you mean your wife doesn't ride?

When Theresa started riding certain vows were made, and not honored.  First was she was never going to ride on the freeway, and only go 55.  Then it was maybe some freeway, but never above 55.  Do we see a pattern here?  Then it was I will only do the speed limit, OK.  And then as of now, she rides down the freeways at 80-85mph, which we will both deny if asked by any law officer.  Then it was no lane splitting, until chasing Dick one day through traffic, and now she does it all the time.  There was a time when riding together when we came to the curves, I would speed ahead, and wait for her at the end of the road.  And as time went by, the wait got shorter, as she got faster, and the rides became more fun for both of us.  All the things she once feared, she now respects.  But due to experience, and encouragement at home, “quit acting like a girl and ride” she rides better than most men I know.  Her most famous moment was when riding to Hollister one year, when Pastor Fred asked her if she wanted him to trailer her bike for her.  “No, I ride,” she told him, and did, and does and has again.  Her other moment came when leading 37 motorcycles down to the Billy Graham Crusade at Qualcomm Stadium, at 80mph.  And didn’t lose one, although many Harley riders claim they saw God once they got above 55!  But for me it is when riding behind her, and watching as a car passes her, rare, or when she passes a car, and the heads turn once they notice it is a girl riding.  And so as we start our 36th year of riding together, 27 on back, our whole relationship has been built around riding...and of course Jesus.  Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycling...it just don’t get any better.

So what do you do when you meet someone new after asking about your motorcycle?  And when you ask if they ride, and say yes, but get a different answer when you ask if the wife rides, what do you say?  I tell them talk to my wife.  She is a lady, and women riding is very ladylike.  She tells them it is great for the marriage, and encourages it.  Good for kids too.  No DVD players yet on bikes, and you can go more places and have more fun together.  And over the years she has come to know much about her motorcycle other than it is blue, and has 790cc.  She can identify Harleys, Indians, Triumphs, and others.  She is no stranger to motorcycle shops, and can even embarrass or impress salesman by her answers about riding.  And so we ride, sometimes alone, sometimes one bike and sometimes two together.  But either way, we ride.  And for over 36 years we ride because we want to, because it is fun, and because we have met more people and gone more places because of it. Good for the marriage.  And she has ridden on the back with me for 46 states, how many have you been in?  How many have you driven in?  Flying and then renting a car isn’t the same thing, and eating at the airport doesn’t count as a meal there.  You need to get out and meet the people, see the sights, smell the fresh air, and ride the roads.  See America and the world from the seat of a motorcycle, not the seat in your living room.  Seeing America from a plane window just isn’t the same.  I rather be one of those small dots down there...we are both going places, only we are going places.  Suddenly 500 mph seems so slow.

Too many live their life in fear, and never get outside of the church.  They feel safe with their own type, their own music, and never having to be a Christian outside of the four walls.  A comfort zone, which really makes them uncomfortable.  They see Jesus from 30,000 feet up, missing Him on the road, and outside the church, where He ministered.  Jesus taught in the temple, but He ministered on the street.  He was at home on the highway, and felt very welcome among biker types, as well as church people.  And also hookers, bankers, salesman, insurance and used cars salesman, and politicians.  You see Jesus enjoyed spending time where the people were.  He went to them, remember the scripture “God sent His son?”  And when He admonishes you to go out and tell everyone about Jesus, He means not just at second service.  He means as you go, as you ride, or as you fly.  In a group, or riding alone, He expects you and wants you to share Him with others.  He wants you to quit making excuses, and start living, abundantly like He promises.  And if on two wheels, you have made a good choice.  But be careful, for not all will welcome you.  In your quest for spiritual freedom, you become a target for those who are afraid, who don’t listen to the spirit, and will even go as far as to become a thorn in your side.  Imagine that, your own brothers and sisters in Christ, a hindrance.

Yet that is exactly what Paul is talking about, someone within the church causing him trouble, being a thorn in the side.  Sent by Satan, but from within, sometimes unknowingly.  Spreading discourse, judging the pastor, or being a nuisance ot the body, anything to bring discord.  And God used it to keep Paul humble, and relying on Him.  Untrue, look around, then see Matthew 25.  Those people Jesus told “be gone, I never knew you” were those within the church, who thought that by doing great things and getting the credit, they were pleasing God.  Know anyone like that?  Are you like that?  Thorns in the side are as bad as thorns in your tires-both require God to help.  So even when alone, or riding alone, Jesus is always with you.  Even outside the church, He doesn’t stop at the door, or when throwing a leg over a motorcycle. 

So quit acting like a girl and live today for Jesus.  Sorry girls, too many men act like you, which is why so many homes are upside down.  Men, let God be God, then you love your wife as Jesus loved the church-us.  And whether riding or attending, enjoy life.  Enjoy the ride.  And if anybody asks, I rather be riding my motorcycle thinking about Jesus, than sitting in church thinking about riding.  Get out and enjoy life.  Around that next curve may be the best thing that ever happened to you.  Oh, and if you ask, she’ll answer “yes, I ride, don’t you?”  The same as knowing Jesus, you do know Him, don’t you?  And believe me, we can tell...quit acting like a girl and live!

With apologies to all those women who ride, you get it.  Don’t you wish everyone did?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

gaining immortality

What do Edgar Allen Poe, Henry David Thoreau, Franz Kafka, and Emily Dickinson have in common?  OK, they are all authors of some fame.  But don’t give up there, why are they famous, and what made them famous?  It is something that is unique to all people, death.  For all of these authors, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and many others never achieved fame while still living, it was only upon death their works became read and became widespread.  Fame eluded them in life, but caught up with them in death.  Maybe not so much financially as Elvis and Michael Jackson, whose estates continue to rake in multi millions after their deaths, but they achieved fame by their works, which only came to light in death, or rather after.  Proving to some there is an afterlife, at least in fame.  And sadly many believe Elvis is alive but God is dead.

Edgar Allen Poe was a tragic figure, selling The Raven for $9, previously writing anonymously after failing in both college and a military career.  Adopted, he moved around his whole life, a tragic figure, an alcoholic, his life spiraling downhill after the death of his wife.  But today that $9 poem is very famous, and for which he is remembered for.  The cause of his death at age 40 is even not sure, anything from suicide to rabies to heart disease.  Once upon a midnight dreary....

Although widely read and studied today, Henry David Thoreau wrote in obscurity until after his, he stopped writing upon death of course.  With a particular style he wrote of nature, and about nature from an anarchist of asceticism, and his On Walden Pond is still a required reading in many literary courses.  His stanzas provided insight and drew brilliant mind pictures, while one of his books, self published, only 300 of the 1000 copies sold.  His final claim to become one with the earth, living in a cabin owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson, inspired so much of his writings.  It wasn’t until the 1920’s  he caught on, long after death, and lives on today through the International Thoreau Society.

Although she died over 130 years ago, Emily Dickinson’s poetry is well remembered.  Even a stamp with her on it was issued in 1971, recognizing her writings after life and death.  Thought to be strange, she was a recluse even in her hometown in Massachusetts, she requested her writings be burned after her death, and only her sister Livonia through her disobedience had them published in 1890.  Franz Kafka is perhaps the least recognized before death.  Only taking a course on his writings in college was I made aware of him.  Although educated in the law, he found little time to write, so devoted himself to it, and died early at age 41 from starvation, brought on by not being able to eat due to tuberculosis.  But his writings including The Metamorphosis, and In the Penal Colony are widely read, studied, and admired today.  His unique style of writing can be morbid to some, but brilliantly insightful, and he wasn’t even published until after his death by his friend Max Brod.  A museum in Prague is named after him, and even his style of writing, Kafkaesque is used to describe bizarre ideas and concepts.

But another man, not a writer, has become a source of the most popularly read books in history.  Relatively unknown, and only locally recognized in life, it is His death and resurrection that we celebrate today.  Of course I  am talking about Jesus Christ, a man with only a small following, even though heard by many.  It is only in His life after death that we remember Him, a feat which makes Him unique above all who claim fame and fortune.  If He hadn’t died, He may only have been remembered as a great teacher, but not the Son of God.  His ability to influence people has led many to eternal life, and even today continues to have a profound impact on all who meet Him.  He is very much alive, just like He said, and although we have assembled works of others, no man written about has changed the world so much.  No other writings can claim to have the promises and the proof of God and those promises are still real today.  Men and women are still changed when reading about Him and meeting Him personally.  And it all came true because of the cross, and His empty tomb after.  It is only in His death that we see His full glory, that gaining immortality comes through Him and no other.

Look around and those you see will probably be the ones at your funeral.  They will remember you after death until they pass, the memories gone long after anything you did here does.  So do something to be remembered for in life-remember Jesus now while you still can.  You may never have a collection of stories written by or about you, you may never be a best seller.  You may live a life in complete obscurity, maybe lonely and forgotten.  But God sees and knows, and promises and knows all about you.  So meet Him at the cross, the place of death that brings life, and make a difference today.  Bear witness of Him and what He has done in your life, letting the gospel continue on through you.  For like John tells us, if all the books written about Jesus were written, no library could hold them.  So get involved, and become part of the Dewey Decimal System under Jesus.  Today we forget who F. Scott Fitzgerald is, but we still admire the Great Gatsby, his most famous work.  Your works may not be recognized here on earth, few of Jesus’ were until after His death.  What you live is what you will leave behind.  Make your mark today, life is short, eternity is forever.  And only found at the cross.  We all face death, that doesn’t mean you have to die.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

love knows no expense

I once learned that it wasn’t how much money you made, but how much you took home.  A quick life lesson after getting my first paycheck, let’s see 40 hours x $1.60/hour=$64.00.  And man I was rich, but how come my check only said $58.00?  Was I robbed?  No taxes kicked in-no one had warned me.  And so I recalculated and found I was only making $1.45/hour, and suddenly I didn’t want to work so hard, or I felt underpaid.  Who wasn’t or isn’t?  But then I learned it was what you did with the money you earned, and while Brennan bought clothes, and partied hearty, I saved mine, and soon had enough with money from my paper route to buy the Honda 350.  And suddenly all the hard work was worth it.  But soon it led to the BMW R60/5, which got hit and totaled, then a 1974 R90/6, which lasted for four days, until a drunk driver hit me, leaving me to die along the side of the road, but God’s grace was at work even then, although I wasn’t saved, and soon was able to walk again, but no more R90/6.  Totaled again.  All before I was 21.  But then there was this R90S, the flagship of BMW, only a few available, and super expensive.  Honda 750’s were still around $1500, a Z-1 would set you back around $1900, while the S was $3430!  I could buy two for one if I passed on the S.  But I learned that love knows no expense, and the S it was.  Much criticism came my way, I paid too much, it isn’t worth it, or I could have had two bikes for what I paid-you were robbed.  And then I was told I was a rich snob, yeah right, and many words were thrown  my way, interpreted as jealousy.  I had one, they didn’t, so there must be something wrong with me.  So cut me down, just down race me. 

But what seemed like a lot of 1974 cash, paid off, when I put over 16,000 miles on it in 4 months.  And it was the bike that I rode to New Mexico after I was saved, leaving the friendly confines of New Jersey.  Makes you wonder just how bad the old Jersey was.  But at 40,000 miles, the bike had come between God and me, and I sold it-too much pride.  And was humbled, selling it to a girl, and taking a 1974 TX 500 Yamaha in trade.  A bike so bad I almost swore off Yamahas forever-or at least until the FJ1100 came around.  But the same bike I had bought, or overbought as my critics reminded me, I had bought for love, and enjoyed for love.  It was worth it, and the critics would never get it.  I worshipped that bike, until Jesus came into my life.  But He still gave me the passion to ride, just a lesser bike.  And the critics again criticized my choice.  But to God it was a form of worship, I gave up something of myself to gain so much more.

Mary, sister of Martha knew all about criticism, but also about worship.  Right in front of God and everyone, she poured a years worth of pricey ointment on the feet of Jesus, worshipping Him as He had raised her brother Lazarus from the dead.  And she did it publicly, not caring about the expense, doing it in a room where women were not generally welcome, and letting her hair down in public-another social no-no, all in worship of her Lord Jesus Christ.  A gift that no one but her and Jesus knew the real value of, a public confession of who Jesus is, and true worship-the sacrificing of herself and something valuable, drawing her even closer to God.    Expressions of love, gratitude, and worship and praise-love knows no expense.  And later Jesus would prove that even more on the cross, dying for a world that lived in sin and hated Him. A form of worship we overlook, His worshipping His Father while on the cross, to draw us back to Him.  And suddenly the critics grow silent, as those who are saved now get the benefit of His sacrifice.  And Mary’s afternoon of priceless ointment now becomes priceless in terms of worship.

That same love that showed no expense can be given to others today.  Scripture tells us that “as we go,” a perfect tense meaning as we go, that we are to make disciples of men.  Telling how Jesus gave of Himself, and sharing how when we give of ourselves how our lives change.  Mary’s did that afternoon, mine did with the R90S.  I enjoyed it, but when I let it go, and gained Christ, then its value went up.  And many more bikes were to follow as I followed Jesus.  Worship is more than music, it is more than praying.  It is letting Jesus Christ show in your life, it is giving up valuables and gaining values.  It is as you go bearing witness of Him.  For Mary it was perfume, for me a motorcycle.  What will it be for you?  Love knows no expense, God gave His son.  The admission price to heaven is paid.  But you need to leave something to gain it-what will you give up so you can pick up your cross and follow Him?  For like my first paycheck, it isn’t what you earn, it is what you take home.  Heaven is home.  And it is what you do with what you God has given you that brings that value.  By the way, the current book value of a 1974 R90S is over $10,000.  Even at today’s prices a bargain for what God has given me.  Mary got I, I got it, will you?  It is still not how much you earned, but what you take home.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

remember your first time

For me it was heading up Princeton Avenue, speeding out of Bill’s driveway, on his homebuilt-weren’t they all, mini-bike.  Later it was to be riding a converted Honda 50, after school in Ricky’s back yard, extending into the woods and riding along the brook that ran into Brookside Park.  Later it would be more mini-bikes, this one a factory job of Dave’s, and then BH’s CL77, painted dark blue with a brush.  But my first bike, my first motorcycle I owned was to be a 1972 CB350 Honda, gold and the coolest bike I had ever ridden.  Brand new!  When I first saw it in real life, parked among the CB750’s, and CB 500’s, it looked awesome, no way I wanted anything else but that one.  And so one afternoon cutting school early, I rode buddy seat with BH and off we went, riding the rest of the afternoon.  Going fast, but not being warned about break in, I didn’t care, as passing cars at 70mph made me feel fearless.  And free, a freedom never felt before.  And I could never see me on anything else except my Honda....until that fall, and the new bike issues came out.  And there it was, the answer to my longing for the open road.  The newest love affair in my life, the one who would take me places I had never heard of or knew anyone who had gone there.  And so with cash in hand, up to Sleger-Forbes I went, and put a down payment on a 1972 R60/5 BMW, now referred to as the “toaster tank” bikes.  But what to do with my Honda?  The bike I was so in love with, my first ride of my very own.  I was too young and too broke, and had no garage space for two bikes, and I was lucky my parents let me have one, they said so, so the Honda had to go.  And the ad was placed.

It was my first time selling anything, let alone a motorcycle, and the emotional ties were great.  Every time I thought about “was I doing the right thing?” all I had to do was look at the BMW flyer, even the ad was in blue like my new one, and the Honda seemed like a burden instead of my once prized ride.  And even short rides were bittersweet, as all I could think of was 600cc of Bavarian power, and going other places, but college, homework, girlfriends, and the Honda stood in the way.  Until one cold November afternoon, a long hair showed up, helmet in hand, and was interested.  One look and he knew it was better than advertised, could he take a ride?  And as I watched him cross Hetfield and go up Algonquin, he faded, and I missed the Honda.  Maybe I would tell him no, but when He came back, cold and smiling, and said, “I’ll take it,” I knew it was time.  Sold for $200 less then I had paid for it, where else can you have so much fun for a dollar a day, so I figured it was a good deal for  both of us, I had put almost 7000 miles on it in less than six months...and all I could see was BMW blue. And as I signed the title over, I had the rest of the money I needed.  Now all I needed was a ride, and nice weather.  But that would have to wait, and for almost 3 months I was without a motorcycle, a season that would only repeat itself one more time in the next 42 years-again weather being the deterrent.  My first bike, my first sale, my first time without a motorcycle.  And I was only 18...

The pastors and I talked the other night about the same people who go forward ever service.  Either to be saved again, or to rehash the same problem, or who knows what.  They are predictable, and when I said I could reach out and touch the shoulders of who was the next wave, we agreed.  For salvation is a one time event, you can’t lose it, although you can lay it aside.  You can’t lose Jesus, He never leaves you, in fact He was there long before you recognized Him and were saved.  But so many make it only an emotional relationship, and when they lose the feeling, go back for another hit.  A once a week fix that keeps them going until the next altar call, and they get excited again.  Much like your first ride, that you keep going back to, until another one comes along.  And you take more short rides, until the next faster and more exciting ride comes along, and suddenly the love is gone, the emotion is unfulfilled, and the next ride is now the current relief.  But unlike salvation, you can give up riding, but why I don’t know.  I have ridden through blizzards, unemployment, kids, marriage, sickness, and in times of no money...even in times of spiritual darkness before I met Jesus.  So I don’t buy into the excuses.  I knew when it was time to sell the CB350, it was the new owner’s turn, the BMW was calling.  But somehow with Jesus, it s different.  It was way beyond emotions, it was deeper than words.  And I knew I could never go back.

When I listen to those who talk about coming back to Jesus, it seems an emotion led them there at first, and an emotion took them back.  Despite the warnings of not trusting your feelings, or your own understanding, or being told the heart can be deceived, and can be wicked, so many go with their emotions.  Jesus is just the current fix for a feeling, or lack of one.  But real salvation is more, it comes from within, and is shown from without.  It is a change of heart, not a change of motorcycles.  You see motorcycling to me is a passion, no matter how many or what bike I am riding, but Jesus is a passion, no matter what else comes to entice me.  It goes deeper than feelings, and deeper than words.  It is the true relationship with the God of the universe, our creator.  And although I may go forward for prayer, I always will have Jesus.  He hangs onto me when riding, He held my heart through open heart surgery, and He holds my family together in times I can’t .  He loves me despite my emotions, He loves me through my attitudes, and He can see what is on my mind and heart through the leathers and my full face Arai.  And if I feel melancholy, I can look back to my first time with Him, and it goes deeper than any emotion.  I may change bikes, but I will never, and never have changed my Lord.  So where do you stand with God today?  is it more than an emotional relationship, or is it too deep for words?  Does it feel like your first ride, or was He a ride you took once, then sold for something better, faster, or newer?  Do you really miss the things you gave up to serve Him, or do you go back occasionally, backsliding until the next altar call?  Do you really remember your first time?  Or your last?

It hurt to sell the Honda, but the BMW made me quickly forget.  And it would repeat itself over the years more than 30 times.  New love, and then a newer love.  But one time 38 years ago I made Jesus my Lord and Savior.  And have never looked back.  But He has guided me, and led me to places I never knew about, taken me places I could never have gone without Him.  And soon I will be in heaven, where I could not go without Him.  Saved once, I will live forever.  No matter what I ride.  But I will always remember the day when I sold the Honda, and it went up the street with a new owner.  Just like when I gave my heart to Jesus.  I never wanted to look back, the roads were so promising ahead.  Where your eyes go, you will follow.  So keep your eyes on Jesus, a hope and a future.  No matter what you ride....make Him and heaven your destination.  Once and for all.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

all in one Accord

There are today only a handful of American car brands left from 60 years ago.  And through merger, failure, or attrition, today the Big 3 of Detroit have been reduced to the Shrinking 2.  Chrysler, long the perennial number 3, is now owned by FIAT.  Yeah, that FIAT.  Fix It Again Tony.  A company once known for its engineering prowess, and Hemi engines, is now a brand of FIAT.  Who also owns Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.  Another marriage unthinkable to my father’s generation, and laughable to mine.  No pathetic is better, as another American company is sold to a company based outside of our borders.  An interesting alliance, as now the auto world is dominated by Volkswagen, who owns VW, Audi, Ducati, or Ducaudi, SEAT, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini.  Go figure.  So when BMW can own Mini and Rolls Royce, why can’t an Indian company, Tata,own Jaguar and Land Rover?  What am I worrying about...I drive a Ford, who used to own Volvo, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover, and who cancelled Mercury.  And I almost forgot Edsel.  And Chrysler’s heritage goes back to Buick, then through locomotives, to Maxwell, to Nash and Hudson, to American Motors, and from Willys to Kaiser Jeep, Daimler Benz, and onto FIAT.  Whatever happened to what’s made in Detroit stays in Detroit, or at least the US of A?  Remember the uproar and lawsuits when Chevy put Olds motors and vice versa in their cars, and how important brands were?  Some men were Ford guys, we had Chevy men, and those who were dyed in MOPAR colors.  Today through diversity, I am not sure what I am riding in.  And it goes way back, to when the apostles were all in one Accord.

It even rubbed off in the motorcycle world a few years back, when Kawasaki and Suzuki built similar bikes for motocross.  If I wanted a Kawi, I would have bought one.  And now, with FIAT, who is best remembered for the Topolino, the little mouse, we will soon have small cars, with small engines.  No more V-8s, no more 440 6 packs, no more Hemis.  We’ll get what they want to sell us, when we could have had a V-8.  And as badge engineering dilutes the brand, and all cars look alike, no more can we tell a Ford from a Chevy from a VW from a Dodge, we all lose something.  When we are told we are gaining something.  And as something so emotional as cars lose their appeal, and begin to have all the appeal of a toaster or refrigerator, as they become appliances or appliance like, we all lose something of ourselves.  And within the next generation no one remembers.  Who would have ever thought both VW and Toyota would outsell GM?  Maybe what was good for GM was good for America, and vice versa.  Maybe we criticized the statement too soon.  Maybe we finally took Iacocca’s advice,  and when we found a better car, we bought it.  But can you envision car shows of the future with old men telling stories about FIATS?  Camrys?  Versas?  Even Datsun is now Nissan, is nothing sacred?

Proverbs tells us good name is better than riches.  And many good names were worth riches, or at least future riches, or they would not have been desirable to buy.  And so we come to the name of Jesus.  A common name at the time, Joe or Joseph of today.  But when Christ, meaning savior is added to it, and He becomes Jesus Christ, things change.  And when we take on His name, we change.  And so does our world.  Just by taking on His name, we become sons of God.  No other way to heaven either.    No other name in heaven by which we can be saved.  In His name we are healed.  At His name the nations shake and crumble, at His name the winds stop, and the waves cease.  At His name, we findthe beginnng and the end, and watch as demons flee, and kings bow down.  At His name...

A name that should be held as holy, for He is God.  And we should be Holy, as He is holy.  Wholly God and a holy God.  Without Holiness we will never see God, He is the way.  He is Holy.  No other way, no unholy alliance, no merger with any other gods.  He is God, the way.  If only history and the men who record it could be so holy, imagine the world without sin?  Now imagine heaven, and you have the promise of Jesus.  He is that Holy.  Tracing His lineage back to the beginning, and to God who created the universe-He was there.  A lineage I am proud to be part of, if only by adoption.

Try taking your FIAT to a Jeep store now for repairs.  But try again next year, and maybe...From the little mouse, the Topolino that roared, to the mighty Chrysler, how far have we fallen, or have they risen?  A little leaven going through the American auto scene, that like sin, leaven in the Bible, changes all things, and you can see the future.  Chrysler-it must have been one heck of a car.  Don’t let the same be said about you and Jesus.  If you don’t let sin in, it will never spread. If you resist the devil he will flee.  But putting on Jesus, you gain immortality.  Out of darkness, into light.  Maybe what you drive tells more about who and what you are then you wish others to know.  But telling others about Jesus leads them to salvation.  Something Hudson, Studebaker, Nash, and Packard all lost out on in mergers.  So listen to Lee Iacocca’s advice, “never put two number twos together to make a number one.”  Only Jesus is the one...how important is the brand you represent?  And today GM is based in the Renaissance Center, built by Ford.  And to think the apostles were all in one Accord.  All because of Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike matthew25biker.blogspot.com

from tubes to transistors

In a far a way country, almost 100 years ago, there was no radio.  No TV, no Internet.  People actually had to talk with each other, read, or went to bed early, getting up even earlier to start the next day.  Then along came radio, and soon this invisible voice was able to fill parlors from coast to coast.  Bringing the outside world into the home, form mysteries, to baseball games, to the gospel, the magic of sound came out of this big piece of furniture called the Philco, the centerpiece of any modern home 80 years ago.  Electronic, it was fed by vacuum tubes, that took time to warm up.  And when your favorite show was coming on, seconds could seem like minutes.  Just waiting for the set to warm up so you could hear Mel Allen welcome you to “baseball and Ballantine,” the voice of the Yankees, you didn’t want to miss the first pitch.  And who wanted to miss the beginning of the sermon, the title sometimes being the only thing you got out of the message.  But sometimes the sound would end, the lights go out, for a tube had died.  Pulling off the back, you could identify the bad tube, it was usually black, and a quick run to the store, where you plugged it into the tube tester, and it told you for sure it was faulty, just in case the lack of sound was questioned.  And then returning home with a new tube, plugging it in, you hoped they hadn’t finished the message, named the who dunnit, or missed the last out of the shutout-the game of the year.  You wanted to hear it all live, not from your friends the next day.  Bragging as if they had really been there,  and sad because you weren’t.

And soon newer cars had radios, taking big band music of Glen Miller on Sunday afternoon rides.  Listening to the ball game under shady trees while eating fried chicken, plying catch as Mel gave the count and the pitch.  “Going, going, gone...” so was the pitch and so were we.  And nothing like hearing your favorite song with that special date, parked alone at Inspiration Point, waiting for that magic moment.  Waiting for the radio to warm up...and your date.

And then came transistors, from war time after WWII.  The grandfathers of microchips, these little amplifiers and on/off switches allowed us to not miss a pitch.  We never had to wonder who dunnit, as they didn’t fail, and on dates with multiplestations, your song could be easily found.  And if you struck out on the date, there was always baseball...all best heard from the back seat, and from the rear speaker.  Even these little “transistor sisters” could be carried in a shirt pocket, taken to school for special events, and if your teacher was cool, listened to at lunch.  And do you remember singing out loud while on the headphones while your friends laughed at you?  The still small voices talking in your head...

Fast forward to today, where now we have cell phones that give Internet access, text, take pictures, and if aimed right,can even take phone calls.  Amazing, and that still small voice can now be musical, sports oriented, or even allow you to attend church, without attending.  Miracle of all miracles, what could be next, what could be better than being there?

But yet we have all become like one of the above.  Some are tube based, and when the tube turns black, they turn away from God.  Good only for a season, that once still, small voice inside, that once inspired them, is now silent.  They have quit listening to and for God, and have gone on to other more entertaining forms of life.  They forget that like tubes, they can be resurrected, and have life again, but aren’t interested.  Instead like the old radio, they are abandoned, only it is them that turn away from God.  No tube, no Jesus, no life.  And sometimes it is back to old habits, more Ballantine than baseball.  And they don’t feel welcomed anymore.  No more who dunnit, no more promise of Jesus’ return.  The set is dead, the lights are out.  The room is quiet.

Some are like the transistor, instant gratification, I want it now.  And when God acts like the genie in their lamp, they are always turned on and sometimes even tuned into Him.  Like their favorite song on the radio, they listen for Him, and like a date, make one with Him at least once week to catch up.  But sometimes they get busy, on other dates, and that still, small voice is drowned out.  Even putting their ear to the speaker isn’t good enough. God is dead, they have heard, and soon they believe it, although it is them and not God.  Resurrection also works on them, but they forget about Jesus.  Where was God when they needed Him, why didn’t I get the job, the girl, or the car?  Must be God’s fault, so they go on, listening to a new song,one that drowns out the real message, and they soon only look back, because they have no reason to look ahead.

Today some stay out of church, claiming that they go to church via the internet, but it is not the same.  They seek instant gratification, and rather Skype an old friend over gossip, than hear the truth from any pulpit.  Too much to listen to, but nothing on.  So they grab onto whatever text comes next, and that still small voice, becomes a loud text, and soon they have no time for God.  Jesus never left them, they turned off His station, for the world.  And when not fulfilled, pride keeps them away.  And then when they fail, they are thrown away, thinking they are not fixable, replaced and forgotten.  For whatever is new today, will be better and less expensive tomorrow, just hang on and wait, you’ll see.  And so Jesus does...are we listening?

Funny how scripture never says ‘he who has a tongue let him speak, but Jesus warns more than once, “He who has an ear, let Him hear.”  A still, small voice, the spirit, here and now, not from many mile away.  Beckoning you to take an afternoon drive with Him, make a date, or even accept an invite to church.  He is calling, the lines are open.  What station are you tuned to?

There are many buttons to be pushed on the radio of life.  Pushing the wrong one can cause you to miss out on life, the right button leads to eternity, and a pretty good right now.  Long before tubes, transistors, and microchips, there was Jesus.  And long after there still will be Jesus.  A favorite song, an exciting game, a drive in the country, or a special date.  He who has an ear, let him hear and respond now.  Pull the back off your old life, replace the tube, and hear that voice again.  Plug in earphone and let your transistor sister bring the joy of Jesus to you.  And Skype Jesus today...He has been waiting for your call.  Back to the beginning, when people used to talk one on one.  And still can today to Jesus.  Don’t bother waiting up for the game, it is just starting.  Welcome to the first pitch....going, going, gone.  Will you go with Him?

love with compassion,

Mike

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