only Mustang makes it happen

From the first TV commercials, to the first billboards announcing them, the Ford Mustang has made a huge impact on the automobile world.  Joey’s mom had the first one in our neighborhood, a 1964 1/2, gray with red interior, 260 V-8, and auto.  We would stand by it just hoping for a ride.  Soon Mr. Tucker had a light blue with a six, Bruce and Barry’s dad had a silver with a black vinyl roof, six with auto, but the coolest was Mrs. Farley’s 1966, Emberglow, tan vinyl roof, Pony interior, and spinners on the hubcaps!  Mustangs were everywhere, except at my house, but divine providence intervened twice that year, once at the New York World’s Fair, getting to sit in a white convertible riding through the Rotunda, at their Magic Skyway, narrowly missing getting a Comet instead, and my best friend in 4th grade Billy Dotterer’s dad managed the Metuchen plant where Mustangs were built, arranging a field trip for us.  Even the nerdiest girl who was bored by the assembly line was a Mustang fan when they saw the finished product roll off the assembly line. 

In junior high, Mr. Ubersax my basketball coach had a yellow 1966, with a 289, so did Mr. Corea.  The next year he traded it for a dark blue coupe, with a 390, 4 speed, and headers.  The worst teacher I ever had, what waste of car, and parked next to Mr. Dyer’s, same color, but with a six and auto.  One car that appealed to everyone.  Amazing.  I remember driving Vinny’s 1969 Boss 302 as a senior, the hood scoop vibrating through the hole in the hood.  Orange...fast.  And with a thirst for 40 cent a gallon Sunoco 260. Mr. Brannon’s 1970 Mach One, with a 428.  We either had one, or knew somebody who did, and we all wanted one.  And it started the Pony Car revolution, as Chevy responded with the Camaro, Craig’s older brother having a yellow 67 SS convertible.  Pontiac Firebirds were hot, none as hot as my old girlfriend Cathy’s 400 convertible with a 4 speed.  Plymouth had the Barracuda which never sold well, yet today brings high 6 figures at auction, Dodge had the Challenger, and even American Motors had the AMX, a two seater.  A version of the Javelin, my friend Barry had a new 1972 with a 401 our senior year.  Parked by Vinny’s boss, and Lucio’s 1972 Trans Am, the first car I went 120 mph in, cutting school one day to go to the shore, our parking lot at our high school would thrill any cruise night today.  Pony cars were everywhere, and all because of the Mustang.  Mary Richards aka Mary Tyler Moore drove one, what else can I say?  And today 50 years later, they still turn heads, and make a young man, or woman gotta have one.

We have had two, a 1986 GT convertible, with custom exhaust and some engine work-it was fast, and a 2001 convertible is in the garage now.  Candy apple red, a six, but with an everlasting effect.  Leaving church on Easter, we dropped the top, and all eyes were on it.  Try that Prius, Ms. SUV, or family sedan.  Mustangs tell a lot about their owners, and from the 350H, where for $17/day and 17 cents a mile you could rent a racer from Hertz, to Carroll Shelby’s influence, to all the sixes out there and in my garage, like the old ads told us “only Mustang makes it happen.”

Since becoming a Christian, I can truly say “only Jesus makes it happen.”  Jesus had the appeal to everybody long before the Mustang did.  Although he was god, he came to earth in the form of a man, to serve.  He would discuss matters of deeply religious matters with Pharisees, or sit and teach the loneliest hooker.  He fed the 5000, twice, yet carried no food himself.  He had all the riches of heaven at his command, and power too, yet lived humbly.  He never owned property, and even died naked, his robe being auctioned off by throw of the dice.  He left no will, never forcing his will on anyone, yet leaving an indelible memory with all who met him.  He would be fine in a six cylinder Mustang today, and excite punching the throttle on  a V-8.  He had all the options at his command, yet offered himself up forgoing them, choosing to die so we may live.  He was every option available, and leaves it up to us today how much of him we have in our lives.  And wants us to be the same for others.  To others.

We find Jesus in the temple, on the road, in a boat, walking on the sea, fishing, teaching, walking, healing, tried, convicted of no crime, and then crucified.  He saw it all, and from anarchists to tax collectors to Pharisees to fisherman, he became all things to all people, so they could know him personally.  The Apostle Paul exhorts us to be all things to all people-meet them where they are, where they live.  It is Jesus who sought us, no one I ever knew woke up one morning and decided to find God.  It took the Holy Spirit to call us, to tell us we needed a savior, and to introduce us to Jesus.  Each one of us a custom job, none two alike.  Just like the relationship he offers, with different levels of luxury and performance.  In cars you cannot have it all, in Jesus you can.  And can forever.

Today in the Mustang aftermarket, you can buy all the parts to build a brand new 1965 Mustang, and title it as a 2015.  They may look the same, but only one will be the original.  Don’t settle for less than the original Jesus.  Many will make claims, religion will beckon, and cults entice.  Only Jesus is the way....all others come after.  There were and are many Pony cars out there, but it all started with the Mustang.  Some lead, some follow, some try to duplicate.  So it with cars, so it is with God.  Jesus is the real thing, the original, and still changing lives today.  This year we celebrate 50 years of the Mustang, I celebrate 40 years with Jesus.  And he has been changing lives for 2000 years, where will your new 2015 be in 2000 years?  My God never changes, never goes out of style, and has never been duplicated.  Imitated and copied, but there is and always only be one Jesus.  In 1964 Ford brought us the unexpected, the Mustang.  God is still providing us with his unexpected, yet expected son today.  Let him surprise you with all he has to offer.  One ride and I’m sure you’ll agree, “only Jesus makes it happen.”  Let him happen to you today.  And like the theme from Mary Tyler Moore tells us  “you’re gonna make it after all...”

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

power to the pavement

Some years back a friend had the motor of his Harley rebuilt.  After 120,000+ miles it was tired, and needed work.  Spending a lot of money and fixing some other things, he spent well over $6000, such is our devotion to our bikes.  When he got it back, he was excited, as it had more power than before.  So much power that in the higher gears under full throttle the rear tire would lose traction and spin.  The tach needle would spin, the speedo needle didn’t, and he thought it was the rear tire losing traction.  This rebuilt motor was fast, and he wanted me to ride it, to show how fast Harleys were.  Having passed a few in my time, I was well aware, but I indulged him anyway and we went for a ride.

The engine definitely sounded tighter, and smoother, 120,000 is a lot for any “white man’s machine” as my friend Brett used to say.  After letting it warm up, for gasketing purposes, so they won’t leak, we headed up the freeway, me leading, he on my Bonneville.  I accelerated through the gears, nothing real exciting, and then just like he said, in 5th gear under full throttle the tach needle pinned itself, but no more speed.  His description was accurate, his diagnosis was wrong.  What he interpreted as wheel spin was really his clutch slipping.  After a 15 mile run, I did get it up to 115, using a 3 mile steep downgrade to get there from 90, and we rode back and he was excited.  “See, see how powerful it is.  I bet your bike can’t do that,” and he was right, was clutch was fine.  After telling him delicately the clutch was slipping, I asked if he had new clutch plates installed at the rebuild.  His quizzical look told me no, his answer was how the mechanic had worked on Harleys for 30 years, was known around town, and did great work.  Just answer the question yes or no.  But he would check....

A week later he called, he had a new clutch installed the day before, the mechanic didn’t put a new one in with the rebuild because my friend didn’t ask for one.  Which immediately made me wonder what else my friend hadn’t requested, and saddened that he should have to.   We trust, or should be able to trust those that work on our prized rides, it is right up with the one who cuts your hair, fixes your food, and fixes your motorcycle, don’t tell them how to do it once you find one you trust.  Doctors practice medicine, I’m glad Mickey, my mechanic doesn’t.  He would have fixed it in the first place.  And like he told me yesterday, he has been doing it for over 30 years.  And today makes a substantial living fixing problems on Harleys repaired by Harley techs.  His dyno room is always full, the waiting list long, and the customers happy, and telling their friends.  The theory simple, you can have all the power in the world, but if you don’t get it to the pavement what good is it?  A simple problem like a slipping clutch can give the illusion of power if you don’t know what to look for.  And my friend’s slipping clutch would eventually let him down, and doubting the motor’s builder.  Which he should...and did, and now problem was fixed.  No retest yet on my part....

Meekness is a word the world has little respect for.  We hear of a meek man, we think of Mort Meek, from an old cookie commercial, who once he ate the cookie went from a 98 pound weakling to getting all the girls.  All Oreos got me was fat.  But God lists meekness as fruit of the spirit, right there before self control.  Meekness to God means power under control, getting the power to the pavement when it is needed.  Power under control, when combined with self control tells us how much to open the throttle, and when.  We don’t sit waiting for the light to turn green at 10,000 rpm, nor do we cruise at idle.  Power under control tells us when, and what results we get.  Meekness also allows us to do the better thing in a situation, when doing the right thing may cause harm to us.  Think of it as the second guy who hits always gets caught.  He was just defending himself, but he got caught, the first guy goes away laughing.  How many penalties have you seen in football that way?  So when we are meek, we have power, the same power Jesus had, we have at our disposal.  But it takes self control, based on our decision we either spin our wheels, do a burnout, or take off.  Burnouts are fun, we just don’t want to become one.  Knowing when and where is important, knowledge is good, wisdom is better.  Going fast is fun, that is common knowledge, wisdom is don’t do it in front of a ChiPpie.  We all know those results.  Speed testing a Harley at 100mph will get you noticed, you just don’t want the ticket to verify it.  Meekness keeps us from the ticket, also from sin.  Which has a price...it always does.  And eventually leads to death.  On a bike it may seem like fun, you never know what Ms. SUV on her i-Pod is thinking in front of you. A little meekness on her part may be too much to expect.

An old saying tells us to measure twice and cut once.  I fall victim to the opposite many times, my decision, my fault, my consequence.  Today we all face situations where we can respond with vindictiveness, fall back on meekness instead.  Be slow to speak, and slow to anger, meekness.  Displayed by our self control, our decision.  Stay close to God in the spirit, and find out we not only avoid situations, but come out ahead when we listen to God.  Today I win more battles because I pick my fights better.

You may have 264 hp like Ray’s BKing, but without throttle control, without the power under control you make some incredible burnouts. You don’t go very fast, but the illusion is great.  Don’t spin your wheels when you don’t have to, in riding it is hand to throttle control, in life it is head to heart control.  No one sets out to get a ticket today, or have problems.  Our actions are important, our reactions show more of where we are with Jesus.  His power, his control, our choice.  Life can be a simple as replacing a slipping clutch, or thinking you have power you don’t that eventually leaves you stranded.  Usually the farther from home, and the darker.  Add rain, no money....I think you get the picture.  Whether a Christian for 30 years, or just Born Again yesterday, meekness is a fruit you need daily.  A free gift from God, part of the signup package upon salvation.  Now pass the Oreos please, God please show me meekness in my weakness.  Maybe if I make it balanced meal with milk....self control Mike, self control. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

close to you-so get ready

One of the major discussions at my first real summer job, working for the Union County Park Commission cleaning iris beds, was musical in nature.  At 16 most of us knew it all, hence the nature of our first job, but when it came to music, we had different views.  We may not have known it all, but we knew what we liked.  It is 1969, great names from music like Tommy James and the Shondells, The Archies, whose song “Sugar, Sugar,” outsold The Stones “Honky Tonk Woman,” The Grass Roots, The Doors, Temptations, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, even the Beatles!  What an exciting time for music, and to be a kid, sorry adult, we were working now, and have some folding green in our wallets.  All $64 of it before taxes!  But having different views, and having a radio to listen to, most of the time it was on WABC, listening to Cousin’ Brucie, and then to a small station from Newark, which I cannot remember the call letters of.  We would each get a turn for 30 minutes, and although I thought I was sophisticated in my music choices, that small Newark station became too much.  I loved Motown, this was Newark, same riots as Detroit two years earlier, but with no soul.  I liked the harmonies, and sang along to the Carpenter’s “Close to You.”  Which drove the fine musical ears of the others nuts.  “How can you listen to that?  You can’t dance to it?”  And when we changed stations, they would look like the Temptations with rakes and shovels moving/working to the music.  “How can you listen to that?  You can’t make out to that?”  And so the battle raged on... Rare Earth’s hit “Get Ready” vs. “Close to You.”   Sometimes the conversations were heated, sometimes comical, we all would laugh.  But when it affected our work, Tony our boss turned off the radio.  And I can still see guys like both the Freds, and Kyle Looney Boy still dancing with their rakes, while I sang.  We were having fun, and although I liked Rare Earth, would not admit it.  I even caught one of the Fred’s telling how his girlfriend liked The Carpenters, I am sure such musical sacrifices would be made in the name of love.  But it was all done in fun, it was entertaining, and 46 years later I still don’t like iris.  But I love The Carpenters, no voice ever like Karen’s, listen to “Superstar,” recorded on the first take, reading the words off of a napkin...the lady has soul.  And when I hear “Get Ready” by Rare Earth, or the original from The Temptations, I want to move and dance like my old work mates did, at least in my mind.  They had soul....

Our paths would intertwine over the years, and we had the bond of that summer.  Our first jobs, from different high schools in different towns, different backgrounds,and different music.  But when we met, we would always go back to the music....and argue and laugh.  I often wonder if we ever knew how special that first job, new friends, and arguing over music would be.  I still listen to music, but not like before.  No radio on my bikes, and rarely am I in a car.  So my old 37 year turntable plays the hits occasionally.  My collection of albums, over 300 stopping in 1975, the year I got saved.  Music changed that year for me, or so I thought, really it was me.  My outlook became different looking through life from Jesus’ perspective, and Christian music was all new.  Daniel Amos, Second Chapter of Acts, Parable, and John Fischer....but I still loved the oldies.  And still listen to them today.  Much to the chagrin of some Christians, who think I am blasphamous-I am, but with style, decadent, I am but with rhythm, and a bad witness...not enough legalism I guess.  But I sing Jesus words to the oldies sometimes, my own style of worship, and a trip down memory lane without critics.  The words to “Close to You” remind me of meeting Jesus, how he longs to be close to me, and you.  “On the day when you were born the angels got together....”  says so right here in the gospels.  And what better harmony than harmony in the spirit.  And whether it be the Temptations, or Rare Earth, “Get Ready” reminds me to be ready, to look up for the day of his return is closer everyday.  “I’m bringin’ you a lover’s tune, so get ready...” and I can see my friends moving to the music, in perfect harmony.  You see Jesus brings harmony into our lives, we have a part to sing with him, and when we become one with him, the song is wonderful.  The tune perfect, and the words mean something.  For what was just a song when unsaved, now the words have meaning.  So it should come as no surprise that so many old love songs can be sung to the Lord.  For if music if the language of love, play on.  And when Jesus is that language of love, the songs never end.  He is the music we long for, and the tunes we live by.  So of course we sing...and he loves it.  Worship he calls it, and when it comes from the heart, he gets Close to You-so Get Ready!

And so our music is personal, like it is with our relationship with God.  I like the old hymns, I also like much of the new Christian music.  My taste is varied, my love for God isn’t.  It cannot match how much he loves us, and did while we were yet sinners.  As I was that summer in 1969.  My life and music changed when I met Jesus, and today I sing a new song...one of life and love.  So maybe music is the language of love, but Jesus is the music.  And all can say to that is “play on!”

Whether 8-track, cassette, album, or CD, let the music of Jesus play on forever in your life.  But the best tunes I hear are from his heart to mine, making the songs come alive.  Songs of love, songs that win a man’s heart, that worship the King, and remind me of how life changed when Jesus entered it.  If he has entered your life, you know what I mean, if not, I welcome you to meet him, to hear music in perfect harmony.  Songs that will make you want to dance with joy, or sing with reverence.  Songs once sung alone, but now a duet, with the Lord.  So Get Ready-Jesus wants to be Close to You.  Looking at the Billboard Top 100 for 1969, so many songs were love songs.  Songs about love, which now have a special meaning because I met the one who is love.  Call it a lesson learned in the iris beds of life...pretty smart for a 16 year old, huh?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

fans don't boo nobodies

It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  “Be like Billy,” an old SNL skit used to tell us.  How may ate their Wheatie’s until Bruce Jenner became Brenda, or is it Bridgit?  We all ate Wonder Bread to build our young bodies 12 ways, try to imagine Nike without Mikey?  The numbers we chose when playing sports were all based on our heroes, 24 for Willie Mays, 12 in football for Joe Namath, and 12 for basketball.  Heavy Joe Willie Namath crossover.  We make so many decisions based on others, to emulate them, to somehow get a boost just by wearing their number.  We all have our heroes, and when they let us down, we make excuses for them.  Such is hero worship, such is idol worship.  But few players, really entertainers on a field instead of a stage, give back like a lesson, like the one from Joe D.  From Joe DiMaggio.  Joltin’ Joe, the Yankee Clipper, who once hit in 56 straight games-no one else has come close.  One day in a game with the Yankees well ahead, he ran out full speed a meaningless ground ball to short.  When asked in the dugout why, he explained “because maybe someone in the stands had never seen Joe DiMaggio play before.”  Most unlike watching Barry Bonds one afternoon, turn an opponents single into a double, twice, by not hustling.  And so we cheer our heroes, buy the products they endorse, and follow them, hoping that somehow the association with them makes us successful. Making excuses for them. Loved, or at least liked. 

Now fans also boo, and with losses come fewer fans, more excuses, and fewer endorsements.  But booing many times can have the same affect as cheering when you boo your opposition.  Some bask in the booing, knowing it is really a compliment form your opponent, recognizing who you are.  Giving you credit for past accomplishments, hoping you fail, which then brings cheers of relief.  Nobody wants to lose, that is not why we play the game.  But in our victories we often make enemies, and their booing is a compliment.  Perhaps Reggie Jackson said it best, Mr. October himself, who when the fans booed, was spurred onto greater things.  His simple comment, “fans don’t boo nobodies,” gives insight as to who he was, what he meant to his team, and what a competitor he really was.  He may have taken on reporters, pitchers, team mates, Billy Martin, and even George Steinbrenner, but Reggie liked to win, to be the man in the moment.  He lived for the glory, and often delivered, earning adulation from both the applause of his fans, and the booing of his enemies.  If only we were so smart, and a little more humble.

Today many speak of unity in the church.  I am invited to worship with like minded men.  Free speech has come to mean say whatever you want, as long as you agree with me.  Clubs form common bounds, from bike brand to territory to riding or cruising.  We all want to be united with someone, or something, and many look to the church.  Which is too many times a dividing factor, when confused with God.  Yet many well meaning Christians and other pulpit people  insist we must unite, we must have unity.  And even quote Jesus, but do so incorrectly.

Jesus came to separate the sheep from the goats.  To save us the sheep, and separate us from those going to hell.  The goats.  To live in this world, but not be a part of it.  Yet many will live as monks, sequestered from society, only hang around with Christians, and only shop at Christian businesses, becoming cult like.  Neglecting Jesus who tells us to be salt and  light in a dying world.  So many want to be like Jesus, from their bumper stickers to their crosses around their necks, they want a form of Godliness, yet they don’t want Jesus.  Noah got it, when leaving the ark the first thing he did was bow and give thanks.  How many of us would have looked for a place to eat?  Or started complaining, or making plans?  Yet Noah sought God first, like we need too.  And in Jesus we find the example of unity, unity in the spirit.  Where we need to seek him and agree with him, not bring him down to our level.  Not making excuses, but showing love tenderly by telling the truth, again tenderly.  All the way to the cross, then to heaven, and as we wait for his return, we still worship him, as he changes us from within.

No one takes Buddha, or Mohhamed’s name in vain.  They have followers, but they are not God.  They are nobodies, and like Reggie says, “ no one boos nobodies.”  Maybe in cursing Jesus they give more credence to his words and actions than many of our praises.  Jesus is the ultimate somebody, we all once booed him, but through salvation, he has made a way.  The way to his father in heaven, the way to eternal life, instead of eternal damnation. No one else promised that, or can deliver that.  Only Jesus.  Booing Jesus like they did in front of Pilate, maybe more of a recognition of who he was than of all those who earlier in the week shouted “hosanna.”  And it goes on today...

Do you honor Jesus by praising or by booing?  Both tell us who he is, but also tell us who you are.  Only Jesus can and will forgive.  All other heroes have retired, Jesus still lives.  The choice you get to make is sheep or goat?  Will you be a winner in Christ, or strike out in the big game becoming a goat?  One pitch can make you a hero, one missed foul shot a goat.  One completed pass can make you a star, one dropped pass a loser.  Become the winner you need to be, you want to be in Jesus Christ today.  And live for him, loving when the odds are against you, seeing how he turns defeat into victory.  Live life as if no one has seen him before, and by seeing you may see God, and desire him more.  Run out the meaningless ground balls, for we show our true character in mundane daily chores and more in defeat.  Be united in the spirit, true unity, and watch as the things of God become more familiar.  Some will cheer, some will boo, both will recognize Christ in you.  Jesus assures us when we are booed, they are really booing him.  Make sure he is the one on your cereal box, the number on your back, the sticker on your bumper.  Be like Jesus, loving, forgiving, caring, and compassionate. 

Some choose to live everyday as a life and death game.  Be assured you will see a lot death that way.  We don’t win every battle, we do win the war.  Fans don’t boo nobodies, if you are booed, persecuted, or hated, you must have made an impact somewhere.  Someone saw Jesus in you.  Jesus rode into Jerusalem a hero, and was crucified as a loser.  Only his real fans knew the difference.  Are you booing or cheering at the cross?  Has your walk upset others enough to hate you?  Keep going, don’t drop your cross.  Your reaction will tell more than your actions.  After all, cheering and booing are both reactions aren’t they?  And both may be a better indication of who Jesus is in your life than we want to know. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

cars my kids never knew

My friend really is a rocket scientist, yet when I mentioned some cars from my early driving days he knew none of them.  One generation apart, a mere 25 years, and cars I grew up with were unknown entities to him.  He drives a little Honda, a Fit, which although tiny, is still bigger than the first Honda cars, the 600.  Bigger than the first Civic, and bigger than the first Accord.  His car history is much different than mine, and the names I mentioned drew a blank from him.  My first car, I shared it with my mother, was a 1966 Rambler Classic 770, top of the line Classic in 1966.  A 4 door with their famous 232 inline six, it was wheels, and I was glad to have it.  With the famous reclining front seats that made into a bed, it may not have had much sex appeal, but once inside....and with a newly installed under dash 8-track, no more double dates, or rides from my father.  Or hers.  But no one cool drove Ramblers, and soon it was traded in on a Pinto, 1971 version.  No one cool drove them either.  The first year, that green that every other Ford car seemed to be painted, 2000cc’s of muscle, mated to a floor shifted automatic.  Four on the floor were the amount of feet counting my date.  Green vinyl everywhere, from seats to dash to the floor, it could handle 7 high school seniors who cut class to go to the shore uncomfortably, it was made to seat 4.  A trunk nothing fit into, it finally died years later when the intake manifold vibrated off, causing it to stall at a stop light.  But along the way mag wheels and Wide Oval Firestones were added, and shifting the auto manually gave the illusion of speed, even if it was slow.  Ford made millions of them, where are they all today?

But when I mentioned the first car I owned, bought with money saved from summer jobs and my paper route, he knew the name-BMW.  Except he had never heard of the 2002, or its smaller engined brother I had, the 1600.  He had owned a BMW, but never knew of Max Hoffman’s gift to the colonies, the 2002.  The car that made everybody’s best 10 list in the late 60’s, early 70’s.  A two door, four seat sedan, OHC 4 cylinder that handled. It had four on the floor, disc brakes, and handled.  I suckered many a Corvette into corners, only to leave them behind until they blew by me giving me a salute in the straights.  A car today highly collectible, that my father bought in 1969, not because he liked cars, but because it was German, and highly rated.  Remember he owned Ramblers.  And when I got my license, he sold it to me for $1900, what they offered him in trade in 1972 against a new 2002, for $4000.  I still have his cancelled check.  So my rocket science friend never knew of his car’s legacy, of how there was a time when BMW stood for British what?  Or how the yuppies of today were never so cool as to own a real BMW, back when they were just another car from Germany. That sports cars guys drove.   He was going to look them up, I hope he does, our roots are important, knowing where we come from and where we have been can help guide us to where we are going.  Three cars from a generation ago, what will my kids remember?

Gone since 2000 are such nameplates as Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Plymouth, Mercury, and Saturn.  Joining the likes of Hudson, Kaiser, Packard, Studebaker, and even Rambler.  No more Pintos, Vegas, Gremlins.  No more hood pins, racing stripes, Wide Ovals, or mags.  No more setting the timing, replacing plus and points.  No more manual windows, or AM radios.  5% of all cars made have clutches, and most cannot drive when it is only a point and steer automatic.  No more bias ply tires that smoked so easy, but wobbled us down the road.  Drum brakes a memory.  Bench seats, hub caps, and big cubic inch V-8’s-all cars my kids never knew.  But learn about when they visit car shows, and listen to us old guys share our memories.  Try to explain a 4 speed, dual quad, posi-traction 409 to my friend today.  Or any kid.  No more burning rubber, traction controls have killed that.  From basic transportation 110 years ago, back to it again, just more modern.  But even the first cars were more exciting than a horse...a car I never knew.

Scripture tells us to take care of widows and  orphans.  That is true ministry.  Yet so many single moms, widowed or not, are trying to raise families today.  God ordained families of a mother and a father, a man and his wife, both having responsibilities, but each sharing a burden, equal yet different.  Moms staying home and raising kids, taking care of the home, running it, while the father goes to work, and earns a salary to support his family.  It used to be that way, sadly so many today don’t know homes like that.  With the divorce rate at 50%, and the fatherless birth rate well over that, these are destroying society.  Sitting down with a family at dinner are things that kids today never knew.  That only exist in our memories, and won’t be found in theirs.  Kids orphaned maybe not at birth, but in society, raising themselves after school, fixing dinner themselves, missing Father’s Day because they never knew their father.  Many die today orphans of society, yet God has not abandoned them.  Today we can know our heavenly father through Jesus.  Fatherless homes and lives do not need to be Godless homes and lives, Jesus changes all that.  He cared for the widows and orphans, reuniting us with his father.  You see we were once all orphaned from heaven, separated by sin.  Cast out of the Garden, with only laws to guide us.  Jesus changed all that, adding love, fulfilling the laws in one action.  For 2000 years bringing sinful orphans back into the family of God, bringing into his family.  Brothers and sisters of different parents, but with only one God, one Father, and one spirit.  We are told to come to Christ as little children, to a God we didn’t know.  And Jesus is the way, the way back, the maker of families, the reuniter of lost souls.  The connection to a living God, who sought us out, when we weren’t looking for him.

Many today are looking for something to build a family, to heal wounds, to just get through another day.  Programs, processes, and promotions don’t make it.  Just another band aid on an open wound.  They are looking for something, when really it is the someone of Jesus Christ.  A real person, not a policy.  Not a set of rules, but true love.  Forgiveness, grace, mercy, and joy.  Who cannot use a little,or a lot more of those?  So while we go to old car shows to remember, we need to maybe take a kid along.  Be a father figure, and guide them.  Evangelizing takes place outside the church, and lost souls are found at drag strips, car shows, and cruise ins.  Share a night with a lost kid, or adult, make a friend, and let them see the love of Jesus in your life.  Introduce them to a man they never knew, but whose name they use in vain.  Make them feel wanted, part of a family, and soon sharing Jesus verbally is simple.  They hear your words, because your audio matches your visual.  They will see Jesus in your life, what better example of love can you show?

What will your kids share with their friends about cars?  Motorcycles?  Jesus?  Today is right now everyday, and we have a chance to change tomorrow.  Don’t let your family, friends, or relatives become orphans till death do they part.  Jesus saves, racers, bikers, inmates, guards, mothers and father, kids, and all who still have breath.  Even a rocket scientist who never saw a Rambler, never heard of a 2002.  But he knows Jesus, and where he is going.  The gospel, so simple even a rocket scientist can get it.  And guys in cars, and on bikes.  Simple so we can get it, free so we can afford it.  Don’t let the years pass without knowing Jesus.  There were millions of Pintos made, where are they today?  There was only one Jesus....where he is in your life makes all the difference.  Don’t let him be somebody your kids never knew.  God sent Jesus, where are you with him today?

love with compassion,

Mike

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