you are under the water. Someone was kind enough to take pictures, and even my countenance was different coming out, than when going under. A thought my Grandpa shared with me once, when I told him about being baptized. "You sure are changed, something happens when you get are under the water." Only one who knew Jesus could make a statement like that. How I wish I could have spent more time with him talking about Jesus. And don't confuse the religious protocol of denominational baptizing of infants-Jesus tells us if we believe with our heart, and confess with our mouth He is Lord, then we are saved. And it is not a condition of salvation-stay away from anyone who insists it is. It is a choice, not a ritual. And even He was baptized by John the Baptist. Not for salvation, but to show us a way to let the Holy Spirit enter our lives. A way to publicly confess Jesus Christ. For no one can say Jesus is Lord without being saved-in the spirit!

If you haven't yet considered being baptized, talk to your pastor. It will change your life, not save you, but show the world you are taking a stand for Jesus. Jump into the pool of Jesus both feet, and watch as He changes your whole life. Whether in a pool, an ocean, or a mountain stream like I did, make Jesus more personal. Get in over your head, and watch as the Holy Spirit changes your life. A choice you make, based on who you say Jesus Christ is.

So don't feel hurt is I don't accept the invitation to your next pool party. Unless it is a baptism! And I can ride my bike to it! Many things I don't know about the Holy Spirit but this I do know-He adds life to those who trust Him! Now if I can just let go of the side of the pool...

Trust God! The best decision you'll ever make. Now, if it turns into Jet skis, that's a different subject. Did I ever tell you about the time in Cancun...now you know why I rather ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

you say you want a resolution...

A hearty good morning to all of you overweight people, who ate way too much over the holidays. A happier crowd we are, one you may not have found just few weeks ago as the cookies, pie, and chocolate were overflowing, but now the TV ads remind us of how to lose it all. When maybe if we hadn't indulged so much before we wouldn't have the likes of Janet Jackson-Michael's sister selling weight loss programs. Now that's Neverland! Just like Donnie and Marie, Dan Marino, and many other beautiful celebrity types, follow their regimen, eat their food, and stick to their rules RELIGIOUSLY, and you too will be beautiful. Follow the directions, and you will lose weight, have a sexy figure, and their wallets will be filled to overflowing. Expensive personal trainer not included.

But the key word is religiously. Bound by the rules, they put forth, these Pharisees of weight loss will have you tied in knots, not only physically, but mentally too when you fail. Religion binds, the spirit gives life. How many Jenny Craig types were there when Jesus fed the 5000? No calorie content or carb counters signs there when He fed them. If you really want to get in shape, fall in love. Did you fall in love with your spouse over a set of rules? Or was your heart touched, and no matter how she looked you felt something, and when she wanted to please you more, she lost weight, dyed her hair, or started bathing because she loved you back. No rules made her love you, and no more rules can make her love you more. Works with God too, we cannot make Him love us more. It is the spirit-which gives life, not the law which brings death and diets.

When you first started riding, was it under a set of rules, or was it because it was fun? I remember when we used to ride for fun only-now we are told via commercials, racers, banners, stickers, hats, and t-shirts how we must ride that certain model or not look cool. We won't end up on a podium finish, or we won't have the power to tow a trailer, plow the north forty, or take our overweight wife along. More rules to live by, I only hope that Marie Osmond doesn't ride. YUK! But no matter where you look, someone wants to add more rules to eliminate the fun. To run your life, because they know best. To keep you safe. Bound and under their control. Did you know that when John Lennon was shot and killed, over 80 existing gun laws were broken? Would one more have kept him alive? Maybe 10? If only his murderer had known about them-hey that's it, education is the answer....let's make murder illegal, more classes, with no class. Your rules are wearing me out, I gotta go riding. You keep your rules, and I'll keep my morals-funny you don't need rules if you have morals? Maybe we should make that a rule!

To paraphrase Jesus, "it is easier to live in the spirit than to live under a set of laws. Or for a rich man to go through the eye of a needle." Laws don't make you better, or save you either. Only in the spirit do you find life. And when Jesus referred to the rich man and the camel and the needle, He meant impossible without the spirit. You cannot legislate morality, or salvation either. Without a change of heart, their will be no change of action. Laws don't change people's hearts, only Jesus does. Although the Ten Commandments are a great way to live, their is no salvation in them, no forgiveness. And even if you decide to follow them, who planted that idea in your mind to start with? The spirit! So be guided by the spirit, instead of the law. This may be the most important point Jesus was trying to make to the crowd when He told this story...the spirit gives life, and without it, it is impossible to be saved! No spirit=death. Living in the spirit=life. Simple enough. Simpler than trying to stay within the boundaries of rules and regulations. Still not convinced, tonight give your spouse a set of rules that you think will make her look, feel, and behave better. Then duck. And maybe this will help you lose weight, as you probably will miss dinner, as her new rule is make it yourself!

Please if you would, give me one case where the law added life and didn't rob you of freedom? Give me one example where the Holy Spirit didn't bring life when followed? What rule did God give to His only son? Love! Not rules, but love.

So today stick it to the Pharisees of weight loss, hair style, trends, and fashion. Be yourself...in the spirit! And enjoy the freedom found in Jesus. No needles, no camels, and no more rules...no more weight loss fiascoes either. And start by reading your Bible every day. Not following a plan, but because you want to. No schedule to fall behind of and quit, and then get bummed out because you resolved to do it-let God guide you this year. Watch the Word come alive, as the spirit lives in you. You say you want a resolution...make this year all about Jesus! RESULTS GUARANTEED!

Or you can have you sin and ridiculous laws back. Any takers?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

the midweek rider

There is something special about a midweek ride. Maybe it is the excitement of missing work, and riding roads without all the weekend warriors out to impress you. Maybe it is sleeping in, and hitting the road later in the day, say 8am. Maybe it is the choice to ride where you want, when you want, and how fast you want, all by yourself. Maybe it is the special feeling of freedom when you pass someone in their car on their way to work, and you're not-you're going riding! Maybe it is all the above, and then some, some intangibles that there are no words for. It is about the peace and solitude of just you and the road you choose-so let's go riding!

My lifestyle allows me to ride during the week, which for years I yearned to do, but couldn't. I wanted to be that person going no where special, as long as it wasn't to work, or anyplace that told me what to do. Forego all responsibilities, and enjoy the day that God made and has given you. And my peer group of midweek riders is much different than those on the weekends. We tend to be older, mostly retired, and not is any hurry. We choose to ride alone, or maybe with a special friend, who we don't have to wait for, or ride too slow, or heaven forbid, too fast with. We ride our ride, for it is our day. We wave at each other, and the egos seem smaller, or at least better under control. We have fewer people to impress, and realize how privacy has eroded away in our society, making these rides that more important. We choose the roads we want to, and if they get crowded, a detour can be a welcome event. We ride roads that have fewer cars, and go past hangouts that are closed or empty-ones that cater only to the weekend riders. We are a welcome stranger in our own land, and the thoughts, sights, scenes, and food we spend the day with are a welcome retreat from real life. Our battery gets charged, along with the bikes, and while choosing to ride instead of doing a list of chores at home, we get refreshed. The grass will grow again, cars will always need washing, and a list of things to fix or repair only gets longer. But there are so many roads, only so many midweek chances, and motorcycles to renew our acquaintances with. So it is our patriotic duty to take these rides-and to do them often!

Midweek church services are a lot like these rides. A different crowd and a different attitude than Sunday mornings. Those of us who frequent them regularly know that, and know how important they are. They are the rest time with Jesus, while he teaches. They are the fellowship time for us, making the words short and count more because we have to get up early the next day. They are smaller, more worship driven, and fill us spiritually, just like the midweek ride does-only much deeper. They make the ride mean more-if you can do both, you know what I mean. But it is all about Jesus, which is why we meet on any given day. To put Him first, and watch as all the cares that eat us up, are eaten up by Him. It is a time to spend with Him, while with others, who need the same filling. It is one on one with Jesus, a private, intimate time. A time that needs to encouraged more by churches, and led by pastors. Wednesday nights are that special to God. Don't neglect them!

I always at least say hi to a fellow rider when I see them eating lunch alone during the week. We have the road, freedom, and now the food in common. But I have learned that a nod or a wave can be just as important, and not to invade on his time. It is his time, and maybe he is not eating alone, but sharing time with his thoughts and memories. And so I do the same thing on Wednesday nights in church. Some are sitting alone because they wish too, but are very much not alone. Spending time with Jesus, just the two of them, unaware of what is going on around them. Getting refreshed and blessed. So I only wave or nod, and let them make the first move. Out of love, and respect. Not much of that found around anymore.

Take some time to ride on a day this week you usually don't. Even if it is the long way home, take some time with just you and your motorcycle-exercise your throttle and air out both of you. And take some time to spend on Wednesday night in church. Air out, and let the spirit revive and refresh you. And if you can-ride to church! For there is no better way to enjoy freedom than on a motorcycle with Jesus!

Yup, weekday rides help put the whole week in perspective. And just may change your attitude towards weekends. But any day you ride is a good day-and the best days are spent with the Lord! So many roads, so little time. So use the time God gives you wisely. And if you see me at church or eating alone, feel free to nod. For we know what we have is special, and it is always cool to meet a fellow traveler. For whether on the road, or in church, being alone together with Jesus is always special.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

kindles or kindling

While killing time yesterday on a rainy day, I walked through the public library of the new millennium-Barnes and Noble. While wondering about the people who sit glued to their lap tops, lattes in hand, I wondered why any retail store would let people come in and use their product for free. Maybe I just don't get it. Try walking around the grocery store and sampling food-hmm, done that. Go down to the shoe store and try on the newest styles-seen that too. I know, I'll go down to the bike shop and ask for a demo ride, and something that was verboten before is now offered. Does anyone pay for anything any more? Are we a society of samplers? Lots of anys there. Anyway, while in the B and N Latte and Free Reading Emporium, I noticed tables everywhere stacked with books with huge discounts. 50% off, or more. 30% off with rewards card. But the ones who were reading the latest magazines were enjoying the best deal-100% off! I believe the term is free. But not the latte. It figures that after reading a $10 magazine-ouch! for free, they would pay the $5 for the latte. And you don't even get to keep the cup!

Somehow the system is backwards, paying for the temporal-the latte, but borrowing at no cost something you could keep and reuse-a book or magazine. And it is always my good fortune that when looking for a certain magazine, the only one left is worn and tattered, from others reading it. So I pass on it, cursing the latte stains, and eventually just subscribe to it myself-fleeing the whole system of weak coffee and free books.

Now you can buy a Kindle, or the take offs of it, and never have to turn a page again. But you have to buy the book. And soon when the Kindle generation takes over, the latte club will have to find another place to indulge their caffeine intake, and where will I find a book to read? Kindle may be the future, but to me there is still nothing like holding a book when reading. Unless you have the dexterity of the youth of today who were raised on touch screens, which when in my hands the screen either gets smaller, changes before my eyes, or goes blank. So I will keep my old ways, my old books, and my old magazines, and maybe someday a young man will ask his dad what the book is he picked up. "They used to read them, how inefficient. Now you can have 500,000 books in your Kindle 12 and never have to worry about how cumbersome the old books were." And with it a whole generation loses one of the earliest dating lines ever, "can I carry your books?" "Can I carry your Kindle" will never take, it would be like asking someone if you could carry their i-phone. Yeah right! And soon backpacks will join the endangered species list, and do away with security guards who check them, and soon the entire reading society will be in chaos. Page 2.

And I will miss the table piled high with books that didn't sell. At huge discounts, which is where I find many treasures. Just because it is there, doesn't mean it is bad. Some are just overpriced, $50 for a book about jokes about bees, and you wonder why it never sold. But I will really miss the full size covers, the dust jackets that catch your attention, and the smell of freshly printed pages. Oversize books that must be held on your lap, or small paperback sized ones that you can hold with one hand-while drinking your latte, while driving. Will anyone ever remember the sound of pages turning, and how good it sounded? Or be able to look ahead to the end, just by turning a few pages? Maybe Winston Smith was right, 1984 has come and gone-leaving only a blank screen, for blank people to look at.

It appears that Kindle also has various versions of the Bible available. I am beginning to see i-pads, and other electronic devices in church. And I wonder about the temptation when your pastor hits a snag, are you Kindlites really following along in the Word, or have you switched to something more entertaining? Or the Charger game? At least there are no lattes in church-yet! It is true we have come a long way from papyrus and scrolls, but to me there is still nothing like turning a page. Even an old saying tells us about turning a page in life, just call me BK, Before Kindle. But no matter what, stay in the word. Are you in the word? More importantly, is the word in you? Your actions, attitudes, and words will say more than any Kindle ever will.

So when the teacher tells you to "turn to the book of Job," I like the sound of pages turning. And I believe so does God, I know pastors do. I hope no electronic sound ever replaces the turning of pages. And as for the discount tables, best sellers don't need to be on sale! The Bible, still the perennial best seller, I have yet to see on a discount table. Maybe there is a theme there, as the Self Help table was overflowing yesterday.

Wait'll they hear you can get those books on Kindle? Will that mean they are only good for kindling? Stay in the word, and let it stay in you. Read it openly in public, and if someone offers you a latte, accept it. Tell them it will go great with the bread of life. Offer him some. For man does not live by bread alone-but from everything that proceeds from the mouth of God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

riders of the storm

You waited all week to go riding with your friends, but as you look outside that cloudy, Saturday morning, you have your doubts. The weatherman says rain, and that doesn't fit your plans. So you call, and decide to stay home rather than brave the rain. Only to be bummed out later as your friends who braved the half hour of drizzle had a great time all day-seems it stopped raining within 30 minutes and the sun was out all day! And warm! A bad call, particularly when listening to all the fun they had. Lousy weatherman, but it is really your decision you have to blame.

Waking up on another Saturday, you have the same plans, and the weather is great. Cool, but it will warm up, you head to the mountains with your friends, looking forward to breakfast. But after 30 minutes, the clouds come in, and as you gain altitude, it starts to rain. You decide to turn back, but your friends go on. And later when they call you at home, tell how the sun came out over the next ridge, and it was warm all the way down into the desert. Again, a too quick decision ruined a great day of riding.

Now I am well known as waiting to the last moment to put on my riding suit. Unless I am soaked to the skin first, I won't put it on. So following my typical procedure, we stopped and put on our suits after being soaked. We were just outside Gettysburg, standing under a cover of an abandoned gas station with others who were soaked. While waiting for the shower to stop, we met another couple up for the day from Maryland. "I watched the weather today," he said, "and they said 50% chance of rain. I figured that was 50% chance of sun, so we went riding. And I 'm glad we did, it was a beautiful morning." And to be a beautiful afternoon, with a huge rainbow after the shower. Wise advice from one who lives where it rains, great advice on this afternoon.

On any long trip, plan on rain. And last summer after braving 110+ degrees days with hot winds in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, we were exhausted. Leaving Pine Bluff the next morning, it was overcast, so no rain suit-yet. Within 20 minutes we stopped again, thanks Lord for abandoned gas stations, and put them on, a first for me as I was still dry. But for the next 400 miles we would be in hard rain-extreme the Weather Channel called it, lightning, and thunder. And then it stopped, it got warm, the sun came out, and the roads dried. Hello Birmingham! And the ride was worth it, for at the end was a beautiful day, which led into many others to come. The rain serving many purposes-it cooled things off, it made us pray more, lightning is scary when you can see it hitting the ground, and it gave us great expectations of sunshine to come. Not to mention the priceless looks you get from people in cars who think you're crazy. Note-we are, about riding!

Life is a long trip. Expect rain and storms in your life. Every day is not sunny and dry. So God allows storms to allow things to grow-including your trust in Him. He is the safe refuge from the storm, amazing how welcome a leaning, old cover can be in an abandoned gas station. He is the rain suit keeping you warm and dry, resting in His arms. He is the sunshine on the other side of the clouds, where it is always sunny. And He is the rainbow, reminding you how He will never leave you or forsake you. And He is the loving one who travels with you, rain or shine, and wants to be part of all your trips, and all your precious memories.

Only on a motorcycle would the weather have mattered. We could have done all the travelling in a car, and missed making friends, getting wet, and looking at rainbows. Turn up the heat, turn up the tunes, and grab a Big Gulp. Safe and secure from life, but not part of it. Maybe that is why we ride, so we can be part of life. So we can experience the things of God first hand, from behind the handlebars instead of from behind a windshield. An experience that brings us closer to God, which is what Jesus was sent to do. A time to reflect, sing, and praise Him as we go through the storm, instead of changing our plans when the clouds come. And it is in the storm we seek Him more!

You never question the sky or clouds when traveling in a car. But on a motorcycle you watch the sky, smell the air, and feel the wind change direction. You sense the temperature change as you go up and down through valleys and hills, and make decisions based on what you see-as opposed to what you are told. It is more personal, an actual ride of life, rather than just another trip in the car. A day riding like this is like the freedom Jesus gives from religion. You trust Him more, you experience more, and with friends you are building better memories-testimonies we call them. And when your best friend is Jesus, you know the time will be well spent.

What you do the next time it rains will tell as much about your riding as your relationship with God. Put on the rain suit, and be patient. No rainbow with rain, and no Easter without Good Friday. The only way to look back is by going forward first, and trusting God. The bigger the storm, the bigger the memory. And the brighter the sun afterward. Don't stay home when you could be out riding. The road calls, and its name is Jesus!

And it is even OK top put on your rain suit before the storm! Secure in the Lord!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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life hazards on the road of life

On every trip you take, no matter the time or the length, their is always one section you wish you didn't have to ride. For a short commute, it may a string of lights that never are in sequence-patented by Escondido by the way, a section where a cop always sits waiting to ticket you at 41 in the 40 zone-fortunately he always has someone pulled over when you go whizzing by at 50 when you forget, or a stretch of highway like US 85 north out of Cheyenne on the way to Sturgis-more cattle than cars, and not many of them either. Maybe it is like going to Mary FNY's house from my parents in Jersey, 54 miles that takes two hours, and two toll bridges, Goethals $8.00 and the Verrazano $13.00! Half price for those wise enough to ride a motorcycle. But it seems that their is always going to be that one section of road, that messes up your mind while anticipating it, stresses you our while on it, and then leaves the residue of the memory of riding it as you ride on.

And when we finally arrive at our destination, we find no joy in the memory of the ride. Our wallet is lighter from tolls, we may have met the lousy revenue enhancer with the words "to protect and serve" on his car, or arrive in the Black Hills, not sure what time it is because of the imaginary line drawn via the railroads to create time zones. And no matter if an hour early, or an hour late, you're still hungry. So it must be lunch time! And on these excursions which lead us to somewhere, we have actually become a prisoner of the road, rather than enjoying the freedom on it.

How far is the next town, we often wonder while wandering on our rides? Good for planning gas and potty stops, or a home made root beer in New England. How about waiting an extra hour trying to figure out the roads in Pittsburgh, and shoot down the alley to Primanti's? Or my reserve light just came on, and the sign says next town 35 miles, 10 miles more than I have ever gone on reserve before? It seems there is always something to try and rob us of the joy of life and riding. Something very subtle, that we can't get out of minds, so go out of our minds. Like the stretch of road in eastern Tennessee, where you can go both east and west on US 70 at the same time. Or why do the roads in Massachusetts have no distance between towns signs? Or why in Texas, where roads are measured in hours till we arrive due to the size of the state, do they remind you every 5 miles of the distance to the next town? Why do Florida welcome stations have free OJ, and on a hot day served in 4oz. cups? Give me 8 please, I have a family in the car-hoping she won't see your helmet. It seems that no matter how we live, love, or travel, their are rules, regulations, signs, or somebody that will mess up the ride. But what do we do when that person is us?

Stay home? But then you have to contend with a wife and kids. Or the dog. Or the various people who notice you're home, and stop by to see why. The same ones who frown at you as your dog sniffs out a spot to go in their foot high weeds in their yard. Or the kids next door pick that day to have all their friends over. Yes, it seems that there is always something there to remind you of how life can interfere with your plans. Remember the song, Alice's Restaurant? And you thought it was made up? The song was more real than Arlo himself.

Such was the plight of Noah. For 120 years God had him build an ark, for his family he didn't have yet, for an event that had never happened before-rain. But he heard the voice of God, and followed it, despite the threats, jokes, graffiti, and all the fun made at his expense. He trusted God, because he knew His voice, and as hard as the times were, he was able to look ahead, knowing God would get him there safely. From what, he wasn't sure, but safe is safe no matter the road, or the detour. And he understood the importance of who you travel with. Even more when he and his family got in the ark and God sealed it up. And had to listen to those who had harassed him begging to be let in. But that only lasted for a short time. The memories lingered longer.

God's plans include you. And if the road you are on is rough, it means you are probably on the right road. Cops to warn, lights to protect us, tolls to break us, and signs to tell us where we are-or where we are going. And we never ride alone, even when we want to, for God never leaves us. Better than a GPS, He is the coordinates. Better than any road sign, He is the shortest distance, or the most scenic ride. He is the view from the top of the Verrazano, or the view from the gorge under the New River Bridge. He is the endless hills in Wyoming, and the Black Hills with gold. And no time zone can hold Him, He is time!

Like a good road is the destination, Jesus Christ is the final destination. And He is here right now! So enjoy the ride with Him. Rough roads, He will take you through, He knows where all the potholes of life are. Bridges-He knows how to get you over the obstacles in your life. The law-He died fulfilling it so you can live in His love, known as mercy and grace. And He has paid the price-in full, no toll booths on the way to heaven. Curves for motorcycles, wide lanes for trucks, and the scenic ways for those who seek Him, and want to enjoy the ride even more.

Trust Him today. Avoid the lousy commute, make the time more valuable with Him. If it takes 15 minutes more, listen to KWVE, and another teaching. Pay the toll for the guy behind you-really make his day. Maybe the Christian sticker on your car will finally mean something to him. And enjoy the ride as never before-without rushing!

This ride is called life, and only ridden in fullness with Jesus. Ask Him along on your next commute, or trip to the east coast. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, and if you really want to mess up someone's ride, smile at them. And mean it. If a biker, say follow me, I know this road. If in a car, let them merge in ahead of you. Pray for those stressed out, and don't be like them. For you don't have to be-the choice is yours!

Would Noah ride? What he would ride is the better question. But we can be sure he would ride with Jesus. Someone he knows, and trusts. Maybe you would trust Him more if you knew Him better? Take a ride to consider that. May be the best ride you ever take! For He rides, not sure what on any given day, but whatever you are on, believe me-He can keep up! Suddenly the ride has a whole new attitude! Enjoy it! With God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

extreme makeover-life edition

I always enjoy seeing someone whom I haven't seen for awhile. And you would think that after living in So Cal for 25 years, that most people I run into would know me from here. I'm not sure if it's too many miles, too many roads, too many churches, or too many addresses, but lately I meet people who know me, but I can't remember them. I used to try to not look stupid, but ended up worse off than I started, so now I just ask, "what do you ride or where do you go to church?" For my peer group and most of my acquaintances are found in both. And when they ride, I get excited. We may have meet at Mick's, or they remember me from being on a Press Bike. It may have been a ride, a Toy run, or even at a shop. But we have motorcycling in common. But what saddens me is when they admit they used to ride. And how it was a passion until they got married. Their new romance said "get rid of the bike," and they did, leaving a void that still has not been replaced. And somehow, I know when we meet again we won't chat, for our relationship has also been robbed. We have nothing in common anymore, and they leave bitter because of what used to be, and what now is.

But when they say we met at church, or a concert, or a rally, I get even more excited. Neat old memories of worshipping God together, and trusting Jesus with our lives. But even sadder is when they admit they haven't been in church in years. Life interfered with God, and between trying to stay married, raising kids, having a career, and making payments, an hour on Sunday just didn't fit in the schedule. So now they sit home, haven't read a Bible in years, and wonder what happened. Where did God go? The answer only found in a similar answer as to why the other friend stopped riding. They abandoned God, and riding-not the other way around. And we usually end the conversation sad, because now I too have also been robbed of a friendship because of their bad decisions. Truly sin is not an isolated event, it touches so many we never think it does. Shame on us, and our lives show it.

But it doesn't have to be that way. They still make motorcycles-faster, better braking, and better handling than ever before. We live in a golden age of motorcycling, name price and a type of bike, sign your name and ride off. Go back to your first love, take a long lunch, maybe swing by the shop on your way home. Convince the wife that the two of you riding will be the perfect thing your marriage needs, and go all the places your friends talk about-together. Have her sit on back, just to try it out, respect her as a passenger, and renew the vows with your first love.

God is still alive and well, and misses you. he never wanted you to leave, and is the only one who can put your life back in order-maybe to have time to ride. Ask a Christian friend what time their church has services, and go. Sunday mornings, and Wednesday, Sunday, and Saturday nights-no excuse not to find an hour on any one of these days. Enjoy a personal revival with Jesus, you can only revive something that was alive once, and enjoy the freedom in the spirit that has been missing in your life, marriage, and your career.

And don't stop there-next time we meet tell me all about your new rides, and how God is now again in your life. How your wife enjoys touring, and her friends are envious of her. Tell me about the new Bible study you are in, and how your kids love going to church, how your marriage is alive again because Jesus is in it again. God never left us or forsakes us, we turn away from Him. But He is always there to welcome us back, not to look back on what we've missed, but to look ahead to where we are going.

I guess the only left to say is, "welcome back my friend, welcome back..."

Whether riding or worshipping, we are so glad you could attend, come along, come along...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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