detoured, not deterred

I watched Pat Robertson being interviewed long ago by a man who travels. The man was telling that he very rarely if ever had trouble with anyone, and always seemed to meet the nicest people while on the road. To which Pat replied, "that's because you are a nice person." And somehow it all made sense. And as I sit here, I can think of the times and places that I travelled, that if a kindness had not been shown me by a local to where I was a stranger, that the time spent would have been different. And also brought up the sad memories of when I was a little less than a stellar traveler. I have found that a smile, and comments on how nice the area is can bring about a return smile, and lead me to places not on any map. It has fed me when I was hungry, and got me to where I was going, eventually after some great detours when meeting nice people along the way.

In 1974 Bill and I rode our bikes to Summer Jam-the Dead, the Band, and the Allman Brothers playing at Watkins Glen. Which turned into a fiasco for the locals, as people literally over ran their property and destroyed it. It was almost out of control for riding, so we left-spending the night along the road sleeping next to our bikes. The next day undeterred, or is it undetoured, we followed US 20 into a little town called Leroy, NY. Which just happened to be celebrating its 300th anniversary. Now how many of you have gotten to do that? We parked our bikes, and unlike the Easy Rider treatment that was still fresh in our minds, and sadly much of America, we had a blast. As the parade came down the street, we were shown into a parking space on the parade route, just in time. No one hassling, but excited that we got parked just in time. Young kids, at least to us seasoned 20 year olds, looked dreamily at our bikes, and asked questions. And the girls, well, we looked dreamily at them. Maybe a mutual admiration society, each desiring what the other had. But the whole town was that way. We ate fresh food, corn on the cob, and ate hot dogs. We drank Cokes, and watched the parade, as the old timers laughed and made comments to the new timers, which someday would be passed on to the next generation. Although we knew no one, and no one knew us-we felt like old friends, and it was hard to leave after the parade. It was just an hour or two in time, but it felt timeless among the celebrants of this friendly town. And in my heart, Leroy will always have a special place. It was Hometown, USA and they made us feel right at home. Long hair, motorcycles and all.

Last Saturday I was reminded again of how God puts people in our path, and us in theirs. We were eating at the Hat in Brea, after going to an old car show. Not much on pastrami, we ate onion rings, BBQ-guess who had that, and a steak sandwich. But we kept watching the chili cheese fries go by, heaped with pastrami and changed my attitude towards pastrami. While waiting my turn for the men's room, I watched as a young couple tried to empty their order, and commented to them that it looked so good that it should be illegal. To which they nodded, mouths full of chili and pastrami. Going back to the table, Theresa and I agreed next time up we would share a platter-this was no wimpy sized order. When looking up this couple walked over to us-and he said "would you like to finish these? There is no way we can-and I saw how you looked at them when we were talking." And you know, in a society where we should have said no, we said yes. And we were blessed, and watching as this young couple was blessed by sharing with us. In Brea, at lunch time, in 2010. Yes, such things still happen today. I don't find anywhere in the Bible where God's blessings have an expiration date. And my mind went back to Leroy, and how there are still nice people left out there today. You may even be one.

And very simply, this is how to witness. In the brief moment we saw the hand of God, blessing both couples. No scripture or tracts were exchanged-no where do you go to church, or even asking about Jesus. God chose to bless us-simple enough. And we got to show kindness-a fruit of the spirit and were shown kindness. Travelers in a new place. It was a loving father seeing His kids happy, and how often we forget that as we go "witnessing." To that couple-I pray continued blessings on you for your kindness-and may you grow in Christ. You reminded me that afternoon that I have many friends I haven't met yet, and offering food to a stranger is a great way to bless. "Witnessing " more and enjoying less? Let the spirit of God shine through you. It is His light not yours. Turn off the high beams, and turn on the smiles. This couple answered a prayer, a desire only God would know, and only He could meet. Let Him use you today-but be ready, for love shows up when you least expect it. Sometimes 3000 calories at a time!

The fruit of the spirit is kindness. Welcome somebody into your life today. Earn the right to share Jesus by sharing like Jesus did. You meet the nicest people when you trust God. And the benefits can't be beat. Think I'll start a chili cheese fries ministry. Any volunteers?

love with compassion,

Mike

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Christians-the real wild ones

I love being among bikers. In fact most of the time I prefer them to any other group. They respect me, accept me as I am, and generally don't want any hassles, or to be hassled. And at rallies it is popular to see a shirt on one of these social rebels that says "does not play well with others." And we take the attitude that this leathered up, tattoo wearing, biker type is advertising that he doesn't mess with anyone, and usually is implied on a physical basis. But I have not yet encountered one who didn't return a wave, say hi, or talk motorcycles if you commented on his bike. For that is our common denominator, and although what you ride is important, that you ride gives you membership in the brotherhood. Yes, some don't play well with others, but they don't need the shirt to tell you-just look at the attitude-it tells more than any t-shirt ever could.

But it also implies that if he doesn't play well, that the others do. And that is not necessarily true. As a Christian biker, I know many rebels, in fact the only rebel shirt I have tells me I am a rebel for Christ. And I find even many hard core bikers will respect that-if you respect them first. Their version of the golden rule. Try that on your co-worker instead of preaching at him-see the difference. But to be a rebel, you must go against the norm-the accepted, the rules that govern whatever group you want to be part of. And rules don't set you free!

I had a boss call me a rogue once-a polite rebel, because I got things done, not going by the rules-but not breaking them either. I prefer fine tuning them. I didn't play well with others, and my customers appreciated it-I got 'er done, and correct, while others still were on the treadmill wondering what was going on. Like when they invent a better mousetrap, the mice get together and invent a better mouse. And the beat goes on...

Many Christians I know and respect don't play well with others. As well as some historic figures in the church. Imagine how many t-shirts Martin Luther could have sold. They would have lined up for them. 95 Theses Enterprises. I'd like to have had that concession. He really didn't play well with others. Yet he wasn't playing well with others who were in sin-he chose to stand with God. Try that-it really makes you a rebel. And look at the repercussions some 500+ years later. Playing well with those who are wrong is the problem-not standing by God. 40+ years ago Pastor Chuck Smith broke away from a binding denomination and followed a simple premise God gave him, teach the word, the whole word. To everyone-hippies, bikers, and the religious types too. And placed him in the very midst of the Jesus Movement. Not playing well with organized religion, but trusting God-what a concept. And the t-shirts-you still see them today, just bought one last weekend. "His offer still stands," the words over a picture of the crosses at Calvary. And Calvary Chapel flourishes today not because of Chuck, but because men chose to obey God rather than man. And like Martin Luther, how the mainline churches still talk about him. And many just don't get it. When maybe they shouldn't be talking-but rather listening to God.

And in my personal testimony, God is taking me places I never thought I would go-obeying Him and breaking away from a mainline ministry, and following the vision He gave me. Becoming what He wants me to be in Him, not being molded into where they think I should fit. You can say that maybe I don't play well with others, but that would be wrong. Following Christ will always exact a response from the religious. Remember, you are breaking their number one rule-not following their edicts. Remember your mother saying "if all your friends were jumping off a cliff would you follow?" And you would have, just to spite her, but really just wanted the freedom to say no yourself. God gives us that freedom-not found in religion, denominational boundaries, and organizational rules. In fact, the first rule you make generally ruins the freedom to be in the spirit, which is where God lives and wants you to live-not just visit. And sadly many who follow God outside or independent of an organization, fall prey to the murmurings of that organization. But I find one-on-one, they really wish they had the courage to follow their hearts-peer pressure no matter what form can be dangerous.

Today you may the chance to not play well with others. Stop and help the homeless guy while all others laugh. Treat an old person with respect. Offer to let someone in line ahead of you. Simple stuff. Christians-share Jesus with someone, and use words when needed, risking possible embarrassment. And to those stuck between choosing God and an organization-choose God. Twenty years ago, I caught a pastor lying from the pulpit. We made eye contact-he knew that I knew. But that is between him and God. But we left the church, finding lies in other areas-and certainly not love. When Theresa after 18 months felt the kids needed to be in church we went back-although I had grown tremendously in God-read His word-you may be amazed. And at the door, good ole Bro. So and So met me-"Mike, where you been?" as if I had abandoned the church, and I was going to be the soul he saved that morning. And I wondered, if he really cared, why didn't he call? But my answer told him in one sentence. "I had to make a choice between this denomination and God-and I chose God!" I can still see him standing there-probably thinking we don't need his kind anyway-HE DOESN'T PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS!

Trust God today. Ditch the rules, regulations, and unfair pressures that the law puts on you. Jesus died so you can be free in the spirit. So don't play well with others who want to put you in a religious bind-just love them. And remember you were once like them, and enjoy the freedom only found walking in the spirit. God's kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Love. Your brother as yourself, thus fulfilling the commandment of Jesus. Rise up in a relationship-not an organization. Never has being a rebel been so rewarding. Does not play well with others-but prays well for others. And only God will only really know...

love with compassion,

Mike

mathew25biker.blogspot.com

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if not for the grace of God, there go I...

Fact-lost things are always found the last place you look. Now it is up to you inventive types to find a way to go to that last place first. Think of all the time and money you can save by inventing this. And it will give us more time to lose more things, and the vicious cycle continues. Ideas are welcomed, as lately, more things seemed to get misplaced, and amazingly are always found right where they were left. But not always where we think we put them.

I would like you to see who, or whom you identify with in the next story. It really happened to me two weeks ago. Be honest, and then see where you find yourself, and why.

The people at the tailor's shop were kind enough to sew on a patch while I waited. So I decided to walk around downtown Escondido for 15 minutes. While walking I noticed a tall, homeless looking man coming towards me, where the sidewalk was narrow due to a sidewalk cafe. As he came closer, I stopped and let him pass-it was too narrow for both of us. He had his head down, hood over much of his face, and was carrying a pillow. Not making eye contact. When he saw me, he looked up, and I said "hey man, how's it going?" And he stopped, started to cry, and told me he was having a lousy day. So I turned and started to ask him questions, not probing, just wanting help. What's up, etc. And how can I help? His name was Curtis and he was from Arizona. He had just gotten out of jail in Mesa, was 19 years old, and had been abused. His family did not want him, so he came to California with his 17 year old sister, Corinne, and her friend. The previous afternoon, they had gotten roused by the cops for hanging out, and he had lost his sister when she fled the scene. He had told the same story to the police, and they said he they were looking for her. He had no money, was hungry, scared, and after the police booked him, released him. And once he went back to Arizona, he would be under arrest for a parole violation, and he didn't wish to go back to jail. But was frantic to find his sister!

He also had walked from Citrus to Center City Parkway twice, about four miles each direction. He explained he met some guys in back of a liquor store who gave him the pillow and sweatshirt, and had slept in a cardboard box there-and it was cold that night.

And my heart broke. Very calmly I asked him if he believed in prayer. He said yes, and let me pray for him out on the sidewalk. I prayed for peace, calm, and that he would find his sister. And we felt God's peace. I then offered him breakfast, so we walked a couple of blocks to Champions. Never been there, but heard it was good. Now, just prior to walking in, we encountered a couple who walked so we could not pass them. He seemed ok, but she had an attitude. Best described as #$*&@. You know, the fat, nasty ones who have license plate frames that say "yield to the princess" or "foxey Lady. And they are anything but. And they entered the diner before us, and stopped to visit. As we passed them to sit down, she gave us a snooty look, even sticking her nose in the air. How dare she have to share this planet with us? And now the same diner? We sat down, and waited for a waitress-which seemed like an eternity. It was like the scene in Easy Rider where no one would wait on them, until Billy started singing "the man is at the door, the man is at the door..." except we didn't leave. Finally a waitress approached us-my homeless friend Curtis with his pillow and hood over his head and me in my biker lite mode. When she saw we weren't spreading disease, she loosened up while many citizen types stared while we ordered, and then proceeded to eat. I am sure we surprised many by our abilities to use a fork. We ate, he was starved, and scared, and after I told him to use the bathroom and clean up while I waited. Interestingly, no one made conversation with us the whole time including the waitress, who was good to us, but could feel the pressure from her normal patrons because we were in "their" diner. We have a reputation to maintain you know, can't have hungry people in here...

We left, I got my jacket, and Curtis told me he would be ok, there was nothing else I could do for him. I had assured him the police were not looking for his sister, as he thought they would be, and God would take care of it. I gave him some money, telling him I trusted him it wasn't for drugs, and gave him my card. Told him keep in touch then left. Doing all I could, but feeling like an incomplete task was done, but not finished.

Needless to say I thought of him all day. And to my surprise, while talking with my friend Bob on the phone, he called in and left a message. He said "this is Curtis, the man you prayed for. I found my sister and wanted to thank you. I'm ok now, thanks." Hallelujah! Prayer answered! But it was his words that stuck with me. Even though I had fed him, and given him money, he remembered me as the man who had prayed for him. Because God had answered our prayer from that morning! And I hope he knew it was God who had answered his prayer!

So who are you in the story? Are you lost, and scared? Are you a stranger, and hungry and homeless. Or are you an arrogant citizen who has no time for the downtrodden? A servant, like the waitress, scared to do her job because of social pressures. Or are you just someone who loves the Lord enough to feed a hungry kid, as the good Samaritan did, and pray for him? Some days I am all of the above, but that morning I was a good Samaritan. God knew exactly what this Lazarus needed, and chose me to use to bless Curtis. He is someone's son, could be yours, but to God he is a lost and scared soul. Just the kind He died for on Good Friday.

The man who prayed for me. What a way to be remembered. The intangible he chose to identify me with, not the tangible. Wow! And that is the way I see Jesus. Praying for us, then meeting our needs. He knows where the lost are, and uses us to minister to them. Would you take in a stranger? Remember Jesus took us in before we were saved. Just a thought for next time the spirit moves your heart, and you wish to hide or say no. Curtis was blessed, but I was more so. I got to see the gospel in action, and grew closer to Jesus. And that is why we minister to a lost and dying world. The love of Jesus, who went back when you were the one in 99 lost. When you were hungry, when you were alone, and when you didn't fit in and were scared. He didn't ask personal, probing questions. He just loved. May we follow His example as He changes lives-ours included. Lost and found-just a scared kid, but in the eyes of the Lord, doing it for Him, as when we do it to the least, we are doing it to Him.

Thanks Lord, for He is still praying for us-right now. And someone today will enter your life to bless you. And it is all about Jesus!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it takes a thief

I read the news today, oh boy, about a lucky man who got his Sportster back. Actually last week, as a man who had his 1972 Sportster stolen in the mid-seventies recently had it recovered. In a good news/bad news story, it had been auctioned off, and when the winning bidder came to claim it, discovered that it had been impounded as stolen. And since it had changed hands many times in the past 35 years, the only crime that seems to be committed here is against the man who won the bid. The old owner had been compensated by insurance 35 years ago, and gone onto other rides, and the guy who sold it didn't know of its dubious history. Only in today's environment could the police solve a crime and end up with additional victims. And a bike with too many owners, but no one with possession. Try that one on Hollywood? Meanwhile, the bike sits-evidence in a crime, without suspects. And you ask, what's the matter with this picture?

Commandment seven of the Ten Commandments tells us thou shalt not steal. And having been the victim of having two cars stolen and my house broken into, I can tell you that it is not always the things taken that are the most disturbing, but having been violated, and losing a trust in a security system, your fellow man, and the ones hired to protect. Insurance always more than covered us for the missing items, but for awhile the things that go bump in the night bother you. And even though you learn to trust again, you never fully regain what has been taken from you.

Now 2000 years in the Roman Empire they took stealing more seriously. Many times you would pay for it with your life-so when lusting for that item you may wonder if it is worth dying for. And the ultimate capital punishment was crucifixion, so cruel and nasty that it would be enough of a deterrent. But one particular Friday, three men were hung on crosses on a hill called Calvary, or Golgotha-place of the skull. Two men were convicted thieves, the man in the middle innocent of any crimes as charged. And in only a few verses we learn about these three men. First the thieves. Both did not deny their guilt. Both recognized their sin, but only one cried out to the only one who could save him. That third man being Jesus Christ-who by dying on the cross would save His people from their sin. For by the little faith the one thief had, he asked for forgiveness, and was told that he would see God tonight in paradise. And by receiving Jesus, was not saved from his earthly death sentence, but his eternal one in hell.

But little is ever said about the third thief on the cross-the man in the middle. It is always said, and scripturally so, that He was innocent of any crimes. The false charges that took Him to the cross, and the violent death He died are very often told, particularly around Easter time. But their is another story, not often told. When the Jewish leaders tried bringing false testimony against Him, they blew it. Even appealing to Pilate since the Jews had no power over life and death among criminals, they had to make up false claims-when the truth was right in front them, and Jesus even admitted to His guilt.

You see place between the two thieves on the crosses, the third one, in the middle, was the greatest thief of all time. And admittedly so, and still continues in His criminal activities today. You see Jesus promised to take away your sin, to take your burdens and pain. And has taken more sin and unhappiness than could be documented, and still continues in that today. He even admitted it to the Jews and anyone within hearing of His voice. And those who spend time with Him find that He will also steal your heart. More than millions, on a crime spree that has lasted for over 2000 years. Two convincing pieces of evidence, that any Christian can attest to. And be a witness of. You see that third thief, came to take away your sin, and as a final act showed in front of the guards and other witnesses that He was guilty. And that same evidence still continues today. And the witnesses of Him taking their sin, and stealing their hearts still testify about what He has done, and is doing.

Are you witness to the crime I speak of? Have you let Jesus take your sin and save you? As you get to know Him has He stolen your heart? For in His being a thief of hearts, He was unique in that He didn't leave your vessel empty. But filled it with something that was missing-His spirit. Love and forgiveness, the two things missing but promised by God that every man desires, only found in Jesus. You see it takes a thief. And you can live today because of what He did, and does. You see He took my pain, my sorrow, my sin, and my strife-and replaced it with His love and forgiveness. Guilty-so would be found not guilty. And unlike the story of Robin Hood who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, He takes from the poor and makes them rich!

Today I stand before you as a witness of a crime that happened 2000 years ago, and in my life 35 years ago. I was robbed! Of my sin and unhappiness! Jesus Christ stole my heart! Jesus Christ-guilty as not charged! And in His last dying moments, stayed true to His heart-still desiring to steal yours!

Jesus Christ who proved crime pays-by stealing your heart and taking away your sin. The evidence is there. Let Him prove it to you today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

sealed for your protection

Over the years I have found I like going to work more when I have fun with the people I work with. I don't and never have done boring, overly professional situations well, seems I am not quite adult to do their boring situations. Starting with an early job at Sears, this group of men I worked with on the receiving platform formed my work ethics-which led me to the belief of what good is fun if you don't enjoy it. So I had fun. We unloaded trucks, priced the items, and sent it to the appropriate part of the warehouse underneath the store. PC was our boss, who disliked us, but we were all so good he couldn't fire us, but the docks were really run by Dominic Ianucci-great name and a great guy. A bit older than us, he would tolerate quite a bit, realizing we would get the work done if left to our own sordid habits. Actually, there was a fear factor there, I can't tell you how many times he just looked at me and shook his head in disbelief, but we loved him. And respected him.

And because of letting us to our own devices, we made his life more interesting. Like the time my friend Glenn cut his hand on a metal band-those things could cut you so quick you could lose a pint before you felt the pain. Using paper towels and masking tape, we fixed him up and unloaded the trailer. And being funny, signed all the bills of lading in his blood, using a paper clip. And it was funny until the ICC guy showed up-seems anything signed in red means not received, and they were accusing him of hijacking the whole truckload. Fortunately Dom intervened, but we were reminded of how if you take a simpleton, give him a title with a clipboard and badge, how things can get blown out of proportion.

And I can still see Pete Busch standing under the NO SMOKING sign with the fire inspector-having a smoke with him, because that was where the ashtray was. Bending, as we thought, but never fully breaking the rules. We only looked at them as a challenge to our sanity-and being insane most of the time gave us a much different perspective of how things should work.

One of the guys was Richie, who at 5'8" and 330 pounds was built like a transformer. We called him "Big Fat Witzie," like a kid would mispronounce his name and he hated it. So of course that is what we called him. One of our jobs was to receive and unload a trailer each afternoon. Richie was known for unloading a section, then building a wall of merchandise and sleeping behind it. We all used this system for various nefarious plans, but one day Richie fell asleep behind a wall of 12 lawnmowers stacked to the roof. When the driver showed up to take the supposedly empty trailer, he put a seal on the door after closing it-thinking the mowers were returns, and then took the trailer. With Richie asleep behind them. With ICC law saying only at the final destination could the seal be broken. Bon voyage Witzie!

Now this trailer happened to be going to Pittsburgh, some 300+ miles away, so we didn't see Richie for a few days. And when someone asked where he was, referred him to Dom, who was trying to save his job and also his own. So we were told he went home sick, and would be out for a few days. And the plan worked, except Richie always thought I locked him in, and made me sorry I missed the chance. But afterwards, Dom had us unload the trucks in pairs, for safety reasons, he said, but really to cover each others backs. No more mid- afternoon naps in trailers-or any other fun! For a while. And not much was ever said about Richie's trip to Pittsburgh, I always wondered what the guys thought when they opened the trailer and found Richie there. With no papers-maybe that is why they sent him back.

But a brotherhood was formed that day, among us, of respect and trust. Based on enforcing a lie brought us all closer because of this. And even among ourselves, we would laugh-never when Richie was there-and definitely not when PC was in the room. But we stuck together through this episode, and actually built a trust with each other-I can say no one ever took a trip in a trailer again! And learned a great deal of respect for Dom and how he handled the situation. He was Richies' saviour that day-at least of his job, and at the possible expense of his own.

It is sad however, how we had to cover a sin with another to keep from more trouble. But that was our audience, and it worked for them. Give them an answer that fits a choice on their clipboard. The truth would only make things worse, as I'm not sure there was a box to be marked for sleeping on the job in a trailer. And Jesus knows your sin. And loves us despite it, so we don't have to make up another story to cover our sin. Yet I see myself and others when caught as kids, just make up a story that we think would appease our parents, or teachers, and make everything all right. And some still do as adults. Numbers tells us that our sin will find us out, not God. Ask David about Bathsheba. So why be afraid to tell Him, and be forgiven? Perhaps because of early lessons of how God is going to get you-wrong. Or how He will punish you and make you do deeds to get into heaven-wrong again. And because of this, and comparing Him to your earthly father-who could appear as both God and the devil-as well as Santa Claus, we learned naughty and nice was how we were judged. But in reality, He is much different. When we ask Him into our hearts, we are forgiven. Past, present, and future. He doesn't see it-although we still continue to make mistakes, our hearts have changed so we don't want to do the same things. And like Richie's trip, He doesn't bring them up-remember when you are accused, it is Satan-not God who does it. So bask in His forgiveness, and forgive yourselves. No rules can make you more obedient, but His love can. And get on with your life.

Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another was shown in a crude form by Dom that day. Jesus' way is pure. Read the gospels, and find how He forgave those in sin, in pain, and who did not believe. He showed love where others brought up the law. And unlike the trailer Glenn received in red blood, His blood atones for our mistakes, and our names are written forever in the book of life-by His blood we are saved.

I forgot to add this epeisode to the list of things I am forgiven for-don't you make the same mistake. All sin is forgiven at the cross. And no matter where you lay your head, Jesus is there with you. Even on your way to Pittsburgh in a trailer. Open your eyes and heart and receive Him into your life today. No excuses made or offered. He is the truth-I like that.

I just hope Richie, Dom, and the others from 40 years ago have, too. God touch them wherever they are, in Jesus name.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and unto them, a child was born...

I have always wanted two sons. And God has honored my request by giving me Christopher and Andrew. But what many of you don't know is that I have three children. No, not from another marriage, or out of wedlock, or before I met Theresa, or from her before she met me. In between my two sons, Theresa had a miscarriage, and we have a child in heaven, one we have never yet to hold, but have loved and will be united with some day. I can remember the news when Dr. Pirnat explained that she had miscarried. He explained that they don't know why, maybe the child had its thumb in its ear too far. But God knew, and knows, and in His infinite mercy allowed this child to by-pass the horrors of earth, and go directly into glory. No initial crying when born-that alone ought to tell us how we all come into the world, and no stress that living on earth provides. Just eternal bliss, without the pain we have here. God showed mercy, that while this child never knew this world, it was and is alive-and in heaven with Jesus! Not only a comforting thought, but a truth as well-with the promise that if we choose Jesus we will be united with him or her someday.

But like I said, I have two sons, and God gave us Andrew after we lost our second child. A true blessing, disguised in all the things boys can be, and then all the things you wish they wouldn't. But God honored my desire, and gave me my second son. Not as a replacement for the one lost before birth, but in addition to, as no child should ever replace another. He chose to bless me with three children, but keeps me patient, yet anxious to meet the child I have never seen. I believe He calls it love, and I cannot describe it, nor will I try. Words will only lessen it. But in God and this situation, I have seen mercy, I have seen grace, and a side of God I would not have known under different circumstances. I have seen a glimpse of a grieving father, and have an insight to what God felt when He saw His son on the cross-dying for us.

It is sad that the God who gives life, allowed Adam and Eve's second son to be taken by murder. Perhaps this speaks of the evil heart of man, but God showed mercy to Eve in her mourning, and gave her Seth, in place of her slain son Abel. And the Bible makes an interesting comment after his birth, that this was the time that men began to call upon the name of the Lord. And Seth was not given to replace Abel, but in place of the one who had been taken from her.

God also knows the tragedy of losing a child, as He gave His only son. Not to replace one lost, but in our place, because we were lost. And through Jesus we will be reunited with God in heaven. With Abel, and Seth, and our second child, and all the others who have preceded us into eternity in heaven. To those who have lost a child, I cannot, nor do I desire to understand what you feel, but God does. That hole in your heart can only be filled by a loving God, so you must let Him. And sometimes it means letting go, and holding onto that which you cannot hold, that you cannot see, or cannot feel. But your faith, your trust tells you Jesus is there, and only His tender spirit can comfort. I pray you let Him today.

Heaven will be filled with so many who never knew life on earth, but know life in heaven. God's mercy and grace extend to all the heavens, and are not restricted to earth. To those lost before birth, or aborted, or who died too early for us, they wait patiently for us. And will greet us, and when we are in the Lord's presence we will wonder why we ever doubted, or mourned-the glory will be so overwhelming. But as for now, we must be patient, and encourage others to seek Jesus-their only hope. Who tells us today is the day of salvation-let it be yours. And also says that He is patient that none should perish. But reminds us that no man or child is promised tomorrow. Don't confuse delaying with waiting-seek Him today. And let Him comfort you, so that you may comfort others. Pray for those who are considering an abortion-let them know of the precious life inside them. They may consider it not a child, but if it isn't, then are they really pregnant?

The gift of two sons God has given me has brought me closer to God than I ever thought I would be. A blessing sometimes through anger and pain, but always ending in love. And I must confess, I am a sucker for a happy ending. But also a sucker for a happy now. Enjoy your family while you can, they grow up too fast, and start their own. Share Jesus with them now, as tomorrow may be too late. And to those who have loved ones in heaven, remember King David's words when told about the loss of his son. "I can go to him, but he cannot come to me." Someday soon, going with Him, someday soon...

love from a compassionate father of three,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

family ties

How many of you remember the Patty Duke Show? She played Patty Lane, who just happened to have a cousin who could be her identical twin. And they would have fun sometimes at others expense, sometimes planned, sometimes accidental. But although they looked alike, they were completely different. Cathy, her well bred cousin was quasi-sophisticated, where Patty was described as a hot dog makes her lose control. Food must have been different back in the 60's. And I marveled myself at how much they looked alike, with the difference in their voices the main difference. I never told anyone, but I thought they were two different actors, and was amazed at how two girls could be so identical. Chalk one up for youth-actually ignorance, as they were both played by Patty Duke. And add that to the list of ageless questions about women at that age-Ginger or MaryAnn, Betty or Veronica, and now Patty or Cathy? To anyone who thinks growing up used to be easy, never had to deal with teen age hormones. For the record it was Mary Anne, Veronica, and the jury is still out on the Patty/Cathy thing.

Interchangeable cousins are nothing new, as even Mark Twain wrote the Prince and the Pauper, where two men exchange identities for a time, with a poor urchin taking over for a prince, and vice-versa. And you can imagine the many scenarios yourself. I prefer the fun ones, although Hollyweird has produced some wretched and perverse ones. But rest assured, even on the first date, most men could tell the difference between Patty and Cathy. Even today, two cousins recently switched identities to defraud someone.

Fortunately, all cousins are not the same. In Luke we find two sets of cousins, who are represented as mothers and their sons. Cousins Elizabeth and Mary. We find Elizabeth, barren in her old age, visited by Gabriel, the angel, and told she will conceive a child. And then six months later, we find her younger cousin Mary, the virgin, visited by Gabriel again, and told she will conceive, although a virgin. And the next time she meets Elizabeth, John, who is inside Elizabeth jumps and receives the Holy spirit. And Mary stays with Elizabeth until the birth of her son. And when Mary later gives birth to Jesus, it is John, who baptizes Him, and sees the Holy spirit in the form of a dove come upon Him. An interesting family to say the least. Wonder what their family gatherings were like? Not like mine, I'll bet. From the naming of John, no one had been born in that family with that name before, making it unique, to the common name of Jesus, like calling someone Joe today. And even their careers would mirror their fathers, John going into the ministry, and Jesus becoming a carpenter. But it was their mothers, the cousins, that would be the common thread.

And strangely, both would be hunted down by the evil Herods, who as a gift to Herodias, had John beheaded. Seems he came out publicly about brothers sharing wives. John would end up dying a martyr's death, and was buried in a tomb like his cousin would be. Today in some circles even his death is celebrated. And Jesus, who called John the greatest man ever born of a woman, dying on a cross-a finishing carpenter being nailed to two wooden beams-the world not realizing the significance of it. Gives some thought to the words "It is finished."

Two cousins, one worshipped and adored, the other shunned and crucified. With a common group of friends, the apostles. But with a relationship unique, because each knew who and what the other was. One doing the baptizing, but realizing the greatness and uniqueness of his cousin. Going against local and Jewish traditions, but forming a bond that today still exists into eternity.

I wonder today, if faced with the choice, which man would you follow? The well known John, whose followers still worshipped him after death, or his cousin Jesus, buried in a borrowed tomb? You see John the Baptist, as he was known, today has a denomination named after him. And Jesus, well He only has an apostate cult using His name-in vain. Although many worship Him in churches bearing His testimony around the world. And sadly today, many choose to be only a participant in a main line religion, or denomination before choosing Jesus. Choosing a religion before a relationship, don't want to get too personal, you know. Thinking this makes them acceptable to God. And although the name Christ will appear on many churches, some of these churches deny His deity. Two cousins losing their lives for what they believed, only Jesus being the son of God, and dying for our sins. One showing the way, the other being the way.

Who do you say Jesus is? Was He only John's cousin, or was He really the son of God? Was John, as Jesus said, the greatest man born unto woman, but Jesus truly the son of man? On the surface, it would appear John was the more celebrated, but truly it is Jesus who is the savior, and earned our voluntary worship. And as close as John and Jesus were, we can be closer, as we can be sons of God. Sharing a common Father, and not just cousins. Relationships mean something, that is why God sent Jesus to die for us, so we can have one again with Him.

And like Patty and Cathy, you can lose your mind-but these cousins, as close and similar-were not two of a kind. So don't lose control, or your soul. Choose Jesus, the ONLY, BEGOTTEN, son of the living God. Who died to save you from your sin. Jesus or religion? Can you tell the difference? Your answer...

the Stepford Ministries

Growing up we had Wildcats, Cougars, Mustangs, and Chargers for names of fast cars, they were names you could associate with, and sounded cool. We could picture them in our minds. Today we have Camry, Civic, Altima, and the ever exciting Escape. And we had SS, SST, AMX, and GT. Today we have Limited. Just doesn't make it for a testosterone laden young car guy. But 40 years ago the cars of our dreams were different, and just out of reach when we were still too young to drive. So we retreated into the world of models, and we built the scale models of them, making the engine noises, and dreaming of the day we would have one of our own. AMT, the model company, sold theirs as 3-in-1 kits. They could be built as stock, like the ones you see on the street, racing, with slicks, fat tires, and decals, or custom, with styling influenced by George Barris, Dean Jeffries, or Darryl Starbird. And you could customize to your heart's content, making it custom, looking like the picture on the box, provided the parts came with the kit. Individualized like the thousand others just like it.

And the boxes were collectible too, although we didn't use that word. Cool pictures on them, they weren't graphics yet. We just saved them. And I learned from the older guys, the 10-12 group, to save the old parts for use on other cars. Don't throw the unused parts away, they could be used on another model, just like real customizers did. Put a Ford grill in a Pontiac, Olds wheels on a Chevy, or stick a blower out of the hood from another car and you were up there with the best of the customizers. Use more than the parts that came in the box, and don't limit yourself to what came with it. Let your imagination take you places that your other friends didn't go. And when they would comment that "I didn't get those wheels with my model," you were King of the Kustomizers, like George Barris, at least among your prepubescent peers.

And this was perhaps my first experience of thinking outside of the box. Not limiting myself, or being limited by what came in the kit, but using all resources available to me, and doing things that others couldn't, and didn't due to being limited to what was in their box.

In my walk with Christ, God encourages me to worship and build a relationship "outside of the box." Don't be held down by a denomination's interpretation of the Bible, but go straight to Him, and find an infinite God who loves you. When I think of religion, man has made it so hard. Ask a Lutheran, what they believe, and you may get a different answer than a Baptist, or a Presbyterian. Explain what your club or church is, spending more time with the differences than sharing what you are about, and what you signed up to do-minister. And that is sad, because we all have the same Jesus, and the same Bible He has given us to read. And left us the same spirit to guide us. But sadly, some get hung up on the religious and legalistic side of God, or even create one. Honoring the laws, but neglecting to know the person who fulfilled it. Recently I broke away from a ministry I was with for over 34 years, and found a freedom that only God can give. I found that rules, quotas, and performance figures that were set up on the other side of the country, didn't fit what God was showing me. Board rooms were boring, and God wanted me to operate under is plan, not someone else's vision for me. And that I was becoming an outcast among my peers, because I was not allowing myself to be boxed up or boxed in with them by their rules and religion. I had found freedom in the spirit, and sadly it caused a schism among some who I ministered with. Those who thought they were doing a good job obeying their ministry's goals, but neglecting what God had for them. Monthly reports which when analyzed only showed the failures, even a column for missed opportunities. Just following orders from whoever was above them, and thinking they were doing God's work, if you met their criteria, when oft times sidelined by a superior officer just following orders from above. Pleasing man, and substituting his goals for God's. I had become molded into a ministry, instead of God molding me how He wanted-and the differences can be huge. There is no peace found in the law, and I see ministries today dying because of their relationship to big business. Who wants more laws in their life? Please explain the freedom in the law to me if you can! Quotas to meet, and limitations put on them due to religious differences, not focusing on Jesus, but the differences in denominations. And this grieves God, for He didn't set it up this way. And makes true rebels out of those who choose God over an organization.

Since following God, and forsaking a ministry's bounds, I am more effective and more joyful than ever before. And I find myself referring to advice I was given years ago when God gave me a desire and vision for ministry. I was told "don't follow any organization or church, but be true to the vision God gave you and to the God who gave it to you." Good advice. And although I still believe these ministries to be viable and God influenced, I find serving God and not man is where the blessings come from. Answer to God, not some organization. Every rule an organization has goes contrary to operating in the spirit, and limiting God.

There is a freedom walking in the spirit, that if you haven't I can't explain. And it will upset some people, because they are stuck in their religious boxes. It's like Wyatt and Billy around the camp fire in Easy Rider, when George explains to them that people are afraid of them because they are free. And will kill them to protect themselves from the same freedom they could be enjoying, and desire. Does that sound like where you are at? Is your church behind your ministry, or are you constantly being told to fit in better? Is the organization you minister with trusting God, or limiting Him by rules and legalistic men who claim to follow God, but really are just following a corporate dictate? Is your peer group getting smaller as you get closer to God? And are experiencing a joy and freedom in the spirit that your friends don't get?

Escape the box, and trust Jesus today. Ditch legalism, and trust God. Know His character, and instead of a good ministry member, be an obedient servant to God. Go places, see things, and experience the joys talked of in the Bible. And get to know a God so personal that He sent His only son to die for you. Think outside of the box that you are stuck in, and watch as God molds you into the person He wants you to be, and the joy it brings.

Two kinds of ministers out there-moldy or molded. I choose to be molded by God, not to fit into an organization. The changes they make in your life are temporal, the changes Jesus makes in your life are eternal. He who is set free in Christ is free indeed! There will be unity in the spirit in heaven, where does it say we have to wait till then?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

name that tune

One of my favorite albums is by the Beach Boys called Stars and Stripes, Volume 1. On it, Jimmy Webb, arranger extraordinaire takes their hits and rearranges them for country western stars to sing. And it works-and this from me, a guy who when he gets a new radio has country western surgically removed from it. But good music is good music, and this albums rocks! But the song and experience on it that is most memorable is Willie Nelson singing Warmth of the Sun. The documentary made of the album shows Mike Love telling Willie how to sing the song, and the basic mood of it. Willie looks at him, two legends head to head, and reminds him of who he is, don't tell him how to sing. And then goes on to sing this beautiful, moving song, getting it on the first take. And the miracle is he had never heard the song before. Just reading the music before he went on, and going with the band, it is incredible. Even though on the first words he stumbles, the stumbling seems preplanned, as the rest of the song is pure Willie. Being in tune, I believe they call it, and Willie was that day. Don't play it as written, sing it as the spirit moves you. And the look between Love and Willie at the end confirms it.

Ball players call it being in the zone, and I have talked to my friend Kevin Mitchell, the one who hit 49 homers one year and led the National League, he of the one handed, bare handed catch. And he tells me when you are in the zone, the pitches seem slower, you see more, you adjust better-but it all just seems automatic-natural, and you are just part of the action.

A popular line among Christians is being in the spirit. John wrote Revelation being in the spirit. Jesus ministered in the spirit, and we are to be guided by the Holy Spirit. So what does it mean? My first experience being led by the spirit, I didn't even realize it. We were attending the Spirit of Love church in Durango, Dal was our pastor, one of the few men I have ever met who truly was a pastor. He had asked me to share my testimony, about 15 minutes before he spoke one Sunday. Now true to the churches I feel most comfortable in, this was old hippies, homeless, those looking who hadn't found yet, and a group that if they walked into your denominational atmosphere, may be asked to leave, or placed by the door-certainly not next to Brother So and So who is a major donor. But a magical thing happened to me that morning, as I began to share I could feel God's presence like never before. I heard the words before I said them, and I felt a peace that I had never felt before. Only being saved about four years, I had been in denominational churches where you follow the program-here I was following God-I was in the spirit. And instead speaking for 15 minutes, it seemed like five, I shared for 45 minutes. And Dal, sensing the spirit, didn't chasten or hasten me, but led God's message unfold. He followed up with a 15 minute message tying it all together, and had an altar call-and 19 young people went forward and accepted the Lord! Unbelievable! But in the spirit, all things are possible. And to show my heart it just wasn't an emotional experience, for years after we would hear or get visits from these men, still walking with Jesus. It was, and is that real. And all about Jesus.

You see the spirit does what the law cannot-save. You cannot embrace the law, for it only focuses on your shortcomings. But there is life in the spirit, and when you yield to it-a peace that surpasses understanding. Trying to figure things out? Spending a day making plans that only get superseded by life? Live in the spirit. Enjoy the peace God offers. And the closer you get to God, and the more you walk in it, the more carefree you become-cast your cares on Him for He careth for you. Almost to the point of appearing careless-when really all you care about is Jesus. Want more blessings-spend more time with Jesus. That simple-even a caveman or biker could do it!

Harmony in music takes a group effort-all with the same goal, and with no one more important than the others. To harmonize, you sing together, feeding off each other-and end up making music-where others just sing a song. Today harmonize with Jesus-sing along with Him, walk with Him, meditate on His word with Him, and watch as the peace that surpasses understanding surpasses all.

Huey Lewis sang about a new drug, when it's really about a relationship with Jesus. In tune, harmonizing, in the zone. But really it is just being in the spirit. Letting Him lead, and you harmonizing to His tune. Being in step with the Lord. Jesus Christ-a song that never ends-no matter who sings about Him! And the words-they just seem to come naturally...hint-they are really coming supernaturally! In the spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

such a deal I have for you

We love to negotiate. And from my many years in the automotive field, I felt immersed in it sometimes, although I was in service. Why even have prices? It seems though, in car sales, the sticker is the starting point. And we always try to negotiate down from there. The dealer owes me because I want to buy his car. I blame this on Chrysler, at least for the current generation, as they introduced rebates. Instead of trying to sell you a car at a fair price for all, we are going to offer you money off up front. A discount before you ask. And thus created the notion that they are overcharging. And depending on which side of the sales desk you are on, either they are ripping you off, or making a shrewd deal for the dealership. And working in dealerships the last ten years, in service, they all want to negotiate.

"Jiffy Lube will change my oil for less." My answer, "take it there, we repair a lot of Jiffy Lube oil changes." And I would tell them when they asked for a discount, "let me see if the tech will work for less. But he usually doesn't like to discount his quality of work to match the price." Now try that sometime at a restaurant, just before they ask you to leave. Or at Vons. Or ask the cashier at Wal-Mart, and you may even get to practice the second language you learned in high school.

Now we all like a good deal. And a basic premise between buying and selling is found in the following statements. "That jerk SOLD me that car." Or "Check out the new car I just bought,what a deal!" We never commit to stupid deals, but sure want to tell the world of our negotiating skills when we put one over on the salesman. Pride, they call it.

And over the years, I have noticed a phenomenon when discounting a product or service. The more that you discount, the more the customer thinks you have ripped them off. They always think they could have gotten a better deal, and their friends tell them so. "Shoulda taken me along, coulda got you a better deal." Not with me. And thanks for not bringing your pinhead friend along. But the converse works when charging a fair price, or even one that seems too high. I had customers bring me gifts, and introduce me to their friends-only deal with Mike, he will treat you fair. When the customer knows what he is buying, and understands why the price is what it is, he is more comfortable with the purchase. And finally you learn a common denominator, if you don't provide the service the customer needs, no matter the price you have charged too much.

And for over 6000 years we try to negotiate with God. Lot, when God came to rescue him from Sodom and Gomorrah, pleaded with God from 50 down to one righteous man to be found and save the city-but none were found. Perhaps because God's idea of righteous and ours is different. Helps to negotiate on the same thing. Imagine Jesus in the garden, asking God if there is any other way. Maybe the outlook would be better if God had given Him a trained set of twelve. "Father, how about another dozen, rather than this dirty dozen. Watch as I can find those righteous Lot was talking about." But God had already found the one righteous man He wanted. Fortunately, Jesus was that righteous man God was talking about, and I am thankful for what He did. No deals, no let me talk to my manager. He made it simple-He died for all. Do I hear anyone volunteering to take His place? Let me show you the nails. Any questions?

Only Jesus was the right deal. The fair deal. The best deal. And the ONLY deal. And still is today. You cannot work your way to heaven. And although our fleshly, worldly ego tells us what a good job we do when we happen not to screw something up, you cannot negotiate a better deal with God. But you can trust Him. Maybe that is why you are so unhappy, because the best deal is offered, and you won't take it. Who knows better than God what you need? Who knows better your desires? If there is a person, e-mail me. For now, I will stick with the one and only-Jesus. Begotten, unlike any other. Negotiated your soul out of hell by giving up His life. He paid the ransom. Bad deal for Him, incredible deal for you. And now you only owe Him your life, so give it to Him. And don't try to tell us how good you are, we know more than we are telling. And God knows even more!

Trusting God, you are in the spirit. Negotiating, or whining to God. Legalist. Bet you didn't know that. Now you do. So you can get the best deal every time. Trust God. Quit living in futility, and you can do it now. And before 5pm and before 55-no senior discounts. Oh, and you don't have to be a certain height to go. Trust God. Don't talk to me, listen to Him. Let Him tell you about the deal He has made-for you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

mama said there'd be days like this

It seems Hollywood is never content to leave anything alone. Take a successful movie, then make a sequel, and watch it go down in flames at the box office. The exception is Godfather II, and of course Rocky-if you like Rocky. Personally I don't, so I wouldn't include it on my list. But a film, French and filmed in South America, has been remade called Sorcerer, made in 1977 it is a cult classic. But the original film, made in 1953, is far superior. Called the Wages of Fear, it takes place in a small, poor village, in a jungle surrounded by desert in South America. Where a US oil company has a compound, and is known for exploiting locals. When an oil rig fire breaks out across the jungle, and the only way to extinguish it is by using nitro, the union workers will not drive the dangerous route through the jungle. So four men, with the promise of $2000 each if they make it, a fortune in this village, take off in two trucks. And for the next hour the suspense is incredible.

The four men are sent out in pairs, and generally do not get along. Each has a specific and not entirely altruistic need for the money, and they even compete with each other. The nitro they carry is in jerry cans, and cannot sweat or will explode. That and it is very unstable, even the vials hitting can cause an explosion, as it does with one truck, killing both men. But the other truck soldiers on. Through mountains, jungle, having to explode a boulder in the way, and finally as they get close-encounter a bridge over a swamp. The bridge is old, and they know it won't hold the truck, but they have no alternative route-over the bridge it must be. Using their winch, one man wades across the swamp, and attaches it to a tree, and they try to pull it across, since the bridge is slick, and they cannot get traction. Finally the truck slips off the bridge, and into the quagmire. This quagmire is oil that has begun to fill the old riverbed from the oil leak and fire, making it all black and slippery. One man must get out of the truck to guide it over, wading chest deep in the oily mess, and slips-the truck running over him and mortally wounding him. The sight and sounds give you chills, as the driver had no other choice. Only one four makes it, and I won't reveal the ending. Being French it is a bit existential, but watching it for the truck scenes are worthwhile alone.

Does their trip sound familiar? Ever have a day, or days like that, where things are so bad that death is welcome? If it wasn't for bad luck you would have no luck at all? When you get so close to your destination, yet it seems farther away? And alone, where everyone seems to be your enemy, or at least your competitor? Discouraged, and then when you do send out invitations for your pity party, no one accepts, or even shows up to mock you? Well, you're not alone. Seems there was this man named Elijah, who after seeing God do great things, ended up in a cave. His prayers were good, no rain for three and a half years, and it didn't. So how and what was he doing alone in a cave? The wages of fear set in. Not getting your own way, you turn from God. Subtly known as pride, he cried to God that he was the only one doing anything for God, so he deserved special consideration. I mean, look at his prayer record. But God put him in a cave, a special consideration, for there with no outside influences, he could hear from God. And it seems that in we hear Him best in bad situations. Or when alone in our cave. And even when God reminded him that there are over 7000 men who have never turned to Baal, he doesn't cheer up.

In life's situations today, I hear from Christians saying a lot "well, it's all going to burn anyway." Referring to Revelation, where God burns up everything and we get a new heaven and earth. To me, a cop out, making an excuse for them not trusting God in the situation. And my question is, why do you only hear that stated when you've lost, or are losing? Why don't you quote that when you start your career, buy your first house, or get married. Try telling your new wife, "let's just live in a tent, it's all going to burn anyway," and see how long she stays with you. Tell your boss, "sorry I won't be in today, it's all going to burn anyway." And make sure he has your address right to mail you your last check. But yet we tell that to God, using excuses when He doesn't carefully follow our instructions laid out by us in our prayers. If only God really understood...

Broke, homeless, hungry, jobless, in sin, or whatever trials you are in now, God loves you. It doesn't depend on your situation. And He has many blessings for you, if you trust Him. He has a way out, and you must follow Him or you will fail. So how do we get back to God?

Like the two men stuck in the quagmire, a man must be sacrificed for the mission to be accomplished. Oops, almost revealed the ending. And God sacrificed His only son, so we can make it back to Him, and out of our quagmire of sin. Jesus went to the cross selflessly, so we can live. A plan I never would have dreamed of, but exactly the one we need. So simple only religion can screw it up.

So-come out of your cave, and listen to God. Jesus is the way through deserts, jungles, and quagmires. Yes, it is all going to burn, but you won't be here if you choose Him. And out of the ashes comes a new earth, and heaven...no excuses-Jesus is the way!

Payday is coming soon-what will your wages be? Hint-the wages of sin is death. Don't wait for the sequel!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

once again for the very first time

If ignorance is bliss, yesterday was the happiest day in a long time for a lot of people. And sadly, today will be just a happy a day as it was yesterday for even more. There is a law, the second law of thermodynamics that explains that things are in a constant state of atrophy or decay, getting worse-not better. And it is a physical law, and can be proved-which flies right in the face of opinion. No matter what you think. Put in a way that was popular on bumper stickers 30 years ago-"Today is a beautiful day-and I can guarantee someone will come along and screw it up!" So with that, "good morning-have a nice day!"

My friend Tim gave me a paperweight that says autograph your work with excellence. We used to talk how you only get one chance to make a first impression, and sadly some look at it as a rehearsal for failure. Joe DiMaggio, Hall of Fame center fielder and ex-husband of Marilyn Monroe, was asked after running out every ground ball why he did it. His answer may seem a bit self centered, but perhaps the lesson here is overlooked. He said "because maybe there is someone out there who hasn't seen Joe DiMaggio play before." And that was how he wanted to be remembered.

Put another way, good taste will never go out of style. Virgil Exner, designer of the Chrysler Forward Look cars of the late 50's, put it this way, "a well-styled car will make a man feel better at the end of a trip than at the beginning." Form before function, flying in the face of the second law of thermodynamics. but there is truth in what Ex said, and from travelling in cars, only when I can't ride, I find this true, and false. I can have a great trip, but why is it you only remember the jerk who cut you off in San Marcos? Or the old Pinto in El Centro spewing smoke in your face? Or the car going 50 in the fast lane, when everyone else is doing 75?

I find two key ingredients missing today, that I do remember from when I was younger. Kindness and courtesy. Hmmm, you think-been awhile, but seems I remember them too. I can remember going to a doctor's office, and him having compassion for me being sick. Telling my mother, "he'll be good as new in a few days," and hoping I was. Treating my mother's apprehension and worry, too. I can remember the vet leaving us alone with a dog we had to put down, obviously a loved pet, and giving us some last moments together. And how many hankies were you handed as a kid, and told it will be OK, and administered with the best medicine of its day, a hug. We are missing kindness today-just listen to the person yelling into their cell phone as they run into you at the store. Or in the car, fighting for the parking space 20 feet closer to the door, cutting you off. Is anyone tired of pushing 1 for English, and listening to the choices, when all you want to do is ask a question, that you know is not on the list?

For 2000 years Jesus has been showing kindness. And still does today. From the woman at the well, who He didn't condemn, but told "go and sin no more," to the thief on the cross in His dying moments, He showed kindness. He showed compassion, in going back for the 1 in 99 when it was lost, knowing that it might be you. He fed the 5000, not based on who they were, but on who He was, meeting the need, remembering that it is easier to listen on a full stomach. Now finally proved by our school breakfast programs. He knew all along that the best way to earn friends was to be a friend. And that in listening we learned-maybe that is why we can control our mouths, but not our hearing.

Today you may be taking a long trip, take Jesus along and arrive in better shape than when you left. Give up a parking space, and watch as a better one opens up. Smile instead of scold, hug instead chasten. You may be the only Jesus someone sees today, don't blow it. The blessings God has in store for that person, that Lazarus in front of you, may be disguised just for you in that moment. Don't miss it. Let your light shine, as Jesus says. But let it be reflected in an action of kindness. No high beams, showing your strength or knowledge, just a light for your feet, showing the path to Jesus in love.

You see without Jesus, we get it all wrong. Watch an NFL game, and watch as 11 men in need of rest, are watched by 50,000 in need of exercise. Second law. Hold open a door, give up a place in line, and show the kindness of Jesus. Give without prejudice, no matter what they ride, and find a whole new ministry for yourself-one of kindness, and hopefully not one of a kind. I can guarantee that you will meet someone today needing the love of Jesus, have your smile ready. That life you change just might be the one sent to ruin yours-it is true that love does cover a multitude of sins.

Let me tell about the one who did it for me. Are you thirsty, let me buy you a drink. Hungry, let me supersize it. Tired, sit here while I get it. Confused, tell me about it. Broke, let me share why I have with you. And lost, let me show you the way. No seminary can each that kind of ministry. It comes from the heart.

What He has done for others, He will do for you. Follow the example...with a smile. Next, go ahead, I'll wait. Only the love of Christ isn't affected by the second law-so stick with His first-love.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

designer tyres

The ad on Craigslist caught my eye. "Used tires for sale. Sides only worn, plenty of tread left in center. $20 each." Now I had heard the urban legend about guys riding track days and wearing out the sides first, but here was someone willing to dispense with the myth, and also make money while doing it. Maybe a perfect swap to a Harley, whose riders don't lean and would never miss the missing side tread, but the tire size would negate even the thriftiest, ie. cheap rider to try. And I realized how far tires really had come in the last 35 years, when I had my first hi-performance tire experience.

I have been riding cafe racers since 1974, when BMW came out with their R90S. With a small fairing, it was the hot set-up, but the key were the low bars. Not drag bars, but low rise bars. Radical then, but compared to the clip ons today, you still felt like you were sitting up straight-like going from a Daytona to a Street Triple. And tires were standard for the era, too. You replaced the Continentals with Continentals, it only made sense to keep the bike all German. Just like Goodyears on Harleys, Bridgestones on Hondas, and Dunlops on English bikes. Rib tires up front for steering, and a larger tire in the rear. Even the sizes were standardized, and no one thought of changing rubber. Until we talked to a guy on a Norton, who had Dunlop K-81 tires, with tread on both front and rear the same-like on race bikes, he said. Not realizing racers ran slicks. So it was off to the Norton store, which really was Westfield Lawn Mower, with motorcycles in the back. Not even a storefront, but an old house with high steps, the living room turned into a repair shop. And after paying up front, for the special order size-Nortons ran a slightly different size, and waiting two weeks for the tyre-note spelling, to arrive from England, I was excited. Sure I had paid a premium price, $21, but knew it would be worth it when I entered the first corner and left everyone in the dust, or whatever happens on asphalt. Now with my K-81's front and rear, I would rule. And just the bragging rights, made for infamy. No one had done this before on a BMW, and it seemed the world was watching. Guys looking at the R90S would ohh and aah, and then really be impressed by the low bars. Until they saw the tyres, and then would admit they had never seen them before on a BMW. And yes, they did handle better, even if they didn't I would have never admitted it, but never elevated me to superbike status. But it did create an E ticket status, that few knew about. At 111 mph, the front end shook. Violently, then went away at 113. Smooth before, and smooth after. But for the few seconds in between, fear and lots of it would set in. And once you got used to it, would be worth it, going up you knew you would encounter it, and coming down would dread it. But you and your K-81's would rule. And only the few who had seen you violently shake doing it would know. Never knew why, maybe the marriage of WWII enemies' products still harbored hostilities, or may be it was just the tire design. Whatever the reason, when I replaced the tire with a rib style, for the going price of $17, without the two week wait, it never did it again. Do you think maybe the engineers at BMW knew they were doing?

Designed for a purpose, just like the tires/tyres. And just like our bodies. God designed us for a purpose, creating us in His own image. Not to look like Him, that would not explain the red, yellow, black, and white in the song, but in His image. A relationship with Him, that no other living being can attest to. Being a triune God-Father, Son, and Holy spirit, He has also made us a triune being-body, soul, and spirit. In His image, like none other, we have the ability to choose to love Him-unlike any other created being. In His image, God shows us that true love demands a choice, and allows us to make it. You would think that it would be easy to choose God, yet so many choose the evil, sinful ways of man. Concentrating on the right now, forgoing the eternal with God. Jesus reminds us that the things seen are temporal, but the things not seen are eternal. Since no one has ever seen God, although Moses glimpsed Him from behind, any God you think you have seen is not God-but a symbol of anti-Christ, or instead of God. And just like not running the right tires made a difference, following anybody but the real God, is sin, and won't work. They may be close, but only God has the power of your eternal destiny. And like so many in the Old Testament found, their gods couldn't laugh, smile, or have any kind of relationship with man, and even when the statue fell, couldn't pick itself up.

Who do you worship? Do you trust Jesus to be the only way to the father, who gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us until His son returns? Does your uniqueness in God burden you or set you free? Does your soul yearn for the truth? Is something missing without Jesus in your life? Who picks you up when you fall?

If so, you can be born again. Realize who you are in Christ, by saying a simple prayer. And become like the image of God. You see you are born into sin, and only a savior can reunite you with the creator. Don't let sin stand in the way, let Jesus do what you never could. Be reunited with God, become a spitting image of the Christ of the Bible, and show love-the only true characteristic that no one can counterfeit. For God is love, anything else is just an emotion. Tyres didn't make the bike, it was the rider. Who is control of you ride today? John Lennon wrote Imagine, you don't have to. He made the wrong choice, and now knows there is a hell. Jesus is waiting to show you the Father right now. And no two week wait or higher prices. Check out of religion and into Jesus today.

In His image. Not just an advertising slogan, the truth. And only one can promise the truth-the only one who is the truth. Choose Him now and use all of the life He promises-abundant and full. And doesn't wear out like the tires I wear out today. And even though He is not on Craiglist, no one can offer a deal like He does.

Just looking at some kids you can tell who their father is? Who do we see when we look at you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

look at all the money I saved by doing it myself

Can be easily assembled using hand tools. These seven words are words that have come to strike fear in me when I see them. And even more fear when I overstep my bounds and try to use them. That one line statement leading me into temptation, the idea that I could assemble anything has led to more heartbreak, personal injury, laughter on my audience's part, and personal embarrassment than should be legal. I'd like to think I have the following the instructions part down, it is just the fact that once a tool hits my hands, it goes from tool to weapon. And assaults anything that it comes in contact with.

I have shared how the one hour job of installing a garage door opener turned into an all day torture test, including the throwing of many tools, and cursing the makers of the garage door. I have turned a simple oil change into an ecological disaster by not putting the drain plug back in, and watching as the fresh oil coated the floor. And made it worse by trying to hose it off! So many of my sincere attempts have ended up in curiously placed stickers to cover up gouges and scratches-not put there by the factory.

And I would like this to serve as a warning to those who ask me to fix things-it is for your benefit that I decline the offer to injure myself-both emotionally and physically. Or inflict more damage than you started with. And it is sad, but somewhere between my brain wanting and knowing what to do, the hands don't get it. Or maybe they do and have a mind of their own.

Ten years ago we took a trip in our Mustang GT. A Christmas trip, that started by a tumbleweed invading our car-came right in between the roof and windshield. Then to make matters worse, I was hot lapping down the mountain-with my sons yelling encouragement, and my wife yelling at me. And I blew a rear tire. Not pretty watching me try to remove lug nuts over tightened by some monkey with an air wrench. But I wasn't done yet. When it got dark, the lights would turn on-but I couldn't turn them off. Stopping at a Burger King, when we went in to eat, we had to leave them on. And people in the restaurant starting commenting, not knowing we owned the car. With the time it took to eat a Whopper, we went from hunger-to anger-to embarrassment-and finally to laughter, as the whole thing really was funny. And when stopping at our destination for the night, simply removed the fuse, and the lights went out. Or actually, Andrew removed the fuse-I wanted to make sure the lights would work again. I actually dropped the fuse, and we had to look anyway for it the next morning.

Recently one of the press fleet bikes had a check engine light, and Mickey told me what is was over the phone. Then the fear set in-it's an easy fix-just remove the instruments, remove the seat, then remove the tank. Move wiring harness to access the wires to the o2 sensor, then reattach them. Right!

And I had taken it apart, when Andrew showed up, and fixed it in about two minutes. Later when I called Mickey back, he told me now you are an official mechanic. And when I jokingly asked him what to do with the extra nuts and bolts, he told me they saved them for the next bike. Just think of all the money the factory could save if I assisted in putting things back together.

I have learned over the years it is easier, and cheaper to let someone who knows what they are doing fix things for me, and pay them. And I have learned in the things of God to let Him handle them. I find nowhere in scripture where God asks for my help, or asks my opinion, or consults with me before making a decision. At that is a true blessing. So I caution you to not say "Mike says." Imagine God, faced with all the people who ever lived, making a way for each of us to get to heaven, that was individual, and custom made-just for us. Imagine the problems it would cause if your way was different than mine, easier, or mine was easier than yours. Not even the best advisors, religious and professional could keep up with that. If nothing else imagine the bookkeeping problem it would cause in heaven, even before computers. So God decided to make it simple, and call it the gospel-good news. And personal, intimate, and individual at the same time. The instructions are as follows. NO hand tools needed.

1-realize you are a sinner, and need a savior.

2-confess your sin to Jesus, and realize His deity. He is God incarnate.

3-give Him your heart-be born again He calls it, ask Him into your life.

4-trust Him with your life. Now, go live! Four easy steps, in any language, and I bet you could even use drawings if necessary. The beauty of God's love for us made simple, so that no skills, education, social standing, or religious training is needed. Just a heart that realizes you need Jesus. And watch as your life changes because now God is an active part of it.

If only someone could build a car or motorcycle like that. Where it was simple enough for all our needs, yet brought infinite joy. That never broke, and kept me from having to fix it. Unfortunately the only perfection is found in God, and nothing man made-that is why things come with a warranty. So God gives you a warranty too, a lifetime warranty. When you sin, He forgives you. And guarantees to take you to heaven. And fixes the problems you give Him when you follow His directions.

It is called John3:16. Read it, keep it handy, in case you or someone else needs it. And when you have something needing repairs, call the creator-a heavenly designer who know how it was built, and how to fix it. All parts always in stock, and His shop is open 24/7. Even on Christmas!

And watch as your "honey do" of problems turns into a "Jesus did" testimony. And He still does today. Believe in miracles-just look at my garage door! Still working-now that's a miracle!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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e-bay, the highway, and the way

It started when I mentioned I really want a Street Triple. And someone sent me a list of them on e-bay. Now I don't use e-bay, I don't care for it, but they had a great listing of Triumph goodies, among them manuals. So looking at my shelf, which had seven of them, I got one down to look at why there were so many for sale, and why people would sell them. Maybe they got rid of the bike that went with it, or never used it-most popular answer. So I grabbed the one on top and looked through it. Interesting. Good pictures, but there are warning labels everywhere. To be exact in this manual, for a 2006 Scrambler, there are 137 warnings, but only 116 pages. Good thing I read it-I never realized motorcycles were so dangerous.

Here are some of the more interesting. You can only put a package of 11 pounds on the passenger seat. How many 11 pound passengers do you know of? What about your 75 pound niece? Probably take her out of the box first, then it is OK. And when you do, she should hold on. No bungee cords for passengers. And please, no animals. There are enough squids out there already. Here's a good one-disengage steering lock before riding. I saw a guy on a BMW once ride right into the wall when he forgot to do this. Full throttle-CRASH!Good advice. Did you know gasoline is highly flammable? Remember that next time when it's dark and you can't see the fuel level in your tank. Don't light a match to see. NO, don't use a lighter either. Here's a good one, maintain correct tire pressure in each tire. Now the front takes 32 pounds, the rear 36. Is that why the rear tire weighs more, because it has more air? Here's one for the folks at Toyota. Don't drive a vehicle with a sticking throttle, as it could be dangerous. And did you know that the mufflers get hot when riding? Probably explains scars on my calfs from coming in contact with them. And that burnt flesh smell too. Two more-never ride bike with side stand down-ask John Leonard-he is why they put an interlock on the bike-it won't run with it down. Conversely, put it down before getting off, ask my son , aka Kickstand why. Don't tell him I sent you.

Add to that the various warning lights, now called indicators, we don't want to scare the riders, and you may have pushed the limits of the sense of common. In fact the only warning light not mentioned, is the one that shows up in your rear view mirrors when you go to fast. Usually not a warning in my case.

Warnings are nothing new, and nothing new to owners manuals. Take the owners manual God has prepared for you, the Bible. In the second chapter of Genesis He warns Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of knowledge, or they'll die. What part of don't didn't they get? Taking the same approach as we do when the waitress tells us the plate is hot, they touch it. And eat of it. And die! Now they didn't have the manual/Bible yet, but the creator was in house, and talked with them every afternoon. They didn't have to read about it, or Google it-all they had to do was ask! I mean, how horrible could paradise have been? But they disobeyed anyway. So in our fallen state, now that we know the difference, but don't obey it, much, God gave Moses over 600 laws/warnings for us to live by. A simple number compared to the over the 1000 the Pharisees in Jesus' time had. But realizing we wouldn't have the time to disobey all 600+, He broke it down to 10, much easier to break, but really easier to keep.

Still too many! So Jesus took it down to one! Love the Lord with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Simple! Right? But still we disobey God's warnings about lust, evil desires, selfishness, husband/wife relationships, and even our relationship with Him. And we suffer. And it is by choice, for He doesn't force us to love, but sets the example of His son. Follow His example, and follow Him-blessings. Disobey, and you're out of the pool! Now I can't say if anyone has researched it, but I believe that man has a little known gene in him. It is the "I'll show you, I'll be stupid gene." A gene that requires a choice, but also consequences. And we don't consider the consequences when it comes time to make that decision.

But God provides a way out, which isn't so far out you can't do it. It is called repentance. And when your heart changes, and is truly sorry, you can turn to the right direction-God, and get on with your life. And since we don't all carry our Bibles around to check every situation, God has given us a conscience. Which shows us His character, and lives within us. More precisely, the Holy Spirit. And since we don't have a robot to follow us around like Will Robinson-"Danger-Will Robinson! Warning! Warning!," He has given us His spirit, so we are never alone. And when we need to pray, is always with us. Not only knowing what to pray-just amen what the spirit says and watch your life change, but telling you what to do and guiding you through that situation.

Well now that you're more familiar with your motorcycle, have more fun on our next ride, knowing all the dangers from studying your manual. NOT! Just more rules. Remember that next time you sin and fall. Get up and follow God. Or like Satchel Paige said, "don't look back, the devil may be gaining." Follow God, the spirit is so much more fun than the law. In fact, Jesus said all the law could be taken down to one line-love your neighbor as yourself.

So next time you cheese me off, and I smile back-be warned. It just might be God changing my life. Get in the word, and stay in the word. Take the warning/blessing of Revelation 22:18-19 to heart, and enjoy an eternal life in heaven. Salvation is not a hard thing-don't make it one!
God's knows, now you do too. Live safe and ride safe, enjoying the ride. As Christians, we should have more fun than anyone. And trust God for the one thing you will never find in an owners manual, religious book, or even on e-bay. Salvation. You see it is too precious and intimate, it takes the personal relationship only God offers. And since it isn't for sale-can't be bought anywhere!

Now if I can only find my glasses, so I can read the instructions to open this stupid cereal box....

love with compassion, you've been warned,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com