are you sure 5 motorcycles are enough?

There is a fine line between lust and passion. Symptoms may be similar, but the heart knows the difference, for passion comes from God. And in turn is returned to Him via worship. Putting Him first, instead of living for our own desires. For instance I am chastised by others from time to time because our garage is full of motorcycles-7 right now, #8 comes home tomorrow. Five are mine, two Andrew's, and one we keep for a friend. And I am asked, "do you really need five motorcycles, you can only ride one at a time?" So I would like to address that question, since the last time I was asked you could tell the person was jealous. Or indignant-somehow it just wasn't right for God to bless us.

God has given us a passion for motorcycles. And for riding them, and for being out among the motorcycling community to minister. And since there are many moods, each bike represents a different mood. The Street Triple is fast. Just the basics, and can go 0-100 in less than 8 seconds. Read this paragraph again, and I just went 100! Great brakes and great handling, too. And all the fast guys know what it is, and so I can fit in with them and visit. When they stop-this thing called self preservation keeps me from riding at their level.

There is no way to be anonymous on the Bonneville. People stop us, roll down car windows, or come and tell us stories about how they had one once. "It was hard to start, bad electrics, and it leaked oil-but boy I miss that bike! Wish I had it back!" For the memories that go with it are deep in people. We have heard about marriages, college days, and girlfriends all because I am on one. Precious stories, we never get tired of hearing them. They are right, this bike is special-I can ride it 100 feet and find myself smiling. Fun is the word you are looking for here.

Orange County Vintage Bike has a cool show the second Sunday of each month. So when I ride my 1978 Suzuki GS1000e there, I am among guys who remember it-and how we wanted one back then, but money, careers, and family stood in our way. More memories to share, bench racing to do, and I get to visit with a different group of motorcyclists-guys like me who have the same disease called motorcycles. And I am amazed at how far technology has come in 34 years, and how I am not the only thing that got older-but not old.

Seems we are ahead of the curve with the Tiger-an adventure bike, which is very popular today. When the road ends, the ride doesn't have to-we used to call them dual-sports. Set up for touring, we have accumulated 78,000 miles since 2006, and been in 48 states-only riding it 6 weeks a year! It is the one bike that is always ready for a trip, and set up for both of us. From Maine to Savannah, to Daytona Beach, to the Upper Peninsula, to the Columbia River Gorge, and so much in between-it has seen America, and so have we! Meeting so many who we never would in a car, God has blessed us with the passion to travel, and then allowed it to happen!

But bike #5 is special. It too is a Bonneville, but its rider is Theresa. You see she rides her own sometimes, and we just back from a 400 mile weekend. She has ridden over 45,000 miles in 6 years. And she gets to ride her own ride, and we get to ride together-just on separate bikes this time. And she gets to talk to many who are amazed that she, a woman rides, that she knows about her bike, and has done 500 mile days. Like her plate says-"GET OVER IT-GIRLS RIDE TOO!" And riding with your best friend, whether on the seat behind or the bike ahead, is a great blessing. You see God wants to bless us-so we let Him! Scripture tells us that He gives you the desire of your heart, and with us, HE is the desire of our hearts. Then all things get added-and He supplies them. Not to covet, but to enjoy. Not to worship, but to use to honor Him, and to be used to minister to others. He calls it grace-I call it fantastic!

The Apostle Paul understood this, too. He made Jesus first, and became all things to all people. He went to them, like Jesus did, and spoke their language. He took care of himself, never asked for food or money, and watched as God guided him like no other man since Jesus. From jail to shipwreck, and all between-his passion for Jesus showed to all, and made his witness effective and believable. And just like Jesus, we get to eat with many who churches might make sit in the back, or not let in at all. We get to see little kids in hospitals excited to sit on bike. We see old ladies take their first ride at 80! We see God's beauty as we travel this wonderful country, and we see His grace as He allows us to do it. And the time alone with Him while riding is precious. For it is a passion we have for Jesus, and not the things of the world. He just puts them in perspective, and when you seek Him first, He truly adds all other things to your life. And you own them-they don't own you.

So maybe 5 bikes isn't enough? More people to see, roads to ride, and the gospel to share. For when God gives you a vision, He has already worked out a way to fulfill it. So don't let the jealous, or Pharisee types get you down. Ask them along. Invite them to ride with you. To experience the things of God firsthand, instead of through some gossip or bitter ones who are lustful. Let the greatness of God shine through your life and ride, and watch as you are blessed more times than you can count. Watch as others are drawn to you, and want to know about your joy. And take the time to share Jesus in your own words, to many who would never hear them in church. Jesus taught in the chapel, but ministered out on the streets. Where the people are-and where the motorcycles are. 2000 years ago He knew a time was coming when we would want to ride. That time is now. Invite Him along-let the joy begin!

Live your best for Christ. Enjoy the blessings of sharing His love with others. Maybe 5 bikes aren't enough-you see there are seven days, and God rested on the seventh, leaving six. Maybe God is telling me something, could it be the time to buy another? Like I said, so many roads, so few bikes, and so little time. No matter the ride, enjoy it in Jesus. Put Him first! And keep Him there. And as He becomes the desire of your heart, watch as the blessings overflow in your life. Joy unspeakable-and full of motorcycles! And the half has never yet been ridden!

And to the one asking is 5 enough, seek God for your own walk. Don't envy mine. Ask God for a passion that only He can fulfill. From the heart. You'll know. And so will we. It's that personal.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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sin-the mark of the beast

Gregor Samsa woke up and noticed something different. It was him. He had fallen asleep the night before normally, but when he woke up noticed something very different about himself. He was a cockroach! He had a hard shell for a body, and now six appendages instead of four! And as he laid there wondering if this was a bad dream, he noted his mind was still the same-except now he could not speak, but only make other cockroach sounds, which might only attract other cock roaches-and that grossed him out. A man's mind, sharp as ever, but in the body of a cockroach. By the way, Good Morning!

Such is the story, The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. A European writer from the early 20th century, who wrote short stories. Thought provoking, a pre-Rod Serling type of writer. And among them was The Penal colony. In it we are told of a machine designed by the commandant to print/tattoo the prisoner's sentence on their body. After a hasty trial-no one was ever told if they were guilty or innocent-all were found guilty, they were laid in the bed of the machine, which was cotton to catch the blood, and the designer would tell the harrow what to print. A cotton gag was also placed in the mouth of the guilty, to prevent him form biting his tongue, and for catching more blood. Finally the harrow would move up and down with many needles, and print the crime the prisoner was found guilty of. Then the crime was printed on them-which sometimes they didn't even know! Until after six hours they are finally dead! And in this example, his crime was "HONOR YOUR SUPERIORS!" A crime we all fall guilty of, aren't glad you are not a character in a Kafka novel? But real life under the law can resemble his story, or even worse. Did you know the Federal Government has stopped printing the book of US laws? There are so many of them, that has become too expensive, and the man in charge of it claims each day we each break at least three laws-without knowing it! And we call this the land of the free, and the home of the brave! And yet we still elect more "lawmakers"? How about some "gracemakers!"

We are all born into sin, Romans 3:23 tells us, but God offers us mercy through Jesus Christ. He protects us with His grace, and any sin we were guilty of is washed away. Called justification, as if it had never occurred. It is our choice to choose Jesus, or reject Him. and no matter who the person was on earth, his income, health, wealth, or position-we all face the judgment day! Mercifully those of us whose names are written in the Book of Life are found not guilty! Sadly so many "self righteous types" will be found guilty. And God takes no joy in the death of the sinner. You see it was all about them, they were in control, they didn't need God, in fact they will claim they never sinned at all! And unlike court proceedings today, we have a Judge who is righteous, and the guilty just like in The Penal Colony will know perfectly their sin, and its just reward-only they will be in eternal damnation for eternity! Too late to change-so why not do it now?

Hell was not created for man, but for Satan and his angels. But when man chose to follow Satan in the garden, we all became eligible for hell. Only in Jesus is there salvation! And hell is described as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Outer darkness, no light, but a fire that always burns. And in total isolation away from God-just like they wanted it-their choice on earth was to not choose Jesus! Even in death God will honor your choice to reject Him.

Ah, heaven. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor mind imagined the things of heaven. Too beautiful for words, a place of no sin, and the presence of God-forever. You would think the choice was that easy. AND IT IS! For Gregory Samsa his metamorphosis was one of a physical nature. For those who believe it is a spiritual nature. For the spirit never dies! and it is your choice now, today, to choose where to spend eternity. HELL, in agony forever, because you rejected Jesus, or heaven, because you accepted Him. That's the gospel-so easy anyone can do it!

What is your choice? Saying nothing is saying no. Someday your sin will find you out, and you will wish you had turned to God. Consider the choice-mercy vs. damnation. Choose soon, for no man is promised tomorrow. And even becoming a cockroach is better than hell!

These are the facts. Found in the Bible-some 6 billion of them printed. Making God the most successful author of how to books ever. And how to get to heaven is included! Pick one up today, or ask a Christian about this heaven thing. You have been told your possible sentence, unlike the man in the Penal Colony machine. His sin caused him death, only in Jesus can that sin be washed away. Painlessly, no needles, and no more death sentence. No more laws-only grace. Can you think of any better time than now to trust God?

The machines are waiting for those who die without Jesus. I prefer to be found sinless in Him. Those nine inch nails He took for me are far superior to any needles I ever want!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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fun is riding your own ride...on someone else's bike

Nice people up at Simi Valley Cycles, so when out riding this weekend, and Theresa needed her tires checked, we stopped in. They immediately got to checking them, and while we were waiting some of the guys in the shop saw what I was riding, a 2012 Speed Triple R, not available to the dealers for at least another month. And one guy was real suspicious of how did I get one? So while his friends were ragging on him for not having the latest info-seems he was the sales manager, I showed him the Motorcycle Distributor plates from Georgia, and he felt better knowing it was a press bike. But after they all gave their opinions, and asking how did it handle, etc, we all left friends. and even without riding it, the talk that night would be what they saw that morning, a gift of a bike not yet here, but on its way-and now they really wanted one even more. Didn't even ask to sit on it-just the fact that they saw one was enough to keep the conversation alive for the next few days.

Which is a fun thing I get to do, riding so many Press Bikes for Triumph. But I was really glad the fast shoes in the shop didn't come out, and ask "is it faster? Does it handle better? Can you tell a difference in the brakes?" You see it has over $7000 of race suspension and brakes on it, which may be nice on a track-my tracks consist mostly of freeways to get to the curves. But I can tell you this-it handles incredible, and yes, the brakes should be the standard for all bikes! I'll leave the race track for guys like Mickey, Ray, and Curtis to sort out-for me this is 1000 miles of bliss. Every once in a while it is fun to be special-or at least be on a bike that is!

When I ride a bike that is better than I am, I have to remind myself to ride my own ride, always good advice, no matter the bike, the road, or the rider. I haven't got in over my head too many times, but it is nice to have a bike under you that can forgive your moments of talent indiscretion. But mostly I ride my own ride, faster than some, slower than most, but I rather have fun than try to impress some squid and end up in a ditch. While some guys I know look for that extra tenth of a second per lap, I rather ride an extra 50 miles that day. Each within our own little riding world. We call it fun, and when we each try to invade each other's world, we lose the fun. Most people I know think 100 mile trip is way too much. We ride 150 miles for lunch. I have friends who will spend all day at a track dialing in their suspension, I rather go places. But I get it, so I wish them well, support their efforts by encouraging them, and we each trade stories via bench racing-motorcycles being our common denominator. And it gives me the chance to meet other guys who ride, and meet nice shops like in Simi Valley. Not every ride is a race-so I don't ride as if it is.

Too often if it rains the last 20 miles of a great day, or we get a flat on the last lap, that is all we remember and take home with us. We neglect to remember the laps at full speed, or the hills and valleys on twisty roads that earlier we thought would never end. We take exception to anything that ruins our perfect day, and steals our fun. and can go from thanking God, to wondering what He was thinking when we got the flat, or the rains came. Ministry came be like that. But the lesson of Ezekiel is best remembered. God told Him what to say, and what to do, and who to say it to. Tell the Israelites, a stubborn people, and do not be afraid to tell them the truth-punishment is coming for their rebellion. But He warns Zeke not to be like them-do as I tell you and all will be ok. God's OK, not ours, a big difference. For like a ride, there will be rough roads, bad weather, dumb drivers in cars, and other obstacles to avoid. Not all who hear your message will turn to God, in fact they may turn against you! Jesus did not come to unite the flocks, but to separate the goats from the sheep-it is not your job to change a heart, just deliver the message! In other words, just obey what God gives you. Don't go Jonah on Him! For His will shall be done, and the best way to enjoy it is to obey. Rough road-slow down and enjoy the sights, or take a side road that God offers-avoid possible danger! Rain-it will pass, just never fast enough for me. But in sharing remember that someone is always watching, and the words meant for your audience may be heard by another. Only in heaven will we know-but rest assured God does. And somehow this all works out for our benefit.

Theresa needed air, the shop got to see the S3R. We got to visit, and both of us had needs met. Keep the gospel, the good news of Jesus the same despite the situation, knowing God is in control. More people come to God on bad days than on sunny ones. For it is in our bad times we seek Him more. But don't let that be a reason to not praise Him on the sunny ones! Praise Him in all, for it all works to our good. Trust God!

It is the truth that sets us free! Speak in and live it in love. Do not be afraid because your bike is slower, and older than you are. Ride your own ride! Along with Jesus! God will deal with the rebellious, no reason to let them upset your ride. You see the Sales Manager was vindicated after he saw the bike, his facts were right. Even if his co-workers still ride him. So speak the truth. What did you see today? It just may depend whose eyes you see it through. And who you are riding with. Stay the course God has given you, don't lose your vision. When trusting God you never have to make a U-turn. Something you never want to do on a race track! Serving God is fun-don't miss out!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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feasting on asphalt

A few years back, when the Food Channel first came out, Alton Brown made my A list by sponsoring a show called Feasting on Asphalt. On it he and some friends rode their BMW's on selected historical back roads looking for diverse foods. A great premise that I wish I had financing for, as he started off great, but I lost interest quickly. He tended to show some strange places, eat some bizarre foods that were from some unusual body parts, and of course not enough asphalt-as the case usually is. But he had me hooked on ideas for rides, and his one trip up Hiway 61 through Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota gave us an idea for one trip.

Avoiding Louisiana-New Orleans in particular, we did 61 into Mississippi. Sadly like so many state or US hiways, they have been turned into interstate types, by-passing the old road, and have none of the local places to eat adjacent. So we stayed on the old sections, like Alton did, and our first place was in Clarksdale, Birthplace of the Blues, and ate at Abe's, there since 1924. Pulled pork is the way to go in the south, and inside the place reeked-a good reeking. And the pulled pork, with cole slaw on top, was great. Good food, good road, and good music-under the crossed guitars at the crossroads, the inspiration for Clapton's Crossroads song. As we went on north, we avoided some of his lesser choices, and once past St. Louis, our goal for lunch was at Maid Rite Sandwiches in Quincy, Illinois.

Now I have a particular dislike for Quincy, in 1985 on a ride, I was ticketed for 60 in a 55 zone, by the local constable, who bragged to me that this was his first patrol in their new cruiser, and I was the first to be ticketed by it. Despite my plea of I rather be the first one warned, he wrote me a ticket. Just him, me, the car, and corn so high you thought you were driving in a maze. A true public revenue enhancer, let's call him Matthew. Thanks, Matt. Coming into Quincy from the south is interesting, as it is on the Mississippi, and there are huge caves. I mean big, like airplane hangar size, used as warehouses, some with 30 foot high openings. And they go on for miles-interesting, but we were hungry, and we had a destination ahead.

Now part of knowing where you are going, is knowing where you are going. And I couldn't remember the name Maid Rite. I kept calling it Merry Maids, and Theresa would grimace-no connection to Mickey D's. So we drove through the downtown, and out of town a few times, with no success. Hungry and desperate, we stopped at a convenience store outside of town, and asked the women outside smoking where Merry Maids was? "You need your house cleaned?" NO-I'm hungry. And they thought we were funny, talking with them through our full face helmets, and not knowing the name of the place we wanted to eat at. Suddenly the one with more teeth said, "Oh, he means, Maid Rite. You passed it coming into town." Actually this would be my fourth trip by it. And as we left, they laughed their toothless grins, I got hit in the ribs, and the Maid Rite saga continued.

Since the thirties Maid Rite sandwiches have been a hit in the Midwest. Think of them as a Sloppy Joe, with no sloppy. Seasoned meat, on a bun, add fries, and a Pepsi, no Coke-can't get more American than that. Waitresses still patrol the dining area in white uniforms, some may have been the original employees, no tipping, and they will bring you more as you require. I ate two deluxe, which were good-and enough to satisfy my Quincy intake for decades to come. And Alton-he finally crashed, got hurt pretty bad, and cancelled the show. Just as it was hitting its stride. Leaving a void for us hungry asphalt feasters that still exists today.

Peter once was shown a vision by God of a picnic-where he was told he could eat all kinds of food under grace. My kind of vision. Now to a man who never had pulled pork, a bacon cheeseburger, or a Nathan's hot dog, this must have been blasphemy at first. But when God showed him how nothing is unclean unless He says it is, Peter upset the Pharisees by eating things not Kosher. And it opened up a whole new side of God to Him-no laws. Replaced with grace. And mercy-much better than sneaking a hot dog at a side window. The sin of eating non-Kosher foods was replaced by grace. And just like grace in our lives, it gives us freedom to live in Christ as He wants us to. Free from the food police. Another department of the Pharisees.

No more fussing about was it prepared Kosher. Was the dead animal prepared properly. Was the meal "made right?" Even when it comes to food, grace is better than the law. A tough sell for Peter, but freedom with his new menu choices, and getting to see Jesus in a whole new light. The same Jesus who came to set us free-and fulfill all the laws. One meal at a time in Peter's case. He now found he could trust God, be guided by the Spirit, and avoid the Pharisees altogether.

Are you feasting on everything that God has to offer? If you are stuck on religion, try the freedom in the Spirit. Enjoy God's mercy, and live a life of freedom in His grace. And show love where before you were consumed with laws. Letting your only law be to show love. And show it whether riding or eating-no matter what you feast on.

Sadly Alton never returned to the asphalt. So I hear there is a vacancy in the road food area on TV. I know this couple who would love to fill it. Now if I could only find that certain one who would back me! My first ride would be back to the Crossroads in Clarksdale. But my first stop on every ride is at the Cross-the only road I ever wish to travel. For without the cross you are just on another road to nowhere-but at the Cross you find direction, and directions. Which it never hurts to have when looking for a place to eat. Oh, remembering its name helps too!

Made right by Jesus! How could I ever forget a name like that?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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for what it's worth

I first learned about mercenaries from my Dad, in 7th grade US History. During the Revolutionary War, the British hired professional soldiers to fight for them. Many were top flight and well trained, and well paid to fight. But they found that no amount of money could make then fight for a cause they didn't believe in, so when the going got tough, the paid, well got going-sometimes. And the British couldn't understand why untrained, unprofessional men would fight against their superior army to the death, for no pay. It was because their motivation was more than for money, it came from the heart. Nationalism it is called, how a person will fight for what is his no matter the cost. Not a new concept, and still available today. And our actions tell others about our true nationality.

Sadly we have become a society of mercenaries. I want to be paid for what the job is worth. We want to get paid for what we do, and we want to be paid well. And we want to show it off to others, to impress them as to what a great whatever we are, so they are impressed. It is called pride, and eventually the person falls-just never soon enough for us. I have watched great repair shops fail eventually, after years of success, overcharging what they thought they were worth, while people paid it. But never realized their customers were always shopping for a new shop, one they thought they were being treated fair at, and when they did, the customers left. It wasn't so much the price, it was what they did for it. Mercenary in their pricing system, it was all a la carte. And when a shop was found that would fix things as they found them, and throw in the repair, because it was the right thing to do, soon they had more business than they could handle, and a solid word of mouth advertising base, knowing that if you put out a good product, the money will follow. We call them professionals.

I watch now as we have become a society that must be honored and praised for doing the right thing. My caretaker is here when I need her, but so is her paycheck. My personal assistant is always on call, but so is her time card. All I do is pick up the phone, and someone comes-for a price. An employee/employer relationship, verified by their time card. Mercenary as they got paid for what they did. But let that paycheck not arrive on time, and we see the loyalty wane-because they are mercenary. And sadly their card shows all too often what they didn't do. When the shift was over, they went home, with an "I'll get it tomorrow at work" attitude. But it is not always about money, it is about what the public, their family, or their peer group thinks. Ecclesiastes 4 tells us things stem from the envy of our neighbor. We want to be better than them. To impress them. When mostly they don't care, because they are fighting the same war themselves. Creating a competition, just like two businesses who compete via advertising, then price, with little thought to their product. Eventually the better product wins. For pride always goes before the fall. For like a minimum wage mentality, we get what we pay for, because that's all we have to pay.

Jesus points out to us that this is not a new idea-being a mercenary. It stems from the heart. In Matthew 25 He is confronted by a group of religious types, wanting to impress Him. Looking for their reward for loyalty, even using His name to prophecy, or cast out demons. And they are shocked at His reply-"BE GONE!" For He saw in their hearts their mercenary nature, how they had already gotten their pay check, and it was not enough to gain favor with God. He referred them to "the least of them," and compared them to Him. People like us, or who may be us. You see Jesus owned no property, no car or motorcycle, had no bus passes, and walked most places. He stayed with friends, carried no money, and had no discount dining card. Or major donor for His ministry, He relied on His Father, and He exhorts us to do the same. He did more with nothing than anyone could imagine. He used love. And so He left them, and leaves us with an example to follow. So simple, so humble, yet so rewarding. He told them give drink to the thirsty, give food to the hungry, give shelter to those a stranger, and visit those sick or in jail. Things that gain you no reward, but that do in heaven. All without punching in or using a time sheet. Care for those who cannot care for themselves. "Paying it ahead," as my friend Gavin says. Doing it out of love, like Jesus did. And again a favorite quote of mine from Mother Teresa, when asked by a reporter while in a bug infested hospital. He couldn't take it, and said "I wouldn't do this for a million dollars." And her reply, "neither would I." He thought a million dollars was a lot, she realized it was nothing. That love covers a multitude of sins, and a paycheck will only buy things, it cannot buy love, or respect from God. Henry Ford once said "it is a poor business that only makes money." How poor are you in the business of life?

Remember that next time you look to the cross. Jesus paid it all. Not because He had to, but because He wanted to. Because we never could. And because the price He paid was so high, the only way we could afford it would be as a gift. Remember Jesus when you do something for someone today. If you mark the time on a card and get paid-it isn't love! And you already were overpaid. When loving accept nothing more than a chance to share the love of Christ. Mercenaries show up in all situations. From care giving to car fixing-the best deal is when both people benefit. So get the most for your investment-invest it in Jesus.

He takes all the uninsured, there is no deductible, and guaranteed results. He is the better way. And is not impressed by what you make, and even less impressed by how you make it. In His book, it is the things you did for the least of us that He remembers.

Maybe we all need to rethink our resume of life. How much are you willing to sell out your soul for? It is the times not found on our time card that count the most. Remember that next time you hear "what is best for me, is best for you."

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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show me your faith, I'll show you my works

Proper first aid is do not panic in a panic situation. Pray first! Which is always the most effective first aid, and which can help you avoid a panic situation. But what do you do when you come upon one? What do you do when you are the first one upon a scene of an accident? Do you look away in horror, maybe pray, and then start to complain about the traffic? Do you call someone on your cell-911? Or do you stop and see how you can provide assistance? How you respond will tell us more about your walk with God than maybe even you want to know. Two examples-

I was coming home down I-15 when I saw traffic suddenly slowing down to a stop. Lane splitting I got to the front, where two cars had hit-one on its back still. All occupants were out, and someone was on the phone calling 911. I stopped to see what if anything else needed to be done, while praying the whole time, and saw traffic backing up-4 lanes of it! So I pulled across the freeway, and started directing traffic, away from the accident-making a lane for emergency vehicles to get through. Within a few minutes I had traffic flowing from a standstill and moving at 25mph. The lane was clear, CHP and a fire truck and an ambulance had gotten through, and the victims were being treated. Each one of us had done our job, and while directing traffic, many said "hey thanks!" grateful they weren't stuck in a worse traffic snarl. The CHP officers even gave me thumbs up, as I had taken control of the scene-no panic, and they could do their job. I had asked God what to do, and He showed me! A true lesson in obedience. And a lesson I was to be reminded of repeatedly when inn Joplin after the tornado. Do what you need to do with what is in front of you! And you must finish one step before going to another. It wasn't until afterwards that a CHP officer told me it was smart to clear an emergency lane. I had never thought of it, it just happened when I redirected the traffic-I'm glad God did!

On another occasion, God also reminded me of why not to ride with Pharisees. We were out and riding with some Pharisee types whose idea of evangelism was pushing the Bible in everyone's face they could. We came upon two new bikes stuck on the side of the road. Very low miles-what a bummer. They had tried everything, including running down the battery while trying to start the bike that had died. After asking him what happened, I checked for gas-he was empty! That had caused the bike to stall, and then the battery to die after repeated tries. While doing this, the Pharisee I was riding with had taken out his Bible and stuck it in his friend's face and was trying to tell Him about the mercy of God. He was more interested in his friend's bike, and finally took a Bible just to get rid of the Pharisee. When I told him what the problem was, he called the dealership where they had bought the bikes, explained they were out of gas, and the dealership was sending some out. At no charge. He thanked me-and looking at the Pharisee told me we could go-they would wait alone. I wish I could have waited with them, for at our next stop, the Pharisee bragged about giving away a Bible-which may end up in the trash. God had shown me a better way, for just like Jesus asked the Pharisees,"what is easier to say, rise up and walk, or your sins are forgiven?" That day it was what is easier, seeing god's mercy or being browbeaten with it? Which one of us do you think these riders will remember? The one who took advantage of them in this situation, or the one who met their need? Again-praying first helps, as I am no mechanic, and wouldn't have thought to ask about fuel myself. Years later when I ran out on a new bike with 3.2 miles on it, I was reminded and a man stopped to help, who had fuel and I was able to get on down the road. He didn't preach either-just gave me gas, would accept no cash, and waited until the bike started and then followed me for a few miles to the next exit-before honking, waving, and going on.

How do you handle panic? Join in or join Jesus? It takes a mindset of looking for God, and to God. Evangelism goes much farther than just passing out tracts, and then picking them off the sidewalk later. It is not about passing out Bible when someone is stuck. It is not about Pharisee types bragging about how they solved the problem. It is about Jesus, and letting Him guide you. When Jesus gave sight to the blind man, and he was asked about it, he replied, "all I know is I was blind and now I see."

Ask the guys out of gas, for they were blind, and I was able to show them the answer. Ask those stuck in traffic, they were blind but I was able to provide a way around the problem. And ask the people involved in the accident-who got the care because the ambulance could get through.

All because I prayed first, and let God show me what to do. Pray and obey. He knew the answers needed. Because I didn't know what to do, except panic too. And He did the rest. The right thing. Simple obedience from a man who just happened to be there, that God knew would be there, and who He had prepared before time began. Why panic when we have God? Seek Him first...it is so much easier, and He will take care of the problem. If we let Him.

How many Pharisees are ever written about that solved a problem by keeping a law? And how many did Jesus heal, in the spirit? Remember that, for you could be the next person needing help, and however and whoever responds may have a direct outcome on the event. Jesus Christ-the ultimate first aid kit. Don't leave home without HIM!

I don't care about your religion or politics while stuck on the side of the road. I just want to get going. So don't try to impress with what you know, but meet my need by WHO you know. Trust God. And let Him direct. Amazing this grace thing. But I'll bet you all knew that already anyway.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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whose team do you play for?

Howard Cosell's autobiography written back in the 70's was called "I Never Played the Game." In it he gives a very cutting, and very sarcastic look into the life and styles of professional athletes. Interesting, not only because he is interesting, but because like he said, "I never played the game." But he had been involved with the games, and from his legal background, and also his broadcasting venue, was let into places the average person would be excluded from. Yes, it is true he may never have played the game, but he still was involved with it, just not as a competitor. Which reminds me that there are several levels to making a team a winner, it is in the details the losers are separated from them.

Watching the Simon and Simon race team at the Barstow Firecracker 250 on the 4th of July reminded me of this. The truck was overheating, and despite its huge radiator, electric fan, and large coolant lines, it was in the red, and close to self destructing. While the other were looking at the obvious, Don Tebbe, the crew chief, jumped on top of the truck, and released a safety valve on the radiator. In doing so the cooling system burped itself, relieving itself of an air pocket. He topped the coolant off, the temp dropped to normal, ad they were back on the course. Don had put that valve in just for occasions like this, and although he may never have driven the truck in a race, the team would have DNFed without this trick. Reinforcing the value of a crew chief, his knowledge and experience, but also how it takes a team to win. And how important even the small things are.

The scripture tells us we all have a gift, or talent that God has given us. Something that He wants us to do, and it is special. I watched in the past as pastors who try to control the church, eventually go down in flames, as they do not give their flock over to the Holy Spirit, it is as if they are the only ones, at least in their own prideful heart, that God has allowed to serve. And I recently watched as a church who had supported a ministry for years, pulled out support. On the surface, these things happen, and the economy is usually mentioned. But in the background is the real reason, and we see how God protects those that are led by Him. Obedience is better than sacrifice, and a little leaven goes through the whole batch. The ladies used to make certain knitted and crochet items for the seniors in nursing homes. They would gather and enjoy a time of fellowship, sharing God, and serving Him. Until one day some Mormon ladies came, and were invited in. Rules had been set about proselytizing, but the spirit was quenched. Soon more Mormon women were admitted and outnumber the Christians. And they had an idea to sell the goods, rather than donate them, and suddenly those who gave of themselves were turned into piece workers, rather than peace workers. And those who left went on to serve God, while the leaven continued to go through the church. Not obeying God will have its consequences. And when the church attendance dwindled, so did the finances, and the giving had to be cut off to others. Just one sin caused the others to suffer. Remember that next time money comes up in regards to ministry, if God has given you a vision, He will supply all your needs according to HIS RICHES and glory. Did you ever see Jesus on a book tour or a fund raiser? Charging for refills? Or asking for travel money? And He not only played the game-He is the game!

Never underestimate what God gives you. Just like Mordecai Ham, the man who led Billy Graham to the Lord, he never knew the fruit that his one message of salvation would bear, and all the ones saved because of Billy's decision to accept Christ. Just like Don's knowledge of burping the cooling system, he allowed the race to go on, and they eventually won. We don't run to finish, but to win. And the battle is not against other Christians, or even men,our adversary is the devil, who seeks to destroy us. Read 2 John-do not even let those false teachers in your house-or wish them God bless you. Run the race to win, led by Jesus.

We do not know what today brings, but we do know who goes with us. Follow Him and watch as we are more than overcomers, we are victors! We get to compete with the family of Christ for souls, just by loving. We are only called to be witnesses, so let your light shine. A lesson my friend Dave reminded me of this morning. Stay the path, for all things work to our good, not just good things. Beware of those who let anything get between you and God. And rejoice as you get to be a part of the winning team. For like Howard, we may never get to play the game, but we still compete. And if you never endured two a day drills, be glad. Jesus saves-we are just told to love. For this is the will of God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Galatians 5:7-9

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion is not from him who calls you. ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole lump.