the ride of your life

It's late October in 1959, and the first frost heaves have graced the season. You haven't ridden for a week, and can't wait to get out on your new Bonneville to see the colors changing this weekend. 650cc of power, and with dual carbs can take you to over 100mph, you are excited. As you sit on the bike, turn on the key, and tickle the carbs, the smell of premium fills the garage, and soaks your boots-the ones your new wife says "stay outside". Kicking it through to free the clutch, you get it started on the second kick, and as it settles into a lumpy idle, your right foot pushes the shifter down, you let out the clutch, and accelerate through the four gears-knowing the drum brakes will haul you down when you need to stop. And life can't get any better!

It's spring of 1969, and the Honda dealer called-your new CB 750 is in. So taking off work early, you get there helmet in hand that afternoon. 750cc! Wow! 60 horsepower, and the magazines have seen them do over 100mph and less than 13 seconds in the quarter! A full second and a half faster than your old Bonne! How can you hang on? So after pretending to listen to the salesman tell you about the OHC engine, the powerful front disc brake, and Honda engineering-you can't wait any more. You lift the choke, that activates all four carbs, push the starter, and the sweet sound of four exhaust pipes comes to life. Adjusting the mirrors, you nervously go into first, then through fourth, forgetting momentarily about fifth, and as you see the speedo approach 80, back off-grabbing the front disc lightly so as to not go over the handlebars. And life can't get any better!

You've had your 1978 Suzuki GS 1000 for a month now, and can't believe the bike. It is faster than anything else on the planet, runs consistent mid-11 seconds in the quarter, and will go over 140mph! In stock form! And has twin front discs, and one on the rear-it even stops from those speeds! And after pushing the starter, the only problem is waiting for the bike to warm up-it has new EPA mandated, non-adjustable carbs, and takes forever to warm up. But the wait is worth it, and the rush when accelerating, and braking is worthwhile. Wait until I get a Yosh pipe on this! This is the same bike Wes Cooley won the Superbike Championship on-and life can't get any better.

It's a summer evening in 2009, and you are waiting for your grandson to come over on his new 2009 GSX-R 1000. 1000cc, almost 200hp, and even the slow ones have been into the nines in the quarter. You are concerned for his safety-this thing is faster than any race bike when you were growing up. And as he pulls in, it takes over the garage. With full fairings, rear set pegs, and ground effects, it looks like the 180mph motorcycle it is. Radial brakes that allow stoppies, and radial tires to increase the handling, and a fuel management system to control all the power. Pulling off his full face Arai, the grin he has is ear to ear. "Wanna take it for a ride Grandpa?" And as you carefully pull out of the driveway onto the street, you have the same grin inside your helmet, masking the fear of all this power. And as he pulls up next to you at the first light, you look over at him on your GS 1000, and realize-life just can't get any better.

And for you, as you learn to ride the new bike, he has to remember how to ride the old bike. Power, brakes, and handling have come so far in 30+ years-but the fun of riding a new motorcycle will always exist. And although you are called "Old School," you don't mind, as the film in your memory vault of riding memories has another chapter to enter, even today. 50 years of riding, and it is still as much fun as it was 50 years ago. Technology hasn't added a thing, or taken away anything either-twisting the throttle still opens up the fun zone-just much faster now than then. And it's a good thing brakes have gotten better too!

A life in Christ is like that, too. Each year gets better, and although the challenges will always be there, so will God-and so He has been. He never changes, and unlike the improvements on your new bikes, He started out the best and stayed that way. He always starts on the first kick, and stops just in time. He runs smoother than anything on two wheels, yet when the throttle of life in Him is opened, always delivers more excitement than expected. And after all the years, the same joy is there that was there that first time you asked Him into your life.

And like your riding, their have been rough roads, and bad weather. You needed some maintenance in your life that was not expected, and sometimes didn't brake soon enough when the signs said to. And even though you may have strayed, your old friend God was always there to welcome you back-open arms. In springtime, you celebrated with Him as life was ahead of you, in summer enjoyed the good times, and in fall enjoyed looking back. Now it's winter, and although the weather is cold, He is still keeping your heart warm.

Today, get out your old bike, and go for a ride. Put your film vault on good times, and as you ride remember all He has done for you. And as you ride, anticipate the good times yet to come. Each season, like each new bike, has its own blessings. Let Jesus be a part of all of them-and never ride alone. So many roads, so little time-and so much Jesus to enjoy!

And life just can't get any better!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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leader of the pack

Some guys are fast, and then there are those who go fast. My friend Bouke was fast, it came natural to him. He had an uncanny knack to get the most out of any motorcycle he was riding, whether on the street or on the track. Those who he beat on the track thought he was crazy, and those on the street thought he was nuts-what he was, was good. Consistently good.

He raced flat track, back in Pennsylvania, in the years before moto-x, where real men wore steel shoes, and turned left, who rode motorcycles with no front brakes, and when they could find the occasional TT, would do it with jumps and left turns thrown in. He would also race 1/4 miles, and on the occasion when he was beat, would sell his bike and build another. This being the early seventies, he rode anything from Bonnevilles on the track, to Mach IV, then up to the Z-1! And where the rest of us would have been happy just to ride one, he would hot rod each one, making it that much faster than anything else. Maybe he was crazy, but he was also fun crazy.

We would ride with him, and of course when the road opened up, so did his throttle. He was a local legend, and when the three of us got busted for going 111mph, the NJ State Police Captain only gave us tickets for improper registration, based on the fact Bouke had no license-in his other pants, and the plate on his Z-1 was from another Triumph, that now had a Trackmaster frame and was only used for the track. But the cop was impressed with how we rode at that speed, and how he could now brag about giving a ticket to Bouke.

He was so well known, that when we had a Big Mac attack, and rode by the local McD's, the lot of SS396, Boss Mustangs, and Road Runners would clear out-just in case he challenged them, and they knew he would embarrass them. He also had fast cars, and he was the legend who drove his 1962 Corvette through the Grand Union when the brakes failed-truth be told it was to much speed and too short a distance.

Also he was a local, and once when the three of us, me and him and his old lady rode to Scranton, about 300 miles round trip, he thought I was nuts. And he never could understand how we had ridden from Florida to NJ, and he thought we were crazy. Too each his own. Somehow we kept him honest with distance rides-he was always more interested in mph than miles per day.

As people got to know us as his riding buddies, and his friend, their attitudes changed towards us. Some would show respect, but others would challenge us. Just being known in the same context as him changed us. And the perception the riding world had of us. The cops already were an adversary...

When I first got saved, I was going to change the world, until I failed miserably trying to do it myself. Once I learned it was God that built the church body, I quit doing it, and tried to concentrate on what he wanted me to do. and as life got simpler, it also became more fun and challenging at the same time. He doesn't give us more than we can handle to do, and equips us to do His will. His success is based on obedience rather than volume, you might say one good deed He asks is better than a dozen trying to impress Him. I mean, what can you do to impress the creator of the universe?

I also find I work much better in the background, where I can do God's will without attracting attention to me. I still laugh-although it isn't funny, when I hear of a celebrity coming to Jesus, and he wants to change the world. Only when he remembers it was Jesus who changed the world, does he grow in Christ. No book tours, TV appearances, or celebrity recognition can get you closer to God-in fact they will only hinder your walk. and thus the attrition rate is high-it is all about Him-not all about you! And only as you realize life is an endurance race, rather than a sprint, do you alter your speeds, and your attitudes. And as you let Jesus be Lord, then do you enjoy all the things god has for you, and you are able to minister more effectively.

You see, the riding community thought it was by association with Bouke that made us cool, and I will admit it helped. But the true desire to ride was there long before he ever entered the scene. The church may think you are a good brother or sister, but only God knows your heart-remember it was Him that changed it, so why don't you try to please Him in obedience rather than the person next to you next Sunday. Just show them love-that is what impresses God, and also will impress them. Remember it is the truth that sets you free, not the perception of Christ in you.

Last I heard, people still talk of Bouke, some 40 years later. A legend, but there is always someone faster who will come along. Records are made to be broken, and legends made to be challenged. Jesus Christ is the truth-the way-and the life. Record-perfection, here and in heaven. Truth-some has challenged, and all have failed. Next time you feel Christ like, pick up some nine inch nails, find a cross, and give us a call. Jesus did His best work on the cross-suddenly the rest of us are so insignificant.

Look to the cross-and you will find you don't look so often in your rear view mirrors. Set your sights on things on high, and follow the truth-not the legend. And you'll appear to be careless to a dying world, when what you really are is carefree in the spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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it could never happen to us, could it?

Just a short generation ago, Made In America meant something. And where you bought it did too, and Sears was the largest retailer in the US of A. And had been for many generations. Outliving its main competitors, Woolworth on the lower end, and Montgomery Wards-or Monkey Wards as it was affectionately known, they sold high quality products, at a fair price. Very rarely discounting. And for almost 70 years were the mainstay of quality in America. True, the vacuum they sold you may only last 20 years before they could sell you another, but you told your friends and family, who would shop there, and more than made up for the many you buy now in the same 20 year period. Repeat customers, who bought other items, not the same one over and over. Craftsman tools-still guaranteed for life, and if you find an old broken, rusty one at a flea market, buy it-and then they will replace it for free-still! Tools that would not wear out after the first two uses due to substandard standards in the third world country they were built in. Made for life, not just to complete the job at hand. And long before they boxes showed Made In America, they showed cities in the states where they were made, by people who bought local, long before all the money went overseas, to some nameless corporation that you couldn't pronounce. Shoes made with pride in New England factories. Sheets and towels made in the Carolinas-remember Dan River? Clothes made in small towns throughout the northeast, in mills manned by women like my Nana. Pride sewn into each garment, as it had her name on it. Cotton from the south, and plastics from Delaware, we never had to go out of our country for anything-for God had shed His grace on us from the iron mines in Michigan to the cotton fields in the south. Cars manufactured in Detroit, assembled from parts made in places like Muncie, Tonowanda, Meridian, and Saginaw. Designed, engineered, and built in America. And parked in the garages of homes, where the lumber came from US forests in the northwest. Watching TV sets made in places like Indianapolis, Chicago, and even Los Angeles. Instructions that came in English, and phones answered at the stores by a person, who would direct your call-not some choice by a computer. A person, who cared, and if couldn't help, got you someone who could-and would.

And as I travel the great US of A, I see these same cities now in ruin. The factories gone, the jobs overseas. Where the mills were, now are warehouses full of off shore products. And sadly, the only thing we cannot import, and don't, are jobs, to replace the ones we sent out of the United States, all because it could be done cheaper-but never better. Built to a price, instead of a standard, until price became the standard. And Wal-mart, who once bragged about selling Made in the USA products, became a leisure activity of China. Lower your price, and you have to lower your standards, just to be competitive and stay in business. And when you start to compromise, where do you stop?

And we watch today as a company's stock rises due to high profits, saving money by not hiring people. Or moving to Mexico where SONY pays people 80 cents an hour to build big screen TV's. We have truly lost our way-and truly, the love of money is proving to be the root of all evil. I rather pay too much than too often.

Ever since the beginning, God has had a consistent quality-love. And perfection, one that He desires, but without Jesus in our lives we can never attain. And He chose to market that through His family, His believers. And they were found in local churches, in congregations who used to make pasties for the mill workers. women who would sew, knit, and crochet for the less fortunate. Food pantries for the hungry, and wise counsel for the hurting. And not just in churches, but from public officials, before the freedom of religion became freedom from religion. When sorry meant repenting of sin, rather than saying sorry because they got caught. Where character counted, and towns got together to pray, to support each other, and to console those who were hurting. Where if one was hurt, we all felt it-but when one rejoiced, we all celebrated also.

But sadly, when God was removed from schools, they went in the toilet. When the Ten Commandments are removed from a court, the justice suffers. And just like a town that loses its factory, the people slip into poverty-except it is a moral poverty, one harder to escape from then anything financial.

Today I encourage you to take the advice of Jesus. Feed one who is hungry. Visit one who is sick. Write to an inmate. Give a drink to one who is thirsty. And welcome a stranger, make them feel welcome in your neighborhood, church, or your home. Jesus said "whoever does this to the least of these, does it to me." Take care of needs here, before we have missionaries to the US of A, because we have exported all of our ministries off shore. Shop local, live local, love and minister local. For just as a man who doesn't care for his family is worse than an infidel, those who don't accept the call here, may have a long wait before it comes from another place. We will have become the infidels. Do you see China or India exporting missionaries to us? Did you ever think Hyundai would make a luxury car?

But by then it will be too expensive, no matter the price. For now, the only thing you should export is love-to everyone you meet. No matter where they were made. And remember, wherever you are is local.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspotcom

hecho en california

God's timing is perfect. So, the next time you question it, consider the following. What if Noah, was to build the ark in California, today? What if the world's first zookeeper, was faced with building the ark, in Los Angeles? First, don't they already have a zoo. Why do we need another? Can you imagine trying to get a building permit for an ark? Would that be an "other" on the application? Do you get a building permit, or a ship building permit? And how much it would cost? Fees? Ever try to explain an ark to someone who has never seen one? How about an environmental impact study? What about all the little critters that would be displaced? When you are trying to really rescue them? The unions-you know they would want a part of the action, what only one employee? Are you sure your articles of incorporation are filed correctly? And animal control would have a field day passing out tickets for dealing with endangered species. Who would supply the lumber? Beaver wood would have to be imported, could take weeks to get it through customs. And what ships would bring it? At a proposed 450' x 75' x 45', until 1884 it would have been the largest water going vessel ever built. Is there room in Long Beach by the Queen Mary? And the neighbors want to know if it will block their view? How will it effect their property values?

Can you imagine the SCE bill each month? For 120 years? Can you imagine the design for waste water control? Were the roads to the ark improved? Did he have a fire plan, and an evacuation plan? What about exotic animal permits? How many semi-trailers of food would he need to take with him? Does he have a restaurant license? Would food and beverage have to make sure he had a three tub sink? Were the correct alarms installed, and were the police notified? And finally, was there access for the handicapped? Did he plan for wheelchair access? Who will handle your publicity campaign? Make sure you have at least one from each minority-or we will shut you down-and they call that affirmative action? Did you mention God? Great. Are the Muslims going to be allowed to build one next to it?

And where would he ever get the funding for the ark? What would their line of credit be? And can you see the board of equalization's eyes light up when it comes time to levy a tax on it? Recreational, residential, or industrial? Ask DMV. Would he need license plates? A boating license, and life preservers? Did he know CPR? And the neighbors would like to know, are you going to work on that at night? Another permit.

And what took one man only 120 years, may still be held up in committee. Just can't have an ark built anywhere, soon others will build one, and pretty soon we have an ark-a -demic! Sorry, Noah, can't do it. Try again next year, the council just isn't pro growth this year.

And you ask yourself, is there nothing that man, left to his own elements, cannot screw up beyond recognition? Maybe that is why the second law of thermodynamics disproves evolution and its convoluted theory. It simply states that everything is in a constant state of atrophy-in other words, it is getting smaller, not evolving. Look around, if you ever need an example, look to any government for a sterling example. Be careful using the federal government-you will be overwhelmed. Evolution out of control.

So why do so many look to the government to help-they will eventually charge you, trust me- when God offers assistance for free? And can even help with the paper work? Maybe the small mind that cannot imagine the size of the ark, can not imagine the size of our God. If they can't figure it out, surely no one can, their pride tells them. Yet, like the ark was designed to save 8 people, and restore them on a changed earth, today He promises Jesus to call us home, and then after seven years of no God on earth, restore it for 1000 years of perfection-one final chance to serve Him, before the new heaven and the new earth are created.

Like science fiction? Propose a story like this to your editor. And he'll love it, until you tell him it was written 2000 years ago, and is published in a best selling book. Take it to Hollywood, just don't tell them who inspired it. 3D? No comparison to God's dimensions. But yet the sad thing is, you could probably tell the story before the ark was ever built.

And so God did, at the right time build the ark. And at the right time send Jesus, while we were still sinners. And today is the day of salvation, the right time! You may have missed the ark, don't miss Jesus. You don't want to go to hell-I hear the paperwork is.....so don't! Accept Jesus-verbal applications only! Say yes today-I'd rather have my benevolent father watching than their big brother!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

store closings

It is a sad rule of doing business that stores will close. Going out of business sales have been going on as long as there have been businesses. But in the last few years, it has become epidemic, with the empty store fronts in malls and lining downtowns advertising a scary economic outlook. And every type of business is effected. In Orange County in the last 12 months, five motorcycle dealerships have gone under. With the only real final benefit to their customers is their going out of business sale. A time for us to buy things at greatly reduced prices we normally wouldn't. I really needed the flowered tank cover for my bike, yeah! And many times when they say liquidate, they mean stock, shelves, and racks-everything! And the closer the closing day becomes, the better the deals-but of course the lesser the variety.

And I have purchased many things I don't need, or wouldn't normally buy, because the price was right-too good to pass up. Seems everything has a price that seems like a bargain. And have heard many about to be unemployed, short term employees say "if business had been this good we never would have had to close." Not realizing every sale now was probably below cost, just to clear it out. And although the atmosphere is fun with the big discounts, driving by the empty store next week only leaves memories of where we hung on rainy Saturday mornings, or bought our new bikes, or watched as they were serviced. Times hanging with fellow riders, whose next ride will be to find a new hangout. Voids created on many levels, never to return. And even though we may find another store, it somehow isn't the same, and the discounts we got aren't worth the price we eventually paid.

I have never heard of a business that was set up to fail. The hopes and dreams of the store owner start out big, but somehow dwindle due to economies, poor management, bad timing, or just because it is a poor business. When attending court last week with a friend, whose son had a DUI, the halls of the court were lined with people. Some remorseful, yet some still stupid, describing stupid cops, or bad timing, when it was a bad decision they made to drink-theirs! Talking with two young guys, nice enough men, I said "look down the hall, everyone here represents a family that has unnecessary turmoil in their life because of drinking. The cost in the tens of thousands of lost time at work, and add in court costs, and maybe losing their jobs, can you explain to me why that drink was that good?"

And neither one could, but both were wanting to talk. "You're a Christian, aren't you?" When I admitted to it, I also asked if there was anything I could do to help. And found they had a lot to say. Peer pressure, anger, boredom, too much time on their hands-you name it, they all were sad excuses. And I left them with this thought, "have you ever met someone who had problems and drugs or alcohol solved them? Have you ever met a loser who drugs or alcohol turned into a winner?" And hopefully they think about it, before a next time occurs.

"It's only wine, or I have a designated driver. I can control it." How can you trust a fellow drinker, but not God? I tell people I choose not to drink. I would never be able to forgive myself if my family needed me and I couldn't be there because I had been drinking. Think about that next time you need a drink.

And this message isn't only for those non-Christians. People expect us to act like Christians, and not drink. No excuses-serve the bottle or serve God. Or like the hundreds in the hall that day, every day, who will end up before a judge. Where all will hear of your sin. Where it becomes public record. It isn't just personal anymore.

Like the business going under, there was a turning point they saw that the business was doomed. Don't reach that point in your life with drugs or alcohol. Call out to Jesus now, repent, and ask for His help. Before the out of business sign appears in your life. And it takes your family with it.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

we three kings of pop

Last weekend Christopher and I were supposed to get some great seat time riding. But, due to the weather, our seat time consisted of having a digitally remastered weekend instead. Visually and audio enhancing our time with old tunes, and old shows from the fifties, we had as good a time as you can have when not riding. And we were reminded of a few facts while visiting.

This month, if he had lived, would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday. So to celebrate it, Yoko issued an album of his favorite songs. Reissued, and remastered, somehow making the originals obsolete to his devoted fans. And in a past year of reissues, we talked of Michael Jackson's many reissued albums, and his meteoric rise-again-to number one the day after he died. How Elvis still sells so many albums, as do many others who have only one thing in common-they are all dead! And raking in millions of dollars for others to inherit. And in the cases of Lennon, Michael, and The King-their death was the thing that resurrected their careers. Lennon without the Beatles was too strange-Yoko OH NO! Michael was trying to make a comeback-he needed the money, and Elvis was making a comeback-he too needed cash. And in each case, their death was the career move they needed to re-establish themselves. May I hear a huge thank you from their families? Just knowing that Joe Jackson and the J5 will sleep and eat better tonight almost makes it all worthwhile. And affording Priscilla a facelift she will never forget-or will we.

But amazing as this all is, I can remember how amazed I was at the instant information deluging the TV when Elvis died. I was impressed with how the stations got reporters on the scene, and put together these documentaries. Until we visited with a friend who owned a station in Tucson. He explained that these pre-made documentaries are part of the station's library. And an untold number of biographies are available through the local affiliates. All you have to do is plug in the tape, and sit back and reminisce with your friends. Cool.

But he also explained how the stations have tapes explaining away the disappearance of a large number of people-all at once. The rapture, as Christians refer to it, and these tapes explain it from either a mass alien abduction-have you noticed the increased acknowledgement of UFOs lately by our government? Or pestilence, or even from atomic radiation, they have a ready explanation to lie to those who are left behind. And millions just waiting to buy into the lies. And just like the endless stories on Michael, you will hear how the world is better without these people-seems they were all Christians, always trying to tell us how to live. Now without them, we can live as we want, and live better. And for 3 1/2 years under anti-Christ they will, or think they will. Until they have no chance, and will have to bow down to him as God!

Far fetched? Science fiction? Can never happen? The Bible warns of wars and rumors of wars-watched the news today? How about strange weather? We now have hurricane seasons, tornadoes in New York, and earthquakes with tsunamis everywhere. Pestilence and disease? STDs and AIDS is out of control. African bees that cannot be stopped. And the worst-bedbugs-how do you stop them? Crime out of control, only when the way the statistics are gathered does it go down. Our world in economic chaos, and running out of food. All things predicted, some over 2000 years ago, without the help of the media.

Your choice, choose God now and escape the coming wrath-knowing the truth. Or watch it unfold digitally, and altered to represent Satan's truth.

Jesus understands death, and also resurrection after it. Life, not remastered tapes. He is the master-get in now on the live version! He died for you so you can live. The best thing that could have ever happened to you-so you could be reunited with God.

Jesus Christ-still drawing crowds since His resurrection in 33AD. 2000 years on the charts. Now that's a record not even Michael Jackson could match! I guess you could say that makes Him King! Of Kings!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the bottom line

I'm looking at a quote I got for tires yesterday. It used to be you got a price, and that was installed on the car, mounted and balanced as they say. But as I look at this quote, I am not sure what I bought, or was going to buy. Say the price of the tire is $93 each. x4=$372. Plus tax. But we aren't on the car-yet. Automatically listed on the bill is $39 for free replacement if one is damaged. Think of it as the store betting you won't damage one. Which is very rare. $7 environmental fee-beware the word fee-it is another tax that the government gets, along with sales tax. Plus another $52 for lifetime balance and valve. Valves still only cost around 25 cents each, and most people don't go back for balancing, until the car shakes because the tire is worn out, and your warranty will not cover replacement because of lack of maintenance. Ask a soccer mom was mounting and balancing is, or a valve stem. So-for only another $98 you get a set of tires, plus tax. They have added on another 37%, of mostly intangibles-peace of mind the insurance whores call it, and stand there telling you that you got a great deal. And they have the word discount in their name!

I have been in the automotive business since 1977, and have only ever seen a handful of tires replaced under warranty-and usually to placate a customer. For some reason, they are the most perfect item made by man, but still wear out prematurely when left in his hands, or on his car. And the warranty certificate on the back states it is up to their inspection, and then you must buy the same warranty for the new tire, and it goes on and on. Just like Costco makes most of their profit from memberships, and major electronics chains from selling extended warranties-the last year Circuit City was in business they wrote over $400 million in extended warranties. Selling paper! It seems the product is secondary, sell that insurance! Which you have to! Or so they let on!

A fair deal is where both parties benefit, and when standing there with all cords showing on the tire you paid to lifetime balance, but didn't, they got you. And you just got an education that most don't know, so go in armed next time, and negotiate! Down-I want a discount, meet the competition's price like your sign says. Earn my business!

As Christians we are told to spread the gospel. But I have found an important aspect is earning the right to share Jesus. Listen, be compassionate, and share the gospel, then if you have to, use words. A saying says "they will listen to what you share, when they know how much you care." I watched a preacher interrupting some firemen this summer, and had nothing in common to talk with them. I stood by, but he wouldn't make eye contact with me, he was so focused on telling these men the gospel. On deaf, and unhearing ears. They wee with their families at a picnic! Holding the food they stood in line for. The spirit was not in his words, he had an agenda-his own. Just like selling the aftermarket warranties. Yes-they need to hear the gospel, and yes, we need to take it out. But God-gives us the words and audience He wants us to have. So sad, but so many have shot the messenger because he didn't earn the right. A chance to minister, blown by some misguided theory.

Why did Peter go from denial to a little girl, three times, to 3000 saved on Pentecost? The spirit was upon him. It is not us, or our words, but the spirit that gives life. And we are to be a witness, and should never have to go out witnessing! Our life should be open for all and any to see-and it is! Surprise to many, but not to God.

Buying tires, like sharing the gospel, should be easy. It's the small print, the low ball invite that takes away the trust. The gospel is simple, we sinned, and need a savior. His name is Jesus, when we repent and ask Him into our lives, we are saved. No small print, no certificates, no memberships, or add ones. Saved. Paid in full. No need to carry your papers with you, your name is written in the book of life.

So today, being a true rebel, I will question, and get the fees removed-or I will go elsewhere. Someone else would love to have my business.

Share the gospel in love today, for someone else would love to take away the gospel. Trust God, the right thing to do. He has already negotiated the best deal-Jesus. The bottom line, and Jesus is still the best way to get there.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com