sign the petition for Barn Fresh Day today!

Thanks to channels like the History Channel, Discovery, and others like it, we are privy to a part of history we otherwise would have missed, and not known we have missed it.  But it has also given rise to collectible prices, on items that previously no one wanted, because no one cared about.  Add E-bay, creative, yet false advertising, and the prices go up.  It seems if you paid more it must be worth more, or if it’s rare, based on claims, it must be worth more because of its rarity.  Based on that all Ramblers should be priced higher than any Chevy or Ford, fortunately we are spared that gouging yet.  But with these shows, an audience grows around them, and the people become bigger than the show, like American Pickers.  Nice guys, cool job, but I wonder how many affordable items today are priced and sold as collectibles, based on something they may or may not have said.  Rare means rare-like in a steak-raw.  Not one of 50,000, of which only 30,000 remain today.  And the reason they are rare is even more important.  3 on the tree, business sedans, with a 6 cylinder and no air-would you buy one?  Yet I see them with signs on them-rare, limited production.  It is like the basic Escort I bought with no air, radio, and not one option.  As basic as you can get-a price leader-it was rare.  Wish I had known all this when I sold it.  I also had a basic Rabbit in 1976, VW’s name for it.  Rubber everywhere, cardboard door panels, no insulation, and the skinniest tires ever put on a car.  Built to a price, dealers loaded them up-except mine, I opted for a radio.  And radials.  Both bought as basic transportation in bad weather when I couldn’t ride.  Rare-as I never saw another basic Rabbit, and like the ad said for the Escort-*1 available a this price.  I bought a classic and didn’t know it!  What was I thinking...I could be retired now....

But the word that I hear over used too much, is that OK to say, is “Barn fresh.”  As if the careful storage the owner gave it, piling old parts on it, piling trash around it, and leaving it in a building falling down was of premium concern.  In my experience, most stuff left in barns was there because that is where they died.  Worn out, over used, used up, not worth scrap, they were hauled away with other recyclables-before we recycled, and left to rust away in the bad winters, or rust when April showers invaded their safe and secure lodging.  Out of sight, out of mind, until the owner dies, and they find the car in the barn-and suddenly a barn find is found, the value goes up, and we have a new buzz word to use when bragging why we paid to much.  If I had a barn, I would have left the Escort in it, and waited 20 years-and would have been retired-better than my 401/201/all gone K.  But barn finds they are, adding perceived value, while ignoring why they were left there in the first place.  Giving the mundane their 15 minutes of fame, and the finder or owner a financial boost.  While waiting just around the corner, the Ministry of Trendy Words is anxiously anticipating dropping another slang on the eagerly waiting and deceived.  Barn fresh and farm fresh-not to be confused.

Which makes me wonder, do Christians watch these shows?  Do they know the language?  If not, why are they missing out on the greatest opportunity of all time, and not promoting Jesus as the World’s Greatest Barn find?  Farm fresh-it doesn’t get much fresher than being born in one, not left to die in one.  Imagine a sermon, today we are talking about the greatest barn find ever, and He is truly barn fresh.  Jesus Christ, and think of the ads-might even see one on Pickers...on the History Channel.  He is historical isn’t He, after all the years are AD, after Him.  Imagine Him before Pilate-“but sir He’s barn fresh!  Think of how rare He is!”  And they would be speaking the truth.  Little icons could be made for the dashboards of cars, songs written about Him, books written about Him-hey, a whole new religion based on His being barn fresh could spring up-think of the opportunities!  Wonder how that would have effected the price of His clothes the Roman soldiers drew lots for?  Imagine the price of the barn today!  Maybe Christians are missing out on this barn fresh idea.  Just a thought...

But the truth is, He is still alive, and His barn fresh beginning only tells part of the story.  We celebrate His birth on Christmas Day, maybe we should call it  Barn Fresh Day!  No more nativities, but barn fresh displays.  Even heathens get excited over barn fresh.  We can give each other gifts, sing Barn Fresh songs, send Barn Fresh cards, and ditch the whole Santa thing for a couple of farm hands, in jeans and flannel shirts.  No more Rudolph, a red neck will hang him on the wall as a trophy.  Keep the ACLU and its minions from going against Christ.  Maybe it is the venue, and it needs up dating.  After all, it is 2000 years old...so Barn Fresh it is!

But that doesn’t help with Easter, Good Friday, or all in between.  Fortunately Jesus is much more than a barn find, or an empty tomb.  He is the person of God, a very real and living person.  Even has a home in heaven.  And unlike programming issues on TV, His book, the Bible is available 24/7.  With no ads!  No commercials-you can sit and read all you want.  But the most important thing is you can communicate with Him, He is not for sale, or auction.  He is not negotiable, and still the original barn fresh find.  Born in a barn, because there was no room at the inn.  Consider the following ad text-

“One man found, barn fresh.  Able to perform miracles, heal the sick, raise from the dead.  Rare, one of a kind, completely original.  All numbers match, certification going back 2000 years.  Previously sold for 30 pieces of silver, this barn fresh opportunity for eternal life can now be had as a gift.  Lifetime opportunity, time limited.  Call XXX-XXX-XXXX.  References upon request.”

Barn Fresh Day is nearly here, the ads will be starting soon.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime.  Jesus Christ-the best buy you’ll ever make-and at prices you can afford.  An investment that makes any 401K look pale by comparison. Barn Fresh and ready to add value to your life today.  And about that empty tomb...included at no extra charge.  What are you waiting for?  * He’s the only one available at this price!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

why does this road look familiar?

Once again for the very first time, we are encountering déjà vu all over again.  Talking with a man recently who just retired from teaching, he told of how he taught for almost 30 years.  When I commented that he taught the same thing, for 30 years, it seemed to take all the pride out of his statement, or his accomplishment.  He had taught for 30 years, but the same thing, 30 times.  Still an accomplishment, but still not conquering new ground, unless you consider how students have changed in the past 30 years-now that’s new ground, and tells more than teaching 30 years.  But still in real life, it is truly once again for the very first time.

I have a friend who recently went over 100,000 miles on his Harley, a great feat on one bike no matter what you ride.  But when I asked about places he had been, he got a confused look on his face.  Where have I been?  To work and back.  He commuted on his bike, an admirable trait, but he had never gone anywhere.  And whereas he rode as many miles per year as I do, I had seen 48 states, and had memories of it.  I had seen America, he had seen I-15.  The same traffic, only broken up by different traffic jams.  I bet if his bike could speak, it would know the way back to the barn just like a horse does.  He may have even worn a path from work to home with it, just put your front wheel in the groove and let it wail-to work and back.  Still a lot of miles, just been nowhere.  How many times must he have asked “why does this road look familiar?”  And the answer is...

It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting a different result.  In these examples, they may not have been insane, but do you ever tire of the same thing?  Were they stuck in a rut, a grave with both ends open, or were they in a comfort zone, knowing the text, just repeating it.  Like a Hollywood actor, who gets sick of playing the Fonz, and wants to do Shakespeare.  They have been stereotyped, not to the bad, but stuck in a comfort zone, never knowing what lies outside of it.  Achieving mediocrity is nothing we set out to do, and believe me, mediocrity has sounded good to me at times, but I want something to show for my time, for my miles.  I want to get out of a perceived comfort zone, and into living comfortably.  I don’t want to ever wonder where that road goes, I want to wander and find out.  I want to eat lobster in Maine, Philly cheese steaks in Philadelphia, and BBQ in Texas,Kansas City, and North Carolina to be able to tell the difference.  I want the full effect for my money, not the Readers Digest condensed version.  When I point my front wheel east, I want the Atlantic to be the only reason I stop, and the Pacific in the west.  I want to expand my comfort zone, with some excitement, and some challenges-not too big, just enough to make the day a pleasant memory.  I don’t wish to go down the same road over and over again and wonder why does this road look familiar?

And I have approached my life in Christ the same way.  I want all the blessings God has to offer, and He wants to give them.  Many times it is only us who doesn’t let Him bless us, and deny His grace.  For instance, how many times did you reject Jesus until you accepted Him and the blessings began?  How many times have you said no, or worse, delayed, missing a divine appointment, and never knowing it.  While travelling with Bruce in Canada, he once remarked “how come you find all the cool places and I don’t?”  Get out of your comfort zone, and get comfortable in Christ.  Dare to be stretched, dare to go where you have never gone before.  I have been to Long Beach in California, Washington, and New York, each night spent there different.  But it took the spirit giving me the desire, and then obeying it to find out.  The blessings that lie outside of your door only start there-but only if you open the door, and walk out and find out.  It takes trust, and trusting Jesus will open more doors to adventure and blessings-but you must get out of your comfort zone-and into His-the Holy Spirit.  Déjà vu may occur over and over, but in a different setting, on different roads, and with different people.  But you will never know until you go...what excuse are you making to rob yourself of blessings?  To know Jesus better...Eternal life started the day you accepted Him, He says “on earth as it is in heaven.”  Ask yourself, what about me would want anyone to be a Christian?  Do you have testimonies or excuses?  Where have your miles taken you?

Where you have been is a great testimony, but where you are going is a better one.  And who you do it with is even more important.Start with Jesus today.  The one road in life I wish to be familiar with.  And one that leads to so many blessings, and places I never knew existed.  You will only find your true comfort zone in Christ-get out of yours today and live.  The only road that doesn’t look familiar is one you never rode before.  And all great journeys begin with the first step.  So where have you been?  Better yet where are you going?  Once again for the very first time-it is all about Jesus.  Tough choices to make.. for I love Interstate BBQ in Memphis, Arthur Bryant’s in KC, and The Golden Rule in Birmingham.  But I would never know until I went there.  Set your heart to the travel channel with Jesus...and enjoy the new roads that someday will become familiar to you.  When riding becomes boring, maybe it is time to go for a ride.  Why does this road not look familiar?  I’m glad you asked...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

1800 hours-a tribute to my wife and her motorcycle

Theresa and I recently passed a milestone in our lives, really our garage.  Maybe not a big deal, but still a deal to us.  Her 2002 Bonneville has now become the longest owned motorcycle we have ever owned.  It has now surpassed the FJ100 by one year, and 1000 miles.  A feat that seems to go unnoticed in our garage with the stream of press bikes that go in and out, but a milestone that is worth noting.  With over 75,000 miles, it represents over 1800 hours of seat time, a long time spent with any person, but a lot with one motorcycle.  And as 75,000 is a lot of miles, it is the roads, the rides, and the company ridden with that make the miles even more amazing.  And in a time when so many bikes are bought, not ridden, and then sold without memory, bought for love, and then sold for money, there are hours of memories here to look back on, while planning our next ride.  But it has taken commitment, much like a marriage does, starting with shopping for the right one, and then saying I do, when you sign on the  line.  You take an oath to love and obey-not necessarily the speed limits, to honor and hold-the curves, and to maintain her as needed.  Without a commitment, soon she gets old, and the new look so much better-thanks to the ads.  But after 1800 hours, the view over the handlebars still looks good, and the promise of the next ride still calls with excitement.  Fortunately so does my marriage, sadly many don’t have the bragging rights we do.  They have forsaken the commitment, fallen for a pretty face, rather than the time spent with the one you made the commitment to.  I am reminded of a pastor once who said, “next time you look at that pretty young thing, imagine her cooking for you, cleaning for you, picking up after you, and tending you when sick.  Hang on to what you have, it never looked so good.”

While it is so easy to look back on old rides, sometimes we have problems looking forward to what lays ahead.  Yesterday’s miracles are nice, but often we don’t look forward to the new ones with the same attitude.  11 years with any motorcycle is a lot, but when measured in memories rather than years or miles we can look at the time spent differently.  And we anticipate more miles, more memories, and more time riding-no matter how long it takes.  And we look forward to all the miracles to come...if only we looked at our marriages the same way.  I am glad I do, which to many is a miracle, and I can’t say there were times it wasn’t.  But it has taken the commitment of both of us, just like it has taken the commitment with her Bonneville.  Maintenance, which often seemed expensive, but is still cheaper than repairs.  New tires, chains and sprockets, and oil changes have kept it running great.  She still shines and we take great satisfaction when someone cannot believe her age-the bike’s, not Theresa’s.  Although she looks younger to me every day-love will do that.  But even the time and money spent has been an investment, rather than a cost, and we have the rewards to show for it.  If only we took the care in our marriages that we take on our bikes-to some I see it is a miracle either one is still around and running.

So to those who feel marriage is not important, I find Jesus showing it is the most important relationship after our relationship with Him.  Goes all the way back to Adam, and Eve.  So it only makes sense that Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding, and His last one will complete the marriage.  He turned the water into wine as His first miracle, wine signifying joy, and how it is available as soon as we make the commitment to Him.  The best was saved for last, it got better rather than worse as the feast went on.  But marriage takes that commitment, and just like a Jewish bride, we don’t know the time of His return, the time our groom comes for His bride-us, the church.  So we must honor the commitment we made with Him, keeping it well maintained, fresh, and alive.  We must do things that we must even when we don’t want to, and look forward to the coming service-the final miracle for those who believe here on earth-the one that takes us to heaven, to be with Jesus forever.  And what seems like a big deal now will all make sense, and will pale in comparison to what awaits us.  A life in Christ-and filled with miracles.  Some as small as pushing the starter button and the bike starts-some as big as keeping you safe in the stormy weather.  Some so mundane as our daily grind, that without His daily bread would even seem more miraculous.  But it is the time and energy, the commitment we bring to the relationship that adds life to it.  The closer to Jesus, the more miracles we see.  It is written, these things shall follow them that believe.  Maybe what is following you tells more about who or what you believe than you care to share.  It is like the worn out Bible-it shows of a life that isn’t.  And just one look at the Bonneville shows more miles than the patina shows. 

An old ad once claimed “pay me now, or pay me later.”  Maybe with an old engine, but not in life.  There is no later, just too late.  So honor your commitment to your ride today, and it will honor you.  1800 hours in 11 years-not bad.  Honor the commitment to your spouse even more, and watch as she honors you.  Treat her like lady, she will be one.  Give yourself to her, just like Jesus gave Himself for His church.  But put and keep Jesus first.  Many bikes are shiny, and don’t show the miles, mainly because they haven’t been anywhere-and aren’t going anywhere.  Keeping Jesus first will take you places you never dreamed of, a miracle in itself.  He will add life to the miles, and miles to your life.  1800 miles of memories, just don’t forget the 6 hours it took Jesus on the cross.  Another miracle-just for you.  Maybe go out and take a 6 hour ride-doing it in remembrance of Him.  A communion of riding, just you and Jesus.  Looking back on what He has done, and eagerly anticipating heaven.  Only In Him will you be able to remember the past, but the future too.  Another milestone just waiting to happen.  So much Jesus-it’s gonna take a lot of time.  1800 hours just the beginning.  The next milestone eagerly awaits.  Who you ride with makes all the difference.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the less than perfect motorcycle

After riding for 45+ years, I have sat on more than one motorcycle seat.  Some welcome your tushy, with an ahhh, but after 20 minutes, you start to curse it.  Some have buttons on them for style, which after a while are like sitting on a nail-pointy side up.  And some are hard, like my Corbin, but are comfortable after all day.  But the common theme is, why can’t a company who can build a bike that goes 150 mph, build a seat that you can sit on comfortably?  And while the motor is arguably the heart of the motorcycle, I think there is a relationship between heart and seat that grandmothers know about, but bike builders don’t.  I have watched so many grandmas pat their grandchildren on the bottom, declaring “bless your little heart,” telling maybe there is more of a relationship between your heart and where you sit than we give credit to. My old friend Brett used to comment that on my Z-1 the only reason they covered the seat was so it wouldn’t rust.  If only the manufacturers knew this.  Pass this along if you know one, no matter how fast, if I can’t sit on it for very long, that ain’t cool!

Another thing missing from today’s ultra modern bikes is a place to hang your helmet.  NO matter how long you ride, you will stop, and only nerds carry their helmets everywhere to show they ride.  If you can’t tell by the leather jacket, bugs on my shirt, and my helmet head I ride, you aren’t worth impressing.  And some of us don’t wish to carry our $900 Arai everywhere, and would like a place to hang it on the bike.  On the Thruxton I rode last week, it had no provisions, I finally had to tie it to the rear foot peg stanchion, leaning it against the muffler.  Hope I didn’t hurt the muffler.  But outside of baggers claiming they can hold a full face helmet, places to hang your helmet are few and far between.  Is anybody listening?

No matter how much or where you ride, you need to stop, and maybe lube your chain, or change a tire, or even just turn it around.  Remember center stands?  You are over 35 if you do, they suddenly disappeared when weight became the object, saving 4 pounds, and removing them made one less thing to drag in corners.  Old /5 BMW’s used to balance perfectly on them, both wheels off the ground, and how easy to check the air in the tires when you can spin the wheel.  They also make it easy to spin your bike around  on, when you want to ride off-much like I used to use the hand brake for u-turns in my old MG.  Sadly they also made the self retracting side stand, allowing you to come back and find your prized ride on its side.  Swing it around, sit on the comfy seat, helmet on-ride off.  The perfect motorcycle.  But sadly today we are face with great technology, performance far beyond what we have dreamed of, yet we are left with a less than perfect motorcycle, missing the three things above.  When I look at my old 1978 GS1000, which has a comfy seat, helmet hooks, a center stand, and can go 120 before I shift into 5th, I wonder, how far have we really come?  Why could they do this 35 years ago, but can’t now?  Or is it maybe a don’t, since you can buy center stands, even for the Thruxton, and most bikes do have places to hang helmets, if you are creative enough.  Thank God for Corbin and other custom seat makers-bless their little hearts.

Maybe if we took the attitude of Nehemiah, instead of complaining to each other, we may make an impact.  Too much complaining among each other, and to those who cannot make a difference.  Why go to others, when you need money who are just as broke as you?  Especially when you can go right to God, who has the means to provide, He doesn’t have a committee to report to, or a budget to keep.  He understands comfort, a place to hang cares, and the need of ease like a center stand for your  life.  So after seeing the problem he as faced with, Nehemiah mourned.  We complain.  To each other.  Pity parties, no one ever comes to mine.  But he turned God.  His problem was only a country to rebuild.  But his prayer shows us a simple way to go to God with our problems.  First he faced the facts, no matter how unpleasant.  We tend to lie a little when asked “how are you?”  like God can’t see.  Your friends aren’t so blind either.  After recognizing his condition, he turned from his sin, acknowledging it, knowing God would forgive him.  Get all of the junk out of the way.  That’s confidence, try that one with a tight service manager who tells you they all do that when you complain.  He then reminded God of His promises, that He would rebuild Israel, just like  Jesus promises to meet all our needs according to HIS riches and glory.  A factory warranty for life.  How soon we forget after being turned down for a loan, I must have that new motorcycle!  Even if it is uncomfortable, it is fast, so I won’t have to sit so long on the seat.  Of course, we would never rationalize anything like that.  But we argue and whine, just in case God was busy and didn’t hear.  Maybe we are too busy and didn’t listen.  He then gave Him a specific request.  Know this-if God gives you the desire, He will fulfill it.  Maybe you need a new ride, but God knows you don’t need the payments.  And if you are patient, will provide, the right bike for you, comfy seat, a place to hang your helmet, and a center stand.  If God can design a create us, don’t you think He just might be able to design and create a motorcycle just for you?  35 years ago my old Suzuki hit on all 4, something God has been doing since the beginning.  Maybe there is a certain relationship between heart and bottom that only a grandmother can express, maybe have her write to Honda and tell them.  But for things that demand attention, call on God.  Jesus rides, and for 2000 years I haven’t heard Him complain.  Maybe the perfect seat is that close, and we just have missed it.  Three little things that make the less than perfect motorcycle the perfect ride.  Now if we can only work on the rider...leave that one to God.  He created us, who better to improve upon us.  Just think, Adam was perfect in the beginning before sin.  I wonder if his motorcycle had any problems?  When sin entered the world it didn’t stop with him.  It continues on today.  Maybe Nehemiah’s prayers are worth listening to.  If I remember, his results were just like God promised.  And all I ask for is the three things for my new bikes, found on my old one.  Evolution of the species-is it? Or do you see how creationism is true.  Maybe we are faster, but are we better?  In the beginning starts right now with Jesus...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the logo of Logos

Brand identity is a billion dollar proposition anymore.  Companies spend millions to create an identity for their product, and try to make it identifiable by a logo, you see it and are reminded of their product, and hopefully want to buy it.  Many logos are identifiable, such as the tuning forks of Yamaha, the red wing of Honda, the yellow S of Suzuki, and the green K of Kawasaki.  Just see a bar and shield and you know it stands for Harley.  But some logos use their names, such as Triumph, with only the cool recognizing the difference in the H, separating the Hinckley bikes from the Meriden rides.  FORD is one of the most recognized trademarks in the world.  Back in the sixties, before the Chrysler Pentastar, they had a fratzog, a meaningless name for the Dodge emblem.  See the Star and Laurel, you know it’s a Mercedes Benz.  Blue and white circle, signifying a propeller, it’s a BMW.  Chevy’s bow tie is a national treasure, and the VW emblem in the circle doesn’t have to spell out Volkswagen.  You know, for it has been emblazoned on your memory banks.  The Spencerian script of Coca Cola is perhaps the most recognized, but so is their Dynamic Ribbon, also trademarked.  I am looking at a Dell keyboard, sideways E, no doubt what that is.  Just look for the Golden Arches, now just a big yellow M, you know it is McDonalds.  LEGO, FED EX, UPS, and others are instantly identifiable, some just by their colors.  One of my favorites is Baskin Robbins, where the 31 is incorporated in the BR-clever.  Some have evolved over the years, such as Apple, Shell gasoline, but still remain instantly identifiable.  No doubt what they are selling.  Even political parties are memorable, if just to know who and what they represent.  And the use of blue warning signs everywhere, have eliminated words on signs.  And with the loss of words, kids can’t spell, and text using abbreviations, yet know what they are saying, or claim they do.  I ‘m sure there is a logo for that too.  And all are trademarked, with even names that sound alike being barred from using certain intonations.  Years ago a collector magazine about vintage trucks was called This Old Truck, but the producers were afraid their Show, This Old House may be confused, threatened to sue, and now This Old Truck is called Vintage Truck.  Maybe tells more about the inept crazies who watch TOH, than they want us to know.  But for every product, idea, or concept, eventually it will have logo tied to it.  Just to remind us....Trademarked for their protection.

Now stop a minute and think, what is the most recognized logo of all time, and not trademarked?  For over 2000 years now it has stood for one thing and one thing only?  Give up-it’s the cross!  A logo sent via Logos, the word for God, through which all things were made.  And it stands for Jesus, another one name instantly recognized, but yet many haven’t taken advantage of His offer.  Many wear crosses around their necks, some for style, some for protection, and some for religious purposes.  Some just like the look of it, and some think it helps identify them as a Christian.  But some deny it altogether, and miss out what it stands for-it stands for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, dying for our sins, and reuniting us with God, His Father, the Logos, in heaven.  It tells us He is God, although He came to earth and lived as a man among us.  Too much theology, get to know Him, then you’ll get it.  Don’t try to get it, then join in.  For it is the Spirit, only available from Jesus, who reveals the mysteries of the gospels.  It takes the logo of Logos!   The cross, and it separates the living from the dead.  But it is also where we are reunited with God.  Have problems, meet at the Cross.  Even the atheists acknowledge the cross, or at least what it is, they don’t believe in a God, and by definition don’t exist.  They are their own logos-how can you deny yourself?  Yet they deny the real Logos, Jesus. 

Take some time to consider what the cross means, and let it become real to you.  More than just a product, or a concept, it is a person, Jesus Christ.  It is the way to Him, a simple idea called the gospel, and available 24/7 for all who seek Him.  Wearing a cross won’t make you a Christian, any more than sitting in church will make you a pew.  Wearing a Harley t-shirt doesn’t make you a Harley owner, they sell more shirts than bikes, and sell a lot of each.  Wearing you cute BMW pendant around your neck, over your heart may tell what is really on your heart.  Logos will tell us something about us, it takes the Logos of Jesus Christ to find out who we really are.

Only one logo means anything, the Logos of God.  If it isn’t on your heart, you are lost.  Given over to gods who cannot save you.  Don’t worship a god like Dagon, who fell over every night and had to be picked up.  Or  motorcycle that needs to be tuned and fueled.  You will get hungry and thirsty again, take a tip from Coca Cola, Jesus was the real thing, and is the real thing, years before they came along.  Look to the cross-what do you see?

If it is a who, you get it.  If not, keep looking, He is waiting for you to take Him into your heart, He already has you in His.  He is the all time logo of all logos-He is the LOGOS!  Accept no substitutes.  Amazing how the cruelest form of execution ever devised represents the only one who can save you.  But you knew all that anyway, didn’t you?  The importance of the cross.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

LAURA 1734

If you have ever read the patches on any biker’s vest, it is not unusual to see one stating “in memory.”  Although we appear to be a rough and tumble group, I have found that if you need something done, call a biker.  They tend to have the biggest hearts, are eager to give of time, and readily open their wallets for a good cause.  Underneath the black leather of many beats a heart of gold, just waiting for the right time to exercise it.  My friend Mark H. is one of them.  He came to San Diego and got involved in motorcycle ministry, along with his wife Laura.  She was a newbie rider, and of course her bike of choice had to be a Harley, any color she wanted as  long as they were the only colors Mark recognized-both black.  And on her first ride to biker church on a Sunday morning, she was riding in front of Mark, just like Theresa rides in front of me so many times.  As they passed the checkpoint in Temecula, Mark noticed her right hand slumping, giving her bike full throttle, then going full speed into concrete barriers-about 70 mph.  Mark went by and slammed on his brakes, dropped his bike and ran to her.  He found her unconscious, in a pool of blood-he was already praying.  And soon the rescue squad would have her off to the hospital, in hope of saving her life.  And Mark, who has been there for so many, was devastated.  By the time I got the call, many had been to see her, among them Pastor Fred Z., who Mark ministered with.  Sitting with Mark after many had left, and for a few afternoons after, we prayed, and he shared much about Laura.  She was able to sit up, was conscious, but in excruciating pain, and every day her hopes of recovery got better.  He would sing to her, and show her a special love that God gives to married couples.  All seemed to be going well.  But then the phone call came...

Laura had died, her injuries were too severe and she was at home and at peace with Jesus.  And Mark had lost his best friend and wife, resting only in the knowledge she was with their best friend Jesus.  And one afternoon while visiting, he shared how he knew God was in the midst of this.  He said they were reading John 17, and God told them this was of great importance.  He also said Laura died at 534pm, and it had some significance, he didn’t know what.  It was then that God comforted him even more, 534pm is 1734 military time.  So rushing to his Bible, he turned to John 17, but there was no verse 34. Which bummed him out, had he missed the message from God?  Then he started reading John 17, and verse 3 and 4 made it all real.  They read as follows-

“And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.  I have glorified you on earth.  I have finished the work you gave me to do.”  Words written by Jesus, to His Father, before He was crucified.  An insight to a loving relationship between Father and Son, one which we are invited to be part of.  And now it all made sense to Mark, and God gave him peace.  For God has all things under control-even in the harshest of situations. 

Now it turned out we were having our annual CMA Rally in Escondido, and having Sunday service at Biker Church.  And God wasn’t done yet.  Mark and I had gotten close, he once told me that God comforted him throughout the ordeal, but that the pain never goes away.  A pain I hope to never find out about.  But God put on my heart to make a patch for Mark, and his friends, stating simply, “LAURA 1734”  No explanation, but when someone was to ask, a chance to share the testimony Mark had shared with me.  Bikers love stories.  And I made a simple tract to go with it, to leave with the one who asked, and it was in the form of a letter to heaven.  It quoted John 17:3-4, and I signed it, “your loving daughter, Laura.”  When on stage presenting it, I cannot tell if all were tearing, Mark and I were so blinded by tears we couldn’t tell, and as we embraced, God’s love for us truly shined through this man.  Something I had never done before, but God called me to do-I cannot tell how blessed I was and am because of it.  Just a bunch of bikers to some, but to God precious people.  But God wasn’t finished, as we were able to spend time and minister to Laura’s sister and her husband, and Mark’s son and family came to the Lord.  All because of a tragic accident.  All because Jesus loves us so much.  We cannot know many things, among them the time we die.  You have no control over that, I can attest to that.  But you do have a choice of how to live, and I hope you choose life in Christ.  Laura was ready, she just didn’t know the time or the way.  We won’t either.  On the way to church, or wherever, make sure you ride with Jesus.  When your work is completed, reward awaits you in heaven.  That is eternal life.  Those are Jesus’ words.  Bring Him glory today and assure your place in heaven.  When He gets the glory, you get the blessings.  For God so loved bikers, hookers, bankers, politicians-even you, He gave His only son-Jesus.  That you may know Him.  LAURA 1734, just another patch?  Only if your God is just another God.  She was that special to Him. You are that special to Him.  I hope He is to you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

living in the land of commercials

Somewhere out there, where no one has ever gone, yet aspires too, is this land that is portrayed in TV commercials.  Beautiful women live there, who never gain weight, and if they do, instantly lose it and tell you about it,while wearing bikinis.  Teenagers are seen walking in schools with pristine hallways, no graffiti in sight, the only signs being hand painted telling of the dance this Friday night.  Ballplayers are shown without a wad in their mouths, no tattoos, and are speaking English, our national language.  They portray a clean cut image, far from performance enhancing junkies some have become.  Businessmen  have become businesswomen, and still find time to run a corporation, do their daughter’s science project, make a five course dinner-from scratch, and go out for the evening with their male counterpart, their husband.  While their kids stay home, homework done on their laptop, and in bed by 10.  They say cool things like yes, sir, no mam, and please and thank you.  They have perfect teeth, new bikes, and the coolest friends.  They ride skateboards that are not worn down from grinding, new Nikes, have a trendy haircut, and never wear the same outfit twice.  The girls never get zits, at age 10 know all about which make-up goes with which clothes, and never have to worry about birth control-sex is forbidden, although it is implied.  No one lives in a bad neighborhood, a bad one is where the homes are not part of an HOA, and every hedge is trimmed, all cars washed, and never more than a year old.  All bought on a special deal available to them due to their high FICO score, and even the youngest of newlyweds still has a new car, not quite a Lexus yet, but some minivan in which they all try to express their individuality by looking the same.  And if they happen to have a motorcycle, heaven forbid, it is a Harley, new of course, and the neighbors question his manhood behind his back, and his family values.  He is a rebel, an outlaw, and pity the fool who moved in next to him without knowing he owned a motorcycle.  “You mean he actually wears a leather jacket to ride?”  And all is well in this suburban utopia, where the only reality is so unreal that no one could or would live there. 
They pay more, get less, and are fooled by whatever trend is foisted upon them next.  Yet no one ever sees them except on a TV commercial, so why do so many aspire to be like them?  What is this unity that binds us together so loosely, yet allows us to be just like everyone thinks the world sees them as?

Growing up cars were longer, lower, and wider...the bigger, the better.  Bigger engine, meant more power, which meant more power.  And the 50’s and 60’s drove us to bigger and better, just like MPG does today.  You want more MPG and cool, ride a motorcycle.  Too cool for you, ride a bike.  Sorry, I thought you were interested in more MPG, not impressing your neighbor.  Except performance then wasn’t a dirty word like it is today.  And without knowing it, we have gotten what we wanted, or at least what we think we wanted.  Or told we we wanted.  An anonymous GM executive, commenting on the fickle buying public, once said, “if the public wants to lower its standard of living by driving a cheap crowded car, we’ll make it.”  Look around guys, as you stuff yourself in some Japanese import, or minivan that seats a Little League team, he said this in 1958-how far have we really come as a society?  Do we really aspire to be mediocre?  Yet we base success on that very thing.  We are united, under a myth or illusion, and don’t even realize it, or do we?

We hear of Unity through diversion-that’s a joke, or unity through team loyalty-just watch any pregame football tail gate party.  Did you ever think you would tire of Dockers on every male?  Or everyone driving a vehicle that is gray, black, or white?  Where are the colors of red, blue, yellow, or green?  I even saw a dark gray Corvette the other day-boring.  Yet we all seek some unity, something to belong to, some intangible that we can exhibit through tangibility-seeing is believing.  The early church, and the church of today is fighting the same battle.   I tire of hearing of unity within the body, and we see it in cults like the white shirted boys on bikes of Mormonism.  But even they have a unity that the Christian church aspires to, but thankfully has not attained.  We have a freedom in Jesus to be ourselves, no matter what we drive or ride, where we live, buy or rent, or how trendy our Wranglers are.  He talks of unity in the spirit, simply explained, yet missed by most.  He tells us that unity is in Him, so that we may be in Him, and know the truth, and our lives portray it.  So that the world may believe that Jesus is who He said He is and was, that God sent His son to save us, and that it is an inescapable evidence that Jesus is God, and we have all the power and strength in Him.  That is unity-based on Him, not based on us agreeing on something, but based on Jesus.  Us in Christ and Christ in us.  It is that simple!  So that people may see He holds the key to history, and the future.  That is unity, unity in the spirit.  That is what I want. 

Has your life become cheap and crowded based on what other tells you about Christ, or is Jesus real to you?  Do you get religion every week, yet feel empty, or do you get Jesus, and a yearning for a deeper relationship with Him?  If your Bible cover is trendy and your pages not worn, maybe it tells more about your religion than you care for us to know.  Be yourself in Christ, enjoy freedom in the spirit, a unity of believers based on Jesus. 
We call it Christianity because it is based on Jesus.  Somewhere in your gospel of self, find Jesus and let Him out.  And watch the world around you change.  No longer living in a land of commercials, but in the reality of a loving God who sent His son so we could have a relationship with Him.  Just for once, I would like to see an ad for that!

So ask yourself, why don’t they ever show the lines at Disneyland?  Why do car companies tout their warranties, but you never see them towing one into the shop?  Unity in the spirit, no lines, no sign ups.  Just Jesus.  No false claims, just the truth.  Love, joy, and peace.  Virtues and values found nowhere else in commercial land.  Break for the program.  Once upon a time is now.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com