the weekend and a half solution

And God created weekends, and we saw that it was good. And then He created three day weekends, and to show our appreciation will go for a ride to thank Him. And since we have just crossed the border into May, we have Memorial Day coming up in just four weekends-so let's get out and thank God by riding! But where to go in this weekend and a half? So many roads, so little time. Let's see...

We could start in California, I know some great roads to Washington, then after lunch ride to Indiana, and finally to Denver for the night. Refreshed after a good meal and a great night's sleep, it is Sunday, but being on the road we may miss church. I know, let's go and visit some Biblical towns. Let's start in Emmaus, then on to Nazareth, then ride through Ephrata, and have dinner in Bethlehem, where it all began for our Lord. Sitting on the balcony, watching the sun go down, we can recall the song, "how dim we see thee light..." and have just one day left to ride. And since it is Memorial Day, maybe we should visit some historical sites. Up early wanting to take full advantage of our last day of riding, let's go to Valley Forge. Maybe Gettysburg. Washington's Crossing. All places to be remembered, and to remember the great country that God has shed His grace on. And then on to Paradise-it only seems right after a great three days of road trip. And mentally preparing ourselves for the four day work week that lies ahead, and the weekend waiting for us. So many miles, so many towns, so many roads, and road food, and we have never even left the state.

That's right, we are still in Pennsylvania! One of my favorite places to ride, and the state where all these towns live. From California, to Washington, to Indiana, and then to Denver, without crossing the Rockies, we have never left the state. Emmaus to Bethlehem-never left the area. And even Paradise, right here in the backyard. Pennsylvania-a great place to ride. But of course, you knew all this. I mean, you don't really know anyone who would ride all those places in one weekend, do you? In Pennsylvania, you can, and I have-many times. And am looking forward to it again this summer, with Theresa.

Our road trips have actually become ministry trips. And just like the New Testament tells us, we are to expand our boundaries as we grow with God. Start with Jerusalem, and expand from there. Get to know the area, while growing in God. And as He gives you the desire for more, expand the roads to Judea, then Samaria, and then finally to the entire earth. For we pray each day that God brings someone into our lives who we can minister too, and we never know where along the way that will happen. God has given us the desire to travel, and then fulfills the desire for us. In only ways He can. And when you are looking for Him, you will see Him everywhere you go!

Your Judea may be someone else's Samaria. So stop and visit, and enjoy the local food, and the sights. And welcome travelers into your own area, and even your home. Hospitality is also a ministry, and one that is sorely overlooked. Remember Jesus telling us about welcoming strangers in Matthew 25? No better way to make a friend than to be a friend. So get out and share God's love!

One state, three days, and so many places to see. Makes me particularly thankful for extended vacations, and where they can take us. Don't just sit at home waiting for memories to happen, get out and enjoy the life God has promised you! Blessings await those that seek Him, and make your trip the destination. Jesus, motorcycles, and time to ride. Now what part of His blessings don't you understand?

Just a footnote. Watching a game show the other night, a woman was asked what city is referred to as the city of brotherly love? Her answer-California! She really needs to get out more, as Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love. It makes me wonder though, maybe she has been to California, Pennsylvania, and I have missed something. Guess I'll just have to check it out. Soon, for the suspense is killing me...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

boys in the attic

The number 12. Twelve in a dozen. Twelve jurors. Joe Namath wore #12! But twelve is also a significant number of an elite group of men formed as a unique group of ambassadors. Hand picked by their leader, using qualifications that no modern screening would verify, these twelve were picked to deliver the message of a king too the world. A dying world. And even when one defected, in a scenario that would prove deadly for this king, it was all part of the plan. But when the other eleven were empowered by Him, and the spirit, the world began to see the king's words come true.

Three days after the king's death, ten of them were locked upstairs in the same room they had had their final meeting with their king. Only one was missing. And they were scared to death, as being associated with this king had made them wanted followers, who would eventually all face a martyr's death due to allegiance to him. Ten men holed up if you would, not knowing what to do, but afraid of the possible consequences. With the toughest one already denying publicly any association with their leader. Not knowing what to do, they were afraid for their lives, and without a leader or plan, were clueless.

But rather than the ten being vilified for fear, it is the one who wasn't at the meeting who is known as an outlaw within the group. Commonly referred to, incorrectly, as the Doubter, he, rather than be holed up scared, was out on the streets doing what his leader had told him to do-be bold, in love, and share the gospel. Remember his words to follow Jesus into Jerusalem even if it meant death? Of course, I am talking about Thomas, who later would end up killed with spears in India, and where churches started by him are still in evidence today. But a doubter? Truly the other 10 were, for they were afraid for their lives-perfect love casts out all fear. And doubt causes fear. No, Thomas, was confident of what could happen, just not sure what would happen. But he had his marching orders, so march he did. And when the others shared about the appearance of Jesus, he said he wanted to see him too. I want the proof, if it's good enough for you, show me too. All the way to the three nail piercings, and the hole in his side. He wanted to see the evidence of their faith! And when he did, without touching the wounds, cried out, "my God and my savior!" For he recognized Jesus, just as the others had-but through faith, not wanting to discount stories of 10 scared men. And Jesus would tell him how others who haven't seen shall be blessed if they believe too. That's us! You and me! And isn't seeing such an encouragement to our believing?

But are you out sharing the gospel as Thomas was, or scared into hiding because of what others may say? Preachers, is the pulpit a place to share the gospel and encourage others in it, or a place to discuss social ills? Time magazine tells us there is no hell. Do you respond in truth, or would you rather quote the magazine? Do you prefer Oprah to the Word? Jesus said He came to separate the sheep from the goats-are you confronting others in love with Jesus? Stop and ask yourself-who is Jesus Christ, and is He real in your life? Are you a sheep, or a goat? And if there is no hell, why did Jesus talk about it more than heaven? Why did He die to rescue you from it? Could Time, Oprah, and Rick Bell have it wrong?

If you are not representing Him, even though saved you are in spiritual darkness. For if you deny the evidence of His light, you stop going to church. Stop reading the Word. Stop praying. And make excuses just like the goats-the unsaved. You rely more on Time than on God. But God allows us that choice, and you can hit the switch, and turn back to Jesus. Pray, and repent. Read the word, and get back into church. As the spirit moves you, tell others about Jesus. And better yet, show His love as He commanded you, then use words when necessary. Be a Thomas!

Take your light out from under a barrel, and let it show to others. Be the only Bible that some may read. But get out of your room, and into the world-not becoming part of it, but changing it one life at a time.

Woe to those of you who don't. And don't spread vicious rumors about those that do. Be willing to risk it all like Thomas, and watch as whenever you see evidence of God, you rejoice. And you recognize God-and want more of Him!

Two of twelve took a stand-one for and one against. One went and killed himself, hanging and then falling onto the ground-spilling his guts. The other, living for Christ, and spilling his guts about Him everyday. Your choice.

Jesus never sent anyone to their room. Get out in the light! Before you begin to doubt His word and ways, too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

there 's no place like HGTV

Thanks to the Home and Garden Channel, HGTV to you devotees, I have been informed that my 25 year old home needs to be redone. The things I like aren't trendy this year. The knobs on my bathroom sink aren't in style anymore. The hot and cold water still work, isn't that what the are supposed to do? I hadn't realized the flowers I have had for the past eight years are wrong-when they said fine in shady areas, thinking it gets dark every night I bought them. And forgot to tell them not to grow so big I have to cut them back or replant them every year because of sunlight. It took me almost a dozen color samples when I repainted the house to get the right green, which still wasn't the same on the house as it was on the color chart. Now what am I going to do with all these little paint cans, that don't have enough to cover anything? And not what I really want?

I didn't know that red, white, and blue weren't trendy this year. Did anyone think to advise Betsy Ross when she knitted the first flag? And as our floor gets worn-it is distressed barn wood, and now I'm told that it looks old, which is what we wanted when we bought it, did I miss something? My blinds are wrong, my windows somehow let light shine in on sunny days, and my sprinklers aren't on a timer. And when it comes to the garage, that is where I draw the line-it is for cars and motorcycles, not for all the storage of all the trendy junk that was stylish last year, but out of style this year. You got a problem with Snap On, Harbor Freight, and motorcycle posters-stay out!

It seems anyone can be an expert, given their own TV show. So I would like to have my own HGTV show. Which would show these pleasure palaces that these trendy HGTV junkies have, in one year, when the paint peels, the rugs need cleaning, the sofa has towels on it to cover soda stains, and the car is rusty from sitting out all year in the rain. A highlight each week would be where the exterminators come and empty all the stuff in the garage into a dumpster, from contamination from mice and rats. I wondered where that smell came from? I would have a special segment on men finally telling their petulant wives to stop spending, "I hate laminates," and how they can have talent to make so much money, but have such poor taste in women. And then finding out the house is worth a lot less when she leaves to find another sugar daddy in real estate. And a new show can start, call it the REPO channel. But the series would be based on the houses these self proclaimed experts live in. I want to show the worn out, leaky toilet that the buff plummer who never gets his hands wet uses every day. How the paint is peeling in the interior decorator's kitchen. How she can't find the dining room table because so much junk is piled on it. And how her K-Mart inflatable sofa is still trendy, in the office, which is really a third bedroom, but could be used as a walk in closet, which she was told when she bought the place. How the home has become more office than home. I would parade them in front of the color charts at Home Depot, and tell her, "pick out a soothing color for the living room that goes with your faded blue shag carpet." How to choose a color to match the spilled latte around the kitchen counter. Which towing service will remove my dead car for the least amount of money, while I still make payments? And watch as when they have to spend their own money, see trends change. How to make lawn furniture look good next to the entertainment center. How to cover stains with towels. How to decorate using Charger memorabilia, and switch to the Yankees for the summer. Personal taste, or lack of it, becoming more-personal. And how why she never entertains friends at home anymore, since both her cars, including the one that does run take up all the parking. And how if she had invested her HOA fees in the stock market, she could have moved to a nicer place-and started the whole process all over again. She will be receiving the full impact of her wonderful advice to others. She will have gone from a home owner, to being owned by her home.

Sadly many live their lives like this. It is all about appearance, and impressing your friends, who you secretly hate because they have one upped you. Pete Maravich once said "Money will by a fine dog, but only love will make it wag its tail." To paraphrase, "money will by a fine house, but only love will make it a home." Try that one on for size. For within the worn walls of our home, are precious memories, and reminders of good times. Of Christmas parties, and leaking Triumphs in the driveway. Crooked blinds from the cat looking through them. Cabinets still held shut with rubber bands, so the cat stays out. Paint faded, floors showing age, but showing how the house became a home. A place where the presence of God is felt, and people feel welcomed. Where you are welcomed as you are. And when you leave, feel better than when you arrived. Where time spent is important, and times spent with God making the difference. Just like the song, "Give me that old time religion," it's good enough for me.

Open your home today, and let God welcome others into it. Sit on the old sofa, and share His blessings. Look at the growth marks of the kids on the walls, and make your guest welcome, welcome enough they can go to the refrigerator themselves, or take off their shoes and stretch out on the sofa. Let your theme for the house be love, and let God decorate it.

And for a good laugh, put on HGTV, and laugh, but really pity those who think that love, joy, and peace are found in new paint, and trendy colors. Jesus' love has never gone out of style, and you are always welcome at His house. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the time you have with Him. And ask yourself, "if He came to your house, would He be impressed with your decorating, or would He be more comfortable with being welcomed into your home?" Let Him into your life, and heart today. Start making new memories now. Sure beats reruns on HGTV!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

"what's the story?"

"Hey Jerry, what's the story?" And if you happened to be living in the New York Metro area in the early seventies, you knew his answer. Cheap, discounted appliances, TV's and stereos-if you had a union card. For dressed in his bib overalls and yellow hard hat, Jerry was the spokesman for JG and E-the first warehouse store of its kind in New York. He would rant and rave, and at the end, he would say with open arms, "That's the story!" And it was so popular it was in jokes, stories, and people found ways to use it in their daily conversation. And since there were so many hard hats at the time, we didn't call us ourselves Conservatives then, but the Liberals were already called Liberals, he appealed to many. We were Americans.

Working on a loading dock in 1973, we all wore American Flags on our cars, shirts, and on the hard hats many wore. The Silent Majority, the Nixon Administration had labeled us, and when the hippies were against what America stood for, we fought back. Some physically, some financially, and many spiritually. "Love it or leave it!" And as the amount of import cars came in from Japan, they would even be forced to park the farthest away, if allowed to park in the lot at all. America was under siege and its greatness threatened, and true patriots were not going down without a fight. And having the ability to look back, the same group, basically unions, have gone from defending America, to being part of the root cause of its demise. In one generation, they have gone from conservative, to liberal. Not willing to sacrifice as many have in previous generations, but willing to have others suffer so they may enjoy the greatness America still has to offer. The generation that followed what Tom Brokaw has labeled "the Greatest Generation," is now the all about me generation. And many look around, without Jerry's iconic hard hat and bib overalls, and ask, "what's the story?"

But because of God's love for America, like the song says, "God shed His grace on thee," a reassurance in values via Christianity, also took place a the same time. Not concerned with who you are, were, or were going to be in society, God loved a generation, and still does today. Calvary Chapel, fathered by Chuck Smith, when confronted by his denomination, chose Jesus over their doctrines, and the rest is history. Teaching from the Bible verse by verse, he reached the same group of hippies, but showed them a better way-Jesus. He showed them via God's love, and without any membership cards, that no matter your position in life, without the peace only found in Jesus, you would be miserable. You may be miserable with a better job, bigger car, and nicer home, but still missing the message of salvation. Such is God's love, and truly where sin abounds, does God's grace abound even more. "That's the real story," Jerry.

Great nations are never conquered, but do rot from within. They conquer themselves, and as I watch the US of A rotting from within, we can only turn to God. And as He tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if we turn to Him, repent, and follow Him, He will save our land. Can we take a minute and let that sink in? Where politicians continue to encourage strife, where the media continues to exercise its power as the fourth estate, and as more continue to succumb to the ways of the world, God, who created it, is willing to save it and you if you turn to Him? My only question is, why aren't we? And why aren't you? Throughout history those nations that have honored God have been honored by Him. Just look at our history until recently? And we have the audacity to have to ask, what's the story?

In every great battle, there is a turning point. Let today be your turning point, and choose to serve God. Let Jesus into your life, and as our nation walks in the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil. God's peace will guide you through any and all situations. His love will guide you, and bless you in ways no discounted goods ever could. He will heal you individually, and then as a land. And restore us to our former greatness if only we turn to Him now.

Sorry Jerry, but you came and went. But other discount houses replaced you, until they came and went to. It's all about Jesus! "That's the story!"

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

He strides across the home screen—a burly leprechaun in work shirt and blue hard hat. In an accent straight from the streets of New York he answers an off-camera voice that keeps asking: "So what's da story, Jerry?" The story is a hammering promotion for JGE (Jamaica Gas & Electric), a cut-rate appliance firm that sells only to union members, civil service employees and their families. As Jerry explains: "Know the model and number of the appliance you want; Jerry can get it for you wholesale." The voice concludes: "So that's da story, Jerry?" Roars back the pitchman: "That's the stawry!"

The commercial, which has been blasting from four New York City-area television stations 144 times a week, has made Jerry Rosenberg, 39, a local celebrity, renowned as the workingman's friend. It has transformed JGE, which Jerry owns with his brother Charlie, 44, from a run-of-the-crate appliance store into a wildly successful discount business that is expanding its unbuttoned merchandising methods far and wide. JGE's sales have gone from $1.8 million in 1971, its first year of discounting, to an expected $8 million this year. Operating on gross profit margins of about 12%, less than half as much as other appliance dealers, the Rosenbergs will post net earnings of about $250,000 from their single outlet.

The Rosenberg brothers are embarked on a new venture that could well balloon their business without risking a dime of their own money. They are licensing the JGE name to furniture and carpet retailers who want to go discount. The licensees pay an undisclosed percentage of their gross to JGE for its advertising and merchandising help; beyond that, they are on their own. So far, JGE has recruited eleven merchants in New York and New Jersey and is negotiating with 28 others whom the brothers expect to sign up this month. The Rosenbergs confidently figure to expand soon from coast to coast.

Big-time though it is, JGE sticks stubbornly to small-time style. Its "showroom" is a small, carton-crammed section of a warehouse in a sidestreet in Bayside, Queens. All sales are for cash. Except for the Rosenbergs, who sometimes help unload trucks, only part-time employees mind the store. They include moonlighting policemen, housewives and four or five high school basketball players from the Friends' Academy in Locust Valley, N.Y. Clerks make no effort to push a particular brand or persuade customers to buy a higher-priced item; they simply take orders. Yet JGE turns over $300,000 worth of stock about every two weeks.

Save a Bundle. The Rosenbergs saw the potential of reviving real discounting seven years ago, closed their regular appliance shop and set their sights on a specific target: union members and civil servants who are willing to travel 50 miles or more to save a bundle. Now buyers queue up to get in—and save. A 5,500-B.T.U. General Electric air conditioner goes for $149 at JGE v. $184.95 at Macy's; a compact portable dishwasher sells at JGE for $159 v. $199.95 at Macy's; a Sony portable color TV sells for $375 v. $470 at Bloomingdale's for the identical model.

the chocolate subway marshmallow overcoat solution

Remember the words to the song, Secret Agent Man? "They're giving him a number, and taking 'way his name..." How Bond, James Bond was known throughout the world as 007? Maybe in the spy business numbers rule, but in real life, names are more important. And from the multisyllabic names found in the Old Testament, to the shorter ones found in the New, they all have importance.

The late sixties gave freedom to call rock groups by some unusual names. Strawberry Alarm Clock. Creedance Clearwater Revival. Iron Butterfly. King Crimson. Jethro Tull. Quicksilver Messenger Service. Mothers of Invention. Steely Dan. 10cc. The Hawks, who when the Viet Nam war escalated, were just referred to as The Band. But did toy with the idea of Chocolate Subway Marshmallow Overcoat. Same music, different name. I guess it beats Atomic Rooster, but not Ambrosia. I think you get the idea. Unique names, some with meaning you understood, and some with meaning you hoped your mother never knew. But it seems the sixties gave rise to unique descriptions from these groups, and psychedelic names were all the rage. We had a clothing store, in Westfield, called a head shop, before that name too became drug related, named Dead Ice Cream. Cool name, and you could buy cool clothes at a premium price. The name lives on, the store closed. Wish I had kept some of the clothes. And if you didn't have a cool name, you could always have a cool motto, like Slegers Forbes, the motorcycle dealer that Malcolm Forbes was partner in. They were known as the "Cycle-logical Dealer!" Maybe the only place where being logical with a motorcycle was encouraged. In real life, most guys I knew who rode were "Psycho-logical." If you knew them, the name made perfect sense, just don't ask me to explain. Please.

But unless you were Bond, James Bond, where 007 carried more weight, or knew the words to Secret Agent Man, "they're giving you a number, and takin' 'way your name," names are important. And with each generation, the most popular names change. I never thought of my parents as trendy, but here we are Michael, and my sister Susan, very popular names in the fifties. I went to school with too many Jennifers-never Jen or Jenny. Remember Pat on SNL-a he or she? Same problem with her friend, Chris. Those genderless names always confused me. And names a hundred years ago were so stately-or boring. Names like Hamilton, Housely, Hermoine, and Geraldine. Were their nicknames Ham, House, Herm, and Gerry? I have a friend whose dad was a twin, Gerald and Geraldine. We had a friend named Valerie Valerie. I had a friend who named his son Mister, "they will always refer to my son as Mister..." Add in all the Bills and Bobs, John and Joes, and you would think we would run out of names before we run out of people.

Old Testament names have always been a problem with me. Adonijah, Bathsheba, Methuselah, Jehoshabeath, Jehosophat, Hezekiah, Nebachadezezzer, Sennacharib, and Zipporah. Obviously these kids had a hard time learning to spell their names in school, let alone pronouncing them while learning to talk. Or answering the phone. "Hey mom, can I go over to Melchizadek's house and play?" So I find it ironic, when Jesus' cousin is born, that his dad says, "we will call him John," and then is silent until his birth. For no one had ever had that name in his family before. And it started a whole new name game, that continues on even today.

Believe it or not, Jesus was a common name in his time. But He was anything but common. Emmanuel, God with us. King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Wonderful. Counselor. Descriptions of a man, who was really God-a true Godman, and unique in all history. Yeshua to His other Jewish friends, today just the mention of His name evokes emotion. To Christians, He is the savior. But sadly to many others, His is the number one name taken in vain. Trying taking Buddhas name in vain, and watch his followers get upset. But Christians are supposed to give and forgive, in love. Like Jesus did. A name to be remembered easily. And He even had simply names for His disciples. Peter, James, John, Levi, Andrew, Judas. Simple names, and names that were important to Him, because they were His friends. But there is still something about His name.

Today He offers you the chance to know Him on a first name basis. Yes, He is Lord. He is King. He is the Mighty Saviour. But those are all titles. When He introduces Himself to you, He makes it personal. "Just call me Jesus." Get to know Him. Become His friend. And let Him be yours. Jesus, like Yeshua for Joseph.

Knock, knock. Who's there? Joe. Joe who? Joe Savior, Jesus. Jesus Christ, the title. Or if you must, Jesus the Christ. But His friends just call Him Jesus.

What do you call Him tells a lot about who He is in your life. Bow to Him now, or bow to Him later. Now is voluntary. In hell, you will in agony. Wishing you had here.

Just a name? Then you probably think He was just a person.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

an open letter to William Shatner

Dear Bill,

Recently I watched a show called "How William Shatner Changed the World." And it seems that in this recent enterprise of yours-no pun intended, in achieving your new PhD in praise of yourself (Piled high and Deep), you claim that you and Star Trek were responsible for many of today's inventions. And since no one really cares, no one will dispute you, and the truth will get muddled, at least until some future generation reads it, and believes it. And in a sense you, or really your legend will live forever-in reruns. A legend in your own mind. But while watching TCM the other morning, I saw the first of 12 installments in Buck Rogers, filmed in 1939. Something you may have seen at the movies as a kid. And I was surprised at how many of the things you claimed to have originated were in this early film, at least 30 years before Star Trek-not sure what that is in Star dates.

When Buck and his zeppelin mate Buddy Wade crash their zeppelin at the North Pole-circa 1938, from a remote location Nirvano Gas is released into the ship to place them in suspended animation until they can be rescued. Seems without cell phones or GPS, it took a bit longer than expected, and they are discovered in the year 2440. Where a two man crew in a space ship, sees the zeppelin frozen in the ice, and explores it. Using what appear to be Phasers, they melt the ice and snow, and enter the cabin-retrieving Buck and Buddy, and taking them to their commander. Where they are whisked away in a transporter chamber-their atoms are treated with radiation and can be reconstructed anywhere the operator desires. Sound familiar? With apologies to Scotty, Bill you didn't invent either of these. To quote Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new under the sun. Is it possible that you have go where man has gone before?

We just got done celebrating Resurrection Day, Easter to those initiated. And of course the doubters, and story tellers are out in force. Claiming it never happened, and fabricating stories of how the tomb was empty because a man who had endured 39 lashes, then hung on a cross until dead, then had a spear stuck in his heart, wasn't really dead, but somehow when He revived, had the strength to move a 2 ton rock, by Himself, and escape-unseen by the Roman Guard set to make sure none of this happened. Now that's Science Fiction! And it must really take faith to believe that! But just to prove that He lives, He made Himself visible to many, including over 500 at one time! Who Paul records as seeing Him in one day-and who at the time of his writing his first letter to the Corinthians, would have been alive to dispute his writing if it was false. But they didn't-because it's true! He really was raised from the dead-Resurrected! And they did see Him-and knew who He was and what had happened!

Someday you fill face death too Bill, and I wonder, who is the Captain Kirk of your Enterprise? All your accomplishments, space travel, TJ Hooker episodes, and self aggrandizement shows will not get you to heaven. Beating Gorns, Klingons, and Romulans will not gain you entrance to heaven. You need to meet the same Jesus who revealed Himself over 2000 years ago. When you die, knowing Him will make the difference in beaming down to hell, or beaming up to heaven. We never know when our last day is, and the eternal transporter is standing by to beam you somewhere after death. No suspended animation like Buck and Buddy. No Science fiction writer to bring you back miraculously next week. Is there a heaven? To quote your Science Officer-"Indeed."

Don't let "He's dead, Jim" be the last words you hear on earth. Go boldly where many have gone before-based on a simple faith. All heroes will die-only those saved will go to heaven. Think about it Bill, even at warp speed you will never see it all! But first, you have to get there. Trust God, for Jesus is the only way.

love with compassion,

Mike PhD-(praying hard daily)

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the ultimate road trip planner

"It goes from Chicago to LA...more than, 2000 miles along the way...get your kicks, on Route 66..." The Mother Road it has been called. Route 66, officially named in 1926, and in 1985 officially decommissioned, when Williams, Az. is the last town to be by-passed by the interstate. Where one road took you on an over 2000 mile exodus, now it takes five interstates! And you miss so much of the fun and challenge of driving an old highway. A time gone by, where Mom and Pop motels have been replaced by chains. Where lunch counters have been replaced by fast food restaurants-funny we won't call them diners, although we refer to those who eat there as diners-rather than restaurateurs. And where gas station attendants used to check your oil, fill your gas, wash your windshield, and offer free maps and directions, toady we swipe a card at the pump, and never get the rest that the old gas stop provided. Using mileage markers and exit numbers to find our destination. No more Pecan Logs at Stuckeys, or gazing at snake skins in Arizona. No more signs warning you of the thousand rooms for the night in Tucumcari. Only the alert traveler today will notice Lucille's, and stop in to eat while in Oklahoma. Hot after a ride, stop by Ted Drewes Custard Stand in St. Louis. And for how many thousands has the Santa Monica Pier been there first time seeing the Pacific!

But today we have the Eisenhower Interstate System. Based on what Ike saw in Germany during WWII, he noted we needed a modern freeway system to carry Americans who wanted to travel, but also for military purposes of moving troops and equipment, should we ever have to fight on our own turf. Or move the same internally during times of war. A good idea, and it works, and an added benefit to guys like me, is that it frees up roads like Route 66 for the rest of us. Where we can ride and visit in a different era, at a different speed, and to a different melody. A few minutes where I can reflect on why I miss America.

I can't tell you how many times I have travelled 66, I used to live a few blocks off of Central in Albuquerque. But with its rebirth via local and state associations, much of it can still be travelled, and many old land marks still exist. You just need to be more patient-but they are there. And I can promise you, from riding most of it, except Illinois into Chicago, there is still plenty of life along the Mother Road. Just look at it through 1950's eyes, and enjoy the ride. Bumps, potholes, turns, changes in altitude, and crossing of state lines. Anything but straight and narrow-interesting and challenging, looking for new adventures, just like life.

So why does God tell us to stay on the straight and narrow road? Is He an interstate highway advocate? Does He not like the old highways and the small towns? Does He prefer fast food to a blue plate special? Is He in a hurry to get where He is going? Maybe the answer lies more with us, than with Him. He knows all the roads, and what is ahead for us on them. He sits on a peak, and can see around mountain curves we can't. He can see ahead past the dust storm or detour, and knows when we will need gas and food. He has that special memory just waiting for us ahead, and those appointed to share it with us. And because of that, and His love for us, He has given life to us. He has plans for us, to give us that life. He has ordered our steps-not commanded them, but like staying on a route to a destination, has laid out a plan. The ultimate trip planning service. And orderly plan, which if followed in the Spirit will give us a safe trip, and definitely not a boring one. Straight and narrow can sound so boring to a biker on vacation, but this plan is designed to give peace of mind. Think of a curve as a series of straight lines, at different angles, and it all makes sense. Stay on that road, and you won't end off in the bushes. No detours necessary if you follow the map. Don't be allured by billboards who promise one thing, when you know they will deliver another. Don't look for discounts that aren't. The temptations will always be there. Obey the warning signs, and enjoy the ride.

Things can change in a day's notice, or without notice. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into town, a hero's welcome. And by Thursday would be betrayed by a friend, and crucified on Friday-Good Friday. But by Sunday morning, His tomb was empty. Proving to all, including those who yelled "crucify Him!" that He really was who He said He was. And with His death and resurrection we can have new life in Him. A straight and narrow road to Heaven, no detours or road blocks. Maybe that is really the straight and narrow road He talks of, and wants us to be on. He wants nothing to get between Him and us, so makes a direct road to Him. Straight and narrow. Like riding I-40 from Bro. Willie's in Nashville. You will know to stop when you see the Pacific. It is only in life we experience the curves. His directions-simple and easy to follow.

Get out soon and get some kicks on Route 66, or any other road. See America while you still can. But get on the straight and narrow road to Jesus today. Don't wait! All roads lead somewhere, only one leads to Him!

Call it the Father Road! The only one who truly leads to our Heavenly Father. Another travel tip from His son, Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

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