man's best friend is dog spelled backwards

For ten years Shelby, aka Pup Pup was our family dog. When she finally went blind, and had to be put to sleep, even the vet cried when he came to pick her up. And figuring we could never replace her, decided to forego a family dog. Which lasted almost a month. Looking at many breeds, we almost got an English Bulldog, until we discovered American Bulldogs. And then set about trying to find one, which took Christopher to Las Vegas to get Clemenza. Named after Peter Clemenza in the Godfather-"leave the gun, bring the canoles," her name ironically means merciful in Italian. And so, Clemenza, aka Baby came into our lives.

We had decided she would be an outside dog like Pup Pup, but the first night let her sleep on our bed, as much for her well being as ours. And she learned quick-realizing that people shared beds with her, not the other way around. She still thinks Andrew's bed is hers, and let's him sleep with her, and friends spending the night in our guest room are advised to shut their door, or they will find a 75 pound dog in bed with them. She has even been spotted under the covers with them. Well, they were warned. And it is her house.

We were also advised about crate training her. Getting her a crate to sleep in, so she felt secure, and that the house would stay puppy proof. She already had a house-ours, she didn't need a crate. And besides, I think it is cruel to put a dog in a crate to sleep, after all they are our best friend, would you treat your best friend like that? We won't ask the cat as she has a different opinion.

We call them CEO's-Christmas and Easter only Christians-those are the only two times a year they go to church. It is like they feel that fulfills any religious obligation they may have, and so this semi-annual event makes them a Christian. We also discuss those that feel a weekly appearance in church fulfills their obligation, leaving all but 90 minutes a week to do what they want. And lastly there are those who get up and read 15 minutes of their Bible, pray for ten, then go to work-having fulfilled their obligation. And some even repeat it at night-they are really holy! And like putting their dog in a crate, have put their God in a crate. Calling on Him only when it is convenient, or they need something. Making Him a set of rules, a religious experience only when they want it, a set of rules to adhered to, no freedom involved. Unless you count weekends off. Always knowing right where He is, just not knowing Him. Try this with any other relationship and see what happens-why do they think it will work with God?

You see God wants to have an intimate, personal relationship with you. Not a religious time like the examples above. I know people who live like this, and they know all about God, but I wonder how they can know God. They are in the word, but like God asks, is the word in you? Big difference. You see God never leaves your presence, but we can turn our backs on Him. We crate train Him by our actions, when He really wants to be our best friend-where Jesus wants you to get to know Him, not just as a man who puts a check by your name, then sends it off to the heavenly printer to be added to the book of life. He is life, and as your time spent with Him becomes increased, you find yourself thinking about Him more, praying, and more often than not praising Him. Psalm 1 calls it meditation, and says it brings blessings. Not enough blessings-the formula says not enough Jesus. Any questions?

Let today be the day that you let God out of the cage you put Him in, and enjoy all the freedoms of a relationship, versus a religion. Get to know God, and realize that although you kept Him in a cage-it was really you who was locked up-or bound by a set of religious rules. Read the Bible every morning for 15 minutes-great, but sing in the shower, and think on Him while riding to work. Spend 10 minutes daily praying, aka asking for something-let Him do the talking and find out what you really need, and how He supplies it. Spend time with Him, tell Him about motorcycles-He rides, tell Him about food-He eats, and get to know Him.Take the leash off of God, and enjoy walking with God, instead of walking God. Be like Adam, before he sinned, walking daily with God. I can only imagine the things they talked about, but I do know God still loves to walk and talk with His children.

As for Clemenza, I have to go rescue the cat-she hasn't quite got this man's best friend thing down yet. I hope you do-for God, dog spelled backwards is man's best friend. I hope you are His. Only by letting Him out of the cage and into your heart will you ever know. Or grow.

Jesus Christ-still and always man's best friend. He is love, and we sure could use a whole lot more of that! He escaped the tomb, letting Him out of the cage and into your heart is easy after that!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

are you deaf or just not listening?

If you ever answer your spouse, "yes dear," this is for you. If you are ever accused by them of not listening-listen up. And if you find that your prayers aren't answered, pay attention. I'm about to talk about you-you have been given fair warning.

It seems there are a lot of angry people out there. And one reason for their anger is no one listens to them. I marvel at how many husbands after a full day at work, listening to everyone else's problems, can't find five minutes to listen to their wives when they get home. Or how many wives don't give them time to unwind so they can listen. And because neither one listens to the other, a rift forms in their marriage. And soon, one finds someone who will listen, and the other finds one who will give them some time to unwind. Not necessarily in love, but someone who will listen to them. There is an old misunderstanding that because someone talks a lot they will make a good salesman, or a good attorney. Wrong-it is those who listen, then answer correctly that excel in their field. And like I tried to explain this to this guy last night-you don't ask, you tell-that way you don't end up trying to placate everyone, only upsetting them all. And one word answers work great-no. Try it with your teens, no. Takes a lot of fight out of them.

I find that the better counselors or pastors are ones who listen before speaking. I am working on that myself. Pause. OK, I'm back. Better 10 words spoken in love, than 100 in anger. But listening takes patience-a fruit of the spirit, and also leads to salvation.

Last night at our men's Bible study, Ken spent the whole 2 hours outside talking to a man named Tom, who showed up at church. As we went about our study, Ken was outside with Tom. After the meeting, Ken came in and someone asked how did it go. Ken answered "I think I only spoke 11 words the whole time." And I don't think anyone, including Ken realized what had happened. Ken was an answer to Tom's prayer that night. Tom needed someone to talk to, who would listen, as a street person, no one does. But Ken took the time, filling the need in this man's life by listening to him, showing love to a stranger that escaped most of us. But reminding me of how God works.

We cannot control our hearing, but we can our tongue. God is always trying to talk with us, and so often we miss answers to prayer because we don't listen. You can't force God to answer, but you can listen-try it and see how it changes your life, and your relationship with Him. I am asked often, why does God do such neat things in your life? Perhaps the best answer is, why doesn't He in yours? I can't speak for God, but I know that since I trust Him more, I listen for His answers and advice-and take them. And when I do-I'm blessed. When I don't, well I start asking again, and sometimes when I already got the answer, just not the one I was looking for. Jesus put it simply, to he who has an ear, let him hear. Are you listening?

I believe we should have a national day of listening to God-no cell phones, I-pods, laptops, or outside interference. We have a national day of prayer to seek Him, now we need some time for Him to answer. Waiting on Him, like the Psalms say, renewing our strength, and doing all the things we tell others to do with God. Time well spent, listening to our heavenly father guide us, instruct us, and give us an intimate time with Him that many talk of, but have never experienced. Maybe that one word answer, yes is appropriate here. Less time talking, much more time listening. And maybe since sometimes the reason you only hear no is because that reflects your relationship with God-you don't trust, so He can't give out more blessing because you couldn't handle them. You want more of God, listen to Him more.

And by listening to God more, it will make your marriage better, you will want to listen to your wife. And she will look forward to listening to you about your day. And you will find that the library of God opens to you, and you will see things much differently-through His eyes more than yours. All because you chose to listen.

God listens to us-now that is patience. Why not return the favor and listen to Him. What better tour guide than He who made the world to guide us through it. And the one word answer that makes it all possible-Jesus. So put on your helmet, throw a leg over your bike, and go out for a ride with Jesus. That voice you hear is the best reason to ride-alone with Jesus. Get it-don't answer, we'll know by your smile. Ken got it last night, thanks God for the lesson. Take the hear out of heart and you have nothing left. Do you think God spelled it that way on purpose?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

inspector callahan only needed one hand-Jesus used two

Down at the end of my street, were a couple of lots, covered with woods. We used to play in them, and these are the ones Joey Coleman accidently set on fire once. But somewhere in our youth, they built a doctor's office on most of it, changing all the rules. We used to ride our bikes in the parking lot, but the main attraction was the left over pile of sand from building this brick building. We would play like we were at the shore-although most of us had never been there, the primary game was digging tunnels. And when you couldn't go any farther than the length of your arm, would start digging from the other side. Great joy was experienced when you broke through, only surpassed when you took your arm out and it didn't collapse. And then after digging for awhile, we would collapse them, returning another day to rebuild them, and go sit on the short brick wall by the entrance, watching as cars sped down South Avenue at 35 mph. Commenting on the different cars as they passed, and getting excited when a new Mustang would go by-boy were they cool.

But on this one afternoon, we were bored with car watching and tunneling, so we decided to look inside the mail slot on the entrance to the doctor's office. Never having been inside, we were curious. And only getting a limited view from the mail slot, Barry noticed that he could reach his nine year old arm in the slot and reach the door knob-which he did, and opened up the door. And set off the burglar alarm.

Sitting there scared to death, we waited for the police to come so we could confess, and beg for mercy. So when the first Scotch Plains PD officer showed up, we approached him, but he waved us away, holding his pistol in one hand, while waving us to safety with his other. And the more we tried to interrupt, and explain we were the criminals he was looking for, the madder he got at us, so we finally took his advice and sat by his car. After about 20 minutes, and three other patrol cars, they found no one and decided to talk to us. Where 20 minutes ago we were ready to confess, now we felt it was better to act like kids, and lie. "OK, kids, what did you want?" And mumbling something I can't remember, they let us go, to return some day to dig tunnels, watch speeding traffic, but never to reach inside of another mail slot-even to this day. And somewhere in the annals ofSPPD crime, lies an unsolved case-and only Barry and I know the answers. At least until today. And we also got our first up close experience with the police.

Both the cops and us didn't communicate well that day. They wouldn't listen, and when they asked, we didn't respond. And seeing a bumper sticker the other day, reminded me why people don't turn to God like we should. That old bumper sticker said "Jesus is coming-and boy is He mad!" Sadly some believe this, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Ask yourself a simple question, if He were mad, why would He die on the cross for us? Why would you pray to someone who hates you? But alas, lies like this permeate society, and even in some churches. Like our earthly fathers-"don't make me come up there!", we think of God as a creature just waiting to punish us-"don't make me come there!"

But you see He already has, and sent Jesus to die on the cross, so we could have a real relationship with Him. And we could be His children, and He can be our God. I like that version better, and since it is the truth, have given my life over to it.

Seek Jesus today, and look at His hands. They are not clenched in fists, but wide open, and you can see where the nails pierced them as He hung on the cross. And His arms are wide open to embrace you, not to punish you. And He wants to spend time with you. And when He shows up needs no gun, so both arms are open to you-and His hands are for holding you-not a gun.

The case of the doctor's office alarm may have easily been solved 45 years ago if the policeman had listened. But today, I am forgiven by God, I just hope the statute of limitations has expired on being a stupid, curious kid. Don't need any 45 year old crime on my resume. But with your sin, act now, and seek Jesus and His forgiveness. The statute of limitations on life is shorter than you think, and the pardon that awaits you expires upon your death. And there are no death sentences in heaven.

Yes, I still look at sand piles wanting to dig tunnels, and still like watching the old cars go by. But the assurance of my innocence in Christ allows me the freedom to enjoy life to the fullest. With a full pardon, all crime wiped out. C'mon Jesus-make my day!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

the relentless pursuit of perfection

A popular saying a few years back when housing prices were rising rapidly was "you didn't pay too much, you just bought too soon." The idea being that your buy-in price would still make you a profit as long as the market continued to rise. And I think you know what happened-too many paid too much and now have nothing.

And I see a similar fate for those who bought Buells before Harley Davidson decided to pull the plug on them in October. At the recent WERA race, there were more Buells than ever before, particularly the 1125, as dealers were dumping them for as low as $5500, a bike with a retail of over $13,000 just two months ago. I hope this new found bargain bike still is when it needs parts! But the truth is that the motorcycle market is asleep. From a reliable source, I found out the local Harley dealer here used to sell 80 bikes per month-now is down to 15! And I have watched as all brands seem to be suffering.

But last nights news really amazed me. Toyota-the seemingly indestructible car-the one that never died, ran forever, and was the poster child for longevity-discontinued the sale of eight of the models-NOW! The announcer said it would have been easier to tell which models were still for sale. And this has far reaching effects-not only to the buyer, but also the seller. If two days ago you bought a Camry, now they cannot be sold anymore-at least until some major engineering flaws are corrected. So while you make payments, your car sits. And the dealer-who also is making payments on his inventory, can't sell them and his overhead goes up. And the importer is stuck with thousands of cars on the docks-can't be shipped, and of course the plants are idle-can't build them anymore. One mistake, and it touches so many at so many levels.

And the finger pointing has begun-for no one wants to accept responsibility. It's like a friend sold a car of his years ago-AS IS. When it died a few blocks away, the buyer wanted to return it, and was told AS IS means AS IS! It wasn't the sellers car anymore. Harsh, but true. Only Jesus bought us AS IS, knowing exactly what He had purchased-do we?

We all buy into a belief system, whether we admit it or not. And many are turning to Christ in these hard times, as they see the government, friends, jobs, and others cannot meet their needs. And this is the church's job, as true religion is defined as taking care of widows and orphans. When Jesus fed the 5000, he didn't check ID's, or check for job status-He fed who was there. And many churches are doing that now. Taking in those are hurting-financially, emotionally, and spiritually. And those who seek are finding comfort in Jesus. He doesn't have any recalls, He didn't buy to soon-although while we were yet sinners He died for us, and His message is not financed-He paid the price in full-and there is no inflation. And unlike Lexus, made by Toyota, by the way, advertises their relentless pursuit of perfection, now that is truth in advertising. I hope they find it soon! Jesus is there-always has been, is now, and always will be. And those seeking Him are finding Him, and all the blessings He has to offer. Many are finding it is better to trust in God, than in man. Which also happens to be the middle verse of the Bible, Psalm 118:8. And there just happen to be 1188 verses before and 1188 verses after it-no matter which way you turn-God is there. Now it is up to you.

Someday we will all face judgment, and Jesus will either condemn you for condemning Him-"be gone," He'll say, "I never knew you" or those who have accepted Him will be greeted with "well done my good and faithful servant, enter in to paradise." Eternity starts today, and it comes with a warranty that doesn't expire. Make sure your name is written in heaven, and not in some religious payment book. It's your choice.

No one in heaven will say "I wish I had waited longer on earth." But those in hell will say they wish they had listened. Jesus Christ and the salvation He gives is the only thing that truly appreciates-you cannot accept Him too soon-no man is promised tomorrow. Just ask Erik Buell or Toyota. Times change. Now, wouldn't you really rather go with Jesus?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

celluloid or soul-uloid heroes

With the advent of current cable/DTV, it is possible to have over 200 channels, and nothing's on! What are the statistical chances of that? Probably the same at your house as at mine. So like many others, we turn to movies-except I don't rent, I turn to the old ones on obscure channels. And I find myself excited when I see a day of James Bond films, or tonight is the Marx Brothers. Sign me up when Elvis movies are on, and don't let me miss A Hard Days Night, the Beatles, and an insight into the Fab Four no documentary could ever capture. When they was Fab, before drugs and Yoko. And I know what to expect-no surprises when Goldfinger tells Bond-the real Bond, Sean Connery, as he is about to have a laser circumcism, "I don't expect you to talk-I expect you to die." But you know he won't, too many bad guys to conquer, or is it women? Don't be misled, Roger Moore was the Saint, and Pierce was Remington Steele. "Almost as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs!" Bond tells Jill Masterson in Goldfinger.

I can see Groucho walking that funky walk, while rattling off one liners, and Harpo pulling out a chicken from his coat, as he honks his Klaxon. While Margaret Dumont is the perfect straight woman. You just know that Elvis will somehow, with no money and a tomorrow morning deadline-find the money to race, fix up a car that was crashed, spend the night at a club singing, and woo the bosses daughter. All in between songs, and showing up just before the race, and then winning-the girl and the race. And of course the sheriff having a change of heart and not arresting him. And her father even admitting he's an Ok guy. I expect these things, so I am not disappointed, or surprised. They are the heart and soul of these movies-and no one else could be Elvis. Others have tried spy flicks, but there is only one 007.

Any Marx brother on his own just isn't as funny as they are together, and no one else can be them. And of course the Beatles-cute, talented, funny, and as thousands of screaming girls can attest to-the only ones! Even Norman, the band's manager in the movie has the best line, and also the last one-"John Lennon, you're a swine!" What would ET say when Britney was called a swine? But to Lennon, it's the perfect line about a younger Beatle, just out having fun. One of the boys. And how did you find America, John? "Go to Greenland and turn left." Yup, John, you're a swine.

But one group of pictures I don't watch, is so called Christian entertainment. For one it isn't entertaining, and two-those people aren't like any Christians I know. Fathers don't wear narrow ties and white shirts to dinner-kids don't tuck in their shirts, and moms don't wear pearls while they cook. This fictional, squeaky clean display cannot be farther from the truth. We live in the same world as non-Christians, and have the same problems. Finances, work, broken cars, and kids with zits. Kids to get at soccer, and forgetting to set out the roast to thaw for dinner. OK, let's just order pizza. And although some may have a stereotypical appearance, we tend to look like any other people-our difference is on the inside-our hearts. So don't make us look like geeks-it insults the geeks!

Jesus said the world will know we are Christians by our love. See, when I think of my Christian brothers and sisters, I think of Stu helping out where he can. I see Wayne directing traffic at a crash scene. I see Fred stopping to ask a biker on the side of the road if he needs help. There's Glenn, holding a door open for someone, or carrying her packages to her car. It's Dick hanging out with the Viet Nam Vets, and being their friend-no preaching, just love in action. Woody and Sandy, aka the Clauses, showing that Jesus is the reason for the season, just loving and not arguing that Santa isn't real-showing love.

You see clothes don't make the man-or Miles with his open shirt and sandals-barefoot on warm days, wouldn't make it as our pastor. Darrell Mansfield, with his hair over his shoulders, wouldn't make it as a worship leader. And hundreds of Christian bikers in leather, wouldn't make it as ministers of the Word-none of us dress like they do in these so called Christian movies. "Honey, do I have any clean jeans?" Sound familiar?

So if you want to represent Christ, go love on someone. When the homeless guy ahead of you is about to be escorted out of Burger King, tell the manager "he's with me." Then buy him lunch, and spend time with him. When a biker is stuck on the side of the road, wait with him until help arrives. And give him your card, in case he ever needs anything again. Pay the toll for the next vehicle behind you. And don't hesitate to let someone with one item get in front of you with many when in line. Remember it's OK to be nice. Show love-as true love comes from the inside out, not by appearance. You see, while we are so busy looking at outer appearance, God is busy looking at our hearts. And it is a merciful thing that those films are hidden, because of the harshness that they would show.

Try Jesus today, and let Him change that heart of yours. You can't, and therapy won't. Until there is a change of heart, there will be no change of actions.

Bond, Elvis, the Marx Brothers, and the Beatles-all were known by their actions-which reflected their hearts. And we knew what to expect. The cameras are rolling-what will the movie of your actions show? You've advertised yourself as a Christian, what does the world expect of you? Be glad you're forgiven-the old is wiped away-or it could open up a whole next genre of horror films. Don't wait for the movie. Read the book today!

For today is a day of screen tests of your love for Jesus to the world. Bond has a license to kill-make yours a license to love.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

at the cross road

Walking through Penneys on Saturday, Theresa commented on a display of Laker's gear, and how less than one week ago it was filled with Charger paraphernalia-that is until the Jets beat them. Then, true to form for a San Diego based team, their fans deserted them. Where last week the talk shows were talking of a Super Bowl victory, just the next day they were talking of rebuilding the same team and doing what it takes to be a winner. One week heroes, the next zeroes.

Green Bay, Wisconsin-two time zones and many fan cultures away is a much different scene. A town immersed in a strong football tradition, year round they support their team-win or lose. At Lambeau Field, statues of Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi greet you, as you pass by on Lombardi Avenue. The same Vince Lombardi who said "winning isn't the only thing, it's everything." From the stadium you can see the Don Hutson Building, and streets named after Bart Starr, Brett Favre, and bearing the names of Hornung, Taylor, Nitschke-other Packer greats. How many other cities have streets named after lineman like Forrest Gregg? or the premier pulling guard, Jerry Kramer? And it extends far into the neighborhoods, as this town refers to itself as Titletown USA, and its fans reflect it. The day I was there, the parking lot was closed off, so being on the Tiger I jumped the curb, and rode up the steps, parking in front of a main entrance. Blasphemy, but hey-I live in San Diego. And after finding an open door, was amazed at what I found inside. Whereas most stadiums are concrete and block, this had shiny floors and the appearance of an upscale mall-with posters, monuments, and displays referencing their heroes. Almost like being in a museum, except this was to display football at its greatest, Packer football. And football heroes-who had the good fortune of playing for the Pack. And their fans showed their appreciation, both on and off the streets.

Still farther west, 150 miles from St. Paul, sits the town of Appleton, Minnesota. Also a town of heroes, but lesser known than the ones in Green Bay. In 1946, when the town needed its streets reorganized, the mayor, Robert P. Miller, proposed naming the streets after Appleton war fatalities. It took a year to put the plan into effect, but they hung the new street signs on Memorial Day, 1947. Names like Thielke, Miles, Schleiman, Sorenson, Lhotka, and Behl adorn the streets even today. With some war heroes from Korea and Viet Nam added. 34 streets has Appleton, and each one named for a war fatality-the only town in the USA to honor their vets this way. So no matter what street you drive on, live on, or walk on-you are honoring a veteran who gave his life so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Streets named after heroes-American heroes. And to Appleton, a hearty thanks-a great example to all of true American heroes-whose field was of battle, and who gave all so that we may enjoy our freedom.

All roads lead somewhere, and it is important to know where the road you are on is going. Not all roads lead to heaven, let me point you to Jesusisthe Way. A straight and narrow road, when compared to other roads in the area-that at first appears boring and lifeless. Why would any biker, except for a Gold Winger choose straight instead of some wonderful curves-but it is where the road goes that is important. Jesusisthe Way may appear smooth, but like life it has many bumps and road hazards-usually when least expected. Yes, the runoffs are wide, and entrance back on is easy-just repent, ie. change your course, and it only goes one way. And like any road, there are temptations to want to get off-even if just for a short while, but they always end in disaster. All the while, you are being guided by God and the Holy Spirit, letting you know when the obstacles to your trip occur, where, and how to avoid them. It takes communication with your life's pilot-not co-pilot, to make it to the end-heaven. And when any questions arise, or rough road sets in-the advice is look to the cross-for that is where your destination and trip planning will be found. For that light at the end of the road, comes from heaven, and reflects the cross-the ticket to heaven, and one that must be purchased through Jesus Christ. You see, He is a hero also, and not only died to give us freedom, but rose again, promising eternal life to those who follow Him. And all you have to do is stay on the road with Him-and the road is named after what He told His disciples-for Jesus truly is the way! So if you find yourself on any other road in life than Jesusisthe Way, He allows you to change course to Him immediately. And the fact that it only goes one way-to heaven, allows us to look to what lies ahead, instead of what lies behind. A road open to all, I advise taking it, while you still can.

Today choose to honor the ultimate hero, Jesus Christ, by following Him. A warrior who never lost, yet gave His life voluntarily so that we may live. Now, that's a hero. and did what no other hero, football or soldier ever did, defeated death. If that isn't enough for you, add a peace that surpasses understanding, and joy unspeakable. Not even a Packer victory can promise that!

Jesusisthe Way! A street like no other, named after one like no other. See you on the road.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

there is always a sunny day on the other side of the clouds

You know you are in trouble when you look out the window first thing in the morning and find 6" of fresh snow on your motorcycle. You don't remember it being there when you parked it last night, and although you cranked up the blanket on the bed, don't remember it being that cold. But here you are, faced with a bike wrapped in snow, and also unridable because either the plow is late, or he has been by and plowed you in. For all of you who don't live where it snows, I found this a sort of amusement for the bored plow drivers, who on their return trip won't look you in the eye, but you can see them grin as they pass. Bagged another. Which doesn't so anything for your condition, so go back under the blanket for another hour-and enjoy the quiet which snow seems to bring to the country.

We don't do snow well here-in fact we don't do rain well either. Talking with my friend Nathan, Corvair and Scrambler aficionado and founder of BA-MOTO, British bikes and American cars, he was riding the 35 minutes to work in the rain. When I asked why he didn't take the car, he told me the Greenbrier van's motor is stuck, and he doesn't drive his '63 Monza-black and immaculate-in the rain. When I teased him as he sat there shivering, he really admitted it didn't have any wiper motors. You never use them, so he removed them. Not to lighten the car, as old racers do, but because it was one less thing to rebuild or replace-and he didn't plan on driving it in the rain. Now he wishes he had, as he has an equally cold and wet ride home-at least he can lane split.

God tells us the rain falls on the just and the unjust. While the bikers I know are praying for sun and warm, the farmers are praying for rain for the crops. Who's right is a matter of need. And sin can be like that too. There is no isolated sin, like there are very few isolated showers. Those who claim prostitution is a personal sin and doesn't hurt anyone, need to visit the families destroyed by adultery. The rampant STD's running through the country-and realize how this sin affects us all-in taxes and pain and suffering. When 40% of kids are born without fathers, do we see a problem that no government program can solve? And when you make fun of virgins and those who choose to wait-stupid only compounds the issue.

But God-two great words that seem to be echoed when we need Him, tells us that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. For where His spirit is, there is liberty, and a way out from the situation. And often the way is nothing you considered. Because His ways are different, and if you spend time with God, find they are always better. You see I didn't have to be anywhere when my new bike got covered in snow-you can ask me and I could tell you it's never been in rain, did you ever think to ask about snow? So God gave us a morning to rest and sleep in-and when the roads dried later that day-had enjoyed a great time alone, and had a great and warm and dry ride home. We could have fussed, and rushed-but God's way was better. Instead of rushing home to nothing, we enjoyed each others company courtesy of God.

I'm sure Nathan is dried out by now-both he and Jamie rode together. But a better way is to be ready-to have your wiper motors installed. They were put there for a purpose and so were you. And it's ok to ask God, so you can know. And you don't have to wait until it pours. Or you have snow covering your bike. Or until you have fallen into sin and ruined relationships and your health.

How we react is more important as our actions. As I get older, sometimes I get wiser, and find that most of my life is out of control, and I spend more time reacting than acting. Which is ok, because I know who has the answers. And your reaction sets in motion a new set of events. So if you can, stay pure and sober-like Dean Faber told Flounder, "fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life." Enjoy the day God has given you, even if it rains. For somewhere a farmer is thanking God for it. So put on the rain suit, or ride in the cage-but have a great day with Jesus.

Oh, and if the snow is deeper than your motorcycle-pull the covers up, turn up the blanket and enjoy some time of rest-just may be the very thing you need, but never would have asked for.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com