missed by that much

Do you know what a Check Engine Light is for? Not like a woman who drove in once with the light on, and said she had lifted the hood and the engine was there-so the light must be wrong. Do you know? In a world of a computer controlled cars-since the late 80's they have been to a certain extent, today cars function as a computer controlled machine. And when they work, it is a beautiful thing. For example-

Think of your car as self tuning. It is designed to run within certain parameters, and the engine control unit makes adjustments based on input from various sensors. This goes on 100's of times per second, all without your knowledge. If it can't bring the car into the specs, a check engine light comes on, telling the car I cannot fix the problem. I have done all I am trained to do, and it isn't enough. Say 1-10 are your parameters. A 10.1 or a .9 will set the light. May not be catastrophic, but is still outside of the parameters set. So you have two fixes available-find the cause, which component is defective, or change the parameters.

And not just anyone can solve the problem. Any shop can buy the scanner, but only the factory with its training and updates know what to do. And in many cases, they just change the parameters-software updates they are referred too. And if you are not in the factory loop, you don't know about them-so you cannot fix the problem, or eliminate the symptom.

Human beings have a check engine light also, it is called a conscience. It is installed by God at birth, and how we deal with life shows how effectively it works. It is there to tell us when we are going wrong-sinning, and to warn us of problems ahead if we don't deal with it. And like a car, you have two solutions. One-note the sin, repent, and don't repeat it-turning off the light. Or change the parameters, most popular choice-it isn't your fault, and you can blame someone else, and still maintain your sinful life. Going on as if nothing is wrong, but the creator, God knows. He warns-a little leaven will go through the whole loaf, leaven referring to sin. Sadly I have watched as so-called good men succumb to it.

You see it can be harmful to warn others of sin. It upsets them-hurts their pride. Which can reduce membership numbers, and reflects in income. So what if morals are changed-we will make rules. And given the choice, I'll stick with my morals-you can have your rules. And as I look around, I find that morals can put you in a isolated situation, but your isolation is with God.

Did you know that you, and God are a majority? That following Him may be tough, but sure beats second? And you will never find joy and blessings without Him?

Jus a simple, misunderstood light, that can cause so much trouble. Is your light on today? Or is Jesus that light? Long after patting ourselves on the back about growth, income, and bragging on what we did, God is still patient, and the light is still on. A check engine light rarely leaves you stuck, but sin will. Take the time now, and see why the light is on, and why the light of Jesus isn't.

True believers, those who really seek God will find Him. And it may be inconvenient. The rest of you, the light is on, but no Holy spirit is home. Your comfort zone isn't in the spirit. So keep making those adjustments for sin, and to sin. Follow the party line, not the straight and narrow one. Miss the message, and so shoot the messenger. You see when asked, "where did you receive those wounds?" Jesus replied, "in the house of my friends." And sadly, many of us bear the marks like Jesus, from so-called Christian clubs or churches, or worse yet, individuals claiming "in His service." Woe to them, for He also says, "be gone, I never knew you." Harsh words, but truth-they never knew Him either. Knowing about Him doesn't matter.

Only in Christ, can you "do all things." Not your will, but His. When I am weakest, He is strongest. His power is perfection and shows more in my weakness. Truly His grace is sufficient.

Sin-living outside God's parameters. In His mercy He wants you to reunite with Him. And only in grace, His grace, can you. No self help, works, attendance, or giving can earn it. It's a gift. His truth will set you free? Have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth?

Let God be true, and every man a liar.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

pin heads

Not many of you know, but I used to be a pretty fair bowler. I bowled in high school, in my Before Christ days, and was actually part of a league. I had bowled, out of sheer boredom, one winter, with an after school high school league. Didn't have my license yet, so no bike to ride, and NJ has lousy winters. My averages were OK, I actually bowled a 248 once, and followed it up with a 276. In rented shoes, using one of the lane balls. And never went back, couldn't, as we took their shoes home with us to celebrate and were afraid to go back-we still feared the law back then.

But my friend Bruce-state champ heavyweight wrestler, greaser, and original rebel thought we should be in a real league, so he signed us up-a men's triplicate league at Blue Star. A cast of characters akin to Animal House for bowling, we were forever in last place-48th out of 48. Brian, aka Brains, aka the Perfessor, who was known for wearing this black mask, and standing on Jerusalem Road flagging down people and bumming cigarettes. His nickname, Joshua Jeremy, talking Ebonics before they were perfected. And he played it well.

Bruce was buff before it became trendy. He didn't need to work out, and was a state champ wrestler two years in a row, 178 and then heavyweight, but was also known for walking around with his Marlboros rolled up in his sleeves, and one behind his ear. In school. To gym class and practice. He actually smoked in the boys room! Things that just weren't done in high school in Scotch Plains in the 70's. But being a state champ, and undefeated, he got away with it. For the team, or so we joked. He also had a girlfriend, Patricia, and a '63 Fairlane, named the Patricia II. Why Patricia II you ask? Patricia his girlfriend was Patricia I! He was also our worst bowler. While I would average in the 160 range, and Brains might hit 100, the closest Bruce might get to 100 was in the 80s. Seems a pin in wrestling and pins in bowling were two different things. But the way he bowled, closer than you may think.

What he lacked in skill, he made up for in style. Big handed, he had trouble finding a ball to fit his hands, and would bowl without putting his thumb in a hole. Which meant the ball would land 15-20' down the alley, and bounce. Think of a slow pitch in softball. With a 16 pound ball. Somehow avoiding the pins. His low score was something like a 24. Try to do that sometime. Consistently. But what he lacked in style, he made up for in strength. Back then the seating at the ends of the alleys was shaped like a horseshoe, with these hard plastic, curved benches and if you looked at it, you could imagine throwing a ball and it whipping around and down an alley. Throw the ball hard enough, it could follow the curve of the seats, and go down the lane next you that your back was to. Which Bruce did one night, when confronted with the challenge, and never being one to pass up a chance for fun and adventure, and actually knocked down some pins-in the wrong lane! Hallowed seats, that some refused to sit in-just in case Bruce tried it again, going for the ever allusive spare. But even bowlers of our caliber would get frustrated with our game, and one night Bruce in a fit of rage threw a ball side ways towards the pins-hitting them on the fly! If there was ever an X-Games for bowling, he would have been state champ in that too!

Perhaps the closest we came to being complimented for our weekly 48th place finish, was at one meeting we suggested a trophy for low scores, just like the ones the serious guys had for high scores. We were told that this was a competitive league, and that this would not be fair to the other teams. At least we thought it was a compliment.

We also had a certain look, a style or lack of,that the others didn't. Bruce had this beautiful calligraphy like handwriting and made us these neat bowling shirts-actually t-shirts. While the others had these embroidered shirts, with collars and buttons, we had white t-shirts, that had our names written across the chest, and on the back-in blue magic marker. That the first time they were washed ran, but gave it a cool effect, sort of like the air brushed gang writing. But we were there every week in them, wearing the shoes we borrowed/stole from the other bowling alley-ready to strike terror into the hearts of any true bowler.

I almost forgot Bruce's step dad, who came to cheer us on. A man's man, unlike Bruce he was a good bowler. But had a style of his own. He worked in a machine shop, and an accident with a press had cut off both his feet-right in front of the ankles. He wore regular shoes, so you couldn't tell, but walked like he was on stilts-he had no feet-and was literally on his heels. A big, tough man-no one ever laughed at his bowling-at least not to his face. Like a ballerina-but on his heels, he bounced down the lane, and was actually a pretty fair bowler. And for one winter, this was my Wednesday night activity-and sadly like our team at Union College, when it was time to sign up for next year, we were told they were full. Nipped in the bud-just as the team was finally coming together!

But yet we were a team, and although we never tasted victory together, we somehow enjoyed our defeats. We had fun-something the others didn't-remember this was a competitive league with cash prizes, and we were way out of the money. In talking with other Christians, I find we forget that we are not in competition against them, we all share the same team colors-Jesus. With the same payout-heaven. And no matter if Lutheran, Catholic, Calvary Chapel, or Baptist-it is all about Jesus! And we need to remember that church growth is not based on stealing members from other churches-but seeing souls saved and ADDED to our numbers. And it is God who does it, just like in Acts 2. Peter preached, and 3000 were added, but it was God who added them. Unlike the Triplicate League, with a finite number of teams, heaven is big enough for everyone-if they only accept God. And unlike our three man team, God's team, the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always in first place. But prefer to hang with those in last place, or near the bottom. That's love-and why I feel so comfortable among guys like my old bowling team. I can be myself, yet be their friend, and share Jesus by my lifestyle, and how I choose to live. And have fun! Meeting people who would never go to church, because of church people, but still needing to hear the gospel.

So whether riding, bowling, golfing, or playing ball, represent Jesus. Be a light, and be available. You may be the only Bible they ever read, or the only church they attend. Show compassion, listen and love them-just like Jesus loved you when you were lost. And watch as the pews fill, people get saved, and you enjoy your walk with Jesus even more.

Who would have thought that a 16 year old in stolen bowling shoes with this cast of characters would end up a Christian and serving God? Jesus knew-and He is not through yet. Seek Him while He still can be found. A good place is near the sick, the needy, the junkies, and the downtrodden bikers. He is there because He wants to be-the well-aka the saved, don't need a doctor.

Let Him be number one in your life. His truth is everlasting, and consistent. Join with Him today. Strike or spare-He is the elusive 300 game for your life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

heaven-freedom from fear

"They called her melancholy baby-she has a head like a melon, and a face like a collie," goes an old joke from the 1920's. And today I feel a bit melancholy, not because of any physical features, but because of a sadness of the heart. Ballerini called yesterday, and told us they had just returned from the doctor. Her husband Lee has a tumor on his liver-cancerous, and they cannot operate. With medication, he has a year to live, without-six months. And it makes me think, maybe I didn't have such a bad day after all.

Back in the 60's a show was on called "Run for Your Life," where a lawyer is given one to two years to live. So he hits the road, doing all the things he never could, funny how when faced with mortality, we have money to do all the things we couldn't afford before. And soon has lost his fear of death, and has found a new sense of time. Sorta a bucket list, before the movie made the term popular. Impending death has a way of straightening out out priorities, and exposing our temporalness, and mortality. When confronted with the finality of death, our hearts change, and hopefully we turn to God. Many say they do, but the evidence tells us otherwise. Are you sure you are going to heaven?

Live for today, and don't worry about tomorrow goes the old song. And if you live for Jesus, you don't worry about tomorrow. For you know where your final destination is-heaven. But sadly, so many think they are going to heaven, when they are not. Born in the USA, having Christian parents, going to church , and good works don't get you in. Only believing in Jesus and repenting does. Church membership-no. These things are between you and God. Tithing and gifts to the church-sorry, not scriptural. Can't buy me love. It takes Jesus. And an old scriptural based saying maybe brings it into a better perspective. Die once, live twice. Be born again, of the spirit, and you will be found innocent on judgment day. But die twice, you only lived once. It is the judgment, and eternal damnation-death and hell. No second chances-you had them while here on earth. Finality-one for life, one for death. Somber words for the dying-an encouragement for the living.

So why do I feel melancholy? Perhaps it is a selfish feeling, for I miss those who have died. And I love Lee and Suzie. I miss my Grandpa sometimes, he was a cool man. But he knew Jesus, and I am encouraged by King David's words about the death of his son, "I can go to him, but he cannot come to me." His son of course, in heaven. With my Grandpa, now how cool is that? The hippie generation had a saying, "today is the first day of the rest your life," but what if it is your last? No one sets out to get cancer, to get leukemia, to be in a motorcycle accident. "What a beautiful day, think I get hurt." No one knows, not even the condemned person, their death date, for these things are so precious that God keeps them to himself.

Tomorrow is promised to no man. To me that makes today that much more special. I think I am going to just go out and enjoy myself. Be a blessing to those I encounter. Wear a smile instead of a frown, for I know where I am going when I die-and I can't wait to get there. And when others ask how I can smile in the face of adversity, I will tell them about Jesus, and the plan he offers. You don't have to go to hell!

And to Lee and Suzie, heaven awaits, and I know you both know that. You may be separated for awhile, but the same Jesus that meets your needs for both of you on earth, will continue to meet them while separated. God's love doesn't end for those who believe at death, but the reward begins. My advice, enjoy every day, for He says "this is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Share those blessings with everyone you come in contact with, for not all can say that. Keep your eyes focused on that cross at Calvary, the empty one. The victory is won! And remember the empty tomb, and know that because Jesus was resurrected, so you will be, too.

For me, I wish there were only two days in the year-Christmas and Saturday. Both days of fun, and celebration, away from the world and its cares. Days to go riding and spend with my family. Days off. Six months isn't a long time, but compared to eternity, just a few seconds. Enjoy the time God has given you, for joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God! And from a heavenly perspective, maybe that old hippie saying is right-but only for those who believe!

And if you happen to own a collie, or a dog with a head like a melon, well..... and did you know the TV series ran for more years than the doctor had promised him he had left to live!

Jesus-don't leave home without Him!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

the true heartbeat of America

Different doesn't always mean wrong, sometimes different just means-different. And two men can achieve success beyond their wildest dreams, by going different routes.

Alfred P. Sloan was the architect of General Motors and their legendary decentralized management system. By encouraging managers at all levels to be innovative, they constantly had a source for up and coming replacements, for those who were up and coming above them in the ranks. He built GM based upon two basic premises-first a car for every purse and purpose. As people became more successful in life, they could afford a bigger and better car, and he would have the product there for them, never having to leave the GM family. Starting with Chevy, and ending with Cadillac, you could trace a young man's ascent by what he drove. And using the first Art and Colour Section of Harley Earl, gave cars a style they hadn't had before. Coupled with Boss Kettering and his many inventions, such as the electric starter, Duco paint which would dry in an hour versus a day, and high octane gas so more powerful engines could be built, GM was the leader in innovation and style-truly a car for every purse and purpose. But Sloan was also a businessman, make no mistake about it-and his other basic premise was "GM is not in the business of making cars-but in the business of making money." Which it did, becoming the largest corporation in the world.

Sloan's counterpart was Henry Ford, who came at things much different. Not wanting to be bothered by committees and dealing with bankers, he kept everything in house. The River Rouge plant his testimony, iron ore coming in one end and a car being driven out the other. He figured if he built a Universal car, the Model T, that he could put America on wheels, which he did, and life would improve for everyone-which as a society it did. His philosophy was simple-just like his cars, and using a streamlined assembly line, interchangeable parts, and over engineering basic components, his Model T stayed the same for 19 years. His business plan was simple-"it is a poor company that makes only money." And while Sloan had a system in place, Henry paid bills by how much they weighed. He owned Ford 100%, and at a time when the federal budget was $50 billion, was a billionaire himself! His was the golden rule-he had the gold and ruled! Basic black cars versus stylish, innovative cars-they all sold and sold well.

But the common theme here is product. Now matter how good the plan, if the product is no good, no one will buy it. For we buy many times based on emotion. A lesson not always learned, and not always practiced, as long after Alfred P. and Henry were gone, the product slipped. At GM, brand managers replaced men with gas in their veins, and we got cars that had all the excitement of a refrigerator. That had no performance, but fit into someone's focus group. Ford felt that the same old cars would sell, more innovations meant more problems, and it took his grandson to rescue the company from near death, and creating the Whiz Kids to save it. It is all about the product, but yet today some still try to rely on the image, even if it is just a hollow shell, albeit a pretty one.

I heard of a church yesterday, that is having financial trouble, not unheard of in this economy. A mainline church, whose population is aging, and dying-with no young ones coming into replace them. But yet as they struggle to make ends meet, the members leave the church an endowment when they die, and the church just hangs on waiting for that so they can carry on, if they can outlive the benefactor. Relying on man, instead of God, to be their Jehovah Gira, their provider. And they wonder why their numbers are decreasing. They lost their first love, and the message changed. This time, different is wrong. It may be good business, but it is lousy religion.

God's plan is simple-the gospel. For everyone, and for now. He will build the church, meet its needs, and prosper it. No programs, seminars, philosophies, or endowments are necessary-God will provide, where He guides. You follow. You see, the product, Jesus has been watered down, we cannot upset anyone with hell, they might get their feelings hurt. Sin-don't upset us. We need to have unity, that's it, we'll all become the same. Not hot, not cold, but lukewarm. Keeping the peace-but having none. A focus group known as the church board, catering to the whims of the people, instead of the spirit of God. Cue to Koom By-Yah.

Jesus tells us He came to separate the sheep from the goats. To set us free from religion, not to make us a slave to it. He is the only product that matters, and like Henry's philosophy, He doesn't change, but like Alfred P.'s, He is a there for every purse and purpose. Proverbs 16:3, written long before either man was born is simple, "Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be well established." Businessmen, take note. Parents, take note. Pastors, take note. The only agenda is Jesus-period. No seminars or procedures needed. Only Jesus. No catchy phrases, just John 3:16. Keeping the main thing the main thing. In case you haven't noticed, it is when we stray from Jesus that we have problems-often self inflicted, by the way.

"Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?" " See the USA, in your Chevrolet..." "Not your father's Oldsmobile..." There is a Ford in your future!" "Have you driven a Ford lately?" All catchy lines that sold cars, when Jesus' message is the same. Timeless, for it speaks of eternity. Simple, for His audience is. And free, so we all can afford it. A man with a plan so different it cannot fail. Where you stand with it depends on your success or failure. Styles change, Jesus doesn't. And aren't you glad He doesn't? That 2000 year old model was right from the start! So start living now! What will it take to put you into His family today?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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

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