if only they had asked

Saturday was not a good day to watch TV unless you were interested in St. Whitney. After going through all 200 channels twice, she dominated even channels I thought would be exempt. So desperate to watch something of real value, I found car med TV, an infomercial. Now I hate commercials, so I really hate infomercials. Take some lousy actors, have them pitch a questionable product, get a fake audience nodding and smiling, and you have an infomercial. But this one was so bad I had to watch the first few minutes-like trying to turn away from a train wreck. You just have to watch.

They were advertising a plug-in scanner, advertised as just like the ones the techs at the dealerships use. WRONG! When your check engine light comes on, plug this in, it tells you the problem and you fix it. Just like that. Except Santa Claus is more real. Take for instance a code P1500, major evap leak. Usually a loose gas cap. Would you trust Mr. or Mrs. Scanner to fix your car when they can't even tighten a gas cap? How about a P100? Misfire. What cylinder is it? Do you know how many cylinders you have? Which one is #1? Is it a coil, coil pac, bad wire, bad plug, or did you run out of gas-which can cause a misfire? Remembering that it is a poor doctor who has himself for a patient, do you really trust this ad? And you end up at the dealer anyway. Ask yourself-if you were to spend billions of dollars on a product, would you give up all the info on it to just anyone? Would you let a student at hair school do your hair? Both her and the professional both have scissors...

Did you know that most dealership techs go to school 3-4 times a year, and get weekly updates on these items? And that many things are corrected via software updates-not available to the public? Or that sometimes when the updates don't work, the next week we are told to put back an older program because it worked better? So my best advice, is if you use your computer to diagnose your own car-RIGHT CLICK and see if that fixes it. I told that to a geek once, who later called me back, and wanted to know where he hooked up his lap top. While his cell phone was on speaker-just hope he wasn't driving at the time.

So taking bad advice, trusting someone you don't know, when the knowledgeable people are available can be frustrating. And dangerous. And is not a new concept. In the beginning...reads Genesis. Here we see Adam and Eve, created by God in His image, and who walk with Him everyday. Along comes a snake, Eve falls for his convoluted lie, and rather than even asking God, who she knew personally, believes the lie. And here we are today. If only she had asked God, instead of believing the devil, or even asked Adam, the results would be different. And so it continues today, not only on cars, but on TV, in books, college courses, and everyday life. We are trained to trust anyone or anything but God. And then suffer the consequences. Pastor Chuck offered some good advice in this. "Never turn away from that which you know to be true to that which you don't." Simple enough.

Now if only I can get a producer, and a product, I can do an infomercial. The product is here, the gospel, the author is here-God. I know, $29.95, and you can scan yourself. A self examination of your problem. Yeah, we're all honest, that's what got us into the problem in the first place. Throw in some pictures, test questions-hey we may have a best seller here! Does it come in colors? Can I use it while on my cell, while driving? Which celebrity will endorse it? Well...once again why pay for something that God offers for free? It is called salvation. Available only from Jesus. No new editions, just the only one that works. Direct from the creator, and no shipping or handling charges! What a deal! And He goes with me everywhere, and never needs recharging! Better than wi-fi!

You may now return to your all St. Whitney Saturday. It is too late for her-get Jesus while there is still time. Go with the original...Jesus!

Sitting in church is always better than sitting on the side of the road!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when old school was just school

Back before attending school everyday was just a revenue enhancer for the school boards, we actually went to school to learn something. Reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic...as the song went. We were told that to get an education was the way to higher salaries, bigger cars, larger mortgages, and more ulcers-well maybe not the last one. We went to school, and never considered not going. Well at least until high school, and when we had our license we would sneak off to the shore. Or on nice spring days to go riding. But we accepted the fact we were doing wrong, and reluctantly paid the price-until the next temptation came along. And it seems temptation only came in the form of breaking the laws, we would never call it sin-that was for Baptists. No-we were just young, immature, wild, and rode motorcycles. We never thought about tomorrow for today had enough thrills of its own. We didn't look back, but still could look ahead, for the future was bright and shiny like our rides, not dull and worn out like the past. Last years bikes weren't cool, that would take another generation. Longer, lower, and wider was what we wanted in cars. Faster, brighter, and more chrome sold bikes. We were so busy keeping up with the Jones that we never saw the future coming for what it was. And when we got there, the only place we really found security in was the old days. Where did we make the wrong turn? Did we miss an exit?

Each generation is faced with the future, but in recent years has tended to migrate to the past. When I pull up next to a guy on a Ninja, when I'm on my Bonneville, I'm old school. When you attend a car show, and a '40 Ford rumbles by hot rodded out, it's old school. And when someone shows manners and courtesy to another, those are old school rules. Not much hope for the future, we have become a society of Classic Rock, Classic Coke, classic cars, and classic bikes. When really we are classic people, and maybe the last generation to truly have something to look back on. School was never as cool as old school, if only we had known then what we do now. No one looks back to the future.

After riding in LA last weekend, I don't think I ever met anyone who decided to go to the city to ride for the weekend. For the roads. It is always the canyons above Malibu, the twisties above Santa Paula, or getting out into the country. Ride away from not to the urban sprawl. Seems we are all looking for that simpler time, with less hassles, less people, more peace, and better roads. Roads not 6 lanes wide, and still backed up, but roads where we can ride our own ride, and stop and remind each other how much fun we are having, because it reminds us how much fun we used to have. Two lanes-one in each direction, for coming and going. And like the CSN&Y song says, "we've got to get back to the garden..." Not realizing that it was sin that got us here, and that more sin won't get us back.

But the garden still calls to our heart. The country, where there is peace. And as a Christian it don't get more old school than God. For after we sinned, and were forced from the Garden of Eden, generations have been seeking a way to get back. Through drugs, riches, wealth, politics, careers, or even religion-we are all looking for Eden, at least what we perceive it to be. But Jesus tells us that He is the way. In fact He is the door! When God sealed off Eden from man, He put angels there to guard it with swords-and Jesus is the only way in. Heaven is how we refer to it today, and Eden was heaven. No sin, no crime, perfect weather-no rain until the flood, and a presence of God all the time. With only one rule-don't eat from a certain tree, which our ancestors did-and well, here we are. And for 6000 years have wandered outside of the garden wondering how to get back.

Heaven awaits those who believe-no other way, no other payments, or no other works to be performed. Jesus paid it all. The only price that could be paid, He paid. The original old school, the truth. And maybe that is why we still search today-for no one else tells us the truth. Maybe today is the day you stop looking, and realize what you are looking for is only found in Jesus.

There are many good roads, but only one leads to heaven. There are many good ways to live, but only the righteous, those who are right with God will be saved. There are many good philosophies-but only Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life! So here's a choice for you to make, old school-Jesus, or New Age-trying to make it on your own.

Only one way will get us back to the garden. He is God and you aren't. Keep that in mind when you go searching. Looking back old school wasn't old school, but just school. We knew what was expected, then it was our choice what to do. And we are still offered that choice today with Jesus. He doesn't force Himself on anyone, but desires you to return with Him to the garden. A place of peace, where the lion and the lamb get along. No politics-just grace. No competition, because who can do better than God's best? Quiet, solitude, and perfect weather-do I hear any bikers say AMEN to that?

CSN&Y was right-we are looking to get back to the garden. Not a new song, but one Jesus has been singing for 2000 years. Take the time today and look to Him. Look at what old school brings to life, and compare it to what goes on in schools today. No wonder we look back-because outside of Christ we have nothing to look forward to. Not old school-how about just school? No religion, how about just Jesus? And you will find that the garden starts in your heart...and the road you ride on with Jesus brings you closer everyday.

Alice Cooper was right about school being out for summer. So enjoy the ride to an endless vacation...no more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks! No religion, too. Interested? Talk to Jesus, the road ahead never looked so good! See you at the next assembly-in the Garden! Schools out...forever!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

pictures courtesy of my friends at BA-Moto.com they should have stayed in school!

the parable of the 5 BMW's in 5 years

After 6600 miles in only five months on my first bike, a 350 Honda, it was evident there might be something to this motorcycle thing. So as my horizons expanded, and the open road called, it was decided to get a BMW. Which at the time were referred to as the "Cadillac of Motorcycles." This at a time when Cadillacs were the "Standard of the World." I even had a 1%er come up to me outside a bar and shake my hand telling me, "man that's the Cadillac!" And so the legend went. And my first BMW, a 1972 R60/5 was my ride for the next 13,000 miles, and 13 months. It took me to Florida, where in Hollywood a man made a left turn from the right lane, and it was totaled. I was broken and bruised, and my girlfriend's needed knee surgery, but I would ride again. RIP R60.

So off to 441 Cycle in Ft. Lauderdale, where 5 weeks later a 1974 R90/6 was my next ride. #2. For all four days and 400 miles it was great, until I got rear ended and woke up in a body splint in a hospital-a victim of hit and run. Miraculously I could still walk, but was in a lot of pain. The R90, well the drive shaft was pushed into the engine-dead at 4 days. RIP R90.

So after a few days of major meds, it was off to 441 Cycle again, this time it was an R90S, the one on display at Daytona. #3. And for the next 16,607 miles, we were inseparable. Until while starting the bike, the engine came apart. Right in my driveway. And with no warranty, and a broken heart, I had it rebuilt. Within a few months this is the bike that I would ride west to New Mexico, and start my new life in the Lord. And which I would sell to a girl, once it became a burden to my walk with God. I had had girlfriends who told me I liked the bike more than them, at least that was no secret. But I was to be without BMW's for only a few months, until #4 would come into my life. RIP R90S.

But first skipping ahead a couple of years, I got my last BMW, #5, a 1977 R100S. The bike I would meet Theresa on and we would go riding on the first night we met. But it too, starting making engine noises, and the local dealership replaced the ring and pinion. Still noisy, I picked it up, only to almost make it home before, you guessed it, the engine came apart. Four BMW's, known for longevity, and all of them either crashed or blew up. Now I had had other makes, with no problems, and I made up my mind I was done with the Cadillac. But in between 3 and 5, was one who almost changed my opinion. RIP R100S.

My friend Vince sold Volkswagens, and I sold motorcycles. Enter #4. He brought a 1971 R75/5 by one day, a trade in. The price was right, so I bought it, intending to resell it. It had a white Luftmeister bags, a white Windjammer, and an ignition built into the fairing. The almost perfect bike, my first with bags and a fairing. And I immediately put it up for sale. The only thing I did was put a Christian fish sticker on the windshield.

A deal was struck with a man, who needed 45 days to come up with the balance. So I gave him a note, and after 45 days Garcia and I met him where he was a cook at Denny's. As he gave me the last money, he explained that he had done everything he could to remove the sticker. It wouldn't come off. It bothered him, because he wasn't a Christian. But people kept waving at him, giving him a thumbs up, and other Christians would talk to him when he stopped. So he had checked out this Jesus thing, and now was saved. All because of a sticker on the windshield that the Holy Spirit used to send people his way. And remarkably the only BMW I ever owned that lived up to its legend. And didn't blow up or get hit! Must be a story there!

Living up to a standard, or a reputation isn't easy. Once we make a statement of faith, no matter the ride, we are wearing a target. With my BMW's, the riding world thought I was riding high, "the Cadillac man." But in truth they were the most unreliable bikes I ever owned. The accidents weren't the bikes fault, but after two of them, and two motors coming apart, let's just say that if I was superstitious, I would be superstitious! The same can happen with our walk with Christ. Some weeks go by that if it wasn't for bad luck I would have no luck at all. And we wonder what did we sign up for?

Life is what we signed up for. Not to escape its problems, but to have a loving God to walk with us. To shelter us, protect us, and guide us through life. To show us the way, but still let it be up to us to follow. And like BMW's 1, 2, 3, and 5-life can let us down. But like bike #4, we see that Jesus is always with us, and has a plan-that often times we don't even know about. So carry on! Don't quit riding! Don't lose the desire of your heart because things don't go your way. It took 5 "Cadillacs" to get them out of my system, but I still ride today. And one man is saved because of a sticker on one of them. The only Christian sticker I have ever put on any motorcycle! And because God sent people his way, he came to Christ.

What legacy you live up to is up to you. I choose to be associated with Jesus. Tough times-He's been there. Friends and family turn on Him-He knows. Caught in a web of lies-no secret to Him. Beaten and crucified-for us! And somehow it all works out for our own good! Now that's grace! That's love!

And I have never met anyone else who had the success rate like I have with BMW's. So I rather brag about my success rate with Jesus. What legacy will you leave? I hope mine is more than broken memories and busted bikes. So let me tell you about my Lord Jesus. Did you know He rides?

BMW-Bad Memories Witnessed! What kind of a witness are you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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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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