you better watch out-I'm tellin you why...

A young mother in her thirties, struggles with her cart in the grocery store, telling her six year old son which items to get from the shelves, as she is 125 pounds overweight and cannot bend to get them.

A respected man is called in before his boss, and asked to explain the pornography found on his computer at work.

A couple from church, members for years and well known, are faced with their secret sin being exposed as she is rushed to the hospital with a bleeding ulcer from drinking.

As the unpaid bills mount, the collectors call, adding strain to an already overburdened family. Creating a rift between the parents, and threatening to break up the family.

A young woman comes crying uncontrollably from the Planned Parenthood office, after being told that she is pregnant, and the child is not her husbands, as she is not married, but the father is.

Look around, these scenarios are not unusual in today's society. And they all share a common theme-these occurrences did not happen overnight. They are the result of a bad decision made, and over time becoming a habit, and soon controlling and ruining a life. Taking the style right out of the life, and not only destroying the person afflicted, but their families, careers, and even their reputations. All because of a wrong choice made.

Picture the young mother, once attractive, but after her second child puts on weight, and then continues to overeat due to the depression-which only makes her more depressed, so she eats more. Soon she cannot satisfy her husband, and he begins to look elsewhere. The kids, embarrassed by their grossly overweight mom, soon lose respect for her, and start to get in trouble after school, rather than going home to their mother. And soon their grades suffer. All because of an eating disorder-gluttony, and how over the years it has taken control of their mother, and the family.

The tenured manager is called before his boss. During a computer upgrade, pornography is found on his computer, and is effecting his life-outside of work and at work. "It's just one little web site," he argued, "I'm not hooked," but the records show hours every day dedicated to this perversion. And when he is terminated over it, is faced with telling the truth to his wife, admitting his sin to the family, or as in too many cases, lying to cover one sin with another.

"Wine is not alcohol," they laughed and told their pastor. "And besides, we only drink it with dinner." And that is how the downhill spiral began, believing a lie. Touching something God has instructed them not to touch. And soon they drink a six pack, to unwind after a hard day at work, made harder because of the hangover each morning from the night before. And soon their social group has changed, and they begin to drink more, as their new friends love to party. "Beer thirty, let's drink," they chant, and the downhill continues. Until one night in a panic, one of them is bleeding from the mouth, and is rushed into surgery. Calling their pastor, he is there when the doctor tells the other spouse they must stop drinking, or it will kill them. And physically and emotionally they feel ruined.

She needed to keep up with the latest style to look good for her husband, but soon, the bills began to get more than they could pay. She did the bills, so she hid it for awhile, but when he began getting called at work about past due bills, the truth came out, and the marriage suffered, as did the kids, and the home. In a futile attempt to pay them off-more borrowing, they finally separated over money-or lack of it. But at least she looked good in divorce court, which was right after bankruptcy. Moral bankruptcy had already happened long ago.

And as the young girl cries out to her lover, he tells her he wants nothing to do with her. He never loved her, it was just for sex, and he is going back to his wife. "Deal with it," and an uncontrollable urge for love has left her broken, pregnant, and with no one to turn to-except the abortionist. Do away with it, don't let this mistake ruin your life. But she goes into the abortionist's office-not realizing the demoralizing effect it is going to have on her.

And the sad thing is none of the above had to happen. They were all the victim of a bad choice, substantiated in the mind, and then OKed by their friends. A slow decline into the abyss of sin, so slow and subtle the changes are not noticed until it is too late. Disasters that happen over time, from an accumulation of sin. And it doesn't have to be this way. Jesus told us to repent-turn from your actions and turn to Him. He will show a way out of each one, but you must seek Him, and then obey. And sadly there is a price to pay, and the longer it goes on, the higher the bill due will be.

Seek Him now, if you are even on the edge of these catastrophes. Call out to Him, and let Him help, before your sin finds you out, and others do too. For it is your bad decision, sin, that finds you out, and not God. So confide in Him, give Him your burdens for He careth for you. And find that He has instilled on earth a family called the church that is there to help you through, and help you so you don't fall again. It is called love-and is only found in Jesus Christ. No programs, self help, or religion will help. It's all about Jesus.

Look around-you have more to lose than your possessions. Trust Him now before they are the last to go. One decision got you where you are, another can get you where you need to be. It's up to you. Let your testimony start today-with Jesus. Their is no single isolated sin, each one touches many others you care for. And we never know who we touch-until it is too late.

Change the course you are on today-do it for your family, do it for your career, do it for yourself. But do it-in Jesus' name.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

badge 714

The following is a fictional interview, from a fictional character, Sgt. Joe Friday, from Dragnet. Only the names have been changed, to protect the innocent. It takes place outside Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, after a Saturday evening service. I was introduced to Joe by one of the ushers, who pointed out an old man walking across the foyer, and he graciously spoke with me for about 30 minutes. I hope it encourages you as it did me.

MIKE MOHN-Sgt., so glad to meet you. I didn't realize you went here.

JOE FRIDAY-Or that I was still alive, and a Christian?

MM-You got me there, can you share your testimony with me, I'm sure many others would like to hear it.

JF-Not much to tell, after taking a bullet during a 211 in progress, in 1974, I was down and depressed for months. Spent seven months in a nursing home recovering, and became depressed. Particularly when the shooter got off with only probation, I realized that there was no sense of justice, and that it had been heading that way for years. I had become bitter, and my world which had always been black and white-no pun intended, was changing. I found the black invading the white, and many gray areas entered into my life. I was on teaching assignment, part time during rehab at the academy, when I overheard a group of recruits saying how I was just a bitter old man, whom the system had done in, and they would never be like me. That hurt, as I was a good cop, a fair cop, and the force was my life.

MM-whoa, that had to hurt.

JF-it did, but there was one recruit, Nelson, who stood out, not only by his abilities, but by his presence. This was in the early 70's, and he talked about the difference Jesus Christ made in his life. And he talked about it openly. And others seemed to be either attracted to him, or made fun of him, but he always reacted the same. One day after a class on forensics, he stayed after to talk. He confronted me, told me how he admired my police work, but that I needed Jesus, and shared the gospel with me, and then invited me to church. I told him I would think about it, I was a Christian as I had attended Sunday school as a kid, and joined a mainline denomination, although it had been years since I had gone to church, and then only on Christmas and Easter. He jokingly called me a CEO-Christmas and Easter only. I even knew some of the police chaplains. I kept the 10 commandments, and had never killed anyone, except in the line of duty. I would got to heaven, I was a good person.

MM-so what did you do? when did you go?

JF-not for a while, but I finally figured I would. A group of cadets was attending, and insisted on me going with them. The cadets had become more of my peer group as so many of my contemporaries had retired. And boy, I wasn't ready for what happened when we arrived.

MM-go on...

JF-well, the music was loud, and no hymns, and I thought what had I gotten into, but that I could hold out for another hour. But then the pastor, Chuck got up and started talking about love, and how we were all sinners, and needed a savior. And as I looked around, I found myself at a strange disadvantage-these people all were saved, as Pastor Chuck called it, and I wasn't. I was the criminal amidst the innocent, and it bothered me. After having been taught from the Bible, and it seemed everyone had one and was reading it, even taking notes, I found myself totally embraced by love. The next thing I know they asked to pray for those to accept Jesus, and I did. And as I sat there for what seemed like a few seconds, the cadets were patient as it was about a half hour, the Holy Spirit touched my heart, and changed it. God showed me that I hated criminals, when I should only hate the crime. That God loved the sinner, and not the sin. And I needed to be forgiven, and then forgive. And that the bitterness of being shot, and dealing with rules and laws for all my career had made me that way. I needed Jesus!

MM-so what happened?

JF-that night, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ, and 56 years of sin left me. I was born again, and since that night, Jesus has been changing my heart. I retired on disability and moved here, so I could attend, and have been involved here in various ministries ever since.

MM-and the cadets? Where are they now?

JF-I still hear from them, as they are my family. Where before my family wore police blues, now they wear different colors, and all express the love of Jesus. And since that night I have never felt alone again-ever.

MM-well, thanks, my brother. It was nice to hear from you, and for you to take the time. Do you have a ride? Can I walk you to your car?

JF-that would be nice. It's the old Ford sedan over there.

MM-not the one from the series?

JF- a joke, and a gift sorta, from when the series ended. Complete with handicap plates, and PBA sticker.

As I helped him into his car, after we hugged, I watched him drive away. And both a tear and smile crossed my face. As he stopped to merge into traffic, there was an old "One way with Jesus" sticker on his bumper. And as I looked back, the lot was empty, and when I looked into the street, it too was empty. Was this all a dream? I vowed to return next Saturday night, to see him again.

But a funny thing happened, when I returned. He wasn't there, and when I asked about him, no one knew what I was talking about. Was I crazy? Did I make the whole thing up? I left disillusioned, and wondering. Had the previous week been a dream? Had I seen an angel?

Can't tell you, but one thing I can tell you, is the words he left me with, that have rung true for 2000 years and still do today. Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and died for your sins. No opinions-just the truth. And like Joe told me with a smile while walking to his car-"just the facts, please." And the fact, proven by all the evidence provided proves that Jesus is who He says He is.

Don't let the devil throw a dragnet over you. Don't hang around for the outcome... be in heaven with Joe and the other saints. Now that's a Good Friday message!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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change that makes a difference

For about thirty years, the time the remote made its appearance into everyday life, with cable and the many channels available, we now have too many choices, and a loaded Uzi for a remote. So we channel surf, driving our co-watchers crazy. So when Theresa hid the remote the other night, and I was faced with walking across the room to change channels, I opted to listen to the radio instead.

"Picture yourself on a train in...New York, New York, if I can...talk to the animals, walk with...Sherry, Sherry baby...you can drive my car...in San Francisco...open up that Golden...let's go surfin' now, everybody's...Jive talkin'...I just called to say...she'll have fun, fun, fun til her daddy...heard it through the grapevine...I can tell by the way you use your walk, you're a woman's...daydream believer...in magic, in a young girl's...409, my 409, well I saved my...hair, long beautiful...route 66-now it runs through...Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to ...the chapel, where we're, gonna...take this job and...here's to you Mrs. Robinson...in the year 2525, if man is still...unforgettable, that's what...does it take, to win your love...the one you're...still the one who can...let's hang on, to...Mustang Sally, better slow your...last train to Clarksville, and I'll...never say goodbye...in the sunshine of your...night together, now I need you more than...you really got me, you really got...Johnny Angel, how I love...you just keep me hangin' on...when everyone knows it's Windy...whether or not we're together...right now, over me..."

If this is how you are reading the Bible, maybe it explains why your walk is like it is. Lacking harmony, incomplete. Lots of verses, but no rhythm. Try inductive study, reading the Bible through, verse by verse, just like God laid it out. Reading from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, verse by verse. Would you read another book by skipping around, so why chapter hop trough the Bible? Did you know the Jews even gave importance to the space between the words? Maybe the words mean something, too.

So put down the theme based reading, and spend some time with Jesus. Read the whole book. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. Just the facts, ma'am.

Just an old fashioned love song, one that they wrote for you and me!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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Jesus-so easy a sinner can do it!

Since you were so kind as to ask how I acquired my FJ1100, let me tell you. Living in Farmington, and riding a motorcycle anywhere in the mid 80's could be expensive. The initial cost off the bikes was low-read discounted, because after Yamaha had vowed to beat Honda in sales, and Honda flooded the market with new bikes, they were still available for a few years at a substantial discount. Now before you get too excited, remember we still had to get them insured. And the companies were against us. In fact, two such notable companies, even took steps to keep us off of them. State Farm, the good neighbor? company, would deny coverage for your home or auto if you owned one of four bikes-Ninja bikes they referred to them as, and they were the Yamaha FJ1100, Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Honda VFR 1000, and the Suzuki GS1100. Ride one, and your good neighbor company would blacklist you. Until the government caught up with them, and fined them substantially, and the laws were rewritten-better, but still not good. The other company was GEICO. Who I still don't trust today. GEICO, for those of you who don't know, stands for Government Employees Insurance Company-but has no connection with any government, or employees of it. But it must have sounded good when founded in 1936, so the name stuck. And GEICO tried to stick it to us. They would sell us insurance, but at an absurdly usurious rate, telling us how lucky we were to get it. And cancelling current policy holders if they didn't come up with the ludicrous amounts. We were bad risks. And were so clandestine in their operations, that they too were fined, but also almost put out of business. So needless to say, if you were trying to purchase one of the above four bikes, you faced an uphill battle.

In many cases, the insurance payment would exceed your monthly payment. And discouraged all but the most hard core from buying these four bikes. And such was the problem with the FJ1100. I bought it new in July, 1986, as a 1985 leftover, from the dealer in Farmington. It had been sold three times, but never purchased, as the purchasers could not get it insured, so the deal was cancelled. So the day I rode in with Brett, just to look, and they found I had steady employment-remember this was the oilfields in the 80's, had a family-bonus points in rating, had no tickets-yet, and was above age 30-barely, I could get insurance. And could just about name my price for the bike. For a bike that listed for $4950, they gave me what I paid for my 1983 Nighthawk 650, and discounted the bike to what they said was their cost-essentially getting a new bike for half price! Which left plenty of money for insurance! And that is how I got my FJ! And my insurance was even reasonable-agent's comment, as even though the bike was new, it was a year old, and the insurance company rated it as used.

A story about insurance companies, to be remembered when they try to sell you their policies. That cute little gecko, or caveman, is a company who once tried to keep you from riding-at all costs, to you, not to them. And so much for being a good neighbor, as my neighbors ride, and I am a good neighbor. Anything for a buck, or better yet a profit-as always, it's all about the money. But the Bible tells different.

There is no discount salvation. And it doesn't cost a cent. It is a gift, so you can't or don't have to pay for it. Besides, it cost Jesus His life, are you willing to pay that price? In Acts we see Peter and John performing miracles in the name of the Lord-laying on of hands, and people receiving the Holy Spirit. When a sorcerer named Simon saw this, he was curious, and wanted what he saw. He was known as the great power, and charged for the sorcery he practiced. So it was natural for him, when he saw Peter and John, he asked "how much to have this ability?" And was told "may your money perish with you, you cannot buy the gift of God with money!" Maybe these TV type evangelists should read this. But Simon's heart was touched, and when told he was full of bitterness, and captive to sin, asked of the two, "pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me." Again evangelists-take note!

But we all need to hear this. For salvation is a gift, Ephesians 2. And cannot be purchased, or worked for. So when you are told that your works will save you, they lie! And about God! It is a heart condition that changes you, not an action condition. And just like many were exempted from riding the bike of their choice because of usurious insurance practices, how many miss heaven, or don't enjoy the benefits because like Simon the sorcerer are stuck in a bad church, lousy doctrine, or under the burden of bitterness and sin? Or the love of money? God made the gospel easy, so bikers and others not so richly gifted as us would get it. John 3:16-God gave His only son. Repent-acknowledge your sin, and turn from it. And follow Jesus. Not actuarial charts, or age discriminations. You won't be told you ride to fast, or you have too much bike. Where you live doesn't matter, because it is where you are going that really matters. Seek God today! Do not be lead astray by a serpent, or a gecko. Be a truly good neighbor, and let Christ into your household, and watch as you truly become a good neighbor. And Jesus even tells us that we are His friends if we keep His commandments. Not laws, but we are told to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to love God with all our heart.

And while riding, spend some time with God. He is the original good hands person-and He has the whole world in them. Today place your life there also, and enjoy the ride. On the ride of your choice. Amen.

And that is how I got my FJ. Simple-just like the gospel.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Ya gotta believe!

Being a New York baseball fan-sorry Ken, the National League, not the Yankees, there are three events that are remembered by all National League fans. 1951-the shot heard around the world. 1969-the Amazins. 1986-game six. In each one, a team not supposed to win, came through and pulled out the victory. Coming from behind, when all but the most die hard believers had left them. And the celebrations that followed are legendary.

Bobby Thompson hitting the home run off cross town rivals the Dodgers in 1951, the shot heard around the world, sending the Giants to the World Series. How many times have we heard "the Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant," and can see Bobby crossing home plate, and being mobbed by his team mates. If there is a better picture of celebration, I need to see it. Note-Willie Mays was on deck.

In 1969 the Mets, who never even had a winning season, were 100-1 odds to win the World Series. " Ya gotta believe," the signs said. The team that in 1962 brought National League baseball back to New York to its starved fans, filling a void the Dodgers and Giants left when they moved west. But on that fall afternoon at Shea Stadium, they beat the Orioles, felt to be the best team in baseball, four games to one. Coming from behind, Donn Clendenon hit the home run to put them ahead. And who can forget Cleon Jones getting hit on the foot, and the ball just happening to land in Gil Hodges' lap. Not one, but two great Tommie Agee catches, and a third by Ron Swoboda. And finally the stadium erupting after Cleon catches the final out. Can't say it was better than 1951, I wasn't even a rookie yet. That afternoon, Just and Abner were watching with me, and Abner raised an old Civil War bayonet, into the ceiling, while Just and I just screamed. And the only reason we went to school the next day was to celebrate with others. Never before had the baseball world been so electrified. And almost too much for us Met fans to handle. And Neil Armstrong thought he had taken a giant leap that summer!

Game six, the Mets down, two out, ex -Met Calvin Schiraldi pitching for the Red Sox, another team who hadn't won a World Series since 1918. The Mets-Baseball the Way it Oughta Be, the best team in baseball that year. My friend Kevin Mitchell started it with a hit, and then Carter followed. Then Ray Knight, and the fans were yelling "Let's Go Mets!" And then Mookie hits the weak grounder to Bill Buckner, All Star, who lets it go through his legs, and two runs score, and the Mets win! Tying the Series, one out from losing the Series, all sadness changed to inexpressible joy, comparable to winning it all. And to Christopher, will never forget it, as I jumped off the chair when Buckner booted the ball, and exploded in celebration. Unbelievable, and as Vin Scully said, "If one picture is worth a thousand words..." No words-just exhilaration. And in all instances, those of us who watched and celebrated, remembered where we were and what we were doing. Precious victories that we like to remember.

Heavenly victories are even bigger celebrations, great here, but we will have to wait to get there to complete them. The Bible tells us that when a soul comes to Christ, and is saved from hell, that all the angels in heaven rejoice. Now that's a party, and it's about you! But more important, it is about Jesus, who is the Savior who rescued you from death. And the story of how you got saved is your testimony. And each one is precious, personal, and intimate-and unique to you. No two alike, our relationship with God is that individual. And that is why I like hearing testimonies, they get me excited. And remind me that God is still changing lives! You see, of all the victories you will ever win, only salvation is one that you can fully celebrate. There is no next season for you like in baseball-none of the above teams repeated, and each victory had its own season-as they had to prepare for the next one. Not so with Jesus. No matter the circumstances of today, we are saved, and should live like it. No party for the Mets was ever like the one for you when you got saved. Bigger and better than any ticker tape parade down Park Avenue, and Jesus still rejoices about you.

Do you still rejoice about Him? Does your life celebrate what He did on the cross? Talk about a victory. Down to near death, between two thieves, the sun darkened as His life slipped from Him. And the devil and his evil angels began to celebrate. But not even death could hold Him in a grave, and He rose again, just like we will do someday. Resurrected! Would make a great story-but it's true!

No matter what your problem situation today, Jesus can save you. It's your choice. His record is perfect for those who seek Him. What's your choice?

Hope to see you at the party. Some victories are so big they take forever to celebrate. Jesus Christ-the only game in town! Ya gotta believe!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the times of His life

I was taught by my father, and his generation, that you worked hard, got an education, saved some money, and were good to others. So, the first thing I did when I was about to graduate high school, was go and buy my first new bike, a 1972 CB350 Honda, that I paid cash for, with the money I earned doing my paper route and had saved for years. All in one action I had fulfilled the advice given me, at least as I heard it, and had worked hard, graduated from high school, saved money, and now was being good to myself. I was a success at age 18, having fulfilled all his advice, not realizing this is not quite what he had in mind-particularly the motorcycle part.

So a new motorcycle it was going to be. I had studied it well, and from riding Bill's CL77, knew I was ready for the Honda. But as easy as the choice was, Honda outsold all other bikes combined, and their 350 series was their best seller, there were a lot of makes vying for my attention. Just listening to the names-many gone, brings back precious memories, and lusts and desires of the someday I will syndrome-but in many cases days that would never come. Or worse yet, days that should never have come.

The Spaniards sold Bultacos and Montesas. VIVA Montesa said their shirts. And Gary Bailey, even rode for Bultaco. Remember the Pursang, sold as the Barcelona missile? How about OSSA? Mick Andrews, world champion trials rider rode one. Harley even sold some smaller bikes imported from Italy, for the dirt, and sold them under the Baja name. I was with Mike Brannon when he crashed his. How things have changed! Triumph was still selling Bonnevilles, the old 650, and told us their bikes were "Hotter than ever!" But would still be gone in a few years. The competition hotter. In their street line AMF/Harley also used their #1 logo in red, white, and blue-the 1972 performers they were called, and reminded us "when you think of power, Sportster's on your mind!" 1000cc! With or without electric start! Only a real man would own one of them! Note-they also sold a 65cc two stroke mini-bike called the Shortster-Van had one. Kick start only.

BSA was reminding us that Dick Mann rode their bikes, and was #1 plate holder for the AMA. "Ride the winner," they told us, but only for a while, as there would be no 1973 BSA bikes for sale. Also gone was Gilera, for a few years now, and how many remember Gemini? Benelli tried to sell us "real machines," while Maico still was a name to reckon with off-road. Another Brit was about to go away, as Greeves was running out of breath, and sales, as was Yankee, Penton, Norton, Ariel, Jawa, Sears, Sachs, Puch, and countless others who had vied for our attention, and our hard earned dollars. Machines, that were here for a season, then gone, never to come back, except in our memories, and when reading old magazines. A golden age for motorcycling, not fully realized when it was here, like many other things we look back on with regret.

Golden ages-or the good ole days, are here again, if you know Jesus. How many of us talk about living in Jesus' time, or would have liked to know the Apostle Paul, or listened as John the Baptist told us of His coming? But God's plans are always perfect, and you were, and are at the exact time in history that God wants you. And that is fine with me-indoor plumbing and another golden era of motorcycle being two great reasons. But the most exciting is, we are living in a time when the promise of Jesus calling the church home-the rapture, as we call it, can happen any time, in our lifetime. And it seems ironic, how that the time of Jesus' ministry on earth intrigues us so much, that those in His day were desiring to see the rapture in theirs-and would love to have seen it happen to their generation! Ironic. I guess they will just have to be comfortable about watching it from heaven, and being in his presence for the past 2000 years. No indoor plumbing necessary, either. All that, and heaven too.

Today is the most exciting time to be a Christian, as we see everyday the promises of the Bible prophecies in our news. And maybe, we might be that last generation, and be taken up by the rapture, makes it even more exciting. But how many of us live with that expectation? How many are put off by the scoffers who question "where is His coming?" not realizing that He is patient to see them into salvation, that they may be the last one to be saved, and then let the rapture begin.

Do we live our lives, does our witness encourage others in this promise? Time is short, and it will happen, just like Jesus said. But unlike the countless motorcycle brands, who once were, but now aren't, the rapture will change the world forever, ushering in the anti-Christ, and then the day of the Lord. The worst seven years ever on earth, and you don't have to be here for it. Your choice. You see back in the day, some bought a dying brand, and got stuck with a machine that couldn't be fixed, because there were no parts or dealers. They invested badly, believing the ads, their friends, tradition, and the dealer-BSA will always be around, hey-Dick Mann is national champ. But today, sadly them and many others are only memories.

Choose Jesus today, the day of salvation, as tomorrow is promised to no man-Dick or others! Enjoy and live in the golden age of Christianity, and watch as Jesus Christ give life to your style. For 2000 the years the ads have been right on-He is just waiting for you. And unlike so many bike brands, He will return, just like He says. And your answer is....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

timing changes-God never does!

In the April, 1972 issue of Modern Cycle, on page 29 is an article about "Timing a two stroke twin," featuring a 200cc Yamaha. And like any good how to article, it lists the tools needed. And listed among them, is a hammer and an impact screw driver, saying it is the best tool to use to remove the screws holding the cover on. Now to those of you who have never dealt with Jap bikes from the late 60's to the late 70's, you may not be aware of the curse of the Phillips head screws they used everywhere. Impossible to remove, and guaranteed to strip the head pattern, many a young man learned profanity while trying to remove them. And with each bike, came a pathetic tool kit. The first tool kit for many of us. A cheesy tool kit, and for sick reason they seemed quite proud of it, even putting them in a vinyl bag, and building little compartments for them on the bike, or hiding them under the seat. And we never quite understood why BMW, a more reliable machine, came with a better tool kit. If it is more reliable, why do you need better tools? No vice grips?

Included in these kits, were a double bladed shaft, Phillips one side and blade on the other, that came with a t-handle or regular handle-with either the handle turning, and not the blade, or buggering the Phillips head-either one guaranteed to screw up any screw. The spark plug wrench was a loose fit, and a boon to thread repair sales as replacing a spark plug was a given you would someday cross thread it, ruining the head. Lefty loosie-rightie expensive! The wrenches were not much better, of a soft metal that would bend, but not before rounding off the head of the drain plug. But my favorite were the pliers, which for some reason came in two pieces, with the screw to hold them together in the bottom of the bag. Such high quality demanded use of a hammer and impact driver, and if you didn't own one, made sure you had a friend who did. But this was much better than the previous fasteners used. Just think, setting timing with an impact driver and a hammer. And that's progress!

Prior to the Japanese invasion, the Americans used a standard sized wrench, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, while the Brits used Whitworth, not quite metric, and not quite standard. And nothing else would fit their bikes, and occasionally they would slip in a standard sized bolt, just to make it interesting. But the Brits loved slotted screws, and as bad as a Phillips was, the slots were even worse. Either the slot was too big, or the screwdriver blade too small, ruining the head, and so you either ended up using a driver like the Japs, or drilling it out. Note-broken flat screwdriver blades also made great chisels. Perhaps this is why when the last person out of England making motorcycles, turned off the lights and said "screw it."

Audience participation time, if you will. Hold your hand out and wiggle it, turning it and admiring its design. And realize a few interesting things about it. One, it is the original design. Always has had five fingers. Never seven, or four-but five. With an opposing thumb. And the thumbs are on the inside on both hands, when looking at the back of your hands, so they are not interchangeable, in other words you can't order a left when you need a right. Universal appeal-comes in many colors, but only one style. It has amazing tensile qualities, able to pick up a needle, or a hammer. And they are waterproof-also gas, oil, and brake fluid proof. And for times you were stranded on the side of the road, the opposing thumb was perfect for hitching a ride. A wonderful design, over 6000 years old, with never an improvement or modification. Designed by a creator, the ultimate engineer, who didn't need an R and D department, or test mules-He got it right the first time. No prototypes needed. And as we see, only this type of perfection is found in God.

They also have the unique ability to feel pain, when hit with a hammer while trying to hit the impact driver, but will heal. They fit perfectly in any glove, providing the glove is the right size, and fit perfectly around a throttle. They can pull in the clutch, or squeeze the brake as needed, or wipe the bugs from your shield as you ride. A perfect device, multi-use, created by God. Just for you, whether you ride or not. A tough argument against evolution, for they were perfect to start with, and only found on man. And answering the age old question, which came first, God or the motorcycle. Now did you ever see a dolphin ride a motorcycle? How about a dog shift gears? Can a horse wrap his hoof around the throttle? You see, we were wonderfully made by God, in His image. With planned design and purpose. And from what I can tell, the above shows me He rode a motorcycle. The evidence is well, evident! And the only evolution in motorcycling should be a Harley motor, and is never found in man. If anything, the second law of thermodynamics shows that all things wear out, or atrophy over time-they don't get better. How many of us replace bikes because of mileage or because they are worn out? At 50,000 miles which is better, that one or a new bike? If it works for motorcycles, it must work for humans. Which is why evolution doesn't and can't work!

Your choice-would you rather follow man's ideas, which have brought us the slotted screw, only to improve it to a Phillips, and need a hammer and driver to set timing? Or trust God, who got it right the first time, who made you unique from all other beings, just because he loved you? If you believe you are descended from muck, next time you are out riding, visit your legacy and jump in a pond. Feel at home? Maybe a mud bog? Comfortable yet? Why not embrace the one who created you, and sent His son to prove His love.

And just to show that we still don't get it, on the new Triumphs the tool to remove the seat was put under the seat-with no way to get it. The fix-when this was pointed out to them, they moved the wrench behind a side cover. And made a note in the owners manual, which is under the seat. But you don't know where the wrench is until you remove the seat, to access the book, which tells you the tool is behind the side cover. Which you can't do-because you don't have the wrench? Only the government could design something like this!

Be safe-trust God's design. He also has one for your life. Perfection, which leaves more days to ride. He tells us today is the day of salvation, and if timing is everything, would you rather have it set by a loving God, or a hammer and driver? He wrote the manual-the Bible, and has all the tools, too. You know-you just have to hand it to God...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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