welcome back my friends to the show that never ends...

Not all marriages are made in heaven. Some are made in Detroit-about as far from heaven as you can get these days. On May 1, 1954, my birthday by the way, two great pioneering auto names joined forces-merged, to become American Motors. In a move to survive, Nash and Hudson joined forces. Sadly Hudson left us in 1958, Nash a year earlier, but AMC would survive into the 80's before being purchased by Chrysler, and finally merged-or raped as they would later discover, by Daimler Benz. What a long, strange trip that has been.

Studebaker and Packard also joined forces that year in another failed attempt. Studebaker would make it for another 12 years on life support, Packard, once the most prestigious luxury make went out in 1958. With no remnants left of either today except in museums, car shows, and a generation where they exist in their memories.

Some engagements never make it either, at least not as planned. In the 70's, where encounter groups were the new trend, the courts tried this in lieu of punishment. Rehabilitate they said, and education would be their mantra. Criminals were criminals because they weren't smart enough, and once they learn their evil ways, and why, they will become better citizens. But when car thieves were placed together, instead of repenting,they compared notes, and we had a better car thief. When people in drug rehab got together, they found better places to score drugs, ways to camouflage it, and how to beat the courts. And in the case of alcohol abuse, even got this self inflicted wound called a disease, of which when under the influence, they were not responsible for their actions. Never taking into consideration if there is no change of the heart, there will be no change in the person or his actions.

A change of heart, is what it takes. And all it takes. And is only found in Jesus, and represented by the church of His believers. If gathering or merging works for evil, imagine what it will do when God uses it for good. And when God has the bride ready for His only son, WOW! Party on! Last night we were reminded at our Feast of Trumpets celebration that Jesus is coming soon for His bride-us. It will be a surprise party, and none like the world has ever seen or ever will. A party so extravagant and incredible only one place can handle it-heaven. He even has been sending out invitations for 2000 years to all who will listen. A come as you are party-once you get there all the food, party clothes, and music will be provided. All He requires is you. And a changed heart.

And because it is a surprise party, it could happen at any time. So He has sent out teasers to let His church, the bride, know the season, but not the day or hour. An anticipation of great excitement-and the season is now. The closer it gets, the more we anticipate it. And we who are alive will be there, via an undertaking never yet seen. We will be taken out of the world, and into heaven via one major event, the rapture of the church. And as the bride, we will be with our husband for eternity, Jesus Christ. Clothed in majesty, perfect, forgiven, and in such awe that it will take 10,000 years just to celebrate, before we start the next 10,000. You say you like to party-this is one you don't want to miss.

Didn't get the invitation, well here it is. You must be born again. And it is not difficult, for God wants all to be there, no matter what you have done. No matter prior engagements or failed mergers. Simply you must realize your sin, believe Jesus to be your savior with your heart, and confess Him with your mouth. That's it. You'll then want to publicly confess Him before your friends, and so be baptized! Invitation accepted. RSVP noted and recognized in heaven. Your name is in the Book of Life, you're on the guest list! Just get ready, the party will soon begin.

And when God blows that last trumpet Himself, only believers will hear it, just before we are all changed in 1/240,000 of a second-the speed of light. And the eternal party begins. So fast you will not have time to drop what you are doing and accept Him-you must accept His invitation before it happens. Don't get left outside where you can only hear the party inside-trust God now. Don't be left knocking at the door wanting to get in.

Jesus is saving the best for last. Just like His first miracle of changing water into wine, when all else had run out, when He arrived He gave them the best the guests had ever had, and He is saving the best for heaven. No eye has seen it, no ear has heard about it, and no mind can imagine it. Better than any Super Bowl, royal wedding or coronation, and no expense spared. God opens the doors of heaven for His son and His bride of believers. This is one bouquet you want to catch. Not just the party of the year, or the century, but for all time! You don't want to miss it-and you don't have to. You have been invited. Make the decision with your heart today to be there.

And listen for that trumpet! The most beautiful song you will ever hear, a solo played by God himself.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the would you fly in it if they made an airplane t-shirt saying test

Progress has been a good thing, except that it has gone on too long. We have created a people whose main talent is information retrieval, but still don't know their wife's phone number. We have children who can't add, but can manipulate a calculator. And we have adults who if you hide the remote can't watch TV-"I 'm not getting up and going over to change the channel." Like I said-way too long. Yet with all the electronic media available to us today, still the best way to say what you really mean is via the t-shirt you are wearing. Want to know what I ride? Watch the shirt. Where did I go last summer? The answer again lies in the shirt. Who is your favorite team? Who do you work for? Where do I eat? All of these things can be answered by just one look at the shirt on my back-and front.

But shirts also have become an offensive way to express yourself. Sadly, if you have a reputation of being a fool, why do you feel the need to remind us by wearing something stupid on your shirt? Exactly the answer I expected-"I dunno." So we must come up with a test to rate the validity of what your shirt says. I got the idea from a shirt I saw at Malcolm Smith's one afternoon. It had the Bar and Shield of Harley fame on it, with a one line question-"If they made a plane, would you fly in it?" In a simple one line joke, it made me think. And I have used this obvious question of wisdom to weigh in one various subjects. It is simple enough-and works!

Since there are no pull outs or rest areas while flying, the plane better be pretty good-or else. And most people seem to know what the what else is. Planes tend to be pretty reliable, so if you find one you choose not to fly on, it must be pretty bad. So let's apply this wisdom to real life. Let's see how it works.

If the restaurant is filthy inside, would you eat there?

If the gas station is known for water in the fuel would you fill up there?

If you know the road is dangerous, with no way out, would you ride it?

If your bike has gas enough for ten miles, and the station is 15, would you ride there? Note-some think that the low fuel light on means to fill up, it really means you still have fuel. It will go out when you run out. Not important how I know.

Would you buy a house if the rats greeted you at the door?

Would you buy a used t-shirt that smelled like BO?

Would you argue with an idiot knowing you will never win?

Would you accept cold, limp French fries that have been sitting since lunch when fresh, hot ones are available?

Did you ever buy a car leaking oil? Or a motorcycle after being told they all do that?

Would you want to put the dirty oil back in your engine to save a buck? Why change it then?

Would you trust a dentist with braces? Or a bald barber?

Do you trust a tailor that says "fitsa nice."

Does "they all do that comfort you when buying something?" When they all don't.

I think you see the point of my would you fly in it philosophy, so why when it comes to God do you not use the same sense you do when ordering a cheeseburger? Ask the question-will the things I worship get me to heaven when I die? Will monthly payments get me closer to God? Just because I wear a shirt with Christian sayings on it, does that make me a Christian? So why do you treat a relationship with God so lightly? Why do you have more faith in your cell phone, which drops calls, takes lousy pictures, goes off in church after you have been told to turn it off, and costs way too much? Every month? Why do you love the Chargers, but hate the way they play? Yet neglect the things of God.

Seems we are obsessed with the right now, and what it can do for me. A quickie nirvana. But God is looking ahead, and although He promises He is with you today, He wants to be with you for eternity. And you to be with Him. So gives the one way out of hell-and makes it a true/false, so the multiple choice options don't confuse you. A test that you have been given the answer to. So why do you not trust God? Would you fly in a plane He made? Yet, you won't give Him your life to fly you into eternity.

Progress has allowed us to trust things other than God. To not look to Jesus, but Google our problems. So, like I used to tell my customers when they tried to diagnose their car problems on the internet, "go ahead, and right click it. See if that fixes it." Maybe today is the day you take your life off of speed dial, you ditch the remote, don't Google for answers but turn to God. Ask Him, and watch as His spirit guides you. And take the guesswork out of where you will spend eternity.

Works in real life too. Take the stock market for instance. Based on rumor, innuendoes, and great expectations, it fluctuates wildly. Yet so many trust their savings to it. If Wall Street made a plane, would you fly in it?

Trust God. The only real answer. Only God can truly love you. He is the only way to heaven. And wants to show you how much right now. Why not trust someone who is 100% right all the time, doesn't lie, is trustworthy, patient, kind, and all knowing? So-trust God. NOW. Anything else is a gamble.

Do you trust the man who said He would resurrect Himself after three days? Wise men still seek Him. Now that would make a great t-shirt. If they made it, would you wear it?

Do you really need a t-shirt to show us you are a Christian?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

happiness is...

I stopped in that bastion of higher learning yesterday, Barnes and Noble, to see if they had my friend Mitch Boehm's excellent magazine Moto Retro Illustrated, only to find they were out. But while noticing others treating this like the public library, I too caught up on reading the British motorcycle mags, for free, saving myself $10 in the process. And I might have read more, but the smell coming from the coffee shop reminded me of the odor that came from an old Mercury I once owned just before it lost first and third gears, and became a second gear only automatic trans. Noticing that the few who would endure that smell to read free magazines had no coffee cups in front of them, I can see why they are losing money, and may go bankrupt-their most enterprising value is free, with little enterprise! But not deterred, I walked through the cheap books, and noticed a whole section of self help books. Which made me think, if I could help myself, why would I need their book? And there were many titles and topics to choose from. Many ways that promise happiness, from keeping your dog happy with more cheese, to yoga and goofy New Age practices, to how to how to make more money-as if that would actually bring happiness? My experience is that you generally just want more-and are never happy. And when a great document like the Declaration of Independence can only promise the pursuit of happiness, why would all these so called happiness seekers try a lesser reading than the D of I?

Remember the old Peanuts cartoons from the sixties Happiness is a .....? Even good old Charlie Brown couldn't find it, and today you still can't. There is always some Lucy out there to move the football at the last moment. It is temporary at best, fleeting at least, and is based on your perception of if you get what you want you will attain it. It is transitional at best, situational, and once you get it, you fear losing it, and have lost it. Think of it as your favorite team is winning with 4 seconds left, you are already celebrating when the QB fumbles on the last play, the other team recovers and scores! Can't happen? Ask the Giants? Or the Cowboys? Truly happiness is temporary, so why seek it? Is there something better? Or will Lucy always appear to move the ball?

I'm glad you asked. Too often joy and happiness are confused with each other. Happiness with its temporal existence falls far short of joy. Limited to emotions. For true joy-is there any other, only comes from God. It can be emotional, but not based on emotions-God is much more loving than that. Trusting Jesus allows that joy to enter your life. And the best definition of joy is "Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God." It doesn't checkout when the going gets tough. For joy is not temporal, not based on situations, and yours when you accept the Lord. And it is listed as part of the Fruit of the Spirit-right there between love and peace. What a great place to be!

You see joy is not an emotion, for that would limit its success. It is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is eternal, and cannot be stolen from you, although many times we give it up when we try to equate it with happiness, therefore limiting its potential. Now that's a good example of why self help doesn't work. Joy is there when you lose your job. When the doctor orders more tests. When your spouse says she doesn't love you anymore. Even when your car won't start. Joy is there, for it is the presence of God. Who states He will never leave you or forsake you-unlike happiness. It is trusting God when there is no evidence of Him, just because of who He is. Not based on Him acting on your behalf, but you acting in trust of Him. Not seeking a temporary emotional lift, but a satisfying of your soul.

And you can't help yourself. Like Bob Lutz once commented, "you can't put two #2's together to make a #1!? You must trust God! So don't rob yourself of the joy God promises you. Trust Him today, and get something way beyond the ordinary-or more than you could ever expect or ask for.

Because with it comes the love and peace of God which surrounds it, and also brings kindness, goodness, patience, meekness, and long suffering-endurance of the situation. There are no laws against these things, and with God in the midst of them, who can be against you? Maybe this is why the Bible again this year will be the worldwide best seller. It is the only book to offer you peace, a peace that surpasses understanding. And that requires only trusting God from you to enter into it.

God is more than emotions. And more than situations. All things work for glory to those who love Him, and are called to His purpose. Simple, like the gospel. he doesn't need our help. God doesn't help those who help themselves-but is ready, willing, and able to help all who call on Him. Mercy-not getting what you deserve, and grace-getting what you don't deserve. He is waiting patiently for you to ask Him into your life now.

The Joy of the Lord is our strength. Help yourself to it right now! Sure beats helping yourself any day! And leaves more time for riding! Now that's JOY!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Mena, food, love and other four letter words

I first met Fr. Al's sister Mena on 9-11-2006. It was my first time to the Chapel, but not the first to Shanksville. God had put some special things on my heart, but in His own way, only let me know some of them. Like in Scrabble, He gave me the letters, the words would come. But He had also prepared me long before we went.

It was the 2006 Torches Across America ride, and we were planning on being in Shanksville for 9-11 this year. Fr. Al and I had been corresponding by e-mail about the day's events, when God put on my heart to ask about food. Shanksville has no places to eat, the Chapel is even farther from Somerset, and the Impact Site another 4 miles. They had some basic food available at the chapel for donation, but not what they wanted. So God placed on my heart to send money, and with help from a few other CMA chapters, we sent him a check-not big to us, but overwhelming when you have nothing. And so food would be available. Two loaves and five fish in today's terms. On to Shanksville.

Per custom, it rained, and after I spoke, and we had the bell ringing ceremony, I went down to the tents where the food was. There were hot dogs, donuts, hulaska, and sausage, onions, and pepper sandwiches-Mena's. As I stood in line, I heard the women talking about some Christian bikers who had provided money for food-they were blown away how someone they had never met, over 3000 miles away would do this, but of course this was another miracle of the Chapel. As I stood there, I didn't want to call attention to myself, this was God's plan, I just obeyed Him, but I wanted them to have a face for what was done, so I identified myself. And the tears started to flow. They were so glad to meet me, and soon I had introduced others to them. One of them Shirley, would be very special to Theresa.

It took hours until the families from Flight 93 arrived from the impact site, along with them the employees of UAL from Newark-friends of the heroes. And they were starved, and were able to eat! Mena's sausage and peppers! Over 500 ate that day based on the simple gift God told us to give. With some left over, sound like a Bible story? Soon the word spread because the servers shared about our gift, and we were able to show them love among the hugs and kisses. Some stewardesses even were in tears that anyone would care about them, our cheeks were wet with the tears of joy. One man, Leroy Homer's brother in law came up, Nattily attired, he looked like Neon Deion, he embraced us in tears, the love had touched him too. Maybe there was more to the loaves and fishes that day with Jesus, just like there was for us. Such appreciation, for such a simple gift of love via obedience. Leave it to God to bless many with very little. And to me, the sausage and peppers would always remind me of that special time.

Remember Shirley, the lady special to Theresa? Seems her son had been killed in a car accident, and was buried across from the chapel. As she and Theresa talked, Shirley said he had died on August 20th, my son's birthday. And she took her over to the grave, and got to minister with her, I will never forget the sight of them praying together at his headstone. And I was so glad I introduced myself when in line getting food. All credit and glory be to God.

Two weeks ago Mena made her last trip to the Chapel. Her body full of cancer and in pain, she wanted one last trip to the chapel to make her sausage and peppers. Her last act of love for the heroes, on the tenth anniversary of their heroism. Her two sons did most of the cooking, and when they were done, she wanted to go home. She knew God had kept her alive for this one last trip, and now He was calling her home. His house. Heaven was closer the day she died than her home on earth, and God told her "come, let's go to mine. No more cancer, no more pain. Your job is complete here. It's time to rest." And she knew, and that was why she wanted to go home, God was calling. Mena then knew her job was done. She was at Shanksville as a surprise to her brother, and against the doctor's advice. But not God's calling. And the next week she passed into eternity-home at last!

I was the last e-mail Fr. Al sent before he took off for Downingtown to have her funeral. He said Mena was appreciative of all the love, support, and prayers. So thanks to all who prayed. You will see her in heaven.

So after a short period of grief, I wanted to do something to support my friend and to honor her. I went out and had a sausage and pepper sandwich. Not as good as hers, and it took longer to eat through the tears. It seems it had a salty taste to it. Strange, I thought. But then I realized it was laced with tears. Mine. Tears of sadness for my friend. And how hers was laced with love. That was the difference. As in life, as in cooking, Jesus' love still makes a difference. The one ingredient only He can add to any food, occasion, or relationship. Love.

"Just another sandwich," you ask. And I suppose your God is just another God. Make sure it is a special relationship based on Jesus. For just like Mena's sandwiches, He fills them with love. And just like life, He makes it worth the living-just because He lives!

Another Chapel miracle, and another reason to visit there-soon. I can smell the peppers already. Tell Fr. Al "Mena's friend Mike sent ya."

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

manna-what is it?

I like to eat. One glance will confirm that. But I have specific tastes, and will eat just about anything if it tastes good. So I like the idea of man sized portions. On platters. Food that fills the platter. I actually get embarrassed for these so-called gourmet restaurants that serve you a bite sized morsel, with some stringy veggies, some dressing sprinkled around it, and a flower. And over charge you like they are doing you a favor. How unmanly? What kind of real man would actually sit down and eat a half a sissy meal like this? One time-we all make mistakes, aren't you glad God forgives? I've had appetizers that were more filling-and then the main event. Portions count-as in big. Food should taste like food. Lumps OK in mashies. Butter on those green beans. Extra gravy on the side. Sizzle that steak. Enough to get filled, so much that you skip desert. Ride a few miles, then hit the Coldstones. So here are a few places where portions count, the food is good, service good, and the meal is an event.

For breakfast you can't beat the Original Pantry. Downtown LA on 9th and Figueroa, free parking for motorcycles. Sounds good already. My standard there is bacon-6 crispy, thick pieces, eggs, and buckwheat pancakes. With potatoes. Which takes three plates to serve you. BIG pancakes, three 11" manhole covers, not those sissy sized ones at IHOP, and real potatoes from the grill, there again not the frozen ones like chains serve. All in an atmosphere where when you can sit at the counter, maybe next to a bum, a lawyer, or a businessman-who are all harder to tell apart these days. CASH only, but they do have an ATM. And you may have to stand in line, and they are open 24 hours-they have never closed since 1924, the legend is there are no keys to the door. Breakfast all the time! Bring your appetite, you are gonna love those buckwheats!

For a good sandwich you must leave California. And go back east. The left coasters just don't get it-you must put stuff between the bread. Lots of it. And for me, it is Primonti Bros. in Pittsburgh. Now a chain, for the real experience you must go downtown to the original in the Strip District. Following the directions on their web page, they actually take you down an alley-follow them if you want to park. In an old neighborhood, where at first you wonder how safe you are, going inside all is forgiven. And although the list of sandwiches is long, I favor the cheese steak, there all-time #2 best seller-no indication of what #1 is. And they are all served the same. Thick cut, hand sliced Italian bread. Then the meat. Then a handful of hand cut French fries, then finally a handful of Italian slaw-the kind with vinegar instead of mayo. Cut in half, open wide and let the games begin. After Primonti Bros., anything is just a meal. Here it is an event! No sissy designer food here. Just mention them to anyone in the Pittsburg area, and they'll agree. Hint-for your own safety do not mention the Chargers. There are the Steelers, and the rest are others. Just like any other sandwich you will ever have.

For dinner, let's go to El Cholo. Since 1923 serving the best Mexican food in So Cal. New Mexican food is its own category. Great service, large portions, and a festive atmosphere, you will wonder how do they get all that flavor from the food? Fajitas as they should be, although lately I have been gorging on the chicken chimichangas. If you think Alberto's is Mexican food, stay away. Mexican Alpo. You won't get it. This is the way the old Mamacitas cooked it, and still do. Only an hour to Irvine from home, we also eat at the one in Pasadena. And recently found the one on Figueroa just down the street from the Pantry. Great way to get in a ride and a good meal, along with friends. WARNING-do not attempt to eat at both on the same day. Death from food overload could occur. Besides it may take all day to recover from breakfast. Spread out the joy of eating over a few trips. Almost makes the traffic bearable. Lane splitting advised.

Seems we have come a long way from manna. Food that God provided every morning-except Saturdays, so they could observe the Sabbath, and it was fresh and tasted sweet. But the Israelites got tired of it, and soon desired to go back into captivity in Egypt, where at least the food was good. And ended up wandering in the wilderness for 40 years-while God still fed them and listened to their complaining. He then reminded them that man does live by bread alone, but truly lives by obeying the words from God-true manna. A truth that still exists today. So why don't you trust God? As a people we are well fed, for a reminder read above. God has given in abundance, and even sent His son, Jesus to die for our sins. So why don't you trust God? Where do I start?

Ever notice how the food tastes better after asking God's blessing? Good place to start. And soon you find other reasons to thank Him for-because you are looking for reasons to. So don't grumble like the Israelites did-captivity is not where it is at. Choose God. Let Him lead. Let Him forgive. And get out and tell others. While at lunch, or between bites of buckwheats. Sit at the counter and visit, not preach. Spread the gospel through good food, and learn also why Jesus liked to fellowship with others-both believers and non, while eating. So pass the salt with a smile, pass the syrup to the man next to you, offer to move down a seat so both guys can sit together at the counter, and start a conversation by being nice. Good food has a habit of making good friends. Be nice, kindness the Bible calls it, the fruit of the spirit. Now that's being a witness!

And leave a big tip. Be known for your graciousness. Jesus is. Sharing Jesus never tasted so good. And feel safe in knowing that man doesn't live by bread alone-it needs something between the pieces to make it a sandwich. Grace-it adds flavor to any meal-and to every life.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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strait, not straight

We learned that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line in Mrs. Parks seventh grade math class. And for years as a motorcycle rider, I had trouble with the scripture of Matthew 7:13-14, for much of my riding, although between two points, is not always the shortest distance. I can turn a 20 mile commute into a 45 mile back road journey. I love curves, isn't that why God created motorcycles? But Jesus talks about the straight and narrow, and to be careful not to stray. Good advice on any road, including the road of life, riding or not. So I would skip over it when reading, as if it were personally meant for me to not enjoy curves. Sort of an old wife's tale I made up, or an urban legend no one cared about but me. Superstitious-maybe. And although Jesus said it, which makes it true, I used my own select theology when I came to these two verses.

While studying one day, I read a commentary that the word was originally strait, not straight as we use the word today. Both have similar meaning, but in the King James of the 1600's, this was the word used. It meant a tight fit, or a path that may be hard to navigate due to its size, or confining, hence it is a "strait" jacket, not a "straight" jacket. And as you can see, both meanings can be applicable here, but I tend to lean on strait, allowing my mind and conscience to be free when I ride roads like the Snake. Or any road that allows me to use all the tread on the tires.

Now Jesus knew a few things about roads, he spent most of His time on the road. He had no home, so He was a true traveler. And I notice today, that many of the Christians I admire for their ministry and walk with Christ do so outside of the four church walls. Not to say pastors are not important, or don't do God's work, but the pastors I know who venture outside of the pulpit, via writing, visiting, teaching and following Christ's example, find an additional freedom in the spirit-doing what Jesus did, and advised. And as an example to their flocks-and this is their true witness. And also an encouragement for us to get out among the lost.

Sadly some only get out within their own denomination via seminars or conferences, not seeing how God is working in others. Keeping within a party line-staying safe within the lines. This is where they may become strait and narrow-confined and legalistic. But Christians who operate in the spirit go anywhere God leads them. Which is why we see Mother Theresa in hospitals in India, when she could go on a book tour. Or Franklin Graham with Samaritan's Purse, who could rest on his dad's reputation. I see our Pastor Ray out among the people, when he could easily defend staying home because his flock is so big. It takes courage to walk the strait road, and you need Jesus to guide you.

God explained to me once the reason that the path and gate are straight and narrow is that the straightest way to Him is direct-a straight line. Narrow, so you cannot do it without Him. Straight, so that nothing gets between you and Him-the shortest distance. Only God wants no interference in His relationship with you. But it can also be strait and narrow-confining and rough, like some roads I travel on. And you need Him even more. Stay in the spirit, avoid legalism. Make it personal. And there again, Jesus is with you. Helping you navigate, so that you see that the only way is Him. One way with Jesus the old bumper stickers say, and it is still true today.

Those who walk with God do not avoid the company of other people. In fact they look for others to share the gospel and love of Jesus with. Don't keep that light of yours under a basket. Get out and let it shine. Talk with sinners-just don't be one. Weep with those that weep, just like Jesus did. But stay on the course He has for you. And if like mine, it is strait, I know my God will take me through to where He wants me to be. And if it is straight, like the freeway, I choose to ride with Him too. Free from fear, for I know that He rides with me. And I now enjoy all the curves I can handle-not confined by legalism, but riding free in the spirit. Just like He promised. And if the road you happen to be on is rough, you probably are on the right road. Stay the course with Jesus. He'll get you where you are going.

Strait or straight, the difference one little letter, G can make. And the difference that G, as in God will make in your life when you follow Him. Be one of the few that find Him-and when you come to a fork in the road take it. Bring on the curves Lord, we have a lot of riding yet to do! Use all of the tire on your bike, not just the middle of them! Strait-and straight! Good advice on life from the one who is the way, the truth, and the life. And a road you won't find on any GPS-only in the spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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the human race

I first met NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson in 1994 when I was one of his sponsors through Nelson and Nelson Racing. He used to call me sir. Through him I met his dad Gary, who worked an off-road support trailer for BFG. Gary was also a very nice man, one of the good guys, and when he asked us to help him out for the 1996 Baja 1000, we readily agreed. He would be set up in Ojos Negros, and needed help when the racers would be coming through between 1am until 6am the next morning. They would be about 800 miles into the 1000 mile race at that time, and we would fuel them, change tires as needed, and do quick safety checks and mechanical repairs.

Working the BFG trailer was definitely first class. I had helped before, but mostly spent time with the Simon and Simon team, they had won the 1992 Baja 1000, or Nelson and Nelson, whose racer Larry Ragland had won the 1000, and the 500. He was Jimmie's teammate. So I was used to doing things right, just not in the numbers we would be faced with. In preparation we had to fill 10 gallon dump cans from a drum with a hand crank. Label all the tires and have them ready when the cars arrived. We had a full on kitchen, so food and drink was no problem, but sleep was. We had to sleep on tires or wherever we could find until our time came. Just be ready-and have the fuel and tires ready. Be safe above all! And with spotters along the way, we would know when the cars we would service were close, so we could be ready. Lack of sleep can be overcome by adrenalin, and commitment to service, which in this day before energy drinks was all we had to go on. And the love of racing. You didn't want to disappoint anyone after they had raced 20 hours, or miss them after your preparations-you had to stay alert and be patient.

Jesus tells in a parable about 10 bridesmaids, virgins, who are to be ready for the bridegroom to call for his bride. According to Jewish tradition, it could happen at any time, even midnight. And to have their lamps filled with oil, to light the torches to lead the way to the celebration. And to carry extra oil, for the torches would only last about 15 minutes, then had to be refilled. But sadly, some were not ready, and forgot the extra oil-they were asleep. And when they didn't make it to the wedding, could not get in-the door was locked. The parable telling us to be ready for the return of Christ, which is imminent, and don't miss out. Be watchful. A warning to those who think that religion gets them there, but it takes a relationship with Jesus Christ to get into the party. The oil representing the Holy Spirit, and if it is not in you, then you are not saved-for only through salvation does the spirit dwell in you. So sad to live expecting Jesus, but not go, because you were not ready. Because you followed a lie. So make sure you are ready-trust God. Waiting can be tough, but the rewards are unequalled.

At the end of our shift that year we had fueled 110 cars. I had lifted 110 dump cans at 75 pounds each. I can't tell you how many tires I had lifted or moved. And my body felt like it. I had been up all day, slept for a few hours on the floor in the trailer, but was ready when they called. I didn't miss what I had waited for, nor had my team mates. We were ready, and because of our service, the racers got what they needed when they needed it. A simple lesson in being prepared, of being watchful. Just like Jesus tells His church. Be watchful. We had some idea of when the racers would arrive, but didn't know times or the hours, just like we don't know the time of His return. But the signs were there, we had to look for them and be ready.

Are you ready? Is there oil in your lamp? How sad to be like a racer who wasn't prepared by leaving gas and tires. And how sad to be part of his race team and not deliver what had been promised. Jesus is coming-the time is short. And like in racing, to finish first , first you must finish. Stay true to the end, be watchful, and you'll have a podium finish-unlike any race has ever had. A finish for the human race, the only race you never want to DNF. And Jesus is the way. A crew chief for humanity. Make Him your Lord and crew chief today-and I'll see you on the podium-in heaven. I peeked at the end of the book-WE WIN!

love with compassion,

Mike

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