a bike a year is all it takes

Over the past 40 years, I have owned at least 35 motorcycles that I can remember. Note that this doesn't include bikes I lusted after, or rode for a day in my dreams, or the 80+ motorcycles I have ridden for Triumph over the past few years. At first that number seemed low, but when I divided it by 40 years , it meant that I averaged a new-or another motorcycle every 13.7 months. A number which may be skewed because I am down to seven bikes right now, but for sake of argument, we'll use my numbers. Hey, it's my story. Which taking into consideration time spent in places where winter is a season, but not a riding season, that averages almost one bike per year. Please don't tell my wife, she thinks we spend too much on motorcycles already. Where did I get all the money to buy them? Where did I get all the time to ride them? Are these sure signs of MMD, Multiple Motorcycle Disorder? Please, someone get me a Cycle Trader, I feel faint. I'd have to live my life in dog years to ride them all, but somehow I did. Woof! Or is it bow WOW!

Now to the non-riding, financial, insane, boring mind, this would be heresy, and no way to build a growing portfolio. And they may be right. Just the cost of purchase, before tires, gas, oil, and accessories would be enough to pay off the house. But being a rider, I have to add in an intangible factor, the peace of mind factor. The fun factor. Call it the "I've never seen a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist's office" factor. And suddenly it all makes sense. How many people save their whole lives, only to die, get divorced, lose their job, or pay too many taxes and never enjoy life? From a fiduciary standpoint, riding is lunacy, which makes it all that more appealing to me. Add in the fun, friends, and places, and it has been a wise investment. Who can put a price on memories? At the end of your life would you say I'm glad I did or I wish I had?

If I never rode I would never have seen the US of A from the seat of a bike. I would never met people at rest stops, or eaten at places like Lucille's, Alice's, or Primonti Bros. I would never have enjoyed the scent coming off the highway after the rain, or smelled the wildflowers while passing through a field in Central Cal. I would have missed the rush of acceleration that few cars can match, and no one would come up to me on my Bonneville and share their memories. There would have been no Daytona, or Hollister, or Johnstown, and I would never have enjoyed the brotherhood of other riders. I would never have scraped pegs in a tight corner, frozen until the cold morning warmed up, or roasted riding across the desert on a summer afternoon. I would have listened to countless hours of talk radio, gotten bored by classic rock, and never realized that loud pipes save lives. I would have no life, and if asked about my investments, would have a savings account, my house paid off, and no signs of life coming from it. My garage would hold the two cars, and I would have had countless hours to waste from not cleaning, servicing, or trying to make nine bikes fit into a one car garage. And sadly, I would never have met Theresa, our first night out was on my R100S, without helmets in case you wondered. In other words, the main thing missing from my life would have been life. And when I think about life in those terms, you mean it was only 35 bikes? Only 40 years? Where did the time go?

So what do you do with your free time? I know too many that worry about their investments, but never invest in life. Dying secure in the fact that they had enough money to live however they wanted, only chose not to live. I find many people today so afraid of the future, they don't enjoy today. The news scares them, and it should. From wars to bankruptcies, to foreclosures, to unemployment, it's a lousy world. Which makes me so glad that 37 years ago I chose Jesus. And never looked back. One God for 37 years. I quit while I was ahead. Do the math on that one, and use the factor of eternity, and it throws off all your other figures. The wisest investment I ever made, giving Him all my sin, and taking on His grace. The deal made no sense to the financial mind, but it has paid off handsomely over the years. And will forever. For the joy of riding, like the joy of Jesus cannot be fully described using words. It must be experienced. Joy unspeakable, full of glory. Freedom of the road, and from fear. Able to live my life, enjoying it, not worrying about the future. Looking in the mirror to where I have been, not where I am going. Investing in things in heaven-you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead. And safe and secure in the knowledge that heaven awaits-my life doesn't end here, it only begins when I die!

Some people will never ride, but that doesn't mean you don't have to know Jesus. Not the religious one, the one in the Bible. The one who gave grace, and did away with legalistic laws. The one who gave His life for you, while you were still in sin. The one who promises an abundant life, and who shows why it is more blessed to give than receive. Wondering about life? Talk to a Christian. Wondering about riding? Talk to a biker. And if he rides, and is saved, listen carefully. The advice you will be given is not available at any price. And you will know life, and start to enjoy it more, by investing in it. For it is the intangibles, that last forever.

So a bike a year is all it takes. 35 bikes may be the third best investment I ever made. Jesus is the first, Theresa is the second. But the countless adventures in riding have made life worthwhile, and given me life. With many more miles, and motorcycles to go. So I suggest investing in Jesus today. The best investment tip you will ever get. You can brag about your investment portfolio, I'll get out the pictures and show you mine. You decide who made the better investment. I know I did, for it continues to pay top dividends, is inflation free, and has a guaranteed return. If you know what I mean...

a better class of people

My dad was always proud of me, but sometimes would hesitate to answer when someone asked "is Michael your son?" He had learned like I had, that if someone was going to get caught having fun, it was me. If something would get broken, and I happened to be in the state, it was me. And if some good deed was performed, and my name came up, it had to be another Mike. So over the years he learned to question these "do-gooders," only to respond to them, "he was with me." Or "he was on a camping trip with the Boy Scouts." "Or it couldn't been his motorcycle, it doesn't have loud pipes. (It was a BMW.) Which had the potential to open doors he didn't realize. "That was your son who was with you?" Raising more questions. "So that's what happened at the campout." Or "all motorcycles are loud, and only losers ride them because they have loser parents." And it seems that most everyone is ready to unload about you with some sort of bad news. You will always fail to meet their mark, to agree with their opinion, or make as much money as them. They just can't stand to hear that "he" did something nice. And can't wait to tell your parents when you screw up. As a public service, "no charge Mr. Mohn, thought you'd like to know." So many idiots, and so few villages.

So when I was in high school, I knew a woman Mrs. Spach who would let us hang out at her house, and party. We were young, stupid, and immature, all the qualifications for fun at that age, and took full advantage of it. Which all her neighbors knew, and couldn't stand. I had just gotten my license, and was driving the Pinto when Mrs. Spach's dad died. She was unable to drive, and had many things to do dealing with his death. So I offered to drive her where she needed to go after school, just doing what I had been taught, and helping out a friend. And she was able to get things settled quickly and get on with her life and kids. This is what friends do, and I never thought much of it.

Until I came home one night, and my parents wanted to talk to me. My instant memory told me I hadn't done anything that wrong for a week, maybe my past aggressions were finding me out. It seems they had gotten a letter from Mrs. Spach, thanking them for raising such a good son, and how she appreciated all the help I had been to her, and her son Billy. I think they were in shock, Michael? Their son? We weren't trained for letters like this? And they were proud of me, and it felt good. Until a few weeks later my dad ran into Gavin's dad, who knew Mrs. Spach and told him about the parties. Seems someone is always willing to steal and rob from you. Can't be nice to those kind of people. Which made my good deed even more better to my dad, for I was not helping out someone in the clique, but someone in need. Like I had seen him do before, also without being recognized for it. We talked about it, not happy about the parties, but proud of helping out a woman in need.

Satan comes to rob and destroy, even those who aren't saved, which I wasn't at the time. I am sure if I had helped the principal's wife, or the mayor's, Gavin's dad would not have tried to insult my dad. "Nice thing your kid did, too bad the woman is a loser." Like the Pharisees, he just had to try to show he was better, which he wasn't. Too bad he didn't realize he was in the same category as she was. Would it have been OK to help him or his wife? Or his mother?

Someone is always watching. They love to comment on what they see, or think they see us doing. Not a new situation. But God looks on the heart. Big difference. He sees our motives, our actions, and where and why we do the things we do. The Pharisees, which are the father of religion, and inhabit too many churches today, still carry on their traditions of look at me, I am so religious. And so do so many things to show how great they are. But God looks on the heart.

My particular complaint today is with the Super Bowl. Take a cool Christian man like Walter Payton, name a humanitarian award after him, and then nominate a man who makes $17million dollars a year for his good works off the field. And they call that man a hero? Almost like using Walter's name in vain. The Pharisees of football.

The Bible tells us what is in the heart will come out of the mouth, and reflect in our actions. I am reminded again and again how true that is. But I am blessed to see so many trusting God, and ministering in Jesus name. No trophy, no award, and no $17 million. For no award could add to what their Father in heaven sees. For just like He bragged about Job to the devil, He brags on us when we do something for the least of them-in love. No qualifications, no agenda, just meet the need. Like Jesus did. Again and again, today and tomorrow. Maybe that is why He hung with the low lifes of society, they were a better class of people. And why He hangs with people like us today. It is called love, just like I showed Mrs. Spach but didn't know it. Just like we do when we meet a need in Jesus name. For in doing so, we are doing it to Him. For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. And He is the only way back. And yeah, my heart is a mess sometimes, but God loves and forgives me. He wants nothing between us, so has forgiven my sin-like it never existed!

Let love be the only thing between you and God, and those created in His image. Don't worry what people say, the only words I care to hear is "well done my good and faithful servant." From my Father in heaven, courtesy of Jesus Christ. If you wish to repeat anything about me, tell about how He saved me and changed my life. I dare you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

church isn't just for Sundays anymore

Ride with me back some 35+ years, to the time of gas shortages, rationing, and stations closed on Sundays. Of days where filling up late on Saturday was the only gas you would have until Monday mornings. To a Sunday ride that was only as big as the miles per gallon in your tank. And to a time that saw more people stay home on Sundays, because they had no place to go, because there was no gas.

I remember those times, when my large tank on my BMW would take me over 200 miles, but the Wildman's small tank on his Mach III would only go half of that. So we sacrificed, and rode his distance, not choosing to leave him behind. And found local roads we had passed up, believing that the best roads were farther away. We met local girls, local bikers, and very rarely if ever pushed our bikes home from lack of gas. Although many times we were on reserve. We won't talk about going back Monday morning with a gas can to retrieve the bike that ran out and was left along the road. In a car.

Running out of gas once was more than enough for me. But I still have episodes of stupid, thankfully it has been years since my tank went dry. So now when the low fuel light comes on, I find gas. And hope the station is open. I can remember coasting into a station one night, only to find it closed-as in out of business. Can they at least take the signs down? I wonder how many of us they caught? No faster way to go from hope to hopeless than to think a place is open when needed, only to find it closed. Too bad it wasn't enough to stay open. Nothing worse than needing gas, and finding the station closed-when all signs indicate it is open!

W@Maranatha read the Wednesday night bulletins. And for me, it is a necessary refueling in the middle of the week. I can't go 7 days without church, I need the fellowship, the worship, and the teaching. So I am blessed that my church is open for business, like so many others, to be there for their flocks. To breathe life into a life that is run down by life by midweek. To top off my tank, so I can make it until Sunday. But on the way home last Wednesday, I noticed a church that was dark, and empty. A place that once shined brightly in the night, with people and life. But I hear now it is closed. No more midweek pit stop. No more light to a dark world. Only open on Sunday. Which I hope is not their epitaph. Sadly they are not an isolated occurrence. For too many churches, and church programs, and church people are suffering because they didn't follow God. They chose to let the world in, and when the world tried to leave, locked the doors. And like the schools, where God isn't allowed anymore, by law, have come up with laws, legalistic practices, and excuses. At a time when more people are hurting and needing Jesus, they close. It is 1963 all over again, taking the Bible out of schools, but this time it is churches. And the people suffer for it, where do they go to be fed? And what happens to the pastors? Sadly if closed on Wednesday, Sunday will soon reflect in lower numbers, and even cancelling services. Not the gospel I choose to follow.

In many cases God will close the doors. It is His church. If you care to remember, He builds the church, He can close it down if they don't follow His spirit. And too many have gone the way of programs, vs. the spirit. A local church I know of once had a food bank, but cancelled it. The reason I was told was because some family in a Cadillac was coming for free food. The pastor felt if they could afford a Cadillac, they didn't need free food. I guess if they came in a Pinto...But I was told of another church in town,who feeds the hungry-not the poor. Just like Jesus did, hungry, come eat. And like His church should be. Hungry-we'll feed you. Thirsty, have a drink. Tired, sit and visit awhile. Cold, here is a jacket. Lonely, let's visit-you talk, I'll listen. Simple ministry, just like Jesus did. I like that. And so when a church doesn't show His love, He leaves. And the building remains. Empty as the hearts who led them to this end. The light has gone out.

Sadly Jesus tells those religious types to be gone, He never knew them. It takes love, not programs, web sites, blogs, or gossip via Face book to serve God. If pastors spent as much time serving God as Tweeting, can you imagine the difference that would make? I even have gotten letters from ministries who claim to have lost their major donor. God abandoned you? Maybe if He was your major donor, you wouldn't be fund raising so much, but attending to business. Where God guides, he provides. So let Him. And pray for them, too many Pastor Millstones out there, they too need to repent.

And open the doors of their heart to the one who saves! And loves! We came through the gas crisis, but the crisis that looms today is more important-a battle for men's souls. So to all you churches cutting back, and blaming finances, low attendance, and even the people, can I ask in Jesus' name, could you tarry just one more hour? Is there any oil left in your lamps? Can you keep the light on for that 1 in 99 looking for home? If God was willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if only one righteous person was found, don't you think He can keep your lights on? For that person seeking Him?

Quit rationing Jesus. If you have told someone you are a Christian, act like one. Let your light shine. The light of the love of Jesus Christ. And if you need refreshing and refueling midweek, find a church whose lights are still on. Find life in Jesus. You cannot legislate love, nor can you ration it. A lesson learned 35 years ago from riding. Don't be one of the 10 virgins who was out of oil. Be prepared. Keep your tank filled.

Bet you didn't know that story spoke of motorcycles! See-God can do so many things we can't! Please let Him! And please pray for that dark corner, that light once again shines from it. The light of Jesus Christ. He's open 24/7. Are you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

special editions

Nobody wants the standard model anymore, or so we have been taught. Especially compared to the more expensive models with more features. So the industry has come up with Special Editions, to placate our selfish desire of one upmanship. Take the same model as last year, add paint, some chrome, and add a number plate announcing its special status, as in #456 of 15,000, and you have a Special Edition. That the manufacturer can charge more for, and hold on to a dated design for one more year to amortize costs. The Motor Company has led the way of marketing this, with such exclusive models as the 100 Year Anniversary models, all the same two colors of paint and badges. The next year you can get the colors you really wanted, on the same bike, just without the exclusivity of the other 300,000 who bought into this exclusive club with you. Repeat for 105, then 110 years, and watch as they line up to get them. Go figure. Don't mess with success.

Not a new concept, but Honda tried it with their great Interceptor for its 25th Anniversary in 2008, painted some models red, white, and blue like the originals. I still saw some priced $3000 less brand new on floors this last summer-somebody got a great deal, they just had to wait a few years. And let's hear it for 50th Anniversary Gold Wings, celebrating 50 years of Honda in the US of A. Or 25 years of Gold Wings. Yamaha recently celebrated the same 50 years, with paint and badges to match-at a premium. Their one catch, I noticed, was make the current model ugly, them paint the special edition like they should have looked, and the public will respond with wallets open. And not to be left out, Triumph has had the 50th Anniversary Bonneville, a Steve McQueen Bonneville, painted like the one in The Great Escape, and a 15th Anniversary Speed Triple. All cosmetics, isn't that the first thing we notice anyway, some numbered, so they can charge more, and bringing no more when it is trade-in time. But for the new owner at least he ahs bragging rights, if he can find someone who cares. And if numbered can brag about a low number, 1 of 1000, or a high number, 999 of 1000, depending upon who he is trying to impress. And just like he was once a sucker, there is a new generation waiting to fill his shoes when it comes time to sell. Anyone for the 10th Anniversary V-Rod? If it don't sell stock, maybe the faithful will flock to it with special paint and badges-seems the premium price will finally get them-who riding a Harley can resist the temptation to pay too much?

But it seems that we rather believe media hype than truth when it comes to real special editions, like us. When God created man, we were made in His image-that's special. No other creature created by Him has what we have-the ability to choose to serve Him and repent. We can have His spirit, and the will He gave us to choose. We are not forced to follow Him, that would be mercenary. If it wasn't our choice, it would not be true love. But we have a problem believing we are made in His image, and live like it-in sin. There are no two of us exactly alike, and God knows the difference between all of us. When we pray we don't have to tell Him who we are-He knows. We each fill a special place for Him, and He loves us dearly. But in creating us, He left a void that can only be filled by Jesus-the special part in your heart that only He can fill. Religion can't fill it, politics only distort, and our selfish desires counterfeit it. It takes Jesus to unite us with God! No special editions needed-all we need is supplied with us from the start as standard equipment. But it is up to us to use it-our choice. Our choice to believe the truth of Jesus Christ and believe He is who He says He is, or believe a lie, and end up in death.

There are no new models coming for salvation, or to reunite us to God. Don't believe the lies. God got it right the first time with Jesus. And how you live your life tells us about your choice. Does your God love you enough to die on a cross for you-while you still hated Him? Did He rise again after death on the third day? And is He still alive today, and wanting to save you? Blessed are those of us who believe without seeing, we are told by Him. That's us. Overwhelmed by religion and all its practices? Try Jesus. Tired of legalism and all its laws and thou shalt nots? Try life in the spirit! Not sure what you believe, but know that there is something better? Trust God-it's all about Jesus! Don't wait for an anniversary model that isn't coming. Don't buy into a numbered system that demands a price. Trust God! And be living today!

He know your name! And took the time to write it in the Book of Life Himself. He knows Mike M. from Mike J. No computer crashing, or name mix-ups. No second rate redo of last years model, and no additional pricing for exclusive colors. Nope-you get it all the first time!

Trust God today! Turn to Jesus his son. The most special edition ever created-for He alone can save you. And rest in the knowledge that He never changes-He is perfect from the beginning. The same yesterday, today, and forever. And ride knowing that no matter what else you come upon in life, nothing will compare to Him! Now that's a special edition I am glad I belong to!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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a different view when the tank is full

Cruising across old US 30 in Iowa, a section of the old Lincoln Highway, you are treated to many small towns, and many old signs reflecting this was once the Lincoln Highway. Part of a main road connecting the east and west coasts. Historic and old, and a pre-freeway delight, when you have gas. But the farther west you get from Cedar Rapids, the old road gets barren, and there are no towns along it. Now there are signs for towns, but none on the road. Or even seeable afar, even though a sign points to one and an intersection. It is almost like today's freeways that have by-passed the towns, but which at least have gas stations and convenience stores awaiting you as you exit. But not out here-just signs. And so as the light came on to to warn me I was almost out of gas, we decided to try a side road. No signs, no nothing for about two miles, which can be a four mile round trip if nothing is found in town. And disastrous if you are about to run out of gas. Not even a barn or farm road. So barren you would have to plan it! But just as we were about to run out of hope, and gas, a small town emerged. Five blocks by five blocks wide. With no business section, except an old car garage with 50-60 year old vehicles in it, rusting away slowly, as they have for years. We went up and down every street, until we saw a man cutting his grass. Who was a bit shocked to see us, but pointed us out of town the opposite way, where a gas station/Laundromat/fast food/pet supply store truck stop/farm store was just closing, and we were able to fuel. Good thing, no access to pumps, even with a card when closed. So we fueled, backtracked, and soon were heading west on the old Lincoln Highway again.

Now the road was the same when we were almost out of gas, but since we filling up, we saw it much different. We had hope, and fuel, and suddenly the barrenness of no people, became quite attractive and serene. Amazing how a full tank of fuel can change your attitude about your ride. And I would like to travel it again, not looking for gas, but looking! I know I must have missed other signs of life, and maybe even a local stand to get a Coke or some fresh fruit. But when looking for fuel, nothing else seemed to matter. And almost running out of hope had led us to the brink of frustration. And when the 6.3 gallon tank took 6.2 gallons, just at the right time we had found this one stop for everything store.

I would like to go back and peek inside the old truck garage, maybe talk to the neighbors, and figure out where they work. What do they do. Maybe even get entrance to the garage and check out the trucks. Maybe even find out the name of the town! But in my haste, all I could do was over react to looking for gas, something I should have done in Cedar Rapids, where it was everywhere! A different perspective of this road and the little town, from eyes that weren't quite out of hope. Amazing how a full tank good for another 250 miles can change your attitude!

What are you looking for today? What situation have you found yourself in, and the need eludes you? What is causing you to lose hope, and do something desperate and follow your own understanding? Like us, we took a step of faith, and found this small town. We trusted there had to be someone somewhere, and there was. But the needed someone was with us all the time, and guiding us-we just had to follow the map He outlined. You see Jesus is always with us, no matter the problem. And offering advice so we won't get into hopeless situations. Like-get gas when you need can, before you run out. Self inflicted stress, and then missing the beauty of the road or trip, in panic. It pays to listen.

Today many things are not like they used to be. We need to be prepared for what is ahead. Not fall back on history, or even on a familiar road. We need to be prepared for what is ahead-and only in Jesus will you be. Unemployment-no job is secure any more. Short sales-that could never happen to me! Hunger-I was amazed yesterday at how high prices at the store have gotten. And some things not available any more. Truly we need to be prepared for what is ahead, by trusting God to lead us. Not just in material things, but in the spiritual things too-FIRST! No man is promised tomorrow, but the problems seem to proceed us anyway. Get a head start on them, by being prepared. Pray first, not just when panic stricken. Obey God, and maybe you won't end up on empty! Ask Him for directions, and you will find out He already has your path laid out-one you will be glad He did! And seek Him first, not after only. Scripture tells us that things are going to get worse, take God's advice-get into the ark while you still can. Be protected by God. Some will laugh, and mock, but will be left behind when trouble arises. It hadn't rained when Noah started building the ark, and he had no family yet. Yet God promised him a safe place for them all! Can we be so obedient? Can we seek God first?

Funny, but that day I knew right where we were, but being out of gas made us lost. Keep your tank full of the Holy Spirit, talk with Him during the day, and watch as He is the highlight of your trip. The roads will get rough, you don't have to!

The Lincoln Highway, named after a president who set the people free. Try traveling the Holy Spirit Highway-where you are always free. Free to go or stop, but with advice on when and why. Out on the road where Jesus ministered. Just off the highway, but it takes a bit of faith, to go there. Trust God. Trusting desperation just doesn't seem to be as much fun anymore. Even in Iowa, Jesus Christ-the AAA of life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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is your watch handicapped because one hand is shorter than the other?

The things that I don't understand far outnumber the things I do. The number of things I think I understand falls short of both. So years ago I decided to not try to understand everything, and a lot of my mental misery went away. I gave up thinking I had to be a Jack of all trades, and found out being a master of none left me more time to ride. And that by not being an expert in any one field, no one bothered me any more when they couldn't figure out things themselves. Like things included in the instruction manual. Are the pictures in English or Spanish? The number for 911. Call 411? And then trying to convince me that sitting in the garage on a nice, sunny day working on my bike was more fun than being out riding it. Such questions are left to far better brains than mine, so I'm going riding.

But some things still perplex me sometimes, the erudite word for confusion. Why do some riders tell me about the freedom of riding, then stop and call their wife on their cell phone, who immediately curtails the fun that day by telling him to get home? Why do Harley owners brag about spending $5000 more on an older bike, with less power, less accessories, and no warranty than a new one? Must be the fact that the break in miles were included. Why does a new Bonneville cost more than a Street Triple, which has twice the horsepower, handles better, and has better brakes? Nostalgia? I own both, does that make me twice as confused?

Why do big bore sport bikes weigh more than ones with lesser cc's? Why does a bigger hole weigh more? If I put 40psi of air in my tires, and you only run 35, does yours weigh less? And do some real racers just add more air to meet the weight minimum, than let some out after inspection? Did you know Harley sells a polish for flat paint? How will it work on shiny paint? Will it make it dull?

If loud pipes truly save lives, where is the study so the government will make them mandatory? One of my bikes with loud pipes only got me noticed more by the cops. Maybe that is the study. Why do those who have loud pipes think they have to impress the neighborhood at 5am with them? And then wonder why the same neighbors hate motorcycles? And why just the other day, did someone ask me if I knew how to adjust valves on his two-stroke? Not sure how to answer that one, referred him to the service department.

Yes, there are truly mysteries of life out there. My best guess is that it is better off not knowing some things. Like when I am going to die. It would change my whole outlook on life. And try to make arrangements to be somewhere else so maybe it wouldn't happen. But then maybe that was part of the plan to get me to that place in the first place. Yup, too much thinkin' going on, and very little to show for it.

God calls them mysteries, not like the whodunnits of Perry Mason, or the Hardy Boys, but things not yet revealed. But yet does give us many clues, that when led by the Holy spirit points us in the right direction. They ask dumb things sometimes, that religion encourages, theologians debate, and people discuss-but never ask God. For instance, why do so many Christians wonder who is the anti-Christ? Unless you are planning to be here, you'll never know, and it doesn't matter! Shouldn't you be seeking Jesus more? Who are you really looking for? How about all this hoopla about 2012, and the end of the world? Why trust a race of cannibals that don't exist any more? What calendar were they looking at? Not in the Bible, God tells us birth pangs will occur-just the opposite. And why do so many misled people seek to know when Jesus is coming back, when He doesn't know, and God isn't telling? Can you think of a better way to look stupid? Or less Godly? God also tells that the law prescribes stoning for false prophets-still interested? I guess it sells books, gets people interested, but comes short of salvation. Jesus is truth, not an opinion. Not religious rhetoric, and not a fad. Not a way to heaven, the way. He died and rose again on the third day. Fact. Maybe we should be wanting to get closer to Him than discussing opposing viewpoints.

The Bible calls it the spirit of anti-Christ, not the person. Anyone who deters you from Christ, sends you on an opinion trek, or denies the deity of Jesus Christ has that spirit. And you can be saved, but still have it. The importance of good teaching, being in the word, and walking in the spirit. How do you know good teaching? It always points to Jesus, who always points to His Father. And the Bible backs it up. How do I know I am in the word? Is the word in you? Are you known for love or for gossip? How do I know you are in the spirit?

That's personal, but for me it is peace. Better yet, I know when I'm not, the peace is gone, and I start to lean on my own understanding. Much better to lean on Jesus.

So to those of you who know how many cans in a 6 pack, or what color is blue, why Ferraris should be red, Harley's black, and Bonnevilles green-you're ahead of the rest of us. Do yourself a favor, keep it to yourself. Don't let the others find out. But to those of us who know Jesus, don't let a day go by without showing His love. Without telling someone how He saves. And without spending time with Him. Let God handle the God things, and the rest are easy.

And for those intent on knowing who is the anti-Christ, you'll have to deny Christ to know. You might find it easier and more rewarding to know who was the driver of the semi in Duel. Or what does the Lone Ranger look like behind the mask. Or trying to figure out the words to Viva Las Vegas. Or why you would entertain dumb questions to start with. Trust trivia? Another reason for disliking Alex Trebek. I rather trust God.

I'll bet He knows how an aspirin finds a headache! Do you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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could you not keep watch one more hour?

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

New Life Version (NLV)

⁷ For the secret power of breaking the law is already at work in the world. But that secret power can only do so much until the One Who keeps back the man of sin is taken out of the way. ⁸ Then this man of sin will come. The Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of His mouth. The coming of Christ will put an end to him. ⁹ Satan will use this man of sin. He will have Satan’s power. He will do strange things and many powerful works that will be false.¹⁰ Those who are lost in sin will be fooled by the things he can do. They are lost in sin because they did not love the truth that would save them. ¹¹ For this reason, God will allow them to follow false teaching so they will believe a lie. ¹² They will all be guilty as they stand before God because they wanted to do what was wrong.

While checking into a motel a few weeks ago, the young lady behind the counter asked me for some identification. While trying not to giggle at the photo on my license, she handed it back to me with my VISA card. It made me think, and I commented that when I was her age, thirtyish, when asked for an ID they required a credit card, and how things have changed. A questionable look went with it, and this moment of history was wasted on her. Preoccupied with right now, the past didn't matter, and her future was what time she got off, as she was tired from a long day. So I let it go, no longer wishing to discuss the irony of it, knowing my words would be wasted on her. For next to my AAA card-not for ID purposes, and license in my wallet is my Social Security Card, which from time to time I am asked for to show as identification. You know the one, with red letters printed across it stating "NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES." And instead of increasing the irony, it woke me up. Not from physical sleep, but one in which I found myself wandering in a dense fog of lies, which we have substituted for truth.

A common saying we hear on talk radio is "if we say it enough, it becomes truth." And as I watch leaders in government, business, and religion twist words for their benefit, and not for yours, it is true-we finally give up, and just go with it. It isn't worth the fight anymore, and we won't win anyway is our final gasp. Defeated we go on to tackle the next obstacle before it tackles us, and leads us astray, unaware that once the above formula is in place, it effects all aspects of our lives.

Words mean something. My Grandma used to tell me over and over when I asked for something the difference between may I and can I? Yes, you can, you are able, but no you may not, no permission granted. But being my Grandma, the lesson was longer than the wait period, a characteristic well honed by grandparents everywhere. But that lesson has remained with me, so I try to ask correctly. So I can get an answer more favorable to me. But it seems the importance of words can be used against you, as certain cults as the Jehovah Witnesses do, changing God's word by adding a word, as in the word was a God, then lying about it to keep the lie alive. When it says correctly the word was God. Not a god-BUT GOD! Big difference! And so the subtlety of lying goes on, and the unaware are its prime target and captives. Read 2Thessalonians 2:7-12. We have been warned!

Our Constitution tells us we have freedom to choose the way we wish to worship God, who they refer to as THE Creator, much different than A creator. It tells us we can worship as we want, with the government not imposing how or what we choose to worship. In other words, the church is free from the state. But wily evil men, have changed the wording, with only a few mentioning it, who are quickly drowned out in their moment of truth. WE cannot have the church influence government, but we can certainly have government influence the church. The creation trying to control the creator. We have freedom of religion, not dictated by them! And so they cleverly talk about what we hear today as the separation of church and state. Which when given a choice, as the division causes, so many choose the state. After all the government is here to protect me, take care of me in my old age, and give me freedom. But in changing the truth, we are forced to choose between man or God? And the evil forces continue on, right in front of us, subtle but dangerous, and deadly for those who don't choose God. No wonder we no longer are the land of the free!

It is as if the devil put the choice right there, but we refused to see his signature on it. And as we watch God taken out of our daily lives, we see the erosion of morals, then families, and finally our once great country-all because we allowed a lie to be perpetrated. They said it enough, and some believe it.

We have fallen asleep much as Peter did while waiting for Jesus. Many churches, and those in them are deaf to His words of His return, and discount the world events playing out every day-words prophesied hundreds of years ago. So I ask, just like Jesus asked Peter, "could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so you don't fall into temptation, for the spirit is willing, and the flesh is weak." Perhaps if there is an opportunity to write the history of the US 100 years from now, this will be the title.

Are you asleep? Do you know Jesus? If not, you are asleep. Do you believe the Bible? If not, you're asleep. Do you trust the government more than God? If yes, then you're asleep. And you don't even know it. And waking up a sleepwalker can be dangerous! And lifesaving!

Jesus tells us the truth will set us free. Lies, religion, and governments bind. They control us, and lead us where they wish us to go, not where we want to. Stop and pray-ask God who you really believe in? You may not like the answer-remember the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Don't fall into the trap of trusting anyone but God. For true freedom is found in Jesus Christ, not from Him. He demands a choice, for Him or against Him? Separating the wheat from the chaff of life, and making you make a choice of salvation, a choice you never realized the government was involved in. Just another free service courtesy of your government. Just don't tell them. The law kills-the spirit gives life. So don't be afraid of those who can control your life, but trust Him who can keep it out of Hell!

Yes, Jesus can keep you soul out of hell. All you need to ask Him is "May I be forgiven? Will you save me?" May I or can I? Just words? Or do they tell us more about the person of Jesus than we ever realized? Your choice-and freedom is only found in the spirit.

God or government? One is the creator, and one was a system created by Him. and perverted by the devil. Ask Eve is words mean something? Better yet, ask God.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Thankful that we still live in the US of A while we still can. Whose words from the Star Spangled Banner have been adopted from God. For as citizens of heaven we are truly from the land of the free, and the home of the brave! America-BLESS GOD!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com