last bites and last rites

It was Dave Thomas of Wendy’s fame who based his hamburger on one simple principal, “the two best bites of a hamburger should be the first and the last.” The first to make you glad you came and want more, the last to make you come back again.”  A very basic philosophy that worked and works today.  But the world of fast food burgers has changed over the years, and where once it was fast and cheap, fast food must be fast to be profitable, now it is designer burgers from Angus beef to the trendy crowd.  How different from the highest fat content meat sold by Wendy’s, per my friend who used to sell meat to them.  Hot and juicy is nothing more than fat, as opposed to today’s lean and mean burger.  I rarely if ever eat a fast food burger, but after watching a show about the food that made America, and the last part of how McDonald’s influenced America, I stopped and saw Mickey, the one not at Disneyland.  What was I thinking.......

McDonald’s has changed over the years, its main attraction being fast food and consistent quality.  But today it is trying to stay alive and reinventing itself via McCafe’s, and burgers to order.  A place where once we used to hang out, today I found it almost sanitary with no personality.  The menu placed on large TV screens, changing every few seconds, timed just so you could find what you were looking for, then changing.  I finally decided on a #9, two cheeseburgers, fries, and a Soda, total price when paid $5.92.  Delivered to my table.  All carried out by lifeless employees, and the food was no better.  I used to love the fries, not much flavor now.  Two thrown together cheese burgers, more mustard taste than anything, and a Diet Coke.  And I hoped no one saw me here, for how far McDonald’s had fallen.  No happy in the meal here, and the one product that made them famous not even on the menu, the hamburger!  A last bite that I will remember, as I will never return.  Stay tuned for the last bites and last rites at McDonald’s.  McDisaster, supersized.  And no, I don’t want fries with that!

Scripture tells us we are to put on the new self we find in Jesus Christ, to be more like him and less like us.  It is called growth, and handled by none other than the holy spirit himself.  A continual process, taking us from baby food to solid food as Paul calls it.  In an ever changing world the one constant needs to be Jesus, How many remember our first bite of him, the taste of freedom and of being forgiven of our sins.  Basic gospel done very simply.  Not fast food religion, nor stylish designer burgers, it was what he knows we needed, and we ate willingly and a lot.  Fed and nourished by the spirit, we all grew, but at different rates.  With some going from church to church looking for that special need to be fulfilled, while others sat and complained about how and what they were being fed.  Never growing, never eating from the vine of Christ, they hunger and thirst for the things of God, but not God himself.  And so through religion, the denominations try to persuade you that their version is the best, try us and be filled.  But religion is not filling, and leaves you hungry, with denominational hassles being listed as the number one reason people leave churches today.  Yet while churches are disappearing at an alarming rate, new ones pop up, claiming to do it better.  The bigger the better, and the sad thing is too many Christians whole experience with Jesus is based on churches, or looking for the one they feel comfortable in.  A Goldilocks take on the gospel, too much music, too legalistic, too much teaching, but never complaining about to much Jesus, or his love.  Some claim to have it his way, but really only want their way.  Supersized in everything but the spirit.  Looking for that last bite, and looking for a chance to get up and go somewhere else, or not go at all.

Fast food, quickie nirvana, and instant gratification, we don’t have time for Jesus.  Five minutes, then off with cell phone in ear, to next appointment.  Never taking the time to ask “where is Jesus is their life?”  Maybe something we should stop and ask ourselves right now.  Is he the fast food God of today with no thought for tomorrow, is he even on your menu?  When is the last time you and he spent some time together, that precious first bite, and hesitated on taking the last bite because you didn’t want it to end?  Some take that last bite, and cannot wait for the time with him again, while others are being given last rites, their relationship with him dead, or on life support.  Running out of churches, philosophies, and clubs to attend, they at last come face to face with Jesus and must make a decision.  Looking for a Jesus who will not be found in religion or in religious people, remember it was the Pharisees who tried to trap him.  He comes to set us free.

So just as the burger wars are out for your dollar, Satan is out for  your soul.  He is happy to be that last bite you take into eternity, but Jesus’ offer still stands.   Come to him and hunger and thirst no more, be assured that when you take that last bite, where you will spend eternity.  We may compromise on our eating, don’t on your relationship with God.  The last rites of McDonald’s may be already be being administered, the signs are there, what about you?  Are you ready to take that last bite, are you ready if today is the day of last rites?  Go beyond church, go beyond religion and denominations, go with Jesus.  And be sure.  And for those of you still looking for that first bite, you are welcome where and as you are.  Skip the drive up and go right to the front of the line.  Society changes and wants to change us with it, ever notice how Kentucky Fried Chicken is now just KFC?  Or Sugar Frosted Flakes now just frosted?  Jesus never changes, but we do and can in him.  As for me, I’m ready to take that last bite, but for now, I can smell the In and Out burgers.  In Jesus and out of hell, who you eat with and where you eat makes all the difference. 

Even the disciples didn’t know the last supper would be their last one with Jesus.....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

exuberant flaws in factual reporting

For a few months now, there has been an ad on Craigslist for a 1998 Triumph Thunderbird Sport, red, like the yellow one I had.  The price in these months has dropped over a thousand dollars, and no takers.  Now it was sportier than the basic Thunderbird at the time, with three into two pipes, exiting on the right looking like the Vetter designed Triumph X-75 Hurricane, but without the bodywork.  Not even quick for its time, with one interesting quirk, its tachometer.  For the two years and the 24,000 miles I owned mine, it had more tachs than oil changes.  It seems when an older supplier’s version failed, Triumph put them out for bid, sourcing them from an Italian company who just copied the old one, flaws and all, reducing the price.  Its handling was above average, but other than the styling was a dud on performance.  Yet the ad states it is faster than the new Thruxton, which has over 20 more horses and runs a 1.5 second faster quarter mile.  Which anyone who rides knows is not true, nor is it collectible just because a small number were built.  But I love his claim it has the same basic engine as the Speed Triple...they are both 885 cc triples on the outside, but not on the inside where it counts.....and so it sits.

An ad from Hemmings today caught my attention, a 1988 Chevy Cavalier Z24 for sale.  With the fast motor of 125 hp, less than our Kia Soul.  Yet the seller claims it is faster, will blow the doors off of most cars today with a 0-60 time of 8.5 knock the wind out of you seconds, in an era when under 8 is the norm, for anyone.  With an exhaust burble that sounds more V-8 than V-6.  We can tell the difference.  But it is the last line that might have me, with its beautiful blue crushed velour interior.  AKA that statically plastic that left lint on everything.  Now anyone who reads Hemmings is generally a gear head and will know the truths, yet this exuberant flaw in actual reporting will provide more laughs than interest.  Any bets it will be the beautiful crushed blue velvet interior that gets them?  Wonder if he needs a Thunderbird Sport to replace his fast car......

Some years back on TBN, the Christian version of National Enquirer TV, they made a claim about a drilling rig that had gone farther than ever before, and fumes of brimstone and sulfur came out.  With voices audibly heard, that were in agony.  Immediately they claimed this proved hell existed, and it became a headline story in print and on the air.  With zealous Christians of all faiths claiming it was true.  But when it turned out to be a hoax, ran and hid.  Seems the old Reagan quote of “trust then verify,” was overlooked, and in their religious fervor believed a lie, and not content with just that, passed it on.  Losing all the credibility that they possessed.  And yet that same crowd will still either deny it, or blame the devil, when he is not the liar here, they are, and will not confess their sin.  Sound familiar....yet Jesus tells us we must confess our sin to be saved.  Which means we must realize the things we do are wrong, sinful, and repent and turn from them.  Yet it is easier to blame someone else and brag on ourselves.  We the ones too smart to be deceived, to fall for the hoax.  Yet many believe things not scriptural, and their claims are like the fast T Bird that no one wants, or the Z24 that knocks the wind out of you fast.  Maybe we need to ask, what is worse, believing a lie or passing it on?  You mean you have to ask?

WWJD bracelets were popular a few years back, more clever marketing from commercial religion.  But when I would confront a wearer and ask them if they were a Christian, I also asked “then why if you know Jesus do you have to ask “what would Jesus do?””  Shouldn’t you know?  It seems we may be educated, how many can quote a scripture for any occasion, but don’t know the application, or that it is rote rather than from the heart.  Spend time with anyone who has been in a step by step program and they have the trained response.  Like our dog when she hears the food bowl being filled.  But where is the evidence of Jesus, where is the holy spirit?  Have we been reduced to a memory course on the Bible or have Jesus’ words lost their power?

When he tells us he writes his word on our hearts, and the spirit will give us words too deep when we need them, he has proven it over and over again to us.  We forget that only in America do we have access to multiple Bibles, unlike India, China, and NoKo where having one can mean death.  So before the Guttenberg press changed bookmaking, Jesus made it easy and convenient, by his spirit, the same one that saved us, he wrote his word, the logos, all the Bible on our hearts, which can be accessed by the rhema, the specific word for a specific situation, by his spirit.  So what would Jesus do?  Rather what has Jesus done is a better testimony.  do you share yours, or do you even have one?  If saved, just share how he saved you, and he will provide the words.  For by the word of your testimony and the blood of the lamb you are saved. 

An ad from a church we once attended tells for only $28 you can learn how to see more miracles from a best selling author.  To me it is a miracle, but not from God, that any church would sell something you can get for free, but welcome to religion 101.  I opt out, as you should, ask Jesus into your heart and begin to see miracles.  They are everywhere, and you don’t have to look, God’s work is on display.  Maybe not on TBN or your local house of religion, but everyday to Christians, and to non-believers also.  We don’t have a private channel to see them, he has written them across the sky for all to see.  And being one, can prove it, I have the scar and the files to show it!  Yet for any it is easier to believe a lie than the truth.  Which to me is miraculous, and sad.  Does not 1 John 4 tell us to test the spirit to see if it is from God?  By admitting who Jesus is and his deity?  Or have you fallen for some fake ads, or childrens programs, or special speakers to be your guide?  Only Jesus saves...the rest is a lie.

I wonder if an ad worded like this would work in the church today.  “For sale: salvation given free from the man of God, who is God.  He drives no car, owns no property, only has a following of about a dozen, doesn’t beg for money, encourages you to be yourself and loves you as you are, he just doesn’t want you to stay that way.  He never forces himself or his values on you, has no rules for Bible reading or church attendance, but encourages you to do both.  For your own benefit.  His gospel is free so we can afford it, and simple so we can get it.  He is the truth, let all other men be liars.  If interested, come as you are, wherever you are and ask him into your heart today.  No operators standing by, he is and will stand with you and by you.”  How many of us fell for that offer and gave our lives to him?  Or just attend church, sometimes feeling better? 

Jesus simply backed up his claims by being resurrected on the third day as he promised.  And we who trust in him will also.  Resurrection being and making the difference.  No man can teach you miracles, start by trusting God and being one.  Meeting and sharing with other miracles, and sharing what God has done for you.  Or you can end up with the blue crushed velvet coffin many sit in on Sundays.  Fast will always be a relative word, don’t bet your salvation on it.  Only Jesus saves, and at today’s prices, the miracle still is available.  What would Jesus do?  And you still have to ask....you know they almost had me with the blue velour....but I’m saving my money for the 150 mph Sportster.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ps-If you buy the Triumph, I have a set of original pipes taken off of mine.  Guaranteed to make you faster.....and you will get a better job....and girls flock to you, and......

an afternoon at Enderle

There was a time just a few years ago when if I wanted to go to a car show it was a where and when, as so many were offered.  But times have changed, and the owners who once paid a fee to enter, now participate in cruise nights, or get together for breakfast, with no admission fees and can gather with their friends.  Money saved and and rich fellowship without worrying about having their cars scratched and being told where to park and when you can enter and when you can leave.  Escondido has a huge Cruisin’ Grand, but it too is losing steam of late, the number of cars dwindling, and participant number falling also.  Seems once you have seem the local cars for week after week, you long for a different mix, seeing different cars.  We even just cruise it occasionally....with non-pre-1974 cars parked where signs once warned of for pre-1974 cars only.  So even cruise nights are changing, and what was new once is just old...like the cars.

But needing a turnaround point this Sunday to eat lunch, we rode up to Tustin to the Enderle Center Car Show, its 21st year.  Now Orange County means big bucks, and the cars did not disappoint.  But like any car show, it is looking a the cars and letting them take you back to a former time you remember them by, and the memories flow into words, into sentences, into stories.  Maybe not the most collectible, but the most memorable.  Like the 1975 Pinto station wagon, taking me back to our 1971 Pinto, green outside and green vinyl everything inside.  With many standing around telling their mates a story or two.  A clean 1965 Mustang with the top down, how many of those would you have just died for when a kid?  A 1960 Dodge Power Wagon 4x4, a Tonka truck in real life.  Proving you don’t need speed to be cool.  A 1963 Studebaker pickup with two Columbia bikes in the bed.  Our wheels when the truck was new.  A 1969 Chevelle SS, the same green as the ones at my high school, cool then, cool now.  A pristine 1952 Chevy, an old car that only the old people on my block drove back then.  A 1968 Firebird 400 reminded me of Cathy’s, except hers was red with a four speed.  That you didn’t power shift because the linkage would hang up, many sights of her waist long hair sticking out from underneath, a lady who knew her car.  And drove it accordingly.  A Vista Cruiser wagon a father telling his son were popular when he grew up, another father and son discussion on 1932-37 Ford V-8’s.  Conversations you weren’t part of, or even eavesdropping on, just part of what was going on.  Two Nash Metropolitans, parked next to two Austin Healeys, a 3000 and a Sprite.  Memories of both...all four Made in England.  Even some older VW Beetles, with one 1967 in great shape for $20,000.  Has the price of memories gone that high too?  Did I mention the 1965 Pontiac 2+2, wheel covers removed, like we would have t make it look like a racer?  Or the 1966 Chevelle wagon like my Aunt’s?  Or.....

Do I remember my early days of being a Christian the same way?  I remember Bible studies that were about the application not the educational facts.  Some nights just praying, some just singing and worshipping as the spirit led.  Maybe breaking off with a friend and praying or listening or sharing what God had done for them that week.  It was all about Jesus, with him more important than the study, with no set time to end, or set agenda.  Just Jesus.....as if we needed anything else. 

But we had been studying a Campus Crusade series on gifts of the spirit, a great course and challenging for us younger Christians. It was exciting seeing how God worked in others lives, and we wanted all that God had to offer.  But on one Friday night John Duffy and I couldn’t be tied down to a specific gift as the others were.  And leaving well after midnight, I was taking him home through the university ghetto when we came upon a bad car accident.  Police barricades, ambulances, spotlights set up, it looked like a war zone.  But finding a place to stop, we both got out, walked through the barricade, past the police, and stopped while a victim was being loaded into an ambulance.  His stomach distended, his face showing the pain, John and I laid hands on him and began to pray, as the attendants stopped and respected us.  We then walked back to the car, and I dropped John off both of us never saying a word. Some church folk may comment “not bad for two guys with no spiritual gifts,” but why limit God?  He gives us gifts to be healed, and then to see others healed.  To be taught and then teach, to be shown hospitality then invite others to join in, to get our lives in him organized than help others, and to live like Acts 2:42 shows us, giving and sharing, with Jesus as the reason.  With everyday, every night different and exciting.  That night we were led to serve and pray for the man, I never heard what happened to him, but at that time we were called to pray and we did.  The barriers opening and God leading.  By his spirit...not by any teaching.  Do you limit what the spirit can do in your life by teachings?  By lack of application?  By following a guideline instead of the spirit?  Jesus was a rebel, and those who follow him by his spirit will always be true rebels in the church.  Or you can read about it instead of living him....

The life of a Christian is meant to be a fun filled exciting one.  God never sleeps or slumbers, yet many Christians have become bored again instead of born again.  Same old songs, same old messages, even able to tell by their watch if there is time for one more song, or when the collection is taken.  If you are stuck in a rut, there is a way out.  For just like car shows can bring back memories, so can God.  He can breathe life into a life that is on life support, give hope and a future to one who has none, and be a friend when you have none.  He goes beyond the written word, and by his spirit will take you places no religion can.  Sometimes it is as simple enough as daydreaming on him, the Bible calls it meditating and letting him fill your heart.  He wants you to have all the joys of knowing him, not just knowing all about him.  Like the car show, the facts became stories that came from memories that were shared.  Maybe it is time for you and Jesus to just get out and live!  Walk with a younger believer and share like we do at car shows, passing on memories making the old metal seem real and alive.  Just like Jesus is, fresh and alive!

We do not know what today brings, but God does, and we can be prepared when we are in Christ.  John and I would not be pinned down to one fruit that night, we wanted the whole fruit salad God offered, and then shared it.  No word on the man we prayed for, not even mentioned in the paper.  Unnoticed by man, but not by God.  Religion binds, the spirit is free.  If only the cars had as much value as what God offers us for nothing.  No matter the situation we can get more from it with Jesus.  God heals and forgives....and the price of the restoration is free.  He uses all things for his glory....who would have thought a walk through a car show would be all about Jesus? 

The parable of the cars remembered at Enderle....and of a night riding home from a Bible study.   Only in Jesus will it ever make any sense.......I hope it does to you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

just another reason to ride alone

Have you ever shared a favorite road with a fellow rider only to be disappointed or disgusted after riding it with them?  Too fast, too many curves, no cell service-and this is from sport bike guys who are in their one piece leather and brag about riding Palomar.  Too slow, not enough curves, my GPS says we should have turned back there, and this from touring riders.  Or you mean we are going to ride 350 miles today?  I’ll have to fill up twice!  You mean we won’t stop for lunch until after two, that will take me off my schedule.  And that and other excuses are the reason that I ride alone.   Over the years taking friends and others I know on great roads only to have them complain, I tell these Goldie Locks half a sissy riders “I’m going alone.”  And off I go......

Over the years of doing crowd rides, you only go as fast as the slowest person.  You only take roads they feel safe on, and stay on freeways fighting traffic.  You may stop for 45 minutes for them to fill up, they only use a certain brand of gas, will only eat certain foods, and ride with certain brands.  And brag to each other how challenging the ride was, and how they feel so safe in the group.  Missing out on the personal side of each ride, exercising both mind and body while riding, eating where they want, filling up when they need to, and going places not on the map.  Sometimes grousing how they will never do it again, until next week’s crowd ride.  And the cycle-no pun intended, continues....

Highway 25 in Central California is one of those roads best ridden alone.  Sixty miles of curves, braking from 100 to 20, scraping pegs in the technical stretches, with elevation changes and no cell service.  No gas in between so fill up, no food, no stores.  Just you and the road....a ride best done alone to ride your own ride.  Living in Durango we rode the Million Dollar Highway many times.  With many a first timer stopping to look, take pictures, rest because of the elevation, and having to rest in Silverton before going over Red Mountain and into Ouray.  Again, best done alone.  The Road to Escalante, Highway 12 is no place for a group ride.  Riding upon a road feeling like you are on top of the world, some cannot keep up, some won’t.  While some will wish they stayed home with their GPS.  And you will wish they had too....Highway 33 in Wisconsin, 421 in Oklahoma and North Carolina, 22 in New York State, 7 and 100 in Vermont, the letter roads of Missouri, Loess Hills, pronounced Luss in Iowa, even the locals don’t know about this one, roads in the Masabi Range in Minnesota, Lolo Pass, Going to the Sun Road, Skyline Drive south of San Francisco, Gold Rush Highway, Texas Hill Country, 50 across West Virginia, 555 and 800 in Southern Ohio, 52 following the Ohio River in Indiana, and the list goes on.  Each road different, as each rider is.  With so many roads and so little time to do them, why mess them up with a crowd ride?  Don’t we ride just to get away sometimes....you see there are some who just own motorcycles, and then the rest of us who love to ride them......

Riding like being a Christian is a personal thing.  And we all need encouragement along the way.  Some brag on where the go to church, their study habits, and ability to quote scripture, but like the slow guy on the fast bike, don’t enjoy the ride.  Trying to keep up with studies, it has become a burden, and when it becomes too much, leave the church, and sadly sometimes put Jesus on hold.  I have learned to be compassionate and sensitive to other’s struggles, but find many times they are self inflicted.  And just need Jesus without all the religion man burdens us with.  How sad that Christians have a reputation for killing their own wounded, when we tell others about God’s love but fail to show it.  Just as there are some who only own a bike, some only own Jesus, a cross around the neck, a bumper sticker, known by others at church.  But when confronted with a different road, one that threatens how they live, they go off and after praying and God doesn’t answer the prayer the way they asked, go shopping their problem too others, by passing the holy spirit.  How many rough roads I have ridden turned into beauty after a few miles of dirt, or a section that had me cursing ever being on it?  Does not Jesus tell us “in this life there will be tribulation,” you won’t always get your way, but you can have his!  If only we can be encouraged in Christ during these times, what a difference it would make.

And it does, as so many are full of the logos of God, the entire written scriptures we call the Bible, but fail to connect with  his rhema, the individual holy spirit driven word given just for that time and situation.  No group or church ride, this is where we get personal with Jesus, his will not ours, until our will is his will.  What a difference in the ride and the relationship.  Yet too many seek the safety within the crowd, never reaching out to the individual who can save and heal.  Jesus is a road to ride alone, and driven by his spirit to fellowship with others.  Real Christians don’t just go to church, we are the church, and wherever two or three are gathered in his name, he is present.  And since you are given his spirit upon salvation, and his promise to never leave you, you are never alone, and always with the perfect prayer partner.  You may ride alone, but you are never alone, for he is always with you!

Maybe one of the times I learned this was spending an afternoon telling Jesus all about rides I had taken.  He had as much fun hearing as I did telling, he had been along and remembered them too.  Nothing religious here, just two friends talking and spending time together.  Do you know Jesus like that?  Would you like to?  Listen to what the spirit is saying, he talks in a small voice, but is always audible.  Dare to ride alone with him, avoid the religious dogma and crowd incited worship, and let him lead.  If he can save, who better to guide you?  To know what you need, and to provide it?  Let him speak loving words to you that are good for the soul, that refresh and renew.  We are all just one moment away from one bad ride day, trust the Lord and see where he takes you. 

You see I didn’t mention 32 in Pennsylvania, 14 in New Mexico, the Mogollon Rim, 23 in Arkansas, 7 in West Virginia, 101 on the Olympic peninsula, or riding across the Yupper.  When you get off mainstream religion and into Jesus, the road choices only get better.  Like 34 in Rocky Mountain National Park or Highway 1 to Key West.  There is so much more to Jesus than just religion...if you only get out and let him lead. If you are nodding your head, you know, if not, what are you waiting for?  You see there is this short 20 mile stretch of road between Santa Paula and Ojai, just calling my name.....let’s ride.  With Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com