the carpenters

Richard first heard the song while watching TV. On a commercial for Crocker Bank, a melody by Paul Williams played in the background, and the words moved him. At this point in his life he was still a struggling composer/arranger/musician, but here was a tune that was to change all that. And with this new arrangement of this commercial's melody, he had the hit he was looking for. All he needed was the voice, and that was where his sister Karen enters the story. With his gift for composing, and her angelic voice, the song shot to #1! The song-We've Only Just Begun. A song that for the next decade, and even today, is the most popular song played at weddings. And has even been used to console and dissuade suicide attempts, a song of hope, of new beginnings. The group-The Carpenters, a brother and sister from Downey, California. A duet, that for the next four years would have a dozen hit singles, and establish them in music history.

Richard would go on and become a famous composer, and also accumulate one of the greatest Chrysler car collections in the world, named Yesterday Once More, after one of their hits. Karen, a first class drummer in her own right, would use that angelic voice, along with her God given ability to make Richard's music come alive. Her ability was uncanny, as evidenced on Superstar, written by Leon Russell. Never having heard the song, she got it right on the first take, while reading the words written on a napkin. A true musical team if there ever was one.

But as secure as Richard was, Karen had some inner demons, that appeared in the form of eating disorders. For years she battled anorexia and bulimia, while still trying to maintain an exhausting recording and touring schedule. She underwent treatment, but the pain in her was so deep, that it finally took her life from her-and ended a career, and a relationship with her brother and their fans way too early. At one time they were the Carpenters. Now without Karen he was alone. Without her he was just a Carpenter.

"Just a carpenter, and from Nazareth no less. No one or anything good ever comes from there," the people declared. And looking at this young Nazarene carpenter, there appeared nothing unusual about him. But yet he would end up being the most famous man in the history of the world. He never wrote a song, and there is no evidence he ever sang, but more songs have been written about him than all others combined. He never became famous, at least while alive, and was humble-it was his humility that gave him greatness, for he never brought attention to himself, always giving credit to his father. And even though his early career was as a carpenter, it was rumored he built yokes, a true artisan, he is best remembered for the last three years of his life-a career, like Karen, that at first was thought to be ended by demons, but then he was resurrected-proving to be who he said he was all along-the son of God, and God incarnate.

And it is through him, that we can have eternal life. If "the love that I've found ever since you've been around, your love put me on the top of the world," is your daily blessing, you know Jesus-the man from Nazareth. If like the song says, "just like me, they long to be, close to you," then the holy spirit is flowing from your life, and pointing people to Jesus. But if you don't know him as lord and savior, it is not to late, for today is the day of salvation. Give your heart to him today, and "sing, sing a song, make it simple to last the whole day long." And "don't worry if it's not good enough, for anyone else to hear, just sing-sing a song!" And you know what, he loves to hear from you. And you know what, "you've only just begun, to live..." In Christ Jesus,

love with compassion, "sharing horizons that are new to us... together..."

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

of golf carts and taxi cabs-volume one

When we moved to Durango I mentioned that I would clean horse puckey to live there. And I came close, as I worked at at a truck stop that dumped bus commodes. But we were also the only place in town that sold diesel fuel, so we would get the occasional diesel car, the station being on the old highway and most big trucks would by-pass it. We did get an unusual string of cars in one day, led by a diesel Rabbit. This group of cars, all driven by Japanese engineers, employed by General Motors, was testing their prototypes against the Rabbit. Carefully pouring gas into a graduated container, then filling the car, they would then use their slide rule to figure mpg, and one engineer commented to me "we can never get the mileage the Rabbit does." So they retaliated with the infamous 350 gas to diesel conversion. Anyone remember that catastrophe?Do any of you pre-MTV people know what a slide rule is?

Diesel engines, compression firing, cannot use gasoline, but diesel #2. Diesel #1 is kerosene or jet fuel, and sometimes can be cut with #2 in the winter to make it flow-diesel will gel and clog fuel lines when cold. It also was only sold at truck stops, so if you owned one, you dealt with big trucks, sometimes surly owners, wondering what you were doing at their stop, and the owners tended to be a bit differ rent. Costing more to initially purchase, you had to travel twice the miles to make it pay for itself vs. a gas engine. Add to that higher maintenance costs, and you had a vehicle that would get superior mileage, but cost more, along with that diesel odor, smelly exhaust, long warm up times, and an oily residue on everything you touched-only the owner could tell if it made sense to them. Did I mention you also got to rub shoulders with owners of CAT diesel powered rigs? DT66 drivers? Cummins drivers who all wondered why a nice person like you was doing at a dirty truck stop? They went home in their nice gas cars. But you did get more mpg. But to those of us who weren't into diesel, we just thought the diesel owners were a little strange-and they probably were.

I always wondered, why if you can afford to drive a Mercedes Benz, would you buy a diesel that was mostly sold around the world for taxi cabs? When 2% of the richest drove Mercedes Benz, why take a cab home, and park it in your garage? True, it works for semis, and locomotives, and one of the best applications is used on farms, for their trucks and equipment, where the uninformed fieldworker only stole diesel once, thinking it is gas, and clogging up his motor. Gas and diesel are not compatible with each other. Stuck on the side of the road, with that diesel smell, it is hard to plead innocent, but not ignorant. As one of the pump jockeys I worked with learned when he filled this guys new Scirocco with diesel. Fortunately the guy only made it 500', so we didn't have to push him farther, and it didn't damage the gas engine. Do not try this trick at home. Today even the military uses a highly modified diesel KLR 650 engine in their motorcycles-more low end power to move this over laden motorcycle, and the enemy is stuck much like the Scirocco owner when gas is used instead if taken. A glimpse of military intelligence.

Today diesel engines are far superior, due to being computer driven, don't even smell like a diesel, and start quick and accelerate just like a gas motor. Only the badge on the fender gives them away. And their position at the pump. Only the true diesel believer really knows.

Some people are like the modern diesel today. Many say they are Christians, and even walk and talk like one-but inside they are missing the key ingredient that makes them one-Christ! Like their cars they have the right labels, go to the right churches, and listen to the right music. They attend Bible studies, support ministry events, but inside are missing the changed heart that only Jesus can give. And sadly, their names are not written in the book of life. But they have never given their lives to Christ-and have so close yet are so lost. Good people-not saved people. Yet they subtly run on the fuel of the world, instead of the fuel of the spirit. And fall back on their good work record, and sense of duty when questioned-if they are even challenged at all. And they even get fueled at the same station/church, but only one is being fueled, the other not realizing that a good feeling doesn't save you-only accepting Jesus Christ as Lord does. You can put love into an unsaved person, and it can make them run like a Christian-but in the end they aren't. The fruit of the spirit cannot grow in them, and sadly many go to their grave thinking they are saved-when they are not.

How do you know you are saved? Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior? Are you born again? Just like Nicodemus, who understood things of the law, but was challenged by Jesus in things of the spirit, it takes the Holy Spirit to point you to Jesus, who points you to God-He is the only way. Does your heart yearn for God? So did Nicodemus. Do you do good things, and obey traditions and the law? Again, so did Nicky. But when he realized who Jesus was, he was there with Joseph of Arimethea to get his body. He gave it all up when he realized who Jesus was, and he was among the richest men of his time, as well as the Pharisee of Pharisees. Money and position, along with knowledge are not enough.

Who do you say He is? If you answer like Peter, "thou art the living God, thou art the Christ," you answer well, and your life will reflect it.

He is not just a great teacher, or great healer, or a great man. He is God incarnate-Lord and savior. He is God-deity.

And if you have never prayed to accept Him, even after years in church, you can do it right now. Just pull up to the right pump-and He will fill your heart and life. He will fuel your life and give it style. And it won't take bumper stickers or t-shirts to tell the world you are saved. We can tell by the sweet aroma your life will give off. Not like the stinky diesel smell of the world.

Filled up by the Holy Spirit-accept no worldly alternative fuels. They are expensive and can cause damage. Jesus-the only way to heaven- He is the ultimate alternative fuel!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25 biker.blogspot.com

greater is He who is in me-and doesn't leak out

As long as there have been motors, there have been gaskets to hold them together. And if they aren't leaking-yet, they will someday. We still joke on about old Brit bikes that if yours isn't leaking it must be out of oil, add two quarts. The old Harley joke, what does HD stand for? Hound dog, they like to ride in the back of trucks and mark their spot. Old BMW's don't leak. At least per the indoctrinated to the brand-they weep. Then along came the Japanese that didn't, so like on the Z-1 added a chain oiler using engine oil from the crankcase-a leak engineered in. Maybe just to make the old Triumph owners feel more one with their bike. But no matter the engine, it is held together by gaskets.

Gaskets-what are they? Simply put, they provide a seal between two machined parts. And do it magnificently, most of the time. From simple paper, to chemicals ranging from RTV silicone-trivia buffs take note-RTV stand for Room Temperature Vulcanizing. Rolls Royce even came up with Hylomar, which is now universally used as it never vulcanizes, but expands and contracts with heat. And today's paper has given way to neoprene seals incorporated in various types of metal-all doing one thing-keeping the oil inside the engine. And they must do it from temperatures and pressures ranging from the outside cold, to the internal hot. Below zero to 250 degrees. You see metals will expand and contract with heat-remember that from chemistry? And heat produces pressure, and increases the liquid's desire to want to escape. Simple, and the only thing between you and the spot under your bike is a gasket. Or between your ride and watching as your other friends go by. And when they fail, the only cure is replacement, no band aids or smearing a wonder sealant over it-replace the gasket! And the equation is simple. Leak+seal=time and money-LOST! So simple even a ------ owner can get it!

There are no needs for gaskets in a relationship with God. The surface of our heart that mates with Jesus, is a perfect fit. He built us to match with Him, remember we were built in His image, not some off shore replica. When you accept Jesus you are a perfect fit-no leaking, weeping, or spots on the ground where you park. But just the opposite happens when something gets between you and God. You leak. Internally from the heart. You see nothing should ever come between you and God-that is His desire for you. But once again life interferes, and with or without our knowledge, we leak. This gasketting material we let get between us and God causes leaks-it is called sin. And once again it comes down to our choice to participate or not. And it comes from places we may not expect to leak, and the leak doesn't always show. Years ago I made up my heart and mind to not let anything get between God and me. It is a choice. But there again, the leaks are subtle. A ministry can become more important than God. Your car, motorcycle, or hobby can take precedent over walking with Him. Even a wife or family can interfere, and what's worse is we make excuses for our failures.

"Look at all the good the good I'm doing for God," they say, when really all the attention goes to them. Kids suffer from lack of parents being there, and seek alternatives-and sin is readily available. Money goes to your new chrome whosywhatchit, instead of for the things of God, and there again, you and your family suffer. Wives can be more important than God, and excuses are made, and a marriage that once was strong, is now weak and leaking love, because only when God is first in the relationship can the wife be the woman the man desires, and only then can the man be the man the wife needs. God's system, and they work.

And like when we fall and see no blood figure there is no damage, not all leaks show. When a head gasket leaks internally between antifreeze and oil, it causes a milkshake color to occur. And is only internal until you remove the cap-and there it is-damage done. And hopefully found before you are stuck-generally on the side of the road. And the repair is the same as the external leak-replace the gasket-and hopefully no other internal damage has occurred.

Is your life not quite as joyous as it once was? Problems at home, with kids, or at work with the boss or others? Can't find time to read the Bible, and now has no desire? More time spent polishing chrome than with God? Have Sunday mornings meant riding with friends, instead of fellowshipping at church with other believers? Check and see-what has gotten between you and God. And let god repair the leak. It is called repentance, and once you do, He will make all things new-or sometimes even better. It's a relationship, and it takes both to participate. God is ready and willing, are you?

No visible signs of leakage? I hope you catch it before all the love you once had leaks out. The signs are there, and maybe others see them. Get your life checked out with Jesus today. Maintenance is cheaper than repairs, and just may make your ride, or walk with God even more exciting. Catch the leak before it is too late. Babies wear diapers, is your walk past that stage with Christ?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the law-it just doesn't add up

Math was always a very tough subject for me. It's boundaries were so very restrictive-it was either a right or wrong answer-like 2+2=4, not 2+2 could be 4, or may 4 1/2. It couldn't feel like six, and changing the colors still added up to 4. It was exact, not like my life, so it had some accountability to it, and made it feel cold and impersonal. Which laws are. But then I found it could be used to measure things exactly-like engine sizes, or 1/4 miles, or car payments, and I began to see why its exactness was so important. I began to understand algebraic equations, and even some basic geometry. And once I learned its laws, I did OK. But one thing was consistent-it was cold, impersonal-you were either right or wrong-and it spoke a universal language. With no room for error. Did you realize that numbers are not restricted by the boundaries of countries-although the measurements are used to define them? That no matter what age you are, their laws still apply? They are their own language, not confined to English, Spanish, or French. Oui, oui, Senor. Numbers are without feeling-although we all want to be #1, you can wrap your arms around something that number represents, but can't touch the number itself. I can have five motorcycles-but I cannot hold the number five, it represents something, helps define it, and helps analyze it. Maybe the song is correct-one is the loneliest number.

Have you ever tried sticking your size 9 feet into a size 8 shoe? How about six gallons into your four gallon tank? Would you consider paying an extra $100 on your light bill? How about accepting less on your pay check? You see, numbers mean something, and mathematics are ruled by laws and theorems, not ideas, feelings, and opinions.

And when added to us, who seem to live by opinions and theories-some based on emotions, the two can collide. I am confused sometimes at how some people who are so religious, and conservative in their thinking, are caught under the law, and fight against the spirit leading their life. I am amazed, and always hurt, when I see men quote scripture, but have no love behind it. Win the argument, lose the soul. I encountered a man recently, a pastor, he calls himself, who has been seeking prayer for a man he knows. This man is into drugs, and needs help. Yet this pastor has been bombing him with scripture, and cannot understand why he won't come to church with him. And the pastor doesn't get it. Why go to church to get beat up, after being beat up by him all week? To this pastor, at least in this situation, the scripture is a cold law, a prescription to be filled, a measurement to be exacted. He hasn't realized the intimacy of Christ here, the love this man is missing and is crying out for, and when I approached him, with words of encouragement-essentially, back off the scripture, and show some compassion, this man needs a friend, not a law course, I was told to mind my own business-not his exact words, but a polite interpretation of his attitude. Remember Mike's #1 rule-never argue with an idiot because you will never win.

Jesus is not like this. He asked people what could he do. How can He help? He offered them love, compassion, and a place of rest. He is patient even today with us, as He wants none of us to go to hell. And contrary to worldly belief-God doesn't send anyone to hell-it is your choice to go, simply reject Jesus as God, and you go. But it is even easier to realize the truth and be set free-and heaven awaits.

Is your walk numbers driven? I must memorize 2 verses and read 3 chapters each day? Are you bound by laws that you yourself cannot even keep? And do you find that the God who once was so personal and truly set you free, is now reduced to a set of thou shalts, and thou shalt nots? Seek comfort and guidance from the holy spirit. He is a person and is personable, not a set of rules, and wants to spend time with you. It is what made the apostle John, John the beloved. He is who urges you to seek Christ, and who hopes, believes, and endures all things-just for you. For He is love, not an emotion, much more than that. He is God-and you can meet Him right here, right now-without stepping into a church. He comes to you, much like He came to earth 2000 years ago-to see and save those that are lost.

Laws are needed with numbers, and without them there would be bedlam. But without love, your testimony and witness will also be bedlam also. Be the person that you can be, your true potential only realized in Jesus Christ. And realize that the only thing that Jesus and the law of mathematics have in common is eternity! Jesus Christ-doing what the law can't-loving! Break free from the law today-and enter into the world of living in the spirit. Repeat offenders welcomed back. I hope to see you there!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

the hands on your watch

Once a month, Theresa and some of her friends go to Maranatha for the Wednesday night service. They always meet first for dinner, so that leaves me to fend for myself. Hmmm, which burger joint do I get to grace with my presence tonight? But tonight would be different, I was in the mood for Chinese, so I went to Panda Express, arriving just before the dinner crowd. Now behind me in line was this young, blond girl. Stereotypical California girl, who after I paid for my food finally made her decision. "Can you step it up here honey, people are starving behind you!" Taking the fast out of fast food. When she got to the cashier, she was asked did she want a large soda? During a spell which took about two forkfuls of food in length, she decided yes. She walked by me on the way out, balancing her huge set of keys, her bag of food, and her empty cup. As I watched, she got across the parking lot and stopped, and looked into the cup-something was wrong-what was it? And she finally realized the cup was empty-she hadn't gotten her drink. So returning to the restaurant, she placed the bag of food down next to me, filled her drink and walked out.

And at about the same point, stopped, realizing something was wrong-again. She had forgotten her food. Soooo-she went back and got it, and finally on the third attempt made it top her car. And the story ends here at least for me, who knows when she made it home-or even if!

To which a man sitting next to me commented, "even a broken watch is right two times a day."

Now I have been known to be a creature of habit, but sometimes more creature than habit. Once a year we all panic when I can't find the keys to a bike. And after searching the house, and being reminded of how does it feel to be so stupid, look in the bike-which was the last place I saw them. And they are always there-not lost, just waiting for me to return. And I have gotten better, as the gaps between losing my sunglasses is increasing. Generally, they are found on my head-duh, which someone after 10 minutes of looking at me notices. Double duh! Which is an improvement. It seems for years whenever I would go to my grandparents, I would lose my glasses, and only find them after sitting on them. Which was always followed by "I told you not to put them on a chair-again!" Stupid hurts.

Josh and I had lunch yesterday, and were talking about missed opportunities to minister, and how we know when God presents them. How it takes a sensitive spirit, and a willingness to follow it. Theresa told me a story recently about a friend of hers who is involved in ministry. And when a chance to minister outside her organization came up, that would have been perfect for her, had to say no. They had their meeting that day, sorry, she would have to pass. Ministry-getting into the way of ministering. A missed blessing for all parties. Gotta have those meetings, though, so we can talk about ministering. Just in case we ever get the chance. Good thing Jesus forgives, and gives another chance. And tells us to get over it and go on.

After Peter denied Jesus three times in the garden, he felt miserable. But we find the next story in the gospel, is when John and he come across a man who cannot walk-and we all know the children's song-in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth-rise up and walk! Just like he was told, and he did! It took a failure for Peter to draw closer to God, and then to have more of a ministering heart.

Blown a chance? Get over it. God knows you would, and wants you to seek Him-and He wants to bless you in these encounters. And whether that stumbling block is a meeting, or a little girl, He wants you to get over it, and get on with life! We all know the story of Peter's denial, maybe we should concentrate on his comeback, if you will.

Don't fall for the excuse either, saying "well they'll outgrow it." Always blond, always leaving glasses on head, and age doesn't seem to matter. Just ask Jed Clampett, when his nephew Jethro came home with a new Mickey Mouse watch. Proud of the little mouse on it, "the hands move Uncle Jed, "he showed it to Granny, who berates him-"you dern fool, it's defective, the hands aren't even the same size! One is smaller than the other!"

Here's hoping your watch hands are a different size, your keys are in your pocket, glasses on your face, and your cup filled, and your dinner is warm by the time you get it home. But most important that you have Jesus in your heart. You never know when the next blessing is about to come your way. Be sensitive to the spirit. It's nice to be right more than twice a day.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

zero to hero and other villains

Just when you think you've got things figured out they go and change the rules. And just when you think you know someone, they do something to show you don't know them at all. Like the cute girl in high school, who you see ten years later, who has three kids and is as big as a house for them to live in. Or the poor kid who became rich. I have learned, or am still learning to deal with the unexpected, controlling my expression, or sometimes even feigning my surprise.

I went to high school with Gary Proto. He set national records for running the half mile, had a crew cut, and was destined for great things in college. Yet the last time I saw him, the night I left New Jersey, he was into drugs and drinking, quit running, and had grown shoulder length hair. We met at the liquor store, where a man drew a gun on us, so we went back to my house to the party. As he explained it to me, over many beers, his dad had died, who was the motivation in his life, and he had no one to turn to-so getting stoned was it. A turnaround I never thought I would see, and it still pains me today. He was a hero of sorts to me, one of the "sissy runners" as we used to call them, and we were into the same music. A talented, smart, articulate man-I wonder where he is today?

The summer before, I had taken my custom van on a cross country trip. Never having gone farther than Florida, this was a long trip, and a dream realized. It also was a trip where my life would change forever, I came to know Jesus Christ while with visiting friends in Santa Monica. While crossing Colorado, and learning about altitude and how it effects you-you mean the whole world isn't sea level like New Jersey, I had stopped at a rest stop when a long haired, hippie type came up to me. We talked and then got stoned in my van. His name was Jesse O'Leary, and he was a teacher at an Indian School, much like the hippie type, new age schools made popular after Billy Jack. We also talked motorcycles, as I had my R90S still in Jersey, and he wanted one-an R60. Simple gran falloons, Kurt Vonnegut would say, as we had drugs and BMW's in common. I left and never thought much of our chance meeting.

Until the next summer, when I was working at Motorsport in Albuquerque. And in comes Jesse, on a blue R60/5 like mine. He was teaching in Taos, at an Indian school, back when Taos had vigilante law, and Dennis Hopper was mayor-why and how this hippie survived I don't know. Or Hopper either! We embraced and were blown away by our meeting again, so we went to lunch, and he wanted to get high. I then shared with him how my life had changed, and how Jesus Christ had changed it. For almost an hour he asked questions, and I answered them-but he left me not ever coming to the point of accepting Jesus. But if ever a person had a chance to see a changed life, Jesse saw it in me.

John the Beloved, he was/is known as. Not only did he write five New Testament books, but he was on Patmos when Jesus unfolded the events to come in the Book of Revelation, and had him write them down. And because he did, it is the only book that says when it is read it comes with a blessing to those reading it. But John the Beloved is not what his fellow disciples would have known him as. Mention him to them early on, and his fellow apostles would have thought different, for even after becoming an apostle, it took God to change his heart, for he and his brother James were known as Sons of Thunder. Simply, he wanted to blow up anyone who opposed him. From government to individuals, he thought that disposing of his enemies was the best solution. But God showed him the better way, and this man today is known as the Apostle of Love. A changed heart, which changed his world view, which changed his world, and his life. And only Jesus can do that-for without a changed heart, there will no change of actions. Never mind the argument that he mellowed with age, this man had gone from mad bomber to isolation on Patmos, after being unsuccessfully boiled in oil for preaching the gospel. Politicians promise change-only Jesus Christ can change a man's heart.

A campaign slogan years ago asked "are you better off than four years ago?" My question to you-are you going to heaven? Has Jesus changed your life? If not, let today be that day. It could be in a rest stop, at the track, or a rally, or even reading these words. But don't miss the chance to know Jesus. He died for the chance to meet you. Listen to His story, ask questions, and let Him love on you. Just might change your life-I hope He does. Until then, I'll be praying for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

if only I had listened...

Face up to it-the only time most of you care at all about your tires is when one goes flat on you. True, isn't it? Up until that moment that your round donut loses its air, you just take them for granted that they will hold air and last forever. And you would be wrong. I used to be amazed at the condition of tires I saw when a service advisor. Tires 11-15 pounds underinflated, and the owner wondering why the steering feels weird. Or his fuel mileage was down. I have seen cord showing where there should be tread, and been told by the mother driving the mini van that "they've looked like that for weeks." And then being told how she bought the mini van to keep her kids safe. And when I offered to replace them, would get the I'll do it elsewhere where it's cheaper-and finding nothing more expensive than when stupidity leaves you on the side of the road. Cheap can equal stupid-results always the same. Not their fault.

And I would see this very often in the "mommy cars." The one that some magazine who feels about cars like the government feels about you, telling you what is safe and what isn't. Hint-safest car you'll ever drive is one that isn't in an accident. But despite warnings, these people persevere, many times at the expense of others. So here is a list of cars to avoid while riding. No apologies if you are listed.

Watch out for Volvo owners-some 35 years ago they advertised themselves as the safest car, and the liberals believed it. Shedding all responsibility for driving skills, they wield these cars like the Ginsu chef does his knives, never looking in their rear view mirrors to see the trouble they've caused as they drive their safe car, unsafely. The past can't influence the future, can it?

Any mini van, and the worst are ones driven by women under the influence of children. Wonder why your kids are squirrelly? They inherited it, from all the personal time you spent with them. Maybe hang up the cell phone, turn off the DVD player, turn of the radio, and talk to your kids. All these communication devices are a poor substitute for communication-aka conversation. Hang up and drive-now that's a safety feature anyone can use. Quick-can you name all your kids before you can tell me what song is on the radio?

I can go on and on-but I will close with the testosterone laden group of men who put the ultra low profile tires on their cars. Rim protectors, we referred to them as, and besides ruining the quality of the ride, and wearing out faster-do little to enhance handling-sorry tests proved it. In fact years ago, using a new Corvette, Car and Driver found that the handling hardly diminished when using the donut spare! You probably won't see that in advertising!

You see, I have a theory, untested, unscientific, but somewhat reliable. You can tell what a person's life is like by the condition of their car. And I'm usually spot on. Scary, huh. But the sad side is, many of us live with more consideration of our car, than of God. How many of you are living on borrowed time? You have been warned about your condition, but like a bad tire haven't gone flat yet? Or crashed?
The signs are there, but you ignore them. And when you do crash, take someone with you-the Fosdick Syndrome. And you walk away-they take all the abuse. Maybe today that self evaluation time with God can spare you from this. It may not be painless, but beats the alternative-and yes, you may have to change your ways. And be better for it!

Have you noticed lately how you just aren't as joyful as you used to be? Has the world, and all it has to offer, gotten between you and God? Like the parent in the mini van, have you let the things of the world interfere, and take the place of one on one with God, thinking that because your friends do it is OK? Not hearing from God? Maybe you are just not listening. Ask your kids-you may be surprised, and may not like the answer. Ask God about your relationship with Him-aren't you glad He is patient, unlike you in traffic?

Do you live like you own a Volvo? Just because you are under the illusion you are OK, do you not see the need for God in your life? When sin is mentioned, do you reply "well, I've never killed anyone." Forgetting there are nine other commandments, and neglecting that Jesus told you that if you regard them in your heart, you have already committed them?

Or is your life primarily a "me first" existence. Which really means the heck with all you others? It's all about me, then you, if I have time. Is this how your relationship with God is perceived? Losing control just to be trendy, and falling prey to the next trend that comes along, not realizing the friend at the custom shop is only your friend because of your spending habits. Aren't you glad Jesus never goes out of style?

The answer to all is repent. Turn from the wrong way, to God's way. God likes nice things, fast cars, and the latest fads. But He loves you, and sees what the lust of the flesh, and eyes can do to you . He doesn't want anything to come between you and Him. The question is do you? Maybe what started small has taken you over, seek God. Watch as Jesus fills the void, and relieves the pressure. Let him add life to your style. He may point out the bad tires, your lack of driving skills, or mention all the distractions in your life. But He will also show you how to fix them, in a loving way. But you must let Him.

I used to tell people "the parts are here, the techs are here, and your car is here. It is easier to fix it now, than later on the side of the road." Your decision, like the Fram commercial said, "pay me now, or pay me later." If you don't have time for God now, how do expect to find time for Him later?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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