the golden rule in racing

Bill was a very successful crew chief in off road racing.  He had won races, championships, and the respect of his peers in the racing world.  Much had come while being associated with one family synonymous with off road racing, and although offers often came his way, he would shrug them off.  But one offer came his way he couldn’t say no to, and after negotiating, he made the move.  He was to have complete control over this new race team, and they had the desire and also the money to be successful.  They were newcomers not only to racing, but to the software world, making their mark and making money had over fist.  They were achievers, had built the company from scratch, and were used to doing things their way.  This was the world bill was entering, and soon found out what a big mistake he had made.

Many sponsors, myself included went on board with Bill, he was easy to work with, and stayed with those he trusted.  He taught his team mates to interchange their talents, in case the electrical guy was sick, someone could step in.  Same with motors, suspensions, and logistics.  He kept a firm hand on all, but encouraged them to do their best, giving all the support they needed, and then some.  His team mates were all long term, with very little turn over, and many at the races offered their assistance if an opening came open.  But this season was to be different, as the two men who raced had egos bigger than their bodies could contain.  It was all about them, Bill worked for them, and they were in control.  Yet they were totally out of control.  They were the newcomers, and instead of a learning curve, wanted it all right now, or else.  Which Bill was able to deliver-almost, they won some races despite not listening to him, tore up the equipment unnecessarily, and cut corners when they thought the cost was too much.  And Bill almost brought them a championship their first year-finishing second, a great effort for a new team.  But they were not happy, and berated Bill, sometimes publicly.  He wanted out, but his contract for 3 years was binding, so he honored it.  When asked about his first year with them, he told me it could be summed up simply, the Golden Rule.  He who has the gold, rules.  Bill was just an employee to them.  And after 3 years was gone...and his entire team left with him.  With the racers wondering what was their problem?  He had brought home the trophy in their last year, they were on top.  Why did he quit?  They quit?  Losers, they thought...and they were, just not Bill.

Jesus tells us the parable about the lost sheep.  99 were found, he is concerned with the lost one not yet found.  Bill was like that, studying when they lost, and going after that elusive win next time.  As much as he enjoyed the thrill of winning, it was in the losses he learned more, and although the 99 wins brought him bragging rights, he raced to win.  Jesus was never concerned about the numbers, but about the souls he came to save.  Rather than brag about the 99, his heart was set on the lost one, the one who wandered away, or the one struggling.  He wasn’t pleased until all had been found, all had been saved.  And if even just one sinner was left, he would have gone to the cross.  Even if it was just you or me.  That’s love, that’s dedication.  Something missing from many churches today, that base success on numbers, and when achieving their goal, sit back and celebrate.  I asked a pastor one day at lunch, how was his year.  “Great, they had met all their goals,” and were basking in their skilled accomplishments.  They had won something, but were losers, as they had no heart after that.  Success became attendance numbers, giving goals set, and met, and meeting their budget.  But the church never grew, many left hungry, taking others with them.  They forgot that unless God builds the house, they labor in vain.  They didn’t realize they were the one in 100 Jesus died for, they took their place among the 99.  But never fit in, because they were not part of the flock.  Yet Jesus still calls after them today, they just don’t hear.  Programs, procedures, processes fill their meetings.  Education above application.  Too bold to seek advice, they are dying and don’t know.  They are on life support because they have failed in the primary cause of making Jesus their Lord.  They had the gold, they had the rules, they never had the spirit.  A form of godliness, just no Jesus.

Bill went onto other teams and would win again.  He learned a very expensive lesson in those three years.  So did the men who followed him.  He raced to win, and today we do the same thing.  But to finish first, first you must finish.  Many die spiritually at the hands of a church where the spirit is not welcomed.  Some stay because that is where they got saved, they worship the pastor, or love the special speakers or music.  They study, read, pray, and teach, but never give it all to Jesus.  He is calling their name now, if that is one of you, answer.  Turn to Jesus, it is not about the church, it is about Jesus, and we are his church.  We are not above him, or equal-without him we are just a gathering of like thinkers, without the spirit guiding just like another social club.  Or another business trying to make a profit.  What good is it if they make a profit, but never know Jesus? 

We are in the race to finish.  Some races are won from the start, some won in the last few miles.  That 1 lost has more attention in Jesus now because they may be the last one saved, and then the rapture.  The odds are against us, but 100% in Christ.  Team Jesus, we may not win every race, but we never lose.  And our place is assured in heaven.  A championship to be shared with all who join the team.  Money will buy a fine dog, only love will make it wag its tail.  Works in racing too, where it takes more than desire.  And with God, it takes Jesus.  Remember the golden rule, and how you were bought with a price.  More costly than gold.  Are you willing to follow Jesus after the 1, or the church after the 99?  We were all at one time that one....today we are one with Jesus.  Maybe that is why they call it the human race.  And we race for other souls, never satisfied until all have come to Jesus.  I believe that makes me a winner.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

learning to lose

I used to be a pretty fair athlete back before the turn of the century.  Now I don’t even enjoy watching anymore as all the names have changed, or changed teams.  We grew up wanting to win, being told the importance of being part of the team, and being taught things that would show us how to win.  Practice your free throws, wind sprints, never my favorite, and boxing out the opponent under the backboards.  Simple things that many chose to overlook, or not take seriously.  But how many games have been lost by missing a free throw?  A free chance to shoot a basket?  Unguarded.  Wind sprints, running 90’ at full speed, turning around and doing it again-10 times-yuk.  But how many times do you run up and down the court, and after wind sprints we had the endurance to be as strong at the end as at the beginning of the game.  We were taught how to box out, keep the opponent from getting a rebound, even if he was bigger, by getting between him and the backboard.  Getting the best position.  Even letting the ball fall to the ground to keep him away...gaining position on your opponent.  Simple drills, simple lessons that separated us from those we beat.  And we were pretty good...until one night we got beat.  Everyone is entitled to a bad game, but that night the whole team was bad.  Missed free throws, guys fouling out, stupid passes, intercepted and returned for a lay up.  And the more we started to lose, the less we ran up and down the court, and were exhausted.  We missed rebounds, no boxing out, we lost our cool, and forgot all the basics it takes to win.  Losing wears you out.  We were a better team, but our opponent played a better game.

In the locker room after, many of these high school young men were sitting crying, they had lost a game.  They had been beaten.  They had been taught how to win, but never how to lose.  How to be gracious in losing rather than obnoxious in winning.  The coach readily blamed the players, they got bummed, and at practice the next day it was like the first day of practice...back to the basics.  Yet some didn’t get it, one loss had ruined their season, they wanted to be perfect, undefeated, yet were not conditioned for real life.  Losing a game made us feel like we were failures.  We were told we let down our school, our fans, our coach, our team mates, and ourselves.  We were losers...but with hard work we could win again.  And we did, but many never got over the loss, and I still remember it today.  More importantly I remember being taught to win, but not how to lose.  How to handle defeat, how to bounce back.  Through tears many lost heart, but in reality it was only a game.  32 minutes in a life.  It should have made us a better team, it ended up dividing us.  Pointing the finger at others.  One loss, ruined a team.  We won again, and never lost again that season, but were a divided team, a divided family.  A game many would remember, only because we weren’t undefeated.  We weren’t perfect.  We were 15-17 year old boys, we weren’t forgiven.  And some never forgave themselves.

No one plays the game to lose.  But in losing we find our weaknesses, and with proper guidance we overcome them.  We aren’t perfect, and even though we want to be, we aren’t.  Being successful more than half the time has gotten teams to the Super Bowl.  A good NBA team loses 40% of the time.  Being a successful hitter only 30% of the time can get you into the Hall of Fame.  Second place isn’t first loser, it is still a podium finish.  The guy finishing fourth doesn’t get one.  Missed by one position.  One pitch, one missed shot, one pit stop, one missed field goal changes the outcome, and we let it change us.  Jesus tells us different.  Scripture tells us we run the race of life to win.  But we need to endure to the end, and we will have many losses, defeats along the way.  It is how we handle the defeat that our character shows through, not how we handle victory.  And Jesus forgives our sin, all of them.  Yesterdays and todays, and tomorrows yet to come.  He doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but to compete everyday. To be our best, and when we blow it, repent and move on.  Get over it.  Turn to him.  How many Christian athletes are ready to give him the glory in victory, but hide under a towel in tears after defeat? 

Good Friday looked like the ultimate defeat for the devil.  Jesus was dead, he was buried, his disciples scared and scattered.  A defeat had shattered them, they forgot how to endure the loss, or losing.  But true to his word, and prophecy, Jesus rose again after 3 days.  A victory won, defeat overcome, death turned to life.  But for 3 days they all stood back and wondered, head buried under a towel.  They had seen the miracles, now he was gone.  What would they do?

Today we face many obstacles that we wonder “where is Jesus?”  Where are his promises for us?  He is there, the plan is in place and fully operational.  Sometimes a test to see how we will react, sometimes just to remind us of how much we need him.  But lately my losses have brought me closer to those who have lost something, and I can empathize with them.  Console them, as Jesus consoles us.  We won’t win every battle, or every game, it is where we finish that counts.  Heaven is assured, and how we handle defeat along the way can energize others.  Funny how our testimonies all start with us in defeat, but end up in victory.  Just as God planned it....we are victors in Christ.  Winners, we have run the race and finished.  We have endured, and learned more about God,and been drawn closer to him in the tough times.  We got to see him at our lowest lows, and will celebrate with him in the highest highs.  All winners, no losers, except those who deny him.  Their record intact, no matter how many games won.  After a loss the next victory is that much sweeter.  And will show us more of Jesus if we looked.  Or were looking. 

One final point, the four point play in basketball.  The two you didn’t get, and the two your opponent did when he stole the ball from you.  Four points that can change a game.  Don’t let anyone steal your joy of Jesus from you.  You may lose a game or two, where you finish is more important.  Jesus forgives, forgive yourself.  Forget the missed shots, praise him for the ones you made.  The victory party is about to begin....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

shifting gears

“One down, four up, got it.”  “No, one up, then four down,” came the reply.  “Oh and by the way, it shifts on the right.”  Bloody English, and so it was with my first ride on an old Norton.  They shift differently than the Japanese products taught us, one down, the rest up, and not only switched sides, but patterns also.  Which was different than other Brit bikes, who still shifted on the right, but used the Japanese pattern.  Confused, when BH built his Dunstall Honda 750 café racer, the rear sets in the kit turned the shifter around, making it a Norton shift pattern, but on the left.  More than once I went down when I meant up.  And on more than one old Triumph I hit the shifter looking for the brake, downshifting in shock, but not stopping with one older woman sacrificing her trunk so I would stop sooner.  No damage to the bike, she was shaken, my ego bruised.  But we would all live to ride and drive again.  But thanks to our Federal government at work, all bikes imported since 1975 have a standardized shifting pattern, one down, the rest up, and on the left side.  Making it so anyone can ride any motorcycle, if they know how.  A far cry form Lello’s old Kawasaki 100 with a rotary shift pattern.  Unknown to me, it shifted one down, then the rest up.  I’m cool, until I shifted into 5th, which took me back to first, it went 1-2-3-4-then one again.   What were they thinking?  And these folks would later bring us the Mach III, Z-1, and Ninjas.  All shifting on the left, standard pattern.  More speed with less surprises.  Proving standardization of shifting is still a good thing, just ask if it is older than the Nixon administration.

The Bible and its history are very trendy today.  From movies about Noah and Jesus, to O’Reilly’s “Killing Jesus,” to the History Channel and CNN tickling our curiousity, many patterns are being presented about Jesus.  And many are variations of a theme called truth.  With many lies being told, that when mixed with misquoted scripture sound real.  But aren’t.  And we need to be aware, as many are being led astray, not a new thing.  One religion who denies the deity of Jesus changes the to “a” changing the text.  He is the son of God, not a son, and is the way, not a way.  See how simple it is.  And when a man approached me Tuesday night excited about the book of Judas, just found and claimed to be a lost gospel, he believed Judas rather than Jesus.  Discounting the fact it is not found in the Bible, the official word of God, inspired by him, and his autobiography.  He chose to follow a lie, and ended up confused.  He thought he had found truth, but learned that all lies are based on truth, and only Jesus  is the truth.  In all cases go to God first, not some documentary or rewritten history book.  Go to Jesus, and if he ain’t in it, you shouldn’t be either.  Many are after your soul to seek and destroy.  Some obvious, some subtle, some confusing, so simple.  But God made his gospel simple so I can get it, and free so I can afford it.  Salvation is not a rich man’s reward, it is a gift from God through Jesus.  So beware when someone has a new gospel, God’s was the original, and he warns hell for those who change it.  All the curses of Revelation, which are pretty bad.  So if Jesus ain’t in it, stay away from it!  No matter how good the special effects are, who wrote it, or what channel it is on, and really beware of misquoted scripture.

Psalm 46:10 tells us to “be still, and know that I am God.”  Yet many want to interpret it as “be still and know that I am God.”  Without the comma, the whole meaning changes.  Maybe we should have paid more attention in English class, today’s lesson is free.  But God wants us to be still, to rest in him, to not worry, assured he is God.  He has everything under control.  To know him intimately, to become his friend, and let Jesus into your life.  Yet many rather play God, or play church, and try to control people, when they are really out of control themselves.  Without Jesus, you are under someone else’s control...but there is still time to change.  So beware of false claims, if it doesn’t minister to your heart, and isn’t found in scripture walk away for it.  For it is a lie.  Moses and Aaron were out walking and tested, turning a stick into a snake.  No big deal to the sorcerer, who did the same.  Until Moses’ ate his.  Still seeking power and to let his people go, he turned the river into blood.  Killing all the fish.  So did the sorcerer, and soon they had to dig pits for water.  In his last message, God tells Moses to flood the land with frogs.  So does the sorcerer, and soon all the frogs have taken over and die.  Leaving no water and no land that doesn’t stink.  Cursing Pharaoh for not letting God’s people go.  And trusting magic over God.  Sound familiar today....again if Jesus ain’t in it, get out of it.  Unless dead frogs and no water to drink turn you on.  Maybe the frog who you think is saying “ribbit” is really warning “knee deep, knee deep.”  So be still, and know he is God.  Let God be God and all men liars.  Seek Jesus first and then all things will be added unto you.  Commercial free...if only shifting were so easy.

So if you are stuck following a lie, shift gears and turn to Jesus.  His word is truth, standardized so you can recognize a lie, and know him personally.  One down, the up, just like resurrection.  Jesus went down and died, so we can live.  And we will rise up with him in resurrection.  An easy way to remember how to shift or how to find God.  It really is that easy...so get out and ride.  With Jesus.  Next week we will address heel and toe shifters.  Where all are down...on the left.  Suddenly the gospel is so simple.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no one wants to bat ninth

One of the early lessons learned at Shackamaxon Elementary School was on the playground at lunch time.  Kickball was the game, and being picked meant it took being able to kick the ball over the right field fence.  Which was no mean feat, but the best of us could, and even though it was a home run, we would put the least talented kid over the fence to catch it and throw it back.  Through our daily recess battles better kickers would evolve, and the lesser ones just hope to be picked.  There were always a surplus of players, as we cut the teams down so we could bat around, really kick around the order quicker.  No one ever grounded out, so we only needed outfielders placed deep to catch fly balls. It was all about the home run, singles were for sissies. The scores were high, never more than two innings as they lasted long, and even the last one in the order would do OK.  We hoped.

The first four positions were the prime ones, after that no one really seemed to care who was up next, they would be as bad an automatic out.  These were the ones who would foul out, a fate worse than death, or kick a squibb grounder for a single.  Sometimes they had names describing their lack of ability, the rest of us were out for blood.  Or really the right field fence.  But occasionally it was the last guys in the order that would surprise you, breaking up a hotly contested 27-25 game by kicking a home run, not by distance, but by kicking it where no one was.  Running the bases rather than trotting as we liked to do to show off.  Our moment of glory.  Making them a hero for the day, and giving them a chance to move up to the not so coveted #5 spot, if only for the next day.  But mostly it was brutal for these lesser talented kickers, and later in life gym class became a torture chamber, especially when someone had to pick them.  No one wanted to bat ninth, and eventually an automatic out rule was invoked rather than endure the suspense of how they would hurt your chances of winning. Take the red headed kid who can’t throw, or when his position comes up, you get an automatic out.  We lived through many automatic outs in my day.

Kickball has extended itself to other aspects of life.  Working at Coke, no one wanted to have the desk next to the GM’s office, so one guy came in early before work and grabbed the farthest away desk in the new offices. Leaving the poor loser to be on call all the time the GM had a crazy idea.  In high school we had certain spaces where we could stage to drag after school, again a competitive edge being taken seriously.  Getting the best seat next to the pretty new girl who transferred in was again a battle for position, and it goes on and on.  Even today second place is recognized as first loser, the last three batters referred to as the bottom of the order, even lesser teams are referred as second division.  We all want to be #1, not step in #2, and be recognized as better than others.  And it all started in kickball.

But scripture tells us a different story.  A warning and lesson to those of us who are used to batting higher in the order.  Who got picked early when choosing teams, and who got a nice rain coat when they were passing them out.  He tells us the last shall be first, and whenever we do things others, it is as if we are doing them to him.  He tells them “whoever does these things to the least of them...does it to me.”  We may be a few years away from kickball, but would you have picked Jesus for your team?  Do you now, or skip over him when needing things, shopping your problem and seeking those who agree with you, rather than going for his love and forgiveness?  Is he even on your team at all, do you have a name for him, and those who follow him?  One that hurts and leaves a mark, or do you welcome him into your life?  Is he welcome on your team, even when not at recess?  But those of us who do let him be on our team have learned to turn to him at all times.  He is happy batting ninth, and brings value to the lesser position.  Or he is just as happy to be batting first, what better way to start the day or a game by putting Jesus first?  Yet in too many lives he isn’t even invited to play, and we all suffer because of it.  We are supposed to be a team, and win together or lose together, and in church it happens too often. 

Don’t confuse Jesus and the church, and when making your batting order, he is a great leadoff hitter.  No easy out, he is the way, rather than a way.  If only the church would recognize him as Lord.  They strike out in other ways that hurt.  Imagine the impact in your church if he led off instead of being buried somewhere down in the order.  Yet he is happy to bat ninth, just to be included in your life.  And you wonder why you never win, and seem to come close but lose.  Kickball is one thing, there is tomorrow’s recess to start over, life is for real, and right now. 

So if you are a ninth place batter, Jesus knows how you feel.  He was the stone rejected by the builders, and on Good Friday they yelled “crucify him!”  But he proved them all wrong when he rose again, can we learn a lesson here?  No one wants to bat ninth, just making the team can seem hard enough.  Put Jesus first, and even if you bat ninth, get the window near the GM, or don’t get the best parking space, pray for those who value them so highly.  They are missing the point.  Winning isn’t the only thing, only Jesus is everything.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

what good is high tech if you still can't ride?

It seems my cell phone shelf life is over.  My son had gotten me one for my protection, which I usually forgot to take with me.  And when I did it was to use as a watch or take pictures with.  My wife liked it, it was an i-phone whatever, and now since he changed carriers, and got a new phone, I once again face the world each morning a little more secure knowing it won’t ring and interrupt me.  I think I got one phone call in the 90+ days I had it, and wasn’t sure how to answer it.  So it’s back to land lines for me, and for a few days when the family big switch was going on, it was the only phone available...suddenly I was the hero, and also the subject of how lousy the service was, etc, etc.  Things are back to normal now, and I will have to learn two new numbers, theirs, since I don’t have a phone where I can access it, I have to learn it.  How middle class!

As you know I am not a big high tech guy, but lately it has invaded my world.  Riding the latest Triumph Trophy SE with cruise control, throttle by wire, traction control, ride height adjustment-electrical, suspension the same, ABS, and a sound system with weather channel, and satellite radio, seat and hand grip heaters, add in three power ports plus one for USB and I am overwhelmed.  And admit I liked the cruise when I could use it, set it at 80-100, and relax.  No more getting out the tool kit, if the bike has one, and adjusting the rear spring by hand.  Even the windshield was electric, and one cold night at 50 degrees, I raised it all the way.  Sat on the heated seat.  But never did find a setting I liked.  Couldn’t find how to turn on the radio, someone asked how it sounded, and I even liked the bags.  Which are beveled having their own suspension, they lean when the bike leans.  And when it went back I missed it, for a few miles.  And have to realize that the future for me, like many others is here today, whether I asked for it or not.  And soon what is high tech will be low tech.  What will that make me?

But I am back on the Bonneville today, and with a valve adjustment, and a new air filter, chain and sprockets, at 71k miles it runs great.  With none of the above high tech, electric starters are for me as far back as I care to go.  And after riding my 1978 Suzuki over 250 miles this weekend, can firmly attest to the fact I don’t need all the electric goodies and add ons.  I led through corners, still went over 100, without cruise control, set the rear shocks by hand, and had wind in my face.  And was comfortable, rode safely, and had a great time.  Even found folly when some young kid called me old school, to which I replied, “no, just school.”  It seems that the learning curve for riding still goes on, and new for him is old for me.  Proven by all the old grey hairs who recognize the Bonneville and tell stories about when they had one.  Easily recognized by the younger ones with shaved heads and dew rags.  Someday they will wish they had pictures of themselves with hair, imagine those stories.  And the dichotomy, old guys with hair, young guys bald.  But it seems that whenever you enter the riding world, is when your history lessons begin, and while my heroes of old used to warn against kick starters breaking ankles on Triumphs, and how only real men could kick start a Harley, and how only sissies would ride a Sporty with an electric starter, today’s new riders will remember a new sensory input of riding. Yet the thrill will somehow be there...just not the same.  Maybe it’s just me, but it sure is good to be back on my Bonneville.  Simple like my Jesus, so can get it. 

New Christians today are faced with growing in Christ quickly.  Jump into the word, attend all Bible studies and prayer meetings, stay out of the world, we expect you in church, and if you aren’t there, may consider you backslidden.  Sound familiar?  No wonder the attrition rate is higher than it should be.  We forget that growth is a maturity process, and is different for each one of us.  That it takes years for an acorn to grow into a tree, yet only a few months to grow corn.  How flowers bloom in spring, and wilt in summer.  And die in winter.  It seems God has appointed a certain time and growth pattern for everything, us included.  Some come to Christ and are instantly changed, yet some years later seem unchanged.  Some are bold and noisy, while Joseph of Arimethia was silent and gave up his tomb to Jesus.  There when needed and called.  A process as part of God’s plan, directed by God, interfered with by man.  We all grow at different rates, just as we all ride at different rates.

Take two men, one comfortable at 65 mph, the other at 70.  At the end of an hour of riding together, they are 5 miles apart.  Don’t compare your speed with others, ride your own ride.  And work out your own relationship with Christ.  Let him lead you into maturity, and be blessed while doing it.  Some can’t ride without a windshield, I don’t like them at all.  I want the wind in my face.  So who’s right?  Or are we both wrong? What good is high tech if you still can’t ride?

When Jesus leads we are both right.  Individuals as he created us.  some quiet, some loud, and some louder still.  Let our actions say the most about us, words will fail, but actions will be remembered.  Paul planted, Apollos watered, but it was God who provided the growth.  For just like a seed planted, only he can see what goes on under the ground.  And only you and him know about the seed he planted in you.  Ride your own ride, and live your own life in Christ.  For just like phones and motorcycles, it isn’t about the messenger, it is the message.  And when Jesus just happens to be both, you will change.  Now that’s a ride we all should take.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

free refills

Gone are the days of “no ice please” while waiting for your freshly cooked Big Mac to come out from its heat lamp storage area.  If you don’t know what I am talking about, you show your generation, if not your age, as there was a time when we didn’t have self service soda dispensers, and the freckle faced kid behind the counter would fill your cup to the brim with ice, then add Coke.  No diet Coke yet.  And because we were thirsty and didn’t want a cup of ice, we would tell then “no ice” or “little ice,” and they knew of what we were talking.  And if you noticed on all paper cups a small line, looks more like a dash about 1/3 from the bottom, an ice line, as a guide.  But few obeyed its guidance, or even knew of its existence, so we were at there mercy.  And no free refills either, you took your chances after paying your money.  Now among the multitude of surveys Coca Cola took, they found an interesting trend, if you filled your cup yourself, you used more ice than if someone else did it for you.  Which made self serve a much easier sell to retailers, also the free refill part.  They just upped their prices, to cover guys like me who buy a small and make many trips back, pocketing the extra profit from the other 99%.  And since soft drinks is big money, today you serve yourself, use more ice, and they make more profit.  Pretty neat huh, just when we think we have them figured out...

Now once upon a time, a 32 oz. cup was considered a large, with small and medium 16 and 24 oz. respectively.  Again those pesky penny pinchers at Mickey D’s, they used what is called a cheater cup. with 14, 22, and 30 oz. respectively.  No big deal, 2 oz. you figure, but in a billion ounce month, do the math.  We could all retire nicely, and still add our own ice.  As much as we want.  But with 42, 48, and now 64 oz. or bigger cups, they sell more soda, more ice, and make more profit.  All with our help.  An unpaid employee of McDonald’s.  And for those of you who think only a few ounces are no big deal, it’s only a Coke and a smile, soft drinks play such a big deal in their profits that McDonalds has two soft drink set ups per store, should one go down.  And if no soft drinks at lunch hour, both are down, they have lost all their profit for the day.  And ice tea refills are even more profitable, it takes about 8 cents to brew a gallon of tea, that will end up when water added making 9 gallons of tea.  No wonder they push the free refills.  At a penny a gallon to make, to them they lose money on soft drinks.  Suddenly free refills takes on a new definition, and having it your way is really their way.  I’ll drink to that.  And I’ll bet you rethink your next soft drink purchase, and watch how much ice you use.  Maybe take an extra to go refill, just to level the field more.  And one last hint-never buy a medium, it is the most expensive per ounce.

Notice your cereal box the same size with less contents?  Same with chips?  Subway lost a law suit over its 12” subs that were only 11’.  So all things are not what they seem.  I have run out of gas with a 4.2 tank, and took 4.8 to fill.  Maybe a suspect gas pump?  And why does my speedo say 75, when really I am only going 68?  We live in a world of illusions, and when confronted with the truth, we are ready to argue against it.  We are bitter when someone mentions free, and immediately think “how much will it cost?”  So here are some real life bargains, and observations.  Salvation is free via Jesus Christ.  He paid for it, and it is a gift.  No cheater cups, or fine print on the bag.  You cannot earn it, like Reward points, you don’t get extra credit for being saved.  Jesus gets all the credit, and when he does, you get all the blessings.  No medium or small sizes of salvation, you get it all.  Forever.  I like that.  With free refills.  Because we need him everyday, we don’t lose our salvation, but we work everyday at it, staying close to him.  The ultimate reward is eternal life in heaven, without storing up points.  No extra Bible reading, extra prayer, or tithing will help God love you more.  They re good things, but God’s love is already infinite.  But do them anyway as the spirit leads, and you will be an example to others.  And see them blessed.  By the spirit, in the spirit. 

And I have endured too many long sermons that fill the hour appropriated for church.  Why can Billy Graham speak 15 minutes and hundreds come to Christ, when some preachers talk all day and no one is saved?  The gospel is simple so I can get it, and free so I can afford it.  And we have Martin Luther to thank for 11am services.  He liked to sleep in.  Maybe one too many long sermons did him in.  What a rebel!  So keep the gospel simple.  Show love at all times, and when you screw up, God gives us mercy.  Only obtainable after we sin.  He has all the bases covered.  Now it is up to you?

No more intermediary needed for a Coke, you can fill it yourself.  Add ice if desired.  All you want.  And we can go to Jesus the same way.  He is open 24/7, no waiting at the counter, and he knows if we want ice, and just how much.  He meets all our needs with no trickery.  And still makes a profit.  Remember that, as we all want to come out ahead, to make a profit.  Self serve may get you what you want, only Jesus will get you what you need.  With plenty of free refills, you will never thirst.  You will never have to wait in line.  And you can have it all in him right now.  Fresh, without the heat lamp.  Just the way you like it. If only you could order a meal like you can get salvation, imagine how you would never thirst, but still hunger for more.  Overflowing.  Abundant.  Free.  A gift.  You cannot pay more and get it supersized.  So keep the refills coming.  To go.  And on the 8th day God created cup holders....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com