at the end of your rope

Rats, informants, snitches, finks-many names that describe a person who you trusted but ratted you out.
And always for personal gain, and sometimes creating a lie to cover for their iniquities. The number one fink that ever was is Judas Iscariot, treasurer, disciple, and accuser of Jesus Christ. A man, who for 30 pieces of silver, sold out our Lord, an innocent man, and ended up hanging himself from a tree, the branch broke and his guts spilled out. A perfect ending for a man who spilled his guts about an innocent man.

Growing up my friend Ricky used to always say something like "what did your mom do when she found out you were doing..." in front of her, knowing full well she didn't know. But my mother was cool, and never said anything, not wishing to fall into the trap, or take me with her. And sadly today, 40 years later, the Rickys of the world still exist, causing trouble within clubs, families, and even trying to get between friends.

Proverbs tells us, paraphrased, that a story told sounds true until the other side of the tale is told. Good advice, in fact out judicial system is built on it. And lately, I for one am glad. For you see, not everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, is of God. Colors, church attendance, knowing officers in a club do not get you out of your lies. Soon, for some reason not soon enough, they get found out. But after they have done damage, and moved on to another group of people. The sad thing is we see them coming, but for some reason think we can change them, when it is only God who can change a heart, and all changes in actions start from there.

But sadder still are those who continue their gossip, for that is what it is, and continue the trail of hurt and destruction. Sadly, protected by well meaning, but wrong men, who rather keep peace, than expunge the one causing turmoil. Wise is the man who realizes that a little leaven-the Bible uses this term for sin-soon goes through the whole loaf. If only they had the integrity, guts, or even love to stop these people in their tracks before they spread their cancer, but often in the name of getting along with each other don't. Mistaking unity by thinking it is agreeing with each other, when in truth it is agreeing with God. Perpetuating lies, but never vindicating the innocent one who has been injured by the slander.

God uses these events to prove what our character is made of, and sometimes to move us out of bad situations. It is called love, and when tested, we need to respond in love. Realizing that the same Jesus that died for me, died for my aggressor. The same Jesus that could have rescued Judas, but he was too proud to ask. Don't you be-ask forgiveness now-it feels pretty good, and gives us an unjaundiced perspective than sin can't. And for those of you who persecute those walking with God, that same forgiveness is for you.
Bask in God's mercy and grace today.

Don Corleone, set an example for us to be wise as serpents, when he stated "it was Barzini all along." May we have his insight, but better yet the love of Christ. Someday He will judge the sinner, I choose forgiveness-I hope you do to. And to those who have wronged me, I hope God changes your heart, too. The phone rings both ways. God changes finks,too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

coming of age-at the cross-roads

When telling stories, we often include dates, but fail to explain how old we were when the event happened. Reading Eric Clapton's autobiography, I found this very fascinating. Between 1963 and 1969, he played with the Yardbirds, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, and Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. Quite a list of famous groups within seven years, more than the average musician could hope for in his lifetime. But what fascinated me, he was 18 years old in 1963, and a whopping 24 when the decade ended. At an age where most men had still not quite figured out what to do with their lives, Clapton had lived a full career. His peer group included the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and anybody who was anyone in the British rock invasion. And it was time to evaluate my memories again, but from a different perspective. Not to the sixties, but to when I was his age.

When we tell stories from the past, we always envision storyteller to look like he does now, travelling in a world that looks like now-and nothing can be further from the truth. By the time I was 21, in 1975, I had driven in 31 states, 18 on my motorcycle. At age 20, I had moved with my friend Bill from New Jersey to Florida, in January on our motorcycles-him on his 1972 CB750, me on my R60/5 BMW. Compare that to today's BMW and Honda, you will see how much bikes have changed. See the weather in NJ over the weekend-we rode in it! And as I travelled, I developed a peer group unlike the one I left behind. If you have never taken a long trip, you do not know of what I speak of when I tell of southern hospitality, or freezing cold in Biloxi, on the gulf coast. How Florida can take as long as Texas to navigate, or how you somehow go from home fries to grits travelling south of the Mason Dixon Line. And then try to see it through the eyes of a 21 year old, and you realize if you have done these things, you were much older, or much younger-seeing them through your parents eyes or as a parent yourself. Probably through a windshield, hopefully not one on a bike. And I found the peer group I talked with, ones who ride and tour, was where I felt most comfortable. Yeah, I can cruise 20 miles to eat at 45 mph-boring. I can ride a fast sportbike at 130 mph-scary, and I can ride dirt bikes-OUCH! But where I am at home is on the road. And the more I ride, the more passionate I get about the places I have yet to see, and more excited about places I've been. And realize, that to most other riders, I am not part of their peer group. They don't get it. To them, I'm just some old sucker who has spent too many miles in the saddle. But to you young guys, I did this when I was your age. To the older, I still am doing it. But the peer group, as I ride more, gets smaller. And I find life is like that also. Age doesn't have to describe a peer group. Relationships do.

We all know that Jesus was about 33 when he was crucified. And at age 12, when his parents couldn't find him, he was in the temple. And I know strong Christians who can relate to Jesus at age 12-I was 21 when I got saved, and others who waited until they were older, and their testimony starts in their 60's, not in the 60's. And it seems the more we walk with Him, the more intimate we get with Him, and a passion develops-like Clapton's for guitar, and mine for the road, and our peer groups shrink. Church was, well church, now we ask God where to go, as our passion is fueled for more Jesus. We don't want opinion, we want truth! We seek out Bible studies, and actually read the word more-because we can and we want to. But our peer group shrinks, which can seem cruel to those who get left behind as your relationship with Christ grows. And in some ways, you cannot even talk to them, because the depth of your relationship with Jesus is far deeper than they could understand-there just aren't words for it. If you have never seen a New Mexico sunset, there are no words to describe the colors. So they criticize and sometimes think you are weird, and maybe you are-but they are missing out-they are missing a passion that can be fed nowhere else. Although I am passionate about riding-I am more passionate about Jesus. And I find that I get comments like, "he's too opinionated, or narrow minded." And they are wrong-in their ignorance they confuse fact for opinion, and miss the fact the a relationship takes time to develop-you just don't walk into one. Don't tell me about a 500 mile day until you have ridden one-for 24 days straight! Don't expect to be in 30 days where it has taken me 34 years! And so as I find my peer group shrinking, I find myself closer to God. The flow chart gets smaller as you get to the top. Stop and think about your peer group-how does it reflect where you are in Jesus? You might find out why your growth has been stunted or why you are still growing. It's all about Jesus-keep it that way.

A sad note about Eric Clapton-throughout all his successes, and even graffiti declaring "Clapton is God!" he never enjoyed a fulfillment in his music-he had not been able to play what he wanted-or desired deep in his heart. And I find that although it took me another 32 years to ride in all 48 contiguous states, once I had done it, without Jesus something would have been missing. And I find that without the passion for Him guiding my life, it is empty. You see 500 mile days, back roads, great food, and good friends are a good thing, blessings-but nothing can compare to knowing Jesus. He fulfills dreams I didn't know I had, and with people who I can be myself in Christ with-and grow in His grace while enjoying my life. It wasn't the groups Clapton played with that made him famous-it was his playing. He made them famous. And it wasn't the bikes I rode on in 48 states that made me an experienced touring rider-it was the road I was on. And if you are not on the same road as Jesus, or travelling alone-don't expect to fulfill that passion. And if you ever get to a peer group of one-just you and Jesus-let me know-I have only about a 1000 questions to ask you-during rest stops while riding, of course. That is the ultimate road trip to me.

Clapton's initial successes laid groundwork for a long and successful, still growing career-for me there are more roads to ride. And Jesus-that's why He gives us eternity, so we can get to know Him fully.

It's not the years, or even the years old. It's all about Jesus. Who has no peer, but invites you into his group anyway. I invite you to meet him today.

And if you want to tour on your motorcycle, give me a call. Let's talk. About Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the truth not found in advertising

Be careful how you study history, and what you learn from it. It can be the ride of your life, or you may find yourself hitching a ride. Example one is from back in the 80's, when #2 Yamaha came out at their national sales meeting and declared they would pass Honda as #1. They had the plan, the dealers, and they thought the product-look out Honda, you're going down! They only neglected one area-the fact that Honda didn't get to be #1 by being stupid-and their stupid statements only infuriated Honda. Who flooded dealers with new bikes, priced them $100's of dollars cheaper for a comparable model-this is when a 750 cost $2899, and if you were at $3499, that was big bucks. Still is. And they almost put Yamaha out of business, the result being Yamaha had warehouses of new bikes, and so did there dealers for the next 3-4 years. Which they had to heavily discount to move. The nicest people you met on a Honda obviously didn't work for them, as their sales actually went up, in a down market. Like Rodney Dangerfield said in Back to School-"look out for #1, and don't step in any #2." Good advice.

Back in the 80's, Pepsi started a campaign called the Pepsi Challenge, a blind taste test to see which cola had the preferred taste. In stores everywhere, they had these little booths set up, and because of Coke's power in the markets, they were able to set up displays within eyesight of the test, with a discounted product. And it seems there was more loyalty to price than taste, for one. The other was, that there was no advantage in test results, except Pepsi's purchases of Coke went up. But an interesting thing happened-every time that Pepsi did a challenge, both Pepsi and Coke's sales went up! With Coke benefitting from all the money and time Pepsi put into its challenge. And as a Coke employee, we used to tell people, "if there wasn't a champion, there wouldn't be a challenger." Being #1 is still the best position to market from. Just ask Avis-they tried harder, too.

And as I watch Toyota shut down their plant, and shutter their dealers in a hope to rectify faults they knew about for years, but didn't address, this was the year they were going to pass General Motors as #1 car manufacturer in the world. A word of warning-be careful of your words, you may eat, or in Pepsi's situation, drink them later. If you think it is hard to get there, wait until you find it is harder to stay there.

Today many things are out there vying for your soul. The lust of the eyes-can you please explain to me girls, what do you think makes you attractive in a shirt that is too small, jeans that don't fit, and underwear showing out of it? With that kind of bait, is it any wonder what you will catch? Perhaps if you dressed and acted like lady more men would treat you like one.
The lust of the flesh also eats into us-no modesty, but when you have no value-if you believe you come from mud and slime, you tend to act like it Ms. Evolutionist, and watch as the price you pay for your sexual freedom results in 40% of newborns married to single moms-a job I wouldn't wish on anyone, along with the parents, grandparents, and welfare roles that end up raising the child. So you can go out and have more-not learning from your first indiscretion. And of course the lust of the world-gotta make money, gotta buy a big house and have all the trendy cars and bikes-and as they sit and rust as all your time is spent earning, but no time to enjoy.

If only you had taken the time to listen to that pastor, Sunday school teacher, or Christian friend at work. You see, there is a challenger, who wants to destroy you, and at all costs. The devil is real, but a created being, who fell from heaven when he tried to be equal with God. Don't make the same mistake today. For the champion, Jesus Christ, is here to represent you. And no falling from grace, as we all do, keeps Him from loving us. As opposed to Satan-whose name in Greek is Appolyon, or the destroyer. There is a price to be paid to be #1, and Jesus paid it on the cross. And He continues to wish to cover your bill for sin today, but first you must let Him. No marketing plans, no discounts, no taste tests, and no false promises. No funny slogans either. Just the truth, can you handle the truth? We all have seen what happens when a lie handles us?

Prophecy tells us that soon Jesus will call all of his saints out of this world-the Bible refers to it as the rapture. No 2012 movie, no extinct civilization's calendar, no Nostradamus flawed predictions, or best selling novel can stop it. And as Christians, we look forward to it. You see God's plan for us is to keep us #1 in His heart, and His plan is for us to take the message to others so they may not be left behind.

The challenge is great, but the champion has already been determined. Where you spend eternity is up to you. Accept no substitute, Jesus Christ is the real thing. You meet the nicest when you serve Him, and you don't have to try harder. Oh, what a feeling! Jesus Christ is it! God knew all this long ago-now you do, too. And your choice is....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when bikers and christians meet

Think of a biker, and what image comes into your head? Think of a Christian and what do you see? But how about a Christian biker? Have trouble with that one? Me, too. Mainly because over the years, I have met so many different ones, that they are hard to stereotype. I have a friend who will ride 275 miles to have lunch with his brother, then ride back home in time for dinner. And I also have a friend who rides 20,000 miles a year, yet when he went on vacation flew, and rented a bike for the day-missing out on all the beauty in between, his high mileage all from local commutes. I know guys who are brand loyal, and others who are brand specific-riding whatever they want, not buying into a lifestyle that a certain brand represents. I know a friend who thought his Harley was smooth, until he rode my triple-now knows why his hands get numb, and he makes a lot of pit stops-they vibrate! I like the expression as cars pass my wife, and see she's a girl. Can't they see her license plate frame, "get over it, girls ride too!"

I know women who ride better than their husbands, and I know men who shouldn't be riding. Why do they buy a motorcycle that will do 140 mph, then never exceed 50? Or what about those whose radio has more power than the bike it is on? And prove it every chance they get! At least they can't see us laugh at them in our full face helmets, or hear us giggle over the noise. I find the better skilled riders on sport bikes, who have to use all their skills to ride a bike to its 180 mph potential, while others who never go over 50-can't hear their radios, make fun of them. And only use their rear brake-yeah, they know how to ride. I ride with people in group rides who would never venture out alone-only staying in a group, and never enjoying trying new roads, and only eating at chains like Denny's. Whose trip plans are made by exit numbers, not street names. But despite all our differences-we have one thing in common-the love of motorcycles! Many reasons we each ride, but all enjoying the freedom of the ride-just some pulling a trailer with a windshield to block the wind. And I don't mean their car! There is a freedom in riding found nowhere else.

And through CMA, I get to know many of them, and also visit many churches. And this really makes us a hybrid group. I know those steeped in legalism who are always reminding me of the laws to live by-and not enjoying the freedom they can enjoy in the spirit. I have seen men who make a six figure income direct traffic, while watch a janitor take a leadership role. I have listened to men quote Oprah, instead of the Bible-and follow her gospel because they don't want to hurt anyone's feeling. I have seen women lead their husbands, and not follow God's advice and wonder why their marriage suffers. I know Lutheran pastors who love the Lord, and even invite bikers, with their bikes into the chapel. I see pastors who encourage their members to minister, and get out from inside the church, and share Jesus-while others devise a plan just to get them in. I have visited a church where I was told I was unteachable because of the heretical teaching it taught-and became their enemy when I asked them "show where this is in the Bible..." But so many other brothers and sisters just show love in all situations-as Jesus says, and avoid doctrinal dissention, denominational heresies, and man made ideals to follow Christ. For the common denominator for the all Christians is Jesus Christ. Christians, a name first used to mock Jesus' followers, but a name we wear in love for the one who died and rose again, giving us eternal life if we believe.

Jesus and motorcycles-it don't get much better! A peer group that I don't have to explain either one. And that I can do with my wife, making it all the better-Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles! Don't be like the t-shirt that says "If you ask to ask, you wouldn't understand." Ask-the Bible says you don't have because you don't. And it promises nowhere that you will understand. But it does promise a peace that surpasses understanding. Maybe that is why I cannot describe why as a Christian I ride, and enjoy life so much. But try this. Psalm 37 promises us the desires of our heart. And when you make God that desire, well there is another instance I can't explain-for words would only cheapen that relationship. I have that peace in Jesus Christ-who I have made the desire of my heart, and who allows me the freedom to ride-only surpassed by the freedom of the spirit-made manifest in a life led by Him.

Or as we say in CMA-Riding for the Son. We don't have to, we get to. Now that's freedom!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biekr.blogspot.com

standing on the corner watching as the cars go by

You gotta love LA. Or at least the things you see in the city of angels. While standing at the corner of 9th and Figueroa last week, after stuffing myself at the Pantry, at the red light was a new Bentley convertible. And right behind him an old 1960 silver Falcon. And both cars stood out among the midst of nameless sedans of Japanese origin, with the old Falcon getting most of the comments. And my first thought was only in LA would an old compact car get more attention than a $300,000 Bentley. And as I pondered this, it made me think of what triggers our memory responses-it's the input.

And yesterday while Stu and I were riding back from Mickey's, me on a 2010 Thunderbird, and him on his 1982 Wing, we passed an old Honda 750, with a black Windjammer-odd to me as I had seen very few black ones, white was the standard. The bike looked pretty original, except for the recovered seat, and the box on back, and it activated the memory file, again. I don't claim to understand, but have better insight as to why the Falcon was more interesting, but not necessarily more appealing. I can relate to it. Many in the biking community know Theresa and I as the Triumph people-in a sea of Harleys, we ride Triumphs. And almost every old biker owned one once, and comes up and tells us the stories of how they leaked oil, couldn't be driven at night because of lousy electrics, left me stranded, but I really loved that bike and wish I had never sold it. It may have been the transportation you had in college, or the bike you took your wife on for your first date, and as important as the bike was, it is the memory file it opens when they see our Bonnevilles that they remember. It is all about the memories. And the bike is just the vehicle to get you there.

And most of us came from a Falcon world-that was reality, the Bentley was in our dreams, a dream we knew we would never attain unless an unknown rich uncle died and left us a million dollars. It was fantasy land, and as much as we liked to visit, old sedans were our true initial calling. That was reality. And I love the facades that some people hide their memories behind. "I had a two tone 750 also," they claim, and even though you know Honda never made one, when you see the picture, they really did-rust and primer, two colors! And on Torches one year, the guy who led us on some great roads in Pennsylvania, had a two tone custom seat-black electrical tape, and silver duct tape. Two tone, and custom-just not like anything in the Corbin catalog. Seems we all dream of the red convertible, but live in a sedan world. The only border being reality, but not letting it interfere without dreams. Beauty in the eye of the beholder, a translation no wordsmith can define.

Religion can be like this too. We dream of a God who loves us as we are, but are left with a religion full of people as full of faults as we are, just they seem to remind us more of our faults than we do of theirs. Why is that? Jesus came to rescue us from religion, and the laws that only show us our sin, not God's grace. A relationship free from religion. Imagine the Pharisees, and the memories they would have to share-keeping themselves so holy and righteous in their 1000's of laws, and think of the bondage they lived in. "Hey Bill, remember the time you forgot to wash that pear when you were hungry-thought I forgot ,huh?" Now think of the memories of Jesus-do the words "go and sin no more" mean anything to you? Or do you just remember church as a place that you were told what to do, and tried to avoid on Sunday mornings, the prettiest morning of the week, when you could be riding, but were forced into the most dreadful two hours of the week? And sadly, when many are invited to church, this is how they remember it. It doesn't have to be that way-and for many it isn't!

Memories of Jesus-"do this in remembrance of me," He says in reference to communion. But what is our communion based on? What do you remember about Jesus? I find the things I remember force me to be more thankful, and find my asking turns to thankfulness. Like my computer, I cannot get out of it what was not put in it-and Jesus in a life is so fulfilling. So many memories that a religion cannot fulfill. It's personal, and like the red convertible, I strive to want Him more, but somehow He keeps me content in my sedan world. And maybe that is why the old Falcon got so many looks, we can associate with it, we remember it. It is familiar. The Bentley, well-there are no memory files to fall back on, at least not yet. And if you stop, look, and listen-you may realize that He is building precious memories in you even today. That someday will reflect doing this in memory of Him. You see, I like communion, but I remember Jesus everyday. I don't need the elements to remember Him, He is my life, so why would I not remember Him daily in all I do? Spending time with Him in my thoughts and prayers. Sharing Him with others, and sometimes using words-trying to live my life in remembrance of Him. Because I want to.

Just some old cars in LA? Some memories of old Hondas? Yes, but more. For Los Angeles is the city of angels, lest we forget. Don't forget about the city of angels in heaven, and the person who is the way there. And who on the way builds precious memories to share with others. His name is Jesus, remember Him? If not, why not let today be the start of a new life, and new memories with Him? Let's pray.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the perfect line to keep from hitting the wall

Dirt track racing has been described as the most American of all races. In figure 8, short course or TT, it is exciting from start to finish. But when you talk of The Mile, you are describing the ultimate in dirt racing. On a mile oval, at speeds up to 120 mph, racers challenge each other in the straights with bikes stripped of anything non-essential, including front brakes, and race handlebar to handlebar in the corners, even trying to pass-all while sliding sideways in the dirt, no brakes allowed if you want to win. It takes skill, courage, and bit of insanity, but also trust. For you need to hope the guy within inches of you will do the right thing,and not crash, possibly taking you out. For 25 miles in the main event, action is non-stop.

My first mile I watched was on July 4th, 1976, at the fairgrounds in Albuquerque. Such names as Gary Scott, Hank Scott, and Jay Springsteen, along with another National Champion Kenny Roberts drew in thousands of fans to watch them race handle bar to handle bar. But it was Roberts who lit up the crowd that day, although the main was won by Hank Scott. His bike was underpowered, so instead of racing in the lower groove where the pack went, he went high above them, entering faster, passing the pack, and slingshotting off the high berm-only to be passed in the straights, then pass them high in the corner again. At 120 mph, with no front brake, and only his Ken Maley steel shoe to guide him as he was almost sideways in the turns. That's racing!

While at California Speedway a few weeks ago, a high speed 2.5 mile asphalt, banked oval, while watching the WERA race, I was amazed at the skill the racers possess. And at speeds upwards of 180 mph, would race so close to each other, it was hard to make out who was who on the track. And like any other race, it is not the fast guys you worry about, it is the back markers, or slower racers that as the race goes on you approach and lap. And these are the dangerous ones-for the leaders are used to racing at a level they can't, and because they are approached so quickly from the rear, you don't know which line they will take. And when traveling 250 feet per second, the time it took to read this sentence, they have covered a 1/4 mile, while making decisions on which line to take. Fortunately they wear orange to alert the fast guys, but there is always the danger in slower, less experienced, and less talented racers. And not surprisingly many a race is decided when the leader cannot get past them. But as they will tell you, gentlemen, that's racing.

Backmarkers are found in every aspect of life, and also in the family of God. There seems to always be someone not as mature as you, and choosing words to guide them takes relying on God, trusting Him so you don't follow them into the wall. I am reminded almost daily anymore, that we are all on different maturity levels in our relationships with God, all saved, but at different points in walking with Him. Whereas some of us have to trust God, others have been blessed with finances, health, and abilities that stand in the way of getting to know God deeper. Some cling to their denominational beliefs, inhibiting the spirit from guiding them as they adhere to incorrect and non-scriptural beliefs-true backmarkers in life, who can be dangerous when encountered. From them you hear such things as "don't judge me," not yet realizing God wants us to be wise as serpents, and have spiritual perception in situations. I find it interesting that only someone in sin says that, as why would you not want to have wisdom is any situation? When would you not want to be led by God? But in the same sentence, I am reminded that to others-most people, I am a backmarker, still working out my salvation-like a man working out at the gym, with Jesus. I am not the man He desires me to be yet, so through prayer, study, and fellowship I get closer to God. Until He takes me home, perfection seems just around the next corner-with only backmarkers between me and Him. He teaches humility, and I have learned that I rather be humble that humiliated. And sadly when you are humbled, can't tell anyone how humble you are.

Knowing when to pass wins races. Knowing God wins eternal life. When you encounter your next backmarker, show Him the same grace and mercy God shows you. It's possible that He may pair you up in the next race, and it is better to race with someone you can trust, as opposed to someone you don't. Take the line that leads to the cross-the example Jesus set in His podium finish on the cross. Now there is someone you can trust-go with the winner, knowing that someone greater than you died so you can have the same podium finish in life that He did. To finish first, you must first finish-an endurance race instead of a sprint. And to those who pass me, just wave, and don't look over your shoulder-it is what's ahead that is important. Go for the prize-Jesus. On any track, He holds the record.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

man's best friend is dog spelled backwards

For ten years Shelby, aka Pup Pup was our family dog. When she finally went blind, and had to be put to sleep, even the vet cried when he came to pick her up. And figuring we could never replace her, decided to forego a family dog. Which lasted almost a month. Looking at many breeds, we almost got an English Bulldog, until we discovered American Bulldogs. And then set about trying to find one, which took Christopher to Las Vegas to get Clemenza. Named after Peter Clemenza in the Godfather-"leave the gun, bring the canoles," her name ironically means merciful in Italian. And so, Clemenza, aka Baby came into our lives.

We had decided she would be an outside dog like Pup Pup, but the first night let her sleep on our bed, as much for her well being as ours. And she learned quick-realizing that people shared beds with her, not the other way around. She still thinks Andrew's bed is hers, and let's him sleep with her, and friends spending the night in our guest room are advised to shut their door, or they will find a 75 pound dog in bed with them. She has even been spotted under the covers with them. Well, they were warned. And it is her house.

We were also advised about crate training her. Getting her a crate to sleep in, so she felt secure, and that the house would stay puppy proof. She already had a house-ours, she didn't need a crate. And besides, I think it is cruel to put a dog in a crate to sleep, after all they are our best friend, would you treat your best friend like that? We won't ask the cat as she has a different opinion.

We call them CEO's-Christmas and Easter only Christians-those are the only two times a year they go to church. It is like they feel that fulfills any religious obligation they may have, and so this semi-annual event makes them a Christian. We also discuss those that feel a weekly appearance in church fulfills their obligation, leaving all but 90 minutes a week to do what they want. And lastly there are those who get up and read 15 minutes of their Bible, pray for ten, then go to work-having fulfilled their obligation. And some even repeat it at night-they are really holy! And like putting their dog in a crate, have put their God in a crate. Calling on Him only when it is convenient, or they need something. Making Him a set of rules, a religious experience only when they want it, a set of rules to adhered to, no freedom involved. Unless you count weekends off. Always knowing right where He is, just not knowing Him. Try this with any other relationship and see what happens-why do they think it will work with God?

You see God wants to have an intimate, personal relationship with you. Not a religious time like the examples above. I know people who live like this, and they know all about God, but I wonder how they can know God. They are in the word, but like God asks, is the word in you? Big difference. You see God never leaves your presence, but we can turn our backs on Him. We crate train Him by our actions, when He really wants to be our best friend-where Jesus wants you to get to know Him, not just as a man who puts a check by your name, then sends it off to the heavenly printer to be added to the book of life. He is life, and as your time spent with Him becomes increased, you find yourself thinking about Him more, praying, and more often than not praising Him. Psalm 1 calls it meditation, and says it brings blessings. Not enough blessings-the formula says not enough Jesus. Any questions?

Let today be the day that you let God out of the cage you put Him in, and enjoy all the freedoms of a relationship, versus a religion. Get to know God, and realize that although you kept Him in a cage-it was really you who was locked up-or bound by a set of religious rules. Read the Bible every morning for 15 minutes-great, but sing in the shower, and think on Him while riding to work. Spend 10 minutes daily praying, aka asking for something-let Him do the talking and find out what you really need, and how He supplies it. Spend time with Him, tell Him about motorcycles-He rides, tell Him about food-He eats, and get to know Him.Take the leash off of God, and enjoy walking with God, instead of walking God. Be like Adam, before he sinned, walking daily with God. I can only imagine the things they talked about, but I do know God still loves to walk and talk with His children.

As for Clemenza, I have to go rescue the cat-she hasn't quite got this man's best friend thing down yet. I hope you do-for God, dog spelled backwards is man's best friend. I hope you are His. Only by letting Him out of the cage and into your heart will you ever know. Or grow.

Jesus Christ-still and always man's best friend. He is love, and we sure could use a whole lot more of that! He escaped the tomb, letting Him out of the cage and into your heart is easy after that!

love with compassion,

Mike

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