finding true victory in defeat

The town I grew up in had a reputation for great basketball teams.  Just before I hit high school, they had been ranked #5 in the state, and it looked good for those of us coming up through the system.  The system consisted of our two junior high schools, who competed against each other also.  We only lost two games one year, and many of us set  school records, mine for rebounding.  We even beat one team 122-15 in a tournament, hit 100 points in another, my foul shot, the first one was nothing but air, and the future looked bright for SPFHS.  We were winners, we were used to winning, and had an attitude about it.  So when the two schools met together in high school, our sophomore year, hopes ran high, and we couldn’t wait for the season to start.  Between the two junior highs, we could field two teams almost, and combined we felt we couldn’t lose.  And win we did, the first half of the season we went undefeated, the JV that is.  Some of us could be playing varsity, me not included, but at the time varsity was only for juniors and seniors.  We had bigger crowds sometimes for our JV games, we were good, and the coach had an ego for winning.  He would strut out before the game and perform theatricals during it, he loved to win and show off his team.  His team, which he was quick to call us.  We were winning, having fun, and even though injured, with knee surgery, I was right there in the midst of it.  We were riding high, and then one night the wheels came off the train.  And we crashed...

We got beat bad by a lesser team.  Although it was only mid season, and many games left to play, the season was ruined. We no longer were perfect, but had a 1 where the zero used to be in the lost column.  The coach had actually thought we were invincible, and it was a blemish on his record.  But the players on the team’s attitude was what surprised me.  Many cried while sitting on the bench, grown up sophomores in high school bawling, and in the locker room it was even worse.  Some wanted to give up and quit, they had lost a game, and couldn’t face themselves.  Or parents or their classmates.  Their record was no longer perfect, and rumors swirled the team needed to be rebuilt, and the coach was looking for new players.  All because of one loss.  Now remember I said we came from two schools, two junior highs.  And that night it showed, as the school I came from we took the loss in stride.  We didn’t like to lose, but had lost before, and knew it would happen again.  Some nights are like that, but you are around to play again.  But the other school, where the coach had previously coached, had never lost, and they pride and ego was on display that night.  Rather their true character, as in losing we show our true hearts.  Every one loves a winner, but now the team had lost, and was left in tears.  Some of them, and even though the perfect season was over, we would win the conference championship.  We weren’t perfect, but we won it anyway.  Just as almost all others had in the past.  But the night of loss is what I remember, and I can still see my tough teammates and friends with tears coming down their cheeks, some uncontrollably, and I wonder what lesson their coach had rally taught them about life, and winning.  Not to mention losing. 

Unless you are not  living on the planet, you are going to have tough times.  You will not win every game, every battle, every argument.  Being the best team doesn’t guarantee victory, you still have to play the game, which is why we play them.  It is called life, and we all participate.  Whether part of a team or individually, we will never have a perfect record when our lives are looked back on.  Sure we will be found sinless and perfect before God when we are saved, but we still need to endure life on earth before we get there.  And those of us close to God, who walk in the spirit can attest to one thing, the tougher the times, the closer we get to Jesus.  If I hadn’t had open heart surgery I never would have known him as the great physician.  If I had not followed the guiding of the spirit I never would have known him as the mighty counselor.  If I never knew pain and suffering, I never would know him as the comforter.  And if I had never lost, I never would have known how good it feels to win, and develop my character.  For it is in the tough times when our true character is built and revealed, we all love to win, but how do we handle losing?  Would you rather be humbled or humiliated?  And in 1 Timothy, Paul points out that how we treat others, is how we feel about ourselves.  If we look down on others, made by the same God we were, we show insecurity.  If we must be perfect, we deny what God has said about us, that we were all once sinners, only Jesus is perfect.  If we must be first, we will be last, and we must die to self to be born again.  No egos in heaven, only the love of God, and we only get there when we repent, and realize we are sinners.  Less than perfect.  Like that season, it is in defeat or battle we see sides of God that in victory we don’t.  We find out how competitive we really are, and how Satan competes for our very souls, and only in Jesus can you, or will you win.  You must die to self, and become part of the family of God.  You must become part of a team of losers, to win the final victory.  And Jesus won the victory, and wants you to be part of the team.  And gives us some simple advice, that I have used in church and in business.  Treat all men as brothers, not as competitors.  All women as sisters, show respect not lust.  Treat the older ones as your grandparents, the younger ones as your kids, and show them all respect.  Which in my case takes a miracle.  But in Christ we can, and do, and will. 

If you have never lost, believe me it is coming, and will grow you in ways you cannot imagine.  If you have lost for so long you forget what victory feels like, remember in Jesus we have the final victory, even in a losing season we win the championship, we see Jesus in heaven.  No fantasies as in Fantasy Football, we don’t get to choose the team, Jesus chose us and when we are called, should answer “yes Lord, be kind to me a sinner,” so we can later hear “enter in my good and faithful servant.”  Servants, not the served.  Losers who are saved, not winners who aren’t.  Some put up great stats in life or league play, but the question is “did you win?”  We all fight or play to win, are you in it for the stats, or the final victory?  When David saw the Philistine giant with 12 fingers and toes, and 9 feet tall, he saw what no others saw.  While they saw defeat, he saw victory in a Lord who had been with him “against the bear, and against the lion.”  He had won both times, why should he worry now?  Are you worrying about your record, or winning the goal of heaven?  Do you see Jesus or your ego being bruised?  Do you see the cross as a place of loss, or of victory?  Do you know or does your life reflect that that was where our salvation was won for us?  That we couldn’t do for ourselves, no matter how great a record?  Do you concentrate on the one in the lost column, or the one in the victory column?  Are you in it for yourself, or in it for Jesus?

Maybe that loss that night could have been the best thing that  had happened.  The team, from the coach down had to go back to work.  We get lazy in victory, only in battle are our senses heightened.  Our spiritual senses, and where and who Jesus is in our lives.  I don’t always know when I am walking in the spirit, but I know when I am not, and need to return after losing.  Without Jesus you lose, with him you win.  Not every battle, so we constantly need to seek the spirit, and follow him, but the victory will be in heaven.  The real victory, where we will be surprised to see who else is there, and many will be amazed to see me.  But we go to heaven to see Jesus. The others will be reminders of his undying love for us.  No matter our record on earth, we are undefeated in heaven.  A record I am glad to know I have, despite all my losses here on earth.  So when he tells us to count all else as loss, stop and meditate on that.  Show him to reveal his fullness to you, and when he takes you to the cross, you will see true victory snatched out of the jaws of defeat.  Only Jesus can win the battle for your soul, are you more interested in your record or where you end up?  It won’t matter in heaven, as only Jesus has the bragging rights, and we cannot win salvation ourselves.  A gift....so quit trying to do it yourself, and turn to him.  Walk in the spirit, knowing you ultimately win, and face defeat looking to Jesus.  It takes all things to work for good for us, both winning and losing.  But they finally do in the end.  The scars of battle for your souls is found in his nail pierced hands and feet.  A body less than perfect so we can have one that is.  There are victories, and there are victors.  Only in Jesus you will have both.  Bet you never thought that the real victory would be found in losing? 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

living the life or is it the lifestyle?

I read the news today, oh boy.  Harley Davidson stock is at a two year low.  And sales of its new bikes are down significantly, both in the US of A and around the world.  No reason to panic, they are still making money hand over fist, there are few starving Harley dealers out there, the profit per bike is an industry high, and the marketing is still the tops, maybe anywhere in any product line.  So why the long faces at the Motor Company?  Well its leader and president is retiring, he was the marketing guru.  And while they still teach the company’s marketing in college classes, its customer base is dwindling.  I rode the new Indian Scout, and if Sonny Barger rides an Indian, he has a strong dislike for Harleys, per his book, and conversations I have had with him, Harley may need to worry.  Or maybe not over react, and just build some quality into its product.  They have gotten much better, but for value, so many other bikes from other manufacturers offer more.  And are almost as cool, perform better, and cost a lot less.  Are you listening Harley?  Where are the Sportsters that are sporty?  Where are the old values, where a 5 year old used Harley sold for the same as a new one?  Why do they weigh so much, and why are they so expensive to repair and maintain? 

I must admit if I was looking for a v-twin cruiser, HD sets the pace, but Indian is gaining, it may be a tough choice.  Feed the Motor Company and the lifestyle, or keep the cash and take a trip.  Which is cooler?  The view from either bike from behind the handlebars will be the same.  Same with parallel twins, it’s either Triumph or a copy, and the new Bonnevilles looks great.  I can see a Thruxton R in my garage soon from the press fleet.  No one else can copy that cool either.  When it comes down to all around sport bike racing bikes for the street, the Japanese still rule, except if you ride a BMW S1000R, which would be my choice.  So each bike manufacturer has its niche, its style of bike, but they must all have two things in common, value-what you get for your money, and affordability, will your wife let you spend the $15k on a used car or a new bike?  Motorcycles will win on cool, never on practicality.  Except if you argue with me, or some of my friends who ride. So maybe we need to ask, are we living the life, or is it the lifestyle we are more interested in?  With many Harley dealers taking on Indian or Polaris, maybe they know something.  And locally a new Indian dealer just moved in next to the Harley store.  Different owners, and you must pass the Indian store to get to Harley.  How important is location?  Cool?  Value?  Is is life or lifestyle?  Maybe the architect of General Motors, back when they ruled the world said it best, “you can sell a young man’s car to an older man, but a young man will not buy an old man’s car.”  And being older, I still want performance, handling, and value in my ride.  And at prices I can afford, and on one I can feel safe riding past the city limits. 

How do you describe Christianity if someone asks?  Religion?  Lifestyle?  Philosophy?  Is it a way of life, or a pathway to God?  Or is it none of the above, and needs to be recreated, to be resurrected, as church attendance in many denominations is down, and so is overall church attendance.  Has the value of church gone down?  How will it effect you?  Maybe basics should be the starting point, as Christians were once made fun of, the term meaning little Christ, and was derogatory.  Sounds like today.  Anyone who goes to church outside of Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons will claim to be Christians.  So does going to church make you a Christian?  NO!  Nor does it make you a pew.  Religious way of life?  Religion means bound, more rules and regulations to break, and be reminded of?  Is it a philosophy?  No, Jesus Christ is not debatable, his words and actions are true, he was who he said he was.  And is.  Yet many try to develop a lifestyle and philosophy around his teachings, and you end up at religion.  So while the world is trying to decide, Jesus stays the same, and will always.  We change.  The marketing changes, getting my weekly bulletin from church, they emphasize so many ministries, opportunities to help, and to get involved.  Could be a Harley ad for rides or poker runs.  These are not bad things in themselves, the government has tried and failed, industry has tried and as long as money flows will be successful to a point.  So what is Christianity, and why is it important?  Is it really clever marketing to get your money?  To control you?  To get you off your golf game on Sunday or keep you from a ride with your friends? What is a Christian?

Simply put, a Christian is one who believes Jesus Christ is the son of God.  He is deity, he is real, and came to die so we can get to heaven and be reunited with God the father.  And Christianity is the relationship we have with him.  Religion can come close, but without asking one key question, you may miss it.  Where is Jesus in it?  If he isn’t the main thing, you miss, you are not a Christian.  And he states if you are not for me, you are against me.  But is merciful, that he wants to save you, and still loves you as you are.  He gives you the choice, life or death?  Lifestyle or him?  Love or a substitute.  And while church attendance may be wavering, Jesus is alive and well, the spirit calling your name.  Jesus is love, and must be experienced rather than debated.  He doesn’t keep up with trends, his trend of love never changes.  While some try new approaches to God, his is still the only way, and simple and free.  I get it and can afford it.  But is he an old man’s God you are trying to sell to a younger generation?  Does marketing work with Jesus?

Churches seem to think so, and have over burdened us with programs, process, and ways to entertain.  But when we fall back on scripture, written by men but inspired by God, we see that unless God builds the church, we labor in vain.  Working harder, praying harder, attending more church and Bible studies and feeling no better?  Give it over to God, who offers rest.  Let the spirit guide you, not a spirit guide. Trust Jesus, and watch as his ways, different from ours, become our ways.  He will accept us as we are, and won’t leave us that way.  Without Jesus you cannot be a Christian, and there is no Christianity.  And the world is filled with the spirit of anti-Christ, instead of Christ ideas that will always lead to destruction.  I want all I need and can get from God, and it is only found in Jesus.

Check him out yourself.  Don’t take my word for it.  It is individual, personal, and like nothing else on earth.  Or in heaven.  And it starts with you answering the spirit’s call.  You make the choice.  Trends may come and go.  New models dazzle the eye, and pocketbook.  Last years best seller is today’s $1 bargain.  The Bible is still the best seller, despite being banned in countries around the world.  Jesus offers life, can you beat that?  And offers it for free?  Tune ups and maintenance included?  And will accept your trade, no matter how bad a shape you are in. 

And in my case, and in many others, I can be riding my motorcycle thinking about God.  I don’t have to attend special meetings to know him, but can if I want to.  No marketing from any church or religion, no philosophy can provide what Jesus does.  He is the only one.  So why settle for a lesser God, when you can have the only true God?  So are you living a life in Christ, or just a Christian lifestyle?  Do you know him personally?  Do you call him Lord?  Is he more than a Sunday diversion, or are you really saved?  Harley’s marketing is good, but cannot cover up for a lack of value or performance.  And others will step in that will.  Only Jesus can provide all you need.  Others try, and are clever, but will always fail.  Jesus never does.  Today he offers you life.  And your answer is....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

like on the cover of the Rolling Stone

We don’t remember most of what goes on from day to day, but when a high or low hits, it is like the needle skipping across a record, and it gets our attention.  We got the news our friend Frank died yesterday.  It had been expected, but still catches you off guard.  I hadn’t seen him for over two years, our friendship was based on quality of time rather than quantity.  And being both devoted to Christ, our conversations always seemed to end up there, no matter where they started.  The last time we met, I had just returned from Albuquerque and had open heart surgery.  I had made medical history, and should have been dead, but I am a bonified medical miracle and can prove it, I have the scar and the files to prove it.  I had been described as the sickest person they had ever seen who wasn’t dead, and came as close to death as you can come without dying.  Frank had recently been diagnosed with a rare lung disorder that would eventually kill him yesterday, and we talked at a level few dare to.  We had talked long before, over a decade before, that as Christians we are not afraid to die, and look forward to heaven.  But we are not sure of the process...which I think is what really scares people.  The how, not the why, and not the where, but again the how.  And as I shared how I had seen heaven, and all I could say to describe it was “I want to go back,” his interest piqued.  We hear theory, opinions, and promises, I had been there.  I had the experience.  My words carried the weight of truth.  Over lunch that day, we talked all about Jesus, the difference he had made in our lives, and how he was the difference in our situations.  He was not afraid, but concerned for his wife and kids, as he wasn’t going to be there.  He was the patriarch, the strength, the one who they looked too.  Theresa used to describe him as being like Dr. Dobson, calm under pressure, at peace.  And as we talked, we found that Jesus was the main topic, our love for him first, then our families.  In our deepest darkest hours, we were not afraid, we somehow knew it was all about Jesus, and were more concerned for our families.  Grace will do that, as I am alive today, my sons not orphans, my wife not a widow.  Today Kendal is a widow, his kids without a father for the first time in their lives.   But their father’s example, his legacy is all based on grace, found only in Jesus Christ.  RIP Frank, you now know first hand what I did, and all of your prayers are answered.

Frank was one of the few people I would ride with.  Different styles, but we loved long distance.  We did Torches together in 2006, and split off after in Pittsburgh on or way home.  We may separate while riding, but we never worried about each other, we rode our own ride.  Across time zones, and for weeks on end.  And our last one was visiting him and Kendal in Oregon.  We took a special day ride with him, and certain things were not said because when God is with you, the words are not found.  You cannot use earthy words to describe heavenly moments.  Theresa and I were riding with Frank another time when we were told a biker down, his brother Tracy.  Being the first on the scene, we got it organized, and established calm, through Jesus.  Later when in the hospital, Tracy would be hurt more than we knew, we got to pray with them and his other brother Mike.  Frank left in tears after I prayed, Tracy would be OK and ride again, but his brother Mike prayed with them for the first time.  Out of darkness, God brought light.  And later we were told by the CDF firemen who came, they never saw a more peaceful accident scene, and Christians doing what they tell others they do, loving. 

And so Frank went peacefully, and his future secure in heaven.  We will mourn his passing, as we are still doing a life sentence here.  But on the same day, as I hit a low, my son handed me a copy of the LA Times.  Dance Spirit, the group both he and Reagan are, was on the front page of Calendar section.  Like on the cover of the Rolling Stone, there they were, taking up half the page.  And it brought me great joy.  It seems life goes on, after death in more ways than one.  Hearing about their successes around the world is great, but being in the paper, in print is something else.  Proof.  Evidence.  And his career is growing, and we are so very proud and happy for them.  Faith too is like that, we believe, for faith is the substance of things not seen, but believed.  Frank now has the proof.  We still must have faith, as no one who has died other than Jesus has returned.  We won’t want to, and I want to go back.  Are you sure of heaven?  Are you at peace about your final destination, but unsure of the how?  I cannot tell you how or when, you have no  input on when you die, just like you had no input on the day you were born.  But you can choose Jesus, by faith and someday see him face to face in heaven.  We are not guaranteed tomorrow on earth, but can be assured of heaven after death.  Real life.  Frank knew, now he knows.  So do I.  Do you? 

The gates of hell are there to keep sinners in, because they would try to escape.  No one wants to escape from heaven.  I cannot describe it, I just want to go back.  And someday I will.  So will my family, who all have given it over to Christ.  What say you?  When you lay me down to sleep tonight, if you don’t awake are you sure where you will go for eternity?  But while here you can make a difference by how you live, by living for Jesus.  Showing love and forgiveness as he did.  Telling others about heaven, and sharing testimonies.  God told John in Revelation to bear witness to what he has seen.  To share about God and his testimony.  And see others come to Christ via your message guided by the holy spirit.  Frank is free from pain and discomfort now.  New lungs that breath heavenly air.  I have a new aorta, and someday will have a new one too.  Not manmade as it is now, but one from God.  Factory parts.  And my heart will be his forever. 

Life goes on. So does death.  You will live forever somewhere, only God gives you the choice.  Jesus and heaven, deny him and hell.  Your choice.  Because Jesus loves you.  This I know, for the Bible tells me so.  And I can too, and so could Frank.  Will you join us?  We know for sure.  We are sure of the where, we leave the how up to God.  To his process. But I will leave you with this, you just go to sleep.  And it is not a dream.  I know first hand.  I have Jesus.  I was there.  I hope you do too.  Don’t be caught off guard.  In that twinkling of an eye we will all be changed.  Forever.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

betting to win and choosing the winner

My friend Lassie used to play the horses for a living.  I never knew how well he did, I saw him rip up hundreds of dollars of tickets when he lost, and also stood in  line with him when he collected his winnings.  He played the thoroughbreds, and when living in Pompano Beach got us hooked on the trotters.  Low on money, but big on time, we would go down every night to watch the races, the trotters being much different as the horses pulled a sulkey with the jockey in it.  Lassie never played the trotters, but gave us advice one night, never bet on the horse, bet on the man in the sulkey, and although we never bet much, not having money can prevent you from losing it in this case, we picked winners on a regular basis, based on the jockey.  Like every gambler has his system, this one worked for us.  The idea was not which horse won, but where they placed, and betting on the jockey became a pattern we followed. 

This year the Chargers are 2-7, and have been called the worst team in football.  But their quarterback, Philip Rivers is having a career season.  He is putting up great stats, looks real good in Fantasy Football, another form of gambling, just not called gambling because it is not federally regulated yet, while the team is taking it hard.  Lousy coaching, poor play, no depth, and injuries are all listed as the reasons they lose.  But Philip still puts up the stats...Now I am 7-2 picking winners this year, I choose against them.  I could be 9-0, as they barely won the two games they did win, against teams with a total of 3 wins this year, but my system is betting against them.  I have confidence in them finding away to lose, and they have only let me down twice this year.  And stats are nice, they win great contracts, but do not necessarily win games, or a trip to the Super Bowl.  When Philip meets with other players, he may have better stats, but they have a Super Bowl ring and he doesn’t.  Therefore he is not a winner, for his team loses.  No matter how good, how many yards or touchdowns, you play the game to win.  Some boast in stats, some just hold up their hand to show the ring. 

A sure sign of a new Christian is coming to Jesus, and finding freedom in the spirit, but making a new list of laws for themselves.  Helped by religion or denominations, some will practice dietary restrictions, stay away from certain physical acts, and even divorce.  A friend once divorced his wife after being saved because he was taught incorrectly how Paul wished you rather be single.  I know people who will not eat any animals, because they might have been offered to idols.   They put themselves under religious scrutiny, and bondage by their self denial, much as certain orders cut themselves off from the world, just the opposite from what Jesus commands us to do.  We are in the world, just not of it.  And again they find no freedom, just more rules and more bondage.  The more rules you have, the more you have to break.  But the Bible tells of a difference between self denial, and denying self.

Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow him.  But some mistake that for self denial, “I’ll give this up for Jesus, that’ll show how great a Christian I am.”  Drawing attention to themselves, rather than letting the spirit shine through us.  When our actions become self denial to show something about us, we show how shallow we are, expecting God to reward us for doing something for him.  And we are warned we have already received our reward if we do.  The differences may be subtle, but the motivation is known by God, and us.  Self denial is an attempt to gain righteousness apart from God’s grace.  Denying self is not relying on ego, but on the spirit to guide us, and not bring attention to ourselves.  It doesn’t say “look what I did,” but witnesses to what Jesus did.  It is powered by the spirit, not by rules, regulations, denominations, or scripture taken out of context.  When it is all about Jesus, it is all about Jesus. 

And so while some put up stats, they may be good at contract time, we race to win.  Heaven is our goal, which is a gift that cannot be earned.  All the church you attended, money you gave, trips to Israel, time on TV, and knowing celebrities will not gain you heaven.  We may be impressed, but you will not win the race, or the prize of heaven.  And it is not even a seasonal won/loss record, but having your name recorded in the book of life.  God knows the heart, while we perform for the outer man to gain approval.  Some bet on the horse, some bet on the jockey.  Many religions have their system of how to gain eternal life, only Jesus promises it through his blood.  A choice you cannot afford to lose.  And he leaves it up to us, it is your choice.  Which is why I choose Jesus, and bet against the Chargers.  Both are a good bet, only one is a sure thing.  One team finds way to pull defeat from victory, Jesus showed his death meant victory at the cross.  Are you a systems player, or betting on a person?  Rivers scores with great stats, but loses games.  My stats may be lousy, but I have the victory in Christ. 

Self denial never pleases God, but dying to self does.  Something we must do everyday, the temptations are that strong.  We can follow Jesus, or follow the rules we are given, leaving them to interpretation of our own.  God loves us no matter what, and no action can make him love us more.  You can put up stats in the church, or win the prize with Jesus.  Sincerity in either one does not mean it will be successful, a commitment to Jesus, and letting the spirit guide you will bless you.  You can be sincerely wrong, and miss heaven.  Those are the rules.  So pick up your own cross daily, follow Jesus, and know you may not win every battle, but by choosing him you will win the war.  True winners have the ring, others have stats.  It is not what you do, but what Jesus did. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

if I'd have left it to Beaver

The residents at 211 Pine Street, Mayfield, Any state, USA are more normal than you think.  They are married, have two sons, a husband who works at an office making above middle class salary, a mom who stays home and runs the household, and fit in very nicely with everyone they meet.  They are not outstanding at anything except for being perfectly normal, and represent an America that I grew up in.  We learned manners, how to talk to adults, the importance of character and how it reflects on you and your family, and even went to church to improve your self.  All the things that were expected of you, you did, and your parents dream was you go to a good college, get your degree, get a good job, meet a nice girl and settle down.  The American dream-playing everywhere in every town in every state in the US of A, circa after WWII, the Big One.  And it was where I grew up...

The Cleavers, Ward and June, and their two sons Wallace and Theodore today are depicted as that family, and with the dissolution of the family unit, we fondly look back to reruns, and wish to go back to that simpler time.  When malt shops, hot rods, girls in poodle skirts, and sock hops were the big social events.  Where school counted, and in my town, it wasn’t if you were going to college, it was which one.  How were you going to make your mark on the world.  My father used to tell me “one wife, one job, one house.”  And I have gone 1 for 3, an average that would get me the Hall of Fame, but not be the success that was expected of me.  We did as we were told, or better yet as to what was expected, and if you didn’t there was cause for concern.  And it reflected directly on your parents, and no self respecting, or family expecting teen in the early sixties would ever bring such shame to their family. Yet many of us had our own ideas, not to disrespect, but to be ourselves....and I would have turned out much different if I’d have left it to Beaver.

You wouldn’t be reading this today, as I would have gone to college, graduated, and found a nice, safe secure job commuting to New York every morning like many in my neighborhood did.  I might have married a girl from a sorority, or maybe from my home town, but never strayed any farther.  I would have taken my two weeks every summer to go on vacation with my two kids, one boy, one girl, and then returned t a tedious world, like all my friends.  I would have saved for retirement, bought sensible sedans to ride in, and occasionally gone to church.  As it was expected of me.  And at this point of my life, my house would be paid off, my kids both graduated from college, married with kids, good jobs, and the cycle would be continuing.  Not a bad way, but not how many of us turned out.  And I am glad I didn’t.

Ward and June hated motorcycles, I would be high risk at their house.  I am a Christian, which they would think they were, or as everyone who went to church was, but would stop short of being born again. Too radical for them.  I would be considered a rebel, and June would forbid Beaver from seeing me, “you know what kind of boys they are, and the trouble they get into.”  Wally would know guys that rode, but never have any friends that did.  Beaver might think motorcycles were cool, but to his dying day never ride one, or on one.  He would do all the things expected of him, never quite making the grade.  Wally would succeed in life, but have a hollow place where God never fit into, too busy being normal.  Doing the right thing, making his parents happy.  And proud of him.  And when considering those I know like that today, you see the desperation, the shallowness, the emptiness of a life with Christ.  How success in life is one thing, knowing God is another.  The Cleaver sons might seek silently, but always go back to what was expected of them.  And I would have lived the same life if I’d have left it up to Beaver.

Jesus never expects us to be successful, he expects us to be faithful.  To seek him in all things, to find all we need, and all we desire from him.  He puts no pressures on us to fulfill our parents. or society’s desires, he offers hope and a way.  I never realized how trapped I was until I left home at age 21, on my R90S, and went west.  I was a new Christian, had a new and exciting world, and disappointed many in my family.  I had chosen Jesus, and to those that didn’t I had become religious.  What I had found was freedom from religion, from being trapped in the things they were.  I was free to be who I wanted to be in Christ, and became a threat.  Freedom does that, especially to those who aren’t.  But with it comes responsibility, and the more you depend on God, the more you are spirit driven, and see things clearer.  No one ever sets out to be a failure, yet many do.  In society’s eye many of us are failures, we never made it.  We are not successful.  When they brag on their kids, or missionary work doesn’t come up.  We have no big homes, big salaries, or big cars.  We don’t have important friends, but are sought out by important people when they need advice, when all their successes are not enough.  We are the ones that The Cleavers look to, but only when a problem arises.  No commitments are ever made to Christ, and they may live well here, and leave a nice estate when they die, but go to hell.  Sacrificing it all, having he world, yet not knowing the one who created it, and gave it life. 

We can learn a lot from Beaver reruns, and smile as we may think they are corny.  Christian films and shows portray the same message.  Real life is much different.  Many have fallen, some from grace even, and are looking for God.  Some have real problems, and the church is either ill prepared, or tells you “when you get it together, come back then.”  The church has become like the Cleavers, do the right things, at least the things that are seen.  Jesus is much different, he hung with bikers, hookers, druggies, tax collectors, unemployed, unwed mothers, divorced families, and those who society deemed not successful.  He looks at the heart, right into our very spirit, and welcomes us as we are, but doesn’t expect us to leave that way.  He promises hope and a future, which can be much different than what society demands.  We are shown love and forgiveness, peace and patience.  Try that one next time a promotion comes up, and the other guy gets it.  Ward and June loved their sons, no doubt, but Jesus shows us true love.  A love called agape, the love only he can give.  And which he offers to all the residents on Pine Street, and in Mayfields everywhere.  Looking back I am glad I didn’t leave it up to Beaver, but left it up to Jesus.  I may never have riches, or valuables, but I have eternal life.  I have a one to one relationship with the creator of the universe. And I know his name, and he knows mine.  And he did it all, I have no bragging rights, except Jesus.  The world may wonder about me, God doesn’t.  And I am safe and secure in my retirement, one which no 401k can ever match.  The Cleavers had the life, better the lifestyle, only Jesus can add life.  For he is the way, the only way.  And when I graduate upon death, I have my future secure and guaranteed in him.  No job interviews, I passed the test, I gave my heart and soul to him.  And he changed me!

So I leave it to Jesus.  The things unseen are eternal.  Jobs will change, kids will disappoint, and wives will burn dinner.  Drugs, gangs, crime, and the government will try to change you, but don’t give in, unless it is to Jesus.  Fight the good fight, run the race to the end, for what we have we cannot take with us, except God.  All else won’t matter.  So make your life matter, seek him while he may be found, and enjoy all the things Beaver never had.  A life full of hope.  Maybe even get a motorcycle.  Hang out with bikers, go on a missionary trip.  Do what you do driven by the spirit instead of family and society.   Be faithful, and find success in your greeting when you die, “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the kingdom.” Faithful, not successful. 

But in all things, life can be ironic.  Bet you didn’t know The Munsters were created by the same team that created Leave it to Beaver?  And their house was just down the street from the Cleavers?  What would Ward and June say to that?  There are families, and there are families.  I am glad mine is found in God.  Now about Herman and Lilly as your parents....maybe you should have just left it to Beaver.  Eddie Munster or Eddie Haskell?   Maybe us Christians are more normal than you think.  By the way, I have these neighbors.....and Hugh Beaumont was licensed as a Methodist preacher.  How different it would have all turned out if I’d have left it to Beaver.  It did for Hugh...and it can for you.  Leave it to Jesus...”Hey Wally....”

love with compassion,

MIke

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

one afternoon looking at new bikes

Fall is upon us, which means cooler riding conditions, wearing a jacket, and for some putting their bike away for the duration.  Having ridden year round, except for one year living at 8300’ and having 500+ inches of snow, I dig out my winter gloves, my warm jackets, and prepare for colder riding.  No big deal today, as heated suits have become the norm, but in years past, and this one too, I don’t have one, nor plans to buy one.  Which will probably limit my riding to above freezing, so again living in So Cal there will be no need to winterize the motorcycle, it will be ridden all winter.  But while looking at the new Triumphs, no Bonnevilles yet, the young sales guy was complaining it was too cold to ride that morning, so he took his car.  Now cold, like hot is relative, but his cold began at 60, and went into a no two wheel adventure at 50.  We won’t even get into rain...and when he told Theresa about his helmet head, a badge of honor at our house, it too made me wonder, is winter coming?  What effect will it have on our riding?  Will I be forced into a car, a cage?  Who will ride the new Triumphs if I am?  So many problems...so we went riding.  Problem solved.

If only all my problems were solved so easily.  But it made my mind think back, to one morning while living at Vallecito Lake.  We were 27 miles from Durango, living above 8300’ feet altitude, and we were having winter.  The total snowfall was to be above 500 inches, over 40 feet, but they had the greatest road crew for removing snow I had ever seen, or would see, and everyday we got to town.  No blizzard shut us down, or Durango, but it could slow the town down or put it on delay.  We had a 1978 Rabbit at the time, which started at –42 degrees, great car for cold and snow.  And with our brazen determination, we were out in the snow every day, and into town.  Except one day, we broke the rule of getting out before the plows, and paid the price. 

The elevation dropped down from where we lived, but picked up again just before Lemon Dam, a long 5 mile stretch of uphill, then a left into town.  We had done it so many times, the car even knew the way.  But today was different, as after mile 4 or there abouts, the snow was so deep, we couldn’t push it any more, as it was almost a foot deep, and over the bumper.  And still coming down.  Not having the sense that God gave geese, we had tried to plow our way into town, and found ourselves stuck, with no place to turn around, snow still falling, cold below zero, and almost a total white out.  So rolling down the window, we started backing down, hoping no one else was as foolish as us, and that we would make it OK, and not become a legend of freezing to death and found in the spring.  Now if you think driving in the snow was tough, it was nothing compared to backing down in it, head out the window.  But for five miles we did it, without stopping, and no one was behind us.  By the time we had gotten back down to County Road 501 where we lived, the left part of my beard had frozen and broken off, my neck was so sore I could barely turn it, and it would take hours to thaw out.  Nerves still on edge, it took a while to settle down at home and build a fire...hearing the sound of the first plows some hours later.  But we had made it, I was partially beardless, and no lives were lost, no thanks to my poor decision to start out before the plow.  A lesson learned, the hard way. 

When Mrs. Lot was saved from Sodom and Gamorrah, she was told to not look back.  Now I can see why, looking back can be dangerous, and potentially deadly.  We are told to set our sights on things on high, to look forward to the second coming of Christ, and to seek him in all things-first.  My 5 mile backward trip should be enough lesson for anyone.  But she did look back, and turned to a pillar of salt.  God had provided a way of escape, but she thought she was OK, she was making it out of S & G, and could make it on her own.  So she looked back....all I got was frostbite and a stiff neck, and only lost a beard, or part of it.  She died.  And I wonder how many times we set out with good intentions, but not Godly intentions.  How many times we think we can make it alone, or worse yet, “I’ll take it from here God.”  And end up failing.  Maybe that is why we have so many accidents close to home, we trust our surroundings instead God.  Instead of leaning on Jesus, we fall back on our own understanding, based on experiences.  A common cause for failure.  But when being directed by the spirit, we too will encounter obstacles, storms, and the only way is Jesus.  We say we follow him, but do we?  Or do we wait until caught in a blizzard to call for help?  God has promised us storms in our lives, and to take us through them.  But sometimes we go it alone, when if we had only waited on him, we would be OK.  How many times must you fail until you realize that Jesus is the way, not only to heaven, but to get you through the day too? 

There were no good Samaritans that snowy day, even they knew to stay home.  But God guided us, teaching us a lesson about him and weather.  And we never set out like that again...I wish I could say that about other experiences I should have trusted him in.  But his mercy, which appears after we screw up or disobey, is there, and looking ahead never felt so good after backing those 5 miles.  Beards will grow, there will other days, and the snow will melt, eventually.  The question is “what were we thinking that day?”  And why didn’t we obey Jesus?  Weren’t there enough signs?  Did I tell you it wasn’t light yet when we started out?

So what a memory to have when looking at motorcycles in 75 degree weather.  But on all our rides, we need Jesus.  Hot or cold, he is with you.  We can dress for cold, even rain, but snow and ice keep us home, or in the truck.  Sometimes the signs are there, and evident after, can we seek God first, then add all other things like Matthew 6:33 urges us to do?   Can we not lean on our own understanding but lean on Jesus?  It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark, he was doing what God told him to do, and he and his family were safe.  It was snowing when we left.  Obedience is better than sacrifice, no matter the weather!  And sometimes it takes cold hands on a warm autumn day to remind you.  Listen to God, follow the spirit.  And above all, don’t go out before the plow!   This poor guy was worried about helmet head, I wonder what he would have said about my beard? 

The same way out of S & G was the same way out we needed that morning-Jesus.  In the midst of your storm he is there, better yet avoid the storm by listening to the spirit.  No salt in my diet any more, I can look back now, she can’t.  A lesson learned one morning in a blizzard, and remembered one after while looking at new bikes.  And I have helmet head to prove it! 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com