sequence failed continuity

Peter and I took off from Mariposa that Sunday morning after little sleep and a lot of miles the day before. We had breakfast, then headed down old Hiway 99, then intersected with I-5 and over the Grapevine. After 200 miles of California freeway, we longed for some curves, so we got off and I was going to lead him through some great roads, getting off on SR138. I had ridden them before, and told Peter, who has a history of falling-"RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE!" It is not a race, but a ride. So we took off, and I was way ahead. But keeping him in my mirrors as well as I could, for awhile, I lost him. So at the next intersection, I stopped and waited. And waited. And the second worse thing that can happen while riding with someone happened. The next vehicle was not him, but a black pickup. "Were you riding with a guy on a yellow Yamaha?" he asked, and my heart sunk. For his next words were the worst thing that can happen while riding. "He went off the road about two miles back." So I hurried back, only to find Peter ok, shaken, not stirred, the bike ridable, and both it and Peter would finish the trip home. A worst case scenario had a somewhat happy ending, and Peter would ride again, and sadly fall again. While riding with me. Ride your own ride, please.

It is customary for pilots to check in a day before to confirm their next flight assignment. For Steve Schribner, when he checked in with American Airlines on September 10, he found that someone with seniority had taken the open flight ahead of him. He had been looking forward to it, but it had happened before, and he had done it to others. That was the way it was. But this September day, and this flight was to be different. He was bumped off as first officer on American flight 11-a plane that was to be flown in to the Twin Towers on 9/11. Steve thought nothing of it, until he was tracking the flight the next day after hearing about planes being hijacked. When the information came up on flight 11, it was chilling. SEQUENCE FAILED CONTINUITY! And every pilot knew the meaning-the flight had not made it to its destination. All those aboard flight 11 that day were dead, in one of the most cunning and horrible attack made on America. But Steve was saved, by someone pulling rank and taking a flight that should of/could of been his. And as his heart broke for those on the plane, his friends, he was also thankful not to be among them. Somehow in God's plan for him, he had rescued him from this tragic flight. Someone had taken his seat, his place. Steve would fly again.

It was another beautiful morning, after a busy weekend. A man who had claimed to be God had been crucified, and on this Sunday morning three men ran to the cave he was placed in. But three women were already there, and found the tomb empty. You see this man, Jesus, had promised to be resurrected on the third day-and this forgotten thought had escaped this group until they met at the tomb. "He is not here, but has risen, just as he said," the angel informed them. A prophecy that upon His death on Friday had spelled Sequence Failed Continuity for the believers, their beloved savior was dead, had turned into a successful prophecy that morning. He is alive! RISEN! Even more compelling when you realize it was you and I who He died for-He took our place that Friday. We should have been nailed to the cross for our sin-but Jesus took it all. He spared us from death and hell, and gave us the chance to become children of God. Just like He had intervened for Steve on 9/11, He intervened for all of us on that Good Friday. He had taken our place. Sequences intact. No failure. Continuity continued. Eternity awaits.

And it still continues today. God has everything under control, even down to who will fly with whom, and where we ride and with whom. Jesus died for all those on 9/11, and for all those up until that fateful morning. And continues to carry out the promises to all who believe today. If we looked on the screen of your life, what message would we read? He is risen, or sequence failed continuity? If we look into the book of life, is your name there? And if we ask you who Jesus is, will you confess that He is the Christ, the living God? Do you believe?

It wasn't Steve's time to die that Tuesday in September, 2001. For only God knows the number of our days. But no one is promised tomorrow. It could end today. OR-today could be your day of salvation. Rescued from death by a living God, who died for you, in your place. No sequence failed continuity here, just His eternal love. It's your choice. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro on the earth to show Himself loyal to those whose heart is loyal to Him. A sequence that never fails.

Jesus Christ-born, died, and resurrected-just like he said. The only flight that you will ever take that is guaranteed to the end. Are you on board? Excuse me, but I want a window seat for this one!

Please watch "In my seat-A pilot's story from Sept. 10-11" on YouTube. Now do you believe?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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rookie mistakes

The first thing you do when buying a new motorcycle is to go show it off. Right? I mean what good is it being new if you can't go and make someone jealous? But it pays to know your audience, for some are just ignorant, and some just don't care. And the two can appear to be the same. But pride of purchase generally overrules any other sense of common, so off you go. And so off I went that day, to visit some family that was visiting. Now the family has no respect for motorcycles, but on this day I had two nephews coming to town. Who ride. Who ride Triumphs. Finally someone to talk too. So as we greeted each other, and it was time to show off my new ride, we immediately ditched the small talk, fake greetings, and the yuppie shortcomings of said nephews and myself, and went out to talk motorcycles. I had just picked up the new bike, and had less than 100 miles on it, and after they both sat on it, and drooled over it, one wanted to hear it. I had the TOR pipe on it, and it really made the sound of the triple sing-just not today. I couldn't get it started-it cranked like an old sewing machine, but wouldn't start. We all felt bad-I just felt stupid. So I quickly went in and called Mick, who ran me through the possibilities. Only to get outside and hear my bike running. I had hit the kill button, a rookie mistake, and the nephews had noted it and turned the bike on. At that point I wouldn't have cared if they had taken it for a ride. They were cool about it, and my invite is open to them to ride my bikes anytime they visit. But just one stupid rookie mistake had taken all the joy out of the moment. At least for me. Pride goeth before the fall, but not very far when your ride won't start. At least I didn't fall.

And I have seen other rookie mistakes-forgetting to turn on the petcock, and running out of gas-usually happens at busy intersections. Going around a corner too fast and skidding on new tires-add water for the slickest stuff you ever want to see. We used to tape my friends horn button down with clear tape, and every time he turned on the key, the horn went off. This was only fun for 20-30 times. Or in my case, not checking the kill switch. We are all rookies at least once, it is the career rookies that scare me.

"Sure I know how to ride," he bragged to his girl friend. I had just sold him a new GT380, fun bike, and he was taking delivery of it. I was skeptical of his statement-he was more yuppie than rider, and as I watched him start it, and rev it up, I stepped in and asked him again. He was lying, I knew it, but girlfriend was all smiles and tight clothes, so the lie was perpetuated. He knew his audience. Her. So after reassuring him that 6000rpm starts weren't needed, he took off at 5000rpm, straight, really veering left into a chain link fence. His first ride had taken all of 3 seconds and 30 feet. For which he immediately blamed the bike, and girlfriend came to his defense-hugging him and promising to stay with him while he healed. A vow I think should be in every biker wedding, "till healing is complete and I ride again"-right before till death do us part. Amazingly he had managed to total his bike in that short ride, some kind of record, and he limped off in her arms to the showroom to find his next victim. Rolex intact, with some real rips in his jeans. The legend continued.

The other day I stopped in NCY, with the newest press bike. I got off and joined the crowd of younger guys talking about their track days. "Do you work here?" I was rudely asked. I replied "no, but you fast guys sure impress me. I hope that someday before I'm too old I can learn to ride. It scares me, but it must be fun going around corners and going over 100mph! Maybe some day if I'm not too old..." And while this young punk bragged to me on his riding skills, and his crashes, I finally had enough-it took less time than the fool riding into the fence, and I walked over to my ride, which that day was a new Speed Triple R, more bike than he and his friends had. He had noticed the bike, and read about it, and noticed the manufacturer's plate on it. As I got on it, he yelled, "hey I thought you didn't ride!" My answer was simple after looking at his scratched body work-"I thought you said you could!" And I rode off...

A boss who I had once was excited to have me working for him. I was experienced, successful, and like him, I was a Christian. His definition, not mine. But we soon found ourselves worlds apart. He went to church. So did I. He read his Bible. So did I. We were both married. But his philosophy on Jesus was do what you want, I'm going to heaven anyway. So he drank-heavily. He made rude comments to and about women. He took afternoons off without permission, and with different women. Yet he was always ready to include me in his Christian group. My reputation was a little more solid, and maybe by including me would increase his standing with God. Or his church friends. That oughta scare you. It only insulted me, and I finally had to tell him so. His walk wasn't his talk. And I was accused of being judgmental! Why do those caught in sin always cry that? Did that make him feel better? Or just expose his sin more? I quit shortly after.

Stupid hurts. And it will happen. So get over it. But the self inflicted wounds hurt the most, and at least with me, mine are always the most evident. Nobody seems to miss them. So-for those of you who brag better than ride, take some lessons. Get some seat time. Learn how to turn on your bike. How to avoid fences. And know your audience, you may encounter Eddie Lawson without knowing it-but that's a story for another time. But grow in Christ. We know we are all at different levels. And God won't take you to the next until you get the one you are on. Trust God, knowing it's hard to trust someone you don't know, so get to know him. Hang with real Christians, not the religious types. And watch as you grow in Christ, so does your outer man. For what is on the heart comes out of the mouth. Walk your talk.

And if your ride never starts, you'll never ride it into a fence. Or to impress the next generation of riders. Someone is always watching, set an example that you would look up to. Trust God. Pride goeth before the ride, the fall, or the crowd. Self inflicted wounds hurt the most. It is the scars that don't show that have the deepest pain. Stupid hurts. Jesus saves. Your answer is...Hey,is that my horn going off, again?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

style vs. substance

Willie G., chief stylist and one of the original group of owners that purchased Harley Davidson from AMF is set to retire. At 78, he probably wants to slow down, maybe ride at a different pace, and escape some of the responsibility of who and what he has become. In case you are wondering, Willie G. Davidson is the grandson of Walter Davidson, the original Davidson of HD. Starting in 1963, he developed a styling department, to which I am extremely impressed. And is turning it over soon to a young man, who the bar and shield elite hope will carry on the tradition. But first you must ask, what is the tradition?

Style. When AMF sold Harley in 1983, one of the first things they did was to ask President Reagan for help in the form of a tariff against all imported bikes 700cc or more. Harley had fallen behind in a technologically growing market, and things that were high tech in the 30-50's, were unacceptable in the 80's. Ironically the "great American freedom machine," as their ads claimed, needed help from the government via taxing their competition. Why don't you hear that one bragged about today? But it took new ideas, a new motor, and new styling to keep Harley alive, it took a Davidson. And with a brand that was all about style, and not substance, without Willie G. there may not be any Harley Davidson today, at least as we know it.

Harley's styling and marketing programs are world renown, even taught in some colleges. They have taken a style of motor, the v-twin, and styled a line of motorcycles around it. Based on style. Motors that compared to anyone else's under perform, but when it comes to styling out perform. Gordon Jennings, engineer, publisher, and editor once said of Harley, "there is something inherently wrong with an engine that produces maximum power at idle." Some truth there, but to a company based on style, not substance, keep creating style, the loyal won't notice. Sell them Screamin' Eagle upgrades, that should have been standard, and keep adding chrome. Substitute lesser brakes because of the weakness of their "Springer" front end model-their admission to the press. The ex-president of HD when he dumped Buell stated it was easier to sell their customers $3000 worth of chrome rather than performance. A rude, but accurate comment.

So we are forced to admit it is style over substance. And quoting from Sonny Barger, any time you hot rod a Harley motor you are killing its reliability. He should know, he has built some fast motors over the years, but today rides a Victory the last I heard-more power, better brakes. AKA performance. So as Harley continues to reinvent nostalgia, to take us back to the 50's and 70's with styling, at a premium price, plus more for any other color than black, I believe they will miss Willie G. He was more than an owner, and more than a designer-he was the heartbeat of what a Harley should look like, and what the loyal came to expect and demand. Without Willie G. Davidson, Harley Davidson is just a Harley.

Who will take Willie's place? The disciples were faced with a similar dilemma when Jesus was crucified. Who will take Jesus' place? Who would guide them, and they certainly needed guidance. With Peter it took one last appearance of Jesus after He was crucified. When asked by Jesus three times, "do you love me?" Peter exclaimed three times "you know I do." And was told to "feed MY sheep," by our risen Lord. His sheep, not Peter's, not a denominations, and not a religion. His own sheep He left in the care of the 12. But He also left the Holy Spirit to guide them, and us today. Without the Spirit coming into Peter and the 3000 at Pentecost, there would be no Stephen to be martyred. No Thomas to start churches in India that still thrive today. No John to write five books of the Bible. No apostle Paul to spread the gospel throughout the known world. And there wouldn't be any of the church today-you and me, for without the spirit we are nothing. We are style without substance, and trying to do what we feel is best, for appearance sake, but failing miserably. Jesus never had a PR department. For just like Harley is all about style, with not much substance, Christianity without the Holy Spirit should have died at the cross. But because Jesus is resurrected, so will we be when we believe. It takes the substance of the spirit, changing the heart and our lives from the inside out, not the outside in. Just as a the motor is the heart of a motorcycle, without a change of heart with have no power. It takes God to guide us in a loving manner, and for us to trust Him. Then for us to follow and act upon His guidance. It takes a relationship-something no religion, no pastor, and no group can achieve without Jesus. It takes God! A triune God-God the Father, who sent His son to make a way for us to get back to Him, and the Spirit to guide us until He returns again for His church.

I know of few true riders who don't want more performance from their motorcycles. Or their God. Trust Jesus to give you what you need, when you need it. More than a bolt on set of headers, or a new chip, He gives you life, power, and love. Built in to your relationship-they are not options. He is the substance of things believed, but not seen. He is the truth, the life, and the way. More than a seasonal color change, or retro style, His mercies are fresh every morning.

So although I don't ride a Harley, I will miss Willie G., for what he has brought to the motorcycling community. A legend within the hallowed HD ranks. Without him Harley Davidson will always just be Harley to me. Don't make the same mistake with Jesus. The Christ. Without Him there is no Christianity. No hope. No resurrection. He is more than a legend, He is the real thing! Substance that no style can imitate. And no one can outperform Him. He is love-now that's style!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the ultimate grand falloon is more than a coincidence

No matter where you live, you start your day in darkness. To those in the Mid-east the day starts when the sun goes down, and for us Western Civ types it starts in the morning-still in the dark. But as sure as the sun will rise in the eastern sky every morning, the day turns to light. And the light soon overtakes the darkness, and no matter which schedule you choose, you spend the day in the sun-unless it rains, where the sun just happens to be on the other side of the clouds.

And during these times we call days, a battle looms that is seldom known of, but we all participate in. It is the battle of horizontal vs. vertical. It involves relationships, and for those of us fellow earthlings, most of our relationships are vertical, or sideways, with others of our species. Earthly. Some are loosely based, but some get quite intricate and complicated. So since no one else came up with guidelines, Kurt Vonnegut, he of Slaughterhouse Five fame, came up with the term "grand falloon." Say you run into Abraham Lincoln. He was born in a log cabin, I lived in a log cabin. We have log cabins in common, that's our grand falloon. Say you meet Princess Di. She was killed in a Mercedes Benz, I was a service manager for Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz is our grand falloon. And say you drive a motorcycle-so do I, so we have a two wheeled bond as our grand falloon. A brotherhood. Simple isn't it. Or it should be per Mr. Vonnegut. And that takes care of the vertical relationships. If only life were so easy...

But what about the horizontal ones? The ones that go between our God in heaven and us? They can get pretty complicated if you buy into religion-don't let that be your grand falloon. It is wiser, and much better to have Jesus as our common denominator. For He adds life to the relationship, and makes life more exciting. For example-

Years ago we visited a man in the hospital who was dying-he tried to commit suicide by alcohol. He was pretty bad the night we visited him in ICU, and while some prayed, I shared the gospel with him. I asked him if he wanted Jesus as his savior, and did he want to go to heaven. Via the Holy Spirit, he accepted the Lord, dying later that night. While leaving his room that still small voice of God told me "you will see this man in heaven." Now heaven, that's the grandest falloon of all. And so we fast forward five years to where Richard, a man who shared my devotions in prison is released. He calls me, and I go to his home, where he is staying with his mom. On the piano is a picture of his brother David, and Richard begins to tell me the story of how some bikers went to see David in the hospital the night he died, and led him to the Lord. As my heart started to beat faster, I asked him some questions about that night. With Richard telling me they didn't know who that man was.

That man was me! Through God's infinite grace, I had led David to the Lord, and now was ministering to his brother Richard. Talk about grand falloons, we had his brother in common, but more importantly Jesus Christ-the grandest of all falloons. Now to the horizontally challenged, this may seem like a coincidence, and you would be wrong. Bad falloon. For coincidence merely appeals to non-God items-this was definitely a
God thing. And with no such thing as coincidence, they are all God things. And although this grand falloon would bring a smile to Kurt's face, we as Christians know better. God calls it divine intervention-for without God, His timing, and His spirit, none of this would be possible. And when a vertical relationship among men meets a horizontal relationship with God, it forms the cross! The perfect combination of man with God, showing that Jesus came to earth to save those that were lost. And to bring us into fellowship with Him, and then into heaven for all eternity. Life begins at the cross-the best falloon I know.

Did you realize by reading this, and sharing it with others we have a grand falloon? More importantly did you know we have a common relationship with Jesus Christ at the cross? Ask God to intervene today, to bring you into contact with someone, to share that precious moment of divine intervention, and have church while fellowshipping with someone-wherever the two are gathered, Jesus is among you.

Just like that night in ICU, and just like that day in Richard's living room. No coincidence, more than a grand falloon, most definitely a time of divine intervention. May all your relationships take the form of the cross, keeping your eyes on Jesus. For as night turns into day bringing light with it, when Jesus comes into your life He shuts out the darkness, and replaces it with life. It would have been nice meeting Abe, Di, and doing it while riding a motorcycle. But spending eternity with Jesus...it takes divine intervention. At the cross-the only place where two lines intersect to make something of your earthly relationships. It takes Jesus. And the only thing that will turn you night into day. Out of darkness into the light, all this grand fallooning and we had Jesus all the time...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

you never see motorcycles parked in front of a psychiatrist's office

Face it, we live in a stressful world. And if as you are reading this you aren't, rest assured by the end of the day you will be. You see, the world is out to get you, a comforting thought for those of you who are paranoid, and evidence against those in denial. Maybe not you personally, but the three things of evil, the world, the flesh, and the devil are out to do you in. Not a major victory or catastrophe maybe, but maybe something simple as cold fries with your burger, or "I said no mustard" on your burger can ruin a great day. A dead battery, a mark on your new Arai, or where are my keys can just set you off. You mean we have to go in the car is one of my favorites. So we need an escape, and an escape route. But sometimes the entrance to it is obscured, blocked, or sometimes just not available. A detour until the next exit.

For those of us who ride, who really ride and enjoy the motorcyclist lifestyle, the freedom of riding can be our panacea. Nothing like the freedom of the road, until someone on their cell phone cuts you off-and the dirty look that you did something wrong hurts worse. I saw a t-shirt that said "honk if you never saw a gun fired from a motorcycle" and I like the attitude, but maybe not the action. You see the stress is there, just waiting to mess up your day, and you don't even have to look for it-it finds you!

So I have some of my "therapy" rides and roads I take often. Just to get away, and spend time alone with God. To not worry about things, but just to ride and enjoy the sounds of the exhaust, to enjoy the music it makes at higher rpm's. To go slow if I want, or charge into a corner, leaving the world and its snares behind. To be free from thought, or as deep in thought as I care to be. A moment that can stretch for miles, or make one section of pavement make my whole day brighter. Where time stands still, while I don't. No stress, no conversations, no cars, and no SUV's. Just me, and time with God well spent.

I have different roads for these moods-and NO-I will not disclose them. Nor should you share yours. Just what you don't need is company on these asphalt nirvanas. Just like too many roads that appear on PASHNIT, that I used to ride before they advertised them and turned them into two lane freeways. Some things better off not said-agreed? Your smile tells me you get it.

But back to the world. It offers psychiatry as a release. We can control your moods by drugs or therapy. We know what's best for you. And they lie. As I found out when I applied for SDI. Because of constant pain from two types of arthritis, they thought I was depressed because I have trouble sleeping. So off to a state sponsored psych I went. Per their request. Who asked if I was afraid to die? "NO-I am a Christian and heaven awaits." Well, then because I wasn't afraid to die, I must be suicidal. You need therapy. "NO-I am not suicidal, I trust God." Well, how about anti-depressants for 30 days and we can recheck you? "NO-I don't do drugs, I am not depressed, I am not suicidal." Note-after 20 minutes of this I could see how some would become homicidal! Well you must be depressed, you have trouble sleeping. "NO-I have constant leg and shoulder pain, that's why I don't sleep like I want." And in desperation, his last attempt, why don't we ask your wife. We will put you on drugs for 30 days, and ask her if she sees a difference. "NO! I am not depressed, either is she, and we don't do drugs. We don't do therapy." And stay out of my marriage and family. He really gave me a strange look when I told him I do counsel others, and use the Bible. And the look of disbelief when I said when I do have a problem, I pray or ask a pastor. What-no drugs? No therapy? How unworldly? Sigmund-HELP! To quote Nancy Reagan-JUST SAY NO! So I did, and do. See you should really be scared when you hear "I'm from the government and I'm here to help." Remember the government sponsored motorcycle back in the 70's under Joan Claybrook that only went backwards? Obviously this guy doesn't ride. And shouldn't. A good thing, for most who do are a better class of people, we don't need him or his kind messing with our freedom.

So that is why you will never see my motorcycle, and why you should never see a motorcycle in front of a psychiatrist's office. They're nuts! And why the freedom of riding is still the better way. You see Jesus promises us peace and joy-something beyond understanding. Something that cannot be chronicled or controlled by drugs. Something that is completely at odds with the world and its pseudo remedies. So next time the stress knocks at your door, answer it and turn to Jesus-"hey Lord, it's for you." Let Him deal with it-He knows how. And let the joy fill your soul and the peace that goes with it. Find that road, and make sure He is on it with you. It's that personal.

Remember any road with Jesus is better than any road without Him. Greater is he who is in Him, than he who is in the world. And greater is he who rides, for we never have to face psychiatrists! And if you do encounter one who rides, be careful. Not all who come in the name of motorcycling enjoy the freedom. Just like all who come under religion want to control. True freedom is only found in Jesus-no matter the road you are on.
Take a ride, spend some time with Him and see why, then you will understand why you never see motorcycles parked in a psychiatrist's office.

But you do at church.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

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March madness

In the past two weeks I have spent over 1700 miles on three different motorcycles. Add a fourth, and that goes to 2700 miles in a month-not bad for a March. In like a lion, and out like a lamb, goes the old saying. And talking with Mickey yesterday when dropping off the Tiger XC, we commented on how easy the bike was to ride. Lots of power-94hp from an 800cc dirt bike, and great brakes, good handling, and a comfortable suspension. Just push the starter button and go-the computer takes care of the rest. Like I said, an easy bike to ride. Talent helps too. But getting back on my old GS1000, at 34 years old this once technological wonder is an antique. It had sat for three weeks, and didn't want to start-a quick battery boost did the trick. But it took a few minutes and a few miles for it to warm up and smooth out. Something no rider would be patient with today. But when new, we considered it the hot set-up, and it was just part of the ride. But the thing that first got my attention was how small it was after sitting on the Tiger. It felt tiny, this old hot rod touring bike, and I remember when it used to feel so big. And smooth, and fast with dual front disc brakes, and all of 82hp available. It was the king of superbikes-just ask Wes Cooley who rode it to championships and fame. But today I had to ride it, as opposed to just sitting on it and turning the throttle or applying the brakes when needed. It demanded my attention-not a bad thing when riding, but I had to think, no comment here please.

And going back two weeks I was on another bike, a Speed Triple R-perhaps the best handling bike I ever rode. Fast and fun-but I had to ride it too. For with its handling potential, I was able to go into turns faster than ever before-some 10-15mph faster, and with the radial Brembos on it-it stopped like nothing else I have ever ridden. But where I had to work hard on the GS, the S3R demanded I be part of it-and soon no thinking was required as I truly became one with the bike. And in shock again as I got back on the GS. Same rider, same roads, but what a difference a different bike makes. And what a difference the ride made. I had to "ride" the bike again. The one time dream bike of mine, with no peer at the time, was now showing her age. Still a lady, but an older lady. And me an older man. Guess maybe I have changed my riding style in 34 years, too.

When I go back to Jersey and see someone who I haven't seen in years, they ask if I still ride. And in their mind I'm on my R90S, a wild kid. So they still think that when I say I still ride. Some truth in that, but I have grown, maybe not up, but in the Lord. To my past I am just the guy who went fast, but to my friends now, I'm just the guy who goes fast...Maybe things don't change? It seems Jesus had the same problem when He went home. He was Joe and Mary's kid, the carpenter. That was how they remembered him. How could it be that He claimed to be the savior? How could it be that it was Him healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and raising the dead? Jesus? Of Nazareth? Sorry, not the Jesus I remember...He was just a carpenter then..

And so it goes that no prophet is recognized in his own home town. I know the feeling. I'm still the crazy kid on the motorcycle-it seems everyone else has grown up and old, and has something to show for it except me. But when we talk, and we get to know each other, we find that the legend changes. We both have births, deaths, kids to feed, and mortgages to pay. And we find that we have more in common with each other than we thought. Way cool when we both ride-but even cooler when we both know Jesus.

Get to know the real Jesus today. He may not be who you think He is. Or who the world wants Him to be. He is God incarnate, 1/3 of the the Trinity, and died for your sins. He wants to save you, and even though He will always be Joe and Mary's kid, He has a heavenly Father just like us that He wants to please. So don't prejudge Him. Give Him a chance. Spend some time with Him and get to know Him. But do it now.

For my old Suzuki is 34 years old, Jesus only made it to 33. Today is the day of salvation. Don't miss it. For you see motorcycles change, and get old. So do we. And we may be harder to recognize. But Jesus is the same today as He was then, and will be forever. No surprises, or doctrine changes. He still loves you, and wants to bless you. Take a ride with Him today, and share some times that someday you'll look back on like I look back when I ride my old bike. And when I ride the new ones, I compare then and now. Just like my life, before Jesus, and after Jesus.

And you know, He does change lives. Salvation is a good thing, and it goes on forever. For men may get smarter via technology, but Jesus had it all from the start. Recognize Him in your life, for although He will always be Joe and Mary's kid, the carpenter, more importantly He is Jesus, the Christ. The only begotten son of the creator of the universe. God our father! I just call Him friend.

What do you call Him? Depends on how well you know Him. Seems Jesus has a lot in common with March. In as the Lamb of God, and out as the Lion of God. And still Jesus after all these years.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

living a dream

Many think that as they get older that time goes quicker. I was once among them, until I realized that time wasn't changing-I was! I was getting slower, or not as fast as I once was. Time was constant. And the second law of thermodynamics proved it-we are all atrophying. Sorry evolutionists, we are all aging, there is no fountain of youth to the missing link. The same could be said for my level of smarts. One day I woke up, and found out I didn't know as much as I thought I did. And that I didn't know more than I knew. And believe it or not, I felt much better. For it seems the lessons of my youth had stuck with me longer than expected, not growing up will do that to you, and fortunately had not caused permanent damage. After reading Ray Stedman's study on Ecclesiastes, I found myself like Solomon, except for the riches. He wrote this in a fallen state, he wasn't walking with God at the time, and found out that no matter what your stage in life was, without God you are a failure. And will never enjoy life as God has intended it. No matter how much chrome you have on your Harley, the catalog gets bigger each year.

Like many, I was approached at an early age by an Amway representative. "Do you know ten people that could use more money?" And signed up, believing all the rhetoric, seeing the beautiful people in life flying to lunch in their own Cessna, eating lobster for breakfast, and burdened with which Cadillac do I drive today? But real life was different, the meetings had other wanna-be's like me, and one time I was told that success in the company was "fake it till you make it." Now if Amway was short for the American Way, they had hit it perfectly. Finance your future. But at age 22, I was still young, and vulnerable. So when a couple, Ralph and Dee, who were movers and shakers, were bragging about picking up the new T-bird they had special ordered, I cruised by Frontier Ford to see them get their dream car. I was watching their dream. They saw me as they walked into the finance office, and as I stood outside, I heard the battle unfold. They had lousy credit, and they couldn't get financed by anybody. Lack of income was among the problems. Shot down, in a world they lived in that was more form than function. They were good arguers, but lousy negotiators. Seems Ford didn't care how big they were in Amway, if they didn't pay their bills, Ford would not loan them any money. They had to make a certain income to qualify. How dare Ford? As they stormed past me, not even making eye contact, I kept this to myself. I truly felt sorry for them. Later I was told they were faking it, not making it. For if they had made it, Amway would lease them a car-with a millstone agreement. If they fell below a standard, they had to pay the lease themselves! The American Way? Bottom line, if you didn't perform, you made no money, and Amway didn't make your car payment. Ralph and Dee had been living a dream, but like anyone who knows a sleepwalker will tell you, it is dangerous to wake them up. For they were living a dream, not the dream, and it really was a nightmare. A lesson learned early, but not early enough for them. Do people like that ever get it?

When we are told we "greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world," God is talking about living in the spirit. We all have to live in the world, but don't have to bow to its pressures, demands, lies, or legends. I am still waiting to hear of the businessman who wished for one last deal before he died, but have spent time with numerous folks who wish for more time with their kids, wife, or family. But the ones who are really sad are the ones who realize they should have spent more time with God. In many cases they have repented, and will spend eternity in heaven with Him. But what about the Ralph and Dees of the world, whose God is things, and only mention Jesus when it is convenient? Who are so in debt to sin, that they don't believe that salvation is a gift? They believe like everything else in their lives it has to be earned. That life is a competition, a place to perform, and that they hope to get to heaven on their performance. Don't they think that God reads their credit report too? If God won't come across with the loan, why should anyone else? Don't they know that they cannot earn a place in heaven?

One of the benefits of being Born Again is being a new person in Christ. Your credit report is clean, in fact there is no record of any past sins, late payments, repossessions, short sales, or dunning. Even the stupid is erased. God truly makes a new person. Start all over again. Something no credit report can do. It is up to us to live like it. To trust God and let Him make all things new. To show us how to not fall into the same traps over and over again, and to see how the things we thought previously were so valuable, are really not worth much. Cars get old, styles change, and it seems they always raise the quota the closer you get. Putting the dream just out of reach. But never the lust or the disappointment.

Trust God today. Have a life of values, instead of valuables. Walk your talk, and don't fake it till you make it. That won't get you into heaven, the ultimate reward. Try it God's way, instead of Amway's! Exercise self control-a fruit of the spirit, and watch as God's way is the best way. In fact you will find it to be the only way!

Ecclesiastes tells us the rich man never has enough, and stays up nights worrying about what he does have. I find great comfort in knowing my God supplies all my needs in His riches and glory through Christ Jesus. Learn it now and live it daily. You never know who just might be standing outside the office when your sin is exposed!

love with compassion,

Mike

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