road closures

Nothing can be as infuriating as taking a favorite road, and after a few miles find it has been closed.  Maybe it is construction, maybe an accident, but whatever it is it interrupts the flow of our ride, causing us to make alternate decisions, to change our course.  Sometimes we were on our way to meet someone, and we don’t want to be late or to make them worry.  Sometimes it is the ever present traffic guard with his sign, allowing traffic to proceed only one way, generally not yours. But mostly it is an inconvenience, and the first thing we do is grumble.  The worst words come from our mouths, and we look for blame in others.  If we are able to proceed after waiting, we see people on the other side just as impatient, hoping we didn’t look so rude.  Or when faced with turning back, more times than not see there was a sign warning us, that we chose to ignore, it couldn’t mean us, or we missed because we weren’t paying attention.  It is these seemingly inconvenient road closures that change our course, our direction, and often lead us to roads we never would have taken.  And find a better road because of it.  Life is like that too, the warning signs are there, yet we are too busy to look, to stupid to obey, or too proud thinking they are for everyone else but us.

One afternoon while chasing down ghost towns in the Sangre de Cristo we came upon a small valley with a beautiful river running through it.  Winding our way down, we came upon a Toyota pickup halfway across it, not moving.  In these pre-lifted days, you could see the water half way up the doors, and we stopped to offer help.  Seems he tried to get across despite the rushing water, and his wife’s insistence they didn’t try.  But he was stubborn, and they went for it, stalling half way across, and now he was stuck.  They had climbed out the windows, and we agreed to winch them out.  We gave him the line, and he waded out, secured it to the rear bumper, and soon he was out.  The water line on the side of the truck showed it to be about two feet deep.  But inside was the real story.  Looking in there were cassette tapes floating, his deck under water, and water just below the bottom of the seat.  Other various things that once found haven on his floor and console were floating too, and as he opened the door, they all ran out with the water.  Which put the crowning blow on his being bummed out.  We then lifted the hood, water had been up to the air cleaner, fortunately not in it, and after some repeated tries, it started, ran rough, and he picked up his stuff and turned around for home.  As we watched him leave with heavy disappointment of mood, we wondered should we try it,or turn back.  But a third suggestion had us go downstream a bit, maybe a half mile along the river in a meadow, and came across a shallow area, pretty enough we stopped to take pictures and eat, and then crossed , barely getting the truck wet.  Just a few minutes from where he sunk his truck was a safe crossing, he had ignored the obvious signs, and pride literally drove him into the drink.  An unusual sense of common had prevented us form the same fate that day...it could have been us.

It is important to remember it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.  But in listening to God, he and his family, only his family were saved.  For 120 years this 600 year old man had labored on the ark, without power tools, but with the jeering of his neighbors making fun of him.  It had never rained, so why would you build an ark for protection?  Why would God have you do it?  What warning signs did he offer?  Yet Noah built the ark, built with direction from God, built to a standard that all sea going ships are built to today, making them the most stable.  I’m sure there were times he wanted to quit, to question his sanity, and maybe doubt God.  But he kept at it....and on his 720th birthday it started to rain.  Talk about raining on your party, but he found safety and salvation in the ark just as God promised, even down to what and how much to bring.  Not knowing how long he would be secured inside.  And God sent the animals two by two, notice male and female, a family, to continue making families after the flood.  Just like Noah and his sons did, for we are all descendants of Noah.  Floods are part of our family heritage, and so we should be prepared for them.  We have had centuries to look back, to trust God and to get to know him.  Yet so many times we are caught by surprise, claim we weren’t prepared when all the signs were there, and so was God.

Jesus died while we were yet sinners.  Important to note, as God was ready to save us long before we were even born.  Nothing we do surprises him, he is never caught off guard.  He warns us, guides us, and then forgives us, altering our course as we go, taking us down roads he chooses for us, avoiding floods and other dangers if we listen.  Sometimes taking us kicking and screaming where we need to go, and altering our route.  To us a detour, to him the way.

And Jesus is the way, and the way back.   His signs are there, his spirit is willing, and all it takes is us.  Our choice, sink or swim.  In my minds eye I can still see the cassettes floating in that Toyota, and they didn’t have to.  His bad decision helped us make a better one, see the signs are always there.  Before you wade too deep into uncharted waters today, ask God where he wants you to go.  Ask directions, then follow them.  It might be a rough road, but later you can thank him for the ride.  And not the flood.  Detours are God’s way of having us change direction and get back on his course.  Road closures prevent us from further danger.  We never know lies around the corner, a biker died last week coming around a corner where there was an accident with no warnings.  I’ll bet there was a sign of some sort,and ifnot visible, it may have been spiritual, the spirit warning of danger.  Remember that next time you stop and miss by just that much.  The importance of the spirit guiding.  Bring the umbrella of truth with you today, you never know when you will need it.  And remember, it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.  Call it the parable of the floating cassettes...now do you get it?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

AKA-one name wonders

In every group of people, there seems to be one that always stands out.  Usually for good reasons, but not unusual to find one branded X for other obvious reasons.  But good or bad, this one stands out.  And one quality of all is that they go by just one name, no last name needed.  “Go see Big John, he’ll tow you home,” and no problem finding Big John in the shop.  How many Rusty’s have you known who didn’t have red hair?  Among bikers how many do you know named Tiny, that are just the opposite?  My first friend Tiny was in high school, 6’5” and 280 pounds.  But I also have friend named Shorty who really is, can’t miss him in a crowd, of course he is hard to find by his height.  How many license plate frames have had something to do with the princess inside, only to find she was the frog that got kissed.  Princess Di they ain’t.  I used to play basketball with a guy named Stick, my skinny arms were bigger than his skinny body.  A friend in college was named Big Don, all 6’9’'” and 360 pounds, better than a gun we would call him, and knowing him kept us out of trouble.  But his Hemi Cuda kept him constantly in it.  Legend has it the car was built around him...the 5 minute exit or entry exercise could confirm.  Beaver Cleaver even had friend named Whitey, before it took on racial overtones.  Black Bart the pirate, and anyone called Blackie usually meant he was a bad dude.  Remember Rerun, you had to look twice to see him all?  In baseball just mention Willie, Mick, or The Duke, and you know we mean Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Duke Snider.  Who doesn’t know who Buckwheat is, but mention Billy Thomas, most draw a blank. 

Many today are known by just their nicknames, A-Rod, Mr. October, The Governator, The Shoe, OJ, Pistol Pete, and The Brown Bomber-all sports legends.  But also in crime, mention the Birdman of Alcatraz and you see Burt Lancaster’s face, not the Robert Stroud who was a pervert, and nothing like the man in the movie.  Son of Sam we know, who is David Berkowitz?  The Teflon Don, John Gotti.  Who else but Elvis could be called King?  Ol’ Blue Eyes, Satchmo, Pearl, and Snoop Dog.  How many would know him by his real name Calvin Broadus?  Mention Oprah, Rush, and Geraldo we all know who you mean.  But for most the nickname was given in respect, with few exceptions, and how we remember or know the person.  No nickname, no fame.  If you have to mention last names, it loses the effect.  Sinatra will always be Ol’ Blue Eyes, except on his arrect record, as Francis Albert Sinatra.  The law has no place for nicknames on public records, but does have AKA, also known as.  For Clarence Rutherford would you look under Lumpy?  D or R for Reagan, Dutch or Ronald?  How many know someone named Sonny, traditionally a nickname for the first born son in an Italian family?  Bubba, same in Texas.  Only a Top Gear fan would know Captain Slow, only an old movie fan would know who The Man of a 1000 Faces is, and not confuse him with his son Lon Chaney, Jr.  And maybe the most famous baby of all time, most famous orphan, and Man of Steel Superman, we know his AKA as Clark Kent, but his real parents called him Kal-El.  Superman rescues people, who the heck is Kal-El?  So maybe there is more to a name, or nickname, or how we got them than meets the eye.  Or ear. 

He is referred to as “the man from Galilee,” “the Nazarene,” “Son of God,” Son of Man,” “Master, savior, and Lamb of God.”  In fact there are almost 200 names given to Jesus Christ that he is referred to in the Bible.  From “I am,” to “the rock,” to “wonderful counselor,” just mention any of them and you know of who we speak.  We know his name, but do you know the man?  Do you know him personally enough to just call him Jesus?  You see all the other names describe him, just like nicknames do for people today.  But his name is Jesus, and no other name under heaven and earth has the power to save.  And sadly no other name is used in vain.  There is power in the name of Jesus, but only when used under the power of the holy spirit.  Some religions will go as far as teacher or rabbi, some go as far as the son of God, but yet fall short of recognizing him as the only true son of God.  The Begotten One, they refer to an historic Jesus, not the deity of him as Christ.  His mother was told to name him Jesus, yet others knew him as Immanuel.  God with us.  We call him Lord or Master.  But my favorite and most personal is he calls us friend, so among his many AKA’s we find the descriptions of him, and also form our relationship with him.  But to know him personally we must confess he is Lord, and the only true son of God.  He is all the other things he is referred to in the Bible, but knowing him personally makes it all real.  Who you call him, tells much about where you are with him.  I choose to be a friend of Jesus....

So there are names and then there are names.  Some we worship because of their athletic feats, political feats, or physical features.  Only one, Jesus Christ is all he said he is.  Who came to save us from our sin.  Whose name is like no other under the earth or above.  At whose name every knee will bow eternally, saved in worship in heaven, unsaved in agony and who they rejected in hell.  No other name...and he knows you and yours personally.  Can I get an amen?  Jesus knows me!

One name wonders, we all know of one, or are called by a nickname.  My name Michael means gift of God, and it takes God to differentiate between all of us Michaels out there, and yet he does.  Maybe that is why we will all have anew name in heaven, reserved just for us.  Kal-El, Clark Kent, Superman...the same man but known by each person differently.  Peter was asked by Jesus,”who do you say I am?”  He answered “the Christ,” passing the final exam for eternal life in heaven, Jesus telling him “you have answered correctly.”  So here is your final exam, open book if needed, no trick questions and it must come from the heart.  Who do you say Jesus is?  For me 200 names are not enough to describe an infinite God, so I’ll just call him friend.  My friend, my best friend.  Man’s best friend.  All in 5 letters-Jesus.  There are names, and then there are names.....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

Advocate

Almighty God

Alpha and Omega

Amen, The

Ancient of Days

Anointed

Anointed One

Author

Author of Eternal Salvation

Beginning

Beginning and the Ending

Begotten

Beloved

Beloved Son

Jesus

God

Christ

Beloved Son of God

Blessed of God

Bread of Life

Bridegroom

Bright and Morning Star

Captain of Man's Salvation

Captain of Our Salvation

Carpenter

Carpenter's Son

Chief Cornerstone

Chosen

Chosen of God

Christ

Christ Child

Christ of God

Christ the Lamb

Comforter

Consolation of Israel

Cornerstone

Counselor

Creator

Creator of All Things

Deliverer

Divine Son

Door of the Sheep

Emmanuel

End of the Law

Endless

Eternal

Eternal Father

Eternal God

Eternal Head

Eternal Judge

Eternal Judge of Quick and Dead

Everlasting Father

Example

Exemplar

Faithful and True

Father

Father of Heaven and Earth

Finisher

Finisher of faith

First and the Last

Firstborn

Firstfruits

Forerunner

God

God of Abraham

God of Isaac

God of Israel

God of Jacob

God of Thy Father

God of Whole Earth

God's Anointed

God's Holy Child Jesus

Good Shepherd

Governor

Great I AM

Great God

Great Shepherd

Head of Every Man

Head of the Body

Head of the Church

Healer

Heir of All Things

Holy

Holy Child

Holy Messiah

Holy One

Holy One of Israel

Holy One of Jacob

I AM

Image of God

Immanuel

Jehovah

Jesus

Jesus Christ

Jesus of Galilee

Jesus of Nazareth

Joseph's Son

Judge

Judge of Quick and Dead

Just One

Just, The

King

King of Israel

King of Kings

King of Zion

King of the Jews

Lamb

Lamb of God

Life, the

Light of the World

Light, the

Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Living Bread

Living Stone

Living Water

Lord

Lord from Heaven

Lord God

Lord God Almighty

Lord God of Hosts

Lord Jehovah

Lord Jesus

Lord of All

Lord of Dead

Lord of Glory

Lord of Hosts

Lord of Living

Lord of Lords

Lord of the Sabbath

Lord Omnipotent

Lord our Righteousness

Lord's Christ

Maker

Man of Counsel

Man of Holiness

Master

Mediator

Meek and Lowly

Messenger of the Covenant

Messiah

Mighty God

Mighty One

Mighty One of Israel

Mighty One of Jacob

Minister

Most High God

Nazarene

Offspring of David

One Body

Only Begotten

Only Begotten of the Father

Only Begotten Son

Our Passover

Physician

Power of God

Prince

Prince of Life

Prince of Peace

Prophet

Prophet of Nazareth

Propitiation for Sins of Whole World

Rabbi

Redeemer

Redeemer of Israel

Redeemer of the World

Resurrection and the Life

Revealer

Righteous Judge

Righteous Man

Rock, the

Rock of Heaven

Root of Jesse

Sacrifice, the

Savior

Savior of Israel

Savior of the World

Second Comforter

Seed of Abraham

Seed of David

Seed of the Woman

Servant of Jehovah

Servant of the Lord

Shepherd

Son

Son of Abraham

Son of David

Son of God

Son of Man

Son of Mary

Son of Righteousness

Son of the Blessed

Son of the Eternal Father

Son of the Everlasting God

Son of the Highest

Son of the Living God

Son of the Most High God

Spiritual Rock

Stem of Jesse

Teacher Come from God

True Vine

Truth, the

Unchangeable One

Way, the

Well Beloved

Wisdom of God

Wonderful

Word of Life

Word, the

Worthy

one spring day, 1972

I had learned to ride mini bikes with my best friend Bill, later riding at higher speeds on Dave’s Tecumseh, wow 5 horsepower!  But I had learned to ride a real motorcycle, a Honda 50 that was Ricky’s a year earlier.  Heel and toe shifter, 3 speed with no clutch, this 50cc monster could  hit 45mph before I needed to brake, and do it all over again.  Many a day after school was spent riding, coming home dirty and bruised, explaining to parents about playing football.  Lying as best I could, they hated motorcycles, and so the word wasn’t mentioned at our house.  Respectable people didn’t ride, the aura of The Wild One still present some 13 years after.  Was the Johnny rebelling?  But when BH and I hooked up my senior year, riding his brush painted CL77, the famous 305, my life was about to change forever.  No longer would cars be cool, two wheels forever, and in full rebellion told my parents not only I was riding, but I was going to buy a new 1972 CB350, the most popular Honda in the world.  And the battle was on....

I had saved enough money from my paper route, summer jobs, and my after school job at Sears to have the purchase price of $825 from Ralph’s Honda in Maplewood, and the countdown of days began.  Frist I was told NO motorcycle.  Then I couldn’t live at home if I got one.  Fine, Vinny’s dad said it was cool if I moved in.  Then it was things will be different, then you cannot park it in the garage, then I did, and now I still do some 43 years later.  A fad they were hoping was fading, was to direct my life forever.  But that one spring day in 1972, my life changed when cutting school, we rode double on BH’s 305 to Maplewood, and my dream became reality.  With a quick lunch at Dot’s lunch, even truant bike riders get hungry, my first ride to eat, eat to ride experience, it was on to buying the bike.  After paying careful attention to the instructions about the bike, which I quickly forgot, we were off.  Anywhere was special, we were in an area new to us, so we followed roads to see where they would take us.  Carefully, I mean recklessly arriving back at school just when it was getting out, so I could show off my new bike.  In my metal flake gold helmet to match my bike, I was cool, and some even said so.  I was now a motorcyclist, said so right on my license, and where I used to park with the gearheads, drag racing after school, now I shared space with a 900cc Sportster, another Honda like mine, an SL350, and a Whizzer.  Cool had bumped me up a notch, I saw things differently, and would never see them the same again.  I had freedom, all 325cc’s of it, could go 100 mph if wanted, could fill up for under a buck, and a whole new world was opening up to me.  I still had a car, after all it was New Jersey and the wonderful weather it was known for, but suddenly the car sat, the bike got ridden, and I went places, saw things, met people, girls too, always carrying an extra helmet just in case, and in 5 short months rode over 6000 miles.  Heading west into Pennsylvania we found new roads to conquer, places to eat, and countrysides not found in the Garden State.  Suddenly my life had no boundaries, and BH and I rode every moment we could.  In tribute to Easy Rider I was Captain America, he was Billy, and a new found freedom was found and enjoyed.  Life behind bars, handlebars changed my life.  Suddenly the words of Billy and Captain A and George around a campfire became real, we had freedom, and although people talked about freedom, they were afraid of it.  A freedom I cannot explain, but one that became real on one spring day in 1972, the day I bought my first bike.

A few short years later I would become a Christian, be born again, and accept Jesus Christ as my lord and savior.  I went through a lot of changes those early days, suddenly I had no freedom, I had a set of rules, but that was soon to change.  Scripture tells us “where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty,” I had that spirit, and began to enjoy it.  I had gone from bondage in sin, to bondage by rules of religion, finally set free by the spirit of the Lord.  Where I began to experience real freedom, more than just ride, a life.  More than a lifestyle, it became apart of me, and guided by the spirit I began to not worry.  To find myself guided in my decisions, to have insight where I before could only wish for hindsight, and suddenly showing love, rather than craving it I wanted to give it.  That one summer day in 1975 I had no idea how my life would change, but God did, and some 40 years later I still ride, and still enjoy the freedom of living in the spirit.  Of getting all the blessing Jesus has for me, and being able to encourage others as well.  I can share Jesus without being religious, and ride without trying to explain why.  I was saved, and riding in Christ showed me another side of freedom I had never seen.  If you ride and know Jesus you know what I mean, if only one or the other you are only part way there. 

But how do you know when you are in the spirit?  I know when I’m not, it has become such a part of me.  My riding has come a long way from my first Honda, and also from my first day being saved.  Ups, downs, accidents, successes and failures mark my life.  But in every one of them, Jesus stood by me and with me.  Where once leaving the confines of the Garden State beckoned, now I ride in all 48 states.  Where once religion bound me, and forced me to go to church, to read my Bible, and to pray, now I do so because I want to, because I get to.  Truly where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. 

You may have had a spring day like me, and also a summer day in Christ.  Look back at them with fondness, but also look ahead to what Jesus has for you.  If not, I encourage you to seek Jesus today, spend time with him, let him into your life.  Dodge religion, spend time with God and enjoy real freedom.  Not everyone can or will ride, we can’t all be cool.  But Jesus welcomes all, and we all can be saved.  NO restrictions on who we are or what we have done.  No bounds on his love and forgiveness.  Doesn’t matter where we are, his spirit is there and calling out.  Calling us out of bondage and into freedom.  Putting our face into a rushing wind, even better than riding without a helmet.  In Christ we see more, hear more, and feel more.  We can live without bounds, except for his love.  Bound by love, rather than laws, and becoming all we can be.  If you know Jesus, you know what I mean.  If not I invite you to try him out today.  Your testimony is waiting for a happy ending....why wait when you can have Jesus now?  The road calls, what will your answer be?  One spring day in May just might change your life, it did mine.  Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.  No fading fad.  Hondas optional.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the perfect crime-solved!

My Nana was a very sweet, but dingy woman.  She had certain Nana-isms that we found funny, and we all would laugh at them, waiting for the next gem to come.  One afternoon when we around 10, my cousin Steve and I were told “do not play football in the living room.”  A few times.  We stopped, but as soon as Nanawent out with our mothers, we continued.  Safe, but not as safe as in these Nerf ball days, all was well until a pass was thrown, and it hit one of the statues on her piano.  She had two of them, dark skinned, Egyptian women carrying water buckets over their heads.  They had been there as long as we could remember, at least 10 years, and she often commented on them, they were the high point sitting on top of the piano.  The ball barely hit the left statue, knocking its head off at the shoulders, causing us to panic.  We were in trouble now, so carefully we placed the head back on the shoulders, a pretty clean break, with only a little white of the plaster showing.  Then we quickly went out in the back yard and threw the ball, just as they arrived home.  We never said a word, and no one else did for the next 10 years.  Many a visit to Nana’s was made, but no word of the damage to the statue.  We carefully avoided it and any conversation about it, and to our knowledge no one ever knew about it, and if they did, never said.  We had pulled off the perfect crime, but within our consciences, we would always be afraid of being accused or found out.

Ten years did pass, Steve went to school, I moved west and on one of our visits home met at Nana’s house with our parents.  Nana was mother to our mothers.  Sitting in the living room, Nana walked around as she listened to her grandson’s stories, very proud of us.  When suddenly, standing by the piano, she exclaimed, “look, my statue is broken?  When did that happen?  Who did it?”  And Steve and I started to laugh, and laugh even more.  It had taken her 10 years to notice the broken statue, and we thought it was funny.  A new Nana-ism, but no one else thought so.  As my Father continued to yell at me, I kept laughing, as did Steve.  Uncontrollably, like when we were little kids, until we were exhausted.  No one else saw the humor in it.  And our secret was still safe, no one connected the laughter with the crime, nor the criminal.  But we finally confessed to what had happened, took the punishment of “I told you boys,” and even offered to buy a new one, if one could be found.  But all was forgiven, and to her dying day, the statue remained right where it had intercepted the pass.  Damaged, and the story told to all new comers.  The perfect crime never solved, but yet a confession still exacted from the perpetrators.  Our sin had found us out, something the best criminologists couldn’t do-our parents.  And I wonder where are those statues today?

Our sin had found us out. Numbers 32:23 tells us “but if you do not do so, take note, then you have sinned against the Lord, and your sin will find you out.”  We never realized that in our disobedience we had not only sinned against Nana, but against the Lord.  And it wasn’t God who was out looking for the criminals, but it was our sin that caught up to us.  Yet many today believe God is out to get them, that Jesus is carrying a big stick waiting to hit us with it, but nothing is farther from the truth.  Jesus came to save, to forgive, and to show us the way.  And when we abide in him, continue to fellowship with him in all things, the attitude of Christ will guide our actions.  No matter how old or how lost.  Or saved.  Jesus is the answer, and he came to set the criminals free.  No crime too big, no crime so small it goes unnoticed.  Sin will always be sin, and it will always get between us and God, causing trouble.  MY cousin and I always knew we would be found out, just not when and how.  Even our laughter couldn’t give us away, it was the spirit working in us, that brought us to repentance.  Our sin exposed, we needed forgiveness, and found it from Nana.  And from God.

There are no perfect crimes, only unsolved ones.  And it takes the spirit to reveal the mysteries of Jesus to us.  Without him the Bible makes no sense, we are still sinners and lost, and just waiting to be caught.  Thinking all others are stupid, and that we get away with it.  The statute of limitations on sin never runs out, fortunately neither does forgiveness.  Once you come to Christ and repent, all sin is forgiven, once and for all.  Past, today, and tomorrow.  Just like Jesus, the one who is the forgiveness we need to be reunited with our Father in heaven.  Without Jesus, we will die in sin, God knows, we only lie to ourselves. 

Turn to Jesus today and come clean.  The spirit is calling you to repent, to change your ways and follow him.  My crime was only a statue, but no matter how small or how cruel, be forgiven today.  Ask Jesus into your heart.  Then forgive others, including yourself.  Maybe the hardest thing to do.  Jails are filled with men who are serving their time, but are free in Christ.  God forgives, the state doesn’t.  So find the only forgiveness in him today, know heaven above is calling.  And look forward to the release to a final glory.  Heaven will be filled with sinners, sinners who repented and chose Jesus.  Whose crimes are forgiven, even though God never accuse them.  It was sin that found us out, and without Jesus we would have perished.  But in him we are forgiven....we will stand before the final judge and be found innocent, as if no sin ever happened.  I want an attorney like that, maybe that is why Jesus is called the wonderful counselor.  Perry Mason was good, Jesus is the best.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  The devil came to hunt down and destroy.  Only one forgives, one accused, the other saves.  Change your plea today to guilty, admit your sin, and give it all to Jesus.  Sentence and crime blotted out forever to a loving God.  There are no perfect crimes, yet a perfect God sent his son, one of perfection to save us.  To reunite us to him.  To us it was just a statue, but Nana’s statue.  Our sin found us out.  To God we are even more valuable, and his love is seeking to find us out.  If your attorney couldn’t get you life in heaven, turn to the wonderful counselor who can.  And will and has.  His office is right in your heart, bring all your sins and crimes, and leave them with him.  No need to carry any guilt any more, Jesus knows, Jesus forgives, and Jesus saves. 

The parable of the statues, and the perfect crime-solved.  Only God knew all the time.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

never let a good crisis go to waste

The kids in our neighborhood growing up were tree fort builders.  With new housing developments going up everywhere it seemed, an endless supply of used 2x4’s, end pieces of plywood, and nails left on the ground were available to us.  Every night after the building crews would leave, we swarmed in playing in the new houses being built, then scavenging the yard for pieces we needed to build our forts the next day.  We rarely if ever took good wood, that was stealing, and we had respect for the builders, who sometimes would cut a piece for us, or stack pieces for us to go through and take.  They helped us out, which helped us stay out of their way...we were kids and we were curious, and who could not fall for the smell of fresh lumber, of diesel exhaust from back hoes, and the sound of hammers nailing, armed by men who swung them instead of using nail guns.  We knew when the Canteen truck would come by and they would buy a donut and coffee, and we would maybe buy a donut for a nickel.  We hung out with them, just far enough away so we weren’t a nuisance, but close enough to hear the words we weren’t allowed to say yet, and weren’t really sure what they meant anyway.  We were taking advantage of a good situation, and enjoying every bit of it being a kid.  And getting an education, as we watched we saw them measure twice and cut once.  How they worked together building framework.  More than one home had our initials in the cement, guilty but not prosecuted.  We also learned about splinters first hand, how saws can cut through Wranglers, hammers grow blisters, and looking out for nails, and how quickly they could penetrate our new Keds, and require a tetanus shot...if we told our parents.  Many quality forts were built based on watching and learning, then using scraps to build our own.  We took pride in them, it was something we had built with our own two hands with no help or interference from parents.  We hung out in them, reading comics, and arguing who was better, Betty or Veronica?  We laughed at MAD not knowing how sophisticated it was, and listened to the older guys talk about girls.  We were interested, but not too interested...they were still yucky and had cooties, and not allowed in our forts.  We used what was available, used our own imaginations, limited skills, and borrowed scraps and built forts together.  Rarely as kids did we ever let a good situation go to waste...and guided by the Little Rascals on TV every morning, each day was new and exciting.  Later when racing we would learn to run what you brung, as 10 year olds we never let anything go to waste.  At least not when a tree fort was involved.

Times change, but it is really the people who change.  Where once we looked for ways to have fun, today society has too many rules, which means more rules to break, which means more confrontations with authority, which means getting caught and paying the price.  When younger we built things, today we watch as they are torn down, and in some cases never replaced.  Any time we don’t get our way, society now never lets a good crisis go to waste.  We find them in Ferguson, Baltimore, NYC, and other towns, where lack of morals has eroded the base of decency, and turned kids into thugs, the latest word.  Where kids once built tree forts for unity and fun, now they riot and shoot at the police.  They cut fire hoses, loot businesses, and then further become prey to politicians, always ready to take advantage of a good crisis, turning it around to make their point.  Never fighting or rioting, they hide behind those who do, until the next crisis comes along, abandoning them, and leaving them worse than when they entered the arena.  No Corner Store to buy candy or a Coke, leaving debris behind, and an invitation for the pusher to sell them nose candy or coke.  They are kids by age only, not by demeanor or life style.  Proving at least to me that politics and godliness run parallel to each other, and in opposite directions. 

As politicians create more laws, take advantage of more crises, and stand back as the morals of our country erodes, maybe we need a tree fort mentality.  To use what is available creatively, building rather than rioting, working together and playing together, giving ourselves a sense of value not found in many today.  When using wood to heat in Colorado we learned if you cut your own wood, you heat yourself twice.  Building strong bodies and minds faster then Wonder Bread did in its 12 ways, and wefelt good about ourselves at the end of a day.  And slept well.  Things we learned while doing, and seeing scripture come alive, while not necessarily knowing it.  We learn that if you WILL not work, you won’t eat.  Fat and lazy never built a tree fort.  We will eat of the labor of our hands, hard work makes you hungry, laziness makes you fat.  We are reminded that God put man in the Garden and told him to work it.  No politics here, where we are told to not be ashamed of our youth, but to be examples of good things in speech and conduct.  Never letting us grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap our reward.  Jesus told us we reap what we sew, the world calls it karma, but God knows, and sees.  He calls it grace, and mercy.  And unless he builds the house, the fort, we labor in vain.  So don’t give up.  Trust in God and let all men, politicians be liars.  Now there is a scripture loaded with truth.  If you believe in God show it with your good works, not to be saved, but so we can see God’s grace in you. 

We built many forts from scraps, using cast off pieces, bent nails, and learning many hands make light work.  We were proud of our blisters, we removed splinters from our friend’s hands, and we built something together.  Something we were proud of, that was our handiwork.  It told about us, and when done we rested in it for our labors.  God is not finished with us yet, and that something we are looking for is really someone, Jesus Christ.  Without him, we are like politicians serving our own goods, and laboring in vain.  Maybe JFK said it best, “ask not what your country can do for you, as what you can do for your country.”    Whether it is tree forts, families, or countries, turn to Jesus while there is still time.  The thief comes to steal and destroy, Jesus came so that we can have life, and life abundant.  Lots of tree forts, lots of friends, lots of happiness aka blessings.  Joy unspeakable, full of glory, following God instead of man.  Knowing God is fun, and what good is fun if you don’t enjoy it?  Maybe this tree fort thing has deeper roots than I thought, seems there was a man from Nazareth who was a carpenter, who understood callouses and nails.  Who probably had a few splinters in his time, who died nailed to a cross, and now is building us a place in heaven.  A skill he learned as a kid, and passes onto us today...showing that love rather than government never lets a good crisis go to waste. Elect Jesus into your life today, and enjoy eternal life.  Build a tree fort or two in love, and don’t expect media coverage.  But God will know, and so will you.  The fruit of the spirit, against which there is no law.  We were all those scraps of lumber once, only God can build us into a temple for him to live in.  Call it the parable of the tree forts....and how a hammer and nails changed my life forever.  In Christ.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

highway 61 revisited

Someone once observed that life is a journey.  If that is true, than mine is a ride, a long two wheeled ride, down many roads.  Along the way many of these roads were taken knowing where I wanted to go, which is the purpose of roads, to take us somewhere.  Some ended up dead ends after many miles with no warning signs.  On one road going over the Mogollon Rim in Arizona I came around a corner at high speed, and found a landslide, the road gone.  I was able to stop, or at least slow down before I fell over, no warning was given.  Ironically the first vehicle that came was the Highway Department putting up signs to warn of the landslide.  You will not always know what lies ahead, but also what is coming from behind.  In Tennessee it is possible to be going both east and west on US 70 at the same time.  Still can’t explain that one.  But you can be assured that today if you go anywhere it will be a road taking you there.  But not knowing what lies ahead.  How many after having an accident wish they had taken a different route, “if only I had known...” 

But some roads call, while others tell us to avoid.  Each year a list of 10 Best Roads is published somewhere, and I have ridden on most of them.  From the Pacific Coast Highway, to Route 2 across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to Highway 1 to the Florida Keys, to almost all of Route 66, I have ridden them.  Some have names, most have numbers, Route 66 is referred to as The Mother Road, designated in 1926, the major artery between Chicago and Los Angeles.  Many a story has been written or told about it, from song to books to movies, how many have gotten their kicks on Route 66?  But another famous road, designated the same year, runs north and south, paralleling the Mississippi River.  Its official name is Highway 61, or as the locals or travelers call it, The Great River Road.  Over 1600 miles following the ups and downs of the Mississippi Valleys, starting in Wyoming, Minnesota, and ending in New Orleans.  Highway 61 has as much, but different history as Route 66, and has been immortalized in song by Bob Dylan, his album “Highway 61 Revisited” showing him in his Triumph T-shirt on the cover.  Cool.  And after some research, we decided to ride Highway 61, and see America form north to south.  To follow the river, and see where the road takes us.  And over a period of days it took us through the heart of America.  One day we crossed it 7 times, not all by design, we rode it on 4 laners, and winding roads.  Eating at old BBQ shacks, fueling at stations at general stores.  Trying to avoid franchised America as much as possible.  It can be done, but it takes time, and the road took us places we didn’t expect, and when it was expected never disappointed. 

Today I turn 61, and look back at my Highway 61 Revisited.  Where I have been, the roads and people I met, the meals eaten or missed, and places I want to go back to.  I have been to the Crossroads of the Blues, the crossroads Clapton sang about, and also at the crossroads with God, wondering which road to take in situations.  40 years ago I came to the crossroads, and was faced with the cross.  I had to make a choice of which way to go, continue on my own, stumbling with no destination, no road map and not knowing where I might end up, or choose Jesus, and have life assured after death.  I chose to buy the insurance Jesus offered at an early age, and have never regretted it. Instead of taking the fork in the road when I came to it, I chose Jesus.  I didn’t know what lied ahead, we aren’t told or we would argue or change the plans, but I can tell you being on the road with Jesus is the only way to go.  Riding in the curves in the mountains, we don’t know what lies ahead, but God does, he sees from above.  He warns us, often his spirit warning of trouble, and not abandoning us when we take the wrong road anyway.  My revisited 61 years of highways have taken me to 48 states, Canada, and Mexico on two wheels.  Almost 1 million miles on two wheels over 43 years of riding, yet I look forward to today’s ride with the same excitement.  Short or long, God rides with me, and no matter the road conditions, weather, or SUV’s out to get me, God is always with me.  And he allows me to see life through his eyes, to see things I missed before, and to never travel alone.  He takes me down roads others may pass by, and to places not on any 10 Best list.  Whether wide open across the prairies, or in LA lane splitting, he never leaves me, never forsakes me, never cancels because he gets a better offer.  I wish I could say the same....but he always welcomes me back when I stray.  In Jesus he has provided the road back to him, the only way.  A simple way so I can get it, a free way so I can afford it.

But yet many bumps and bad roads lay ahead.  He has provided me a suspension on my bikes to absorb the bumps, in life he gives the spirit to comfort.  If all roads were smooth, I would need no suspension, if life were smooth I wouldn’t need Jesus.  Both aren’t, I need shocks and the spirit to guide and comfort.  I can truly say that if the road you are on is rough, you are probably on the right road, and Jesus is with you.  Your choice to ride with him, or not.

I have a relationship with the road, and it calls me daily.  But it is the fellowship, the time spent on it and riding it that make it special.  With no relationship, no fellowship.  Just another road to get where I am going.  But like life is a journey, the relationship, the road is the fellowship, and why it is important to know the road you are on.  If you are lost and seeking today, Jesus is right there with you.  He desires that relationship, so you can fellowship with the creator of the universe.  His directions are easy, just look to the cross.  Today you may be at the crossroads of life, wondering which way to go.  All roads lead somewhere, not all roads lead to God.  Not all highways can go both ways at the same time.  Some are under construction, some rough, some smooth and fast.  It takes Jesus to show the right road, and you to follow it.  My Highway 61 hasn’t ended yet, but when it does I know where it will end up.  Can you say the same?  Are you sure where the road you are on is taking you?  The highway department has provided rest stops to stop and rest, to get your bearings, to refresh.  Jesus offers you rest today, to be refreshed, to see where you are going, and to get your bearings.  If you don’t know where you are, you don’t know which way to go.  You need direction.  Being lost is the first confession of sin, we all have that in common.  How we respond is up to us.  Some wander, some wonder, I know in whom I believe.  And so I can travel farther on Highway 61, not worrying what lies ahead, but excited about the ride.  If you have to sit somewhere, why not sit where you are comfortable, and my favorite seat is behind bars, handlebars.  Road ahead, confident that God will get me to my destination, and my final one with him.  We will all meet our maker some day, why wait until it too late, know Jesus today, and ride assured tomorrow.   You never know what lies ahead, but you can know who. 

Maybe a verse from Robert Johnson’s defining song, Crossroads Blues, where he sold his soul, says it best. 

“I went to the crossroads, fell down on my knees,

I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees,

Asked the Lord above Have “have mercy now, save poor Bob if you please.”

God pleases, are you ready to meet your maker?  Meet him at the cross, Robert didn’t selling his soul to the devil.  So close, yet so far away.  Whether sung to the blues, or to Clapton’s rock and roll beat, meet Jesus at the crossroads.  Fall down on your knees-the best fall you can ever make.  That’s my Highway 61 Revisited.  What’s yours?  I just hope you look as forward to Highway 62 as I do.  So many roads, so little it time.  It is not too late to change the road you are on.  Jesus paid your dues, so you don’t have to sing the blues.  Now you know.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com