he's still the real thing!

One of the simple rules to have at your advantage during negotiation is to be be the lustee, rather than the luster. To have something that someone will pay well above its value, is better than being the one paying the price. And every once in a while, the opportunity comes along to do just that. Once was when working for Coca Cola, a box of incentives, aka prizes for a contest came in. One for each salesman, so no one would feel like a loser, and the winner getting first choice. Jack, the sales manager opened the box and when he saw a golf umbrella made it known he wanted it, but couldn't have it due to not being part of the contest. But jokingly mentioned he would trade anything for it. And he wasn't joking! So doing the proper thing, after winning the contest, I chose it.

Now golf to me has only one purpose, to keep people off the roads and driving a golf ball rather than their car on weekends-when we are riding. I can find no other reason for it, and question any sport where your score is based on a handicap. Mental or physical. So I chose the golf umbrella, partly for the cheese 'em off factor, Jack knew I hated golf, and he hated me, and also because he had this Coke racing jacket I wanted-as did many others. White with red cuffs, a black and white racing stripe and a patch stating "it's the real thing-Coke!" every place he wore it people commented. And the fact he had the only one I'd ever seen, and treasured it, just made it more valuable to me.

I waited him out, and when finally he made some offers-"not interested, hee-hee-hee," he wanted to know what it would take. The jacket-that's it, nothing else-so don't offer. And I had him. Just like the monkey who puts his hand in the cocoanut, and finds the hole too small to get both his hand and the prize out-I had him! And he knew it.

Agreement struck-and to make it worse, I left the umbrella home over the weekend, more cheese 'em off factor as he had been planning to play golf and show it off-rain or shine. So Monday the trade was made, and 25 years later the jacket still hangs in my closet. A double victory-and a lesson to all who negotiate. And I still won't play golf!

Imagine if you would, a group of soldiers, arguing over someone's clothes. For some reason, they were desirable to them, and they ended up choosing lots over them. Nothing special about them, no logos or anything, and add to the fact they were stained with blood from their owner sweating blood in the garden. And then additionally being worn after he was scourged. Stained with sweat, and blood, why would this garment have any significance or value? And add to that the owner was being crucified, they didn't even wait for him to be dead before they started bidding on it. True the owner had been a public figure, even had an audience before the governor, Pilate. And even though innocent, the crowd still yelled "crucify him!" and so they did. But why were his death clothes so valuable when he wasn't even dead yet? And it wasn't until He was dead the centurion acknowledged who he was, but by then the clothes had a new owner.

And when the new owner got them home, what did his wife say? "I'm not cleaning that mess, get that robe outta here." Just dirty laundry to her. Did keeping them original add to their value? When the new owner found out who the old owner was, did he attempt to sell them on e-bay, or negotiate with God, to get into heaven, and further profit? Why would someone be more interested in a man's clothes than the man himself? Did his colors make him, or did he make his colors?

2000 years later, the question remains unanswered. And people still choose the things God has created, instead of the creator, God himself. For the clothes you see belonged to none other than Jesus Christ. So many see Jesus as a nice man, teacher, or profit. But the Son of God, no way. And choose the creation, when they can have the creator-and eternal life that goes with Him. You see, clothes cannot buy righteousness, or make you righteous, and God looks on your heart, not on the exterior like we do. To us clothes make the man, but to Jesus, He made the clothes. But the soldiers got ripped off, only the centurion recognized who he was, and got the real prize. Look around your life, is it filled with things-or does it reflect the things of Christ? Only when Jesus is in your heart and life, will you bear fruit. Don't wait for a deal on e-bay-get the real thing today-Jesus.

Twenty five years ago I won a jacket in a negotiation. But 35 years ago I took Jesus into my heart. Only one brought life. And only one is truly the real thing. Choose the things which are not seen-eternal, and forego the things which are seen-temporal. Jesus Christ-no matter what the outfit fits all. And in the only style that never loses it-and is yours without any negotiations. Such a deal He has for you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

the warning

Across from the train station, just south of the railroad tracks, in Santa Paula, is a monument of two motorcyclists, in honor of a heroic feat they performed one night. In the early morning of March 13, 1928, the St. Francis Dam gave way and started its path of destruction to the Pacific Ocean. Without the benefit of on the spot reporters, CNN, or video cams, the water leaving the dam was over 10-stories tall, without warning, and when the night operator, Louise Gipe, got the message, she didn't know when the 100 foot wall of water would be hitting Santa Paula, or what would happen. These telephone operators, known as Hello Girls, stayed at their posts warning neighbors in the valley, not knowing when the waters from the dam, located five miles northeast of Santa Clarita and rushing to Ventura would hit. But wisely one of the first calls she made was to Thornton Edwards, a motor officer. You see phones were still a luxury item, and who would warn those in the low areas without one. And from approximately 130am, until 305am , when the water hit Santa Paula,two men rode warning others, and becoming heroes.

So Officer Edwards jumped on his Indian 4 rode through the lowlands. This was the area that would be covered in the flood and destroyed. Going to every third house, he warned them, and had them warn their neighbors then get out! He also enlisted Stanley Baker, another motor cop on his Harley. Together these two brave motor cops woke neighbors, and had them assist in warning others, all risking their lives that night, in the dark, not knowing when the waters would rush over them. Waters which would sweep 54 miles, waking and warning neighbors to get to higher ground.
And despite their efforts, hundreds, at least 450, still died, and many others lost everything. But if not for these brave riders, warning others and enlisting them to help, it would have been total destruction. True heroes, who in midst of turmoil and chaos, risked their lives to save others. And this monument, called the Warning, represents their heroism-in fact it stands as an honor to all who helped their neighbors that night. And it is only fitting a statue of the two bikers should represent the heroism of that night.

Heroes are usually not prepared for the challenges they rise too. Something in the human heart takes a normal person, and when the situation presents itself, heroism bursts forth into flame and lives are saved. And afterwards, just go back to being the normal person they were before. But they leave an indelible mark for those to follow.

Jesus tells us that greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends. And by doing so, for us sinners, displayed the ultimate heroism-love, displayed at the cross. But yet, how many of us describe him as a hero? How many hear His call, His warning of salvation, and respond to it? How many just think it is about religion, and you know how religious people can be. I'm sure that night that some just went through the night sleeping, ignoring the policemen's warning, there is no dam broke. And it could never reach us anyway. That's two hours away from us. Let's just say the truth was overwhelming.

Jesus still offers the same salvation today as 2000 years ago. The same simple message, but how many will let Him be their hero? How many will ignore that biker who shares a tract? Who stops when they are stuck on the side of the road? How would you respond if a tattooed, long haired, biker stopped to help you? Maybe it all depends upon the size of the deluge pouring down on you.

People can drown in inches of water-they don't need a flood. Don't wait until it is too late. Like the motor cops, the warning is there, the way out is available-how you react is up to you. After the flood, they listed the names of the dead and missing. In heaven it's different, they list the names of those alive. Someday you will make a list-choose Jesus and get your name in the book of life. Let Him be your hero, and then be a hero to others. While the world worships all that is new and shiny-take time to worship Him who is eternal.

Jesus rode with those cops that night, and the scripture came alive in them. Who you ride with makes a difference. All based on one heroic act, 2000 years ago, at the cross.

Get your motor running....met out on the highway..looking for adventure... and whatever comes our way...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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Danny Dunn and the out of nothing created universe

When I was in fourth grade I got introduced to the Danny Dunn book series. Danny was the all American boy-much like Beaver, and lived with his mom, his dad was killed in the war, and Professor Bullfinch who they took in as a boarder. Professor Bullfinch was like the absent minded professor, whose lab was on the property, and he was always inventing new, but unmarketable things-which Danny would find a use for, usually getting in some innocent trouble. In Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity Paint, he actually got some of it on his shoes, and walks on ceilings, but finally gets into trouble when he stows away on the spaceship that the professor builds to go to outer space, and goes into outer space. All this without government intervention or permits-or a budget either. Just like your neighborhood when you were growing up, right?

Well its seems that there was a teacher's edition, with notes, and since my grandmother taught fifth grade, I stumbled across it one day at her house. And read it, giving a whole new meaning to the story. I knew the whys and wherefores, and when Mrs. Vanderbilt asked us about the story, I knew all the answers. And she knew something was up. Now Mrs. V was like Ralphie's mean teacher on A Christmas Story, she even looked like her, and where I felt I should be rewarded for initiative, she called it cheating. In a world where she was trying to get kids to read, this old sourpuss punished me for reading-more! I wish the professor had come up with an anti-Mrs. Vanderbilt paint, I would have bought five gallons. She was a big woman. Just loan me Ralphie's rifle-I'd have shot her eye out!

Recently I read a story about a best selling book. Except after its release it was found the printer forgot to include the epilog. Which when revealed to the public, caused book sales to soar as it was collectible now, and when the author was asked about it, commented, "if it's not there, how would they know it is missing?" What was the big deal? So they printed another version with it and book sales soared again. Take that Mrs. Vanderbilt!

Unfortunately in real life there are no Professor Bullfinchs and his inventions. But there are Mrs. Vanderbilts. We get reality, which can be too tough for most people on a daily basis. So we turn to God, and find Him there, willing and able to help us, and be our friend-in time of need, and all the time. But sometimes we have trouble reading His Bible-why is it that it took until the New Testament to get all the easy names? Anyway, He promises us if we read it, that the message in it will not return void. In today speak, it will change your life if you apply it. But you have to read it first. And like the teacher's edition of Danny Dunn, there are study Bibles out there that give background and insight to the events.
For example, when the women ran to the tomb, and found it empty, the stone rolled away, in Greek it means the stone was literally picked up and thrown! No doubt that no man could do that! Particularly one who had been crucified, after being beaten,and then a spear stuck in his side to prove he was dead. Just some simple notes, giving insight to a well known event. Proving God to be God. Another example is "in the beginning, God created..." the fourth word in the Bible-God. And in Hebrew is plural, stating up front and before creation that God has always existed, and showing Him as the Trinity! And the created-means out of nothing, forget about the big bang, or other goofy theories. God was there, and it is in His book. And with the help of a good study Bible, brings it all into a clearer perspective. And after studying it, we can deal with those who haven't read it, but know so much about it. In love, of course.

So don't be like Mrs. Vanderbilt, and chastise ones who read their Bible-even when not in church. It's OK to skip to the end of the book-note-we win!, and to use a concordance. But nothing beats knowing the author-the one who the inspired the 66 books, written by 40 men chosen by God to write down His words. That author-God. His son-Jesus. And the Holy spirit-the giver of truth. The three mentioned in Genesis. Be a Danny Dunn today and be curious-inquire of God and let Him change your life. And as far as anti-gravity paint, didn't Peter walk on the water? Didn't Jesus pass through a wall? And soon, won't He call His church home in the rapture?

Danny Dunn-good reading, but there is this other book, Daniel....

Good reading-from beginning to end-no epilog needed-and still a best seller!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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there comes a time

As a service manager with Mercedes Benz, we were always on the lookout for qualified technicians. And as the machines got more complex, so did the repairs. Experienced-read old school mechanics just didn't have the training, so we fell back on their Elite school for new techs. Here they had been schooled in all the latest developments, and got hands on experience with the Mercedes Benz automobile. And as part of their enrollment, a placement program was part of the deal. So at the end of each class, we would interview many young men in hopes of finding one that had what it takes. And we learned it was a manager beware market.

We had two hires that are memorable-only for the fact that auto repairs wasn't and isn't their calling. The first was a guy named Willie. Top 10% of his class, knew how to use the latest computer diagnostics, and came with a great recommendation from the teachers. So after interviewing him, decided to give him a chance, and a probationary period was agreed too. Learning experience one was when he showed up with only basic tools, and had to borrow them-not acceptable in the business. The second problem highlighted itself in that for even a simple brake pad replacement, he had to get out the books to research the procedure of how to do it. A simple pad replacement took over an hour-when he got it right. Even a slow tech took 25 minutes. And then it got worse, and one day when they called to check on him, I had to tell them the truth-he stunk! And when I got off the phone, and talked with him, he was a really nice guy, it came to me that his skin color got him through school. Willie was black, and in a trade where there aren't many black techs, they pushed him through. They thought they were doing him a favor. He had the book knowledge, and was a great guy, but later when I confronted the school about it, they admitted they made an exception for him-that he didn't really have what it takes. Which became evident when he had an $80,000 S class fall off his lift. They had done him no favor-in fact their reverse prejudice had done him a great injustice-he thought he was good, and had the grades and diploma to prove it-but when came time to prove it-couldn't, and didn't. I hope he learned quick and got into something else.

Another hire was a young guy named Hans. He was German and even looked like a European tech, complete with old style lab coat. Again the high praise from the school, so we hired him-even the owner said he reminded him of himself as a young man. And still recovering from the Willie debacle, we started him easy. And found his knowledge was exceptional, and for a few days we bragged how smart he was. Then we decided to put him to work. And it became evident he knew the names and parts, just not where they were. His shiny tools should have given it away, but it didn't. And when jokingly asked him, "have you ever worked on a car before?" answered "NO." He had never even done exercises in class, just all book knowledge. And in all future interviews a key question was asked up front, "tell me about your work experience and the hardest problem you solved."

It is possible in your Christian life that you are like to the two guys mentioned above. You may have sat in church, memorized verses, know all the kings, and been in Bible study for years. But never had the chance for true righteousness to be part of your life-as you never had a chance to show what you learned. You never got out and ministered. You may have even taught, but never had the chance to experience God first hand in a crisis-where you had to fall back on Him and not just His word. Where if He didn't intercede, you would fail. and it may even be a life or death situation. Even sadder is you may have encountered them, and passed the situation onto someone else-more qualified was your excuse, when God wanted you to be the one to minister in that situation. Or the ultimate disappointment-you know all about Jesus, but have never given your life to Him-you don't know Him personally.

Jimi Hendrix asked a generation 40 years ago, "have you ever been experienced?" Can you say the next line in the song, "well I have..." Do you know the things of God, but never been blessed by experiencing the righteousness that God gives when you follow Him? Ask Him today, and He will show you. But it takes trust, for we don't know what today will be like. But He does, so seek Him First. Know the reality of Jesus Christ by walking with Him. Only by using what you have learned and leaning on Him will you get to know him intimately, and find the true righteousness that is found in obedience. Seek Him and you will find, that unlike Willie and Hans, Jesus is not a career choice but a life choice. And we never stop learning, when we never stop yearning. He's one person I can highly recommend, and welcome in my shop of life anytime.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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you couldn't fool Toto

The book of Proverbs tells us "do not be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals." Good advice, not only because it is Godly, but because it is true. And there is a great amount of deception out there today, and God warns us that even the elect can be drawn into it, if not careful. Some lies are subtle, some are pretty blatant, but all lead to one thing-destruction. And this is one sin that definitely isn't isolated. I was at a dinner recently when a man was telling a pastor how a friend of his had a vision of heaven. And how he was going to put it out on DVD for others to see, and he would get one for this pastor. And the pastor thought it was a good idea. And as I stood in shock, and embarrassment, I thought "here goes another spirit of antichrist, getting our eyes off of Jesus and onto anything else." Perhaps the scripture about heaven, "eye has not seen, ear has not heard, or the mind imagined the things of Heaven," doesn't apply to book tours and DVD sales. Or talk shows or Oprah, or cults either.

I was with a national ministry for 34 years until they started taking paths, unknowingly, against scripture. When men within the group started quoting Oprah, denying the Bible, and admitting heretical, cultic practices into the ministry, it was time to leave. And when pointed out these non-Biblical activities, I was branded the outlaw. Unity in the ministry is more important than unity in the spirit. Think our way, don't make waves-and what was once a ministry, is now a weakened social club-too blind to see the error of following lies. And wondering what went wrong? Sadly, proving scripture correct-bad company, those who follow man instead of God, ruin good morals, and relationships. And it is at all levels, and not just this ministry. A state leader told me once "don't ever say anything wrong about TV evangelists, I got saved by one." Funny, I thought Jesus Christ saves. Be wary, lest ye fall. Sadly, this couples life reflects the evangelist-I wish it didn't. No matter how much you believe a lie, it is still a lie. And just because you don't believe the truth doesn't make it not true.

Jesus came to separate the sheep-Christians, from the goats-the unsaved. It is just that simple, and any philosophy that preaches we all get along is calling God a liar. Cue in music-Kum Bu-a. He warns us not to fellowship with any such non-believer, don't even let them in your house, or bid them Godspeed. That little leaven, watch out, it is soon all through the loaf.

You see when Dorothy told Toto "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore," Toto knew it too. And despite meeting and making friends, she longed for home-much like Christians long for heaven. You see courage only made the lion stronger until he met a situation bigger than him. The scarecrow was only smart until he met some one smarter. And the tin man, didn't realize, yet , the fallacy of trusting your emotions. In each case, something that appeared good, was veiled in sin-letting something else substitute for a relationship with God.

Faith wallowing today? Abram believed the Lord, and God credited to him as righteousness. No acts, no monies, no TV evangelists, or club rules. Abram believed God because He is trustworthy, and knew He would see Him through. And it wasn't Abram's act that made him righteous. It was God, and the relationship he had with Him. He figured that God's adequacy would be enough to see him through-it wasn't about his faith-but God's love. His grace. His mercy. Funny-terms you never find in any other religions, or philosophies. And if they are mentioned, they are all about you. And your feelings. Try this truth. God is love. He is a noun, a verb, an adjective, and an adverb. He is infinite, and omniscient. He is smarter than Oprah, and on more channels. He is the way, the truth , and the light. His book is a best seller, and He never had a book tour. And He won't be found on DVD, as like heaven, no man has seen Him. It takes faith, not much, He does all the work. Look to God, not the situation. Imagine if Abram had looked to Sodom? And not trusted God?

So beware, like Dorothy, for she would never be happy until she was home. And we won't be either. Toto knew. Let nothing-from club rules to bike brands, to false teachings get between you and Christ. Find the truth in God's word. He doesn't change based on opinion polls-we are to change based on the truth, to be found like Him. Like Abram was found. So be counted with the sheep-who know the master's voice. Be counted like Abram, and be found righteous, because you know a righteous God. Test the spirits, and be careful of those whose gospel is not the one written in the Bible.

Sounds like ain't good enough. Looks like, don't work. Following visions? They are to follow you, if you are a Christian and believe. Seek the truth-it will set you free!

Take time to see where God is in your life today. Take your spiritual temperature. It may not be what you think it is. Seek God! Have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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only when empty are we full

If you grew up in the sixties, you remember the nightly news, and the opening lines were always how many dead or wounded that day in the latest fighting in Viet Nam. And if the numbers were high, we were all terrified, but if only light casualties, the newscaster told us it was a good day. Unless you were counted in that days casualties, then your perspective was different. And did you ever notice that on weekdays the numbers were always higher, lower on weekends, reinforcing how governments around the world choreograph wars, while soldiers still carry out the battles-but mostly on weekdays when the politicians are at work, never on a weekend when they were off.

The Iran Hostage Crisis, day too many, greeted us in the late seventies, until the day of Ronald Reagan taking the presidential oath, and trying to upstage him, downstage Carter, or realize that in Ronnie they would face a real foe, released the hostages. But we all can remember the opening lines. Today is----, day --- of the hostage crisis. And for 444 days, where after two weeks the news story is usually played out, the drama continued, an eternity in broadcasting, that was how the broadcasts were opened. And it was even longer for the hostages. Being held hostage by Iranians, and us by the news. Both prisoners-only we could change the channel. A solution not offered by the Iranians.

Today is day 49 of the oil spill disaster in the gulf. And as more beaches, eco structures, and lives are disrupted by the spill, politicians and oil companies alike are still looking for the answer. And of course, who to blame. Taking advice from an old Iacocca adage, "never put two number twos together to form a number one," we see the Obama administration now on the scene, and what physical damage is done, will only be exacerbated by the political implications. And as the oil continues to leak, does anybody really care about the leak? How about the men who lost their lives and their families? What does day 50, or 51, or 444 bring our way? And as we continue looking to man, to solve his own problems, we are reminded of the better way-in any situation.

God reminds us to look to the cross. The cross at Calvary. Where on that Friday afternoon, Jesus was crucified, for our sins. How many times I hear in hospitals, "the doctors have done all they can, we need to pray. " When the correct first aid would have been to pray immediately, why wait? So, how many of us look to the cross when problems arise? And how soon? And if we do, what do we see? Do we see Jesus on the cross, as depicted in so many crucifixes worn around the neck, or do we see an empty cross? Your answer may surprise you.
The answer makes the difference, as if you see Him on the cross, His work isn't finished. But if it is empty, historically accurate, then "It is finished, " just like He said, and He will handle the situation-but you must let Him. But if the cross is empty, then where is He?

Look in the tomb. If His body is there, then He is not resurrected, and you pleas/prayers may be in vain. But if it empty, which it is, then He has defeated death, and is resurrected! And you will be too, without your problems-they will be left behind. But you won't be! And He is ready to handle any situation you bring Him! Friends betray you-He knows about betrayal. Hungry, naked, without a place to stay, or sick? He has been there, and knows the way out-there again, you must seek Him first! Which raises the question, if the tomb is empty, where is Jesus?

The Bible tells us in heaven, seated at the right hand of God. The most favorable seat. And unlike Jewish priests, who couldn't sit, because their work was never done, His work is complete. He sits, and is waiting for you to call on Him right now!

What you do in a given situation, will either guarantee success, or failure. Or a prolonged agony that could have been dealt with long ago. Jobless? What day are you in? When will you look to the cross? Marriage a wreck. What do you see when you look there? Finances gone. If the tomb is empty, you are on the right path. But don't stop there-look up-set your sights on things on high. Look to Jesus-the answer for any and all situations. Follow Him-He is the way through, not around the situation. He is the way out. Far out, huh?

Simply put-look to God, and not at your surroundings. Look to Jesus, and not your situation. Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God! Unlike politicians, He works weekends. And unlike broadcast news, He doesn't report it, he makes it! And has some headlines awaiting your situation, so call on Him! Why wait-do things get better without Him?

Day one-I needed work, after losing my job, and Jesus gave me the desire of my heart, Matthew 25 Biker Ministry. Not anything I would have thought up myself, but for last 28 months a joy and a blessing, despite the headlines. And He continues to meet my needs-Grace, and take me through daily situations-mercy. In ways I never knew possible. Man plans, and God laughs. Isn't it about time you began to smile and laugh again, without being laughed at? You won't find joy in the news, politicians, or man's answers in crisis. Joy is only found in Jesus Christ-at the cross.

Your problem may seem big, but He is bigger. You or problem may seem too close-He is closer. None to small, or too big. Every problem you bring Him is like Goldilocks' bed. Just right, and you can rest in Him. Get a good day's rest, into night. With the Lord. And He doesn't need your help-or advice! Call on Him now!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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long live the man who lets his right wrist do the talking

In 2006 Triumph came out with their Scrambler. A replica of the 1956 TR6C, it has high pipes, knobby tires, and looks much like the bike Steve McQueen rode in the 1964 ISDT. And I had to have one. Besides the high pipes, and cool character-hey Steve rode one, I had their off road pipes installed, making it the first Triumph I owned that could be as loud as a Harley-without putting baseball cards in the spokes. Its exhaust note definitely had an attitude, so I set out to find one. But in the mean time, times were good, and Mickey and I discussed building a bobber, much like the Mission Impossible bike he had in his shop-he handles Triumph's press fleet. So one Saturday Andrew and I head off in the truck to Orange County Triumph, to buy a Bonneville which will be bobbed. And the plan is going good until we get there. Where we are greeted by Todd, the general manager. And he is all excited.

"Mike, this guy here is trading in this Scrambler-only has 1202 miles on it, just serviced. Here is what we offer him in trade, see if you can get it from him for the same or less. I know how bad you want one." And I talked with the man, and we did get it, for the trade in price, and he bought a new Tiger, just like mine from them. But it cost Todd a new bike sale to us, but he rather see us happy, and riding what we wanted. And that was how we did business. A relationship based more on a long term, than just buying another bike. In fact, when we bought our Tiger, Todd told Nathan, "see what we have in it." When Nathan told him the invoice price, Todd said "that's Mike's price." And over the years we built relationships- bought 12 bikes from them in 14 years, and we became friends, comparing best food notes, getting to know each other's families, and not minding driving 72 miles to do business. Family is how they described us, and we knew all the guys, and knew them well. We were able to minister to them, have them at our Christmas party, and were there for them when they needed it. All in all, a great relationship, one that any biker riding any brand would dream of.

But this weekend it is over. Sadly, it has been for a while. Lousy business practices, greedy owners, and the economy sunk the dealership. When Todd left, and the owner's son took over, he ran off all us old timers, the ones who showed up on Saturdays for free lunches. Who bought special order parts without deposits, who called ahead and were always fit in for service, without an appointment. We were the ones who didn't quibble over price, and supported them with our business and friendship, being their key source of advertising, selling more bikes than any ad could ever sell for them. But with the new manager, we all left. And in fact, we were scowled at when we did show up, all he saw was a discount to us, not the thousands we spent on our bikes-that went to another shop. and even down to the end, with their going out of business sale-advertised at 20% off, and 80% this weekend, ran off sales when guys were told to come back tomorrow-when 80% would be honored-as if there really was a tomorrow for them.

Out of business. History. A memory. Friends who no longer have jobs, and will have to try to find them within a motorsports industry that is off 40%. And without fail, talking with friends who patronized them, feel that the reason is that they were only after the dollar, and quit looking out for their customers. Bottom line was there is no bottom line without customers, and they ran us off.

Ecclesiastes tells us that the rich man never has enough money, and loses sleep worrying about it. The Bible also states the LOVE of money-not money, is the root of all evil. And sadly, when businesses operate like this, they are on borrowed time, and everyone from the vendors, to the employees, to the customers suffer. How many fail to understand the profit margin in a no sale?

Your life is about relationships, and it starts with God. Without Him you are on borrowed time, and I also got the news yesterday that Little Eric died last Friday in a bike accident. I had met him at OCT, and knew him for years. We loved on him, and stuck by him when drugs took over his life. We had seen him last month when in Brea at the Triumph/Ducati store, and embraced and visited as we always had. Never realizing it would be his last conversation with us. Now he's gone, and I feel empty-not for me, the pain is for him. You never know for sure, but his lifestyle and attitude was not one that revealed a relationship with Christ. And without Jesus, death brings hell for eternity. And it is a choice we all make-for God sends no one to hell-He sent Jesus so we would not have to go.

We never know when the ride we are on may be our last. We don't when our day of death is to be-but we can be assured of heaven when we do die if we accept Jesus. Besides all the earthly blessings of knowing Him, we get eternal life with Him, too. You see everything but your soul has a beginning and an end. And this weekend, 14 years of relationships with our dealer, and our friend came to an end. Memories is all that remain. You who are reading this are my friends, even if we have never met. And I wish that none go to hell. So please consider Jesus Christ-today. He wants you to go to heaven with Him also. Go past the religion and start a relationship. You may find you were wrong about Him, He was down on the religious people, for He is not a set of rules-but freedom. And who can't use more freedom and less rules?

Have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth? No preaching-just an example, I hope of Jesus, and what He can do for you. Sometime in everyone's life they are confronted with Him, and who He is. What will your answer be? There is no discounted salvation-He paid the full price so you don't have too. Start that relationship today, and watch as you become a new creation in Christ. Saying nothing is akin to saying no. It is too late for Eric-please don't let it be too late for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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