fun is riding your own ride...on someone else's bike

Nice people up at Simi Valley Cycles, so when out riding this weekend, and Theresa needed her tires checked, we stopped in. They immediately got to checking them, and while we were waiting some of the guys in the shop saw what I was riding, a 2012 Speed Triple R, not available to the dealers for at least another month. And one guy was real suspicious of how did I get one? So while his friends were ragging on him for not having the latest info-seems he was the sales manager, I showed him the Motorcycle Distributor plates from Georgia, and he felt better knowing it was a press bike. But after they all gave their opinions, and asking how did it handle, etc, we all left friends. and even without riding it, the talk that night would be what they saw that morning, a gift of a bike not yet here, but on its way-and now they really wanted one even more. Didn't even ask to sit on it-just the fact that they saw one was enough to keep the conversation alive for the next few days.

Which is a fun thing I get to do, riding so many Press Bikes for Triumph. But I was really glad the fast shoes in the shop didn't come out, and ask "is it faster? Does it handle better? Can you tell a difference in the brakes?" You see it has over $7000 of race suspension and brakes on it, which may be nice on a track-my tracks consist mostly of freeways to get to the curves. But I can tell you this-it handles incredible, and yes, the brakes should be the standard for all bikes! I'll leave the race track for guys like Mickey, Ray, and Curtis to sort out-for me this is 1000 miles of bliss. Every once in a while it is fun to be special-or at least be on a bike that is!

When I ride a bike that is better than I am, I have to remind myself to ride my own ride, always good advice, no matter the bike, the road, or the rider. I haven't got in over my head too many times, but it is nice to have a bike under you that can forgive your moments of talent indiscretion. But mostly I ride my own ride, faster than some, slower than most, but I rather have fun than try to impress some squid and end up in a ditch. While some guys I know look for that extra tenth of a second per lap, I rather ride an extra 50 miles that day. Each within our own little riding world. We call it fun, and when we each try to invade each other's world, we lose the fun. Most people I know think 100 mile trip is way too much. We ride 150 miles for lunch. I have friends who will spend all day at a track dialing in their suspension, I rather go places. But I get it, so I wish them well, support their efforts by encouraging them, and we each trade stories via bench racing-motorcycles being our common denominator. And it gives me the chance to meet other guys who ride, and meet nice shops like in Simi Valley. Not every ride is a race-so I don't ride as if it is.

Too often if it rains the last 20 miles of a great day, or we get a flat on the last lap, that is all we remember and take home with us. We neglect to remember the laps at full speed, or the hills and valleys on twisty roads that earlier we thought would never end. We take exception to anything that ruins our perfect day, and steals our fun. and can go from thanking God, to wondering what He was thinking when we got the flat, or the rains came. Ministry came be like that. But the lesson of Ezekiel is best remembered. God told Him what to say, and what to do, and who to say it to. Tell the Israelites, a stubborn people, and do not be afraid to tell them the truth-punishment is coming for their rebellion. But He warns Zeke not to be like them-do as I tell you and all will be ok. God's OK, not ours, a big difference. For like a ride, there will be rough roads, bad weather, dumb drivers in cars, and other obstacles to avoid. Not all who hear your message will turn to God, in fact they may turn against you! Jesus did not come to unite the flocks, but to separate the goats from the sheep-it is not your job to change a heart, just deliver the message! In other words, just obey what God gives you. Don't go Jonah on Him! For His will shall be done, and the best way to enjoy it is to obey. Rough road-slow down and enjoy the sights, or take a side road that God offers-avoid possible danger! Rain-it will pass, just never fast enough for me. But in sharing remember that someone is always watching, and the words meant for your audience may be heard by another. Only in heaven will we know-but rest assured God does. And somehow this all works out for our benefit.

Theresa needed air, the shop got to see the S3R. We got to visit, and both of us had needs met. Keep the gospel, the good news of Jesus the same despite the situation, knowing God is in control. More people come to God on bad days than on sunny ones. For it is in our bad times we seek Him more. But don't let that be a reason to not praise Him on the sunny ones! Praise Him in all, for it all works to our good. Trust God!

It is the truth that sets us free! Speak in and live it in love. Do not be afraid because your bike is slower, and older than you are. Ride your own ride! Along with Jesus! God will deal with the rebellious, no reason to let them upset your ride. You see the Sales Manager was vindicated after he saw the bike, his facts were right. Even if his co-workers still ride him. So speak the truth. What did you see today? It just may depend whose eyes you see it through. And who you are riding with. Stay the course God has given you, don't lose your vision. When trusting God you never have to make a U-turn. Something you never want to do on a race track! Serving God is fun-don't miss out!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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feasting on asphalt

A few years back, when the Food Channel first came out, Alton Brown made my A list by sponsoring a show called Feasting on Asphalt. On it he and some friends rode their BMW's on selected historical back roads looking for diverse foods. A great premise that I wish I had financing for, as he started off great, but I lost interest quickly. He tended to show some strange places, eat some bizarre foods that were from some unusual body parts, and of course not enough asphalt-as the case usually is. But he had me hooked on ideas for rides, and his one trip up Hiway 61 through Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota gave us an idea for one trip.

Avoiding Louisiana-New Orleans in particular, we did 61 into Mississippi. Sadly like so many state or US hiways, they have been turned into interstate types, by-passing the old road, and have none of the local places to eat adjacent. So we stayed on the old sections, like Alton did, and our first place was in Clarksdale, Birthplace of the Blues, and ate at Abe's, there since 1924. Pulled pork is the way to go in the south, and inside the place reeked-a good reeking. And the pulled pork, with cole slaw on top, was great. Good food, good road, and good music-under the crossed guitars at the crossroads, the inspiration for Clapton's Crossroads song. As we went on north, we avoided some of his lesser choices, and once past St. Louis, our goal for lunch was at Maid Rite Sandwiches in Quincy, Illinois.

Now I have a particular dislike for Quincy, in 1985 on a ride, I was ticketed for 60 in a 55 zone, by the local constable, who bragged to me that this was his first patrol in their new cruiser, and I was the first to be ticketed by it. Despite my plea of I rather be the first one warned, he wrote me a ticket. Just him, me, the car, and corn so high you thought you were driving in a maze. A true public revenue enhancer, let's call him Matthew. Thanks, Matt. Coming into Quincy from the south is interesting, as it is on the Mississippi, and there are huge caves. I mean big, like airplane hangar size, used as warehouses, some with 30 foot high openings. And they go on for miles-interesting, but we were hungry, and we had a destination ahead.

Now part of knowing where you are going, is knowing where you are going. And I couldn't remember the name Maid Rite. I kept calling it Merry Maids, and Theresa would grimace-no connection to Mickey D's. So we drove through the downtown, and out of town a few times, with no success. Hungry and desperate, we stopped at a convenience store outside of town, and asked the women outside smoking where Merry Maids was? "You need your house cleaned?" NO-I'm hungry. And they thought we were funny, talking with them through our full face helmets, and not knowing the name of the place we wanted to eat at. Suddenly the one with more teeth said, "Oh, he means, Maid Rite. You passed it coming into town." Actually this would be my fourth trip by it. And as we left, they laughed their toothless grins, I got hit in the ribs, and the Maid Rite saga continued.

Since the thirties Maid Rite sandwiches have been a hit in the Midwest. Think of them as a Sloppy Joe, with no sloppy. Seasoned meat, on a bun, add fries, and a Pepsi, no Coke-can't get more American than that. Waitresses still patrol the dining area in white uniforms, some may have been the original employees, no tipping, and they will bring you more as you require. I ate two deluxe, which were good-and enough to satisfy my Quincy intake for decades to come. And Alton-he finally crashed, got hurt pretty bad, and cancelled the show. Just as it was hitting its stride. Leaving a void for us hungry asphalt feasters that still exists today.

Peter once was shown a vision by God of a picnic-where he was told he could eat all kinds of food under grace. My kind of vision. Now to a man who never had pulled pork, a bacon cheeseburger, or a Nathan's hot dog, this must have been blasphemy at first. But when God showed him how nothing is unclean unless He says it is, Peter upset the Pharisees by eating things not Kosher. And it opened up a whole new side of God to Him-no laws. Replaced with grace. And mercy-much better than sneaking a hot dog at a side window. The sin of eating non-Kosher foods was replaced by grace. And just like grace in our lives, it gives us freedom to live in Christ as He wants us to. Free from the food police. Another department of the Pharisees.

No more fussing about was it prepared Kosher. Was the dead animal prepared properly. Was the meal "made right?" Even when it comes to food, grace is better than the law. A tough sell for Peter, but freedom with his new menu choices, and getting to see Jesus in a whole new light. The same Jesus who came to set us free-and fulfill all the laws. One meal at a time in Peter's case. He now found he could trust God, be guided by the Spirit, and avoid the Pharisees altogether.

Are you feasting on everything that God has to offer? If you are stuck on religion, try the freedom in the Spirit. Enjoy God's mercy, and live a life of freedom in His grace. And show love where before you were consumed with laws. Letting your only law be to show love. And show it whether riding or eating-no matter what you feast on.

Sadly Alton never returned to the asphalt. So I hear there is a vacancy in the road food area on TV. I know this couple who would love to fill it. Now if I could only find that certain one who would back me! My first ride would be back to the Crossroads in Clarksdale. But my first stop on every ride is at the Cross-the only road I ever wish to travel. For without the cross you are just on another road to nowhere-but at the Cross you find direction, and directions. Which it never hurts to have when looking for a place to eat. Oh, remembering its name helps too!

Made right by Jesus! How could I ever forget a name like that?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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for what it's worth

I first learned about mercenaries from my Dad, in 7th grade US History. During the Revolutionary War, the British hired professional soldiers to fight for them. Many were top flight and well trained, and well paid to fight. But they found that no amount of money could make then fight for a cause they didn't believe in, so when the going got tough, the paid, well got going-sometimes. And the British couldn't understand why untrained, unprofessional men would fight against their superior army to the death, for no pay. It was because their motivation was more than for money, it came from the heart. Nationalism it is called, how a person will fight for what is his no matter the cost. Not a new concept, and still available today. And our actions tell others about our true nationality.

Sadly we have become a society of mercenaries. I want to be paid for what the job is worth. We want to get paid for what we do, and we want to be paid well. And we want to show it off to others, to impress them as to what a great whatever we are, so they are impressed. It is called pride, and eventually the person falls-just never soon enough for us. I have watched great repair shops fail eventually, after years of success, overcharging what they thought they were worth, while people paid it. But never realized their customers were always shopping for a new shop, one they thought they were being treated fair at, and when they did, the customers left. It wasn't so much the price, it was what they did for it. Mercenary in their pricing system, it was all a la carte. And when a shop was found that would fix things as they found them, and throw in the repair, because it was the right thing to do, soon they had more business than they could handle, and a solid word of mouth advertising base, knowing that if you put out a good product, the money will follow. We call them professionals.

I watch now as we have become a society that must be honored and praised for doing the right thing. My caretaker is here when I need her, but so is her paycheck. My personal assistant is always on call, but so is her time card. All I do is pick up the phone, and someone comes-for a price. An employee/employer relationship, verified by their time card. Mercenary as they got paid for what they did. But let that paycheck not arrive on time, and we see the loyalty wane-because they are mercenary. And sadly their card shows all too often what they didn't do. When the shift was over, they went home, with an "I'll get it tomorrow at work" attitude. But it is not always about money, it is about what the public, their family, or their peer group thinks. Ecclesiastes 4 tells us things stem from the envy of our neighbor. We want to be better than them. To impress them. When mostly they don't care, because they are fighting the same war themselves. Creating a competition, just like two businesses who compete via advertising, then price, with little thought to their product. Eventually the better product wins. For pride always goes before the fall. For like a minimum wage mentality, we get what we pay for, because that's all we have to pay.

Jesus points out to us that this is not a new idea-being a mercenary. It stems from the heart. In Matthew 25 He is confronted by a group of religious types, wanting to impress Him. Looking for their reward for loyalty, even using His name to prophecy, or cast out demons. And they are shocked at His reply-"BE GONE!" For He saw in their hearts their mercenary nature, how they had already gotten their pay check, and it was not enough to gain favor with God. He referred them to "the least of them," and compared them to Him. People like us, or who may be us. You see Jesus owned no property, no car or motorcycle, had no bus passes, and walked most places. He stayed with friends, carried no money, and had no discount dining card. Or major donor for His ministry, He relied on His Father, and He exhorts us to do the same. He did more with nothing than anyone could imagine. He used love. And so He left them, and leaves us with an example to follow. So simple, so humble, yet so rewarding. He told them give drink to the thirsty, give food to the hungry, give shelter to those a stranger, and visit those sick or in jail. Things that gain you no reward, but that do in heaven. All without punching in or using a time sheet. Care for those who cannot care for themselves. "Paying it ahead," as my friend Gavin says. Doing it out of love, like Jesus did. And again a favorite quote of mine from Mother Teresa, when asked by a reporter while in a bug infested hospital. He couldn't take it, and said "I wouldn't do this for a million dollars." And her reply, "neither would I." He thought a million dollars was a lot, she realized it was nothing. That love covers a multitude of sins, and a paycheck will only buy things, it cannot buy love, or respect from God. Henry Ford once said "it is a poor business that only makes money." How poor are you in the business of life?

Remember that next time you look to the cross. Jesus paid it all. Not because He had to, but because He wanted to. Because we never could. And because the price He paid was so high, the only way we could afford it would be as a gift. Remember Jesus when you do something for someone today. If you mark the time on a card and get paid-it isn't love! And you already were overpaid. When loving accept nothing more than a chance to share the love of Christ. Mercenaries show up in all situations. From care giving to car fixing-the best deal is when both people benefit. So get the most for your investment-invest it in Jesus.

He takes all the uninsured, there is no deductible, and guaranteed results. He is the better way. And is not impressed by what you make, and even less impressed by how you make it. In His book, it is the things you did for the least of us that He remembers.

Maybe we all need to rethink our resume of life. How much are you willing to sell out your soul for? It is the times not found on our time card that count the most. Remember that next time you hear "what is best for me, is best for you."

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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show me your faith, I'll show you my works

Proper first aid is do not panic in a panic situation. Pray first! Which is always the most effective first aid, and which can help you avoid a panic situation. But what do you do when you come upon one? What do you do when you are the first one upon a scene of an accident? Do you look away in horror, maybe pray, and then start to complain about the traffic? Do you call someone on your cell-911? Or do you stop and see how you can provide assistance? How you respond will tell us more about your walk with God than maybe even you want to know. Two examples-

I was coming home down I-15 when I saw traffic suddenly slowing down to a stop. Lane splitting I got to the front, where two cars had hit-one on its back still. All occupants were out, and someone was on the phone calling 911. I stopped to see what if anything else needed to be done, while praying the whole time, and saw traffic backing up-4 lanes of it! So I pulled across the freeway, and started directing traffic, away from the accident-making a lane for emergency vehicles to get through. Within a few minutes I had traffic flowing from a standstill and moving at 25mph. The lane was clear, CHP and a fire truck and an ambulance had gotten through, and the victims were being treated. Each one of us had done our job, and while directing traffic, many said "hey thanks!" grateful they weren't stuck in a worse traffic snarl. The CHP officers even gave me thumbs up, as I had taken control of the scene-no panic, and they could do their job. I had asked God what to do, and He showed me! A true lesson in obedience. And a lesson I was to be reminded of repeatedly when inn Joplin after the tornado. Do what you need to do with what is in front of you! And you must finish one step before going to another. It wasn't until afterwards that a CHP officer told me it was smart to clear an emergency lane. I had never thought of it, it just happened when I redirected the traffic-I'm glad God did!

On another occasion, God also reminded me of why not to ride with Pharisees. We were out and riding with some Pharisee types whose idea of evangelism was pushing the Bible in everyone's face they could. We came upon two new bikes stuck on the side of the road. Very low miles-what a bummer. They had tried everything, including running down the battery while trying to start the bike that had died. After asking him what happened, I checked for gas-he was empty! That had caused the bike to stall, and then the battery to die after repeated tries. While doing this, the Pharisee I was riding with had taken out his Bible and stuck it in his friend's face and was trying to tell Him about the mercy of God. He was more interested in his friend's bike, and finally took a Bible just to get rid of the Pharisee. When I told him what the problem was, he called the dealership where they had bought the bikes, explained they were out of gas, and the dealership was sending some out. At no charge. He thanked me-and looking at the Pharisee told me we could go-they would wait alone. I wish I could have waited with them, for at our next stop, the Pharisee bragged about giving away a Bible-which may end up in the trash. God had shown me a better way, for just like Jesus asked the Pharisees,"what is easier to say, rise up and walk, or your sins are forgiven?" That day it was what is easier, seeing god's mercy or being browbeaten with it? Which one of us do you think these riders will remember? The one who took advantage of them in this situation, or the one who met their need? Again-praying first helps, as I am no mechanic, and wouldn't have thought to ask about fuel myself. Years later when I ran out on a new bike with 3.2 miles on it, I was reminded and a man stopped to help, who had fuel and I was able to get on down the road. He didn't preach either-just gave me gas, would accept no cash, and waited until the bike started and then followed me for a few miles to the next exit-before honking, waving, and going on.

How do you handle panic? Join in or join Jesus? It takes a mindset of looking for God, and to God. Evangelism goes much farther than just passing out tracts, and then picking them off the sidewalk later. It is not about passing out Bible when someone is stuck. It is not about Pharisee types bragging about how they solved the problem. It is about Jesus, and letting Him guide you. When Jesus gave sight to the blind man, and he was asked about it, he replied, "all I know is I was blind and now I see."

Ask the guys out of gas, for they were blind, and I was able to show them the answer. Ask those stuck in traffic, they were blind but I was able to provide a way around the problem. And ask the people involved in the accident-who got the care because the ambulance could get through.

All because I prayed first, and let God show me what to do. Pray and obey. He knew the answers needed. Because I didn't know what to do, except panic too. And He did the rest. The right thing. Simple obedience from a man who just happened to be there, that God knew would be there, and who He had prepared before time began. Why panic when we have God? Seek Him first...it is so much easier, and He will take care of the problem. If we let Him.

How many Pharisees are ever written about that solved a problem by keeping a law? And how many did Jesus heal, in the spirit? Remember that, for you could be the next person needing help, and however and whoever responds may have a direct outcome on the event. Jesus Christ-the ultimate first aid kit. Don't leave home without HIM!

I don't care about your religion or politics while stuck on the side of the road. I just want to get going. So don't try to impress with what you know, but meet my need by WHO you know. Trust God. And let Him direct. Amazing this grace thing. But I'll bet you all knew that already anyway.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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whose team do you play for?

Howard Cosell's autobiography written back in the 70's was called "I Never Played the Game." In it he gives a very cutting, and very sarcastic look into the life and styles of professional athletes. Interesting, not only because he is interesting, but because like he said, "I never played the game." But he had been involved with the games, and from his legal background, and also his broadcasting venue, was let into places the average person would be excluded from. Yes, it is true he may never have played the game, but he still was involved with it, just not as a competitor. Which reminds me that there are several levels to making a team a winner, it is in the details the losers are separated from them.

Watching the Simon and Simon race team at the Barstow Firecracker 250 on the 4th of July reminded me of this. The truck was overheating, and despite its huge radiator, electric fan, and large coolant lines, it was in the red, and close to self destructing. While the other were looking at the obvious, Don Tebbe, the crew chief, jumped on top of the truck, and released a safety valve on the radiator. In doing so the cooling system burped itself, relieving itself of an air pocket. He topped the coolant off, the temp dropped to normal, ad they were back on the course. Don had put that valve in just for occasions like this, and although he may never have driven the truck in a race, the team would have DNFed without this trick. Reinforcing the value of a crew chief, his knowledge and experience, but also how it takes a team to win. And how important even the small things are.

The scripture tells us we all have a gift, or talent that God has given us. Something that He wants us to do, and it is special. I watched in the past as pastors who try to control the church, eventually go down in flames, as they do not give their flock over to the Holy Spirit, it is as if they are the only ones, at least in their own prideful heart, that God has allowed to serve. And I recently watched as a church who had supported a ministry for years, pulled out support. On the surface, these things happen, and the economy is usually mentioned. But in the background is the real reason, and we see how God protects those that are led by Him. Obedience is better than sacrifice, and a little leaven goes through the whole batch. The ladies used to make certain knitted and crochet items for the seniors in nursing homes. They would gather and enjoy a time of fellowship, sharing God, and serving Him. Until one day some Mormon ladies came, and were invited in. Rules had been set about proselytizing, but the spirit was quenched. Soon more Mormon women were admitted and outnumber the Christians. And they had an idea to sell the goods, rather than donate them, and suddenly those who gave of themselves were turned into piece workers, rather than peace workers. And those who left went on to serve God, while the leaven continued to go through the church. Not obeying God will have its consequences. And when the church attendance dwindled, so did the finances, and the giving had to be cut off to others. Just one sin caused the others to suffer. Remember that next time money comes up in regards to ministry, if God has given you a vision, He will supply all your needs according to HIS RICHES and glory. Did you ever see Jesus on a book tour or a fund raiser? Charging for refills? Or asking for travel money? And He not only played the game-He is the game!

Never underestimate what God gives you. Just like Mordecai Ham, the man who led Billy Graham to the Lord, he never knew the fruit that his one message of salvation would bear, and all the ones saved because of Billy's decision to accept Christ. Just like Don's knowledge of burping the cooling system, he allowed the race to go on, and they eventually won. We don't run to finish, but to win. And the battle is not against other Christians, or even men,our adversary is the devil, who seeks to destroy us. Read 2 John-do not even let those false teachers in your house-or wish them God bless you. Run the race to win, led by Jesus.

We do not know what today brings, but we do know who goes with us. Follow Him and watch as we are more than overcomers, we are victors! We get to compete with the family of Christ for souls, just by loving. We are only called to be witnesses, so let your light shine. A lesson my friend Dave reminded me of this morning. Stay the path, for all things work to our good, not just good things. Beware of those who let anything get between you and God. And rejoice as you get to be a part of the winning team. For like Howard, we may never get to play the game, but we still compete. And if you never endured two a day drills, be glad. Jesus saves-we are just told to love. For this is the will of God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Galatians 5:7-9

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion is not from him who calls you. ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

evangelical shirt productions-don't forget the stickers

Here I am sitting with my wife at the Yuma Prison Run, and a well meaning man comes up to me and starts telling me about the patch on his back. I listened, reluctantly, for I knew of this group, and knew of all the duplicity in it. He went on, oblivious to my lack of interest, and told me because the patch on his vest was there, people knew he was a Christian. And how people were attracted to him. Having had enough of his club of Sardis tales, I asked him a couple questions. One-why would you want me to be part of your club? You don't know me. His answer was that I must be someone important because so people were stopping to say hi. He didn't realize I was a Christian, and knew many in this club, which was why I didn't want anything to do with it. Two-I asked, if your patch drew people to you, why did you approach me? I was sitting here minding my own business until you came along and interrupted. No answer. Three-what did the Holy Spirit do to lead people to Christ before your patch came along? Who are you trusting, a club of rules and dissention, or God?

And he left and wished me a good day. I felt sorry for him, for he was sincere, but sincerely wrong. This club had fed him lies, and to fit in with them, he had to follow them. I never got a chance to tell him for 35 years I was part of this club until God rescued me from it, and now I had real freedom in the spirit! If it takes a patch, or shirt, or vest, what happened to God? Now I am not anti-Christian shirt, but when I see one coming, I tend to duck. I must look like a sinner, because I draw them, only to find they want to tell me how to live. By their rules, riding their kind of bike, at their speeds, to where they tell me to go...I think you get the picture.

NOTW shirts tend to bug me too. Put on a shirt, add some graphics, maybe even a scripture, and you are a Christian. Just like having Jesus on your dashboard, you are protected, and free to act as you wish. I have met Aurelio, and heard his testimony-awesome. But when I see people just wearing the shirt to be cool, and not even knowing what it is, I get concerned. And like the man at Yuma, they mean well, but on your own is exactly that-on your own, and alone. For unless the Holy Spirit guides, you are wandering alone. So I ask, who is the Captain Kirk of your enterprise? Are you at the helm, or Jesus? Do you follow club rules, or God? Do we need a t-shirt or vest, or bumper sticker to tell if you are a Christian?

I have found God sends people my way. I don't have to go looking, for I let Him. Not always easy, I really wanted to share Jesus with this guy, but he was more impressed by his patch. Mine were in the trash. And so many by their shirts. Now I wear motorcycle shirts all the time, but they don't need a shirt to tell I ride, my helmet look should give that away, or when I pull up on one. And anymore, I am tired of talking about myself, which is where most of these conversations end up. So I let God lead me, and find out I do much more and effective ministry when letting Him guide, or just sitting in the crowd. For like the Pharisees who were so bound by rules, and wanted to show how holy they were, if you have to tell me, maybe you aren't. For at that point it is about you, not Jesus. And for years I have told to anyone who will listen to have only one agenda-Jesus. For anything is sin. Good intentions or not. So let me leave you with this thought, or question.

If you are hurting, who would you search out? A group drinking, smoking, cussing, and carrying on, or try to follow who the spirit is leading you to? Or how about the preachy crowd who will not listen, but tell you how to live anyway. You see when I have a problem, I want God, not your story, or your rules. I want answers, and have learned to trust God long before I trust man. Over the years I have had people come up to us and pour out their hearts, not knowing us, or who we were-but sent by God. We have prayed, counseled, and followed up as God directed. All without a shirt telling them who we were.

I know many will argue with me about this, and how great their club, vest, patch, or shirt is. Don't tell me-tell God. Who works from the inside out. You cannot do anything more for God than what He asks, if you do you are in sin, His words, not mine. So dump the Pharisee look, and trust God. No t-shirt will ever effect your heart like Jesus will. No patch can save you. And check out your stories before you approach someone. They may just pop you just to let them know who they are, and what they think of you. RESPECT the person, and watch as Jesus touches their heart. Despite any damage you may have done.

For God so loved the world He sent JESUS! Not you or me! Long before t-shirts and back patches. For love is still more effective than any other form. Remember that next time you interrupt someone. Who may be doing God's work. And thank you for all your prayers-I will continue to covet them, for without Jesus I am nothing.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthw25biker.blogspot.com

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...