Somewhere, sometime in the last 18 months I went over one million miles
riding on a motorcycle. I never set out to do it, but after talking with
someone who thought it would be cool to ride that much, I checked my mental
files, and then adding in all the miles on press bikes, it amazed me, over one
million miles! Not I am not sure which bike, which road, or even which state I
did it in, but I did it. Amazing what you can do when you set out to just go
for a ride. I have ridden over 100 miles IN one hour twice, ridden coast to
coast in under 70 hours, without thinking about it, and been cross country
almost two dozen times. 48 states, Canada and Mexico. I guess the miles
actually do add up....and I will add more to them today.
But in addition to working on my second million, miles that is, oh if I
only had a dollar for each mile ridden, today is a true testament to God in my
life. If you are reading this, it is my 2000th devotion written on Matthew 25
Biker. Even more if I include those lost on my laptop and never recovered, but
check it out, 2000! Does that make me a millenial? When God inspired me to
write, I thought maybe 100, but by his spirit he still inspires me. He showed
me years ago that he is the best editor, best publisher, and best distribution
man. I have heard from readers on six continents, it is translated into Russian
for use by a motorcycle ministry for street kids, and sent into and read in
prisons across the US of A. By prisoners, whose letters are my paycheck, and
that always seem to arrive just when I need them. God made it clear to me one
day when I was asked to attend a conference for Christian writers. “Can you
find a better editor than me? Publisher?” And so I passed, and everyday I
write, this is a letter written to him, emphasizing him, and giving him the
preeminence. Giving people a chance to hear the gospel in real life terms, and
making them consider Jesus Christ. It has never been about me, except my
Christian testimonies, it has been designed to point all who read it to Jesus.
For over eight years I used it as the basis of pastoring a group of people
living on the edge, and have seen his spirit save, change, and grow people in
Christ. What pastor could ask for anything more?
But this is also a year of change, Triumph changed their press fleet
policies, no more new bikes for me. And the owner of Dustin Arms is bringing in
new management. So I will be changing jobs, sort of speak, and at almost 65,
retiring, but not slowing down, and not changing Gods. Who would have ever
thought someone from a small town in Jersey could have been so blessed? Whose
life would reveal Jesus, who would take his friend Jesus with him everywhere,
and oh the places he has taken me. I can prove the scripture that God gives you
the desire of your heart, and when he is your desire, you are fulfilled. Like I
tell people, “Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles, it just don’t get any better.”
When I consider Jesus I think of a best friend who is always with me, but
never intruding. Who forgives me, and doesn’t condemn me. Who is present
always, but cannot be seen, except by his spirit. Who has shown me heaven, yet
sent me back to minister, and be ministered to. Yes there is a heaven, and the
only way to describe it is, “I want to go back.” Whatever you think it to be,
it is better. And we don’t have to wait to have the things of heaven here on
earth. For wherever you are, he is with you. Even when we turn our backs on
him, he is still in front of us, for he is omnipresent, and omnipotent. He
knows us and loves us anyway. I cannot imagine riding a few miles let alone a
million without him. So if you have the time, read about how he has changed my
life. Let him change you, as he encourages you. Find the beauty in being
forgiven, and of being loved. I have never made a million dollars in my life,
never even came close, but would never change all the miles for all the
dollars. Once your money is spent it is gone, but the memories of my rides with
Jesus last forever. I can relate to John when he wrote “if all the stories
about Jesus were written, no library could hold them.” And so I will continue
to ride, write, and encourage in Jesus Christ. I thank him for the nights of
waking up and him showing me want to write, of the articles I read to inspire,
and the times I sit staring at the keyboard, wondering what will I write today?
The stories I wonder “what was I writing?” minister to many, when the ones I
think are the best, I find are just between God and me. So let me leave with a
word of advice.
Never let anything get between you and Jesus. Find freedom in the spirit.
Remember you can do all things through Christ who is IN you. Forgive and love.
And please forgive my spelling. The right hand still grips everything like a
throttle. It has always been all about Jesus, never about me. Let him be all
about you. I hope your first million is a great as mine. And the second is
twice as rewarding.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com