polls, opinions, rumors, inuendoes, lies, and damn lies

Brand loyalty vs. performance. A tough call, and one when polled among sport bike owners a few years back gave some interesting results. Seems brand loyalty was the top choice among riders throughout the US of A, except for California, where for a few hundredths of a second, they would change brands. For instance, Yamaha YZR 6 runs a 10.123 second quarter mile, and Honda CBR 600RR runs a 10. 232 quarter, So Cal riders would pick the Yamaha over the Honda. Now I hate to burst any bubbles of preconceived notions, but most of you guys ain't gonna get performance from your bike like the mags do. For one thing, this is what they do, and have no respect for the bike loaned to them for testing. Factor in weather, humidity, temperature, lane choice, rider error, and differences in the same bike in a production run, and the margin of error is too great to not discount in judging performance. Add to that the fact that some magazines don't even track test their bikes anymore, just run them on a dyno for simulated 1/4 mile times, and your margin of error is far greater than you can imagine. But yet so many change each year, just for that few hundredths of a second in the article. And have to sell their bike, which just one magazine issue ago was the best in the world. At a loss, of course, based on one road test.

We all like winners, and somehow avoid losers. I find ministry works just the opposite. In good times, like when the boss says good job, your wife bought "that" dress, your kids get good grades, or you somehow have money left after paying all your bills last month-things are great. But throw in some domestic issues, maybe a root canal, or a stain on "that" dress, and the whole world changes. And so does your attitude. No one calls to brag how great things are, but just one little thing upset them....

Such was the problem that Mrs. Job faced. Married to the richest man in the world, she had riches, land, cattle, prestige, and all the things that go with it. You can bet she didn't need to wait in line for a table. Or to get her hair styled. And that "that" dress was custom made for her. And that her friends and even the public viewed her with admiration. But with one Bible verse, one quote, one emotional outburst, Bible historians, Christians, and the church-ok, throw in her friends, too, have shown her to the gate of destruction-a castaway due to one statement. "Curse God and die," she tells her husband. Who has just lost everything he had, except for her and his life. Reduced to scraping boils, he has nothing.

But somehow well meaning others forget so has she. Where is the same compassion they have for Job? Do you not feel for a mother who has lost her children? Whose husband is deathly ill? Whose only redeeming values are found in his friends, and what was his reputation?

Have any of us just wanted to die when circumstances weren't just right for us? Get real-there is a great deal of Mrs. Job in all of us. So, where is the compassion for her? Why do we castigate her for one statement, but yet when we err want all the mercy and sympathy we can get? Are we any different to God when a little turmoil comes into our lives? Is it the so-called perfection we hold ourselves to that we think makes Him want to show us off, like He did Job? Is it possible our reactions are more important than our actions? Do we really love our neighbor as our self as Jesus commands?

Just as many have been led to the destruction of Mrs. Job by one statement, you can be renewed, saved by another. John 3:16, for God so loved the world He gave His only son... And if you are going to bet your future on one statement, this one is preferable. Show the mercy to other Mrs. Jobs that Jesus showed to you. He took you just as you are, and loved you. His loyalty is based on the brand you are-HIS, not your day to day performance. And how you performed last year vs. this year doesn't keep Him from replacing you.

There are a lot of good one year old bikes for sale out there just for this reason. You have to be the best, or at least ride the best. Remember your old last year's model was once like that. And you may be too. Don't let your sin, or poor judgment replace that which is good in God's eyes with your ego. Show compassion to the Mrs. Jobs you encounter. And remember how the story ended. Twice as much as she started with, and even more children. And a testimony. So shall your mercies be. Poured out, overflowing.

The Jobs stayed together, even though Job questioned her "do we only serve God when it benefits us?" Do you? Be careful how you judge Mrs. J, you may have more in common with her than you know. And of course, we will love you despite that. So here's the deal. If you quit telling lies about her, we'll stop telling the truth about you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

what's really good for the country

America was a much different place 55 years ago. We were still basking in the victory of WWII, smarting from the pain of not winning in Korea, and had endured ten years of automotive growth, despite labor disputes, minor recessions where unemployment spiked, and a shortage of steel. We were the most prosperous country in the world, and our goods displayed the technology and ingenuity that American products were known for. Name an industry, we owned it, from science to steel, it was USA #1! And growing! And a burst in 1955 in auto sales, to an all time high was led by General Motors, the largest corporation in the world, who was selling over 50% of the cars sold here, with Chevrolet alone taking an almost 28% of the market! A GM vice president, Charles Wilson is even misquoted in his famous "what is good for GM is good for the country, and vice versa" statement before congress. And in a country with a $62 billion budget, less money than the Obama administration bought the new GM for-aka Government Motors, and revenues of $60, he may have been right. For as GM went, so did the US of A. Let's hope it doesn't today.

1955 was the first year of the Hot One, the '55 Chevy. With its first modern V-8, it stormed the market, and set a precedent that would last for over 50 years, that being its small block V-8. From 265 cubic inches, to 400, with stops at 283, 327, and 350-just mention the numbers and motor heads know what you're talking about. A great time to be alive, and a great time to own a new Chevy. When ad men had their way with words, coming up with hyperbole to excite the buying public over such features as "anatomic design," "hydra-coil front springs," "magic action brakes," and "picture window visibility," GM, Ford , and Chrysler couldn't wait to separate you from your hard earned cash of $4100 per year average. Things were simply "motoramic!" With a new car costing about half of that. And you could park it in your new modern home that cost about $10,000, and mail in your payment-36 months the max, with a 3 cent stamp. Things looked good, and a nation looked forward to the future-because unlike the thirties where prosperity was just around the corner, the corner had been turned, and we were accelerating at a jet like pace into the future.

But as a nation grew in prosperity outwardly, it still starved spiritually. A young evangelist Billy Graham, started Chrstistanity Today magazine in 1955. A year after comparing communism to the anti-Christ, "either Christianity or Communism must die-they are at odds, "he was filling stadiums and auditoriums full of people seeking more than GM could offer-offering them Jesus Christ. And eternal life. Compare that to a limited warranty, usually 90 days on your new car, and here he was offering eternal life-a lifetime warranty! Standard with every salvation. But like those who were Ford men or Chevy men or Oldsmobile families, not all adored Billy. President Truman called him "a counterfeit," fundamentals called him too liberal because he took a stance against anti-abortion violence, and he has been castigated as being too political because he has associated with presidents and politicians.

The same type of people Jesus associated with, showing them love and forgiveness, and preaching repentance. A simple message,that needs no advertising mantras, that is simple-you sinned, you need forgiveness, and Jesus is the way! No payment books, no magic mirror finishes, and no new models next year. The simple gospel, told by Billy and others like him around the world.

You can still see the USA in your Chevrolet, but today we see a much different USA. But a still the same Jesus. Those Hot Ones of 55-56-57 are still hot today, and worth hundreds of times more than new, but the price Jesus paid is still worth more-even before inflation!

And heaven awaits, with a place no adman can describe, for "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor mind imagined the things of heaven!"

Jesus Christ-a winner from the start! His word, a model that needs no updating! And a message that no ad campaign can improve on! LOVE! And as always, what is good for Jesus, is good for the USA! Not vice versa. And you can quote me on that!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da-then repeat

I have always been in awe by people who write music. I am amazed at how a few notes can turn into a tune in their heads, and how they can put it on paper, then add the other instruments, drums, and then words. And somehow through the magic of God, a song comes out. And how over the years, with so many songs having been written, there are still new ones and more are yet to be written. But also how whenever I try to hum something of my own device, it sounds so bad. It's almost like there is this magic note, or chord, or something that takes random notes and turns them into music, and it always escapes me. I don't think there is any special formula-creativity doesn't respond well to formulas, it just stymies it. A gift it truly is.

Keith Richard had eight notes bouncing around in his head for awhile. Waking up he wrote the riff down, recorded it, and later described it as 10 seconds of song and 40 minutes of snoring. A young, struggling guitarist, he carried this guitar riff around, but couldn't make anything of it. Finally it started to come together, these eight notes becoming the driving force of the song. And when you listen to the song, it is the same eight notes played over and over, but somehow becoming a song, when played with the right beat and rhythm, one that became the first hit of his group, the Rolling Stones, and became their signature song. Those notes became (I can't get no) Satisfaction. Add words, and you have a classic. Just eight notes, played over and over, in rhythm, and they became a song. Amazing. And it took a while, for that magic note, that magic harmony, or beat, just wasn't there-and when it was, took that something from concept in his sleep into the recording studio. And thus, a song was born. But not all songs are hits.

Life is like that. We go through life, looking for that perfect chord to make our lives complete. That perfect note to make all the other notes in our life into a tune. And that perfect chord is Jesus. For built into us is a void that only God can fill. We are like a song that is missing that one note, to take us from notes on a page, into a harmony of life. And without Jesus, we can't get no satisfaction. And I tried, and I tried, but I still couldn't get no satisfaction.

You see when God created you, he made you part of a heavenly song. An orchestra of people, who when together in the spirit make beautiful music. You may be the lead, or maybe background with that driving rhythm like that in Richards' song. Or you may be the drum, keeping time, and when called upon to solo, bringing out the music in you, and helping keep it all together. Some people are a bass line, hitting the low notes, and adding an accent to the tune. Individuals, who alone are just notes, but together become a song and make music. And we are called the family of God. An orchestra of life, with many members, and each one is needed to make the song complete. But without the conductor-Jesus, never get it right. May sound good, might even get some air time, but it will never be the perfect song God has written for you without Him in it.

If your life seems out of tune today, listen for the song of Jesus. Perfect harmony when you play your part, and don't try to cover for someone else's. God hah given you a song to play, so play it. And play it loud, for it is the song of Jesus, a harmony that goes higher, all the way up to the heavens. A song, written for you, by a man with perfect pitch, who wants to sit in with you and teach you other songs to truly make an album of your life.

But without Him, you will always search, just like Keith did. And sadly like he still does. For his music may be classic, but he still can't get no satisfaction without Jesus. Drugs, 15 year old girls, concerts, and the band are all a poor substitute for Jesus. And even with all the success he has had in life with the Stones, it will not get him into heaven. His song ends at his death, instead of going on forever in harmony with Christ.

Make your song complete today by letting Jesus into your band. Let Him be the driving beat of your life. And watch as the notes on the page leap off into a beautiful song-one written just for you by the song writer of the universe.

Sorry no Grammy, you'll have to settle for eternal life. There is one song that God wishes to write into your life-Jesus Christ, the perfect chord. While for Keith Richards it was eight notes, and many years for a song, Jesus does it in one take.

Guaranteed satisfaction! And He knows something about rolling away stones, too!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the birds and the bees-part one, the bees

When Theresa started riding her own bike, she learned that it is a personal thing. Just riding on the back, she didn't get it, but as soon as it was hers, she got intimate with it. She did a few little things to it to make it hers, and soon talked about it as her Bonneville. She could tell without checking if she needed gas, or a front tire was low, or if she needed to have her brakes checked. Although built on the same assembly line as our other Bonneville and Scrambler, she had a relationship with her bike, and that made it special.

With so much bad news crossing into our lives, we take many things for granted. Cancer, oh well, just another report. Lost your house, who doesn't someone who has. Out of work, been there, doing that. But when it hits close to home, it gets personal. Last week my friend Lee got diagnosed with liver cancer, now cancer has a name-Lee. Bikerjim needs a liver transplant, it now has a name too-Bikerjim. Breast cancer has become an epidemic, but to me it is personal, we know it as Theresa-my daughter. I won't embarrass further the ones I know who have lost their homes, or incomes, but for me you have made it personal-sometimes too personal.

Yesterday after a lunch with Christopher in City of Commerce, I rode up to Griffith Park to the observatory, a beautiful ride and area, then home. A great day until Wildomar, where for the third time in three years I got stung by a bee-which for me means a trip to ER. I was in anaphylactic shock, and hurt real bad this time. I rode 40 miles between 90-100 mph on my Bonneville, try that someday, even passed two Chippies with radar pointed at me, and didn't get stopped. By the time I got home and Theresa got me to Pomerado, my left eye was swelled shut, my tongue swollen, and the left side of my upper body grotesquely swelled. My whole body itched, and I couldn't hear as my ears were swollen shut. And my body was hurting, like beaten with buckwheats-a mob term for a slow beating, usually with a ball peen hammer. After three hours of medical treatments, I am better, but bee stings have a name to me and it is very personal. Keep praying for me, it seems there are many bees out there with my name on them! I was told maybe it is the bike I ride, as this Bonneville has been hit twice, and this is the third bee sting while riding it! Sorry no cage or windshield for this guy!

God has a name too-Jesus. It it is very personal. He is not the man upstairs, or the big guy, or any other disrespectful term. He created the universe, and loves you so much He sent Jesus to die so you could be reunited with Him. Isn't that enough to honor Him and turn to Him? But yet, we continue to hear His name taken in vain. So I am going to start asking people "who is your God" the next time they say "oh, my God!" Let them know about Jesus. Maybe start a national campaign, who knows. You see it is very personal to me, to you, and should be to them. Jesus is ready and able to not only handle all your problems, but share the joys in your life also. Stop now, take a minute and ask Him to be your God. A tiny step of faith. God are you real? If you are, can I get to know you? Will you forgive me? Believe and receive.

You see the above named also have something in common-Jesus Christ. And although cancer and life may seem to overtake, they all have heaven awaiting. A reason to live, but also a reason to die.

If we can have a relationship with steel and rubber, don't you think it is time to have one with the living God? Whose flesh and blood flowed out for us on the cross? A God who knows when we need tires, but also how to get us through cancer, transplants, and bee stings. Yesterday I again called out to Him, and you are reading this because He answered faithfully. I'm ready to die, but my time wasn't here yet. You don't know when yours is-don't die without knowing Jesus! Tomorrow is promised to no man!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ps-such a pretty face-mine

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3000 calorie blessings-worth the wieght/wait

The great hamburger debate continues, as I saw while channel surfing the other day. From a pre-weighed, pre-molded, perfectly round pattie, to Wendy's square to smashers-where you take it and smash it with a big spatula on the grill, everyone has their favorite style. Ever have a Big Mac attack? Have to go through the drive up for a Double Double at midnight? Or hit the White Castle for a bag of burgers? Then you understand, when the craving comes for that one special burger, you gotta get one, or two. Would you get up for anything less?

In the burger stands back east, they serve a California burger. Last time I was in Texas Weiner in Bound Brook, I asked what one was. "Oh, it comes with lettuce, tomato, and onion." When I asked her "do they really eat them like that out there?" she assured me, "Oh yeah, all the time." But as different as the burgers are, so are the people grilling, frying, or steaming them. And my personal favorite is from the Squeeze In in Sacramento. A small house, get there about 11am for your noon burger, it's that busy, and crowded. They take a 1/3 pound of meat, grill it with onions, then take a handful of cheddar, and some ice, and put a lid over it, steaming it to perfection. And then cut them out in squares, the cheese crispy and the burger just done right. Note-you cannot have too many napkins, and leave room for fries, eating while you get to know the guy at the counter next to you, squeezed in. Or eat at the back tables, where all talk is about how great the burgers are.

But the ones I notice are the first timers, who order one with everything. Then take off all the things they don't like. I actually have watched a cheeseburger with the trimmings become a hamburger, sans bun, after removing all the good stuff. Stuff he paid extra for-next time just order a cheeseburger plain, without the cheese-or bun! Or stay home! Or how about trying the burger the way it was designed and delivered-and enjoy it the way it oughta be!

Burgers may not be life, but they reflect us. Why do we ask God to bless us, then remove the blessings when he does? Why do we ask for specific things, when God has better things planned? Why do we ask for life with all the trimmings, only to remove the things we don't like, and miss the blessings we remove with it? I am just as guilty, as when God blesses me, I will often cut Him off after a while, when the blessings are not complete. Or He wants to offer me a double meat blessing, and I only want to settle for a single, and skip the special sauce. God is a gourmet God, who has many specialties just for you, designed just for you, and wants to heap them upon your plate. You wouldn't tell a gourmet chef how to prepare his signature meal, so why do we tell God how to prepare our blessings? God stands ready to give you more than you deserve, could ask for, or desire-but you must let Him. Sometimes you must wait, but it is always worth it.

And He gives to those who ask-pressed down, running over-just like a good burger. So ask, and then let Him bless you. Don't cut Jesus off at the cross. Because if you do, you miss the resurrection, and that makes all the difference in the world-and heaven! I want all that Jesus has for me, and if I have to wait for the perfect blessing-Lord help me, I'm starving! If I am not hungry for God, God give me a bigger appetite for you. And when I get the desire to change my cheeseburger into a hamburger, and remove blessings-let me take a bite first, and see how good the meal God prepared for me really tastes. Give me all 3000 calories of blessings, and more too God. Whether eating in, or taking out-always dine with Jesus. At the counter works fine for me. The perfect blessing, made to order, with all the trimmings. Can I get some grilled onions with that please? Only in Christ will you ever be filled. And the wait will be worth it.

Now, did I tell you about the onion rings at The Varsity?

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The Harry Callahan Ministry Coloring Book

It seems Inspector Harry Callahan, aka Dirty Harry, has shot one too many criminals again, and the mayor wants to have a more politically correct police force. A kinder, gentler force, more stylish-in Harry's words. So he has been put in personnel, and is interviewing candidates for the inspector position-where women will be included in the mix. Being his usual charming self, he asks the first woman "how fast she can run the 100"-upsetting the others in the interview. Then back to business-"what is your most important felony arrest?" None! "Well perhaps you can tell us about your most important misdemeanor arrest." None, again! "Well, what gives you the right to be an inspector, when others have spent years on the street, and you have no experience?"

End of interview But not end of story.

I have watched as two men sit in the same service, yet one goes out and shares the gospel in his daily living, while the other continues to be taught. Can't have enough teaching. Both heard the same message, but only one's heart was affected enough to take it to the streets, to live it. To apply what he has been shown. It is more than an intellectual exercise. But the other studies the word, and he is in it, but the word is not in him. He makes plans to go out witnessing, as a church activity, but doesn't realize his life should be a witness. One group of men grow within a group, never getting out from the covering of the church-although they do ministry work, their field is limited. You see given the chance to visit the sick in the hospital, they can't go because they are in a Bible study-can't miss the chance to learn more about God's word-and that is OK. But the one who goes, who hears the calling, is the one who will be out not only learning the word-but living it. "Git 'er done," they say in the south, and those who take the Dirty Harry approach to ministry do. While others get good grades on staying within the church's doctrines, some churches even have a man of the year, the others are out making a difference, not living under any church rules, but being guided by the spirit. And a funny thing happens, when guided by the spirit, you stay within God's law, it's called love, but may step on the toes of a few religious types. "That's not the procedure or program my church teaches. " And I say "good for you guys-their toes should not have been there to start with." God says about obeying His plan for you, "well done good and faithful servant." Don't let your church get between you and the Lord!

How many of you know the word, but don't take it out to a lost and dying world? If you aren't, you are in sin. Jesus said "as you go, share the gospel." A command, not a request. It should not be witnessing night, or Bible study night, or even Sunday church-get out and live it. Make it a passion, and watch the blessings flow. Don't miss the call while having your nose buried in a book!

God has given me a passion for motorcycles, and bikers. And so it is natural for me to be out among them, and sharing the gospel by being myself. It is easy for Jesus to come out of me, for He is in me-and what is in your heart, will come out of your mouth. Golfers-it may even work for you guys, too. Jazzercise-if your passion, take Jesus with you. Take what God has given you a love for with you-but take Him with it! Don't sit under the church roof and think that you are ministering to others! Jesus was mobile-and you should be too. Don't give me, "I got them to church, now it's the pastor's job." Don't depend on Miles to change their hearts-he can't. And don't depend on the church to send you out. Take your passion, and along with the vision God gives you-and get out and get 'er done!

But be ready for the church folk to be upset. You see Harry was a great cop, the rank and file didn't like it-made them look as bad as they really were. They knew all the rules, just like the Pharisees. And when you get out, the scoffers will take you to task, "how can he minister, he doesn't even go here? He has no degree. Who does he think he is? Do you see how he is dressed?" No apologies, just a child of God, living the gospel. And just the thing you should be doing.

Today Jesus has put someone in your path. By sharing the gospel, they can say "go ahead, make my day." And you will have. And you don't even have to go out witnessing. Just be the witness that Jesus wants you to be-show love, compassion, and mercy. And watch as it gets returned to you in all the aspects of your life, and in ways you never could expect.

Look behind you. Do you see joy, healings, blessings, tender mercies, peace, patience, and meekness in your wake? These things shall follow them that believe.

How do you ride 1000 miles in a day? One mile at a time. Get out and ride with Jesus, one life at a time. And when asked, "what's your best time sharing?" be able to stop and think of all the times you have. Build a library to choose from. Get out and from under religion and get turned onto Christ!

By the way, I ran the 100 in 10.4 seconds. Only once, but I did. And make sure your most important felony arrest wasn't your own!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the road you're on

I know many friends that keep journals, and then are able to look back and see how God has answered their prayers over the years. I am not that sophisticated, but while riding the other day, God impressed me to remember how He has taken me through the past 32 months, and rejoice. 32 months of unemployment, no income, no insurance benefits, and after losing 40% of my 401k in September, 2008. He has shown me the things of value, and how to depend on Him for everything, the following are just a few.

I am thankful that He called me into ministry full time the same morning I lost my job. I know that when He closes one door He opens another, I didn't realize the doors He was about to open. Good thing, because I might not have gone through-but God, knew and still does, as He opens more doors to me daily.

I never would have the devotion you are reading if not for Laiken. She touched my heart so before she died, and she encouraged by her testimony to share it with others, who encouraged me to write, even wrote a book. I am shocked how God can fill my heart as I write to Him each day, and how through forwards and other sharing, this is read by people on six continents! And in prisons-10 currently, who use them for encouragement, both personal and in sharing the gospel with others. From changed lives on death row, to the guards who read them, people get to hear the gospel. And that God would choose me, and this way to do it-still blows my mind!

God has been faithful to His promise in Psalm 37, and we have never gone hungry, and we have never had to beg. When we got into ministry, well meaning Christians told me to send out support letters, which I didn't and won't. His words to me were simple, "if you ask for it, it is not a gift." And He loves to give gifts, good ones. And we have been blessed by friends, family, and those who don't even know us. The most touching from my friend on death row-$15 for my ministry. The story of the woman with two mites to give, coming alive. Don't ever tell me the scripture returns void! I can give a list of names to prove it doesn't.

While sitting on my porch in May, 2008, wanting to be at work, and willing and able-I have a great work ethic, and was successful at my job, the Lord promised me manna in my refrigerator, in my garage, and for my mortgage. I have never been late on a mortgage payment, this year alone I have ridden over 20 different motorcycles for Triumph-at no cost. How many of you would love to be given the keys to a brand new bike, and told to return in 1500 miles, for another? Such has God blessed me. And our refrigerator is always full, and we are able to feed and minister to others. Truly God honors His word.

He was with me when I got hit twice last year, and keeps me in prayer for the second woman who hit me-Beverly has terminal cancer. I have lived to see both my sons rededicate their lives to Jesus, and get excited as I watch their growth. For over 32 years He has allowed me to be married to my best friend, and we get to minister together-it just doesn't get any better. And through the heartache of so-called friends, who turned against me when I stood for the truth, instead of their laws, I have learned about betrayal, and have seen Jesus in a whole new light. He truly sticks closer than a friend.

Finally I have seen grace and mercy first hand. Mercy, whenever I screw up, sad you have to sin to get it, and grace-better than anything else you can offer. I can walk through that valley with death's shadow's hanging over me, and fear no evil. Truly He is with me.

If I can ever do anything for you, please call. But be patient, I may not be home. In the past three years I have ridden over 100,000 miles, in 46 states. Another dream come true.

So maybe you can understand why I don't keep a journal, it would keep me from doing other things. But I never forget the one who has blessed me, and I hope you let Him bless you, too. For God has written His words on my heart, and I am never far from them.

And to think, it all started with losing my job...and trusting God in the vision He gave me. If He hasn't given you one lately, ask Him. And be prepared for the ride of your life! Journey asked "I want to know what love is.." It is a person called Jesus Christ. Stick with Jesus, and love the one you're with-forever!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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