half of all doctors graduated in the bottom half of their class

The 1962 Mets lost 120 games. For every four games they played, the lost three. Needless to say they were not a very good team, so to be the backup second baseman may tell you a lot about your talent. On a team with Elio Chacon, Choo Choo Coleman, Marvelous Marv Throneberry(who once dropped a ball a kid tossed to him to autograph,) Hot Rod Kanehl, Pumpsie Green, and Felix "Wrong Way" Mantilla, you may be hard pressed to under achieve in this group. And the next year they improved, winning 51 games, just 48 games out of first place. Helped by their newly acquired a backup second baseman from the Dodgers. Larry Burright. Lifetime .205 hitter, with 33 RBI's in his career. An instant hero among Met fans. A natural for Casey to manage. "Break up the Mets!" the fans cried. So when we heard that Larry Burright, that second baseman for the Mets was visiting our friend's sister, down on Newark Ave., we ran to see him. Peeking through the living room window, there he was-sitting on the sofa with her. Bigger than life, a real ballplayer-a Met! And rather than meet him, we ran away and giggled, because he was bigger than life, which can be very intimidating to an 8 year old. But I can still remember looking in the window with my friends, even if I can't remember the girl he was visiting. And somehow he was not as big in real life without his uniform as he was on TV with it.

Bikerjim and I were joking one day that even if a doctor graduates 312 in class of 312, he is still a doctor. So when his liver doctor came in, we got joking with him, and told him our theory. And where did he graduate in his class? We got a smile, which at first made me think we had just met #312, but it was even funnier. Or sadder, I wasn't the patient. The school he attended didn't have class rankings, it was pass/fail. Sorta like your driving test, don't hit anyone and you will pass. After you get your license, well that's different if you hit someone then. You're legal. And we all laughed, and he saw our point. Which I'm not sure was, but Dr. Pass/Fail would have to do for now. We didn't dare to ask what the passing score was, I know you can miss 30% of the questions in California and still get a license.

I took a course at UNM once on applying books to life. A great course, and learned a lot. I excelled, until I got my grade-PASSED! For in my haste, I had marked the application pass/fail instead of getting a grade. And in the only class I should have had an A, I got credit. The same as the kid who showed up stoned every day, and whose lifelong goal was to live in an adobe hut. The same as the ditzy blond, who giggled about everything, and the girl from New York City with 12 rings in her nose!

A-A-A-H-H-H!!!

For just as Larry had made the team, and Bikerjim's doctor made the staff, I had made the cut. I just had nothing to show for it. Read the small print, it may save you pain later. And embarrassment!

There are a lot of nice people out there going to hell. They think that based on good works, they will make it to heaven. And I have heard them argue how it is not right for God to show mercy to others and let them in, just because they got saved. Now I have never understood that gospel, which is not found in the Bible, but spoken from many pulpits. Just be a good person, and you'll get in. Say the right prayers, attend faithfully, and meet your tithing obligation, and you'll make it. And nothing could be a bigger lie!

You cannot influence God! You cannot earn your way to heaven. Just imagine if you could, like the doctor who was 312 of 312. There are no class rankings in heaven. It is a pass/fail. With a very simple final exam question, it can even be an open book test. Who do you say Jesus is? If you answer "He is the son of God," and repent, you inherit the kingdom of God. But if you deny His deity, say as cults like Jehovah Witnesses, and the Mormons do, you won't make it. You are destined to hell-whether you believe in it or not. No matter how many magazines you pass out, doorbells you ring, or missions you go on-you cannot work your way to heaven. No deals! It is a gift, and only if you accept it, for love does not force itself on anyone, and God is love!

I still love the Mets, although I haven't followed them for years. How can you ever forget game 6? And Bikerjim is still being treated, and everyday thousands pass their driver's test, whether they can drive or not. But no one gets into heaven without Jesus. But God is patient, and right now is a good time to ask Him into your life. No ceremony, no membership to join, just a simple prayer. Forgive me Lord, and I want to be saved.

The process is easy, and the rewards great. And even second string second baseman on a second rate team can get in. Doctors-God wants you, not your ranking. And for the rest of us-I am glad God chose a pass/fail, for I never would have made the grade. And either would you. Brings a whole new meaning to mercy and grace, doesn't it? How about them Mets?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

first rule-obey all rules

Henry Ford once said "history is bunk." But he knew who to bunk with, or better yet, who not too. Seems we are known by the company we keep, and first impressions still make a difference. When Jesus first met Andrew and Peter, He called them and they came. No credit report, or references, they came, when called. The Spirit urged them, and they obeyed. What a concept! Obedience. And if it worked then, do you think it might work now?

The law versus the spirit defines the Old and New Testaments. In the Old, everything was required from you in keeping the laws, some 600+ of them. No way you could ever keep them all, or even know what they are. So you were always in trouble. Just like a woman from Haz Mat told me, they are self sustaining, and need to fine people to exist. And since it is impossible to know all the rules and regulations, rest assured she could find one in even the cleanest shop. Guilty. Tell me, which law is your favorite?

That's the law, yet so many Christians desire to live under it, and can't keep it, and so are always in sin. Why even try when it is so futile? Just try to build a house, or even an addition, or start a business. You will be overwhelmed by laws, restrictions, and covenants-when all I want is to cover my patio, or make widgets. The law kills-but thankfully, the spirit gives life.

I used to bug Ken, our Bible study leader, about rules. He would pray "let your Spirit guide us tonight," then tell us the rules for the evening. Which was it? And many will argue you need rules, and you do-because we refuse to obey the spirit. God says very simply, obedience is better than sacrifice. Do you need to review all your problems from disobedience to get that one? What is your favorite part of sacrifice?

So walk in the spirit. Trust God, is how I put it. But how do you trust someone you don't know? Again simple-get to know Him. Read your Bible-God's gift to man. Pray-ask Jesus to help you. And let the Spirit guide you. He gave us all a conscious, and although most of us are unconscious, He forgives and shows us a better way. But it is up to us to make the decision.

Henry must have thought history was bunk, but it has also been said if we ignore history, we are condemned to repeat it. Stupid hurts, so seek to live in the spirit. Trust God and follow Him. And obey the one commandment He gave-love Him with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. That ought to keep us busy for awhile-say like until He calls us home.

Let God guide you-not control you like religion, but guide you. You get to make the choices, but make them based on God's knowledge, and watch as joy enters your life. Jesus hated religion, which means binding, and promises freedom from it. Seek the spirit today, and you will find Him. Just a little faith will go much further than any laws. History-His story-let it be found in the Holy Spirit living within you!

God shed His grace on thee. And where his spirit is found, there is liberty. What part of freedom don't you understand?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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six hours

It's a Beautiful Day-what a great name for a group. Out of San Francisco in 1967, they put out their signature album in 1969 by the same name. The White Bird album is how it is usually referred to, and it has no bad songs on it. Like they used to say, put it in the first groove and let it wail. And this classical/jazz/rock music will move you for over 40 minutes. But the long song, at over nine minutes is called Time, appropriately enough, and the beat is fast, but the words make you think.

"Time is too long for those who wait..." Sounds like a lot of us. "Time is too short for those who laugh..." agreed. "But for those who really love time is eternal..." AMEN.

Take six hours for instance. 360 minutes if you will. I can ride to Phoenix from home, and still have an hour left for lunch. I can fly non-stop to Newark in the same time. Football couch potatoes spend that much time on Sundays on NFL games. Kids in school have a six hour day. And depending on whether you are waiting for school to let out, or pick up someone at the airport, or go for a ride through the desert, each six hours will take a different amount of time in your mind. But the time elapsed will always be the same, but not the state of mind. Time can be like that. Why do the last two minutes of an NFL game take so long? Two minutes still equals 120 seconds. Why does it take so long to taxi to the gate once you've landed? And why does cruising in traffic seem to take forever after riding at 85mph? All are six hour experiences, it is how you view the activity.

On a certain Friday, a man with two thieves was hung on the cross for six hours. Crucifixion, the called it, one of the most cruel ways to die ever invented. And for six hours, our Lord Jesus hung there, in agony and in innocence. Two thieves, one on either side-one acknowledged who He was, the other rejected. And each one was to have a different take on eternity. At about 3pm, after six hours, the guards came to break the legs of the crucified, to hasten their death. Not in mercy, they just wanted to go home. But they found Jesus already dead, and thrust a spear into Him, releasing blood and water from around His heart. The blood, shed for us, is the same blood we celebrate in communion, and the water-quite possibly tears stored for you in His heart, for He spent the six hours on the cross praying for all of us. His final act on earth, one of love. Offering us the same salvation He had offered the thieves. And just like when His Father created the world in six days, and then rested, Jesus entered back into eternity, and for those of us committed to Him, He paved the way for us to rest, also. And like His Father, He saw that it was good.

Six hours, not a long time, but a tortuous time for Jesus. But in that time, He would change the world. And no one could see why it was to be called Good Friday, for how could anything be good to anyone at the time. But three days later, when they found His tomb empty, and remembered His promises, it all became clear. Especially to the thief who had been promised Paradise that night by Jesus. All who believe Jesus will enter into rest, and heaven upon death on earth! Our tombs will be empty too! And that is why we celebrate Easter, or better yet Resurrection Day! To be reminded of a time when we too shall be resurrected like Jesus-but only if you believe. But you cannot have Easter without Good Friday, and although painful for Christ, it was most definitely a good day for us.

Consider that next time you get impatient, what Jesus did in six hours. Patiently and painfully. Time truly seems too long for those of us who wait. Time is way to short for those of us who laugh. But for those who really love-time is eternal! That makes any day special.

Patience, endurance, and the eternal reward of heaven. We are only one decision away, just like the thief who chose Jesus. Choose wisely-no second chances at death. No resurrection for those who don't believe. For them, time will be agonizingly long. But for us-aah, heaven. And I can't wait! Oh, and by the way-Jesus never hurried! He's patient so that no one will have to go to Hell. Tomorrow is promised to no man, and today is the day of salvation. Six hours-not a lot of time, to some a few minutes-to others an eternity! Truly in Jesus, It's a Beautiful Day!

For a beautiful story of that day, crossministries.net

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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Lakes, Ladds, Giants, and Padres

Cheryl Ladd, aka Charlie's Angel Kris, was only 5'4". The same height as her famous father-in-law Alan Ladd. And her height was fine for her, but for a man who was playing hard guys in Film Noir, sometimes the femme fatale was taller. So using lifts in his shoes, and never having him stand next to a taller man, the camera could/would portray him as taller. And watching him with Veronica Lake last night-perhaps the ultimate femme fatale, with that blond hair covering one eye, in all the close up shots the camera is looking up at him, but down at her. Giving the illusion that he was taller than he really was. Only in one shot where he was sitting in a car did he look like a teenager. Too bad they didn't have Bugs back then to add stature to his height. But he was just tall enough to be Shane-and that is all that matters. Come back!

When we moved to San Diego, we went to 36 Padre games the first year. And on picture day, we lined up with thousands of other fans, to get our pictures of the players. Being guided by an usher we had befriended, we ended up first in line and on the field. Fun for all, they even used Christopher in one TV commercial. But looking at the pictures after getting them developed-yes, it was that long ago, we noticed that the pictures Christopher took were all looking up. Whereas all ours were looking at. And then we started to laugh-that was how he saw things, as he was only nine years old at the time, and that was how he saw the ballplayers. Not yet adult height, he still would have looked up to Alan Ladd. And it made all the players seem taller than they really were.

Perception is what we are talking about, and in today's world it can be a form of truth that rivals the truth. It is not always what you see, but how you see it that matters. And in today's world Alan Ladd would not be short, but vertically challenged. A politically correct way of saying short, invented by someone who was one can vertically challenged of a six pack.

King David had a challenge as a teenager with the armies of Gath-the Philistines. After being given the choice of their best men fighting the Philistines best warrior, David was chosen. A teenager. And his opponent-Goliath. Nine feet tall, 12 fingers and toes, and bad breath. On paper, and in the ring, no doubt who the victor would be. But David, when questioned about why he carefully chose five smooth rocks, looked up at his army mates, and assured them, "God was with me against the bear, he fought for me against the lion, why would I worry now?" Twelve toes, big deal. Nine feet tall, just makes a better target. For David didn't look at the situation like we do, but through God's eyes, and in them no one was bigger or better than God. You see, you and God make a majority. And God never loses, so it is best to be on His side. And of course, David's victory is legendary, and inspirational to all short people, and those short sided, too.

You may be waking up already this morning to a giant obstacle in your life. No way you can overcome it. Look not at the situation, but look to the cross. Look to God, and let Him handle it. And let Him means let Him. He will be your sword, and also your shield. He will defeat your enemies, whether physical or spiritual. The victory is promised, now go win! If God is for you, who can be against you?

Poor Alan. When the cameras quit shooting, he was still only 5'4". Your perception of the problem will only change when you see it through God's eyes. Maybe that is why He tells us to come as children. Children look up to Him quickly when a problem arises, rather than suffering through our own understanding. Good idea.

The cameras are ready, the scene is set. And God is directing. The performance you give will be based on how you follow His cues, and how you follow His directions. LIGHTS! He is light! CAMERA! See it through God's eyes! ACTION! Follow God! You may not win an Academy Award, but your actions may inspire many. It's all how you perceive Him. The Israelites saw a giant, David saw God.

Who you see will tell us who you are, and where you are going.

Jesus Christ-fact, not perception. At any angle-the winner! The envelope please...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it's june again at the Cleaver residence

I'm glad that June Bronson Cleaver wasn't my mother. Too many rules and manners. She just didn't get boys, and I think if she had her ways the two wouldn't have grown up so boyish. Thankfully Ward intervened, and if you stop and think for a moment, you'll see my argument. June was a whiner-the shoes are dirty, Beaver's shirt is untucked, and why would boys want to play ball when they can read a book? Ward-do something! Before they turn out normal! Maybe it was too much Aunt Martha in her, and not enough Uncle Billy-remember the lady who thought Beaver should wear short pants to school? Or send Wally away to boarding school? Double beds on a honeymoon. Thankfully they turned out more Cleaverish than Bronsonish, I don't think "Then Came Bronson" came from her side of the family. Well, hang in there.

Now I am not anti-milk and cookies, or manners either, but June was not prepared for boys who will be boys. Or boys who would be bikers. And when you listen to Ward's responses to many of her statements, you wonder who was raising who! And why didn't you ever see any motorcycles at the Cleavers? Could you imagine Eddie saying, "my what a nice tattoo you have Mrs. Cleaver, it goes with Mr. Cleavers new Panhead." When he really married a Knucklehead.

There was a reason the show was called Father Knows Best, because Margaret Anderson didn't. Who would name their kids Princess and Kitten-at least they were girls. And at least Bud rides motorcycles! Maybe he knew best. Could you see Donna Stone, whose husband was a doctor letting Jeff ride? Just for your knowledge, one of Mary's friends was TV Tommy Ivo, drag racer, so at least speed snuck in the backdoor. Just not on two wheels. And after his homework was done. And never on a school night. Could you see Harriet Nelson not having Ozzie? By the way, what did he do for a living? Almost like raising three boys, true Americana all the way down to the eagle on the mantle. But somehow Ricky got involved in rock and roll-I still believe motorcycles are safer. What do you think Oz?

The closest TV mother I can relate too may have been Lassie's mom, Timmy's mother. She lived on a farm, and was used to birthing piglets, mending fences, and sending Lassie out for help, while keeping the kitchen clean and baking pies in between tornadoes and mending quilts for poorer ladies in the valley. And they had a truck to haul bikes in, was it just me or did that one ton Dodge's wheels always seem to rotate the wrong way? I could see her cow trailing, maybe on an old Triumph Cub, and sending Lassie to get help when the bike wouldn't start 50 miles from home. Cool mom. I just don't see her and June at the bridge club. Or at the feed store either. Somehow the smell of fresh baked cookies mixed with the smell of two-stroke oil was forbidden in June's kitchen. "Ward, you didn't tell me milk came from those dirty cows! The milkman always brought it from the Martin's Farm. Timmy and Lassie's? But it always looked so clean, what am I going to put on my oatmeal?" And the drama continues, never at a loss for a new storyline.

Another mom you may know was only about 15 when she gave birth. A very famous mother, who the Catholics worship, the Beatles sang about, and has lent her name to millions of Latin women. Of course I am talking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. And I think she was a great mom. But of course, she had a great son. But what made her great, was when God told her she would have a son, and still be a virgin, and He would save the people from their sins, the Bible says "Mary pondered these things in her heart." She meditated on them, and sought God in the situation. She didn't lean on her own understanding, and although the son she would have was perfect, and without sin, she knew she wasn't, and that He was born to die-that He was the Savior God had promised. And always lived with that thought, that someday He would die. And at the cross, she was there-loving her son no matter the consequences, while others including most of the men were absent. Mary drew her love from God, and I don't think anything would have fazed her. I can only imagine the talks she and Jesus must have had. And because of Jesus' real father, this may have been the best version of "Father Knows Best" ever made.

So be patient with your mother today. Somehow she has the style of June, the medical connections of Donna, the soul of a rock and roll Harriet, and the toughness of Ruth Martin, baked in an apple pie. And patience, that she learned from having you. But she also has the love for you of Mary, a special love only a mother can have. A gift God has given her for her children. A love not found on Hallmark Days, but everyday. So let today be a special day and love on your mom. Ride carefully, and maybe take her along. Be more of a Cleaver than a Bronson. And when you are confronted by those aren't, tell them, "Well, hang in there." "Then Came Beaver" still sounds better than "Leave it to Bronson." June Bronson that is.

But Mary's way of pondering the things of God is still best. Not the perfect mother, she just had the perfect son. A wish for all those sons and daughters out there, from the mothers who love us. Now that's something to think about.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the job or the paycheck

Despite the current propaganda about jobs, men and women are still being laid off daily. And as this occurs, we sometimes forget that for each person jobless, it represents a household whose life has been put on hold. It represents a son who can't play Little League, a daughter missing piano lessons, or a wife cutting back, so her family can eat. It is people whose lives are changed because of a fiscal situation, one that comes with no ending date, and no real assurances of how they will struggle through it. It means raiding the savings, if they have one, and cancelling the vacations. Looking out for each other rather than looking out for themselves, and reaching deep within, without realizing it and seeing what their character really is. It means going without, and being humbled, in a society that prides itself on pride, and on ourselves. Look at any group picture, and the one you look for first is yourself. Human nature. Listen for the list of names being called, and you can hear yours above the noise. And now in trying times, we are being called to look out for others, and listen to them.

When I encounter men who have lost their jobs, often times they initially are complaining. They tell how much they miss their jobs, and what are they going to do. And although I feel for them, the question I ask tells me more about them than they wish to let us know. "Do you miss your job, or do you miss the paycheck?" And at first I was surprised to hear they missed the paycheck. But almost without fail, they all answer the same. They don't miss the job, they miss the paycheck. They were only working towards an end, and if no compensation was involved, wouldn't have done it. And some were doing it for many years. And I find that a certain sadness comes over me when I hear that. Four years of college, a Masters Degree, climbing the corporate ladder, and achieving success. When the whole time their career was hanging in the balance. And all that matters was the paycheck? Which by the way, is never enough. Ever talk to anyone who was making too much? Didn't pay enough taxes? Or just wanted to give it all away, they had reached their goals and dreams?

Yet today, among the uncounted in the working classes, are a group of men and women who have devoted their lives to their life's calling. They are called missionaries, and they place their job, their vocation, and their lives way above any compensation. I know men and women who were teachers, and quit to minister. I have met six figure CEO's who gave it up to volunteer, and found out that no money could satisfy the compensation found in serving. These men and women, along with their families work unusual, and long hours. Often without even minimum wage compensation, or benefits. But it is the calling, and their obedience in trusting God that makes them a success. And I contrast two people here.

Father Al had a young man, very credentialed, approach him at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel at Shanksville. This man told Fr. Al how he wanted to serve, and how he felt God was leading him there. Thinking this man may be an answer to his prayers, he interviewed the man.

"How much is the salary?" the candidate asked. "There is no salary, we live on donations, and trust God," was the answer.

"How about benefits?" There again none. And sadly, the man left, he had been looking for a position with pay, rather than a ministry and being compensated by God. Even sadder is the fact he will find what he is looking for. Such are the ways when the world invades the church.

The other is about Mother Teresa. Being interviewed in an insect ridden, bug infested hospital in India, with dysentery the norm, the reporter exclaimed, "I wouldn't do what you're doing for a million dollars." To which she replied, "Either would I." For unlike the professional servant, her heart was linked to God, and any compensation would be paltry compared to what the world has to offer.

Remember these missionaries in your prayers today. And us local guys, too. Choosing to follow God upsets your career goals, can wipe out your 401k, and make your family think you have gone crazy. But God offers something that no income can provide-security. A peace that surpasses understanding. For when you are truly called by God, He provides for you. Jesus told His disciples to only take what they have on them, He will provide food and a place to sleep. Not always the Hilton, like some ministries have gotten used too. Sometimes a Motel 6 is a huge upgrade. Where a three course meal is when you Supersize the fries. But we never starve, and you won't see God's called ones begging. In His economy, He raises up those with money and things needed to provide for others, thus blessing both the giver and the receiver. Find that one in a book on economics. Some skills only prepare you for a job, but God prepares you for a life. The number one skill involved-obedience. Trust God and watch how He will use you. And as the Bible tells us, you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead.

Listen to God and invest in these servants today. Be a blessing and be blessed. And if that still small voice is telling you to serve-obey it. Do we miss our regular paychecks? Of course, but we would never go back to what it cost us to get them. Out of a job, God is always hiring. Your decision, is it about the job, or is it about the paycheck? We will know your character by the decision you make. As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord!

For what do you have that God has not provided?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

traces of love

There is a fine line between history and memories for me. For me, memories are what I remember, and anything before that is just history. And watching those who attend the Orange County Vintage Bike Meet the first Sunday of each month, I am finding out I am among the senior group-not quite historic yet, but my memories go back as far as anyone's. I vaguely remember Vellocettes, probably because we had no local dealer, and sad, the two that were there were clean, but very few could relate to them. It seemed most memories were gathered around Triumphs of the sixties, and the Japanese bikes of the seventies. But most seemed to be content in the early eighties. And as I listened, you could tell the story teller's age, and also how precious riding was to him, by his memories, as this was group of mostly men who loved to ride, and loved motorcycles.

It seems we all had a bike that you would fill the oil, and check the gas. I listened to Ray describe running out of gas in 1970, on his 68 Triumph, and how it was the first time he had ever used paper money to fill his 3 1/2 gallon tank, it had never taken a dollar before! I remembered how I felt bad when the pump jockey would come out for 60 cents of gas. Walking by a rather personalized H2 Kawasaki-at least he thought it was pretty, and smelling the two stroke oil among the haze reminded me how good racing castor smelled. And how old girl friends hated it! I guess you if you think the smell of racing castor would make a great cologne you understand. Hearing more ring a ding dings from RD 400's than I had in years, I remembered about lessons I had learned on how fast these little bikes were, and how what two strokes gave up on displacement, they made up in power. Until they died. But mostly the crowd was interested in the Hondas and Kawasakis of the early eighties. And my Suzuki GS1000 was right on the edge. And in some ways stood out, as it is as original as it can be. And when I would tell an admirer that only the tank was repainted, you could tell the sadness, a sorrow that it wasn't all original, so I quit mentioning it. It went from the pretty Suzuki with the painted tank, to the all original GS. Just by never mentioning the tank. You might say, making my own history that day. And among all the Kerker pipes, old leather jackets, old and faded 40 year old t-shirts, and bored girl friends trying to look interested, we all had a good time. And I can't wait to go next month and see new friends I made last week. And listen to the stories they tell, and flood my files with more memories. And maybe even get some history mixed in with those memories. But for now, like on the ride home, my mind is filled with memories of bikes, rides, roads, and all the events that make motorcycles a lifestyle for many of us. And how the memories get older, but the kid who rode back then doesn't. Adults by age only, never in our hearts.

From a historical standpoint it is hard to argue with Jesus. Every religion talks about Him, and even old historians mention Him. From teacher, to rabbi, to carpenter, to devoted son, it seems all religions agree-He did exist. Some even will talk of His death on the cross, although some try to pervert it. But where the line gets drawn, is perhaps best shown when Jesus asked Peter who he said he was. "Thou art the Christ!" Peter answered, and Jesus told him he had answered correctly. But sadly, so many so called Christians, denominational types, and cults deny Him His deity. For being both God and man is what made Him unique. The true son of God who died on the cross for our sins. A fact of history, not of memory.

While home sick one day, a representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society-a Jehovah Witness came to my door. And before the man could give me the literature they pay for, I asked him the same question Jesus asked Peter. And he denied Christ, and started on his cult's diatribe. I told him it is sad he is going to hell, but it is his choice-and God doesn't want him to go, and either do I. And he doesn't have to! Rather than debate, or argue-note to those of you who do, read 2John, I kept insisting he was going to hell without Jesus. Shaking my hand he left, and as I watched, stood with both hands on the hood of his car-thinking. And I hope considering what I had said, as I don't want him to go to hell. That is why Jesus died-and yes, Jesus is deity! He is God! A simple fact, shown in love.

Some know all about Jesus, but only those who believe know Him. It takes faith, just a little, and like the memories yet to be made with new motorcycle friends, Jesus wants to be part of your life. He knows who He is, and wants to know you personally, not just about Him. Whether repainted or in need of paint, He will restore you, and make you a new creature in Him. So when you get together with other new creatures, you all have Him in common. Let the cults have their ideas, you have truth. Only found in Jesus.

Let the memories begin.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com