First off, I hope you all had a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Even without jobs, finances, and health we still have so much to be thankful for. Some of the talk this Thanksgiving turned to the state of the motorcycle economy, and how it is effecting the motorcycle community. Within the last 60 days the Love Ride has been cancelled due to low interest. Are things that tough in Hollywood that they can't come up with the $60 fee to ride in it? Seems so, as they had only about 10% response, this to a ride that has over 20,000 riders annually. I can see it now, WILL ACT FOR FOOD signs on Hollywood Boulevard. Leaning on their $100k custom chopper.
It also meant the end of Buell Motorcycles, as Harley pulled the plug on them, and has MV Augusta for sale. Seems their profits were off 83% last quarter, and their stock prices are reflecting it. I used to think the business of Harley Davidson was to make bikes, but realize now it is to make money. And that non-producers are expendable. And that the unions have taken over some plants, and forcing them to close. Dealers who had spent mega bucks to build large dealerships with freeway access are closing, and sales are off industry wide 50%. I hope that they learned from the auto industry-I would hate to see the government take over the motorcycle industry too. They did such a stellar job with cars, but a discount check of $4500 to buy bikes would definitely stimulate our economy.
And within the motorcycling community, we notice our numbers shrinking. Posers, who bought into the lifestyle, and actually rode 20 miles at a time, are gone. Their bikes are for sale, and some good deals are to be had. If you have the cash. I also notice that along with rally numbers down, the biker community in whole is down, the exception being the Toys for Tots Ride that had record numbers two weeks ago. Patriotism and motorcyclists still go hand in hand, and I hope always will.
But I also see some hanging on, when they should be moving on. Stuck in a rut-as my friend described as a grave with both ends open-hanging on to whatever vestige of what was still is. Tough decisions, when to move on, or when to change. And when I see churches losing attendance, and still living the same way, I wonder-do they get it? Are they listening to the spirit? And I wonder sometimes if I am. Decisions, as you get closer to God, don't necessarily get easier, but the access to the answers does. The key is being in the spirit. I see clubs losing their way, but not changing-becoming social clubs and missing their initial calling. Members being intimidated into participating, not realizing you cannot legislate a ministering spirit. And it is not they missed God, but became legalistic-becoming performance based, and cliquish-not allowing the spirit to guide them. Or in a more business-like analogy-they lost their purpose for being in business. And I know some who never got it at all. But talk a good game. Until asked to perform-then the excuses fly. And are so prevalent that they become truth-at least to them espousing them. Their emperor having no new clothes, but the club line says he did.
You see I wonder, why Pastor Chuck can still have three services of over 3000 each, but some can't get 30 people to a meeting? Why do the Black Sheep get 200 people to a breakfast once a month, and some clubs only have 3 or 4 patched members? I was told it is that there are too many things to do in southern Cal-tell that one to Pastor Chuck-or better yet tell it to God! No excuses-if God calls-GO! If He says stay-STAY! And if He says wait-WAIT! But listen to God, and not to our own desires. Quit planning, and start doing!
Remember this-as any company who has failed knows-it comes down to product. You put out a good one, you got customers. A lousy one, and you are gone soon. Is God in charge of your product development? And it also comes down to marketing-as Harley has proven. But what do you do when the image fades, and reality looks you in the eye?
But always leave things of God to God. No formulas, plans, or campaigns. Let the spirit guide. Look at what it was able to do with 11 itinerant, untrained heathens. But for Jesus in their lives, would have never been known by history. But in the spirit are main characters in the best selling book ever written. No excuse makers, no club issues-just Jesus! Do you think maybe there is something there for you? Remember God is recession proof, has never been out of work, never needed a bailout, and is just waiting for you to call on Him. We will know by your walk if you do.
The last person off the Titanic still went down with it. Today ask God, bravely-"where do you want me to minister?" And get your riding clothes ready. You see the spirit never stopped moving-we did! No more excuses-follow God now, and enjoy a life of excitement, and blessings. Or let's hang on to what we've got-even though it may not seem like a lot. It is your choice-but God's desire you follow Him.
Moving at the speed of God-are you? Only in the spirit will you discover the truth. Let the blessings begin!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com