summer night rides

If you only travel in the constantly monitored confines of a car, you won’t get what I am about to share.  But for those who ride, you can relate and reflect.  We dress in layers when riding, some early mornings are cool enough for a jacket, and by 9am, a breakfast stop refreshes us and we take it off.  Later as the day warms up, the sweatshirt comes off, and we enjoy t shirt riding, and experience even the slightest changes in temp due to elevation or going from ocean to inland.  And how refreshing each change can be.  And how at night a similar process occurs, and last night I was reminded of that.  Earlier in the day it had been 100 degrees, and only 8 hours later when getting ready to leave friends by the coast, my helmet was wet from the marine layer that was settling in.  And a coolness, not quite cold invigorated me.  For about 15 minutes I wish I had a sweatshirt, but soon the cool air felt good, and I began to miss it as I headed inland.  By the time I got home 30 minutes later, it was warm, and sitting in the house many would have turned on the AC, we found the porch with a breeze adequate.  But riding at night always gives a different perspective, the buildings that during the day are filled, and now dark and empty.  Others are less visible, and so are we, and a privacy among traffic sets in, and as the temp changes, you exercise all your senses, along with the spirit.  There is something about summer night rides that I can’t quite put into words, and even when riding in the country with less people, there are more critters to look out for, giving the ride a new sense of paying attention.  But starlit skies, add a full moon, and in a car you now know why we call them cages.  Set the cruise, adjust the AC, put in a CD, and locked in privacy you are really locked in a cage.  Ever wonder why a dog puts its head out the window, what does he know you don’t?  Or that we do?

Now no one likes to be uncomfortable, just ask Goldilocks or the thousands like her.  They live a homogenized life, where anything different is not a challenge but a threat, and don’t upset their world if you want them to turn into a bear.  Dress alike, act alike, and drive your SUV alike, looking for that individuality by being just like others.  If your idea of a hot day is rushing from the mall exit to your car and having to wait 30 seconds for the AC to kick in, you probably don’t ride.  If you pay $100 to style your hair that looks just like my helmet head, you don’t get it.  And if you wear faded denim to look cool at $100/pair, I have some worn out Wranglers that I paid $15 for.  And any biker already knows what he could do with all the money you waste on yourself, we’d go for a ride!  But maybe he next example helps you understand us better, a not about riding scenario.  My friend Pastor Doug was telling of his trip to Israel.  Sorta boring, then he showed a map.  Putting it in perspective to other places.  Then he showed some pictures of cities, getting better, but when he showed pictures of himself there, then it became real. Personal.  We could relate to it, we knew Doug and he was in the pictures.  Ask yourself, would you rather look at the pictures, be taking the pictures or be in them?  Maybe you need a summer’s evening ride to help you decide....

So many talk about the freedom in Christ you can have from religion, then live religious lives.  The same church, same seat even for years.  A ministry trip is helping the youth pack for a trip, while you stay at home.  You see, some are content with the knowledge of Jesus, of studying to find themselves approved, but never knowing the man behind the scriptures.  They never experience him, but based on knowledge think that is all there is.  And then catastrophe strikes, and quoting scriptures doesn’t work, for it is only a one way relationship, they never knew the man.  They may have walked where he did in Israel, but never walked with him anywhere.  The freedom found in getting personal has escaped them, sadly by choice, for we are all confronted by the spirit, and some live in a cocoon like existence, isolated from the one who gives them life, and it more abundantly.  A simple recommendation of a summer eves ride creating havoc, their tombstones reading “we never lived that way before,” and being dead but still inhabiting a living body.  Just like my cardiologist told me, he can keep me functioning, but he cannot keep me alive.

So maybe it is time to start removing the insulating layers and go for a ride with Jesus.  Feel the wind of the spirit in your face, look up at the stars he created and put in place.  Listen to his voice rather than the radio, and instead of learning about him, experience Jesus first hand.  And when the road gets rough, you know who to hang onto, and just not a scriptural quote.  For without the spirit they are just words, for even Satan quotes or misquotes scripture, and you may be no better.  Saved but not living, just functioning.  You need the spirit to give you life....to be in the picture, to live a life in Christ, not just in church.  Not just about him.

There is nothing like fresh air, maybe your hound or purse rat knows more than you do.  Ask him what  2 minus two equals and he’ll say nothing.  Without thinking, can you?  Maybe a ride tonight out of the city, not far but looking up at the stars is in order.  Turn off the AC, silence the radio, and turn off the phone.  Roll down the windows, and take in the fresh air.  And see Jesus without all the artificial enhancements.  Or stumbling blocks.  You can either walk where Jesus did or walk with him.  Or really be daring and take a ride on a motorcycle.  Come home with a badge of honor of helmet head, your cheeks flushed from the wind, and feeling invigorated.  Your senses heightened.  Or spend an hour getting ready for church...personally I rather be riding my motorcycle spending time with God then sitting in church thinking about riding.  Some enchanted evening, you may meet a stranger...and find you know all about him, and what a joy it is to finally meet him.  Face to face.  Personally.  Can you say that about your walk with Christ?  I can....maybe there is more to Jesus than just religion...take a ride and find out.  And feel the romance in the air....or you can listen to what the radio decides to play....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

getting lost on vacation or is that Cousin Eddie in your driveway?

After 26 days on the road, we now have been back 21 days, and I still have not recovered.  My mind is still out there riding, still enjoying the US of A, and wishing I was somewhere else other than home.  There is life after So Cal, not everyone has become a slave to nice weather and traffic jams.  And so I look at homes for sale in areas that we visited, and dream of cashing out and moving.  But the trouble with vacations, other than them ending too soon, is that we see them through different eyes, and confuse reality with vacation.  We forget about crime being a universal act, taxes do cross state lines, and that there is a reason property is cheaper in Iowa and Kansas.  Why a fill up on my Tiger costs $5 less than here, and how the republic of California has such a grip on my soul.  We ultimately become a slave to the weather, and because we ride year round, and like the beach, this is where we all home.  A place others come to visit on their vacations...and I am slowly coming back to reality, against my will, and not really my idea.

When we lived in Durango I saw too many people visit on vacation and fall in love with the area.  I knew some who went home and cashed out, deciding to move there, and start a small business, only to fail when summer ends, and until ski season the town is dead.  And even during ski season, Purgatory is 30 miles north.  I  knew men who lost their life savings and then retreated with what was left of their pride back home.  Worse off for the experience, and I never want to be like that.  Maybe the most valuable lesson I have learned from being on the road.  But as I look at the houses for sale in Albuquerque, and think of the great roads in Iowa, my viewpoint is from one of no cares, no schedules, and no worries.  And no cold weather, snow, blowing winds, or anything else keeping me from riding in the middle of January.  So home I stay, safe and secure where God wants me.  His test for me was “I gave you everything you wanted didn’t I?”  And like a good attorney, he knows the answer before he asks the question.

And so it easy to get lost on vacation, to lose yourself in dreams of better roads, nicer people, cheaper property, and of good times.  But like John B. sang, “paradise was nice, but then you can’t stay there forever...”  So we already are planning, really dreaming about our next ride, plans in place, and we know that God will honor them with a big yes, a bigger no because something better is planned by him for us, or wait, don’t be so anxious or think you know it all.  Wait, the hardest part, and our patience tested right after we pray expecting an answer immediately.  And I can’t wait to be on the road again!

Many get lost on vacation, and never come back.  Their minds staying somewhere they travelled, and not returning with the body.  Life so harsh that anything is better, and chose an escape route that seems to look good, but ends in disaster.  And I know some who can claim that, despite knowing what they were doing was wrong and is wrong.  Retiring and selling all and moving away, only to find all they had was where they were.  A few years back a friend got mad at me, he decided to move and make more money. He already had a house we all would love to have, he wanted more, and we split ways when I asked him “did you pray about it?”  We all knew he hadn’t, and years later after slipping back into sin, he admitted to me the problem wasn’t me, it was him, and he was paying the price.  Sadly when he died last week, his wife told me there would be no service, as they had never connected with anyone in the ten years they lived there.  He even gave up on God, thankfully Jesus never gave up on him. 

Death awaits all of us, and it is inevitable.  Yet so many Christians who claim to be excited about heaven are afraid of dying.  Maybe it is like one man told when asked if he was afraid to die, “I’m not sure, I never died before.”  Truer words than most would admit.  Maybe it is the process, cancer, long illnesses, and trials.  I attended a friend’s funeral a while ago, who died after a long bout with cancer.  His celebration of life bothered me, as it was all about the greatness of him, not one word about the illness that took him home or how God took him through it.  A chance to give credit to God who took him through it and inspire others, yet I left empty, sadly not a celebration of life but of him.  Not what I would have wanted, and it bothered others too.  If the Bible tells us that Jesus is the life, what in our life celebrates him?  Looking back about the only thing missing was DVD copies for sale of the service and t shirts to remember him by.  His final testimony in life, all about him.  I hope to choose another path if I die before the rapture, but if I do, share the testimonies of what Jesus did in my life.  Make it a true celebration of life, make it all about him.  For even when I was in a coma and near death, I knew it was all about him and not me.  We can be saved, but still not be effective if not in the spirit.  And yes heaven will be better than anything we think, no matter how we live after we are saved, but we are to be a witness, an ambassador here on earth.  To encourage others via the spirit to desire Jesus and repent, to reunite with God in heaven.  On earth as it is heaven Jesus taught the disciples to pray, yet we think in heaven as it is on earth.  And like my vacation minded mood today, I long to be elsewhere, but know God has plans for me right now, right here.  And if all my joy is wrapped up in touring riding, maybe I need to seek his face more.  True freedom is knowing God where we are right now, not dealing with today because we are looking at tomorrow. 

Don’t wait until you die to celebrate life.  Don’t wait until your life is scripted, and elevated to an hour of exaggerations, celebrate Jesus now and have life.  Let your testimony today be one of a living God, and know true celebration of life is knowing Jesus.  Read your Bible, it says so right there, he is the life.  And see the spirit at work in your life as you live life sharing him.  Your life is not your own, nor are your vacations, for everything is God’s, and all within it.  Maybe the best way to want to be remembered is three words, “he loved God.”  Let your actions manifest themselves in Jesus, know of whom you belong, and start your vacation today from the world.  Only in Christ will you find the rest you need, and the roads you need to rest on.  Some get lost on vacation, I happened to get saved on one.  Maybe giving me a unique insight to Jesus and vacations.  On earth as it is in heaven, does your life reflect that?  Or do you relate to Cousin Eddie in your driveway?  If so, maybe you need some time alone with Jesus.  A true celebration of life begins the day of your salvation, not the day you die.  Celebrate now, no bumper sticker or t shirt will ever convey the message of Jesus Christ better.  If your testimony is all about you, what message does it send to others about Jesus?  

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it ran fine until I fixed it

We were going to hook up for dinner with a friend when in Durango last month.  Until a last minute phone call, and the plans changed.  His truck wouldn’t start, and if it did wouldn’t idle, and he was still at the dealer.  So we rode over, we had time, and he was right.  He had had an oil change, and a fuel filter change on his diesel, and the shop owner had his scanner on it reading for codes.  He was convinced it was a bad injector, until I asked “was it running OK before the filter change?”  At first the tech resisted, he had never seen a new fuel filter bad right out of the box, but when we insisted, he put in another new filter, and the truck ran fine. All his schooling hadn’t taught him what  my experience had, go back to where you started, and retrace your steps.  Hopefully he would keep this experience handy if ever needed again.

Years ago my FJ1100 had trouble starting when hot, would occasionally run rough, and the shop I had trusted it with told me it needed a head job.  At 70,000 miles, it was worn out.  But that didn’t satisfy me, so I called an old friend of mine, who was a tuner for Cal Rayborn, one of the stars in “On Any Sunday.”  After a few questions, he called me a few names, and told me what to do, on the phone.  I had installed a K&N air filter, and a Supertrapp exhaust.  Wanting more sound, ask any Harley rider, if its loud it must be fast, and added two discs.  “Clean your air filter, and take out the two discs, it is running too lean,” came the advice from a man with a Castrol sticker on his wooden leg, and it started right up, and ran fine.  So good that when I traded it with 80,000 miles on it I got full retail against the new bike.  You cannot teach experience, you must live it.  Once again, go back to where it ran before you fixed it....

Another friend who is a lifestyle Harley rider, had put a lot of commuting mile son his bike.  A combination of mismatched parts, it was loud, but not fast and worn out, an ex-rental bike.  His mechanic was an old Harley mechanic, who rebuilt his engine, and a few other things for over $7000...and my friend bragged how fast it was, so much power it would spin the tire when the throttle was opened up full.  When I finally agreed to ride this killer beast, it was faster, but his interpretation of wheel slippage under power was a clutch that was slipping, giving the illusion.  Of course because I have such a dim view on Harleys, I couldn’t be right, after all what did I know...I rode sport bikes!   And his tech had been working on Harleys for 20 years.  But when he asked the tech, he found out he had not replaced the clutch plates, he only did what he was told to do by my friend, and they were worn.  After replacing them, the bike ran much better, but felt down on power because it didn’t slip.  His ego would never let him admit I was right, or worse yet he was wrong.  And I am sure the tech advised new clutch plates, but when you know it all, this is the price you pay.  Maybe giving credence to the old Harley joke, “95% of all Harleys sold are still on the road, the other 5% made it home.”  Another example of it ran fine until I fixed it....

The Bible tells of a time when all of  man’s heart will be revealed, that can be a scary thought.  But thanks to forgiveness through Jesus Christ, mine will be found clean.  Forgiven, and spirit driven, yet I still can make the worst mistakes right up there with anyone.  We can appear so cool on the outside, yet be falling apart or rotting on the inside.  I have also known people over the past who live by the creed “God says it, I believe it, that settles it.”  And I avoid them.  Leaving the interpretation of scripture up to themselves, they are so shallow as to drown in their own stupidity.  And soon false doctrines arise, and they become unteachable.  Hard hearted, bitter, and missing out on the blessings of God.  No matter if it is right or wrong, how they were taught is the only truth, and they suffer for it.  When questioned can quote scripture, generally out of text, and can legitimize any sin based on what they misinterpret.  For their own good.  They are like the man who knew it all after one ride, and never rode again, it scared him, so all motorcycles are unsafe and scary.  Ever had a bad time in church?  Know anyone who has?  And that was the reason for rejecting Jesus?  Don’t confuse church and God, Jesus saves, the church, well its record is less than holy.  And we are the church!  That should be proof enough. 

So knowing Christ is more than teaching, or a religious experience.  It is personal, and you must do it alone.  Another man I know ministers, but never alone.  Without a group he fails, trying to do it on his own.  Within a group he can hide better, yet tells many about his personal relationship with Christ.  We do need the church, but without the spirit to guide, we are on our own, fulfilling scripture that reminds us “everyman does what is right in his own eyes, only God looks at the heart.”  The soul of man, our souls.  Influenced by the spirit, when you fall where do you turn?

We need to turn back to Christ, who never left us, and will accept us as we are.  He just doesn’t want to us to remain that way, he has better things for us.  But when we fall back only on scripture, or teaching, or the correct verse for each situation, without the spirit guiding it is really all about us.  From clutches to filters to Supertrapps, good advice only works when taken.  So if you are of the God said and that settles it club, know this.  When Jesus healed people, sometimes he spit in their eyes, sometimes rubbed dirt in them.  Sometimes all it took was a touch of his robe, sometimes not even being present he healed.  Sometimes he appeared to show up late, ask Martha and Mary, and weeping himself when they missed the teaching of resurrection he had planned for them with Lazarus.  And sometimes we die, the ultimate healing, and in Christ we are made new again in heaven.  Even the disciples were questioned by the angel at the empty tomb, “why are you sad, the one you are looking for isn’t here.  He is risen.”  Just reading the Bible may teach you, experiencing Jesus first hand in the spirit, reveals the mysteries of scripture.

Loud pipes don’t save lives, the stats have proved that.  Wearing a helmet is safer in a crash, again proven.  But at least in Jesus we get the choice to choose, not a law that is forced and enforced against us.  I love the sound of a good exhaust note, but loud is annoying.  And I wear a helmet.  And I choose Jesus, knowing he loved me first.  And knowing heaven awaits when I die.  But for now, I seek the experience of knowing Jesus more than knowing about him.  A simple question I ask my flock,”why do you study for a test?”  “To pass,” and then you forget.  The test is over.  But the experience of Jesus Christ you never forget.  If the experience works for motorcycles and trucks, you need to share it.  Your testimony.  Scripture tells us we are saved by the word of our testimony and the blood of the lamb.  Jesus did his part, are you doing yours?  100% of those saved make it home.  May your ride be as successful.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the guests of Gatsby

It was one of those rare summer mornings when you could use beautiful and New Jersey in the same sentence and be telling the truth.  Our usual riding group of four had made plans to meet, but by 9am Geno had called, his mumbling indicating his last set got over at 2am, and he didn’t get in until 330, so he would pass.  Bouke, who we thought may live in is garage, was absent, his “old lady” as he referred to her, had pressed him into an honor and obey moment, and he would pass.  So it was just BH and me, and a full day to ride, but where?  After some not so careful consideration, we called up David, his old college friend who lived on Long Island, whose mother said he had gone into the city to see a Yankee game.  But determined to go see him, in this pre-cell phone interruption era, we had him paged, as DR. David *&^%$, and over the public address system they paged him.  He later admitted he knew immediately who was calling him, and he answered the page.  We all agreed to meet later at his aunt’s house, his parent’s house was having some renovations done, so we set out for Long Island.  A mere 70 miles from us, 3 hours later we were in the area, but still looking for his aunt’s house. 

Now I need to mention David’s family was rich, the old money rich, The Great Gatsby era rich.  And when we had asked for his aunt’s address, were just told “Twin Gables, Long Island.”  “Everybody in the area knows where it is,” so off we went.  Now somewhere between here and there lies the reality of the New York Metro area, all 12 million inhabitants, with narrow old roads, and stop lights by the dozen.  The ride was anything but fun, and we had planned to get there early not taking this into account.  So when it got dark, and unfamiliar landmarks started looking familiar after the third time passing them, we called him, directions were given, and it was right where he said it was....

Now when F. Scott Fitzgerald told us “the rich are different from you and I” we were about to enter the world of the different.  What looked like an old southern mansion, the size of a hotel, was where his aunt lived.  It had gates, a huge circular driveway leading up to the front porch, and servants greeting you.  Who normally would park your car in the old stables, but on our bikes they just showed us the way.  His aunt, who loved David, he was her favorite, showed us around, out back where the yacht and speedboat where anchored at the dock on the bay, and around the grounds that were perfectly manicured.  A place you normally would feel uncomfortable in, but she made us feel right at home.  In my mind’s eye Gatsby never lived this well, and for this weekend we were to be the guests of Gatsby.  It was late, after 10pm, and she called for the cook to meet us in the kitchen, really a cafeteria, and we were told to ask for whatever we wanted, shock had us eating sandwiches, and the cook went back to bed.  She then showed us to our rooms, the bathrooms, the ones in the guest area of the house had a dorm style bathroom, complete with monogrammed towels, and shower shoes and robes.  Pajamas if we needed them.  We were overwhelmed, but this was everyday life for David.  And a good night’s sleep was enjoyed by all...

The next morning we were greeted by a buffet on the back patio, and watched as neighbors boats sailed by.  Another friend Stephen had arrived, and he and David’s aunt gave us a tour of the mansion.  She loved David’s friends, and we never felt like guests, soon calling her Auntie, which she preferred.  A highlight of the tour was when Stephen found a book about famous paintings, and pointed out they were hanging in her home.  Truly the rich are different, or is it us that are different?  What had started as a morning short of two riding pals, had turned into an adventure into a world few get to see, and has stuck with me for over 42 years.  And in my mind’s eye I can see the light at the end of Gatsby’s dock, warning others, just like we saw the night we arrived.  The final word’s to this classic “so we beat on, boats against the current, born back ceaselessly into the past,”  echoing in my mind. 

As a Christian we are born ceaselessly into the future.  An eternal right now called heaven awaits us.  But we still have to get through today, and most of our lives are not lived in a Gatsbyesque stature.  We are already into our next paycheck by the time it arrives, and a dream of ours when raising a family was going grocery shopping and filling the cart and knowing the check would clear.  A much different world than the one that David’s aunt lived in.  But one great thing about heaven is that it awaits our arrival, God has prepared a place for us, and no matter what you think it to be, it will be better.  For eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind imagined the things of the kingdom that await us.  And many dream of that day, I do, but today awaits us first.  Where the trials and temptations of life can be overwhelming.  And when a day like our weekend ride to Long Island happens, we can be overwhelmed before we are thankful.  Yes there are places that exist like this, they are real.  But so is heaven, so we need to keep our eyes set on things on high, and follow the spirit daily.  The blessings are there, are we listening?

From the day I have been saved until now, I hear great theological minds debate how to know the will of God for your life.  They get existential, deep beyond any understanding a human can comprehend, and also far away from God.  For God made the gospel simple so I can get it, and free so we can afford it.  Not a philosophy to entertain, but a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the way back to his father, our father in heaven for eternity.  And we can live “On earth as it is in heaven,” in the spirit.  So what is the will of God and how do you know what it is?  Simple...The will of God is a relationship with Jesus, that simple.  And the spirit is calling to you to be saved.  It is not some kind of list that we are to follow, or a daily regimen where we step out of line and the will ends there.  The Bible never says that, although some of the pulpit population may tell you otherwise.  It is not religious, it is freedom in Christ, in the spirit.  An attitude of expectancy, and that we should just go and live our lives, knowing that everything we do is in God’s will.  Our sin may find us out, but God has already forgiven us and welcomed us back.  So unless the holy spirit indicates otherwise in your life, you are living in the will of God.   So go and have a great day, and enjoy yourself.   Enjoy the ride that God has set forth that day...you never know where it may lead.

So don’t be ruled by events, situations you have no control over.  Be flexible in the spirit, God knows what lies ahead, we don’t.  So we over prepare, aka worry, and miss the joy of the ride for today.  God’s blessings are new every morning, his bread fresh daily, and his love deeper than the oceans.  And every time you think you have him figured out, he shows you even more of his grace and love.  So what is God’s will for your life?  The person of Jesus Christ.  Get to know him and find your life has purpose.  Value.  And is exciting.  We visited David’s aunt as guests and left as friends.  An open invitation to return, but we never did.  That weekend was a time and a place outside of time, a place you could return to, but it would never be the same as the first time. 

Gatsby had come a long way, and had come so close to the love of his life, to the one thing he desired but couldn’t have.  Don’t make the same mistake, the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.  Some can only relate to what lies behind, I prefer to relate to what lies ahead, to who lies ahead.  Living life in his will....a reality that no other author can ever capture.  Live it, live him today.....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

how to drop a motorcycle

In the past six weeks I have ridden over 9000 miles in 13 states with no mishaps or accidents.  I have ridden nine different bikes, including six press bikes, and had no problems...until last Tuesday night I was getting gas on my way to teach/pastor at Dustin Arms.  I was riding a 2017 Tiger Explorer XCa, the big new adventure bike with all the bells and whistles when I fell over.  I had put down the side stand, or so I thought, only to find in a millisecond it had sprung back, and over I went.  At the pump.  Far away and out of sight of anyone, with 600 pounds of new bike on me, it only had 85 miles on it.  And I was pinned between the bike and the curb the pump was on and couldn’t move.  A man heard my cries for help, and came over, but then called for more help, “hey I got a biker down over here and I can’t get him up!”  And another man appeared...As they lifted the bike a little, I could wiggle out, but when I tried to stand my left leg buckled in pain, like on fire.  It felt like I had pulled a hamstring, something you never want to do, trust me on that. But as they and another man lifted the bike, I got up all the way, put down the side stand, and somehow managed to put gas in the bike.  I felt nauseous, was embarrassed, and before pumping the gas looked to see how the bike was, I guess I wasn’t in too much shock, I had my priorities right, check my ride.  The man who had helped noticed the crash bars had a scratch, noting “well they did their job,” and only a broken clutch lever was for the worst.  After saying thanks to them too many times, I filled the bike, and then tried to get on it, and the pain almost buckled me over, again.  My left leg was in incredible pain, my ego bruised, a press bike with only 85 miles damaged, and it was scheduled to go to a photo shoot later in the week.  And what was left of my inner drive was almost gone, but I was going to Dustin Arms no matter what!  And I did, not being able to use my left leg when I stopped, but the pain was there anyway, and God had provided a spot for me out front, DA is in downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp District, and it was the night of the All Star Game.  More people than I even imagined would be there...but God got me there, got me a parking spot, and then I had one last challenge ahead of me, the steps.

You see Dustin Arms is upstairs in an old building built in 1888, lots of steps, over 20 of them!  But carrying the cookies Theresa made for them in one hand, and clinging to the railing with the other, and grimacing in pain the whole way, I made it!  And couldn’t wait to sit down, if only I could find a way that it didn’t hurt.   But I taught, God ministered, and we had a great night.  Only my dragging my left leg the rest of the night would ever give away I was hurt, but God knew, and the ego part, aka pride didn’t show to anyone but him.  Or so I think, as no one has said anything, yet.

When I took the Tiger back, I showed Mick and he waved it off, he could replace the clutch lever, the scratch was minimal, the photo shoot was actually an off road ride, so the bike would get scratched anyway, and I picked up another Tiger and rode home.  Repeating the process less the spill for the rest of the week.  Including the limp...OUCH!

Outside of my immediate embarrassment, my first thought was of Dustin Arms and the people waiting and depending on me, I wasn’t going to let them down!  I kept thinking that If God gave me the chance to minister, then he would provide me the strength and grace to do it.  I didn’t stop to ask anyone, especially my wife, who would have insisted I stay home and rest.  But I was determined, and God got me there and back, even in pain, and ego bruised, he ministered through me, and I am glad I was part of it.  My ego is healing, and I was reminded by the holy spirit how I rather be humbled than humiliated.  A lot more damage could have been done to the bike, and my reputation, but God was merciful, I had screwed up!  And I carry on today, still riding, what would you have done?

God presents situations every day that we are not ready for.  But in the spirit we can rise to the occasion, but not by strength, I had none, or by my power, I was down one limb, but only by God’s spirit.  And he didn’t let any of us down.  The Apostle Paul, after denying the spirit and going to Jerusalem, was faced with a crowd, over 4000 who wanted his blood, just as God had warned.  They thought he was a Moses who had led a group of first century terrorists and escaped, but after hearing his cultured Greek accent, allowed him to address the crowd, by his request, the ones who wanted his head!  He saw the gospel going forth, was back in the Spirit, and the fulfillment of prophecy of what would happen if he went had been fulfilled, but God was not done with him.  Despite his disobedience, Paul had repented, and now was ready for action, to spread the good news about Jesus. 

The tribune had been so impressed with Paul, that he let him speak.  Remember their first thought was they had captured public enemy #1, and when Paul stepped up to speak to the crowd who wanted his head, with a wave of his hand they were silenced, and he spoke.  A far cry from what had happened to me, but just as personal, “I can do all things, the things God asks of me, by his strength.”  Struck down but not destroyed, I had done what Jesus asks us to do, share the gospel in word and deed.  All things work together, not just the good things!  Today you may be asked to minister and don’t feel like it, or find you physically can’t.  Maybe even limping to the occasion you feel you can’t, but where God guides, he provides, and testimonies are made.  My falling didn’t take God by surprise, it sure did me, and a week later I still can’t sit straight.  But God showed me once again that my life is not my own, and when I follow him in trust, no matter what I have done, he honors me.  So I can honor him.  All because I dropped a motorcycle...

By the way I made it up the steps again last night at Dustin Arms, and am fine riding, just the getting off and on.  But I can ride and do anything when Jesus Christ strengthens me.  Know that now before you get stuck under a motorcycle and have to call for help.  God knows the path, that night it included a fall, not my plan, but his.  I was humbled, bruised but not broken, beaten down but did not lose hope.  Persecuted yet we go on, Paul writes.  And then in 1 Corinthians 4 admonishes us to follow his example!  To imitate him!  All I can figure is, he never had a motorcycle fall on him! 

Yet for like the apostles, we continue to be on display for all the world to see and hear the gospel...even under a motorcycle! And yes, no animals were harmed during the production.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the four of us

No matter where you grow up, you think everywhere else is just like it.  Until you get out and travel.  Growing up in Jersey, you think all roads are the Turnpike, and all bridges make you pay a toll to leave the state, which is true.  Watching TV you get the idea all California weather is great...and for the most part it is.  But as the roads BH and I rode took us farther from the Garden State, the desire to ride longer and farther took over, and when BH decided to move to the Bay Area in 1975, I seriously considered it.  With only one major obstacle, my bike was down, so I planned another trip, one to see America.  In 1967 my father was a scoutmaster and had gone to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and I would travel a similar route, and head to LA to stay with Brennan.  But still filled with doubt, labeled caution, I wasn’t sure about a trip in my custom van alone, but one afternoon in Brelinsky’s basement changed all that.

It was a rainy, cool Jersey spring day, the kind basements and pool tables were meant for.  On the radio, was WNEW-FM, the first station in the US of A to go with no format, the DJ’s played what they wanted to, and the variety of music was varied and unlike any other station.  That rainy afternoon, I heard a song I had never heard before, that would change my life, “The Four of Us,” by John B. Sebastian.  A 15 minute plus song, of taking a trip in a van cross country.  “Sitting round the fireplace, we drew a smile across the states,” it opened with, and I was mesmerized.  And my decision was made, I was going, in my van.  Old John B. had sang about places and people, in a way I had never envisioned them, and all previous rides started with and ended with a destination, this song had the road inviting me to be part of it, and a whole new relationship was formed, rider and road.  If you tour, you know just what I mean,  if you just blip your throttle cruising the neighborhood, you don’t get it.  I didn’t, but soon would, and for over 40 years that song has influenced my riding, and the roads I do it on.  And this last ride had taken me full circle I thought, until I came home, and wanted, needed to be on the road again. 

“Further south our truck stops ran...” John B. sang, and for us so did the diners and local food.  Sitting at the counter, eating daily specials.  Different gas chains, that we soon became familiar with.  “Mississippi Delta, and we crossed New Mexico...” would make you think the Mississippi is next to New Mexico, if Texas and the Midwest states weren’t there to cross first.  But crossing the Ole Miss is an experience we have had from Louisiana to Minnesota, and all states in between.  Something about people along the Great River Road and the small towns that line it are inviting.  And something completely different about New Mexicans, who are not Mexicans at all, but their own breed of folk.  Where a sopapilla is standard with dinner, and red or green gives you a choice of chili.  Huevos Rancheros versus eggs over easy, or a Denver omelet, grits in the south.  And you can have your muffin grilled in the New England states.  All because of a song on the radio.

There is something about those of us who are touring riders that is different from those who just cruise, or take an occasional over nighter.  The road is like our home, and back roads call our name as if we knew them by name instead of by route number.  And soon we do, pronouncing the foreign sounding names like the locals do, eating Runzas like we had for years the first time, Po Boys with fried shrimp, the only way, and fish tacos.  When our locality stretches from sea to shining sea, we are not so much a tourist, as a local checking out new places to ride.  This year it was Iowa, the Loess Hills calling us.  One of only three such places in the world, hills made from blowing dirt, not mountains.  150 miles long, some places 100 miles wide, think of a terraced garden of green for the ride, and you can envision it.  And after riding it I still have not seen a picture that gives it justice.  The road took us to Le Mars, and the Blue Bunny Museum, of Blue Bunny ice cream fame.  Lake Okaboji, next to Spirit Lake where Indian motorcycles and Victorys are made.  We spent a night in an historic Frank Lloyd Wright hotel, in Mason City, where the movie The Music Man was filmed.  We visited Antique Archaeology, which sells branded merchandise mostly, and wandered inland to find the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk in Riverside, in 2228.  We ate lunch at Dave’s Old House in Pisgah, spent a night in Ottumwa, the hometown of Radar O’Reilly, and visited Baxter Cycle, where they sell over 100 motorcycles a year of all vintages.  The town being really just a neighborhood, you need to go 18 miles to the closest town for food or gas.  Hills that roll, covered with corn, and guarded on both sides by mighty rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi.  We fell in love with Iowa, the song again reminding me “is it all just here for us?”  And the answer from the song also “yeah, you know it really is...” 

Jesus Christ is also a song that changed my life on my 1975 trip.  And has been adding miles to my life ever since.  Just like I get restless for the road, I get restless for all the Jesus I can get.  I want more than a Bible study relationship, more than learning can provide.  I want to know him more, which takes me places I never knew about, and rides where he is the main theme in it.  I get to see America through his eyes, and not some book or movie.  And when we meet others on the road like us, we need not to explain, we have a common bond.  God has given me both, a bond with him via his spirit, and  a bond with the open road.  And when you realize Jesus spent most of his time on the road, it only makes sense.  Yet some are housebound by rules or lifestyle.  By fears and thinking “it’s the same everywhere,” both in riding and with God.  But the freedom of knowing Jesus, of being guided by his spirit, of knowing of whom I believe adds to life an intangible no other religion can offer.  But it is the song of Jesus that continually plays in my head, and with each passing mile, each new adventure I get to know a different side of him, ones that cannot be experienced in church, ones taught but not seen until you get out and live.  Being a touring Christian rider has made all the difference to me, and that one song that one afternoon opened up the door.  Or doors. 

And when the weather changes or gets rough, he is there with me.  From hurricanes in Florida, to tornado warnings in Minnesota, to flash floods in Ohio and high winds in the desert, I never ride alone without Jesus.  Never.  You see I know a triune God, one of God the father, Jesus the son, and the holy spirit, and when I am part of the group, the four of us ride together.  Just like the song, Jesus draws a smile across the states I ride, and when someday that last earthly ride is over, I know my time spent with him won’t be, for heaven truly awaits.  Many believe it, does your life reflect it?  Would you want to watch a movie about your life?  Some start looking at pictures, then begin to take them, their witness growing.  I want to be in the picture, I want all the Jesus I can get.  I want to build testimonies, to be the sojourner here on earth, seeing “on earth as it is heaven” while still here.  The spirit is calling, how weak is your flesh?  Weak enough to let God’s strength be made perfect in it?

The song ends with the four of them back home, and some good advice for those who travel along the road.  “Keep your lover on the road and smiling.”  Emotional smiles show on the face, the spiritual ones from the heart.  My life has come a long way from a rainy day basement, God has given it light and hope, and a future.  Better yet a today.  Do you look forward to today?  Let Jesus draw a line across your life, and fill your life with the three of them.  And become the four of us.  America, God truly has shed his grace on thee.  On us.  I think I need a ride....did you know the White Pole Road mirrors I-80....and there’s a car show Tuesday night at the Culver’s in Galena....the Drummond Ranch is only miles from Pawhuska?  I do....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com