of course the warranty will cover it...

Buyer beware, we have all seen the warnings, but something inside of us tells us it will never happen to me.  Years ago after a flood in Las Vegas, many cars were flood damaged, totaled by the insurance companies, and sold at auctions with salvage titles.  They had been cleaned up after and prior to the sale, but many tell tale marks were evident, if you knew where to look.  Pull up the trunk mat, pull back a door panel, and look for water marks or where mud had been.  In many cars you could see where the water line was when this was done.  Yet too many looking for the right deal, usually the greedy ones or those who could least afford it were the purchasers.  With those of us at the service department the bearer of bad news.  Some sold so quickly the DMV didn’t have the salvage listed in their data base, but the manufacturer did.  One such man came in with complaints about a new S600 he had just purchased via the internet.  A brand new car for almost half of the $150,000 it listed for new, he had some electrical issues, was told it had a new car warranty, just take it to the Mercedes Benz dealer and they will fix it for free.  Which we would have been happy to do...except...

It was a flood car, showed right on the VMI, the manufacturer records.  SALVAGE-NO FACTORY WARRANTY.  And he went into melt down.  He was going to sue Mercedes Benz, he had been robbed and we all were going to pay.  As he had the car towed out of the service department.  He couldn’t even buy an extended aftermarket warranty, they had it listed as a salvage car also.  And is often the case, all the king’s horse and all the king’s men, along with all the king’s money couldn’t put the car right again.  So beware, if it sounds too good it just might be.  But on the other hand...

We would occasionally get a car towed in that wouldn’t start, maybe a crash or flood.  When told it had no warranty, the owner said he knew, what would it take to fix it?  Not wanting anything to do with it, we finally put a $2000 estimate fee, that may not include needed repairs, and many jumped at it.  We made money, we were able to fix most cars, and the owner knew what he had purchased and was happy with the repairs, which were also not covered by warranty.  I guess it takes both types, but is it worth the hassle?  Such a deal sometimes isn’t, or it can be, but why take the risk?  I can see the cars from Hurricane Michael being lined up and sold on eBay right now.  And the greedy buyers just waiting....

At one point after so many disgruntled and taken owners, we agreed that we not only fix cars, but we had to fix the owners too.  In an age of where it is always someone else’s fault, it takes tact and integrity to tell them the truth and have them believe it.  Seems that when it is for our own good, we rebel, but when it is for another’s we excel, or at least accelerate.  Once I needed advice on a matter, and sought out the elders of the church as scripture tells us to do.  Seven men, seven opinions, some competing with each other.  Confused and a bit deluded, I asked God what to do, and found the answer was I was at fault, and needed to change, not the one I sought advice against.  After I decided to call off the law suit, God asked me “where else can you get free advice that works?”  A lesson I learned early in my Christian life, and trust via the spirit today.  Seems we forget the spirit reveals the mysteries of Jesus to us, without his guidance Bible reading loses much effect, and is open to our own biased interpretation.  Like the flood car, we are at the manufacturer’s mercy, only in Christ will we find the mercy we need.  In an era where everyone screams about their rights, we can turn to Jesus who gave up his rights so we can be saved.  It is when we face the responsibilities and deal with them we see the truth we seek and can deal with it.  The truth, not an opinion.  Yet many seek out advice, shopping their problem until they get an answer they like, then blaming the opinion giver when it fails.  We fail to acknowledge God when we do take his advice, as if it is expected he will just stop running the universe and bail us out.  He gave us stupid for a reason, and a reason for it to hurt.  If only we had sought his advice before.....we might not have to ask for forgiveness later.  Last night someone asked if they could do anything for me, and I told them “don’t ever do anything to me that I have to forgive you for.”  I hope they got it.

When seeking God or being involved in a deal, personal or business, I seek God first.  I have operated that a good deal benefits both parties, and find God gives me more than I can expect when I trust him.  He sees under the carpets and where the damage may be, or can occur.  When he created us and we fell into sin, he knew he could, but didn’t have to enter a recall for our souls, but he did.  Jesus Christ today is the largest and longest ongoing recall in history, and we are all part of it.  We once had a title marked salvage, now we have our name in the book of life.  Which doesn’t exempt us from problems, but gives us an advocate when we do fail.  Trouble with faith lately, scripture tells us in this life we will have tribulations.  Having problems, you are on strong scriptural ground.  Either we stand on Jesus the rock, or find out all else is shifting sand.  Or from a flood.

And just a note of advice for you warranty owners.  Buy a car with a 48 month, 50,000 mile warranty.  At 50,000.1 it’s out.  Over the mileage.  But what date does it expire?  Here is where to pay attention.  Bought on June 1, 2018, it expires at midnight, May 31, 2022.   48 months, not 48 plus one day.  Of course you all knew that....remember the lesson learned from when the twentieth century ended and the new millenium began?  Bought on the internet, you can always right click and have it fixed.  My car may be out of warranty, my God still honors my sin, and forgives it.  Loves the sinner, hates the sin.  Only by his spirit will you know.  Don’t let the burdens of opinions weight you down, Jesus Christ is a fact, not an opinion.  And that is the truth.

 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

something's happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear

We are in the early years of rock and roll, Elvis is King, the world still is in mourning over the death of The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly, the day the music died.  A young promoter out of Philadelphia is scheduling musical acts in Atlantic City, and has scheduled a man with a song and a new dance.  But he comes up ill and cannot be there, so the promoter calls a man he met a few years earlier to fill in, and Edgar Evans show up.  His song and dance ignite the rock world, the dance, The Twist, a dance with no steps, and the promoter a young Dick Clark.  The name Edgar Evans shows up nowhere in musical history today, but we know him as Chubby Checker.  Dick goes onto promote American Bandstand, and many new groups will be given a chance at stardom, and the intro to stardom through him.  Just mention The Twist and everybody starts doing it....

Moving on a few years, the president of a new record label is listening to a band audition out in LA.  They have a new sound, based on guitars and a take on country music, and when they are done playing all the songs they know, the president asks if they have any more.  Nothing has clicked...yet.  The leader announces they have one more song, but it doesn’t have a name.  But they will audition it for what it’s worth.  And music history continues as Buffalo Springfield gets their first break, the song you all know “For What It’s Worth,” not about war, but the riots on Sunset Strip in the sixties.  Spawning Poco, CSN&Y, Loggins and Messina, and others, all Hall of Fame musicians, and one Richie Furay getting saved and being known as Pastor Richie to his flock in Broomfield, Colorado Calvary Chapel.  Something’s happening here....

It is the fifties, and a young preacher is stepping out from his Baptist background.  God is calling him to take the gospel public, and a publisher, anything but Christian puts out a two word release to his chain of newspapers.  “PUFF GRAHAM!”  Industry jargon for promote him, the publisher, William Randolph Hearst, the man, Billy Graham.  Who will lead more crusades and men to Christ than anyone in the twentieth century.  Who will become an advisor to president and celebrities, his message simply the gospel of Jesus Christ and his saving grace.  A message still fresh and new to those who first hear it and respond.....

Two women, cousins, one older, one still a teenager are visiting, both pregnant.  When the younger cousin arrives, when greeted the baby in the womb of the older leaps with joy.  They stay together for three months until the baby is born, and his father breaks tradition, unable to speak, not naming him after himself or anyone else in his family.  He names him John, the name the holy spirit has had him write on the paper.  Suddenly he can speak, praising God, and the village wonders, “who will this man be?”  Will he be famous?  But his path has been set by God on high, and he will not be the star as hoped, but the messenger telling of his cousin’s birth, and preparing the world for his message.  So powerful a message, he will lose his head to the leader of the government, per a request by his step daughter.  We know him as John the Baptist, J the B, and he will baptize with water.  His cousin, Emanuel, better known as Jesus, will come to save the world, and be crucified.  Baptizing believers in the spirit....and his message, the gospel still goes forth today, by his spirit in those who believe and are saved.  But his time had to wait as he lived in the wilderness and in obscurity, until age 30.  The age a man may become a Jewish priest.  And the world has never been the same, nor will it ever be.

A few years back a couple were riding cross country and spending time in Pennsylvania.  Visiting the Ephrata Cloisters, a religious order from the 1700’s, they believed in the return of Jesus, and lived stoic, legalistic lives, sleeping little, and devoting themselves to study and prayer, lest Jesus return and they are found sleeping or unaware.  After the tour guide continually explained this return of Jesus, the rapture, she asked if anyone had any questions.  Meeting in the barn, both the tour and the guide being secular, she was unprepared for the question, “what is this rapture you speak of?”  And not knowing what to say, the man stepped forward, and was able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the crowd.  Just answering the question asked, allowing the spirit to do what it does best, minister and save.  No altar call, just sharing Jesus....just another moment in time ordained by God. 

We never know when the spirit of the Lord will call, so be ready.  Not legalistically, but in the spirit.  Knowing God has everything under control.  He orders our steps, but doesn’t order us, leaving the decision to follow or to deny up to us.  From rock star to the rock, he knows all of us by name, and calls us to know him by name.  We too can leap in the spirit as John leapt in the womb, we can share the gospel publicly when called to, and we can live in the spirit when we choose to.  God will provide the opportunity, how we respond is still up to us.  Today will be the day of salvation for many, but the day the music died for others.  You don’t want to leave this earth without knowing Jesus and the blessed hope of heaven.  He is still in the business of changing lives, and blessing his people.  From a barn in Bethlehem to a barn in Ephrata, his message still goes forth bringing life.  Surely something’s happening here, but in Jesus it is exactly clear.  He is worthy, for what it’s worth.  Give him a listen today....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

travel nationally, eat locally

You never ask the girl behind the desk “where is a good place to eat?”  You may be directed to the coffee shop, so we ask, “if you could go anywhere to eat, where would it be?”  And as their eyes light up, the menu changes for the better.  You may be a stranger in a strange town, with the lights from a chain beckoning you to feel at home, but you aren’t or you would be at home.  So why eat the same things on the road as at home?  Which brings us to local restaurants we have eaten at, wishing they were chains or at least in So Cal.  Nothing good ever comes to San Diego, seems they all stop at the county line.  While many have already stopped at the state line.  But here are a few that will make us ride out of way for a meal.

If in Bartlesville, Eggbert’s is the breakfast place.  Not fancy, looks like an old Coco’s, but the cinnamon roll pancake is to die for, not so sure it isn’t illegal.  Image a full size pancake, not the kid size at IHOP, with swirls of cinnamon and topped with icing.  Makes my teeth hurt thinking about it.  But for the best bacon, eggs, and hash browns it is the Durango Diner in Durango, make sure to sit at the counter and watch Gary do his thing with the spatula.  He has for almost 40 years now...

While looking for dinner in Gettysburg, the places on the circle were full except for one, so going against logic we ate there, and had the meal of trip.  The Pub and Restaurant was just filling up and the timing was right.  Incredible food, I had some Cajun dish based on Jumbalaya with pasta, so huge I didn’t think I would finish.  Great waitress, and fair price.  Worth a trip back, battlefields optional.  If you are asked “red or green?” it must be New Mexico, in Albuquerque it means Monroe’s.  But better yet in Santa Fe it is Los Amigos, in an old house off the main road.  Finished off with a sopapilla as big as the plate and hot, the perfect antidote for the green chile cheese burger.  Still not sure, “say Christmas,” a mixture of red and green.  But what about lunch on the road?

We try to frequent the local chains, and eat the specialty.  If there is a Culver’s in sight, Theresa will find it.  Great burgers with crinkle cut fries, but it is the concrete you save room for.  Also Braum’s makes a great burger combo for $5.89 with a shake, read milk shake.  They are a dairy store after all.  But when eating is the theme of the day or trip, you cannot beat Das Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana.  On the way to somewhere, it is family style, Amish food at its best, and served cafeteria style.  Roast beef, chicken, pork roast, real mashies and dressing, fresh veggies, and over 20 feet of a second trip back.   The $12.99 all you can eat lunch of the year, take your time, choose well, and eat lots.  Then take a wagon ride to work it off.....so when given the chance, travel nationally, but eat locally.  You will never be homesick again.  Ride to eat and eat to ride takes on a whole new attitude....of course you knew that already.

Theses temples to great eating should never be confused with the temples that Jesus lives in, our bodies.  When we are saved his spirit takes up residence within us, and many alternative temples can compete for his attention.  Some temples come in the form of cars and motorcycles, some on a large screen, some fitting the body we live in, and others yet in the form of drugs or alcohol.  Not all forms of idolatry are in the form of other gods, but can take the place of God in our hearts and life.  While some choose to live a life of luxury without considering the things of the spirit, some live a life of legalism, afraid to eat or drink anything, less a dietary law or custom is eaten where forbidden.  When anything controls us and  our pocket book, our mind, our attitude or actions, it it’s the primary guiding force in our lives.  Some live in homes that own them, the mortgage bigger than their ego, and becomes a prison.  Some have to have the fastest car or motorcycle, as one man explained to me last week, every year he gets a new bike.  Taking a huge hit on each old one sold.  Fashion and music go in and out of style, do you really need tennis, running, walking, workout, and casual shoes that we used to just call sneakers?  We all give in to something, can we say the same about Jesus?  Pause as the crowd just got smaller and quieter....

God wants you to have nice things, just not put them above or before him.  Yet some live poor but not humbly, thinking it pleases God.  Why would I want to be poor and destitute when God offers me the best?  Some still brag on what they have done, while others brag on what they haven’t done.  Do any of us brag on what Jesus has done?  On what his spirit is doing within us?  You see some choose to act locally, in church like Christians, but are a different person outside the building.  Jesus operates 24/7, we are to act the same outside as we do inside, which tells us a lot about what is inside us, and who is calling the shots.  Maybe a look at your check book is more than you want see and admit.  Idolatry is more than a product, more than an action, it is an attitude.  Does your attitude reflect Jesus?  Know that things are not bad in themselves, but when they lure you into more involvement of them they become idols.  You have a new god, a new master, and new love and you may not realize it.  One that leads you into sin and destruction rather than saving you from it.  Tough calls sometimes, but remember Jesus has given you his spirit so you know.  Do nothing form selfishness, but think of others and how it affects them too.  The first being your witness of Christ.  You know the urge, we have all been there.  But do we trust the spirit more?

Maybe it is explained best as a friend who drives over the road trucks did.  While on a ride with him, he passed by a diner and we went back.  He told us he always wanted to stop there, and when I asked him “is the food good?”  truckers are supposed to know all the best places to eat, he shook his head no.  Didn’t matter. The lot was big enough to park his semi in.  So maybe the truckers don’t know the best places to eat after all...but you can have the best in Christ when trusting and traveling with him.  Jesus spent his entire ministry on the road, he surely knew the best places to eat.  Consider this, he fed the 5000, left them with enough for the next day to remember what he did, and how, what about all the other daily meals with the apostles?  He remembered them at the in between meals too, can we say we remember him in the in between meals?  By his hand we must be fed, give us Lord your daily bread. 

Now on the subject of Pop Tarts....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com