expert or enthusiast?

Whenever I meet someone from the New York Metro area I always ask “Mets or Yankees?”  And if you grew up back there, you know of what I speak.  You either love one team and hate the other, and it has always been that way.  Except for a void formed when both the Giants and Dodgers moved west, and for those who worshipped the National League, and locals had no one to turn to.  Moods, attitudes, family decisions, and other important things were based on if the Dodgers or Giants won.  My father took his first and only job in Scotch Plains based on the fact he could get the Dodgers on channel 9.  Dinner may be burned or late, but if your team won, all was forgiven.  But for four seasons this void left many fans with no local New York team, and the Yankees didn’t fill the void.  The Yankees were from the other league, and tradition was the Yankees vs. who in the World Series.  So when the Mets were formed for the 1962 season, baseball was officially back in New York, and all was well with the world again.  Win or lose, baseball was back, and the 40-120 first year Mets soon outdrew the Yankees in attendance.  Yankee fans knew all about the Yankees, true baseball fans knew all about the baseball.  And never confuse the two....

With the proliferation of Harley Davidson and their marketing genius comeback after Reagan helped bail them out via a tariff on imported bikes over 700cc’s, many today know all about the brand they worship.  Even rookies can tell a Pan from a Knuckle from a TwinCam, from the new Milwaukee Eight.  They know all about Harleys, but little else about motorcycling.  I expect an argument here, to prove my point name some other brands exist, that were and are thriving today, who outperform them everywhere else but the sales floor?  The Yankees might have been good for baseball, but they weren’t baseball, just as Harley is good for motorcycling, but they aren’t all motorcycling has to offer.  Triumph is back for 30 years now, and a premium brand.  Indian is back, again and again and again, hopefully for good, check out their new 750cc flat tracker.  Despite corporate managers dumping Buell from Harley almost ten years ago, Buell is making his EBR, again.  I rode one, fast but crude, what would you expect from a V twin based on Harley?  Harley’s decision at the time, it is easier to sell $3000 worth of chrome than to sell a bike that isn’t a Harley.  But motorcycling is alive and well, even if sales are down, with great models available form all makes, a Golden Age if you will.  And if you think that Harley and other type customers cannot be converted, check out any metric dealer’s used bike section, almost totally devoted to Harley Davidson, recent years, low miles, and priced much lower.  Only the few like my departed friend Glen would agree, other bikes are better, but I will only ride a Harley.  I happen to like all motorcycles, I choose to ride Triumphs, but also own a vintage 1978 Suzuki, and have ridden the new Indian Scout, various Yamahas, and all but a recent Ducati.  Like Spud at the Harley store, I have this thing called motorcycles, and I love them all.  Harley and other, BMW and other.  I ride, what’s your excuse?  Now if a Harley rider can convert to a motorcycle, can a Yankee fan convert to baseball?

Now while these civil wars exist within baseball and motorcycle, and cars, Ford vs. Chevy, with MOPAR an honorable mention, they should never exist within the church.  Paul warns of this in Romans, about those who may even appear to be Christians, quote scripture, and their pastor, but have an agenda to create a schism within the body.  We see them in groups with churches, who think their doctrine is best, for everyone.  They argue over ideas and will misquote scripture to prove their point.  Even using the words of Jesus against the church, telling that their belief is the only one, all others are blasphemy.  Not quoting, but misquoting Jesus, for things he never said.  Their way is the mark of a true believer, the rest of us aren’t Christians in their view.  They say if you have their mark of belief, if you believe like they do, then you are saved.  Cults, and certain denominations are like this, they do not serve Christ, but their own selfish needs, boosting themselves up using flattering words, presenting an image, and an air of superiority if you believe like they do.  They take one aspect of Christianity and build a religion around it, they may talk and act spiritual, but inside are ravenous wolves, and need to be avoided. 

Now unlike supporting your favorite team, or motorcycle, we tend to be competitive in what we believe.  Yet Paul tells us do not take them on from the pulpit or one on one.  Avoid them, and if anyone who has tried to change their evil destructive ways knows, they will change you long before you change them.  It is the spirit’s job to change, not us, we are simply messengers of the gospel, good news about Jesus Christ.  We are to avoid them, God will deal with them and preserve the peace within the body, all other ways invite dissension, and split churches.  Sadly it goes on to many ways today, just mention building or upgrading your church, and watch as the sides divide against each other.  If you cannot choose carpet and get along, what makes you think you can change another’s heart?  We need to know that the same God who saved us, who preserves the peace he gave us, will also crush Satan under your feet.  These groups will split off and seek another place to spread their poison, without warfare or dissension.  Jesus changes lives, sometimes despite us.  A message we need to consider if we are to grow in him and our church also.

How would you describe your church?  One of prophecy, teaching, spiritual gifts, one that emphasizes the word above all else, or one of love?  One that is spirit driven?  How do you describe yourself in your church?  Do you follow doctrine or Jesus?  Do you see these groups of dissension within your body, are you part of one?  Have you based your life on Jesus or religion?  Would you rather argue your point than minister to those who need love?  Is God at work in your life? Do you know all about Jesus, but never met him?  Are you a Yankee fan who doesn’t like baseball, maybe a Harley owner who doesn’t ride?  Too many garages have them in the corner under a cover, owned never ridden, is your light shining for Christ?  What you ride or who you cheer for is important, but will not get you into heaven.  Only Jesus will.  Some things are worth arguing about, salvation is not one of them.  It is God’s business left best to him.  And yes Harley owners and Yankee fans get saved, just like Honda and Triumph owners do.  By Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven or earth that can save.  What is on your heart is what will come out of your mouth, sure you want to say what you are about to say? 

Seek Jesus first, then all other things will be added unto us.  Motorcycle and sports teams.  As true Christians we should stand out in the dark world of today, by our love, not by winning an argument.  Not by being superior, but by humbling ourselves and being like Jesus.  Serving not demanding to be served.  Today many ride Harleys who would never ride anything else, it is good for motorcycling.  Many are Yankee fans, it is good for baseball.  As Christians we need to unit in the spirit instead of denominations or teachings or pastors or religion.  Only in the spirit will we truly be free, to ride or choose who we want to cheer for.  God lets the decision up to us.....we are all slaves to something, we only become a bond slave to Christ by choice. 

The Mets filled a void in 1962, National League baseball was back in the Big Apple.  Harley is back and causing many others to think motorcycle.  When you hear the name of Jesus what do you think?  Church, doctrines, religion, maybe unity?  Only in the spirit will we be united as one, one in Christ.  By his spirit, not ours.  He changes lives, we interfere.  Are you a fan of Jesus or do you know him?  Are his colors on your heart?  An old Triumph ad attacked Honda, are you an expert or an enthusiast?  The expert knew his bike, the enthusiast rode.  The expert knew the part numbers, the history, the enthusiast rode.  Are you religious or enthusiastic?  Which means God inspired?  Next time someone asks is are you in the word, respond is the word in you? If they have to ask....maybe you need some enthusiasm in your life.  Let the spirit free again and enjoy the game.  Enjoy the ride.  Enjoy being a Christian.  What good is fun if you don’t enjoy it?  Avoid quarrels within the church, all you have to do is argue and you have already lost.  Paul knew this, for the spirit guided him.  Jesus never argued.....can we say the same?  Enthusiast or expert, are you in the word or is it it you?  If it is not all about Jesus it is religion....take it up with him.  I did and it made all the difference.  And I have love, joy, and peace to prove it.  Against which there is no law, so no argument.  Jesus loves me this I know, do you?  Quit bragging about what a great Christian you are and show me.  And watch as God changes lives, maybe even you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no one asked for your help-and Mikey likes that

My parents used to make fun of an old coffee commercial where the over bearing, well meaning mother helped her newly wed daughter.  Not allowing the daughter any chances to help herself, the younger girl blurted out “Mother please, I’d rather do it myself!”  And of course the hurt mother went into a tailspin, and the daughter felt bad, but after consuming massive amounts of caffeine everything was well again.  Feelings healed, coffee had saved the day.  And we see the mother letting her daughter serve her coffee....now isn’t that special?  And we would laugh, and the tagline of “Mother please, I’d rather do it myself” was applied to many situations in gest.  But we are often guilty of acting like the interfering mother at times, when it is easier for us to do it rather than wait for someone else.  Let someone else deal with their newness, forgetting we were all new at everything once, or twice.  And if our pride would let us know just how the daughter felt, wishing we could just tell off the well meaning, but interfering other person.  Of course we would never over react....

Now I have trouble remembering the coffee brand, but not the commercial.  Great commercials with great tag lines are like that.  I honestly get so tired of hearing “Mikey likes it,”  ha ha very funny.  For the millionth time.  Or how dangerous motorcycles are and your telling me about someone being killed or maimed on one.  How would you feel if I treated your cancer with so little compassion?  Another pet peeve that begins to darken my mailbox this time of year is the letter from someone who just has to tell me how great their kids and life are.  No problems, and the letter goes on for pages, with a  Happy Holiday at the end, which I rarely get to, especially if I know the person.  Truth is real and exciting enough without your fictional portrayal of your life.  But one morning after church I scored one for our side, and victory, no matter how small is still a win.

Leaving church with our motorcycle jackets on, a man came up and said he rode also, and has a Triumph too.  Could he ride with me sometime?  Before I could answer, he is wife walked up, and he introduced her, and my question changed her whole attitude.  “Do you ride too?” I asked.  And the tirade began of how she was in the medical field, and all the carnage she saw.  And how she would never ride, and of that somehow we were lesser because we did.  Wrong answer, so I countered her, although it was and is unfair to do battle with an unarmed person.  “Really, I’m also in the medical field,” and her face brightened, “I’m, a patient.”  And as her demeanor changed, obviously humor was not part of her make up, I continued, “but I am glad to meet you, because I have a medical question,” still reeling her in.  “In the past two months I have had four friends die in their sleep, is it OK for me to go to sleep tonight?”  I’m not sure of the answer as she grabbed her motorcycle riding husband and split on us, my first thought being what lousy taste in women he has, and the second, I was so glad I didn’t have to go home with her.  Maybe all she needed was another latte....but my point was made.  And Mikey liked it!

There are many gray areas in the Bible, where we must make a decision as to what or what not to do.  But in all cases we are to show love.  After my open heart surgery I was greeted by a well meaning brother, again at church, who wanted me to meet his new friend, who went on to tell me how I needed to get out and witness more, and do more things for God.  I then told him I had just spent 54 days in Albuquerque, 30 in the hospital and 20 in Cardiac Critical Care, and should be dead, but God saved my life and I made medical history.  He walked away, hey I thought it was a good testimony, and giving glory to God.  He meant well, as did the wife with the medical career, they only lacked one thing that was evident, they were more zealous than concerned for others.  And we all get like that, but need to be led by the spirit, rather than trying to impress or win an argument.  If only we took the time to listen, our response may be much different, and I will admit sometimes I just want to be left alone.  Back when my hair was shoulder length and had a full beard, looked like the wolfman, a well meaning man came up to me and asked me “have you heard about Jesus?”  He was trying to witness to me, and when I answered “yes, for many years now,” was stunned.  He had no idea I was saved, his church clothes warned me from across the lot.  If he had just said “hello” and talked with me it would have been a better conversation, yet he was doing what he was told to do.  His heart and his mind wasn’t in it, and soon people like that lose heart.  Maybe just try being yourself, a full time job with overtime for me, and be nice to others.  Visit with them, listening.  I tire of hearing “long after they forget your words they will remember your actions,”  it is like “Brother please, I’d rather let Jesus do it,” than do it myself.  And today you will be on both sides of the conversation....

When it comes to helmet laws we insist “let those who ride decide.”  Then argue over what brand of bike we ride.  Paper or plastic, or bring your own now that they are 10 cents each in California?  Do you want fries with that?  No it’s a salad.  Chargers fan?  No I like football.   And of course we all know our own church is the best.  Can we have a little more concern for each other?  Jesus showed compassion to the woman at the well, the thief on the cross, and to Martha and Mary when they chided him for being late and their brother Lazarus died.  But he showed love in every instance, be led by the spirit rather than our own selfish emotions.  When we are told to love our brother as our self, do we love him enough to love us too?  To listen, then answer.  To not argue over trivial things just to get our way or prove a point?  Do we remember it was Jesus who changed us, not an argument we gave into?  Have you become more like a church or denomination or more like Jesus?  God asked me once why he doesn’t allow us to change people to be like us.  I had never thought about it, but his answer was spot on, so they become more like me and not you.  Believe it or not I have many flaws and scars, some of which don’t show.  The scars on Jesus show his love, and when it comes to salvation, especially via the cross, I am glad that I didn’t do it myself.  I couldn’t and wouldn’t and probably wouldn’t for you.  But Jesus did and will......and wants a chance to prove it to you.  Via his love.  Now that is a witness anyone can get along with, love. 

So it is OK to ask Jesus for help, but good advice only works when taken.  Whether in church, at a bike dealer, or riding, we all need Jesus.  Even those crusty saints who know it all.  Especially those.  Go spread the gospel today by listening and loving on someone.  Use words if needed.  You may be the gospel in action they need.  Jesus saves souls, and fortunately us from each other.  And Mikey likes that....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Cadillac-back when size used to matter

The Standard of the World was how we used to identify with Cadillac.  In the fifties and sixties when lower, longer, and wider meant success, Cadillac outdid them all.  A sign that you had arrived, it got you special attention, better valet parking, and an air and status no other luxury car could command.  When my Grandpa would visit and park his 1962 black Coupe Deville in our driveway, neighbors would wonder “who were the rich folks visiting?”  If you drove one, doors opened for you, and we all desired owning one someday.  To brag on our success, to show we had made it.  But in 1973 when gas rose to 50 cents a gallon, the Lazarus cars of Toyota and Datsun the rich used to step over became popular, and Cadillac brought out the Seville, based on the Chevy Nova.  We should have seen the writing on the wall, as downsizing was about to influence our car buying, and affect our success status, as far as automobiles went.  And for guys like my friend Gerald, a doctor, when news of a downsized Cadillac for 1977 hit, panic set in.  True they may be bigger on the inside, get better mileage, when mpg was a status symbol, but they were smaller, and how you arrived told more than the fact you had arrived.  And so his 1976 Coupe Deville, with its 500 cubic inch, not cubic centimeter engine was a last stand for many.  Cadillac was downsizing, following the lead of other GM divisions, and instead of leading was following.  And a new low hit in 1982, when you could get a Cadillac Cimarron, a Chevy J car, the size of a Toyota.  Downsizing was the new rule, and all manufacturers would build smaller cars if they chose to compete.  Ford followed in 1979, with a smaller LTD, which was actually smaller and weighed less than its mid sized Torino.  Cadillac’s tag line of “Best of all, it’s a Cadillac,” had been redefined, dumb downed if you would.  And today we are burdened with Hybrids, the Prius, and Hyundais disguised as luxury cars to remind us.  I wonder what Gerald would be driving today?

When Bill Hays wrote a book about the history of The Boozefighters, the first outlaw motorcycle club, I planned on getting a copy at the Hollister Rally.  We met him and JQ, the club historian at their booth, and we visited.  Then JQ put me in a headlock, he had seen my Christian colors, and asked, “so you’re a Christian, well I have a question for you, can God make a rock so big he cannot pick it up?”  And while gasping for air, and my theological juices flowing, I was about to share Jesus with a real biker, the ones we had been told to witness to.  But the words that came out surprised me, as the spirit provided the words needed, “you don’t ask God stupid things like that.”  And JQ released me, he liked the answer, he could deal with it, and we became friends.  But later I was to consider how so many have fallen into worshipping the creation rather than creator.  While some would focus on the rock, I focused on God.  Today religion has brought God down to our level, rather than us being brought up to God’s level.  From the Tower of Babel, when man thought they had it all and built a tower to heaven to brag to God, to false idols made of stone and gold that fell over in the wind, man must defend and give strength to these false gods.  Religion and denominations have downsized God so they can control him, appearing big on the outside, while God looks upon the heart.  We must be in the word, but how many have the word in them?

Many false doctrines follow us still.  One is if you are prosperous, you must have found favor with God.  Yet it is the poor in spirit who inherit the kingdom.  Some name it and claim it, God being a genie at their disposal, I wonder if their god could pick up the rocks they make?  While others take scripture out of context, and design a lifestyle around it, themselves being the standard.  It seems as long as man exists he will try to find a way to make God equal to himself, yet scripture tells us just he opposite.  For God so loved the world, he sent Jesus to make the way back to him.  He lowered himself in humility to save us.  Salvation is a gift, not a status that can be earned.  You cannot buy your way into heaven, no man has the riches of God, nor is any price mentioned.  God wants the intangible, the unseen, the heart.  And then wants you to display it publicly in his love.  For what does it profit a man if he gains the world and loses his soul? 

It is possible we all will take a final ride in a Cadillac, a hearse.  Death has no social, economical, or religious requirements.  We all qualify, but we can choose where we spend eternity.  And if your life is based on the rock of Jesus Christ you will be saved.  Success is not measured in what we have, but who we know.  Has religion, your belief system downsized Jesus to the point of only a teacher, philosopher, itinerant preacher, or carpenter?  Does your church seek him first, and have all things added on by him, or do you get recognized by your worldly success?  Do you keep your god in a box, are you ashamed of Jesus before your rich friends?  Are the tinted windows on your car really showing the tint on your soul?

So to paraphrase JQ, I have a question for you.  “You say you are a Christian, what makes you different from me?  I believe in Jesus, I go to church.  I tithe and pray.  I’m successful, why do you still pick on me?”  My answer, have you built your house, your life upon the rock of Jesus Christ?  Even demons know who he is and tremble at his name,  they believe in him, but do you believe him?  Can you call him Lord when you don’t do the things he asked?  Do you love and forgive others?  Or is all your relationship religious, all for show but no go?  Do the words from your mouth truly tell us who you know Jesus to be?  Maybe some private time with the spirit is in order.  Are you living up to the standards of the world, of the church, or of God?  Do you believe in God as creator, or do you have more faith in the rock he created? 

Today you can supersize your relationship with God, turning it all over to Jesus.  Be filled to overflowing, having all your needs met in Christ Jesus.  Seek him first, let him add all things unto you.  And lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.  Longer, lower, wider, may be OK in old cars, don’t let it be the chasm between you and God.  Seek the truth and be set free, even the people could see the emperor had no new clothes.  And the fact your Cadillac is really a Chevy.  Come to think of it, I never saw a Chevy hearse, have you?  Sometimes it’s what’s under your hood, or what’s in  your garage, your wallet?  But what’s in your heart?  Only the size of your faith will downsize your God.  God reached down to bring us up, only in Christ will you truly arrive.  Now that’s success....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

pre-owned certification, would you pass the test?

Back in the Roger Smith days of General Motors, he of “Call me Roger” fame, when the press asked what he had to compete with foreign imports at a certain price level, he answered “a used Buick.”  It seems for the money GM couldn’t compete, and Roger’s answer told us more than we needed to know, what car buffs thought, and what we already knew, that GM was in trouble.  It had started its downhill slide, read avalanche back in the late seventies, and by the nineties the cars reflected it.  Also giving a new twist on their age old motto “Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?”  But what Roger had also said, maybe not knowingly, he had to have some brains to run the largest car manufacturer in the world was, that used cars are a great bargain.  And soon became known as pre-owned in our politically correct jargon infused world.  If you cannot sell them new, sell them used, and roll them units.  And from Mercedes Benz to Toyota to Kia, today all manufacturers, or rather their dealers sell used cars, excuse me pre-owned cars that have been certified, and come with a better warranty than a new car. 

When with Mercedes Benz the techs were put on a revolving schedule so they could certify cars, it was easy money and they would fight for the position.  Essentially the cars were refurbished to like new condition, then resold with an extended factory warranty for 100,000 miles.  And priced way below the original retail price, we all know once you drive off the lot with a new car it starts to depreciate, here was a chance to get a good deal, on a like new car, and with a factory warranty.  And that is exactly how Theresa got her new Mustang, excuse me pre-owned Mustang for her 60th birthday.

With GM announcing last week their average car sold new for $43,988 most of us are in sticker shock.  But we can ease the shock of our monthly payment by buying pre-owned, which we did.  When new a Mustang convertible like hers was over $35,000, way beyond our ability to pay, but not desire.  The car we bought, certified was almost 40% less, we saved on tags, and on tax.  It is factory new except for the miles, and has new tires, brakes, been thoroughly serviced, and detailed....it is new!  And with a 100,000 powertrain warranty, and an additional 12 month, 12,000 mile bumper to bumper, we can drive secure in the fact the factory is there when we need, if we need it.  Comparable used Mustangs, non-certified were $2000 less, and without the warranty or certification, if it breaks, who you gonna call?  The same store that would fix it under warranty....maybe Roger was right after all. And no, we never considered a Buick.

One thing among many I learned from our auction buyers was that the cars at auction were passed over if they thought they couldn’t be certified, or made money on.  The lesser cars, the not primo cars went to used car lots, and sold for less.  Same car maybe, but one was good enough to sell for more, to be reconditioned and sold with a warranty, another wasn’t.  Now I am not saying buy only certified, or don’t buy at a used car lot, but for my money, piece of mind, and follow up, pre-owned certified is the way to go.  And I can use the money saved on motorcycles and trips.  And now in our new Mustang convertible, race red of course, aren’t all cool convertibles red?  Would you buy a Ferrari in any other color?  So why not a Mustang?

After my open heart surgery, they were amazed I was still alive, I should be dead, but could offer no warranty.  I was released as is, no warranty expressed or implied.  But I had, and still have a guarantee from God that when I die on earth, I will be instantly in heaven.  I may be the worst used body, an amazingly bad sinner, but since I came to Jesus, I am saved, and am heaven bound when I leave earth.  Which we all will do some day.  Some of us were not good enough for church certification, some carry about a membership card to show their allegiance.  The day I accepted Jesus I bypassed all that religion had to offer, and got a factory warranty, a new make over from the inside out by the creator himself.  I was born again, with the word written on my heart, so it is with me always.  No number to call, no card to present, I have the spirit with me always, good or bad times.  And I can call him Jesus, for he knows my name, and I know his.  He is Lord, he is God incarnate, he is the prince of peace, and wonderful counselor, the great healer and physician.  I just call him Jesus, because he wants it that way, he wants it to be that personal.  And he chose me from the pit, and daily for over 40 years now is working miracles in me and through me. His love and grace never go out of style, and he accepts me as I am.  He includes me in decisions, but still gives me the insight to make the right decision, and forgives me, doesn’t give up on me when I don’t.  If you can find a better guarantee, take it, but you will never get the deal you will other than from Jesus.  Others may offer goods, position, peace of mind, and wealth, only Jesus saves.  By no other name can we be saved.  And he calls me friend....

Jesus took me on trade when I had nothing to offer him but brokenness and strife, and like the song, he made something beautiful out of my life.  You may be the used car in the back row no one wants, Jesus wants you.  You may have  high miles, been rode hard and put away wet.  You qualify under his terms of forgiveness.  You may have it all, have lived a good life, maybe even be a pew filler once a week, but don’t know God, you qualify.  No one will ever outbid Jesus for your soul, and today many things try.  And will. Today you can get the deal of your life for all eternity, to be saved, to go to heaven when you die.  But the choice is up to you, perfect love demands a choice, it doesn’t force itself upon you.  And he knows what it takes to put you into heaven today....such a deal he has for you.  What say you?

Cars, motorcycles, houses, and other things will wear out, even go out of style.  Salvation doesn’t, and with no end.  A covenant with no end date, instead of a contract with a specified date.  Every day is a new day on the calendar of forever, at 100,000.1 the Mustang warranty ends.  Time to buy another....make one purchase today of Christ, and be set forever.  And enjoy the cars and bikes of life, a red convertible may change your attitude, only Jesus will change your life. Top down, wind in your face.....now about your next motorcycle.....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25bker.blogspot.com