Lois and Clark, part 1

Every 20 years Godzilla makes a comeback.  And each new generation gets to meet the ultimate monster of all times.  This time he is a little chubbier, he is 58, and kids will soon fall in love with him.  We need more heroes like him, who go from bad to good, from destroying Tokyo to rescuing it, and the beat goes on.  But my favorite superhero, Superman has lasted even longer.  We grew up with George Reeves, to me the real Superman, and still wonder why no one could tell that Clark was really Superman.  I was never into the movies, but in reruns now I am enjoying Lois and Clark.  20 year old reruns, that provide great entertainment, yes some violence, but the good guys always win.  And in true hero form, Superman met his match, really his mate in Lois Lane this time.  Seeing a romantic side to the ultimate crime fighter has made us root for them to get married, and the series is taking its time, getting the most from it.  With Clark, trying to find a way to tell Lois he is Superman, and Lois not sure she is in love with Clark or Superman.  Being a super hero can be tougher than you might think.  But she discovers who Superman really is, one time Clark touched her face, and she knew, and now is really confused.  Hence more shows until they get married.  But she poses a great question to him, and we find out a lot about a young Clark Kent than Smallville ever told us.  And an insight to why some heroes are super, and some just wear capes.  When she asks him “who are you really, are you Clark Kent or Superman?” he gives the right answer.  Of course he would, what were you thinking.  “Clark Kent is who I am, Superman is what I am.”  Give that writer an Oscar, great line.  But to Lois, and the writers, it just prolongs the season ,until she realizes she does love Clark, because of who he is, and Superman because of what he is. 

A song I heard over 20 years ago has always stuck in my mind, and helped to shape my relationship with Jesus.  A simple song that goes “Lord I love you because of who you are, not for all the wondrous things that you have done...”  And I wonder why we don’t?  After all He is God, shouldn’t that be enough?  But for many it isn’t, and they struggle, both Christians and non-Christians.  They try bargain with God, “if you do this, I’ll obey you...” having a more intimate relationship with their golf game than the creator of the universe.  Or finding a place way down on their list of values, right after cars, home, careers, and family.  Did I miss one?  While some just call out to Him like Lois does, in time of needs.  Or when we can’t get ourselves out of the problem, we use God as a last resort.  When really He should be our first and only.  For Jesus is the original Superman, able to do all the things Superman did, plus offer eternal life.  Even Clark ages, remember he was born wrapped in a blanket, Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes, he was born supernaturally, and raised by a father who hadn’t bore him, just like Joseph raised Jesus.  And both started their career of helping others at age 30.  Is it possible that Jesus really is Superman, and we have missed it all this time?  Would you love Him more if He was?  Could the Man of Steel really be a subliminal message about Jesus Christ?  Superman saves lives, Jesus saves souls, could it be true?

But we also need to ask ourselves, who are we in Christ?  Are we just caught up in church, in religion, or living out life in a denomination?  Who are we, and what are we?  We are who we are, but we are also part of the family of God.  For no one who tells you we are all one tells the truth.  Only those who received Him did He give the right to be called sons of God.  Born of God, not the will of man.  John 1:13-14.  So to become family, we must know God, and the only way to know God is through Jesus, to be Born Again.  It is simple.  And again in Acts 1:8 tells us how we will be witnesses of God, when the spirit has come upon us.  Just saying it won’t do it, and uniting in anything but the spirit of God will cut you off short.  We need to love God for who He is, then all things will be added unto us.  He loves us first, then we love Him, we are saved and become family.  So who you are in Christ is important, and what you are is also. 

We walk by faith and not by sight, just  like Lois did.  Superman was there the whole time behind Clark’s glasses.  And she couldn’t see it.  But when Clark touched her cheek, like Superman had, she knew.  We see dimly, but we need to trust fully.  To be born again your heart must be touched by the Holy Spirit, no one ever set out to look for God without His urging.  And it is a romantic relationship, with the one who is love showing you the way.  Forgiving you, guiding you, and bringing joy into your life.  Giving you more power than you ever thought imaginable.  And able to do greater things than even the apostles did, that’s His promise.  So what is your excuse?  Still don’t believe a man can fly?  Or that He can be raised from the dead?  Why not try loving God just because He is God?  He loves you just because you are you, still don’t believe in miracles after that? 

And so another generation is introduced to Godzilla, and another generation is introduced to God.  The story of a super man goes on.  And it does have a happy ending for those who receive Him, for those what give their lives to Him.  Not Clark, but Jesus.  The only super man ever born, and who died for our sins-nothing no one else could, or ever would do.  So you see God, the original super hero did have a son, Jesus.  The story is still out on Lois and Clark.  We believe in Superman because we have seen him, yet we struggle with Jesus, because it takes faith.  Try a little faith today...look up in the sky...that’s how He’s coming back.  So be ready, soon is sooner than you think.

And now since you know so much about Superman, maybe you can answer this for me, why do bullets bounce of his chest, but he must duck when a gun is thrown at him?  On Krypton a father gave his son, so he might live, God gave us Jesus so we might live.  Jesus is who He is, our savior is what He is.  To be continued.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

do you think anyone noticed?

Some time ago, a friend of mine dropped his bike off at the dealer for a pre-trip tune and check over.  An experienced rider, he takes very good care of his ride, but when he came to pick it up, something was different.  A big touring bike, he noticed one bag was shinier than the other.  The windshield was too clear, it was new.  And various parts and pieces on one side had been replaced.  No one said anything to him, but something wasn’t right.  So confronting the owner, he was told a tech had dropped the bike off a lift, an accident.  And they had repaired everything damaged, no charge.  But there was a problem, they hadn’t been up front with him, and if he had not noticed, they would not have said anything.  Now do you think they were stupid enough to think he wouldn’t notice?  So after so terse negotiating, they did the right thing, for a change, and he ended up with a new bike and some special arrangements.  Much better than going to court, and the dealer losing there, too, as he could have lost his franchise.  But the question remains, do they think no one was going to notice?

Theresa and I love riding in the south.  And on one trip, went to Clarksdale, crossroads of the blues.  Now like many old southern towns, when the old road became a four laner, it moved many businesses, leaving the old section to erode quickly.  Now the old section has Morgan Freeman’s juke joint, the Riverside Hotel, and where we stayed The Shack Up Inn, the old Hobson Plantation.  But most of the old town is very old, but coming into town on the new four laner didn’t know that.  It was only 100 degrees, with humidity to match, and you wonder how anyone could live here without air conditioning?  Yet we were on the Tiger, but managed somehow.  Until we saw a Wendy’s, and our need for a Frosty outweighed all other choices.  Going in, the AC felt great, and we ordered one each.  Sitting down, we noticed we were the only riders there, must be the helmet head, but it was then that Theresa leaned over and whispered “we’re the only white ones here.”  Thinking quick, I responded, “do you think they noticed?”  As Clarksdale like most of the south is black.  And no it didn’t matter.  Just not a regular road event for two homogenized So Cal riders.  By the way, the Frosty’s were great.

Although tis has never happened to me, I hear stories of people late for church, speeding, then getting pulled over.  I don’t think I would have the guts to say “I’m late for church,” but I bet many a cop has heard it.  But what about those with Christian stickers on their cars, cutting us off while riding?  Is that how they want to get noticed?  Do they think that is an effective witness, driving like a maniac, yet covering it up with a sticker?  Yet many do.  for they wish to be noticed, but not held accountable.  My take is, and still is, if you tell someone you are a Christian, I expect you to act like one.  Not holier than thou, but how about some courtesy?  Respect?  Works for Aretha.  How about some kindness, compassion, being friendly?  But yet many hide behind stickers, or quoting scripture.  Which is a foreign language to many, but yet kindness is universal.  A smile is understood in all languages, and we are not at all impressed by your actions when they don’t match your sticker.  But even worse are those that show a public display of being nice, only to revert to their old ways when with their peer group outside of church.  So I have made it a point to act in church like I do everywhere else, instead of the other way around.  Church folk have their own language, that those in the world don’t understand.  And by separating themselves from the world, can be misunderstood.  It is true we are in the world, but not of it, yet look at the Apostle Paul, who made tents, yet was part of the Sanhedrin.  He tells us he became all things to all men, so they would hear the gospel.  He showed love by being out among the people, and being a witness.  Just like Jesus did, with the fruit of the spirit showing in his life. 

How many times have you heard, or noticed there is something different about that person?  More than helmet head, or carrying a Bible, there is something about them.  They are courteous, like when I sit in there spot in church, they sit next to me and welcome me, rather than asking me to move.  They hold the doors open, let my wife go first.  Just like gentlemen do. When questioned once about treating a woman like a lady, I appreciated the compliment, they are few and far between.  But it gave me a chance to explain I did it not because of who they were, but because of who I am.  Just like Jesus loved us not because of who we were, but because of who He is.  Maybe that something that is missing in your walk.  I have found that dealing with people, they are more impressed by how you care, than how much you know.  I rather be known as someone who shares love, rather than just quoting scripture.  Put some talk into your walk, and the other way around.  I am continuously amazed at what I learn by listening, and how others are more impressed with my answers when I have listened to them first.  If you have to tell someone  you are a Christian, something is missing.  So whether you are getting your ride fixed, traveling in the south, or attending church, be different, show God’s love.  Be kind and listen, speak their language, so they understand.  Do you think anyone will notice?  God does and will.  You will find that as a stranger in a strange land, you will get closer to Jesus, and experience more of what He did.  He was never late, yet He never rushed.  He always had time to listen.  “Honest officer, I’m late for church” is not an effective witness. 

It is the little things that seem to go unnoticed, except by God.  But it is the little kindnesses that can make someone else’s day.  When you go to sleep tonight, thank Jesus for getting you through another day.  And don’t be afraid to ask Him “do you think anyone noticed?”  His answer may surprise you.  Goodness and kindness-there is no law against them.  Don’t brag about what a great Christian you are, show someone.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

fire is the devil's only friend

For me it started with an email from Ernesto cancelling Tuesday nights Dustin Arms ministry.  The Bernardo fire had shut down the area, and all church activities were cancelled.  But Wednesday afternoon after volunteering at Gabe’s, we give out free clothing, and minister to the homeless, I saw a plume of smoke to the north.  Thinking it as the Bernardo fire, as I passed that area, it was still north of me, and when I passed the Auto Park, I could see the hills above to the west in flames.  And getting home, the view from our driveway looked like it was right there, but was still 3 mile away.  Still close, but not worried, we went to Costco Thursday morning, and people were commenting on the fire, and how it had subsided...and then we came out, and three new black clouds of smoke were filling the area of San Marcos, now called the Coco fire.  Over the years I have gotten to tell by the smoke what is going on, and this was black and thick, fresh new fire, and probably a house.  By now even the clear air was getting dirty, and the live coverage on TV wasn’t good news, the Coco fire was spreading fast.  Evacuations were in order, and panic was setting in.

My initial thought was to check it out, and after heading down to the Auto Park area, I turned onto Country Club Drive, please don’t confuse it with Country Club Lane, where I live off of.  And the streets were lined with people, lookie loos, blocking roads and access for fire fighters.  Just the appearance of any BMW driven yuppie, slowing and weaving at 15mph, taking cell phone pictures makes me a death sentence advocate.  By passing them on my Tiger, truly motorcycles are the only way to get around, I passed a horse farm, with many horses still there, and a few people standing around.  Just a few blocks down, were many Calfire trucks, and both sides of CC Drive were on fire.  I pulled into the ranch area, and found a man who owned the stables, and told me they were told to stay, the area had no brush, and was a firebreak.  I asked if I could help, and hung around.  Three horses in individual stalls were nervous, the smoke was heavy, and we were 150-200 feet from the flames.  I went up to a huge painted horse, who let me pet him, and he cried out loud-he was scared.  Getting horse goober all over me.  An Appaloosa was skiddish, and another brown horse actually put its head on my shoulder.  Then a waiting truck came to get them, then attended to a corral of babies and mothers-about 25 horse in all.

Down the dirt road then came a fire truck, and unlocked a gate trying to access the flames.  About 100 feet from us another truck was providing back up for a grader cutting a fire break among the trees, you could barely see the tractor for the smoke although only 100 feet away.  The owner finally persuaded the fire truck to move to where they could access the fire better, and where water was available, and they did.  I followed safely behind to Surry Lane, where 6 fire trucks were huddled up, and I noticed a woman in an SUV, looking like she was packing to leave, with two teenagers.  I asked if I could help, and she said she was OK, they were passing out water to the firefighters, 5 gallon pails of water on ice...and you could see by the looks on the firefighters faces it was appreciated.  And it was time for me to get out, dodging the yuppies as I left, I felt safer near the flames.

Before heading home I went down past Palomar Hospital, and behind my cardiologist’s building to watch the flames.  Escondido police were on guard, and I watched with a young woman.  We said nothing, no comments necessary, until an older man came up and asked her “how far away is the fire?”  And the first memorable quote of the day followed, as she said “I don’t know, that’s San Marcos, and I’m Escondido.”  Careful not to venture out of Escondido lady, you never know what awaits you.  By this point my lungs were filled with smoke, bad for anyone, but for someone who had open heart surgery, big time bad.  So I left, only after one quick trek to a home that had been vacated, one final look as flames overtook a home, and wondered if this house was next.  And the news continued well into the night.

My second favorite quote of the day, came from a man who had lost everything, his house and cars burned in the fire.  When interviewed, and asked how he felt, where do they come up with questions like that, his answer was “this is not the worst thing to happen to me, the past 5 years under Obama were even worse.”  Great line, great truth, and the young reporter had nothing to say.  This man had lost everything, but still saw his values taking precedence over his valuables.  Bet he had no BMW!  And in between, you could still see the shock, the horror, and the fear on people’s faces.  Where to turn...what will be next.

In conditions of testing, trials, we see where our true character lays.  For yuppies, valuables will always be first, shaping their questionable values.  For others like the woman passing out water, she saw a need and filled it.  Many others did too, and still are and still will be, when the fire is out, the second phase of assault begins.  And this is where people either turn to God, or blame God.  Who know God rescued them, and like one family in Carlsbad, whose house burned down, they found their fireproof safe, and when opened found charred pictures, “a miracle,” they exclaimed, and still have charred remains of their wedding.  Some will rebuild, some will move on, some will take the money and run.  Each  one facing life in a different viewpoint, being changed forever.  But only those turning to Jesus will truly have their lives changed forever, and will escape the fiery death that hell promises.  Fire, the devil’s only friend, from a line we learned from American Pie, scripture showing how wood, hay, and stubble will burn, but only the things of God shall remain.  As Christians we are the most treasured things to God, and although it is hard suffering loss, God works things out in His way. Even after catastrophes, He is there, and in them too.  Like the fourth man in the fire with Daniel, Jesus never leaves.

And good news yuppies, as my wife reminds me “He died for you too.”  He took you through another fire, maybe a test to bring you closer to Him.  That it is your values that will impact your life, and others, and make an eternal difference, not your valuables.  So “bye, bye Miss American Pie, drive my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry.”  Your life doesn’t have to be.  And it doesn’t take a fire to find Jesus.  That day among the flames, many saw God through the love of other neighbors, the dedication of firefighters, and through those who care to make a difference.  I hope the policewoman finds out someday the distance between her and God is shorter than the distance between Escondido and San Marcos.  They share a common boundary, I ‘m glad my common boundary knows no boundaries, His name is Jesus.  We are told to save for a rainy day, how many were saving for a fiery night?  What are you saving for?  And what has Jesus saved you from and for?  Let’s pray.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

meeting the need without meeting the requirements

“What are your qualifications?” the job interviewer asks.  Really he means what is your education, do you have a degree, in what, and we really want a Masters, or an MBA.  What, to sell hardware?  But that is what it has come down to anymore, raise the bar, the requirements, and eliminate the applications received. Experience, you ask?  “We’ll train you,” meaning we’ll tell you how and what we ant from you.  Perform all the tricks and you’ll get a treat.  So we hear phrases like “top 10 in his class,” or a list of recommendations, best attendance, best attitude, best notebook, best bank account, or best butt kisser.  Moving them to the call back for a second interview pile.  When they have shown nothing more than the ability to meet the requirements, but show nothing at all that they can do the job.  Sorry, I forgot, they’ll train you.

And so it is, and experience doesn’t have the same ring to it that it once had.  They don’t want free thinkers, or those who get ‘er done, they want those who obey and meet quotas-just like they learned in school.  But never got an education, because the same yo-yo doing the interviewing went to the same school as the applicant.  And low expectations receive lower results.  And everyone is happy, except the exceptional, who are what we should be looking for.  To much education, but no learning required.  Application-do what you are told.  Thanks, we’ll get back to you.

I don’t like titles, and only use them if needed, I am not impressed, sorry.  So when asked, I use chaplain.  And it answers a lot of questions they don’t have to ask.  Then eh stumper, “where did you go to school?”  When I mention high school, they mean college, your degrees.  Sorry, just some college, and years of experience.  And the holy spirit.  Which either gives me credibility, or makes me recognizable as a nut.  And in a leather jacket, and long hair, I don’t look the chaplain type, fortunately.  And when a nurse one day accused me of that, another stepped in and told her that when not everyone is impressed by titles, ties, or degrees.  Some want results, and I was able to get them.  When some were asked if they wanted a chaplain, they answered no, but when offered a biker, said yes.  And like the biker who asked me to do his wedding, when I asked why he told me “you’re a biker so I trust you, and you’re a Christian so you’ll know what to do.”  He didn’t say because you’re a Christian I’ll trust you, interesting.  And although I have gone through classes in being a chaplain, the last one I attended half way through it the head chaplain told me I was wasting my time-“you don’t need to be here, you’re a natural.”  And showed me that by not being affiliated with any hospital, not on staff or even by volunteering, I could go more places, see more things, and minister in the name of Jesus because I had no ties to hold me back.  So if asked which hospital, I just say I work within many of them, without the hassle of working for any of them.  Same in my prisoner ministry.  While others do prison ministry, I do prisoners, more personal.  And because I have no religious affiliation, there again I am not a threat to any established program, and can work within the boundaries, those that God allows, and see more results.  And it is the results we are after isn’t it?  Sorry if just Mike doesn’t impress, it still makes my dog wag her tail.  And my motorcycle isn’t impressed when I open the throttle by titles, it just hopes I know how to ride.  So by meeting the needs, rather than the requirements, I get more done, with less hassle, and meet more people, just like the man who influenced me and my decision to go into ministry.

You may know Him, Jesus Christ.  He too was not into titles, and always did what His Father in heaven asked Him to do.  What a concept, asking and receiving from a loving God?  And it has worked for over 2000 years for all who seek Him first, then respond.  Who have come to not care who gets the credit, as long as the job gets done.  Who are more impressed with results, and quality than quantity.  Men and women doing simple, but great things for God, al without the burden of an education.  And today when over 50% coming out of seminary, or cemetary as I call it, not believing in God, you can see where society both inside and outside of the church is going.  But God looks at things differently.  From Abraham, to Moses, to Rahab, to Gideon, to Elijah, to any of the prophets, we see them knowing God, personally, with no diploma to prove it.  But yet food enough to be recorded in the Bible.  Maybe the best degree you’ll ever earn.  How about the 12 disciples, did you know that Judas was the only educated one, in banking?  And who blew it?  A banker.  Wonder what his FICO score was?  Good enough to buy a car maybe, just not to get into heaven.  And so as you go today, ask God hwo you can be more qualified.  How can I see more blessings, and be more of a blessing.  It starts with Jesus, and who He is to you.  And being guided by the spirit.  When god gets the glory, you get the blessings.  And only do what He asks-no more.  You may be qualified, but the Lord has different plans.  Gideon never was a soldier, yet won a war with fat, overweight guys who couldn’t bend over to drink.  Rahab was a whore.  Paul was in jail-three strikes offender.  David played slap and tickle with his best friend’s wife, and murdered him, but God still called him “ a man after His own heart.”  He saw David, not as the world did, and despite his record, still had great things for him to do.  Just like He does for you.

It has been said that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.  God has made us better than the angels, and when we walk with Him, and in Him, we fear no evil.  If you follow His course, you will win.  The battles may be tough, but you will win.  And come away marveling at how God won the battle-even despite you!  Jesus met the needs, without the requirements.  He was a carpenter, no training in theology.  Yet He changed the world as no other has or will, He asked God first.  And then obeyed out of trust and love.  An example for all of us without the requirements.  Meeting needs for over 2000 years with a simple formula, not taught in any school, but written on our hearts.  You may have a master’s degree, but I know the master.  You may have the diploma, but I have the holy spirit.  I’ll put His reputation against yours any day.  See a need, and fill it, a simple recipe for ministry.  Do it in love, and watch as Jesus changes lives, even yours.  Even giving you all the answers for the final exam-the answer for that, as it is for all your problems is still Jesus.  No wonder the Pharisees hated Him, and they still do us today.  In Christ you will get results they never can, or will.  What are your qualifications?  Jesus never asked.  Find that out first hand today.  Success guaranteed at the cross.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

are you smart enough to tell a good idea?

One of my favorite business quotes, and a real reason for success in any business came from a retired Harley Davidson exec.  He said they were always fortunate enough to have someone in charge who knew a bad idea when he heard it.  A sure benefit to any business, you wonder what could have happened to the longest running vehicle manufacturer in the US of A if they hadn’t.  Are you smart enough to tell if an idea is bad, or do you just tend to go along with what is told to you?  Are you the consummate yes man, or do you just not care to make waves?  Are you afraid to speak your mind, or do you just mind your own business?  Food for thought, here are some bad decisions, and you wonder did anyone know how bad they would be?  And can you tell now...

First on my list is new Coke.  Fearing that this international icon, Coca Cola may be some day passed by Pepsi, they reformulated Coke, sending its drinkers into a frenzy.  I worked for Coca Cola then-it got bad and vicious, until they brought back the Real Thing, and today we have Classic Coke.  And is beating Pepsi even worse, their official position, “we stumbled into the marketing decision of the century.”  During the 50—60’s, the British ruled the motorcycle world in sales.  No one gave Honda a chance, who would buy anything Japanese?  But when their 250cc bikes held their own against 650 cc legends, it was too late.  And the ill fated, and poorly designed Rocket 3 and BSA vanished, leaving only Triumph left.  Then the Meriden plant went on strike, protesting its closure, causing them to have no machines, for a market that was shrinking for them.  Proving tow wrongs still don’t make a right.  And by 1975 Made In England was history, bad idea going on strike when you are going out of business.  Will the last person out of Meriden please turn  out the light?

Big Blue, IBM, the developer of the PC, thinking no one would ever make a PC t compete with tehm, sold one time rights to a young Bill Gates, never realizing that others would make PC’s also.  Bill saw the software as the key, selling it to many different manufacturers, and the rest is history.  Betting the market would change as it did, the rest is history.  You’ve got mail.  Decca records once had the choice of signing The Beatles, a big risk, or the Tremeloes.  Just ask Capitol Records, four piece bands do sell, they got it right, just ask Sir Paul.  A Hard Day’s Night for Decca on that one.  Did you know that Mars turned down the chance to be the candy on ET?  The decision to pass on M&M’s as the alien candy of choice catapulted Reese’s Pieces to fame, 65% sales increase the first month the movie was out, almost passing the famous melts in your mouth, not in your hand icon. M&M’s call home.  Remember the HMS Titanic, the unsinkable ocean liner?  Why put on so many life boats, it won’t sink anyway?  Today what is the first thing you look for when boarding a ship? After the buffet?  In less than 140 minutes it was all over, under and out.

Did you know Kodak had the rights to the first digital cameras?  After developing it, they sat on it, and when they did come out with their’s, lost $60 on each one sold.  Hoping to make it up on volume, after 58 years on the Fortune 500 list they declared bankruptcy, so much for the wonderful world of color.  Where have all the Blue Light Specials gone?  Probably to Wal-mart, as when K Mart tried to go head to head with them, their stock sunk 63%, while Wal-mart’s rose 82%.  Seems their supply chain couldn’t keep up with demand, an empty shelves sent customers elsewhere, just in time, like the philosophy they failed at.  We used to sing “the name that’s known is Firestone, where the rubber meets the road.”  And it did, until they came up with a poor way to build radials, hoping to rush them to market.  And they came apart, causing untold of misery and accidents.  Trying to blame the consumer over poor maintenance, they recalled 10 million tires.  Also available at K Mart Auto Centers.  In a pre-Rupert Murdoch era, Fox sold the syndication rights of M*A*S*H needing money.  Today ever time BJ and Hawkeye crack a rib or joke, Fox gets nothing.  In 1979 alone, its first year in syndication, each station showing reruns made over $1 million dollars.  And in the early 1980’s Yamaha declared publicly at their dealer meeting that they would outsell Honda that year.  To bad Honda had stores that sold Yamaha too, bad thing to say, as Honda dropped the prices and almost put Yamaha  out of business.  In the end good for consumers, who could buy a brand new, 3 year old 1982 Yamaha in 1985.   You might have met the nicest people on a Honda, don’t forget to thank Yamaha as you ride off.

In the 3rd chapter of Genesis, we see the all time worst idea, one of trusting anyone but God.  And look at the results, even today.  If Eve couldn’t tell the lie, maybe Adam should have been able to.  What did he and God talk about on their walks?  Maybe if he had listened, we wouldn’t be in this mess today.  What was he thinking?  The dude had it made, great weather, great wife, fresh food, lots of time to ride.  Later Esau, the hairy twin of Jacob, sold his birthright for a bowl of stew.  He must have been real hungry, as this was the first display of fast food not being good for you.  Have it your way Esau?  What was Abraham thinking, the father of all the Jews, when he agreed to mate with his wife’s maid to have a child?  At her suggestion?  Wouldn’t God’s promise be enough for him?  After all, God had been honorable up to that point?  Sin has never been the fulfillment of anything except misery.  Bad idea Sarah, bad choice Abe. 

In Acts we read of a man who wants the Holy Spirit, and thinks he can buy it.  Bad idea, but he later comes to repentance.  Only Jesus saves, he was saved, but thought it a good idea to get what he could for what he had.  Too often an excuse we make today for our own sin.  It’s night in the garden, and they come for Jesus.  Peter takes his sword and cuts off Malchus’ ear.  Trying to protect Jesus, imagine trying to protect God?  And from going to the cross for our salvation?  Seemed like a good idea I’m sure, how many ears have you severed for Christ?  Only to have Him make it good by replacing them because of your sin?  And finally today, we have some who think the free gift of salvation isn’t enough, and try to earn their way to heaven?  Or follow cults, who use the name of Jesus in vain, a good idea to discount hell if you might go, just don’t believe, anything to avoid a choice.  Or add some false doctrines, and make it sound holy, holier than thou.  The importance of being in the spirit so you know the truth.  Life is filled with one bad idea after another, be warned.  We are to be a gentle as lambs, but as crafty as a serpent.  If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.  So you can either learn from history, or repeat it.

But the worst idea of all time is thinking you can make it heaven without Jesus.  God made it simple, and free, so why fight it?  Yet so many do, and when a new idea, or religion comes around, they fall for it.  Stick with the original good idea, Jesus.  God got Him right the first time, no need for a series of reruns.  Or of NEW Jesus.  And any religion or religious person who has ever tried to replace Him has failed.  Today we may collect Edsels, eat M&M’s while watching ET.  We still take ocean voyages, and shop at K Mart.  Just don’t fall for any blue light special, no one will ever push Jesus out of first place, and He has been real no need for syndication.  Why watch reruns when He is new and exciting every day?  In Jesus you always have someone in place who can tell a bad idea.  If it works for Harley, just think what good decisions can do for you?  Now that’s an idea I can live with.  Here’s a good idea-seek Jesus while He still can be found.  Today is the day of salvation.  Be forgiven, then forgive others.  Bad ideas come and go-Jesus is forever.

love with compassion,

Mike

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