til death do we unite

I read an old Road Rider yesterday that had story in it about Julius Kagel. Julius was a hard core motorcycle rider from Illinois, and was known within the touring community. The magazine was dated 1978, and he was a long time BMW rider. I even had the pleasure of meeting him once, when I lived back east, at the Marcus Dairy. The same one mentioned in those cool Kawasaki ads back in the early 80's. It was 1974, I had an R90S, and he came over and asked about it. He was about 80 at the time-an unbelievable age to a 21 year old at the time, and was dressed in his all black leathers-pants and jacket. He had probably at that point ridden more miles than I could ever dream of, and still rode all year round. His last major trip was touring Europe in 1973. Except when the storms of the Midwest prevented it, and then he studied maps and gathered information for his next trip that spring. He loved motorcycles, and he loved motorcycling. A true ambassador for the sport, and lifestyle. What a cool grandpa he must have been. And a much bigger influence on how and where I ride than I thought until I reread that article yesterday.

He loved to ride, loved the people, and loved the sport. As Christians we are told to be ambassadors of Christ. Says so right in the Bible. Which means we are to represent Christ. We are told that we should be known as Christians by our love, which should reflect God's love within us. We should love Jesus-He loved us first and died for us. But we often times have problem with His "fan" club. The religious types who are always willing to tell us how to live our lives, and give us more rules to do it. Personally, I rather trust God and walk in the spirit-and enjoy the freedom that God promises. It makes it easier to love God, and then I can love His people too. Even if it takes looking past their rules. But I also like being part of a strong church, one that is deeply rooted in the things of Christ, and being with others who wish to minister in the gospel. For it is only when in the spirit we can minister effectively, and it always goes back to Jesus. In the early church believers were part of what was called the Way, but then became known as Christians in Antioch-after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had come upon the church. A form of ridicule at first, those of us are blessed to be known by it, and after 2000 years still face ridicule from those who are within and without the church. Bet you didn't think motorcycling was such a religious experience?

So we carry on, trying to love as Jesus did. Until we die, and then meet Him face to face in heaven-eternally. Our eternal reward, and entering it with the love of Jesus in our lives. Doing the things we wish to be doing-walking in Christ. Julius' wish was to be able to ride until the day that he died. Which he did, while riding at age 86. A car, driven by a young man, hit him-killing him. Riding until the day he died. A man so wrapped in motorcycling, he literally died with his boots on-and while riding. May we all go to the presence of the Lord doing what we love.

Make Jesus the desire of your heart, and He will give you your desire. For me, Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles-it just don't get much better. And even though we acknowledge that the sport we love can be dangerous, we know that someday we will be in heaven-safe forever. Riding in the freedom that only Jesus can offer-and give.

Last time I looked, death was still at a 100% rate in everyone's life. A more assured thing than taxes. Make sure your final destination will be heaven. Become a Christian, then live like one. And enjoy life, and doing the things God allows you to do. So many roads, so many bikes, and such a short time. Thanks to God for all he does for us, and I am waiting for the day I meet Him face to face in heaven. And hopefully get to visit with Julius, who was also known for never missing church on Sunday-no matter where he was. Putting Jesus first, and then all these things shall be added unto you. Ride on-with Jesus! Till death do us unite!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

maybes-oh, the problems we have sometimes

When Mickey called yesterday saying he had a Sprint GT for me to ride, it worked out well because I was going to Chino to visit Stacy's dad in the hospital. Keep him in prayer, thanks. Stopping first at his shop to swap bikes, Ray was there, and so were a few bikes that Mick's father-in-law had just given to him. So Ray and I looked them over and compared memories. One was a CB750 with a build date of 1/70, the other an older Laverda 750 twin, and the other other a 1978 CBX-the six cylinder Honda made for a few years. #20 off the line, and a hand built test bike from Honda, as it had bags and a fairing-a model not available for another few years. Only 1157 miles on it, with some cleanup and tune it would be ready to ride. For only $15,000 it can be yours! A piece of history, fun to ride, but almost too nice to ride! Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!

But sitting in the middle of the shop, the only one in the States, was a new 2012 Speed Triple R-drop dead gorgeous. With the latest Ohlins suspension, and all the goodies, it was sent over for the IMS bike show next month-air freighted to Mick to prep. And next month I will have one to put miles on. And for less than $15,000, I can have one when they are available. Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!

But the bike I am riding is a Sprint GT, a sport tourer. With the same features as the CBX-only 34 years later. The same type bike-but so different at the same time. The CBX has 6 cylinders, the GT 3. And in over 30 years has fuel injection, ABS, much better brakes, 50 more horsepower, and is better in almost every way. For less money, about $13,000. Better bags, better seat, better mpg, better handling, and a warranty. So why is the older bike still so attractive? Maybe it is the history of it, maybe it takes me back to a time when it was new, and out of my reach at $3995. Maybe it brings back other memories, or reminds me of its competition, my GS1000e in my garage. Or maybe it is all-or none of the above. But with so many roads yet to ride, and so many bikes to ride, too-I feel blessed to take off on this 2011 model and bring it back for another in 1000 miles. Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!

"2000 years and He ain't come yet. What's His holdup? You people are flaky, waiting for Jesus to come back. He said the last days, and it's been 2000 years. Leave me alone-and quit bothering me." Ever been told that when trying to show love or the gospel to someone? Why would they want to buy into a 2000 year old promise, when the world promises then instant gratification today? Plenty of new religion, why would I want that old, outdated Jesus stuff? Tough questions to answer. So-why did you choose Jesus, that "old" stuff when so much "new" stuff was available?

Perhaps it is because Jesus is the only way. You tried others. All other religion promises what only He could deliver. Maybe it was because only He met the need in your heart. Maybe you didn't want to trade down to a denomination and all its rules. Maybe the freedom you wanted could only be supplied by Him. Maybe, just maybe you didn't want to have to trade up any more, but find a God who would supply all your needs-and give you eternal life, too. Maybe, the spirit told you-"Jesus is the way." And He came down to meet you, where you are, how you are, and loved you as you were. Maybe you could see the future in Him where there was only the past with anything else. Maybe...it was personal...

Maybe because after 2000 years He is just as alive today as He was then. Still keeping His promises, and still changing lives. Not a museum piece, but offering peace. Not a serial number, but a name, above all other names. A person, not a thing. More than a statue on the dashboard of your car. He is Someone-not something.

As I looked at the older bikes yesterday, my mind also went back. For some were out of reach when new to me. But Jesus was never out of reach. He already paid the price, my tickets and entrance to heaven was waiting at the will call window-for me, and for you. If you haven't met this Jesus, don't wait any further. Try Him out today. Fresh and new, but also old and tested. Not a retro model, or an improved model through the years-God got it right the first time. An original, and He wants you! What do you have that is so valuable you won't let Him into your life?

The way, the truth, and the life. That's Jesus. Oh, maybe we don't have such tough problems after all. Old and new-you can have it all in Jesus.

Now-I wonder where He will take me riding today?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the older I get, the faster I was

If you haven't seen the movie "World's Fastest Indian," I highly recommend it. More than a story of motorcycles, it is about Burt Munro, who just happens to ride the world's fastest Indian. And based on fact, he really did, as the time slips and news articles of the day say. There is even enough legend within to make it even more believable. A good time for all-based on truth-still the best time of all. And the fastest.

When I visit the Orange County Vintage Bike meets the second Sunday of each month, there are still remnants of a generation before me, who I shall refer to as Pre Honda. They rode in the 50's, before time clocks, bike magazines, and factory prepped bikes. Their speeds were based on what a wildly optimistic speedo would show, or what the local cop who chased them clocked them at. They were fast for their time, and maybe even showed more courage based on the equipment they rode. But within another decade they will be gone-moved into eternity to race again-at a much different level. With very little to back up their exploits on earth. But the legend lives on.

I tend to be part of the Pre Post Brit Bike generation. PPBB. During the 60's when meeting the nicest people on Hondas, many bike magazines were published, and real road tests were done. Stop watches on bikes raced in alleys, paced off to be about a 1/4 mile long, then even onto real drag strips sometimes-all verified in print, and legitimized by those of us who were there. A time of dreamy ads, and even more legends were created. Imagine if you would, a road test for a Sportster, all 1000cc's of it, being told "it will put hair on your chest, and if you already have hair there, it will part it!" A huge boast for those of us not shaving yet, and the sign of a true man when I was growing up. WOW-and the dream of riding one someday was planted. 40 years later they are just as fast, except anything bigger than 500cc's is faster-much faster! Fast enough to take the hair off your chest! But as we look back we see how legends can be a bit strained-750 Hondas were really no faster then the BMW R75, or stopped any better despite the front disc-and were no faster then my Bonneville today. No 350 Honda ever beat a Mach III, and no Water Buffalo ever outran a Z-1. But yet the legends remain, but thankfully so do the facts. And within another 20 years, as those of us who rode then will be gone, the facts will have to stand on their own. Add legend as needed...

Leaving the Post Brit Bike generation, PBB, to carry on for us. And so it goes...

"How can you believe that old book? The Bible is so old, and there are so many incorrect things in it..." they say, but when asked about them, they don't know-they haven't read it. Mainly because they don't exist. So when an old friend, Bill Evans and I met while at Coke, we got to be good friends, and although he was a Jehovah Witness, he had Bible questions. And one of his arguments was about the validity of the Bible, only theirs was true. It's not-and not even close. Changing a few words to deny Christ-that makes them a cult. But I told Him once, that God wasn't stupid, and would not let His Word be misinterpreted. He would not trust men with His eternal word-His spirit was always there. A fact which stuck with him, for when we went back to Durango after moving to Escondido, we visited-he had seen us on the 700 Club,and was still searching, as those who are lost do, and also as those who buy into legalism do too-studying, rather than trusting the spirit. But the fact that I told him God wasn't stupid had caused him to give up on the JW's, and was seeking the truth, I hope he found it. God's word will not return void!

Scripture was contemporary enough that when it was written society would have denied its validity at the time. Too many were still around who were there when Jesus walked the earth. if it wasn't true, they would have said. But for some 3000+ years, prophecies, and the word of god have stood the test-they are truth because they are true-always have been, and always will be! Would you expect anything less from an all knowing, ever present God, eternal and loving God? Would you put your life into the hands of anyone else?

Generations will come and go-sometimes not realizing what they have left behind. But God's word-the Bible is an eternal gift-one that never goes out of style, and never has lost its meaning. Eternally contemporary, and unlike my fellow bikers, will live forever. Trust its words today-seek Jesus, and trust Him. Today is the day of salvation-maybe yours! Let the angels sing in heaven about you!

There are still some old bikers left who rode that Sportster. The legend lives on-if only in our fertile minds. But if you happen to run into one who has hair on his chest, parted in the middle-stand closer when he talks. He is the stuff legends are made of. And when someone shares the love of Christ with you, stand even closer. A living god is better than a dead legend. God isn't stupid-don't you be either. Stupid hurts. Only Jesus saves.

Ride safe. So many roads, so many stories, and so little time.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

brother, can you help a vet?

The Kennedy's were known for playing touch football games in their younger, pre-political days. And one of the rules was, you play by their rules. One time when challenged on this point, and asked "who said they were your rules?" they responded, "because it's our ball. And if you don't like it we'll take it home." And when backed up by Barney Fife's first rule in the Mayberry jail, "first rule is obey all rules," it kinda makes sense. In a 1960's way. At least in a Kennedy way.

I have been blessed over the past few years to be involved in numerous Veterans events. From Torches Across America, to meeting vets at various biker rallies, to meeting them on the street, I always try to thank them and honor them for their service. I was 364 of 365 in the last lottery-no way I was getting drafted! But my heart still goes out to those who have served, and whose families served along with them.

A common theme when I am able to minister is that Jesus and veterans go hand in hand. I may not know about their personal walk with God, but I have never been refused a chance to pray with them, and they are the first to take off their hats and bow their heads when we do. alone or in a crowd-it doesn't matter. Being patriotic to them goes far beyond name, rank, and serial number-it extends to a personal level, based on being a citizen of the US of A, and also a brotherhood that unless you have served you don't get-and wouldn't if explained to you. I can bear witness to that. I don't get it, but love to watch it in action. And while so many served faithfully, and have precious memories, many don't. They came back like my friend Frank-a beaten and drug addicted infantryman. Too much blood and death for a 19 year old to take, they could train him to fight, but not how to react later. And sadly many homeless, mentally ill, poverty stricken, and sick have been incarcerated or hospitalized-some for their own good. And sadly, left to be forgotten, until it is time to remember them for one day a year-to show them off for certain politicians, for personal gain-again at the expense of the Veteran. Give them a wreath to be recognized, when really they need love, and to be remembered.

A few years ago there was a run to get money for a veteran's cause. The ride was nationally advertised, and was to go nationwide, and the last leg from Paso Robles to San Marcos. It ended in San Marcos alright, but never was in Paso. The motel never even heard of it, and except for me, no other bikes were there-so I rode back home-a 750 mile day on my Bonneville. Ken please note-no windshield.

At the rally the next night, one of the organizers came up to me and wanted me to get involved. Seems my "connections" nationwide within the biking community made me a good potential source for revenue. He was shocked when I refused, simply put I told him a would not prostitute myself for money, and that if I did I would lose all respect from those who do know me-I am known as a giver rather than a taker. "But Mike, we might even be able to get you on Oprah, she is part of this!" So I did my Kennedy thing-thanked him, and got on my bike and left. Beware of those who appear to do good-at this level he had to pay staffs, fund raisers, and travelling expenses out of donations. And I wonder, how much really ever go to the needs of the vets?

Jesus tells us to feed those who hunger-ride through any park, they're there. Buy them a burger and share a meal with them. If thirsty, give them drink-not alcohol, but sit and share over a Coke. Naked-offer them a trip to Wal-Mart, and buy them some clothes. Did you know that one of the most desired items in Vet's homes are socks? Visit them in jails, and in hospitals. LISTEN to them. No one else does. They have stories to tell that will bless you, and them. And lastly-take them into your heart, as friends. You may be strangers when you first meet, but that person may also be a friend you had never met. Treat them with honor and respect, the best gospel they may ever see. For we were all strangers until we met Jesus, and He takes us all in-no matter who or what we have been.

Go to them-don't flake out and just invite them to church-go to them! Don't preach-just show love and respect! True ministry that comes from the heart.

And as for those who only fund raise-we need you too. But do it with the love of Jesus. Many give out of love-don't take advantage of them. For if you do you are fighting a battle with God that you will not win! He defends His own.

So a hearty thanks to all veterans, from all wars. Thanks for your sacrifice of service for all of us. And to my dad, SSgt. Jack L. Mohn, USAF, thanks for your service, patriotism, and your continued giving to your fellow vets. Only Jesus and the American soldier know the true price of freedom-add some love to it and share it with someone today.

Jesus and America-a country that truly God has shed His grace on thee....a price no one else could have paid. At the cross...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

cars-I don't get it, how do you ride in them?

THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS A WARNING AND A PRAYER REQUEST-IT IS UP TO YOU TO FIGURE OUT WHICH IS WHICH-AND DO THE RIGHT THING

Theresa and I are taking a short overnighter today. It is supposed to rain, and rather than fight LA traffic on two wheels, we are going in her car. Which is a novelty of sorts for us, for we don't go many places in the car. Some won't even ride in one with me-I am told I drive like I ride, not true-I have never lane split in a car. Tempted-yes, done it-no. So I am in a completely different mind set this morning. A foreign one, where I have to make different decisions-I hope I make the right ones.

First off-I don't care if it rains or not. I'll be in a cage, it won't matter. But I hope it doesn't for all my brothers who ride today-and may get wet. Second-I have to pick a few CD's to take with me-I'll have sound, not just the beautiful music of my motorcycle. Maybe if I pretend I'm on a Wing it won't be so bad. Third-packing is different. I have lots of room, and although it is only one night, I can already tell things laid out that wouldn't go if we were riding. Just because you have extra room do you have to use it?

Fourth-I will dress different, even in my choice of shirts-still a t-shirt, no collars, please. Fifth-When we stop at various motorcycle shops, I will be an outsider at first. But after talking hopefully they will see that I am one of them. And be accepted. And when I am in my friend's shops, I will be subject to the same harassment I give others when in a cage-I hope they don't enjoy it too much-remember, you too may have to leave your preferred mode of transportation home some day-and take a car! I will be waiting! Sixth-We will have to say yes to certain items when shopping. Where before we had a built in safety zone-we can't buy it and take it with us, now we have room. Hopefully a serious lack of funds will deter us from otherwise sound decisions.

Seventh-Theresa and I will have to talk to each other. Not just by hand signals, or while eating or fueling, but actually have conversations while driving. Almost like when the kids left the house and it was just the two of you-but we'll endure. Probably talk about how bored we are, and how we wish we were riding. It is so nice when your best friend is your wife-and rides. Her own bike! Eighth-I had to fill the car yesterday-and even at Costco prices it was over $40! That's two fillups on the Tiger, and three on the Bonneville. Plus less miles per gallon. This car thing can be expensive-and life changing! Hopefully it is a passing fad!

Lastly I know I will still wave when passing a bike-reflex I guess. And we will both laugh. And wish we were riding, because of the brotherhood and the freedom. The only solace I find is that if it pours, I will be in my Ford Mustang rain suit, an umbrella with four wheels and a roof. I will be a stranger in a familiar land-so be warned. And please pray.

I have a habit of noticing new people at church. And instinctively go over and meet them. I want them to feel welcome, and come back. To feel free to be themselves, to worship freely, and enjoy the time with Jesus. But so often we greet them like they are in a cage. We don't approach them-warning-new person approaching. But even worse, they get greeted like a biker-bigger warning, stay away! Those types should be in a cage! And both instances are wrong. Welcome strangers! You were one once, and I have been told there is no one stranger than me. A comforting thought for you-I still wonder how much is a brag and how much is fact.

If you can't ride, at least show the love and freedom of being a rider to others. If a Christian, and we don't know you, please don't avoid us. Be brave, come over and introduce yourself. We would like to meet you and fellowship with you. And if you ride, then it's really cool. For Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles just don't get any cooler. God's love doesn't lessen for us when we are forced to drive instead of ride, work through the adversity and rise above the cage! Wave to others, smile-no bugs in your teeth behind a windshield, and spend the time getting to know your best friend in a strange situation.

And pray for sunshine! One day at a time should not have to mean cars!

Well, which is it? Prayer or warning? Maybe we just need to go for a ride-too many decisions to make when not riding. Or when not riding with Jesus. So please, never stop praying for us. For behind every rain cloud shines a brilliant sun, and in your heart a brilliant Son, our friend Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

just another Wednesday night at Maranatha

I know many extremely skilled people. Those who are so good in their field that their peer group is very small. Which can cause a situation of loneliness. I know guys who can tune by ear, and build motors and find horsepower no one else can. I know those who can write songs just by a tune popping into their head, and those who can create a picture just by imagining what you are saying. Who can rhyme known and unknown and get away with it. It is a rush to be around them sometimes, as I may know what they are doing, but can't do what they do myself. Just watching can be entertainment, but there is nothing like participating, or having the skills to do something special-something creative. Something with the gifts that God has given you. Something worthwhile, and personal.

Pastors fall into this special category. Not all, for not all are saved, although their diplomas say they have an education. Knowledge, just no Jesus. But for those who minister in the spirit, they are special. For just as the Bible tells us "these things shall follow them that believe," these things do follow them. Healings, salvations, miracles, but most important-LOVE! They have the same needs as we do, but also have to endure people like us. And like when I visited Pastor Ray recently, we joked about how I was the only person in a while who didn't come in to complain abut something. I went to minister to him!

Much has been said about why Jesus went away to pray and spend time with His dad. One reason may have been loneliness-no one else could associate with what He was going through, or was about to go through. To many He was a caterer, a guide, a fishing leader, physician, and whatever else they needed at the time. But He was also a person, who could get lonely, and needed His dad. Just like we all do.

People sometimes forget this about their pastor. I hope I don't, and God has given me a special love for them. And for my current Pastor Ray. We need to not only pray for them, but with them. I operate on the fringe of being a pastor so I know-it is rough out there!

So last night after the service, we continued in worship and spending time with God-in the spirit. Ray had mentioned how he was leaving for two weeks at 630am the next morning. He was going to France to see his daughter and her family, then to Germany to speak with Joel Rosenberg, then to Poland and visit Auschwitz. And since flying makes me more tired than riding, I can only imagine how tired it will make him, plus being 10 time zones away. Can anyone at least loan him a Vespa? So as I sat and listened to the music, worshipping, God told me to pray for him-not just me, but the 100 or so still there after the service. Now he and I had talked about him needing prayer, and God gave me some personal insights-not to be shared here. So I told God-"Ok I will, but you have to make a way." Chicken that I am. I didn't have to wait long, as when the song ended, Ray asked if anyone had a word from God. Two people shared, then as I made my way to the stage area, I spoke. "God has a special blessing for us tonight-we need to pray for Ray!" Who heartily agreed, and as he sat on the edge of the stage, we gathered around him and prayed. It was so cool! A payback of love for one who is there for us!

The man positively glowed as we prayed and loved on him. A smile that reflected from his whole being. And I was thankful that I had the boldness-I mean love to speak up. It was awesome, and then we broke into applause-to Jesus! Ray seemed rejuvenated, blessed, and loved. And so were we!

Don't ever tell someone you will pray for them when you can right now. Show you care. And after the service, if the pastor is up front, go up for prayer. For him. Ask him how you can pray for him! You may find that a whole new ministry of love opens up, and that your pastor, and his family need love too. From their flock, which means YOU! Don't miss the chance to be a blessing or to be blessed. God so often asks for little things of great importance.

Pastors can also be a least of these that Jesus speaks of. They need encouragement and love and prayer too. God provides, but He also provides us. For sometimes there is nothing like the touch of a friend sent from God. Be that friend!

Praise and worship. In the spirit. When you encounter true love, you just have to share it with others. Don't forget your pastor! Jesus didn't forget you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it's better in the wind

Those of us who ride call cars cages for a reason. They are restrictive, not as much fun, no freedom like on two wheels, and you can't lane split. Set the temp, stick in a CD, adjust the cruise, and wander off in your private womb, safe from sensory input. And also fun. Yes, when riding we brave cold, hot, dry, and wet conditions, but we also get to explore sensory inputs like no others. And once you have ridden, riding in a car really is like being in a cage.

On a trip to Jersey a few years back, I rode from Escondido to there in under 70 hours. No rushing, just riding-alone. Lots of rain though, and if you have never crossed the Texas Panhandle in the rain, you haven't ridden in it. High winds, cold, and it is possible to get rained on from each side, not just from up above. Stopping in Adrian, along I-40 to get gas, it was blowing and raining so bad I had to lean against my Sprint ST so it would not blow over. And as I watched a Lincoln next to me filling, all the people crammed inside had fogged the windows from their breathing. And even though I was wet, cold, and had only 350 more miles to go that day, I as so glad I wasn't stuck in that car. It gave me a second wind, sort of speak, and I was rejuvenated. They were miserable in the car, and I was free. Too bad they couldn't see the smile inside my helmet. If you ride you know what I mean, if not, then you know how the people in the Lincoln felt-in a cage.

There are as many types of riders as there are roads and bikes. From over chromed Harleys, to over loaded Wings, from Bonnevilles and Scramblers to trailers and trikes, all ride-but all ride differently. And after watching a clip from the movie "It's Better in the Wind" I now know why I prefer the simplest of machines, with a few friends. Back roads, old diners, and older motels-who love bikers. Who can appreciate how the trip is the destination, and the destination is wherever you are at that moment. It takes me back to days when we would just ride, and camp out or find a motel after dark-never been left without a room yet. How when you met a fellow rider, no intros were needed, the bikes were what we had in common, and shared tales and roads and place to eat. Talking like we were old friends, but not even knowing names or where each other was from many other times. A trust, a brotherhood, and a way of life-with style. A better class of people who respected you, and watched your back, without even asking. Freedom from class warfare, news, jobs, and all the hassles life puts on us-we who ride know and are glad to be part of this brotherhood. Simple things done well. And like a friend told me, "if you are not confused, you are not thinking clearly." He obviously doesn't ride. And definitely needs to go on one.

But the brotherhood, like the church isn't perfect. Some have too many rules, and are brand/denomination oriented. Some preach brotherhood, but it is their agenda you must follow to be accepted. Some will go the other way, and accept anything-"do your own thing" their mantra. But taking it back to the basics-without rules, allows freedom to be expressed easier. That is what Jesus was all about. He came to save us from ourselves and our sin. To fulfill all the laws, because we never could. To establish a brotherhood based on love-which He was and still is. Encouraging us to fellowship with other believers-keeping the main thing the main thing-Jesus. Stay away from concentrating on the differences, but concentrating on Him. Freedom that being a biker comes close to, but never fully realized until you are saved. And He even extends freedom to choose Him or not. And the price of this freedom is FREE! Just like the word it represents.

Remember when riding was fun? Before meeting with a kick stands up leaving time? When a few of you together had fun all day, and into the night? When you didn't ride as fast as the slowest rider, he kept up or got left behind. And did because he wanted to, not because he had to. No plans, except to enjoy the freedom of the ride. Acting like kids, because no one expected you to act otherwise. Waving to other riders, no matter the brand, and keeping the main thing the main thing.

Church-it's time to get back to the basics. To your first love, to that experience that changed your life. Get back with Jesus, He is waiting for you. He never left you, we left Him. Reunite with your first love, and if you ride, go for one with Him. Don't get locked in a cage in a storm, ride through the storm, but never alone. Ride with the one who can calm the storms in your life. And don't look back-look ahead. The devil might just be gaining. Let the Rushing Wind of the Holy Spirit direct your paths. Trust God. Stay within the freedom the gospel provides, for as all of us who ride know, "It's better in the wind..."

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

itsbetterinthewind.com

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