I didn't fight my way up the food chain to eat vegetables

From time to time I find myself in situations I rather not be.  Some are self inflicted wounds, some are “I should have known better,” some are thrust upon me, and yet others just seem to happen.  But I find that when I stand up to the situation, that many get upset with me rather than the bad time they are having.  Like its my fault because I said something.  We are told to pray for the best, but prepare for the worst, yet many end up settling for mediocre, and think that is the best.  For instance, I don’t do group rides, or crowd rides as they really are.  I just don’t see the fun in riding 55 mph on the freeway with old VW buses passing me giving me dirty looks.  I rather ride, and just tell me where to meet you, and if I want I will, which is why I ride alone.  One ride in particular stands out, as we went 45 mph over 80 mph roads because one girl was afraid to go any faster, and because I said something, I was the bad guy.  WRONG-she was rude, and should have shown some courtesy to the rest of us.  I didn’t buy a motorcycle to go slow, but to enjoy the road.  I quit going to baseball games some years ago when they became part of the entertainment business.  At the last Padre game I attended they kept interrupting the entertainment between the innings with a baseball game.  And some were more concerned about missing the Jeopardy answer, or was it the question than missing the big inning the Padres had. 

All summer long I heard people complaining about our hot weather in San Diego, what did they expect?  You like cold, Minnesota is calling.  You like rain, go to New Jersey.  If you cannot handle good weather, what makes you think you could make it anywhere else?  Bundle up, it’s only 60 degrees this morning, with a high of 82 projected.  A young guy at  the bike shop the other day was bragging about how his gas mileage was so high, and never considered riding for fun.  After our talk, I hope he twists his throttle a little more, and can brag about smiles per gallon.  If you want to really get good mileage, car pool.  As I explained, what good is fun if you don’t enjoy it?  Or can’t?  Or won’t?  Yet I’m sure he soldiers on, bragging about his 70 mpg to the guy who wears out the sides of his tires quick, and only gets 40.  Yet things are not always as they appear, a Rocket 3 I had last year had come back from a magazine with both foot peg feelers worn off.  And the license plate bent from doing wheelies.  This guy didn’t get it, this is a cruiser, or maybe he did and we don’t-it’s a motorcycle, ride it and have fun.  By the way, I found out yesterday a Street Triple will do 127 in 4th gear.  Glad I had 5th and 6th to go.  But yet we are held back by false expectations, inherent fears, and confusion based on false beliefs.  Yet we all fall prey to them, ask a Chargers fan?  Did he go to the game to watch the huddle?  Maybe as that is the best part of their game sometimes, but no-he went to see action.  Long passes, runs, and hitting.  In the game, not at the tailgate party.  Just a reminder.  It’s like one time at a Steak and Shake, we had a yogurt shake to save calories for the rest of the trip.  We saved a whopping 60 calories by not going with ice cream-not sure what that is in miles per gallon!  Go out to eat steak, don’t order a salad as the main course.  Don’t expect Maine lobster in Phoenix, or fish tacos in St. Louis.  Go with their specialty, and be blessed.  And when travelling east, the first real BBQ is in Albuquerque at Rudy’s.  Where you order by the pound, eat on waxed paper, and use paper towels.  No veggies, you eat big the way BBQ was meant to be eaten, and their motto says it all, “I didn’t fight my way up the food chain to eat vegetables.”  Put that on you granola....

Yet we come to God with false expectations.  The preacher preaches “turn to Jesus and all your problems will go away...”  Cheer up things could be worse, and they usually are.  Sorry scripture doesn’t promise that, yet many buy into it, and when times get tough, figure God isn’t tough enough, or he lied.  They give up, go back to their misery, and miss out.  Early in my Christian walk I was taught 2 Corinthians 4, and how true it is.

“we are hard pressed on every side yet not crushed.”  Sounds like life 101 to me.  “perplexed yet not in despair,” confused, you won’t be after trusting God with his answer.  “persecuted, yet not defeated, struck down yet not destroyed.”  God never left us, he is with us in the fight.  He carries us when we can’t walk, and goes ahead to clear the way.  It is up to us to follow.  “Always carrying about the dying of Jesus in our body that the living of Lord Jesus may also show in us.”  It’s like the guy who has problems with his car, and goes to church, accepts Christ, yet the next day he has a flat tire.  “I didn’t sign up for this,” he complains, when yes, he really did .  And we did and do.  I have found if the road wasn’t rough I wouldn’t need a suspension, God is the shock absorber in life for me.  Jesus takes many a beating I should have.  I find power in his spirit, yet if I never twist the throttle I never know just how much performance is in a life with him.  I forget how I was able to stop just in time, and that maybe that red light kept me from the collision just ahead.  And yes, I have had flat tires, but  never failed to get home yet.  God works through pick up trucks and trailers too.  On one trip in Colorado I had 1000 miles to home and only 200 miles of rear tire.  On Labor Day, when real motorcycle shops were closed on Mondays.  Yet God had it all under control, I met a man whose friend owned a Suzuki store, he hoped a Suzuki tire would fit a BMW.  And after calling his friend, he came down, sold me a tire, loaned me tools, and I got home.   I didn’t sign up for needing a tire, but God knew I would, and prepared the way.  Hard pressed, yet not crushed, just like he says.  We don’t need to understand everything about God, it takes faith, which turns to obedience,which turns to trust.  Two years ago we started out on the Tiger, I was life flighted, and ended up riding home in the back seat of a rented Camry.  Dying, yet carrying the life of Jesus in me, he got me home, and someday will take me home to heaven.  Life is exciting and meant to be lived.  You don’t buy a Ninja for the mileage, you don’t buy a Harley for the handling.  You buy them to ride, and when the road calls, they answer.  It is up to you what road to take, and how to ride it.

Today read 2 Corinthians 4 and look back on how God has taken you through the tough times, and thank him.  Look to Jesus, and allow him to give you life.  To prepare meals worth eating, and a life worth living.  I may not have fought my way up the food chain to eat veggies, but I love cream of broccoli soup.  I love corn on the cob.  I like mashed potatoes and gravy with dressing.  Sometimes we even have breakfast for dinner.  But with every meal, as with every ride, we ask Jesus along.  We never ride alone even in a crowd of one.  You didn’t go to the football game to watch the huddle, so break the huddle and get out and live.  Take what you were taught in church and live it outside the four walls.  Enjoy the curves, take in the hot weather, and know God is in control.  No matter where you go, or what you ride, Jesus will always be the way.  Maybe a ride to Rudy’s is in order, it’s only 850 miles, if I leave now I can be there for dinner.  Wonder if they do take out?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the battle for Ewing Oil

Jock Ewing was a tough old bird.  He was old school before there was even a school.  He believed in hard work, and much like J. Paul Getty, his success could be attributed to “rising early, working hard, and finding oil.”  But when Jim Davis who played Jock died unexpectedly, they had to find a way for Jock to leave the story, so he went to South America with friends to discover oil, and never returned, no body found.  Leaving his will stating that his two sons, JR and Bobby would have a contest to see who could make more money in a year for Ewing Oil, the winner getting 51%, the other 49%.  Now Jock and Miss Ellie also had a third son, Gary, who left home early, he was too nice and timid for the oil business.  So he was left out of the contest, it was the two older brothers.  And let the battle for Ewing Oil begin...

JR the older and more devious used everything in his power to win control, and to sabotage Bobby.  At the end of the year, he had risen stock prices to a new high, and had made a huge profit for Ewing Oil, all the time trying to sabotage Bobby any and every way he could.  He figured he won at that point, that he had proven he should and could run the company, and was about to send his condolences to his younger brother.  When at the last minute, in the last show of the season, Bobby pulls off a huge oil find, with the help of Cliff Barnes, the family enemy, and narrowly beats out JR.  Defeated, JR pledges his support to Bobby, but we all know better.  Both brothers used all their skills and opportunities available to them, and Jock would have been proud.  He would have told them “good job, I’m proud of both of you, but only one can win.”  He knew you can only serve one boss, particularly when money is the key.  And without Gary to deal with, he left, without any inheritance, Bobby won square, but maybe not fair.  Both had exceeded what they had, both had done well, but only one won.  But knowing JR, hang on until next year.

In Matthew 25:14-30 we find Jesus telling the parable of the talents.  A landowner leaves town, leaving three men in charge.  To one he gives 5 years pay, to another 2 years pay, and the third 1 year pay.  And he leaves, with no contest or instructions left.  Upon his return he finds the one who given 5 years pay had invested it and doubled his money.  The boss is impressed, and tells him “well done faithful servant, enter into the kingdom.”  The one with 2 years pay does as well, and is told the same thing.  But the third one, was afraid, he took his pay and buried it, never using it.  The landowner when he returned was so upset, he took it from him, and split it among the others.  He called him worthless, and the servant told him he was afraid of him because he was a hard man, so he buried it in case the owner demanded it upon return.  Which he did, but only in his case.  The other two kept their winnings.  Maybe a poor analogy based on the fictional Ewings, but we see here two important things, using your talent to produce good is what God expects of you, the salaries the owner left with his employees were called talents, and even the least of them had one talent.  Also we see the two richer ones being welcomed to heaven, the kingdom, showing that not all rich go to hell, or all poor go to heaven.  Jesus emphasizes we are all given a talent to use for God on earth, so no excuses for any failures.  I can’t teach or sing, but you can pray for others.  I have little money to give, yes but you can give your time.  No matter how poor or how talented you may be when compared to others, God sees you as the individual that Jesus died for, and has left you with certain responsibilities far beyond those of mortal men.  His command is to love, simple enough, no investments needed.  Like Jesus, we will be resurrected with him someday, and he wants us to tell everyone.  If we can’t, he expects us to show them.  Let his spirit change them, just be an example of his life changing ways.  He expects you to love your neighbor as yourself. Something when money is involved will cause problems.  So he keeps money  from the equation.  We all have a chance for heaven, and it is not based on how well we do in life, it is based on Jesus dying on the cross for our sins.  “For our sins,” the most important part of the statement, as history records Jesus died, even the skeptics and atheists cannot deny that, even if they do deny his deity.  But he died for our sins, is the most important part, for if he didn’t life on earth would have no importance, winning would have no victory party, and sin would rule over us.  And like many today still think they can work their way to heaven, many would and fail without Jesus.  Jock was looking for more than money from his sons, he was looking for inner strength, and the power to succeed.  Jesus is looking for sinners to repent, pick up their crosses and follow him, leaving all behind.  Looking ahead to the kingdom to come, where we will live forever with him.  Where we will be called friends and a joint heir with Jesus, much unlike Gary being family and cast out.  Yet many will be cast out because they doubt or deny Jesus, maybe the only talent they had was to make that decision and they blew it.  Lazy, confused, led astray by a cult or religion, they miss Jesus.  The evidence is there, the spirit is there, and he is calling, knocking on the door of your heart.  Will you answer him, for no matter how you are doing, have done, or will do, he forgives you.  Life is not a contest to win, it is a practice run for heaven.  And when we live on earth as it is in heaven, we see Jesus.  We don’t have to worry about the owner coming back and finding us asleep.  We can sleep every night knowing and expecting his return.  And he will soon, and soon is always sooner than you think.

JR and Bobby live on in reruns today.  A whole new generation of Ewings now run Ewing Energy.  Times change, talents change, and the source of power changes.  But not for those whose name is recorded in the book of life.  We look forward to being greeted by Jesus himself in heaven, “well done my good and faithful servant.”  But cash in on the blessings today of using your talent.  It may be as easy as later in the chapter where he tells to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in jail and sick, and welcome strangers.  Basic ministry, something we all can do.  Don’t hide your talent in the ground, seek God today and see it multiply. For God so loved the you, he sent Jesus.  Jock and Miss Ellie had three sons, God only needed one.  Join the family today, and enjoy the battle Jesus won for us.  The battle for Ewing oil goes on and on....with God even the Gary’s out there are welcomed, and forgiven.  Stay tuned.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

short trips in big cars

I have never been a fan of big cars, although I have fond memories of my 1967 Cadillac Sedan de Ville.  At 6 miles per gallon, no matter how driven, it got a lot of pedal to the metal treatment.  And at 1977 fuel prices, took over $6 to fill, compared to my GS750, which took all of $1.50.  But it was big, and a status symbol to those I thought I wanted to impress, so it sat a lot.  And when Theresa drove it, went over many a curve.  It was used to haul kids to camp, impress girls on dates, and feed OPEC’s thirst for money.  But it was too big, and too expensive, and for the most part I took short trips.  So we traded it, with her Beetle for a Rabbit, and live happily ever after with it.  It was a time when what you drove showed how you were doing, and before BMW’s were considered luxury, Cadillacs were luxury.  And flaunted just how well you were doing, or the image of doing to those driving those uncomfortable Jap boxes that got 25 mpg.  Remember the Le Car, my old roommate Bob had one, and bragged on his costs of driving, and was impressive in his argument, until Gerald reminded us of the true cost.  He spent less per month, and drove his Cadillac more, because he had no monthly payment.  And when figuring in Bob’s banknote, he spent less, had more car, and thought he was ahead. And we were all impressed with his cost to drive analysis.  But I still traded it for the Rabbit, and payments. 

Rabbits were soon to become Golfs, their European name, and were very popular.  Replacing the iconic Beetle, they offered luxury compared to them, performance unheard of by any Bug, and had heaters, air conditioning, and a hatch.  Suddenly I was trendy and didn’t know it, along with 25 mpg of regular vs. 6 mpg of premium.  It was the late 70’s, and mpg was more important than mph, something Gerald never understood.  Until  got my MG Midget which he used to borrow all the time.  We joked it was the spare tire for his Cad, and you could put the top down.  But yet we took many short trips in his big car, and I never minded riding along in the smell of leather surrounding me either.

And my old Cadillac would be only one of three four door sedans I would ever own, coupes, hardtops, or convertibles, but never a sedan.  And never a long trip in any big car.  There was a trip from Albuquerque to Jersey with Terry and Geralyn in her Datsun, and the trip to Denver in the Midget, but never in anything bigger.  It was always small car for long trips, even a small pickup riding to Joplin to assist in the tornado clean up, but never a full size.  I guess I just like smaller cars, owning a Mustang Theresa shares with me.  But then there are motorcycles...and large is the way to go.  Now I have gone cross country on everything from a Honda Nighthawk 650 to my FJ1100 to various Triumphs and BMW’s.  Big bikes on long trips rule, but yet I prefer my Bonneville around town, no short trips on big bikes, unless I have a Press bike.  Exceptions to all rules.  Yet I travel light, despite the engine cc, and delight as I fill up for under $20 at today’s prices vs. $80 to others in big cars.  Oh and by the way, I own the bikes, so the true cost of riding vs. driving is still in my favor.

One memorable short trip 2000 years ago shows Jesus riding on a colt.  Fulfilling prophecy, he told his disciples to find a donkey and her colt.  Before this time, soldiers rode the horses, and royalty the colts.  Jesus was showing his deity, his royalty.  But Jewish tradition at the time had them riding horses, only the poor rode donkey colts.  Jesus rode the equivalent into town of Rabbit, when he could have driven a Cadillac.  And the masses laid down palm branches, signs of victory, for their King had arrived.  Humble and Godly all at once, imagine our a televangelist today arriving in old Hyundai.  With a s tick shift-it just ain’t gonna happen.  But that was Jesus, humble and loving, and about to be crucified in one week.  If we were to base his success on what he rode, we would look elsewhere for success, yet he fit in with the least of us.  Proving to those in attendance, and still showing today why the gospel is simple.  Simple so I can get it, and free so we can afford it.  No monthly payments, and at any price a bargain.  Think of it like this, what would your ride be if you wanted to impress your followers?  This was also to be the last ride of Jesus, and today no matter how many we try to impress with what we ride or drive, our last ride will always be in a station wagon, a hearse.  The last ride we take, a short ride in a big car. 

Jesus was greeted with shouts of “hosanna!” meaning God saves.  The same shouts we will hear upon entering heaven.  Jesus entered town a hero, left this world cursed and crucified.  We enter this world as a sinner, and have a chance to leave it a hero, to be welcomed by Jesus himself, but not of our own Accord, apologies to Honda.  At one time they laid down palm branches for Jesus, he asks you lay down your life.  We could never earn heaven, but we can get it as a free gift.  No matter what we ride or drive, and no matter what our last ride is on or in.  As much as we try to impress others by what we drive, God is only impressed by who we are and how we love others.  When is the last time you took a ride to impress others with the love of Jesus?  Ever?  Short or long, take one today.  Pray for those clogging up the fast lane in their Prius.  Wave to other bikers.  Maybe pay a toll for the next car in line in back of you.  And one I need to work on, not wanting to kill the jerk in the SUV on their cell phone who just cut me off.  We all a final destination, we get to choose hello or heaven.  We just don’t know when or how.  The old saying “drive like hell and you’ll get there,” may be true, so show some love on the road today.  That short trip in a a big car is inevitable upon death, for now enjoy the ride.  Jesus had quite a ride into town, the ride he took out of town surpassed it, it was heavenly.  Make your day and the days of others heavenly too, show Jesus by courtesy, kindness, and goodness.  Never been stopped for those.  Pray for your enemies on the road who are out to get you.  And pray for those in big cars too.  Their last ride today may be in their own big car and they don’t know it.  Heaven may be only seconds away, compared to the price of a fill up salvation is the better bargain.  Stay full of the spirit today, Jesus knew what laid ahead, we don’t.  A message from the road safety division at Matthew 25 Biker.  And of course, look out for motorcycles too.

love with compassion,

Mike

mattehw25biker.blogspot.com

wanna be rich?

No one sets out in life to be poor.  No one sets out in life to become mediocre.  No one I have ever met is average.  But yet we are placed in categories in life based on wealth, job titles, what we drive, and where  we live.  Add in Zip Code, where you vacation, and who you know and there are still more categories to claim you.  So we all set out with dreams of making money, of having the corner office, and of driving a Mercedes Benz.  We want to eat steak, vacation in Cancun, and shop at Nordstrom’s.  We want to have the best seats at a concert, be recognized for all we have done, and retire early, yet we miss the real rewards in life.  If only I get that promotion, if only the loan comes through, if only my co-worker slips up and I can get his office.  If only my boss sees how he company cannot run without me.  If only my raise comes through and they really pay me what I am worth.  If only I am made a partner in the firm, then I will be successful.  if only I can lose 20 pounds so I fit into my bikini on vacation, and the list goes on.  Not so much bad dreams and desires, but they are all predicated on the fact that as my outer man prospers, so does my inner man.  It never works that way, as I have known men who get up each morning and check their net worth.  Men whose name opens doors by just mentioning it.  Men who have achieved fame and fortune, who have lived their dreams, who get paid for their autograph.  And I know many who are miserable.  The old story goes about a businessman on his death bed, no one ever heard him wish to make one more deal, make one more paycheck, to buy one more sports car.  But yet they tell of wishing they had spent more time with their families.  That they had taken care of their health.  That they had eaten better, not better.  They worry about how much they leave, and who will get it, and fight over it.  Who will take care of my family, because I never did.  I was busy earning while they were busy spending.  What  kind of legacy will I leave them?  Who will come to my funeral, and how much will I really be missed? 

Jesus tells us that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than the rich to inherit the kingdom of God.  Not that rich people don’t, anyone who has more money than me is rich, anyone who has less is poor.  Yet we find those who have much and don’t share it are miserable.  Jesus also tells us the poor will always be among us, and working with the poor I can see that to be true.  But your FICO score or fancy car doesn’t make you rich, but it can make you poor.  Remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus, who stepped over Lazarus every day on his way?  His riches didn’t make him rich, but his attitude to the poor and needy made him poor.  Yet we find Lazarus in heaven, the rich man in hell, the difference being God in their lives.  Ken tells me I have it easy, try telling someone who has six cars, two homes, and a rich retirement they need Jesus.  Yet we don’t know their hearts, only Jesus does, and he sees what we cannot see, and also what we won’t see. 

A friend of mine, Kevin led the National League in homeruns one year.  He was in Game 6 with the Mets.  He was an All Star, and made millions.  Yet he has cried in my arms, because his daughter is on drugs, and he doesn’t know what to do.  He is lost, seeking God, and finding comfort cannot be found in fame or fortune.  Another old friend was a major hitter in the collector car market.  He even had a fish sticker in his office, helped the poor, and hired a man who had AIDS.  He had compassion, yet he didn’t know Jesus.  He went to church, tithed faithfully, yet it wasn’t personal.  So when I asked him to pray, he was surprised, shocked, and taken aback.  Yet when we did, I left him with tears in his eyes.  So close yet so far.  And yet another man when being transferred, and not particularly well liked was given a token going away party, he was saddened.  No one liked him, he was going to a better position with more pay, and many were glad to see him go.  After the party I went by his office, and found him alone.  Looking up he asked if I came to say goodbye, I told him no, can I pray with you?  And he let me...to my surprise, and when I left he was bawling.   You see we never see the inner man, and we so cleverly hide or camoflage the outer one, but in each case something was missing-Jesus. 

I minster to a man named Michael, who has many problems.  He has been told he is a schizo, a homo, not loved, not wanted, and medicated for his own protection.  Yet God has put him on my heart, and we have become friends.  I have stuck with him when no one else has, and loved him when he was unlovable.  He lives on $850 a month, leaving $200 for food and necessities.  I have and had nothing to offer him but love, and because of that he is changing.  He is participating in Bible studies, cleaning up his act, and he is a different person.  Nothing I did but love him, it was and is Jesus who is changing his life.  Not me.  He now greets me with hugs, and tells me how much he loves me, and wants to please God.  He is richer than many for Jesus is his wealth.  And he gives me things to put in the offering, buttons and pennies.  And he gives to others, where before he could only survive.  Jesus Christ changed his life, and he is rich in him.  Things that may not show on a balance sheet, but things that matter to God. 

Now being rich doesn’t guarantee hell, jut like poor doesn’t guarantee heaven.  Jesus makes the difference, and only Jesus.  You and God make a majority, and his love is so strong it can overcome your sin.  But you must turn to him.  Again we see a rich man wanting to inherit heaven, but will not part with his riches on earth.  And goes away crying.  He even talked to Jesus, got the right answer, but his pride in things kept him out.  What is standing between you and Jesus today?  Money, cars, career?  Would you be willing to serve God even if it is embarrassing to you?  And could effect your social and financial standing?  Would you give to have a building named after you, but hold out on God?  Maybe the story of George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is your hero.  Yet we have many Mr. Potter’s out there.  Money is not the root of all evil, the LOVE of money is, and we are told the rich man never has enough, and stays up nights worrying about it.  I know poor who sleep the same way.  For the LOVE of money will bring you down, placing valuables over values will make you poor, and choosing them over God will keep you from heaven.  It was the one who hid his talents Jesus cursed, not the one who invested them wisely.  So, you wanna be rich?  Seek God first, and his righteousness, and he will add all things unto you.  One day when broke and bills piling up, I had a nest of birds who kept attacking my cat.  I finally took a hose and destroyed their nest, hoping to send a message-GET OUT!  And stay out.  Yet  found them later playing in the puddle the water had formed in the street.  Happy and carefree and Jesus reminded me of the sparrow who don’t work or earn, yet God takes care of them.  And how he does me.  Without knowing, they trusted God more than I did?  So maybe when life is for the birds, call on the one who created them, tends for them, and cares for them.  But who made you in his own image, with a will to choose Jesus or deny him.  Heaven or hell, maybe not in the order we think. Heaven here can be hell later, but hell here can be heaven later.  So I will leave you with this thought to consider.  A reporter is seeking Mother Theresa for an interview.  He finds her in a hospital full of disentary, the flu, sickness and disease, and is appalled by it.  He thinks she is crazy, and tells her “I wouldn’t do this for a million dollars.”   To which she replied “neither would I.”  The poor will always be among us, I cannot think of a better group of people to see in heaven, can you? 

Invite a rich man today, and increase your net worth.  Investing in the things of God will always bring about a great return.  Tell the lost, rather show the lost the love of Jesus, he will change their lives, like he has changed yours.  For one brief shining moment be that bird without a home, but happy and carefree in Christ.  All it takes is a little love from Jesus, and someone to deliver his message.  Still wanna be rich?  He is taking applications now....not for a million dollars.  Only in Christ, the richest Jew ever.  My boss, my friend, and my savior.   And yours....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

opening acts

“You’ve got to pay your dues, if you want to sing the blues...” sang Ringo, and it is true of rock and roll too.  Over the years when in high school and college, I went to many rock concerts.   And for the $4 we spent on them, we used to be able to buy their latest album, plus a Big Mac, fries, and a Coke.  We demanded much, and so we got twin bills, a known group with a warm up band as its opening act.  Like getting two for one, such a deal.  And such a deal it was, as I saw The Eagles as an opening act for the Beach Boys, and for Robin Trower.  How about another Beach Boys show with Looking Glass, remember their only hit “Brandy, you’re a fine girl...” the Kinks, one I will never forget, and then the B. Boys.  How about Ike and Tina Turner?  Top line on their own, I saw them open for Santana.  The J. Geils Band was a hot opening act for anyone from Emerson, Lake, and Palmer to again Santana, until one night I saw Black Oak Arkansas, another one hit wonder, of Smokin’ in the Boys Room fame, and Peter Frampton warm up for them.  The same Frampton whose live album is the all time best selling live album.  Again Robin Trower for Yes.  How about The Eagles and Mountain, whose hard rock set the place on fire, warming us up for Alice Cooper?  But one night at Avery Fischer Hall, a small concert hall in Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, quite high brow, we went to see Chicago.  But they could never keep up with the opening act, who lit us up with their classic Born to Run, before the album came out.  Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and I can’t remember much after that song.  And I loved Chicago, just not the city.  And so in every concert, it was the job of the opening act to set the tone for the main event, and to gain recognition for themselves.  A far cry from seeing The Who at Union Catholic High School, and Iron Butterfly with local bands as opening acts.  Or seeing Santana for $2 at New Providence High, with the local groups being able to say they shared top billing with Supergroups.  If only we had known at the time the deal what we were getting, we would have spent the extra dollar for better seats.  But like Ringo sang, “you know it don’t come easy.”

John the Baptist was quite a big name in his time.  He drew huge crowds wherever he went, baptizing people in the name o f God for forgiveness of sins.  So popular was he, that King Herod hated him, but was afraid if he killed him it would be bad press for him.  Seems John had some bad press said about Herod and his living conditions.  But under pressure from his step daughter one night, after her famous dance performance, he told her she could have anything in his kingdom.  She asked for J the B’s head on a platter, and he couldn’t refuse because of the crowd who was there, and his head she got.  This man who was famous, and famously meek, who would preach the coming of Jesus, and tell how he “wasn’t fit to tie the sandal of one so great,” was the opening act for the gospel.  His job was to pave the way for the first coming of Jesus on earth.  To tell people of how he saved, who he was, and how to be saved.  Giving his own life, and fulfilling the prophecies he spoke of, before he was able to see Jesus fulfill them.  His preaching about forgiveness of sins had many think he was savior, but he was really just the opening act.  One who would become a name in his own right, but knew who the real savior was.  And told everyone, until death cut his message short.  It would be this same John who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, and who saw the Holy spirit enter into Jesus as a dove.  Talk about an opening act!  For anyone but Jesus it would be tough to follow, but today we find that anyone after Jesus is a tough act to follow.  Yet we are given the chance to follow him to heaven if we give him our lives.  Yet many don’t, won’t and turn away.  They believe him as a historic figure, but not as the Son of God.  Not the savior the scriptures promised.  Some even worship in churches today named after St. John, or San Juan Bautista, bit it was, is, and always will be all about Jesus.  John knew that, his opening act setting an example for us today.  For like any great performance , it demands an encore.  And Jesus is coming back....for all who believe.

Now if you doubt God’s Word today, and don’t believe the facts about Jesus’ first trip to earth, you will be surprised and amazed at his second.  Fro in the sound of a trumpet, he will call his followers home to heaven for eternity.  And for those who are left, the ones who don’t believe the claims of Jesus, it will be a time of turmoil, the seven roughest years in earth’s history.  If you think it is hard with Christian here, when we are gone so will all good, morals, and evil will have its way.  And like the cool posters from the sixties and seventies, Jesus warns of us of what is to come.  Various earthquakes, pestilence, crime out of control, murder and abortion, mothers turning on their children, and the likes of pornography, degradation of the family, and wrong being right, and right being called wrong.  Sound like today...a final warning for all to see, so universally done that it not only proves a creator, but of his love.  He sent Jesus once to save us, now he will send him to call us home.  The wedding will be consummated, the eternal parties begin.  No parties in hell like the cartoonists like to show, no exit, only a gate keeping you out.  And this may be your last chance for tickets for the greatest show on earth, and heaven.  Don’t scoff at the price of the tickets, and don’t worry about seating.  For every knee will bow on heaven and in hell, just one side will party.  The others will be in darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth.  So lonely because they denied Jesus.  But the show is just beginning, and good seats are still available.  But only in Jesus, will you be assured a place in heaven.  The Book of Life will record your transaction, your sin for his glory and grace, and when the show starts, you’ll be there.  A rock show like none other, with Jesus the rock the main act.  In fact the only act, as for the ticket you bought no one else will ever share the bill.  It’s Jesus and .....Jesus. 

Some like to proclaim that rock and roll will never die.  Names like Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, John Lennon, and George Harrison tell us different.  Only in Jesus will life never end, but only when Jesus is the rock, and your name is on the role!   See you there.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

riding out loud

How many times have you passed something cool along the road and didn’t stop?  You may have been riding with someone, or even had a passenger along, and figured you would talk about it at the next stop light, gas stop, or snack stop.  But when you mention it, the other person missed it, they don’t know what you are talking about, and the more excited you were, the more they missed it, and couldn’t care less.  They needed to water a lemon tree and were looking for a rest room, you were enjoying the road and nothing else.  And you find although you were both on the same ride, the same road, and maybe the same bike, you were on two different trips.  Many times I have been greeted with “did you see the fill in the blank back there?” when I was only looking for the next turn.  Missing cops at high speed used to be a specialty of mine, slower speeds have helped cure that.  But often you can ride alone together, or is it together alone, and both parties have taken a separate trip.

Over the years Theresa has taken thousands of photos from the back of the Tiger, thanks to the gift of digital cameras.  And when reviewing them when we get home, many times I have to ask “where was that taken?”  Only to get the full story, and shaking my head in approval.  But the scary ones are when I am in them and still don’t remember...déjà vu only works if you remember.  So when looking at the pics, I look for landmarks, signs, road signs, or even license plates to tell where I was, for what good is a memory if you don’t remember it?   And yet I still don’t remember but still go along for the ride.  Almost as bad is seeing something along the way and failing to stop.  You know you may never ride there again, yet you file it away for future reference, the next ride.  And you wished you had stopped, you wish you had taken the time, and later read about what you missed when you get home.  Seeing signs for riding the Snake are not the same as riding the Snake!  That one I didn’t miss, but the more you ride, the more you see, and the more plans you make for your next trip back, even though many times you know you will never return.  Almost pacifying yourself over your poor choice, you promise not to make the same mistake again.  So a few years back, we decided to take the roads we used to pass by, to see where they go.  And have developed a flexibility that has taken us places we didn’t know about, would have passed, and changed the rest of the trip.  One long trip down a side road when you were planning on making time will reroute your whole trip, for some that is a bummer, for us we go with it, knowing God has provided us with special trip planning we would have otherwise missed.  And one key to our better rides is conversing more, pointing to things, and not being afraid to go back and try that road.  We communicate, you could call it riding out loud, and our rides may not be as long, or as far away, but I have seen things now I didn’t know about, gone to see things I had no interest in before, and met some nice people I otherwise would have passed by.  I, we took the time to visit when we were there, rather than waiting until we stopped.  “Did you see that back there?” has turned to “I’m glad you pointed that out, I would have missed it.”  All because we took the time to ride out loud with each other.

Thanks to phones identifying the caller, and Theresa knowing my voice after 37 years, I don’t have to tell her who it is when I call.  She knows my voice, and I know hers.  Ask yourself, is your prayer life like that?  How many times do you feel like a stranger to God, going into great details about your problem, which he knows about anyway, and then hanging up?  It’s like asking directions when lost, then going your own way...proving you are never lost as long as you have gas, and God.  But as much a our prayer time needs more intimacy, to be more personal and a dialogue and not a monologue, so does our Bible time.  Ever read through a chapter just to stay on your schedule with a study and not get it?  Would it have not made more sense to stop and ask God what he is trying to show you?  And then falling behind, and finally giving up on the study, and praying less.  Falling out of fellowship with God and with church.  And the later seeing the photos of what you had missed, if only you had asked God to come with you.  Now I am not against Bible study, but too many study on a set course, they know the word better than anyone, but don’t get to know Jesus.  He is words on a page, a missed photo op into what the spirit has to say, and although you can quote him, you really never heard his words.  And too many without seeing it is him who called will not recognize him.  They read alone as we used to ride alone, when asking God as we read can enlighten us.  Stumbling over that one word  you plan on asking about later can lead you to missing the whole message God had for you that day.  He had a word for you, you were looking for sentences, but really more concerned about finishing the paragraph.  So stop and ask God, before you read.  Invite Jesus along on your reading journey, he is the perfect tour guide.  It is the spirit that reveals the mysteries of God, without him you have many words, with him they mean something.  It is his book, his story, why not bring him along?  Get some real insight yourself.  It is like hearing someone who went to Israel.  Then hearing about it.  Then seeing the photos.  But when you see them in the photos, then it means something, now it is personal.  And so is Jesus...for riding out loud.

On a trip to Mt. Rushmore years ago we were taken in by the beauty and history.  But meeting Mr. Clifford, who actually worked on it, talking with him and having our picture taken with him made it personal.  When I look at the four faces now, I see a fifth, Mr. Clifford’s, I know him.  No longer am I just a visitor, I know someone who was there, who built it.  Is your walk with God like that?  Do you see the face of Jesus when you read?  Do you hear his voice or just read the words?  Do you ask directions, stop and listen, or figure you will catch up next trip?  You may be in all the pictures, but where is Jesus?  Unless he is in the picture, maybe you are on a different ride.  Maybe you should stop and ask him along and follow his directions.  When you read, whose face do you see?  Whose face do you first look for in your trip pics?  The best photos, the best memories, and the best times are when Jesus is in the picture with you.  Along for the ride, riding out loud with you.  Now if it can work on a trip on two wheels, imagine the ride you can have when reading the Bible with him?   All you need to do is ask, and hang on for the ride of your life.  Ask him along, follow his lead, and see things others only read about.  They only read the book, you know the author. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com